Semester Projects | Fall 2026
(can be adapted to Bachelor or Master level)
Wetting behavior of gas diffusion electrodes used in CO2 electrolyzers imaged in an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope
AvailableGas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) are used in various electrochemical systems, including CO2 electrolyzers, for the controllable transport of the gaseous reactants. They consist of a microporous layer (MPL) on which a catalyst layer is deposited. One of the main failure mechanisms of CO2 electrolyzers is the flooding of the GDE over time, blocking CO2 gas from accessing the catalyst, thereby degrading electrochemical performance. The aim of this project is to evaluate how GDEs with morphological differences differ in flooding behaviour. The student will compare wetting and water penetration in pristine and post-mortem GDEs using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM).
Contact: Ms. Richa RajadhyaxFinite element simulation for metal deposition in microcells
AvailableIn-situ liquid phase electron microscopy has been greatly developed over the years for studying electrochemical processes in battery systems using specially designed microchips. However, the miniaturization of the electrochemical microcells can induce changes in the current distribution and the electric field gradients which could differ their electrochemistry from the bulk cells. Here, we propose using COMSOL Multiphysics to model the metal deposition process on micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) chips to predict how different chip designs and testing parameters affect the plating uniformity within the microcell. The work involves defining the electrochemical cell geometry, setting up the necessary kinetic equations and performing simulations to analyze current distribution, potential hotspots and plating morphology. Previous experience with COMSOL Multiphysics or battery modelling is preferred but not mandatory.
Contact: Mr. Chang LiuTesting lithium metal plating/stripping in microcells
AvailableAnode-free lithium metal batteries (AFLMBs) are regarded as one of the most promising candidates for the next-generation battery system with high energy density. However, their application is limited by the uncontrollable and irreversible deposition of lithium metal on the current collector during the cycling which leads to low columbic efficiency, dendrite growth and safety hazards. The electrolyte plays a critical role in determining the interfacial chemistry and deposition morphology of lithium metal. Therefore, this project aims to investigate the lithium metal plating/stripping behaviors in different electrolytes using a microchip. The student will be trained to mount the microchip on a dedicated liquid-phase holder and perform plating/stripping experiments in a glovebox. Previous experience in electrochemical or battery systems is preferred but not mandatory.
Contact: Mr. Chang LiuImaging of bipolar membranes used in zero-gap CO2 electrolyzers
AvailableBipolar membranes are made by the lamination of anion-exchange and cation-exchange membranes. They are used to separate cathode and anode catalysts in zero-gap CO2 electrolyzers. While such electrolyzers are expected to perform well, they are currently hindered by poor long-term stability. One of the reasons for this is the delamination of the BPM layers, possibly due to the formation of water and CO2 at the interface. This project aims to use environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) to characterize the interface of the BPM in pristine and post-mortem states, in both dry and wet conditions.
Contact: Ms. Richa Rajadhyax