معرفی
Wyatt E. Tenhaeff is an Assistant Professor leading a research group focused on thin film coatings for electrochemical energy storage systems. His work targets lithium metal and solid-state batteries, developing ultrathin protective coatings to enhance cycle life, safety, and energy density through suppression of parasitic electrolyte reactions. He teaches core Chemical Engineering courses including Chemical Reactor Design (CHE 231) and Process Control (CHE 272).
His research program centers on:
- Electrochemical Energy Storage
- Solid State and Lithium Metal Batteries
- Polymer Thin Films, Interfaces, and Thin Film Synthesis and Characterization
- Vacuum Deposition Processing
Recent publications demonstrate expertise in initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) for nanoscale-precise polymer films, with dual applications in battery interface engineering and optical coatings. Key trends include elastic antireflection systems for flexible optics, mechanically robust battery separators, and high-voltage stable polymer electrolytes enabled by novel plasticization strategies.
His scientific recognition includes:
- NSF CAREER Award (2019)
- Curtis Award for Nontenured Faculty Teaching (2018)
- R&D 100 Award (2017)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory Weinberg Fellowship (2009-2011)
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (2005-2008)
- MIT Presidential T. Haslam Fellowship (2004-2005)
Tenhaeff mentors graduate researchers in thin film synthesis and battery technology development, supported by his NSF CAREER grant investigating polymer electrolytes for high-voltage applications. His collaborative projects frequently involve national laboratories and industry partners in advancing separator technologies and vapor-deposited coatings.
His laboratory specializes in initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) with in situ thickness monitoring, enabling conformal polymer films down to 10 nm. Current efforts focus on shear-thickening electrolytes, silicon anode stabilization, and scalable thin film processes for next-generation energy storage and flexible electronics.
