Elucidation of membrane interface chemistry for electro-chemical processes

Fuel cells have been promoted as a pollution free alternative for energy generation. However, there are several constraints, based around the materials used, which have limited the implementation of this technology. This proposal provides the understanding of the chemical processes occurring in the materials and at the interfaces between the materials which drive the technology and the changes this chemistry causes to the materials. This will enable the design of fuel cell systems and choice of materials to mitigate these changes which reduce performance.
The electro-chemical processes which occur in fuel cells (both high and low temperature systems) are not unique to this technology and to demonstrate the efficacy of the study across all temperature ranges (from room temperature to 1200oC) we will also look at the separation of CO2 using dual phase membranes. While still an emerging technology, these membranes encounter similar problems to fuel cells and are extremely exciting as potential short term solutions for existing energy generation systems where CO2 is generated.
Several extremely powerful, cutting edge, analytical techniques are available which when applied in real time will allow the observation of the chemistry at atomic level. As a consequence the changes caused by operation of the system can be identified and explained. This project couples the application of existing state-of-the-art techniques with the development of these techniques where necessary to allow researchers to follow the changes as the chemical transformation of fuels into power, or CO2 separation, occur.
The potential benefit of this work is that the route to market for all three technologies will be enhanced by a deeper understanding of the chemistry. Hence, the environmental potential of the adoption of these systems will be realised. In addition, the ability to follow processes within working systems will be of great interest to the scientific community working in parallel disciplines such as the design of barriers to prevent corrosion.

The environmental and societal impacts of energy generation using sustainable sources cannot be overstated and have received national and global exposure. Fuel cells comprise a significant component in many strategies to combat climate change. However, the immediacy of energy generation requirements mean that CO2 separation is also vital for existing technologies.
The problems around route to market for fuel cells relate to lifetime and cost which are both linked to the materials used in the systems and how they change with time. The same applies to dual phase membranes for CO2 removal but this technology is still in its infancy.
In this work we will generate a mechanistic understanding of the material changes which cause the loss of performance which is the main barrier to commercially viable systems.
These impacts will be felt ultimately by society due to the greater uptake of the 'hydrogen' economy and in the short term reducing CO2 emissions, and hence benefit to the environment and quality of life. In addition, companies who manufacture the technology and components for the systems will have greater marketability for their products. End users such as renewable energy generation companies and automobile manufacturers will have a more efficient and cost effective product to incorporate into their systems.