The next NDSU Science Café will discuss the batteries that power our cellphones, laptops and toys. Khang Hoang, research scientist at the NDSU Center for Computationally Assisted Science and Technology, is scheduled to present “Powering our gadgets: Lithium-ion batteries and the science behind them” Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. in Stokers Basement, Hotel Donaldson in Fargo.

According to Hoang, lithium-ion batteries have become an integral part of our daily lives, providing power to electronic items ranging from hybrid cars to toys. He will discuss the science behind lithium-ion batteries and some of their issues. He also will demonstrate how materials research can help produce materials with better performance.

Hoang earned his bachelor’s degree from Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City and his doctorate in physics from Michigan State University. Before joining NDSU, he was a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California – Santa Barbara and then a postdoctoral research fellow at the Naval Research Laboratory. Hoang’s research involves physics, chemistry, and materials science, with a focus on computational design of materials for energy applications.

Science Café is sponsored by the NDSU College of Science and Mathematics. The series is designed as an opportunity for the community to hear local scientists discuss interesting science topics in a casual setting.

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees must be 21 or older or accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information, contact Diane Goede at diane.goede@ndsu.edu or 701-231-7412.

As a student-focused, land-grant, research university, we serve our citizens.