Dual-Electrode in situ Infrared Spectroscopy for Fuel Cells and Batteries

OVERVIEW

Georgetown researchers have created a rotating dual-electrode infrared cell which measures in situ/operando electrochemical attenuated-total-refection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IRS) to monitor full cell/battery operation and electrochemical measurements in fuel cells and batteries while it is operational. The technology not only allows for the measurements of different chemical species involved in the anodic reactions such as methanol oxidation and those involved in the cathodic reactions such as oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells but also of the chemical processes of forming and deteriorating solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) in rechargeable batteries through use of ATR-IRS measurements.

BACKGROUND

Fuel cells and rechargeable batteries are low pollution emission energy technologies that are some of the oldest electrical conversion technologies. Recent fuel cell and rechargeable battery research has focused on electrode chemistry, optimization, and safety. Current trends emphasize in situ/operando studies of both anodic and cathodic reactions, operational conditions, and whole-system dynamics. New technologies, such as the dual-electrode in situ/operando infrared spectroscopy, enable researchers to observe fuel cell activity and battery chemistry during operation, providing a comprehensive view for further improvements in the field.

Benefit

• Measure the chemical processes at the anode and the cathode in operating fuels cells or rechargeable batteries during operation.
• May lead to a better understanding of operational chemistry of fuel cells and rechargeable batteries by allowing for a study of full components of fuel cells or rechargeable batteries during operation.
• Potentially enhance research on fuel cells and rechargeable batteries.

Market Application

• Automotive Industry: Companies that focus on advancing fuel cells and batteries for transportation purposes
• Energy Sector: Companies looking to advance renewable energy or alternative energy sources
• Electronics and consumer goods: Companies with a focus on optimizing batteries in consumer goods
• Industrial and Commercial Applications: Companies invested in fuel cells and batteries for commercial purposes

Publications

• US Patent No. 11,035,791
• Ataee‐Esfahani, H.; Chen, D.; Tong, YuYe. J. Dual‐IR Window/Electrode Operando Attenuated Total Reflection‐IR Absorption Spectroscopy for Battery Research. Batter Supercaps 2019, 2, 60–65. https://doi.org/10.1002/batt.201800068.
• Tong, YuYe J. "In situ electrochemical nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for electrocatalysis: Challenges and prospects."Current Opinion in Electrochemistry4.1 (2017): 60-68.
• Sorte, Eric G., De-Jun Chen, and YuYe J. Tong. "Dual-electrode in situ infrared spectroscopy for fuel cells."Journal of The Electrochemical Society163.4 (2015): H3038.