Electrochemical Energy Laboratory

Our research programs are centered on understanding the electronic structures of surfaces, with emphasis on metal oxides, searching for descriptors of catalytic activity, surface/interface reactivity and ion transport, and applying fundamental understanding to design materials for oxygen electrocatalysis, CO2 reduction, ion intercalation and ion conductors, in electrochemical/photoelectrochemical energy conversion and storage, including lithium-ion, flow and metal-air batteries, proton exchange membrane and solid oxide fuel cells. Our programs include extensive experimental components including synthesis of well-defined surfaces and nanostructured materials, and investigation of processes at the surfaces/interfaces using electrochemical methods coupled with ex situ and in situ X-ray-based and electron-based spectroscopy. These experimental components are used in conjunction with Density Functional Theory computation efforts to develop new, physically based reaction mechanisms and design principles of materials.