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 polymer-electrolyte and alkaline fuel cells to water and CO2 electrolysis and flow batteries.
Our research approach involves a multi-disciplinary blend of fundamental studies powered by multi-modal investigations for understanding and improving 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).
The efforts to meet the growing energy needs of the sectors have increased the focus on electrochemical technologies and hydrogen-based fuels. Hydrogen technologies are sought to play a critical role from electrolyzers to produce hydrogen via water-splitting to fuel cells to power heavy-duty transportation sector. In particular, for heavy-duty vehicles, fuel cell systems require more efficient and durable ionomers and membranes. Key to the successful operation of these technologies is the durable performance of the membrane-electrode assembly systems, consisting of an ion-conducting polymer (ionomer) membrane between the electrodes where electrochemical reactions occur. In addition, ionomers are also present in the electrodes as nanometer-thick films with a dual function of conducting multi-species and acting as catalyst binders. Thus, across these technologies, ionomers serve multiple key functionalities that need to be tuned for improved performance, lower cost, and enhanced durability.
Research projects and activities:
Structure-Function relationships of functional polymers for energy conversion devices
- Understanding transport-stability correlations in anion- and cation-exchange membranes, as well as bipolar membranes
- Development of characterization techniques for morphology, transport function, and mechanical deformation of functional polymers (including the novel x-ray techniques at the ALS)
- Investigation of hybrid ionomers, bipolar membranes, composite separator strategies for improving their durability, tuning their selectivity, and developing robust and high-temperature 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 performance, efficiency, and durability
- Enhancing membrane durability to monitor and mitigate chemical-mechanical degradation
- Elucidating ionomer thin-films and ionomer-catalyst interface to improve electrode performance and cell efficiency
- Characterization of solid polymer-electrolyte membranes and interfaces for various applications
- Hydrogen fuel cells, low-temperature PEM fuel cells (via M2FCT consortium)
- The manufacturing and processing of materials for H2 technologies (Roll-to-Roll Consortium)
- Bipolar membranes systems and CO2-reduction applications
- All-solid-state batteries and 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 Energy Materials and Hydrogen Technologies
- Million Mile Fuel Cell Truck (M2FCT): PEM Fuel Cells for Heavy-Duty Applications
- H2NEW: PEM Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production
- HydroGen: AEM and Alkaline Electrolysis (see our capabilities)
- CIWE: (EERC) Center for Ionomer-based Water Electrolysis
- CalTesBed: Assist technical evaluation of materials for energy technologies
Check our current openings and learn more about the opportunities to work with us!
Highlights: Materials Research
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.
Bipolar membranes (BPMs) enable control of ion concentrations and fluxes in electrochemical cells suitable for a wide range of applications. In this review article, the chemistry, structure, and physics of BPMs are illustrated and related to the thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and chemical kinetics that dictate ion and species fluxes and selectivity. These interactions give rise to emergent structure–property–performance relationships that yield design criteria for BPMs that achieve high permselectivity, durability, and voltaic efficiency.
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.
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 broader hydrogen production pathways
