Kusoglu Lab Research
Our research theme is the structure-property characterization and modeling of ionomers and solid-polymer electrolytes to understand and improve their stability & functionality in electrochemical technologies - from the polymer-electrolyte and alkaline fuel cells to electrolyzers and flow batteries.
Our research approach involves data-driven design and understanding of ion-containing polymers (ionomers) and thin films at electrode interfaces, including interrogation of their transport functionality and mechanical stability as well as morphological characterization through state-of-the-art synchrotron X-ray techniques at the Advanced Light Source (ALS).
Research projects and activities:
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Structure-Function relationships of ionic polymers for energy conversion devices
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Understanding transport-stability correlations in anion- and cation-exchange membranes
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Development of characterization techniques for morphology, transport function and mechanical deformation of functional polymers (with the ALS)
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Investigation of hybrid ionomers and composite structures for multi-functional separators and bipolar membranes
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Data-driven analysis of membrane structure-functionality and tailored design for energy technologies
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Material Design, Development, Durability and Diagnostics
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Exploration of membrane chemistries for improved transport or durability
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Enhancing membrane durability to monitor and mitigate chemical-mechanical degradation
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Elucidating ionomer thin-film behavior to improve electrode performance and cell efficiency
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Characterization of solid polymer-electrolyte membranes and interfaces for clean energy
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Hydrogen fuel cells, low-temperature PEM fuel cells (via M2FCT consortium)
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Direct Carbon Capture and CO2-reduction devices
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All-solid-state batteries
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Redox Flow Batteries
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Electrochemical-Mechanical Phenomena
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Understanding and mitigation of chemical-mechanical failure in solid-polymer electrolytes and interfaces
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Fundamentals of structure-transport-deformation relationships in adaptive, functional polymers
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Mechanochemistry in ion-containing soft matter and hybrid separators
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Mechanical modeling of membrane-electrode assemblies and interfaces for simulating operational stresses, failure analysis and lifetime assessment
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Projects on Clean Energy and Hydrogen Technologies
Check our current openings and learn more about the opportunities to work with us!
Highlights: Materials Research
Using multiple x-ray characterization tools at the Advanced Light Source (ALS), we showed how chemical and structural changes improve the performance of a novel ion-conducting polymer (ionomer) membrane from 3M. The work provides significant insight into the factors impacting the proton conductivity of ionomers used for fuel cells and the production of hydrogen fuel.
This article discusses the chemical−mechanical coupling phenomenon in ionomers with a focus on their failure as polymer-electrolyte membranes in electrochemical energy devices, and fundamentals of the mechanochemistry in other functional soft matter.
Explore this issue of Interface and see our chalk talk article to learn about the concept of the colors of hydrogen, which is presented with a refined perspective for clean hydrogen production
