Research team
Expertise
I am an electron microscopist and postdoctoral researcher at EMAT working with Prof. Sara Bals on chiral plasmonic nanoparticles, fuel cell electrocatalysts, and methods for high resolution and quantitative electron tomography. My research revolves around linking the performance and properties of complex nanomaterials with their morphology and structure at the nanoscale.
Onthullen van de atomaire structuur van driedimensionale nanoporeuze energiematerialen met elektronentomografie en in situ elektronenmicroscopie
Abstract
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are poised to enable a decarbonized heavy-duty mobility, but progress towards lower platinum requirements remains needed. The optimization of the high surface area, nanoporous, carbons that supports the Pt nanoparticles in the cells is a particularly promising pathway to achieve high Pt utilization and efficiency. Yet, characterizing, simulating, and therefore manipulating these carbons has proven difficult due to their three-dimensional (3D), nanoscopic, and highly heterogeneous nature. In this project, I will use advanced electron microscopy methods for 3D and in situ characterization and link them with atomistic simulations in order to uncover the multiscale porous structure the carbon supports from the atomic to the primary particle level. Specifically, I will reveal i) the atomic structure of the pores in carbon supports, ii) the morphological descriptors or the pore network and their relationships to transport resistances, and iii) the structural changes that improve PEMFC performance. The results will provide insights into the origins of performance losses, deliver novel knowledge and datasets for enhanced accuracy in modeling, and therefore contribute towards high-power, low-Pt, PEMFCs. This project will further benefit the other applications of porous carbons, including heterogeneous catalysis, batteries and supercapacitors, and provide innovative methods to characterize the next generation of carbon and energy materials.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Bals Sara
- Fellow: Girod Robin
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project