New pathways in electrochemical energy conversion

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Renewable energy sources are sparse and intermittent, and with a few exceptions, they can only generate electricity. We cannot store electricity in large quantities, and it is challenging to store or generate enough electricity to power long-range travel (air, freight, marine, rail, etc.) More importantly, the conversion of any energy source intro electricity is straightforward, but is difficult to convert electricity into chemicals or fuels. This asymmetry is one of the defining deficiencies of our current energy system: one that must be resolved by the next generation of electrochemical energy conversion devices.Currently, electrochemical devices (fuel cells, electroayzers) are limited by the reaction and degradation rates, as well as the cost and manufacturability of materials (e.g., catalysts) at electrode interfaces. The present proposal will investigate the charge-, mass-, and heat-transport phenomena at these interfaces. Several experimental techniques and platforms developed in the last six years, including designed experiments, capacitance measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A novel aspect of the proposed research consists of incorporating well-characterized topological equivalents for electrodes (to complement commercial materials and architectures). This approach will link physical models to the structure, composition and topological information in model systems, and to cell performance under realistic conditions. At least one of these elements has been missing in previous efforts.The expected breakthroughs include: i) new evidence to improve theories for wettability and capillary phenomena ii) deterministic links between electrode structure and fuel cell function(s), and iii) prescriptive designs for a new class of electrochemical devices. Beyond fuel cells, the research outcomes are applicable to electroayzers, self-cleaning surfaces, liquid lenses, lab-on-a-chip systems, and smart membranes.The research program will train one postdoctoral fellow, four graduate students and five undergraduate students in the areas of electrochemistry, hydrogen technology, design of experiments, nanotechnology, heat and mass transport, and fuel cell design. These areas require skills that are transferrable to many industries in areas of strategic importance for Canada (carbon capture and utilization, energy storage, and low-carbon transportation.)