Current Research Areas
This page summarizes our current research interests, describes ongoing projects, and details the organizations and partners we collaborate with.
Hydrogen Production
- H2NEW Consortium - In collaboration with NREL, our group leverages X-ray scattering techniques (X-ray diffraction and small angle scattering) to identify early term structural degradation of solid oxide electrolysis cells that lead to late stage cell failure.
- Development of high entropy perovskite oxides (HEPOs) as superior SOEC anodes - In collaboration with research groups at Stanford, SLAC (Suncat), and LBNL, we aim to synthesize and optimize HEPOs as high performing HTE anodes with enhanced stability. Our roles within this project include XRD validation of HEPO anode integrity after synthesis, synthetic aging, and HTE operation. We also provide measurements of electronic and ion conductivity at operational temperatures.
- HydroGEN Consortium
Hydrogen Infrastructure
Ongoing Projects:
- HyMARC Consortium - We leverage the capabilities of hard X-ray scattering to provide advanced structural characterization of new and developing hydrogen storage materials. In the past, these activities have largely included structure solution of new materials and identification of degradation pathways. More recently we have emphasized automated X-ray measurements to understand performance and degradation mechanisms during rapid cycling at operating conditions.
CO2 Direct Air Capture (DAC)
Ongoing Projects:
- ENDURANCE (DOE-BES)
Gas-Solid Interactions
Synchrotron X-ray Capability Developments
Ongoing Projects:
- Development of a setup for robot-automated flat plate/reflection geometry X-ray Diffraction
- Development of a system and facility for operando high temperature electrolysis (HTE) X-ray diffraction
