My research interests include the study of polymers, catalysts, and other materials used in electrochemical devices such as fuel cells and batteries.
Fuel cells are cousins to another electrochemical device, the battery.
The primary difference between the two is that in a battery the oxidant and reductant are contained within the electrochemical cell, whereas in a fuel cell the oxidizer and fuel are continuously added. When the chemicals are used up, the fuel cell is simply refueled much like adding gasoline to a car engine, while the battery is recharged, a more time consuming process. Although the chemistry behind these electricity makers is based on some very simple chemical reactions, batteries have dominated the marketplace because fuel cells have been too big, too heavy, and most importantly, too expensive to be used in anything other than highly specialized applications like space travel. Recent breakthroughs in materials have both improved performance and reduced the costs of fuel cells. I believe the key ingredient for any alternative power source to make the transition from the laboratory to the market is the development of materials to make it happen.