Rep. Sykes Announces More than $1.6 Million in Federal Funding for the University of Akron
AKRON, OH — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the University of Akron received two federal grants totaling $1,640,000 to improve domestic manufacturing products and procedures. The university received $1,590,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy for battery development and $50,000 from the U.S. National Science Foundation for the development of more resilient metal parts.
“Ohio’s 13th Congressional District has long been known for its manufacturing innovation, and these grants will allow the University of Akron to continue leading the way to a future in technology that creates jobs and opportunities for our region,” said Rep. Sykes. “I will continue working to bring federal funding back to Ohio’s 13th Congressional District that will encourage innovation and bolster our economy.”
The project which received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy will provide platform technology that supports the manufacturing and customization of membranes serving the needs of various Redox flow batteries (RFB). The project will focus on developing polymers of intrinsic microporosity materials tailored for RFB membranes, enhancing ionic conductivity, selectivity, and stability. Additionally, the team aims to develop and optimize scalable manufacturing processes to produce large-area membranes efficiently and cost-effectively. The university will partner with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Parker Hannifin Corporation, and Schaeffler Group USA for this project.
“This grant is a testament to the University of Akron’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainability. By advancing electric vehicle battery technology, we are not only contributing to a greener future but also solidifying our position as a leader in research and development. This initiative will foster collaboration among our talented faculty, students, and industry partners, creating a powerful impact both locally and globally,” said Dr. Suzanne Bausch, vice president for research and business engagement at the University of Akron.
The project which received funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation will focus on the development of a cooling system for mechanical finishing processes of additive manufactured metal parts. The technology has the potential to improve surface finishes while increasing the strength of the material. This will result in decreasing crack formation and propagation, increasing the fatigue life of treated products. The new surface finish process will improve the quality of the printed parts while decreasing production time.