Title: Development of electrochemical devices for energy conversion and storage: batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers through techniques for the analysis of elementary mechanisms during their operation (in-operando)
Tutor: Prof. Roberto Biagi (FIM), Prof . Marco Borsari (DSCG)
Abstract: The hydrogen supply chain is currently considered the most promising technology to complement renewable production, both for mitigating the intermittency of sources (storage) and for replacing fossil fuels in the hard-to-abate sectors. The objective is the development of fuel cells and electrolysers with a close-knit team of physicists, chemists and engineers who deal with the analysis of the fundamental mechanisms underlying the operation of electrochemical devices for energy conversion, in particular the electrocatalyst. For this investigation, spectroscopic techniques that allow access to these mechanisms in the environment in which they take place are crucial. This is the so-called IN-OPERANDO Analysis. In our case it consists of the spectroscopic analysis based on the absorption of X-rays (XAS) carried out during the operation of the device. Technical-scientific experts with the training acquired in this PhD course will be among the most sought after.
Collaborations: DSCG-UniMORE, DIEF-UniMORE, Centro H2-MORE ,UniBO, UniTS , CNR- Nano Modena, CNR-ISMN Bologna, Sincrotrone Elettra, Charles University Prague (CZ), Chemistry Department and Petersen Institute of Nanoscience and Engineering, University of Pittsburgh (USA).