Science Drivers

CABES’ Science Drivers

As shown below, each of the five CABES Thrust Group Teams (detailed in other Research pages) collaborate toward advancing our knowledge base in each of the Science Drivers.

In detail, the work of these teams is captured by three sub-questions, which help add detail and direction to the Science Drivers.  These sub-questions are:

1.What factors govern electrocatalysis in alkaline media?

1.1   What chemical and physical effects do supports exert on electrocatalysts in alkaline media, and how are they reflected in catalyst structure, activity, stability, and selectivity?

1.2   What are the analogues of quantum confinement in (alkaline) electrocatalysis, including electronic and lattice strain effects, and how can we accurately predict and control them?

1.3   How does PCET (proton coupled electron transfer) involving the OH- ion and other molecules prevalent at pH 14 affect the conversion and transport (especially ionic and electronic) of energy?

2.How do we understand and control transport in alkaline media?

2.1  How do we describe the effects of interfacial water activity?

2.2   Can we control/design hydrophobic/hydrophilic interactions to optimize interfacial water management and ionic transport?

2.3   How does the architecture of catalysts, supports, and polymer electrolytes control the transport of reactants and products in alkaline electrochemical systems?

3.What makes energy materials durable in alkaline media?

3.1  Can we understand fundamental degradation mechanisms in alkaline media during transport of OH-?

3.2  How do the OH- ions and other species present in alkaline environments affect the stability and structure of polymer membranes at multiple length scales?

3.3  Can we design and synthesize electrolytes with high hydroxide conductivity yet maintain their chemical durability, mechanical strength, water uptake/management, and polymer-electrocatalyst-interface stability under operating conditions?