Vadthya Raju

I am a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of New Mexico. My research focuses on electrochemical energy storage systems, with particular expertise in designing novel electrolytes and electrode materials for multivalent metal-ion, metal-air, and metal-CO₂ batteries. I specialize in understanding ion transport, solvation dynamics, and interfacial chemistry under extreme environmental conditions. Previously a postdoctoral fellow at UNM, I led several projects on eutectic electrolyte development and advanced battery chemistries, resulting in multiple patents, some of which have been licensed for commercialization. My current work involves the development of aluminum-air batteries for sustainable energy and carbon mitigation, demonstrating stable cycling performance across 2000+ hours with high capacity and energy efficiency. I hold a PhD in Chemistry from CSIR–IICT, India, where I pioneered the use of polythiophene-based cathodes for magnesium and aluminum batteries. I have presented at major conferences (AIChE, MRS), mentored students under NSF-funded outreach programs, and collaborated with institutions such as NASA, Los Alamos National Lab, Oak Ridge National Lab, and the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies. My long-term vision is to enable climate-resilient, scalable, and indigenous battery technologies through interdisciplinary research and sustainable innovation.