Research

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.