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）的联合项目的目标是开发一种综合实验和中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。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，正在进行研究。利用这种理解来设计最佳的微结构，加工它们并表征它们的性能是这项综合实验和最先进模拟研究的核心要素。高性能电化学系统（如固体氧化物燃料电池、气体分离膜和电池的电极）对微观结构的要求包括高表面积和孔隙率。这些要求似乎与可靠和稳定的长期性能的要求相矛盾。这种明显的矛盾可以通过使用分级、分层和/或各向异性的多孔微结构来解决。然而，目前还没有一种系统的、科学的方法来设计这些复杂的微观结构，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并进一步加强了两个具有互补专业知识的小组之间建立的国际合作，以解决实现项目总体目标所需的所有要素。采用实验技术对具有复杂微观结构的材料进行加工，并通过实验和数值研究微观结构对微观结构的力学和电化学性能以及微观结构的热机械稳定性的影响。从这些研究中获得的经验教训用于数值设计最佳微结构，实验处理它们，并表征它们的性能。华盛顿大学的研究小组专注于实验调查。然而，这位美国研究生花了大量的时间与法国的合作者一起学习和使用在格勒诺布尔- inp的SIMAP实验室开发的离散单元代码dp3D。她/他也能够从美国远程进行模拟。同样，来自格勒诺布尔的研究生花了大量时间在美国学习实验技术和方法。这项国际性、综合性、合作性的研究为参与的学生提供了独特的高质量学习机会。研究人员将这项研究与K-16的教育项目结合起来，通过本科研究和暑期工程预科项目，如材料营和数学学院。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.