Abstract Nanotechnology is becoming an important part of medical, industrial and academic research. The topics related to nanotechnology are rarely incorporated into the educational standards at the secondary education level. The objective of this research experience is multifaceted. First, to fabricate flexible paper based lithium ion batteries to gain a deeper understand of nanotechnology. Then to translate that nanotechnology knowledge and experience to the high school classroom, and finally to explore nanotechnology educational and career pathways to share with the students. The flexible, paper based batteries are fabricated by using a PVDF-HFP (Polyvinylidenefluoride-hexafluoropropylene) based polymer separator containing an electrolyte, LiTFSI (lithium bis- trifluoromethanesulfonimide), between two lithium metal oxide electrodes; Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO) (LiCoO 2 ), in Super P Li, and PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride), as the cathode, and Lithium Titanium Oxide (LTO) (Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 ), in Super P Li, and PVDF, as the anode. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) on microfiber paper are used as current collectors. Review of Literature Through the use of a CNT layer on a paper substrate as a current collector, LiMn 2 O 4 and Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 electrodes with discharge capacities of 110 and 149 mAh/g, and a 98.5% columbic efficiency were reported. (1) Free-standing light weight (0.2 mg/cm2) carbon nanotube thin films fabricated through a simple coating and peeling process were used as both anode and cathode current collectors. (2) The CNT-based current collectors were shown to have robust mechanical flexibility and higher energy density with a CNT/LTO electrode initial discharge capacity of 147 mAh/g and a columbic efficiency of 94–97%. (1)(2) CIGS. CdS Initial Methods Fabrication of electrodes using Nano-sized transition-metal oxides, cobalt and titanium, with Li+ : Lithium Titanium Oxide (LTO) Li 4 Ti 5 O 12, Super P Li, PVDF in N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidinone (NMP) Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO) LiCoO 2, Super P Li, PVDF in NMP Spray Deposition of LTO on Al foil as the anode Spray Deposition of LCO on Cu foil as the cathode Dried under IR lamp between applications Fabrication of PVDF-HFP based polymer separator with LiTFSI electrolyte using: PVDF-HFP, Glycerol in NMP plus the electrolyte Bladed polymer between 50 µm and 120 µm thick Air dried for at least 24 hours on glass plate Introduction Nanotechnology:  m or 1,000,000,000th of a meter  Multidisciplinary research areas: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Medicine, etc.  Nanotechnology in education Battery Structure:  Container – Button battery shell for testing  Separator – PVDF-HFP based polymer  Current Collector – CNT coated microfiber paper  Electrolyte – LiTFSI  Active Material – LCO cathode / LTO anode References and Acknowledgments 1.L. Hu, J. W. Choi, Y. Yang, S. Jeong, F. La Mantia, F. Cui, and Y. Cui, “Highly conductive paper for energy-storage devices,” Proc. Nat. Academy Sci., vol. 106, pp –21494, L.Hu, H.Wu, F. LaMantia,Y.Yang, andY. Cui, “Thin, flexible secondary Li-ion paper batteries,” ACS Nano, vol. 4, pp. 5843–5848, This study was sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) and supported by the Integrated Nanosystems Development Institute (INDI). Fig. 1 Graphic illustration of the layers of the fabricated lithium-ion battery. Fig. 3 Hood for spray deposition of LTO & LCO electrodes and mixing solvents to polymers Classroom Module College & Career Paths Fabrication of Lithium Metal Oxide & CNT Paper Based Batteries for Nanotechnology Education & Career Pathways Robert Vittoe 1, Mangilal Agarwal 2 Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, IN Department of Education, Indiana University School of Education, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, IN Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, IN Fig. 4 Nitrogen tank for spray deposition of LTO & LCO electrodes Fig. 8 Blade used to calibrate the thickness of the polymer films Fig. 10 Thermal press used to adhere the PVDF-HFP to filter paper for testing Fig. 9 PVDF-HFP based polymer films with LiTFSI electrolyte Fig. 12 A flow chart of the pathways to careers in nanotechnology. Career opportunities near the top of the flow chart require more education and are potentially more lucrative than career opportunities near the bottom of the chart. The Nanotechnology Careers Unit is a tool for parents, counselors, administrators, teachers, and students to discover the pathways to careers in nanotechnology. Future nanotechnology professionals have a number of ways to obtain a nanotechnology career, including industry certificates and associates, bachelors, and graduate degrees in nanotechnology. The Nanotechnology Careers Unit we have created focuses on pathways available to students in Indiana and the Midwest. Research Results ICP.6.3 Using the example of electrolysis and its application in batteries, explain the relationship between chemical reactions and electrical energy. ICP.8.1 Describe how energy needs have changed throughout history and how energy needs are met in modern society. ICP.8.4 Describe how efficient use of renewable and non-renewable energy sources is essential to maintaining an acceptable environment. ICP.8.5 Describe how the availability of energy resources is essential to the development of an economically viable society. ICP.8.6 Contrast the dependence on and use of energy and other natural resources in the economies of industrial nations, of developing nations and of undeveloped nations. Fig. 2 Graphic illustration of nanoscale Fig. 5 Glove box for assembly of button battery Fig. 6 MSK 110 Hydraulic Crimping Machine. Fig. 7 Multi-channel battery testing device Fig. 12 A graph of the results from a test of the charge/discharge cycle for a battery with an LCO cathode, LTO anode, and LiTFSI electrolyte in a PVDF-HFP polymer separator enclosed in a button battery case.