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:
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Structure-Function relationships of ionic polymers for energy conversion devices
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Understanding transport-stability correlations in anion- and cation-exchange membranes
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Development of characterization techniques for morphology, transport function and mechanical deformation of functional polymers (with the ALS)
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Investigation of hybrid ionomers and composite structures for multi-functional separators and bipolar membranes
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Data-driven analysis of membrane structure-functionality and tailored design for energy technologies
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Material Design, Development, Durability and Diagnostics
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Exploration of membrane chemistries for improved transport or durability
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Enhancing membrane durability to monitor and mitigate chemical-mechanical degradation
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Elucidating ionomer thin-film behavior to improve electrode performance and cell efficiency
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Characterization of solid polymer-electrolyte membranes and interfaces for clean energy
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Hydrogen fuel cells, low-temperature PEM fuel cells (via M2FCT consortium)
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Direct Carbon Capture and CO2-reduction devices
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All-solid-state batteries
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Redox Flow Batteries
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Electrochemical-Mechanical Phenomena
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Understanding and mitigation of chemical-mechanical failure in solid-polymer electrolytes and interfaces
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Fundamentals of structure-transport-deformation relationships in adaptive, functional polymers
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Mechanochemistry in ion-containing soft matter and hybrid separators
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Mechanical modeling of membrane-electrode assemblies and interfaces for simulating operational stresses, failure analysis and lifetime assessment
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Projects on Clean Energy and Hydrogen Technologies
Check our current openings and learn more about the opportunities to work with us!
Highlights: Materials Research
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Using multiple x-ray characterization tools at the Advanced Light Source (ALS), we showed how chemical and structural changes improve the performance of a novel ion-conducting polymer (ionomer) membrane from 3M. The work provides significant insight into the factors impacting the proton conductivity of ionomers used for fuel cells and the production of hydrogen fuel.
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This article discusses the chemical−mechanical coupling phenomenon in ionomers with a focus on their failure as polymer-electrolyte membranes in electrochemical energy devices, and fundamentals of the mechanochemistry in other functional soft matter.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/image_link/public/2024-01/journal_cover.jpg?itok=P2LC8UJ8)
Explore this issue of Interface and see our chalk talk article to learn about the concept of the colors of hydrogen, which is presented with a refined perspective for clean hydrogen production