A world-leading researcher in solid electrolytes and sophisticated electron microscopy methods received Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s top science honor today for her work in developing new materials for batteries. The announcement was made during a livestreamed Director’s Awards event hosted by ORNL Director Thomas Zacharia.

Miaofang Chi, a scientist in the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, received the 2021 Director’s Award for Outstanding Individual Accomplishment in Science and Technology for contributions to understanding the behavior of energy materials through the development and application of innovative microscopy methods. Chi also won this award in 2015.

“Miaofang’s accomplishments have been forged by her incredible work ethic and her desire to excel,” said Juan Carlos Idrobo, Chi’s group leader in scanning transmission electron microscopy. “She is reserved but relentless, always pushing for the next big idea for how microscopy can be implemented to advance the frontiers of materials science.”

Chi’s primary research has focused on identifying new materials for batteries that are non-flammable, lightweight and have a longer shelf life than batteries currently in use in daily life. Her earlier work on cathode materials initiated the effort within the battery community to enhance cyclability via surface coatings, and she pioneered the effort to understand battery materials at the atomic scale.