Advanced Batteries Center PH organizes Battery Summer School 2024

The Advanced Batteries Center Philippines (ABC PH) recently organized Battery Summer School 2024, a week-long event from May 20-24, with the first two days dedicated to lectures and the next three days focused on hands-on lab work. Through Project NextGen and Project RebCell, in partnership with The Electrochemical Society - University of the Philippines Student Chapter, the event aimed to expand knowledge and promote innovation in the country’s battery research field.

Day 1: Opening and First Day of Lectures

The first day of the Battery Summer School was marked by a warm welcome from the Dean of the College of Engineering, Prof. Maria Antonia Tanchuling, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Lawrence Limjuco, Project Technica l Specialist of Project NextGen. The morning session featured enlightening talks from Assoc. Prof. Julie Anne Del Rosario-Paraggua (UPD - DChE), Engr. Prince Elmer Reyes (Philippine Batteries Inc.), and Dr. Ryan Corpuz (Nanolabs LRC Co. Ltd.). In the afternoon, participants benefited from insightful presentations by Dr. Lyn Marie De Juan-Corpuz (Nanolabs LRC Co. Ltd.), Dr. Maricor Divinagracia-Luzadas (Nascent Batteries), Dr. DJDonn Matienzo (Nascent Batteries), and Prof. Lew Andrew Tria (UPD-EEEI). The day concluded with an insightful Q&A session and engaging interactions with sponsors at their booths.

Day 2: Second Day of Lectures and ABC Lab Tour

The second day continued the momentum with a series of presentations from leading industry experts. In the morning, Engr. Juris Sadornas (Aboitiz Power), Dr. Darren H.S. Tan (UNIGRID Battery), and Dr. Lawrence Limjuco (NextGen Project, ABC PH) shared their latest research and developments. The afternoon featured talks from Asst. Prof. Michael Castro, Asst. Prof. Jan Goran Tomacruz, and Assoc. Prof. Jhud Mikhail Aberilla, all from UPD DChE.

Participants also had the opportunity to engage in a poster session, networking with fellow battery enthusiasts, and participate in a raffle draw with exciting prizes. The day concluded with insightful closing remarks from Prof. Joey D. Ocon, wrapping up the lecture series and preparing attendees for the hands-on workshops to follow.

Another highlight of the day was the lab tour at the Advanced Batteries Center. Participants were given an in-depth look at the state-of-the-art equipment used for battery research and development, providing them with a tangible understanding of the processes and technologies involved in creating advanced battery systems.

Day 3: Hands-On Laboratory Workshops Begin

The workshop segment of Battery Summer School 2024 had 15 participants from diverse institutions and industries. The attendees engaged in synthesizing battery electrode materials and fabricating electrodes using the pasting method, the doctor blade method, and the electrodeposition method. This hands-on experience provided valuable practical knowledge, complementing the theoretical insights gained during the lecture series.

Day 4: Battery Assembly and Characterization

On the fourth day, participants assembled coin cell batteries, operated the battery cycler, and explored electrochemical characterization techniques for half-cell tests. They also learned about various material characterization techniques, learning how to analyze and understand the properties of different electrode materials. This day of intensive learning equipped participants with essential skills for future research and development in battery technology.

Day 5: Workshop Culmination

The final day of the Battery Summer School 2024 was a culmination of the week's activities. Participants completed the last hands-on lab sessions, followed by a culmination activity where they shared their learnings. The event concluded with a celebratory dinner attended by participants and organizers, fostering camaraderie and collaboration among the attendees.

Battery Summer School 2024 was a resounding success, equipping participants with knowledge and insights throughout the event. As the workshop concludes, attendees are expected to apply their newfound knowledge to their respective fields, contributing to the advancement of the renewable energy landscape in the country.

This event was made possible by the efforts of the Advanced Batteries Center Philippines, Project NextGen, Project RebCell, The Electrochemical Society - University of the Philippines Student Chapter, and the Laboratory of Electrochemical Engineering - UPD. Special thanks to all the speakers, participants, and sponsors for their invaluable contributions.

Article by: Mecaelah S. Palaganas