Battery Scientist, Electrolyte development, Polymer electrolytes, Elec

Thulasi Gandhi, Ph.D.

**********@*****.*** 760-***-****

Summary of Qualifications

Expertise: 15 years of experience in developing materials using electrochemistry, polymers, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, thermal deposition and physical vapor deposition growth techniques for broad areas of application (Li-ion batteries, biosensors, semiconductors, thin film coatings, X-ray detectors and nano-coatings).

Product Development Leadership: Proven track record in new product introduction, leading projects from concept through production, with a focus on efficiency and cost reduction.

Analytical Proficiency: Deep understanding of materials physics and chemical processes, complemented by robust analytical skills in testing, validation, and data analysis using JMP software.

Effective Communicator: Skilled in writing technical documents and presenting research findings, fostering collaboration across teams and enhancing project visibility. Professional Experience

Project Lead and Senior Development Scientist October 21- Present Ionblox Inc., Fremont, CA

Developed a vapor deposition process for producing SiOx anode material from Silicon and SiO2 source material.

Developed a CVD process for coating the SiOx to form SiOx/C material.

Developed a wet solution process for prelithiating the SiOx/C material to form Li-doped SiOx material.

Spearheaded the process to scale Li-doped SiOx anode material from lab-scale synthesis to a 10 kg/day production capacity, ensuring both quality and cost-effectiveness.

Developed polymer passivation methods for anode and cathode as a SEI and CEI stabilization layer.

Synthesized polymer binders for improving binding strength to the current collectors.

Lead a team of scientists and technicians in the development of SiOx anode material, overseeing all phases from initial concept to pilot level production.

Managed equipment setup and process documentation, ensuring compliance with industry standards and reducing production errors to increase throughput.

Implemented Design of Experiments (DOE) using JMP to optimize experimental designs, significantly reducing the number of experiments needed and improving process efficiency.

Developed, established, and validated analytical testing methodology (SEM, XRD and particle size analyzer) used to control raw materials and production intermediates.

Prepared technical reports, project documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders and clients. Scientist October 18 – October 21

Glucovation Inc., Carlsbad, CA

Innovated electrochemical techniques to enhance the development of non-enzymatic blood glucose sensors, improving sensor reliability and performance.

Spearheaded the creation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to optimize sensor functionality, resulting in a 20% increase in detection accuracy.

Developed an electro polymerization technique for encapsulation of glucose oxidase enzymes inside a layer of PDOT/PSS and polypyrrole layers.

Developed a crosslinking mechanism for enzyme immobilization using water-based polymers.

Synthesized functionalized waterborne polyurethane which acted as an interference blocking layer for glucose sensors.

Synthesized semipermeable polyurethane membrane layer which acted as an oxygen diffusion layer and glucose limiting layer for the biosensors.

Developed SOPs for routine quality control processes, sensor testing, and equipment calibration to ensure consistency and regulatory compliance.

Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate new technologies into product designs, advancing sensor performance for continuous glucose sensors. Development Scientist March 08 – October 18

DxRay Inc., Northridge, CA

Developed a successful process for growing mercuric iodide semiconductor materials using physical vapor deposition, directly onto CMOS and thin film transistor (TFT) read out arrays to create cost efficient large area high resolution flat panel detectors for digital X-ray imaging applications.

Developed a vapor process to grow Si nanowire arrays into AAO template to form a large area low-cost photomultiplier.

Developed a vapor deposition process to grow cadmium telluride directly onto CMOS chip to create a large area low-cost photodetector for X-ray imaging application.

Conducted material characterization using SEM, TEM, and XRD to understand material properties, influencing design choices and enhancing product performance.

Lead a team of researchers in the development and synthesis of novel semiconductor materials for next generation X-ray detectors.

Managed equipment setup and process documentation, ensuring compliance with industry standards and reducing production errors by 30%.

Created and maintained project documentation, including Gantt charts, technical specifications, and process flow diagrams.

Coordinate project timelines, allocate resources, and track progress using MS Project.

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Research Assistant August04 - March 08

University of Nevada, Reno, NV

Developed an electrodeposition process to grow Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) nanowires into TiO2 nanotubes for various applications such as low energy high resolution X-ray imaging, and nano sensors.

Optimized & developed ordered nano-porous titanium oxide templates for applications like hydrogen storage, Photo- catalysis & sensor development.

Tailored pulse plating conditions to deposit catalyst in the ordered nano-porous templates and synthesized aligned Carbon Nano Tubes (CNTs) within the pores using chemical vapor deposition technique.

Characterized the nanotubes and nanowires using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) & X-Ray diffraction (XRD) the morphology & composition of nanomaterials.

Characterized electrochemical performance of TiO2 and Fe2O3 nanotubes for understanding the feasibility as an anode material.

Education

Ph.D. 2004-2008 Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, University of Nevada-Reno M.S. 2002-2004 Mechanical Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY B.E. 1997-2002 Mechanical Engineering, University of Madras Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt for Process Improvement- Institute of Industrial Engineers Technical Skills:

Techniques: Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), Electrochemistry, Polymerization, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Rapid Thermal Annealing (RTA), and Wet Chemistry methods.

Analytical Methods: SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, Optical Microscopy, DSC, TGA and ellipsometry.

Software: JMP (for Design of Experiments and data analysis)

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