Project Info
Catalyst-ionomer interface and interactions in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
Svitlana Pylypenko
spylypen@mines.edu
Project Goals and Description:
Electrochemical energy conversion systems including polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) are central to reducing global fossil fuel dependence through widespread implementation of renewable hydrogen in order to mitigate climate change. Great improvements have been made in the development of catalysts for PEM systems that enable reduction of noble metal loading, however, catalyst layers made with different classes of catalysts, and specifically the catalyst-ionomer interfaces that exist in these catalyst layers, are not well understood. This project will utilize X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to systematically study the differences in the interfaces and catalyst-ionomer interactions across a variety of catalytic systems,
More Information:
Grand Challenge: Not applicable.
https://pylypenkogroup.weebly.com/publications.html
Contact Prof. Pylypenko for additional resources
Primary Contacts:
Svitlana Pylypenko, spylypen@mines.edu.
Jayson Foster, jaysonfoster@mines.edu
Student Preparation
Qualifications
Basic understanding of chemistry/materials science
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
flexible
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy sample prep, data acquisition, and data analysis. Exposure to electron microscopy methods
MENTORING PLAN
The student will participate in the project meetings with the adviser and graduate student on a bi-weekly basis and will attend weekly group meetings (if student's schedule allows)
PREFERRED STUDENT STATUS
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior