Research Interest: Heat Integration in Microchannel Arrays for Fuel Reforming and Fuel Cells

A major challenge to the proposed 'hydrogen economy' is the efficient conversion of more conventional hydrocarbon fuels to hydrogen for utilization by fuel cells. For portable fuel cell systems operating from higher energy density fuels (e.g., methanol, butane, LNG), ranging in application from personal electronics to automotive power plants, the additional challenge of autothermal operation combines with the need for rapid startup, durability and system simplicity. I am investigating closely integrated microchannel networks for combining multiple reforming stages, pre-heating and cooling cycles within one reactor, for greater thermal efficiency of hydrogen-generating fuel reformers. This technology is also expected to be extendable to the design of high-temperature solid-oxide fuel cells.

Research Interest Multiphase Flow in Fuel Cell Microchannels

Low-temperature polymer fuel cells, utilizing the electrochemical reaction of oxygen (from air) with hydrogen (supplied from either storage tank or in-line reformer), provide multiple water management challenges. Excess water product must be efficiently removed from cathode channels is necessary to prevent flooding of catalyst layers which reduce current generation, while maintaining sufficient hydration of the polymeric electrolyte layer for maximum ion mobility. Continued miniaturization of flow channels within these systems, in order to increase portability and overall energy density, serve to magnify these effects. Research interests focus upon understanding the effects of complex surface patterning of microchannels for improved gas-liquid transport.

Research Interest Multifunctional Catalyst Design for Efficient Hydrogen Generation

A wide variety of alternative fuels have been proposed for hydrogen generation, including but not limited to liquified natural gas (LNG), coal, ethanol and biodiesels. Catalyst design must address the need for high selectivity towards hydrogen generation, long-term stability and increasingly complex reaction networks for biofuel mixtures. Research is aimed at developing robust catalyst systems should be capable of reforming at least as broad a range of fuel mixtures as current automotive engines.