Analytical Solutions for Battery Material Characterization

Wednesday, July 15, 2026
9:00 am - 4:45 pm

Location

University of Michigan
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)
1301 Beal Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Google Maps

Slurry rheology sits at the intersection of materials science and process engineering, yet it is too often treated as a quality checkpoint rather than a process design input, with consequences that only become visible at scale.  

This presentation highlights the role of rheology across electrode development, from lab-scale mixing and benchtop coating to high-volume slot die production. Attendees will learn why single-point viscosity measurements fall short, how full rheological characterization informs slot die design and operating window selection, and why batch-to-batch variation is among the most common sources of scrap in production.


Meet the Speakers



Greg Less

Greg Less

Director, University of Michigan Battery Lab

Greg Less is Director of the U-M Battery Lab, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the facility. Greg received a doctorate in Chemistry from U-M. Prior to founding the Battery Lab, he was a UM research scientist and worked at battery companies T/J Technologies and A123 Systems.

BJ Kays

BJ Kays

Founder & Lead Technical Consultant at Coating Edge Solutions LLC

BJ brings over 25 years of hands-on experience supporting coating operations across battery manufacturing and advanced materials applications. His background spans process development, equipment commissioning, technical service and manufacturing support with direct involvement in the startup of more than 20 coating lines and numerous process development trials. In addition to consulting, BJ actively teaches coating process fundamentals through seminars and hands-on training programs, is a frequent guest speaker at industry events and a published author.

Speaker 01 Image

Jared Sachs

Battery Segment Sales Leader
Waters Materials Sciences Division (Formerly TA Instruments)

Jared Sachs holds an M.S. in Physics specializing in X-ray Optics from SUNY Albany. He has extensive experience in R&D and technical sales but is now focused solely on material characterization across the Battery Segment. Throughout his career, Jared has contributed to numerous projects, including designing and developing custom X-ray optics at leading national laboratories. Jared joined TA Instruments in 2020 as a Senior Technical Sales Representative covering NY and now is the Battery Segment Sales Leader for the Americas.

Speaker 02 Image

Jeremy May, Ph.D.

Battery Specialist – Global Applications Support
Waters Materials Sciences Division (Formerly TA Instruments)

Jeremy May is a senior applications scientist at TA Instruments, based in New Castle, Delaware. He specializes in battery material analysis and in-operando electrochemical calorimetry, supporting all battery and green energy related applications. He has 7 years of experience in electrochemistry, working in areas ranging from electroanalytical to hydrogen fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries. Jeremy earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Pacific Lutheran University and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Idaho. 

Speaker 03 Image

Mengying (Sara) Yang

Rheology Applications Scientist
Waters Materials Sciences Division (Formerly TA Instruments)

Mengying (Sara) Yang is a Rheology Applications Scientist at TA Instruments. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Northwestern Polytechnical University, where her research focused on wastewater treatment, graphene foams for electromagnetic wave absorption, and electrode materials for supercapacitors. She earned her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Delaware, specializing in structure–property relationships of solid polymer electrolytes for lithium‑ion batteries. Dr. Yang has contributed to the field through patents, publications, and conference presentations. In her role at TA Instruments, she applies deep scientific expertise to troubleshoot advanced rheological challenges and provide data‑driven guidance that elevates customer outcomes.

Abstracts



Join us for an engaging seminar focused on cutting-edge analytical technologies and their applications across the battery development lifecycle. This session will provide a comprehensive look at how thermal analysis, microcalorimetry, and rheology tools support innovation, safety, and quality in battery research and production.

What You Will Learn:


  • What is the science behind each technique and what information is identified?
  • Where in the process and why should these techniques be used?
  • Application-focused insights
    • Raw Materials – Supporting formulation, safety, and QA/QC.
    • Slurry & Electrodes – Enabling precise rheological control, composition analysis, and peel testing.
    • Electrolytes – Characterizing gel and liquid formulations for performance and safety.
    • Full Battery Cells – Leveraging BCMS for comprehensive cell-level analysis.


Who Should Attend?


This seminar is open to professionals involved in battery research, development, and manufacturing. Whether you are just beginning to explore analytical tools or are a seasoned expert, you will leave with valuable insights. Attendance is completely free, and lunch will be provided. Seats are limited so register today to save your spot!


Agenda

8:30 - 9:00 AM

Continental Breakfast

9:00 - 9:30 AM

Introduction to the UM Battery Lab and Electric Vehicle Center
~ Greg Less

9:30 - 10:30 AM

Thermal Analysis for Battery Material Characterization: DSC, TGA, SDT, TMA, DMA, and Thermal Conductivity

10:30 - 10:45 AM

Coffee Break

10:45 - 12:00 PM

Accelerating Battery Innovation Through High-Sensitivity In-Operando Microcalorimetry

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Lunch/Networking

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Using Rheology to Optimize Battery Electrode Processing

2:00 - 2:15 PM

Break/Networking

2:15 - 3:15 PM

From Lab to Gigafactory: Rheology as a Process Design Input for Battery Electrode Coating
~ BJ Kays

3:15 - 4:45 PM

Lab Tours (optional)

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* Some modules and OEM products are excluded. Trade in required to receive discount. Please contact your local TA representative for more details. Deals valid for systems purchased and delivered before September 18, 2020.