In this interview, we speak with Dr. Andrew (Andy) Naylor, a researcher at the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre at Uppsala University. With nearly a decade of experience in battery research, Andy holds fascinating expertise in electrochemistry and battery materials. In this article, he shares his views on the importance of batteries and his current research interests.
Hi Andy, can you tell us about your background in academia?
Sure. I finished my degrees at the University of Southampton and held Research Fellow positions at the Universities of Oxford and St Andrews. I then moved to Uppsala University in 2017 as a Researcher. I have been working in the battery sector at Uppsala University for about eight years now. My main research interest lied in studying and developing interfaces within rechargeable batteries using various characterization techniques, particularly photoelectron spectroscopy. Currently, I am particularly interested in developing new types of battery materials, especially electrolytes for batteries.
What is the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre and what is its main focus?
The Ångström Advanced Battery Centre is the largest battery research group in the Nordic countries. We focus on various aspects of rechargeable batteries and fuel cells, including materials for the cathode, anode, and electrolytes. Our main applications include batteries for electric vehicles and small devices, as well as innovative types like Lithium-air batteries. At ÅABC, we study existing lithium-ion materials in detail and develop new advanced materials, while also working on next-generation technologies like sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur batteries.
What was your role in developing the European Battery Business Club (EBBC)?
At Uppsala University, we have extensive experience in the didactic field, which we have tried to incorporate into the development of the EBBC as much as possible. Among other things, we have led the development of content and use cases in industry. A particular focus was on supporting the team in the design phase and in the development of learning activities for all modules. I also helped with the implementation and evaluation process, with a particular emphasis on interpreting the results of the pilot courses.
What fascinates you most about contemporary battery research and the battery cosmos?
Well, in general batteries are really interesting to me because we need them for our vehicles and electronic devices now, and especially in the future as we try to move away from fossil fuels. It’s a crucial research field, and I believe we need to bring more people into it. What fascinates me on the research side is investigating battery interfacial chemistry for next-generation technologies, including novel materials for lithium-ion systems and the development of sodium-ion batteries. I place a special emphasis on surface-analysis characterisation techniques, particularly for investigating new electrode materials that can enable more sustainable battery technologies.
How do programs like those by the EBBC help in this context?
Programs such as those developed by Fraunhofer IFAM and the EBBC play a vital role in fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration within the battery technology community. They provide structured online training that equip participants with the latest insights into battery innovation.
Thank you, Andy for these insights!
Dr. Andrew Naylor is one of the leading battery researchers in Sweden. His dedication and expertise in developing new materials could be crucial for the next generation of battery technologies. As we move toward a more sustainable future, research in this area will be essential.
If you want to learn more about Andy Naylor and his work, please check out the following links:
- Andrew’s official contact page at Uppsala University: Dr. Andrew Naylor – UPPSALA UNIVERSITET
- More info about Battery research at Ångström Advanced Battery Centre: Battery research at Ångström Laboratory
- Andy on LinkedIn: LinkedIn – Andy Naylor
- For all those who would like to see Andy in action, register for the EBBC here: https://www.batterybusinessclub.com/shop/
