Center for Electrochemical Science and Engineering:
Examples of Research Areas of Interest to Industrial Partners
Electrode and membrane development for PEM (polymer-electrolyte membrane) fuel cells
Center efforts focus on improving catalysts for PEM fuel cells for transportation and for direct methanol fuel cells in low-power systems. For transportation uses, center researchers are developing ternary and quaternary alloy catalysts. that are tolerant of contaminant carbon monoxide produced during the reforming of organic fules. The center also synthesizes alternative membrane materials for fuel cells and lithium polymer batteries. Testing of components is conducted routinely in PEM and DMFC test stands.
Evaluation of thermal characteristics of batteries
Lithium batteries, especially lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, are currently available only in small sizes. Heat build-up is a major problem when rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are scaled up to sizes necessary for mobile power applications. The center is investigating new designs and materials that will dissipate heat more effectively.
New materials for batteries and high-temperature fuel cells
State-of-the-art techniques, such as plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD) and electrostatic spray deposition (ESD), are used to develop new materials, in particular, electronic and/or ionic conductors for lithium batteries and supercapacitors. Catalysts and electrolytes developed for high-temperature fuel cells are evaluated in a test stand operating at up to 1000°C.
Electro-organic synthesis
The center uses fuel cells as reactors to synthesize useful organic compounds. Recent experiments have reduced alkynes to cis-alkynes - without solvents - while generating useful energy (up to 11 Wh/mole of product in hydrogen/organic-substrate fuel cells).
Sensor development
Chemical sensors are key to process control, environmental management, the protection of human health and safety. Research involves understanding basic sensing mechanisms for a variety of electrochemical sensors and microsensors. Other investigations involve multivariate chemometric schemes combined with sensor arrays to produce intelligent, advanced analytical performance. Researchers have designed a low-cost sensor manufacturing process.
Information dissemination and technology transfer
Center faculty offer special workshops and symposia to inform industrial partners about technological research advances.
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