Project Info

Advanced manufacturing of protonic ceramics

Neal Sullivan
nsulliva@mines.edu
The Colorado School of Mines is one of the world leaders in the field of proton-conducting ceramic materials for green hydrogen production.  These novel materials have the potential to generate pure, dry hydrogen at elevated pressure from water and electricity feedstocks.  They present a transformative method of renewable energy storage - converting solar- or wind-derived electricity into the chemical bonds of hydrogen. In this project, the student will work with Mines researchers in the Colorado Fuel Cell Center (CFCC) to fabricate and characterize the performance of protonic-ceramic electrochemical devices. The key research question for which we seek an answer is: "How can we harness the fabrication capabilities of our new ultrasonic atomistic spray equipment to deposit the highest quality and highest performance materials into our protonic ceramics?" To answer this question, the student will fabricate protonic-ceramic devices using the atomistic sprayer, and then characterize the morphology of these devices using Scanning Electron Microscopy and other techniques.

More Information:

Grand Challenge: Make solar energy economical.
Papers already provided to the student for consideration.

Primary Contacts:

Associate Professor Neal Sullivan, PI, nsulliva@mines.edu | Research Professor Carolina Herradon Hernandez, cherradon@mines.edu

Student Preparation

Qualifications

Curiousity.

TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)

5-10

SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED

Electron microscopy experience; spray-deposition knowledge; fuel-cell / electrolyzer / battery performance characterization.

MENTORING PLAN

Direct oversight from Research Professor Herradon.  Periodic oversight from PI Neal Sullivan.

PREFERRED STUDENT STATUS

Freshman
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