Josh Bailey

PhD title: “Monitoring the microstructural evolution of solid oxide fuel cell anodes”

My project was conducted under the supervision of Prof Paul Shearing in the Electrochemical Innovation Lab at UCL, applying their suite of lab-based X-ray computed tomography (CT) instruments to investigate changes within anodes as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) were held at operating temperatures. Through the combined use of laser micro-machining, focused-ion beam milling, and both lab- and synchrotron-based X-ray CT, a method was developed to monitor degradation processes related to microstructural changes that occur in state-of-the-art SOFCs. A three-month placement at Ceres Power, an intermediate-temperature SOFC company, was an invaluable asset to my studies.

I am currently a Research Fellow, working with Prof Peter Nockemann, in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast. My research focus has shifted to longer-term energy storage, in the form of redox flow batteries. In particular, my project looks to optimise cell design, substitute expensive and toxic vanadium electrolytes for cheaper, more benign alternatives, whilst using advanced characterisation techniques and electrochemical methods to monitor side-reactions, crossover and maximise performance. A 3D-printed parametric cell has been designed to allow for a comprehensive design of experiments approach and electrolyte screening has identified potential candidates for further examination.

Daphné Lubert Perquel

The CDT provided me with the tools to develop my career as a researcher and to participate in Outreach activities to broaden my skills. I really enjoyed my time as a student in the CDT and look forward to continuing collaborations with the research groups there.