Modelling of electrochemical power sources, specially lead-acid batteries,
lithium ion batteries and fuel cells, is the focus my research. Performance
of fuel cells and batteries depends upon a balance of electrocatalytic
properties of electrodes, ionic and electronic resistance of electrodes and
electrolyte, and diffusion of active ingredients participating in the
electrochemical conversion reactions that generate power. Apart from this,
management of thermal effects and electrolyte distribution are some other
important factors that determine performance. Batteries have a finite life
since electrodes, which are porous, degrade. Degradation could be due to
several causes. Some of them are: mechanical failure caused by fatigue,
alteration of the porous structure which prevents access to reactive
materials and regeneration of reactive materials during charging cycles
outside electrodes. I use mathematical modelling to address these issues as
it can be a powerful tool for design, and diagnostics of performance as well
as degradation.