Laboratory for Electrochemical Interfaces

Yildiz Group's research focuses on laying the scientific groundwork and proof-of-principle material systems for the next generation of high-efficiency devices for energy conversion and information processing, based on solid state ionic-electronic materials. The scientific insights derived from our research impact the design of novel surface/interface chemistries for:
(*) efficient and durable solid oxide fuel cells,
(*) redox based memristive information storage and logic,
(*) efficient and durable thermo/electro-chemical splitting of water and CO2,
(*) high energy density and high power density solid state batteries, and
(*) corrosion resistant films in a wide range of extreme environments as in nuclear energy generation, concentrated solar energy, and oil exploration.

We have thus far made significant contributions in advancing the molecular-level understanding of oxygen reduction and oxidation kinetics on mixed ionic-electronic solid surfaces. Specifically we have uncovered the effects of elastic strain, dislocations, temperature and oxygen pressure on the reactivity and degradation of mixed ionic/electronic materials, by combining theoretical and experimental analyses of surface electronic structure, defect mobility and composition.

The key findings in much of this work are obtained through our development of in-situ scanning tunnelling spectroscopy and x-ray spectroscopy methods in conjunction with first-principles calculations and novel atomistic simulations.

The Laboratory for Electrochemical Interfaces focuses on laying the scientific groundwork and proof-of-principle material systems for the next generation of high-efficiency devices for energy conversion and information processing, based on solid state mixed ionic-electronic conducting (MIEC) materials. We have thus far made significant con­tri­bu­tions to advancing the molecular-level understanding of oxygen reduction and oxidation kinetics on MIEC solid surfaces, and of ion and electron transport, under electro-chemo-mechanical conditions. The scientific insights derived from our research guide the design of novel surface chemistries for efficient and durable solid oxide fuel cells, thermo-/electro-chemical splitting of H2O and CO2, for corrosion resistant films in a wide range of extreme environments as in nuclear energy and oil exploration, for high energy density solid state batteries, and for red-ox based memristive information storage.