Meet American Energy Innovators Dr. Jennifer Lalli and Courtnay Brand of NanoSonic, Inc. NanoSonic, Inc specializes in the design and manufacture of innovative materials and, with the help of EERE, are driving in the future of hydrogen vehicles.
Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
January 13, 2025
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According to Dr. Jennifer Lalli, president of NanoSonic, Inc., no project is too "crazy." From research and design to manufacturing and commercialization, NanoSonic, Inc.'s innovative projects cover every stage of the product development process.
"When a group has a particular goal that they'd like to achieve, our group would do the research and development to achieve the solution through an actual product," chemist Courtnay Brand explained. "Our company, we have fun, and that's something that I feel is very valuable in our workplace and helps us facilitate those crazy ideas."
This mission led them to work with the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) to develop new components for vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel. NanoSonic, Inc. received funding from EERE's Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office and the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office to advance hydrogen technologies including, work on hydrogen dispensing systems. NanoSonic, Inc. figured out a way to make hoses flexible at freezing temperatures—allowing hydrogen-powered vehicles to drive seamlessly.
"I had no idea years ago that these hoses were going to actually be used in hydrogen vehicles," Lalli said."And it was amazing to see so early on that there are hydrogen vehicles on the road."
This real-world impact is one of Courtnay Brand's favorite reasons for working at NanoSonic, Inc. A long-time chemist, Brand began her career in sustainability 12 years ago. Now, she is the lead for NanoSonic's Quality Management System (QMS) maintaining the company's certification to ISO 9001:2015 and has found a passion for creating new products that have a direct impact on Americans.
"We've really been working hard to make products that can actually be purchased by customers," said Brand. "Our icephobic coating, for example, can reduce ice buildup and do a whole bunch of awesome things!"
The icephobic coating helps prevent ice from building up on the internal systems of a hydrogen-powered vehicle, which allows the car to run longer and more efficiently, a necessary component for the future of hydrogen power. Lalli is excited for her children and the next generation to see this future come to life through cutting-edge technologies like their icephobic coating and beyond.
"My children might actually drive a hydrogen vehicle," Lalli says. "It's really exciting to think that something we’re making here at NanoSonic, Inc. could potentially make a difference for them."
The U.S. Department of Energy collaborates with private sector partners to overcome gaps and invests in early-stage R&D to help reduce risk. By providing American businesses, like NanoSonic, Inc. with the resources they need to successfully enter the marketplace, EERE supports small businesses and advances America’s position as a leader in the growing global energy market.
Whether you're supporting research and development or sharing the benefits of energy innovation with your community, find out how you can take an active role in America's energy future. Learn more about funding opportunities.