Clean efficient power systems are of extreme importance to an energy intensive, environmentally conscientious society. Research in thermal systems includes the development of fuels and systems for both mobile transportation systems and stationary power plants. Electrochemical systems research is focused on the electrosynthesis of new materials such as metal alloys or the design of new power generation systems such as fuel cells.

Research Activities

Electrochemical Research

Electrochemical research is conducted at the Electrochemical Laboratory. Scientists carry out electrochemical studies on physico-chemical systems for a variety of reasons. They may be interested in obtaining thermodynamic data or understanding the kinetics of a process such as corrosion. The goal might be the analysis of a solution for trace amounts of chemical compounds. Also, there are investigations in which the system's electrochemical properties themselves are of primary interest. Examples are the design of new power generation systems (e.g., fuel cells and batteries) and electrosynthesis of new materials such as metal alloys or oxide films. The Center for Electrochemical Studies strives to be a research unit for fundamental and applied interdisciplinary science and engineering research on electrochemical technologies. The center also aims to promote and facilitate the use of electrochemical probes and systems in different areas of science and technology.

High Temperature PEM Fuel Cells (pdf)
Interfacial Electrochemistry of Solid Oxides (pdf)
Metal Corrosion in High Temperature Aqueous Solutions (pdf)
High Temperature pH Sensing
Corrosion Mitigation Coatings (pdf)
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Materials (pdf)
SOFC Demonstration Site
Thermodynamic Modeling
Advanced power generation systems, fuel cells, and batteries
Corrosion and passivity of metals and alloys in power plant reactors
Electrochemical and corrosion phenomena in supercritical water oxidation technology
Environmentally assisted cracking of metals and alloys in high temperature aqueous solutions
Electrochemical sensors, reference electrodes, and electrochemical noise sensors in supercritical aqueous solutions
High temperature systems for pH measurements
Microelectrode measurements at interfaces
Electrochemical kinetics and thermal diffusion transport at elevated temperatures
Electrokinetic's transport phenomena and surface chemistry in hydrothermal systems
Hydrothermal-electrochemical deposition of oxide films
Molecular-statistical, irreversible and chemical thermodynamics of aqueous systems
Biogeochemical cycles and thermodynamic stability analysis of ecological systems

Stationary Power Research

The research activities of the Energy Institute are quite varied and reflect the dynamic nature of energy technology in the 21st century. The Energy Institute builds upon its strong foundation in the study of fossil fuels and their utilization to address issues that concern those involved in the energy community: environmentally responsible development and utilization of our energy resources, efficient utilization of existing energy resources and development of alternative fuels for the future.

The Energy Institute recognizes that the energy community is extremely diversified and dynamic. This group consist of private industry, governmental agencies, and utilities and their interests range from fuel development in the front end to flue gas cleanup at the backend. The Energy Institute has in the past and will continue in the future to respond to the diversity in interest and goals of its customers by providing support in identifying and solving existing problems and providing the expertise and facilities to evaluate new technologies and fuels.