News
Seminar Series
April 25 , 2008 EMB 105 |
Harry Tuller Micro-Ionics: A Revolution in Power Generation Host: Professor Srikanth Gopalan, Department of Manufacturing Engineering |
| Abstract: Ionic conductors have long been known to be the basis of electrochemical devices ranging from batteries and fuel cells to chemical sensors. In this presentation, I examine options for embedding miniaturized solid state ionic thin film structures as sensors or power sources together with MEMS components in the same wafer platform. By applying microelectronics process technology, one accesses means for tailoring electrolyte and electrode geometry with exceptionally high dimensional reproducibility. Lower process temperatures commonly lead to films with nanoscale dimensions with implications for performance including higher sensitivity in sensors and improved power densities in fuel cells. But one must temper these advantages with potentially more rapid degradation. Attention is focused on the special challenges that integration of nanostructured solid state ionic materials entails as well recent materials breakthroughs achieved enabling operation of micro-devices to elevated temperatures in harsh environments. Attention will be focused particularly on micro-sensor arrays and micro-solid oxide fuel cells (mSOFC). Biography: Harry L. Tuller is Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Director of the Crystal Physics and Electroceramics Laboratory. He is a Fellow of the American Ceramic Society, and a past winner of the von Humboldt and the Fulbright awards. He is currently the Editor-in-chief of the Journal of Electroceramics. He is a co-founder of Boston MicroSystems, a pioneer in SiC MEMS-based sensor technology. His research interests are in the area of solid state ionics, electronic structure, and transport properties of oxide ceramics, and gas sensors. |
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