UNSW provides access to world-class research infrastructure, specialist expertise and collaborative research capabilities spanning the battery and energy storage value chain.
From materials discovery and cell development through to system modelling, safety assessment and recycling, we work with industry partners to accelerate innovation, reduce technical risk and support commercialisation pathways. Our facilities and researchers support projects ranging from early-stage technology development to industry-focused testing, validation and deployment.
Whether you are developing a new battery technology, evaluating performance, addressing manufacturing challenges or exploring energy storage opportunities, UNSW can help connect you with the researchers, facilities and expertise needed to advance your project. We welcome discussions with industry, government and research partners across the energy storage value chain.
We have various models to undertake research, from collaboration to contract research to co-funded research, including co-location options.
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Developing next-generation energy storage technologies begins with advanced materials. UNSW researchers have expertise in the design, synthesis and optimisation of electrode materials, electrolytes, catalysts and functional nanomaterials for a wide range of battery chemistries and energy storage applications. Capabilities support both fundamental research and industry-led development programs focused on improving performance, durability, manufacturability and sustainability.
Capabilities include:
- Advanced electrode materials
- Solid-state and polymer electrolytes
- Materials processing and scale-up
- Interface engineering
- Novel battery chemistries
- Sustainable and recycled material pathways
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Understanding material and device performance requires advanced analytical capabilities. Through the Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre and associated research facilities, UNSW offers comprehensive characterisation expertise to investigate structure, composition, degradation mechanisms and performance across battery materials and devices. These capabilities support quality assurance, failure investigation and technology development across all stages of the innovation lifecycle.
Capabilities include:
- Electron microscopy
- X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy
- Surface and interface analysis
- Chemical and structural characterisation
- Operando and in situ analysis
- Failure and degradation investigations
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UNSW supports the translation of materials innovation into functional devices through electrode formulation, cell assembly, and performance evaluation. Researchers work with industry partners to develop and assess battery concepts under realistic operating conditions, generating insights that inform product development and manufacturing strategies.
Capabilities include:
- Coin and pouch cell development
- Electrochemical performance testing
- Lifetime and cycling assessment
- Rate capability evaluation
- Materials-to-cell translation
- Prototype validation
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The safe deployment of battery technologies requires a detailed understanding of degradation, reliability and failure mechanisms. UNSW researchers provide expertise in battery safety assessment, diagnostic testing and failure analysis to help partners evaluate performance under real-world conditions and support compliance with emerging standards and regulations.
Capabilities include:
- Failure analysis
- Thermal behaviour assessment
- Abuse and reliability testing
- Degradation studies
- Diagnostic and monitoring techniques
- Safety-focused design evaluation
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Digital tools play an increasingly important role in accelerating technology development and optimising energy storage deployment. UNSW combines expertise in battery, process and energy system modelling to analyse performance, predict behaviour and evaluate operational strategies across applications ranging from individual cells to grid-scale storage systems.
Capabilities include:
- Battery modelling
- Digital twins
- Performance forecasting
- Energy management systems
- Renewable energy integration
- Grid and market analysis