Karim Zaghib is a world‑renowned scientist in electrochemistry, rechargeable batteries (lithium‑ion and solid‑state), carbon materials, energy transition, and transportation electrification. Over his multi‑decade career, his landmark scientific contributions have shaped the global battery landscape and influenced generations of researchers. After 28 years at Hydro‑Québec, he joined Concordia University as Professor of Chemical and Materials Engineering, while also serving as CEO of the CFREF‑funded Volt‑Age initiative and Director of the Collaborating Centres on Energy and Energy Transition. He is frequently invited to speak as an expert at major international conferences on next‑generation energy storage and battery technologies.

During his tenure at Hydro‑Québec, Prof. Zaghib served as General Manager of materials development research for lithium‑ion batteries, where he helped position the company as the first in the world to commercialize lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes and to develop natural graphite and nanotitanate anode technologies now used by leading manufacturers such as Tesla, Ford, Mercedes, BMW, Bolloré, CAT, and BYD. He pioneered the first dual‑electrode photobattery and high‑MWh LFP/graphite energy‑storage systems in partnership with Sony and Hydro‑Québec. His research has also advanced electrothermics, ionic liquids, molten salts, and solid‑state battery systems. Through extensive collaborations with universities, research centers, and industry partners, his teams continue to advance the next generation of electric‑vehicle batteries and large‑scale energy‑storage solutions, strengthening Québec and Canada’s leadership in the global energy transition.

Prof. Zaghib’s scientific career began with foundational work on aluminium–manganese–lithium alloys in molten salts and early studies on carbon materials for lithium‑ion batteries. His contributions span electrodeposition processes, vapor‑grown carbon fibers, solid-polymer and gel electrolytes, and models of graphite particle behavior. At Hydro‑Québec, he collaborated with leading figures such as Prof. Michel Armand, Prof. Kim Kinoshita, Prof. John B. Goodenough, Prof. Christian Julien, Prof. Alain Mauger, and Dr. Michael Thackeray, contributing to breakthroughs including nanostructured Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) anodes, hybrid supercapacitors, carbon‑coated LiFePO4 cathodes, and the LiFSI family of ionic‑liquid electrolytes. His work played a central role in the commercialization of LiFePO4 and LTO technologies, now cornerstones of modern battery systems.

A prolific inventor and author, Prof. Zaghib is co‑author of 450+ scientific publications, co‑inventor on 970+ patents, and holder of 62 licenses. His research impact is reflected in an H‑index of 100 and 35,000+ citations, underscoring his global influence in electrochemistry and energy storage. He has also contributed to 22 monographs and co‑authored the reference textbook Lithium Batteries: Science and Technology, published by Springer and translated into Chinese. His work continues to be highly cited and internationally recognized, reflecting his enduring impact on battery science and the global transition to sustainable energy.