Imperial scientist Ann Huang honoured with JPhys Energy Early Career Award

Dr Chun Ann Huang recognised for advancing energy-storage materials.

Dr Chun Ann Huang, Associate Professor in Energy Storage Materials at Imperial's Department of Materials, is leading innovative research into next-generation solid-state lithium batteries that could improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability. She has been awarded the JPhys Energy Early Career Award, which recognises her outstanding contributions to energy-storage research.

Dr Huang’s work spans lithium‑ion batteries, sodium‑ion batteries, solid‑state batteries and supercapacitors, aiming to build safer, longer‑lasting and more efficient energy storage technologies. She and her group use advanced electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and other characterisation tools to map the microstructure and chemistry of battery components, efforts that help link material properties to battery performance.

Dr Huang developed a method using x‑ray and tomography techniques to watch lithium‑ion flow and lithium‑metal formation inside solid-state batteries in real time. Her studies show how irregular metal deposition and subsurface pores form during battery cycling, and how different charging and discharging rates affect these processes. These insights provide a better understanding of the limitations of current battery designs and could help improve the performance, safety, and lifespan of solid-state lithium batteries.

The JPhys Energy Early Career Award recognises Dr Huang’s innovative approaches and the significance of her contributions to advancing next-generation energy-storage materials. Her work not only deepens understanding of battery science but also has the potential to inform the design of safer, more efficient, and sustainable energy-storage technologies for the future.