We develop physics-based multiscale digital twins to better design and control next generation chemical and electrochemical technologies with a special focus on hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysers as well as Li-ion and redox-flow batteries. We employ a hierarchical approach to accurately predict the performance, lifetime, and cost of commercial-scale systems directly from material, catalytic and morphological properties measured in the lab using a myriad of techniques including detailed micro-kinetic reaction modelling, structural evolution modelling, continuum transport modelling and machine learning.

See this video from the 2022 EU Hydrogen Week in Brussels highlighting one of the main themes of our research -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2mYiuxrKoY&t=354s

Our various research works on high temperature solid oxide cell technology utilizing this integrated multiscale approach are showcased in this Wiley article: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cite.202100199

Exploring the impact of solid oxide cell size on performance and reliability (NWO KICH1.ED04.20.020)

Solid Oxide Electrolysis is an energy-efficient conversion technology enabling green chemicals and fuels generation. Together with TNO, KIT, Sunfire and Shell, we will address the scale-up of the technology towards multi-MW scale by determining the maximum size for a solid oxide cell that can tolerate electrolysis operation without mechanical failure.

Direct CO₂ methanation inside a proton-conducting solid oxide electrolyser (NWO KICH1.ED04.20.018)

Next-generation proton ceramic electrolysers offer the promise of efficient synthesis of high value chemicals and fuels from relatively abundant and inexpensive raw materials. Together with EIFER and Shell, we will test that promise by attempting to make synthetic methane inside a proton ceramic cell using CO₂, steam, and electricity.