Scientific research.

Current research topics. 

• Design and optimization of electrode materials for SOFC fuel cells with particular emphasis on the structural aspect, optimization of electrode microstructure, research in the field of charge transfer mechanism, stability and thermochemical properties, as well as determination of polarization phenomena on electrodes and studies of electrochemical properties of cells.

• Development of effective oxide materials for oxygen storage that can be used in modern energy technologies. The work includes the structural aspect and phase transitions, research on the mechanism of oxygen uptake and donation and the role of microstructure optimization to improve reversible oxygen storage.

• Theoretical and experimental research in the field of modification and development of new relaxation techniques for determining the chemical diffusion coefficient and constant surface exchange. In particular, the work concerns the modification of electrochemical PITT / GITT methods used for measuring porous electrodes in Li-ion cells and the use of the XRD technique as a tool for determining ion diffusion coefficients.

• Design and optimization of electrode materials and solid electrolytes for fuel cells with proton conductive oxide electrolyte (PCFC type cells). Research activity in this area focuses on the aspect related to the influence of water oxide embedded in the crystal structure, proton transfer mechanism, stability and thermochemical properties, the phenomenon of electrode polarization and studies of electrochemical properties of materials for a new concept of symmetrical cells.

• Research on oxide materials for a new generation of ceramic membranes with mixed ion-electron conductivity. In addition to research on structural and transport properties and oxygen conductivity, thermochemical properties and membrane stability in atmospheres containing CO2 are of interest.

•Design and optimization of a new generation of anode and cathode materials for lithium cells characterized by high power density and stored energy. Research activity relates to measurements of the crystal structure and determination of its modification in electrode processes, studies of the mechanism of ion and electronic charge transfer as well as determination of electrochemical properties in terms of electrode capacity and reversibility of charge / discharge cycles.

• Determination of properties related to hydrogen storage in solids with amorphous and quasicrystalline structure in the aspect of hydrogen storage and the development of Ni-MH nickel-metal-hydride cells.

Promoted doctors.

dr inż. Wojciech Skubida

the title of work: “Correlation between structure and transport properties in proton-conducting oxides in the design of electrodes and electrolytes for Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells”
the title of work in Polish: „Materiały o strukturze perowskitu do magazynowania tlenu”
Honors doctoral dissertation

dr inż. Alicja Klimkowicz

the title of work: “Perovskite-based oxygen storage materials”
the title of work in Polish: „Materiały o strukturze perowskitu do magazynowania tlenu”
Work done under a double diploma agreement between AGH and
Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Tokyo, Japan
Honors doctoral dissertation

dr inż. Kun Zheng

the title of work: „Novel electrode materials for IT-SOFC fueled by syngas”
the title of work in Polish: „Nowe materiały elektrodowe dla ogniw IT-SOFC zasilanych gazem syntezowym”
Work done as part of the KIC InnoEnergy PhD School
Honors doctoral dissertation
The work was awarded in the competition of the Polish Association of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

Topics of doctoral dissertations.

• New strategies in the design of an air electrode for SOFC fuel cells with increased electrocatalytic activity

• Oxygen production technology based on new generation OSM materials

Those interested are asked to contact us in advance.

Job offers as part of research projects. 

There are currently no free positions available in research projects.

Offers of scientific and research internships. 

There is a possibility of a research internship with a duration of 1-3 months at the Department of Hydrogen Energy at the Faculty of Energy and Fuels of AGH or with a foreign scientific partner.

There is also the possibility of an industrial internship at the cooperating company Johnson Matthey Battery Systems Sp. z o.o. Those interested are asked to contact us.

Teaching.

Teaching materials for students (2019/2020 academic year).

• Presentations from the Chemistry I module – lecture (1st degree studies, Power Engineering, WEiP)

• Presentations from the elective module Physical chemistry – lecture (1st degree studies, Power Engineering, WEiP)

• Presentations from the Electrochemical Basics of Energy Storage and Conversion module – lecture (2nd degree studies, Power Engineering, WEiP)

• Presentations from the Energy Processes module – lecture (2nd degree studies, Power Engineering, WEiP)

• Presentations from the elective module Modeled materials for the power industry – lecture (2nd degree studies, Power Engineering, WEiP)

Thesis.

Topics of engineering diploma theses (academic year 2019/2020):

• Measurements of oxygen permeation through ceramic MIEC membranes for the separation of air components

• Preparation of ceramic membranes for the process of separation of air components with a catalytically active functional layer

• Temperature tests of Li-ion cells with a cathode based on layered oxides

• Construction and testing of high temperature SOFC cells with cathode based on LnBaCo2-xMnxO5 + δ oxide (Ln – selected lanthanides)

• Analysis of transmission options for natural gas mixtures containing hydrogen through a gas network

Topics of MA theses (academic year 2019/2020):

• Improving the performance of oxygen storage materials by surface modification

The aim of the study is to examine the possibilities of improving the usable properties of oxygen storage materials (selected compositions based on literature review) by surface modification with the separation of catalytic palladium. It is expected to improve the rate of reduction and oxidation as well as the capacity obtained, and thus key parameters determining the use in energy technologies.

• Chemical modification of NdBaInO4 type indium compounds to improve oxygen conduction for the construction of efficient oxygen separation membranes

As part of the work, the possibilities of chemical modification (substitution with selected cations in a cationic subnetwork) in materials based on indium compounds of the NdBaInO4 type will be determined. The selected, most promising compositions will be characterized in terms of physicochemical properties (phase composition, crystal structure, ion-electron conductivity, oxygen conduction through a dense membrane).

• Ceramic composite membranes based on nickel and copper oxides with a functional layer for oxygen-air separation technology

As part of the work, ceramic composite membranes will be made based on previously selected nickel and copper compounds of the Ln2-xNi1-yCuyO4 ± δ type (Ln: selected lanthanides) with a functional layer based on a higher (n> 1) Ruddlesden-Popper oxide. The research will concern physicochemical measurements of membranes, including the ability to conduct oxygen.

• Construction and testing of electrochemical properties of PCFC-type laboratory fuel cells in a classic and symmetrical system

The work will concern the design of laboratory button-type fuel cells with proton conductive electrolyte (selection of materials based on a literature review). Cells in classic and symmetrical construction (identical anode and cathode material) will be tested for electrochemical properties.

Master’s theses carried out in cooperation with industry.

• As part of cooperation with Johnson Matthey Battery Systems Sp. z o.o. from Gliwice, it is possible to implement commissioned master’s theses on scientific and industrial research in the field of lithium cells and batteries.

Agreement on the subject and scope of research will be based on a three-party agreement (company-college-graduate). Those interested are asked to contact us in advance and send a cover letter.

Examples of topics of master’s theses implemented so far:

• Tests and selection of Li-ion cells for commercial use of Ebike, Power Tools and Lawn & Garden based on legal requirements in North America (work in English) Recycling of recyclable materials from used Li-ion battery packs