10 Years of Anode Research and Development: Alcoa and Université Laval Experience

Abstract

In 2009, Alcoa started an extensive research and development program with several professors from Université Laval in Quebec City. The program, mainly oriented into advanced modeling, carbon materials and advanced statistics, was aimed at improving our R&D capability by enhancing our core technical expertise. Universities offer a diverse in-depth fundamental expertise that is not necessarily available in-house, where industrial researchers are oftentimes more oriented into applied research. Universities also provide hi-tech specialized laboratory equipment not available within typical industry laboratories. After 10 years collaboration between Alcoa and Université Laval, about 60 students have graduated with a M.Sc. or a Ph.D. degree. The following summarizes different results obtained throughout this fruitful journey as well as key learnings on developing and maintaining the relationship between University and Industry partner.