CMU researcher exploring the future of battery technology

Dr. Brad Fahlman, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Central Michigan University, is leading research that could change the way we power electric vehicles and other battery-driven technologies. With new funding secured, his team is focusing on metal-sulfur batteries—specifically lithium-sulfur (Li-S) and aluminum-sulfur (Al-S) batteries—which have the potential to store far more energy than today’s lithium-ion batteries.

“These batteries could offer six to ten times more energy density than what we currently use,” Dr. Fahlman explained. “That means EVs could travel much farther on a single charge, and since fewer battery packs would be needed, the overall weight of the vehicle could be significantly reduced.”

Safety and cost are also big factors. Aluminum-sulfur batteries, in particular, could be a much safer alternative while also being more affordable, making them a promising option for the future. But one of the biggest challenges with metal-sulfur batteries is improving their lifespan. While lithium-ion batteries can last for tens of thousands of charge cycles, lithium-sulfur batteries currently degrade after only 200 cycles. The research team is working to change that by developing catalysts that improve battery stability and efficiency.

Along with Dr. Veronica Barone and Dr. Valeri Petkov from the Department of Physics at CMU, Dr. Fahlman’s team includes undergraduate students Ben Seltin (Senior), Kyle Kilbarger (Sophomore), and Isaac Boakye (Freshman), as well as M.S. student Carlos Chavez and postdoctoral researchers Al Yazdani, Jyoti Pandey, and Mukesh Singh.

Beyond better performance, these batteries could also be a more sustainable option. Unlike lithium, which requires intensive mining, aluminum and sulfur are much more abundant and easier to source. That makes these batteries not just more powerful, but also better for the environment.

For CMU, this research is an opportunity to drive innovation, gain recognition in advanced energy storage, and potentially lead to patents and new sources of revenue. But in the bigger picture, Dr. Fahlman’s work could help shape the future of battery technology—making electric vehicles safer, more efficient, and more accessible for everyone.