Research

Kusoglu Lab Research

Our research theme is the structure-property characterization and modeling of ionomers and solid-polymer electrolytes to understand and improve their stability & functionality in electrochemical technologies - from the polymer-electrolyte and alkaline fuel cells to electrolyzers and flow batteries.

Our research approach involves data-driven design and understanding of ion-containing polymers (ionomers) and thin films at electrode interfaces, including interrogation of their transport functionality and mechanical stability as well as morphological characterization through state-of-the-art synchrotron X-ray techniques at the Advanced Light Source (ALS).

Research projects and activities:

  • Structure-Function relationships of ionic polymers for energy conversion devices

    • Understanding transport-stability correlations in anion- and cation-exchange membranes
    • Development of characterization techniques for morphology, transport function and mechanical deformation of functional polymers (with the ALS)
    • Investigation of hybrid ionomers and composite structures for multi-functional separators and bipolar membranes
    • Data-driven analysis of membrane structure-functionality and tailored design for energy technologies 

     

    • Material Design, Development, Durability and Diagnostics

      • Exploration of membrane chemistries for improved transport or durability
      • Enhancing membrane durability to monitor and mitigate chemical-mechanical degradation
      • Elucidating ionomer thin-film behavior to improve electrode performance and cell efficiency 
      • Characterization of solid polymer-electrolyte membranes and interfaces for clean energy
        • Hydrogen fuel cells, low-temperature PEM fuel cells (via M2FCT consortium)
        • Water-splitting electrolyzers (see our capabilities as part of HydroGen and H2NEW)
        • Direct Carbon Capture and CO2-reduction devices
        • All-solid-state batteries 
        • Redox Flow Batteries
     
    • Electrochemical-Mechanical Phenomena

      • Understanding and mitigation of chemical-mechanical failure in solid-polymer electrolytes and interfaces
      • Fundamentals of structure-transport-deformation relationships in adaptive, functional polymers
      • Mechanochemistry in ion-containing soft matter and hybrid separators
      • Mechanical modeling of membrane-electrode assemblies and interfaces for simulating operational stresses, failure analysis and lifetime assessment 
     
    • Projects on Clean Energy and Hydrogen Technologies

      • Million Mile Fuel Cell Truck (M2FCT): PEM Fuel Cells
      • H2NEW: PEM Electrolysis
      • HydroGen: PEM and AEM Electrolysis (see our capabilities)
      • CIWE: (EERC) Center for Ionomer-based Water Electrolysis 
      • CalTesBed: Assist technical evaluation of materials for clean energy technologies 

     

    Check our current openings and learn more about the opportunities to work with us!

     

    Highlights: Materials Research

    Spotlight: Clean Energy Applications

    Journal Covers