Arumugam Manthiram is a globally renowned materials scientist and engineer whose pioneering work has fundamentally shaped the field of electrochemical energy storage. Currently serving as the Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, he directs both the Texas Materials Institute and the Materials Science and Engineering Program. Born on March 15, 1951, in Amarapuram, Tamil Nadu, India, he completed his B.S. and M.S. degrees in chemistry at Madurai University before earning his Ph.D. in Solid State Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in 1980. His early career included holding a postdoctoral researcher position at the University of Oxford for one year under the supervision of John B. Goodenough, prior to joining the University of Texas at Austin as a postdoctoral researcher in 1986, followed by academic appointments at Madurai Kamaraj University before joining the University of Texas at Austin as Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering in 1991, where he rose to full Professor in 2000.
Manthiram is best known for his groundbreaking identification of the polyanion class of lithium-ion battery cathodes, a discovery that revolutionized battery technology development and enabled major advancements in energy density and stability. His seminal work elucidating the chemical instability limitations in layered oxide cathodes has provided critical insights guiding commercial battery development worldwide. With over 900 journal articles, more than 98,000 citations, and an h-index of 155, his research has established foundational principles for sustainable energy storage solutions powering modern electronics and electric vehicles. His extensive patent portfolio, including 20 issued patents, demonstrates the practical impact of his work on developing cost-effective, high-performance materials for batteries and fuel cells that address global energy challenges.
Professor Manthiram has profoundly influenced the scientific community through his mentorship of over 300 students and postdoctoral researchers, including 69 PhD graduates, 55 of whom now hold faculty positions worldwide. His leadership extends to editorial roles as Regional Editor of Solid State Ionics and service on multiple journal editorial boards, where he shapes the direction of materials science research publications. Recognized with numerous prestigious honors including the inaugural John B. Goodenough Award from The Electrochemical Society and the ECS Battery Division Technology Award, he continues to direct one of the largest research groups at UT Austin, advancing next-generation battery technologies that will enable broader adoption of renewable energy systems. His enduring vision continues to drive the field toward more sustainable, efficient, and accessible energy storage solutions with global impact.
