Research

The focus of the research in Prof. Dario Dekel’s group is on electrochemical technologies based on ion conducting membranes. Synthesis and processing of anion exchange membranes (AEMs), based on anion conducting polymers (ionomers), are of special interest. These membranes can be used for fuel cells, electrolyzers and redox flow batteries, for power generation and energy storage of available renewable sources. The basic topics studied are the chemical stability of the charged (ionic) centers in ionomers under actual fuel cell conditions, membrane water uptake, microstructure and porosity upon casting, and the synthesis and processing of AEMs.

Prof. Dekel’s research group is in quest of basic understanding and development of Pt-free electrocatalysts, ionomeric materials, membranes, electrodes and cell assemblies. In addition to materials, Prof. Dekel also devotes part of his research to development of electrochemical cell devices, and their characterization. 

A variety of electrocatalytic materials are developed in the group for hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions which take place on the electrodes of fuel cells, with the major emphasis on the Pt-free or fully platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) electrocatalysts. Multifaceted characterization of the physical, physicochemical, (electro)chemical properties of the developed materials ensures a deep understanding of the catalytic nature of the materials.

The tremendous progress in AEM development in recent years may allow anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) to be an alternative energy source for vehicles in the near future. Therefore, basic understanding and control of the ionomer’s chemical structure, conductivity and chemical stability is of greatest importance for the future development of these advanced energy devices. Developing AEMFCs with high efficiency and performance stability offers a wide field of open questions and challenges from organic chemistry, chemical engineering, catalysis and energy research.