Moroccan physical chemist Rachid Yazami, renowned worldwide for his groundbreaking work in lithium-ion battery technology, has recently secured a new patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The patent covers an innovative method for the early detection of internal short circuits within batteries, which are a leading cause of thermal runaway incidents that can result in fires or explosions, particularly in electric vehicles.
Yazami’s invention introduces a real-time monitoring system that analyzes the thermodynamic and kinetic data of an electrochemical cell. By tracking parameters such as open-circuit voltage, entropy and enthalpy changes, internal temperature, and resistance, the system can detect early warning signs of an internal short circuit. This enables preventive action before a dangerous thermal event can unfold, offering a major leap forward in battery safety.
The technology arrives at a critical time as the world increasingly shifts toward electric transportation, where battery reliability and safety are paramount. Yazami’s latest contribution once again highlights his relentless pursuit of safer and more efficient energy storage solutions.
Hailing from Fez, Professor Yazami is widely recognized for co-inventing the graphite anode that revolutionized portable energy storage and remains fundamental to modern lithium-ion batteries. Over the course of his career, he has held distinguished research positions at leading institutions including the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He is also the holder of more than 180 patents in the battery field.
This new achievement further cements Yazami’s reputation as a global leader in battery research and underscores the significant contributions Moroccan scientists are making to cutting-edge technologies on the world stage.
