Research
Electrification of the chemical industry depends on electrochemical reactors that operate selectively and stably at industrially relevant current densities. Our group addresses this challenge through an integrated workflow that links polymer design to device performance.
Overview
Using organic synthesis as a foundational tool, we design and synthesize functional polymers, including ion-exchange membranes and catalyst binders, and apply them in electrochemical reactors that convert small molecules into fuels and value-added chemicals using renewable electricity. In situ characterization with vibrational spectroscopy probes the polymer–catalyst interface under operating conditions, and long-term stability testing reveals the degradation pathways that must be addressed for practical deployment.
Insights from each stage feed back into the next generation of materials, building structure–property–performance relationships that guide rational polymer design across electrochemical energy conversion systems.
Figure 1The device our materials have to work inside.
Materials
An ion-conducting polymer (ionomer) is a polymer in which a small proportion of the constitutional units contains ionic functional groups. Ionomers can be used to constitute (a) ion-exchange membranes and (b) catalyst binders that are added to a catalyst layer in a zero-gap reactor. These polymers set the operating window of any electrochemical application, whether CO2 reduction, water electrolysis, fuel cells, or nitrate reduction to ammonia. They control how water and ions reach the catalyst, how products leave it, and how long the device survives under load.
(a) Ion-exchange membranes
Backbone and charge-density design for the membrane that separates the electrodes and carries OH−.
(b) Catalyst binders
The binder that surrounds active sites and sets the local reaction environment inside the catalyst layer.
Various architectures of zero-gap electrolyzers have been developed to achieve industrially relevant energy efficiencies and current densities. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) stands out among these architectures, in which the cathode gas-diffusion electrode (GDE) is pressed directly onto an ion-exchange membrane without a catholyte. In engineering such devices, it is necessary to employ active, selective, and stable electrocatalysts, as well as highly ion-conducting and chemically stable solid polymer electrolytes.
Each stage answers a question the previous one raised. Running all four in house is what makes the feedback possible.
Stage 01 · Synthesis
Organic synthesis is the foundational tool of the group. We build the ion-exchange membranes and catalyst binders ourselves, which is what lets us tie a measured device result back to a specific choice of chemistry rather than to a supplier's data sheet.
Stage 02 · Devices
The polymers go into reactors that convert small molecules into fuels and value-added chemicals using renewable electricity — CO2 reduction, water electrolysis, fuel cells, and nitrate reduction to ammonia.
Stage 03 · In situ
In situ characterization with vibrational spectroscopy looks at the polymer–catalyst interface while the cell is running, which is the only condition under which the interface actually exists in the form that matters.
Stage 04 · Stability
Long-term stability testing reveals the degradation pathways that must be addressed for practical deployment. What it turns up becomes the design brief for the next generation of materials.