Solid Ionics and Devices
The Electrochemical Power group conducts sponsored research and development in the areas of electronic materials, fast ion conductors, fuel cells, and batteries. We are a world-recognized leader in scientific and engineering research on polymer-ceramic ionic conductors.
Our group is also known for collaboration with government and industrial laboratories, developing products by solving complex research issues. For example, we have researched, developed, and transferred to industry polymer-ceramic composite ionic conductors for lithium rechargeable batteries.
Our current research interests include development and characterization of membrane materials for polymer electrolyte (PEM) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), and engineering assessment of potential applications of emerging fuel cells.
Electrochemical Power Laboratory
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Mr. Leese sputter-coating gold on a conductivity specimen.
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Recent Publications
“Ionic Conduction through Heterogeneous Solids: Delineation of Blocking and Space Charge Effects,” B. Kumar, S. Nellutla, J.S. Thokchom and C. Chen, J. Power Sources 160 (2), 1329-1335 (2006).
“Water Durable and Mechanically Resilient Lithium Ion Conducting Membranes from the Li2O-Al2O3-TiO2-P2O5 Glass-Ceramic and its Composite with Polyethylene,” J.S. Thokchom and B. Kumar, J. Electrochem. Soc. 154 (4), A331-A336 (2007).
“Space Charge Signature and its Effects on Ionic Transport in Heterogeneous Solids,” B. Kumar and J.S. Thokchom, J. Amer. Ceram. Soc. 90 (10), 3323-3325 (2007).
“Ionic Transport through Heterogeneous Solids,” Trans. Indian Ceram. Soc. 66 (3), 1-8 (2007).
“Space Charge Mediated Ionic Transport in Yttria Stabilized Zirconia-Alumina Composite Membranes,” B. Kumar and J.S. Thokchom, J. Amer. Ceram. Soc. in press.
Patents
Ceramic-Polymer Composite Electrolytes for Solid State Batteries, U.S. 5,695,873, issued 9 December 1997.
Solid Composite Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries, U.S. 6,132,905, issued 17 October 2000.
Solid Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries, U.S. 6,190,806, issued 20 February 2001.
Resistors Formed of Aluminum Titanium Alloys, U.S. 6,538,554, issued 25 March 2003.
Methods of Enhancing Conductivity of a Polymer-Ceramic Composite Electrolyte, U.S. 6,656,641, issued 2 December 2003.
Colloidal Electrolytes, U.S. 6,986,970, issued 17 January 2006.
Ceramic-Ceramic Nanocomposites for Oxygen Ion Conductors, patent application filed 2005.
Polymer-Ceramic Composite, Water Impermeable Lithium Ion Conducting Membrane and Method of Making, patent application filed November 21, 2005.