Lecture Series
Porous media form the backbone of electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies, governing transport, reaction access, and overall efficiency in redox flow batteries, electrolyzers, and fuel cells. Despite their central role, most porous electrodes and transport layers have changed little over decades, relying on randomized architectures that constrain performance, durability, and cost. Dr. van der Heijden’s research group reimagines porous media as engineered components, structures that can be deliberately designed rather than inherited. By integrating pore‑scale modeling, operando imaging, computational optimization, and advanced manufacturing, the group uncovers fundamental structure–performance relationships and develops new architectures that reduce transport losses. This talk highlights how tailored porous microstructures can enable more efficient, robust, and scalable electrochemical devices.
