Materials World Network: Designed Porous Ceramics for Electrochemical Applications

华盛顿大学和法国格勒诺布尔理工学院（Grenoble-INP）之间的这个联合项目的目标是开发一种综合的实验和介观尺度模拟方法来设计具有多功能设计要求的多孔电化学陶瓷。 研究的重点是开发一个框架，用于分析和优化这类重要材料的微观结构。正在研究对微观结构的竞争要求，一方面是最佳的电化学性能，另一方面是机械性能和热机械稳定性。 利用这种理解来设计最佳的微结构，处理它们并表征它们的性能是这种综合实验和最先进的模拟研究的核心要素。高性能电化学系统（例如用于固体氧化物燃料电池、气体分离膜和电池的电极）具有包括高表面积和孔隙率的微结构要求。 这些要求似乎与可靠和稳定的长期性能要求相矛盾。 这种明显的矛盾可以通过使用分级、分级和/或各向异性的多孔微结构来解决。 然而，一个系统的和科学的方法来设计这些复杂的微结构还没有开发出来，这是本研究的总体目标。 综合实验和中尺度模拟研究项目建立在两个具有互补专长的小组之间业已建立的国际合作的基础上，并进一步加强了这一合作，以解决实现该项目总体目标所需的所有要素。 这项工作使用实验技术来处理具有复杂微观结构的材料，并通过实验和数值研究微观结构对机械和电化学性能以及微观结构的热机械稳定性的影响。 从这些调查的教训是用来数值设计最佳的微结构，实验处理它们，并表征其性能。 华盛顿大学的研究小组专注于实验研究。 然而，这位美国研究生花了大量时间与法国的合作者一起学习和使用在Grenoble-INP的SIMAP实验室开发的离散元代码dp 3D。 她/他还能够从美国远程进行模拟。 同样，来自格勒诺布尔的研究生在美国花费大量时间学习实验技术和方法。这种国际性的，综合性的，合作性的研究工作为参与的学生提供了一个独特的高质量的学习机会。调查人员 通过本科研究和夏季工程预科课程，如材料营和数学学院，将这项研究与K-16教育计划相结合。该奖项由国际科学与工程办公室共同资助。

The goal of this joint project between the University of Washington and the Grenoble Institute of Technology (Grenoble-INP) in France is to develop an integrated experimental and meso-scale simulation approach to design porous electrochemical ceramics with multifunctional design requirements. The research focus is on the development of a framework for the analysis and optimization of the microstructure of this important class of materials. The competing requirements on the microstructure, for optimum electrochemical performance on one hand and mechanical performance and thermo-mechanical stability on the other, are being studied. Using this understanding to design optimal microstructures, to process them and characterize their performance is the central element of this integrated experimental and state-of-the art simulations investigation. High performance electrochemical systems (e.g. electrodes for solid oxide fuel cells, gas separation membranes and batteries) have microstructural requirements that include high surface area and porosity. These requirements are seemingly contradictory to requirements for reliable and stable long term performance. This apparent contradiction can be addressed by using graded, hierarchical and/or anisotropic porous microstructures. However, a systematic and scientifically based approach to design these complex microstructures has not been developed, and this is the overarching goal of this research. The integrated experimental and meso-scale simulations research project builds on and further enhances the established international collaboration between two groups with complementary expertise to address all the needed elements to achieve the overall goal of the project. The effort uses experimental techniques to process materials with complex microstructures, and experimentally and numerically investigates the effect of the microstructure on the mechanical and electrochemical performance and the thermo-mechanical stability of the microstructure. The lessons from these investigations are used to numerically design optimal microstructures, to experimentally process them, and to characterize their performance. The group at the University of Washington focuses on the experimental investigation. However, the US graduate student spends significant time with the collaborators in France to learn and use the discrete element code dp3D developed at the SIMAP laboratory of Grenoble-INP. She/he is also able to conduct simulations remotely from the US. Similarly, the graduate student from Grenoble spends significant time in the US learning the experimental techniques and approaches. This international, integrated, collaborative research effort provides a unique high quality learning opportunity for the participating students. The investigators integrate this research with educational programs for K-16 through undergraduate research and summer pre-engineering programs like Materials Camps and Math Academy. This award is co-funded by the Office of International Science and Engineering.