Dynamic measurement and control of electrochemical interfaces for energy storage and conversion

Renewable energy generation is the first step in combatting climate change, but to move to a true carbon-neutral or carbon-negative society, this energy needs to be stored and converted as well. Many next-generation energy technologies rely on electrochemistry to accomplish this. These technologies rely on electrodes to pass current through a device, but the electrode is so much more than an innocent current collector and can play a critical role in determining device lifetime. Despite this, few studies in the literature appreciate or actively study the dynamic electrode interface, so there exists a gap in fundamental knowledge that can be used to design better materials for more efficient energy technologies. This work presents several studies that quantitatively measure reactivity at electrode interfaces and explore new materials approaches for controlling that reactivity in the realms of energy conversion (electrocatalysis) and energy storage (batteries). Chapter 1 outlines the complexity of the electrode interface and in situ analytical tools for interrogating it. Chapters 2 and 3 outline methods for using scanning electrochemical microscopy to measure surface reactivity on carbon electrodes for water oxidation and flow batteries. Chapters 4 and 5 explore responsive organic materials for programmable deconstruction at the electrode interface for use in organic redox flow batteries and recyclable plastics. Chapter 6 proposes a dynamic piezoelectric platform for studying mechanochemical enhancements in electrocatalytic reactions. Chapter 7 expands on the concept of dynamic control of interfaces and how fundamental chemical principles can be used to improve electrochemical device components. These writings aim to inspire a paradigm shift in the way electrochemists and materials scientists approach energy challenges in the future.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemistry

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2021

Author dc:creator

• Counihan, Michael John

Contributors dc:contributor

• Rodriguez-Lopez, Joaquin
• Jain, Prashant K
• Kenis, Paul JA
• Murphy, Catherine J

• electrochemistry
• scanning electrochemical microscopy
• energy storage
• catalysis
• polymer

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2021 Michael Counihan

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/110769

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/110769