Improvements in electrochemical interfacial design has
tremendous potential in affecting emerging technologies such
as improved electrochemical storage (e.g., Li-ion
batteries), energy conversion in fuel cells (such as Polymer
electrolyte membrane fuel cells, PEMFC's), electro-synthesis
and sensors. Our current research effort aims at initiating
the development of unique three dimensional polymer-metal
nano composite interfaces which not only provide for
efficient ionic and electronic conductivity but enable
improved selectivity and charge transfer efficiency. These
new interfacial designs constitute a significant improvement
over the current state of the art. In the energy storage
field we have initiated fundamental investigation of charge
compensation during intercalation in doped Li-MnO
spinels, layered oxide host structures and phospho-olivine
systems.In electrocatalysis we have advanced the
fundamental understanding of oxygen reduction in aqueous and
anhydrous interfaces in both Pt based and Chalcogenide
systems as well as provided insights into the nature of
reformate tolerance on different Pt and Pt alloys surfaces.
In these areas we have a unique combination of tailored
synthesis, in situ synchrotron spectroscopy and
theory development (with partners under a MURI program).
Dr.Sanjeev Mukerjee
Director
Laboratory For Electrochemical Advanced
Power (LEAP)
We
are also interested in understanding at a fundamental level
the nature of transport of ions and solute species in
polymer electrolyte membranes.For this we have a combined
micro-electrode, ESR and molecular modeling effort.All the
fundamental investigations are sponsored by a multitude of
federal agencies which include the Army Research Office
(both Single Investigator and a Multi-University Research
Initiative), NSF, NIST, DARPA, and DOE. We have an
industrial outreach effort which includes our lab being a
fundamental research arm of DeNora company and regional
start-up ventures, Protonex Corporation and Encite llc. In
addition our Industrial partnership is sponsored by BASF,
Yardnee Technical Services, W. L. Gore, and Cabot.