Title:
Architected Porous Media in Electrochemical Energy Systems
Abstract:
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.
Bio:
Dr. Maxime van der Heijden is an Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo (since January 2025). She earned her PhD in December 2023 from Eindhoven University of Technology, where she engineered porous materials for redox flow batteries using modeling, imaging diagnostics, and advanced manufacturing. She subsequently worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology, focusing on additive manufacturing approaches for flow battery electrodes. Her current research focuses on the advanced manufacturing of porous microstructures for electrolyzers and flow batteries, integrating imaging, machine learning, additive manufacturing, device testing, and computational design.
Register:
Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/s/4640082022#success
Venue:
DC - William G. Davis Computer Research Centre
200 University Avenue West
DC 1302
Waterloo, ON, CA N2L 3G1
Snacks will be provided for registrants.