Electrochemical applications of materials.
The research subline (group) forms part of the Glass Department of the ICV. The group has been working for more than 30 years in the field of electrochemical and electrocatalytic processes involved in energy and environmental applications, and are pioneers at the national level on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The importance of the group on the international stage is reflected through heavy involvement in European Union Framework programs requiring scientific and technological excellence. International cooperation also includes participation in joint collaborative projects and bilateral agreements. Joint publications with international centres accounts for 50% of the group article output. The internationalization of the group is further reflected by the profile of its members, which includes a non-national permanent scientist and three other non-national employees in the period 2003-2008. Scientific research is additionally funded by national public funds (National R&D plan, regional programs etc.). The technological focus of the group is supported with private and public technology-based projects (PETRI) and private contracts. In the period 2003-2007, one licensed patent has been granted and three have been solicited. Training of personnel is an important component of the group remit, including PhD theses, training courses and visits by foreign researchers and students.
The group activity involves the design, development and characterisation of electroactive materials and components for electrochemical devices. Energy and the environment have been the principal areas in which most projects have been developed in the last decade. Materials and components are developed for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and ceramic gas-separation membranes. In the last five years, much activity has also been devoted to bioceramic electroactive materials for the adherence, survival and growth of neurons and other biomedical applications, including cancer therapy.