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AThings I Can’t Do
lthough I realize that it would be impossible to cover all the things I can’t do in a mere 750 words, in this case I am referring to the work of nurses and doctors. We take for granted that they will be there when we need them, but we rarely focus on what that assumption means. I get an insider view of that because my wife Heather is an anestheologist and my daughter Jenna is a nurse in the Surgical and Trauma Intensive Care Unit (STICU). On most nights, I am regaled with the technical details of their cases. As this editorial is required to be family friendly, I will not repeat any of the situations that I have heard. Let’s just say that in some cases they serve as good supports for diets as my stomach says, “Yup. Nope.” when the truly gory details are shared. The one example I will give is “internal decapitation.” Enough said.
I am repeatedly amazed at what they face in terms of truly life-and-death situations where they have exactly one chance to make the right decision based on a massive amount of input data. Maddeningly, though, the data they really need is not available. Did I mention that not only do the decisions need to be right, but they need to be made now, if not sooner? Then rinse and repeat with a new patient who is just as cherished by their family as the one you just finished working on. That patient likely has a completely different problem that needs urgent attention. When you add on top of it their service during the pandemic, you realize that they are just built differently. All that said, I do always take the opportunity to remind them how much of the equipment and tests they use would not be around if not for electrochemists and solid state scientists. Gotta defend the brand.
So why couldn’t I do it? Let us count the ways. I think that the only place blood should ever be is inside someone’s body. When it is not, I tend to get woozy. As our kids were growing up and got a cut or a splinter, they knew to take it to Heather—thank heavens. I also can never pronounce the disease or condition nor the medicine to treat it, even after many, many instances. For example, I still sometimes say “fentynol” like it is some kind of liqueur, rather than “fentanyl,” the current scourge opioid. I like to take my time in making important decisions, weighing the pros and cons, maybe whipping out a spreadsheet or word processor, if needed, which they always are. Compartmentalization is a requirement for the work Heather and Jenna do. Moving on to the next case with the same focus and empathy as if it were the first case of the day rather than the thirtieth is something I would find extremely hard to do. The list goes on, of course, but I think I have made my point.
Nah, I will take my desk jockey job any day. My daily battle with word processors, spreadsheets, and scientific equipment is enough to give me the adrenaline rush I need. My job does have its own set of pressures and unpleasantness. Students are not always thrilled with the grades they have earned, and many have developed fairly impressive negotiation skills. Proposal deadlines always occur at the worst time, and when your salary for the upcoming summer is at stake, missing them is not an option. An email containing the phrase “the Dean would like to meet with you” is rarely a precursor to a pat on the back, more like a kick in the rear for wrongs real or imagined. Not that something like that has happened to me. Well, at least not often if your definition of “often” is broad enough.
So, I stand in awe of my family and all those like them. On behalf of us all, thank you for being willing to do things that I can’t do. I will also admit that there are many other jobs that I could not do, but fortunately, all I need is one.
Until next time, be safe and happy.
Rob Kelly Editor-in-Chief
Published by:
The Electrochemical Society (ECS) 65 South Main Street Pennington, NJ 08534-2839, USA Tel 609.737.1902, Fax 609.737.2743 www.electrochem.org
Editor-in-Chief: Rob Kelly
Guest Editor: Praveen Sekhar
Contributing Editors: Christopher L. Alexander, Christopher G. Arges, Scott Cushing, Ahmet Kusoglu, Donald Pile, Alice Suroviec
Senior Director of Publications: Adrian Plummer
Senior Director of Engagement: Shannon Reed
Production Editor: Kara McArthur
Graphic Design & Print Production Manager: Dinia Agrawala
Staff Contributors: Frances Chaves, Francesca Di Palo, Genevieve Goldy, Maggie Hohenadel, Mary Hojlo, Christopher J. Jannuzzi, John Lewis, Anna Olsen, Fern A. Oram, Jennifer Ortiz, JaneAnn Wormann
Advisory Board: Jie Xiao (Battery Division) Eiji Tada (Corrosion Division)
Vaddiraju Sreeram (Dielectric Science and Technology Division)
Luca Magagnin (Electrodeposition Division)
Qiliang Li (Electronics and Photonics Division)
Katherine Ayers (Energy Technology Division) Cortney Kreller (High-Temperature Energy, Materials, & Processes Division)
Paul Kenis (Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering Division)
Eugeniusz Zych (Luminescence and Display Materials Division)
Jeff Blackburn (Nanocarbons Division)
Shelley Minteer (Organic and Biological Electrochemistry Division)
Stephen Paddison (Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry Division)
Praveen Sekhar (Sensor Division)
Publications Subcommittee Chair: Francis D'Souza
Society Officers: Colm O'Dwyer, President; James (Jim) Fenton, Senior Vice President; Francis D'Souza, 2nd Vice President; Robert Savinell, 3rd Vice President; Gessie Brisard, Secretary; Elizabeth J. PodlahaMurphy, Treasurer; Christopher J. Jannuzzi, Executive Director & CEO
Statements and opinions given in The Electrochemical Society Interface are those of the contributors, and ECS assumes no responsibility for them.
Authorization to photocopy any article for internal or personal use beyond the fair use provisions of the Copyright Act of 1976 is granted by The Electrochemical Society to libraries and other users registered with the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC). Copying for other than internal or personal use without express permission of ECS is prohibited. The CCC Code for The Electrochemical Society Interface is 1064-8208/92.
ISSN : Print: 1064-8208 Online: 1944-8783
The Electrochemical Society Interface is published quarterly by The Electrochemical Society (ECS), at 65 South Main Street, Pennington, NJ 08534-2839 USA. Subscription to members is part of membership service. © Copyright 2025 by The Electrochemical Society. *“Save as otherwise expressly stated.”
The Electrochemical Society is an educational, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with more than 8,500 scientists and engineers in over 75 countries worldwide who hold individual membership. Founded in 1902, the Society has a long tradition in advancing the theory and practice of electrochemical and solid state science by dissemination of information through its publications and international meetings.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7354-0978
Praveen Sekhar
Praveen Sekhar and Thiagarajan Soundappan
by Ajit Khosla
PENNINGTON CORNER
GECS United
reetings from ECS Headquarters in beautiful Pennington, NJ!
As the world continues to confront cultural, scientific, political, and armed conflicts, and climate change wreaks environmental havoc, I draw great inspiration from our community’s response to the upcoming 247th ECS Meeting in Montréal, Canada. Despite these conflicts, or perhaps partly because of them, the ECS community is uniting across borders, ideologies, and anything that prevents us from doing what we do best: advancing theory and practice at the forefront of electrochemical and solid state science and technology for the benefit of all humanity. With more than 3,000 abstracts scheduled, the Montréal meeting will no doubt be another outstanding event, uniting scientists, engineers, and researchers from 69 countries to champion and support ECS’s mission.
In recent years, the ECS community has experienced tremendous growth, not just in the numbers of meeting abstracts and attendees, but also in membership. We have reached our highest level in well over a decade! Additionally, the ECS Digital Library garnered more than 12 million downloads in 2024, the most ever in a single year.
While there are many reasons for this growth, the main driver is the critical role that the Society’s topical interest areas play in addressing the grand challenges facing the planet and human condition. To name just a few: establishing renewable energy sources; mitigating climate change; providing clean water; finding new ways to store and utilize energy with evergrowing efficiency; inventing environmentally safe corrosion inhibitors; and developing advanced sensors that expand medical applications, enhance energy source performance, explore space, strengthen environmental monitoring, and improve health, safety, and security. All these areas are vital to improving the human condition, and all have a technical home in ECS.
Society engagement has also increased because our technical domains are critical drivers of economic prosperity. For instance, in the US, the CHIPS and Science Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law helped curb inflation, drive unemployment to historically low levels, and create a vast array of new economic opportunities.
The challenge before us now is to unite the phenomenal growth and engagement we have seen within the ECS community in continuing to move the mission of ECS forward, even as existing global challenges persist, and new ones
emerge. And the best way to accomplish this? Simply continue doing what we have done throughout our 123-year history:
• Accelerate scientific discovery. ECS convenes the world’s finest minds in electrochemistry and solid state science and disseminates their groundbreaking research and discoveries broadly through ECS’s outstanding portfolio of journals in the ECS Digital Library on the IOP Science platform.
• Champion the work and members of the ECS community. Our awards, grants, and fellowships programs will provide over $200k in support this year. One program, the ECS Toyota Young Investigator Fellowship, has provided over $1.65 million to encourage young professionals and scholars to pursue research into batteries, fuel cells and hydrogen, and future sustainable technologies since its inception.
• Engage a global, diverse, and inclusive community Last year, ECS founded 18 new Student Chapters in Canada, China, India, Korea, Mexico, Pakistan, Poland, Singapore, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States, bringing the total number of chapters to 154! Click here to learn how to start a chapter at your institution.
• Empower and nurture future generations of scientists and researchers. By advancing science and helping benefit all humankind, our community is an enduring voice and force for positive change.
Lastly, I borrowed the title of the piece, ECS United, from the theme of the Montréal meeting. I did so because, as the person in charge of the professional corps of ECS, I know, perhaps better than anyone, that ECS is a volunteer-led, volunteer-driven community. It is the power of our community that propels our shared mission and gives me great hope and strength in these trying times. Together, we can move science forward and, united, boldly face the global challenges before us.
Christopher J. Jannuzzi ECS Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7293-7404
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2024 Year in Review
n 2024, our members’ crucial role in addressing global challenges—establishing renewable energy sources, mitigating climate change, providing clean water, finding new and more efficient ways to store and utilize energy, inventing environmentally safe corrosion inhibitors, developing advanced sensors, and more—continues to expand. As the leading society in solid state and electrochemical science, The Electrochemical Society (ECS) is proud to fulfill our urgent mission of empowering our members at the forefront of discovery for the benefit of all humanity.
Key 2024 Societal achievements include:
• Accelerating scientific discovery at ECS meetings by convening record numbers of scientists at all career stages and from all around the world;
• Expanding ECS’s membership around the world to the highest number in the Society’s history;
• Disseminating groundbreaking research and discoveries broadly through ECS journals, achieving a record 12.1 million downloads from the ECS Digital Library on IOP Science;
• Supporting and nurturing future leaders, recognizing rising stars via awards, and increasing the number of ECS Student Chapters to 154;
• Achieving strong financial results to sustain these initiatives.
247th ECS Meeting
Montréal, Canada
May 18-22, 2025
Palais des Congrès de Montréal
248th ECS Meeting
Chicago, IL
October 12-16, 2025
Hilton Chicago
Total $ awarded: $72,515
Honors, Awards, Fellowships, and Grants
Z01 General Student Poster Awards
Total $ awarded: $10,000
Total # of Student Poster Award winners:
Total $ awarded: $92,700
Total # of Society Award recipients: 7
Total # of Section Award recipients: 11* *Includes Student Award data (Maha Yusuf)
Awards
Total #of Division Award recipients: 31*
Key 2024 Honors & Awards Achievements
• For PRiME 2024, thanks to a partnership between ECS, The Electrochemical Society of Japan (ECSJ), and The Korean Electrochemical Society (KECS), 10 General Student Poster Session Awards were granted rather than the usual three.
• The Society inducted 13 new Fellows of The Electrochemical Society into the 2024 Class.
Rohan Akolkar, Case Western Reserve University
Felix N. Büchi, Paul Scherrer Institut
David Cliffel, Vanderbilt University
Jeffrey Elam, Argonne National Laboratory
Sossina M. Haile, Northwestern University
Mark C. Hersam, Northwestern University
Masayuki Itagaki, Tokyo University of Science
Song Jin, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Sushanta Mitra, University of Waterloo
Rana Mohtadi, Toyota Research Institute of North America
David A. Shifler, Office of Naval Research
Jean St-Pierre, Cummins Inc.
Yong Yang, Xiamen University
ECS Education
New Online Courses Launched in 2024
• Materials Science in Lithium-Ion Battery Components: Electrolytes, Anodes, and Cathodes
245th ECS Meeting
San Francisco, CA
May 26–30, 2024
Total # of:
• Participants: 2,829 (plus 33 non-technical guests)
• Symposia: 48
• Sessions: 439
• Countries represented: 68
• Abstracts: 3,022
» Student abstracts: 1,306
• Oral talks: 2,294
» Student talks: 834
» Invited talks: 575
• Electrochemical Techniques and Diagnostics for Batteries
Meetings
• Posters: 795
» Student posters: 458
• ECS award & keynote talks: 25
• Exhibitors: 42
• Total external symposium funding: $16,585
• Total division symposium funding: $22,300
• Total number of registration waivers: 14
Honolulu, HI
October 6–11, 2024
PRiME 2024
The joint international meeting of The Electrochemical Society of Japan (ECSJ), The Korean Electrochemical Society (KECS), and The Electrochemical Society (ECS)
Total # of:
• Cosponsors: 9
• Participants: 4,811 (plus 89 non-technical guests)
• Symposia: 50
• Sessions: 572
• Countries represented: 64
• Abstracts: 5,122
» Student abstracts: 2,327
• Oral talks: 3,252
» Student talks: 1,213
» Invited talks: 674
• Posters: 1,832
» Student posters: 1,103
• ECS award & keynote talks: 48
• Exhibitors: 37
• Total external symposium funding: $208,782
• Total division symposium funding: $35,485
• Total number of registration waivers: 152
Key 2024 Meetings Achievements
245th ECS Meeting
• The ECS Plenary Lecture delivered by Yury Gogotsi of Drexel University.
• Largest spring technical program and the second largest number of onsite spring attendees in ECS history.
• A networking breakfast was held with the Women in Green Hydrogen group, which aimed to set the table for future cooperation between ECS and this peer society.
• IE&EE restarted their divisional fuel cell car educational outreach program with local area middleand high schoolers.
PRiME 2024
• PRiME Plenary Lecture delivered by Hiroshi Nishihara of Tokyo University of Science and The University of Tokyo.
• Largest technical program AND largest number of onsite attendees in ECS history.
• PRiME meeting attendees had the opportunity to participate in the Genki Ala Wai Project, a long-term water bioremediation project in Honolulu.
The number of meeting presentations and attendees in 2024 were the highest in ECS’s 123-year history.
Publications
2024 Publications Achievements
• Farewell to Dr. Robert Savinell as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of The Electrochemical Society (JES)
• Welcome to the new JES Editor-in-Chief, Dr. David Cliffel
• Welcome to the inaugural Editor-in-Chief of ECS Advances (ECSA), Dr. Rohan Akolkar
• Inaugural group of 39 named Top ECS Reviewers announced as Peer Review Excellence Recognition Program launched
• SCOPUS indexes ECS Advances (ECSA) and ECS Sensors Plus (ECSSP)
• Farewell ECS Transactions
Look Where ECS was Represented in 2024!*
• 2024 Electrochemistry Gordon Research Conference | January 7–12 | Ventura, CA
• The Biophysical Society Annual Meeting | February 10–14 | Philadelphia, PA
• ACS Spring 2024 Meeting (American Chemical Society) | March 17–21 | New Orleans, LA
• 8th Baltic Electrochemistry Conference: Finding New Inspiration 2 (BEChem 2024) | April 14–17 | Tartu, Estonia
• 2024 MRS Spring Meeting & Exhibit (Materials Research Society) | April 22–26 | Seattle, WA
• TechCon 2024 (Society of Vacuum Coaters) | May 5–8 | Chicago, IL
• 2024 Solid State Chemistry Gordon Research Conference | July 21–26 | New London, NH
• 2024 Battery Safety Workshop | August 5–6 | Columbia, SC
• MXenes: Changing the World | August 5–7 | Philadelphia, PA
• 75th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry | August 18–23 | Montréal, Canada
• 2024 AIChE Annual Meeting (American Institute of Chemical Engineers) | October 27–November 1 | San Diego, CA
• 2024 Sustainable Energy Research Conference | November 11–12 | Chapel Hill, NC
• Advanced Automotive Battery Conference (AABC) | December 9–12 | Las Vegas, NV
• African Materials Research Society (AMRS2024) | December 16–19 | Kigali, Rwanda
*BLUE = ECS-Sponsored Meetings; BLACK= ECS-Exhibited Meetings
Welcoming 2025: A Year of Growth, Innovation, and Collaboration for ECS Publications
by Adrian T. Plummer, MPA, PMP, Senior Director of Publications
As we step into 2025, I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for The Electrochemical Society’s (ECS) publications program. This year promises to be one of growth, innovation, and continued excellence in supporting the mission-driven work of ECS and its vibrant community of scholars, researchers, and practitioners. Together, we are shaping the future of scientific communication, and I have the opportunity to share some of the exciting developments in store.
Celebrating Excellence in Publishing
ECS’s commitment to advancing electrochemical and solid state science has never been stronger. ECS Sensors Plus continues to garner recognition and acclaim under the visionary leadership of Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ajit Khosla. Dr. Khosla’s dedication to the field is exemplified by the upcoming release of a new book, Metallic, Magnetic, and Carbon-Based Nanomaterials: Synthesis and Biomedical Applications, an awesome addition to the ECS Monograph series, further broadening our community’s access to innovative ideas and impactful research.
Similarly, ECS Advances is thriving under the direction of its Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Rohan Akolkar, whose efforts have significantly expanded the journal’s reach and influence. Be sure to read the interview of the new ECS Advances Editorial Board in this issue of ECS Interface. The growth of these publications reflects ECS’s dedication to supporting open science and fostering collaboration across disciplines.
Expanding Open Access Publishing
Our open-access initiatives are at the heart of ECS’s mission to make high-quality scientific research freely accessible to the global community. Programs like ECS Plus and our Transformative Agreements continue to grow, providing institutions and researchers worldwide with affordable and sustainable paths to open-access publishing. These efforts not only align with our values but also position ECS as a leader in the ever-evolving landscape of scholarly communication.
Strengthening Editorial Leadership
The strength of ECS journals lies in the dedication and expertise of our editorial team. As we closed 2024, we welcomed new members to our editorial leadership, including Dr. David Cliffel, the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief of JES. Dr. Cliffel’s extensive experience and vision promise to propel JES to new heights as a cornerstone of electrochemical research. The entire editorial team is working diligently to ensure that ECS publications remain trusted platforms for groundbreaking discoveries and impactful scholarship.
Looking Ahead
The road ahead is filled with opportunities to advance our mission of serving humanity through electrochemical and solid state science. With our portfolio of journals, the expansion of open access, and the dedication of our editors, authors, and reviewers, ECS Publications is poised for a transformative year.
The Society is forever grateful for the incredible efforts of everyone involved in making ECS Publications a beacon of excellence. As we embark on this journey together, let us celebrate our shared achievements and continue to collaborate in ways that inspire progress and innovation.
Here’s to a remarkable year ahead—may 2025 bring continued growth, success, and impactful contributions to the scientific community. Thank you for being an integral part of ECS’s story. Together, we are shaping the future.
Focus Issue on Grand Challenges and Potential
Solutions in Next-Generation Sensing
and Sustainability
ECS Sensors Plus (ECSSP) is excited to announce a special focus issue addressing the grand challenges and potential solutions in next-generation sensing and sustainability.
Sensing technology is critical to achieving the global health and environmental sustainability goals outlined by the United Nations. To support these objectives, sensors must deliver reliable, context-specific performance to enable effective decisionmaking in critical scenarios. Emerging next-generation sensing technologies offer promising solutions by integrating functionalized materials with tunable properties, miniaturized electronics, efficient data management, AI-driven algorithms, and advanced analytics. These technologies facilitate intelligent decision-making and risk
assessment. However, the multidisciplinary challenges of developing next-generation sensing solutions remain underexplored.
The ECS Sensor Division and ECS Sensors Plus invite researchers to contribute original articles to the ECSSP: Focus Issue on Grand Challenges and Potential Solutions in Next-Generation Sensing and Sustainability. For more information on the journal’s scope and topical interest areas, visit ECS Sensors Plus – IOPscience.
Submission Deadlines
Open for submissions: January 31, 2025
Submission deadline: May 31, 2025
Learn More
Editorial Appointments
Andrea Balducci, initial appointment as an Associate Editor of the Journal of The Electrochemical Society for a term of three years; December 1, 2024 –November 30, 2027
Jeffrey Bell, initial appointment as an Associate Editor of ECS Sensors Plus for a term of three years; March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026.
Harshini Mukundan, re-appointment as an Associate Editor of ECS Sensors Plus for a term of one year; January 24, 2025 – January 23, 2026
Ingrid Milošev, re-appointment as an Associate Editor of the Journal of The Electrochemical Society for a term of three years; April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2028
Dr. David Cliffel Appointed Editor-in-Chief of JES
The Journal of The Electrochemical Society (JES) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. David Cliffel of Vanderbilt University as its new Editor-in-Chief. He will serve a two-year term.
Dr. Cliffel’s association with The Electrochemical Society spans nearly three decades, beginning with his joining as a member in 1996. This longstanding affiliation underscores his dedication and passion for advancing the field of electrochemistry.
In recognition of his significant contributions, excellence in research, and commitment to the community, Dr. Cliffel was named Fellow of The Electrochemical Society in 2024. His service to JES is exemplary, with over eight years as a Technical Editor for the Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
topical interest area. During this time, he played a crucial role in maintaining the journal’s high standards and advancing its mission of disseminating cutting-edge research.
Dr. Cliffel’s leadership extends beyond editorial responsibilities. He has served on the ECS Joint Journal Editorial Board, where he contributed to broader editorial strategies supporting the growth and reputation of the Society’s publications. His term on the ECS Publications Subcommittee (2015–2017) demonstrates his commitment to shaping the Society’s publication policies and initiatives.
As Dr. Cliffel steps into this new role, JES looks forward to his leadership, vision, and continued commitment to excellence. His appointment marks a new chapter for the journal, promising to uphold its tradition of excellence while fostering innovation and collaboration across the electrochemical community.
NEXT ISSUE OF IN THE
The summer 2025 issue of Interface will feature the Battery Division. The Battery Division was established in 1947 with the purpose of stimulating research, publication, and the exchange of information relating to batteries and fuel cells. Today the Battery Division is ECS’s largest division, with more than 1,900 members who work in battery science, fuel cell development, capacitor technology, and other fields related to electrochemical energy storage. Those related fields cover a wide variety of
interesting science and technology, attracting inorganic, organic, physical, and environmental chemists; chemical engineers; physicists; material scientists; and mathematicians, among others. Reflecting this broad appeal, the theme of the spring issue is both timely and applicable to many fields of interest: AI4Batteries. The issue will guest edited by ECS Fellow Kang Xu
Plus, From the President, highlights of the ECS meeting in Montréal, and of course updates on the Society, people, divisions, sections, and more.
David Cliffel
Electrochemical Engineering Workshop: From Fundamentals to Applications
June 2 – 4, 2025 | Cleveland, OH
Case Western Reserve University
2025 Battery Safety Workshop
June 5 – 6, 2025 | Charlotte, NC University of North Carolina at Charlotte
19th International Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC-XIX)
July 13 – 18, 2025 | Stockholm, Sweden The Brewery Conference Center
SOCIETY NEWS SOCIETY NEWS
Division News
ECS Battery Division
Corie L. Cobb was named a 2024 Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). She will be honored and presented with a medal by a US Patent and Trademark Office senior official at the NAI 14th Annual Meeting in June 2025. Over the past four years, she has served as Chair and Vice Chair of the ECS Pacific Northwest Section.
Read more in this issue’s People News
ECS Energy Technology Division
In 2024, the ECS Energy Technology Division presented four awards: the Graduate Student Award Sponsored by BioLogic, the Supramaniam Srinivasan Award, and the ETD Research Award at the 245th ECS Meeting in San Francisco, and the Walter van Schalkwijk Award in Sustainable Energy Technology at PRiME 2024 in Honolulu.
Two students received the ETD Graduate Student Award Sponsored by BioLogic, which recognizes science and engineering students in the division’s topical interest areas. Maha Yusuf is a Presidential Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Princeton University. She earned her PhD at Stanford focusing on advanced imaging methods to characterize failure mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries. Noor ul Hassan, a postdoctoral researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, earned his PhD at the University of South Carolina, investigating fuel cell and electrolyzer components to optimize performance. Both awardees worked before pursuing their PhDs: Dr. Yusuf on oil rigs in Colombia and Dr. ul Hassan in the public sector in Pakistan.
The Supramaniam Srinivasan Award, which recognizes outstanding early career researchers in the field of energy technology, went to Nikolay Kornienko, currently at the Rheinische FriedrichWilhelms-Universität Bonn. His research focuses on sustainable electrocatalysis and on developing methods for visualizing catalysts and reactions in situ.
William Mustain, currently Associate Dean for Research at the University of South Carolina, received the ETD Research Award, which recognizes outstanding and original contributions to science and technology in the division’s topical interest areas. His research focuses on the design, characterization, and integration of electroactive materials into electrochemical systems such as batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers.
Dr. Yusuf, Dr. ul Hassan, and Dr. Mustain were present to receive their awards at the 245th ECS Meeting ETD Luncheon.
The Walter van Schalkwijk Award in Sustainable Energy Technology recognizes outstanding contributions to technology development related to sustainable energy. Dr. Paul Kenis, ETD Award Committee Chair, presented the award to Dr. Yu Seung Kim from Los Alamos National Laboratory, in recognition of his groundbreaking developments in hightemperature membranes for fuel cells. Dr. Kim’s current research includes a focus on anion exchange membranes for fuel cells and electrolyzers and high-temperature proton exchange membranes for fuel cells and hydrogen pumps.
Nominating our colleagues for these awards and writing letters of support has an enormous impact. The annual nominating period for the ETD Division’s Graduate Student Award Sponsored by BioLogic, Research Award, and Supramaniam Srinivasan Early-Career Investigator Award opens March 15 (deadlines are posted on the ECS website). The Walter van Schalkwijk Award in Sustainable Energy Technology nomination period is October 15 to January 15 annually.
ECS Sensor Division
Thomas Thundat, ECS Sensor Division Member at Large, has been invited to deliver a plenary lecture at the International Meeting of Chemical Sensors (IMCS) 2025, scheduled for June 22–26 in Freiburg, Germany. Prof. Thundat will present a talk titled “Nanosensors: Advancing Real-Time Ultra-Trace Level Sensing.”
IMCS meetings gather participants from around the world to explore advances in chemical sensing covering topics in physics, chemistry, materials, and engineering. They highlight innovations in chemical and biosensors, emerging technologies, intelligent data processing, and areas like sensing materials, electrochemical sensors, and MEMS/ NEMS devices shaping the future of sensor technology.
Katherine Ayers, ETD Chair, congratulates ETD award winners at the 245th ECS Meeting (from left to right): Maha Yusuf and Noor ul Hassan, ETD Graduate Student Award Sponsored by BioLogic winners; Katherine Ayers, and William Mustain, ETD Research Award recipient.
Yu Seung Kim (Los Alamos National Laboratory) shows off the ETD Walter van Schalkwijk Award in Sustainable Energy Technology at PRiME 2024.
Photo: Youngkwang Kim
SOCIETY NEWS SOCIETY NEWS
ECS Division Contacts
Battery
Jie Xiao, Chair
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Jagjit Nanda, Vice Chair
Xiaolin Li, Secretary
Neil Dasgupta, Treasurer
Doron Aurbach, Journals Editorial Board Representative
Corrosion
Eiji Tada, Chair
Institute of Science Tokyo
Rebecca Schaller, Vice Chair
Yaiza Gonzalez-Garcia, Secretary/Treasurer
Sannakaisa Virtanen, Journals Editorial Board Representative
Dielectric Science and Technology
Sreeram Vaddiraju, Chair
Texas A&M University
Eva Kovacevic, Vice Chair
Zhi David Chen, Secretary
Thorsten Lill, Treasurer
Peter Mascher, Journals Editorial Board Representative
Electrodeposition
Luca Magagnin, Chair
Politecnico di Milano
Andreas Bund, Vice Chair
Rohan Akolkar, Secretary
Adriana Ispas, Treasurer
Takayuki Homma, Journals Editorial Board Representative
Electronics and Photonics
Qiliang Li, Chair
Peking University
Vidhya Chakrapani, Vice Chair
Zia Karim, 2nd Vice Chair
Helmut Baumgart, Secretary
Travis Anderson, Treasurer
Aniruddh Jagdish Khanna, Journals Editorial Board Representative
Fan Ren, Journals Editorial Board Representative
Energy Technology
Katherine Ayers, Chair
Nel Hydrogen
Minhua Shao, Vice Chair
Hui Xu, Secretary
Iryna Zenyuk, Treasurer
Minhua Shao, Journals Editorial Board Representative
High-Temperature Energy, Materials, and Processes
Cortney Kreller, Chair
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Xingbo Liu, Vice Chair
Teruhisa Horita, Junior Vice Chair
Dong Ding, Secretary/Treasurer
Minhua Shao, Journals Editorial Board Representative
Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering
Paul Kenis, Chair
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Elizabeth Biddinger, Vice Chair
Chockalingam Karuppaiah, Secretary/Treasurer
Paul Kenis, Journals Editorial Board Representative
Luminescence and Display Materials
Eugeniusz Zych, Chair Uniwersytet Wrocławski
Chong-Geng Ma, Vice Chair
Marco Bettinelli, Secretary/Treasurer
Won Bin Im, Journals Editorial Board Representative
Nanocarbons
Jeff L. Blackburn, Chair
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Ardemis Boghossian, Vice Chair
Yan Li, Secretary
Hiroshi Imahori, Treasurer
Dirk M. Guldi, Journals Editorial Board Representative
Organic and Biological Electrochemistry
Shelley Minteer, Chair
NSF Center for Synthetic Organic Electrochemistry
Jeffrey Halpern, Vice Chair
Sabine Kuss, 2nd Vice Chair
Ariel Furst, Secretary/Treasurer
Janine Mauzeroll, Journals Editorial Board Representative
Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
Stephen Paddison, Chair University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Anne Co, Vice Chair
Svitlana Pylypenko, Secretary
Iwona Rutkowska, Treasurer
David Cliffel, Journals Editorial Board Representative
Sensor
Praveen Kumar Sekhar, Chair
Washington State University
Dong-Joo Kim, Vice Chair
Leyla Soleymani, Secretary
Harshini Mukundan, Treasurer
Netz Arroyo, Journals Editorial Board Representative
Stefano Cinti, Journals Editorial Board Representative
SOCIETY NEWS SOCIETY NEWS
Slate of Division Officer Candidates – Spring Elections
These ECS divisions nominated new officers for the spring 2025 to spring 2027 term. Election results are reported in the ECS Interface summer 2025 issue.
Electronics and Photonics Division
Chair
Vidhya Chakrapani, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Vice Chair
Zia Karim, Yield Engineering Systems Inc 2nd Vice Chair
Travis Anderson, University of Florida
Secretary
Jennifer Hite, University of Florida
Treasurer
Helmut Baumgart, Old Dominion University
Members at Large
Albert Baca, Sandia National Laboratories
D. Noel Buckley, University of Limerick
Yu Lun Chueh, National Tsing Hua University
Stefan De Gendt, imec
M. Jamal Deen, McMaster University
Andrew M. Hoff, University of South Florida
Hiroshi Iwai, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Hemanth Jagannathan, IBM Corporation Research Center
Soohwan Jang, Dankook University
Daisuke Kiriya, The University of Tokyo
Chung-Wei Kung, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
Yue Kuo, Texas A&M University
Jan Macák, Univerzita Pardubice
Junichi Murota, Tohoku University
Yaw Obeng, National Institute of Standards and Technology
Colm O’Dwyer, University College Cork
Takahito Ono, Tohoku University
Mark E. Overberg, Sandia National Laboratories
Harold Philipsen, imec
Fred Roozeboom, Universiteit Twente
Kay Song, Pivotal Systems
Tadatomo Suga, Meisei University
Yu-Lin Wang, National Tsing Hua University
Matthias Young, University of Missouri
Energy Technology Division
Chair
Minhua Shao, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Vice Chair
Hui Xu, Envision Energy USA
Secretary
Iryna Zenyuk, University of California, Irvine
Treasurer
Ertan Agar, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Gang Wu, University at Buffalo
Members at Large
Ertan Agar, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Christopher Arges, Argonne National Laboratory
Plamen B. Atanassov, University of California, Irvine
Siddharth Komini Babu, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Scott Calabrese Barton, Michigan State University
Sarah Berlinger, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Rod Borup, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Steven Decaluwe, Colorado School of Mines
Vito Di Noto, Università degli Studi di Padova
Huyen Dinh, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
James Fenton, University of Central Florida
Andrew Herring, Colorado School of Mines
Paul Kenis, University of Illinois
Ahmet Kusoglu, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Mani Manivannan, Global Pragmatic Materials
Matthew Mench, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Sanjeev Mukerjee, Northeastern University
William Mustain, University of South Carolina
Mariappan Parans Paranthaman, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Peter Pintauro, Vanderbilt University
Bryan Pivovar, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Yuliya Preger, Sandia National Laboratories
Krishnan Rajeshwar, University of Texas at Arlington
James Saraidaridis, RTX Technology Research Center
Jacob Spendelow, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Jean St-Pierre, Cummins Technical Center
Adam Weber, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
John Weidner, University of Cincinnati
Gang Wu, University at Buffalo
Nianqiang (Nick) Wu, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Thomas Zawodzinski, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Gaohua Zhu, Toyota North America
Organic and Biological Electrochemistry
Division
Chair
Ariel Furst, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Vice Chair
Jeffrey Halpern, University of New Hampshire
Secretary/Treasurer
David Hickey, Michigan State University
Members at Large
Mahito Atobe, Yokohama University
Graham Cheek, United States Naval Academy
Dave Cliffel, Vanderbilt University
Robert Francke, Leibniz-Institut für Katalyse
Matt Graaf, Corteva Agriscience
Seyyeadmirhossein Hosseini, University of South Carolina
Shinsuke Inagi, Tokyo Institute of Science
Jiří Ludvík, Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry
Christian Malapit, Northwestern University
Kevin Moeller, Washington University, St. Louis
Lior Sepunaru, University of California, Santa Barbara
Olja Simoska, University of South Carolina
Alice Suroviec, Berry College
Charuksha Walgama, University of Houston–Clear Lake
Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry Division
Chair
Anne Co, Ohio State University
Vice Chair
Svitlana Pylypenko, Colorado School of Mines
Secretary
Iwona Rutkowska, Uniwersytet Warszawski
Treasurer
Val Vullev, University of California, Riverside
SOCIETY NEWS SOCIETY NEWS
Members at Large
Mario Alpuche-Aviles, University of Reno, Nevada
Plamen B. Atanassov, University of California, Irvine
D. Noel Buckley, University of Limerick
Abdoulaye Djire, Texas A&M University
Alanah Fitch, Loyola University
Burcu Gurkan, Case Western Reserve University
Andrew Hillier, Iowa State University
A. Robert Hillman, University of Leicester
Yasushi Katayama, Keio University
Paweł J. Kulesza, Uniwersytet Warszawski
Johna Leddy, University of Iowa
Joaquin Rodriguez López, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Robert Mantz, United States Army Research Office
Yue Qi, Brown University
Hang Ren, University of Texas, Austin
Lior Sepunaru, University of California, Santa Barbara
Alice Suroviec, Berry College
Greg Swain, Michigan State University
Paul Trulove, United States Naval Academy
Petr Vanýsek, Northern Illinois University
Robert Warburton, Case Western Reserve University
Yingjie Zhang, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
SOCIETY NEWS SOCIETY NEWS
2024 Sustainable Energy Research Conference Report
by Lin Ma
The Sustainable Energy Research Conference (SERC) 2024, held at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill from November 11 to 12, brought together a diverse group of researchers, academics, and industry professionals to discuss the latest advances in sustainable energy. With approximately 110 attendees, the conference saw significant participation from major research institutions, including North Carolina State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, and Virginia Tech University. ECS was a sponsor of the meeting, and thus this report highlights key sessions related to ECS’s topical interest areas, underscoring their technical content, relevance to ECS, and potential global impact.
Key Sessions Overview
The conference featured a range of presentations and discussions on sustainable energy technologies, with a strong emphasis on innovative research in catalysis, photoelectrochemistry, and energy storage systems. Sessions that align most closely with ECS’s focus areas follow.
Catalysis and Solar-to-Fuel Technologies
Sessions on catalytic advances showcased cutting-edge research on CO₂ reduction and solar fuel production. Presentations highlighted the development of fullerene-promoted catalysts that enhance the reduction of CO₂ to methanol, revealing new pathways to convert greenhouse gases into valuable fuels. Additionally, discussions on light-driven proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions at passivated silicon photoelectrodes offered insight into optimizing solar-to-fuel conversion processes.
These sessions resonate with ECS’s dedication to promoting research in energy conversion technologies and sustainable chemical processes. The exploration of catalyst efficiency and solar-driven reactions is fundamental to pushing the boundaries of electrochemical and photoelectrochemical systems.
Advanced Materials and Self-Driving Labs
A key highlight was a presentation on using self-driving labs for accelerated materials and molecular discovery. This approach leverages artificial intelligence and automation to identify optimal material properties rapidly, expediting research cycles and improving the precision of experimental outcomes.
Adopting AI and machine learning in experimental chemistry is increasingly relevant to ECS’s members as it represents the future of electrochemical research. Integrating such technologies can revolutionize how researchers approach problems in battery technology, energy conversion, and material synthesis.
Panel on Battery Research and Technology in North Carolina
A major session that drew significant attention was the Battery Research and Technology in North Carolina Panel, moderated by Frank Leibfarth (Royce Murray Distinguished Term Professor of Chemistry, UNC Chapel Hill). This panel discussion brought leaders from academia and industry together to share insights into the region’s advances in battery research.
Shelby Pillai, Battery Scientist and Project-X Team Lead at Urbix Inc., presented innovative approaches in graphite processing aimed at enhancing the performance of battery anodes. Her work focuses on improving charge storage capabilities, which is crucial for developing high-capacity batteries.
Lin Ma, Element Investigator at UNC Charlotte’s North Carolina Battery Complexity, Autonomous Vehicle and Electrification Research Center (BATT CAVE), detailed recent studies on nextgeneration electrode materials that aim to extend the cycle life and efficiency of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.
Hemali Rathnayake, Professor at UNC Greensboro, discussed sustainable lithium extraction processes and how these can lead to a more reliable and eco-friendly supply chain for critical battery materials.
Jeff Warren, Executive Director of the North Carolina Collaboratory, emphasized collaborative efforts across North Carolina’s research institutions and the private sector to foster innovation and to address the challenges of battery technology and energy storage.
This panel is particularly valuable to ECS as it provided a comprehensive view of battery research—spanning material development, supply chain sustainability, and regional collaboration. Such discussions reinforce ECS’s commitment to advancing the state of the art in electrochemical energy storage and to connecting academia with real-world applications.
Importance to the ECS Community
The technical content discussed at the conference is of significant importance to the ECS community for the following reasons:
• Advanced catalysis and renewable energy: By focusing on novel catalysts and improved solar-to-fuel systems, the research discussed at the conference aligns with ECS’s mission to foster developments in sustainable energy technologies. Enhanced catalytic systems can lead to more efficient and cost-effective renewable-energy solutions.
• Integration of AI in material discovery: Presentations on self-driving labs introduce a transformative approach to research that can expedite the discovery of new materials with tailored properties. This aligns with ECS’s interest in promoting innovative methodologies that streamline and improve electrochemical research.
• Battery research impact: The panel on battery technology underscored North Carolina’s leadership in addressing pressing challenges in energy storage. Insights into sustainable material sourcing and advanced electrode research resonate with ECS’s vision to support advances in electrochemical energy storage and sustainability.
Potential Global Impact
The research presented at SERC has the potential to impact global energy practices significantly. Advances in CO₂ reduction catalysts can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by converting waste gases into renewable fuels. Similarly, innovations in battery technology, particularly in creating more efficient and sustainable storage solutions, are essential to supporting the growing demand for renewable energy integration and electric vehicles. The focus on sustainable supply chains ensures that these advances are both environmentally and socially responsible.
By bridging the gap between academic research and industry, sessions such as the battery research and technology panel showcase how collaborative efforts can drive scalable, real-world solutions. This collaborative approach could serve as a model for other regions and research bodies aiming to foster innovation while addressing global energy sustainability challenges.
Podcasts of Note
Selected for you by Alice H. Suroviec
From Know-How to Wow
This monthly podcast series by Bosch looks at different current technology topics from a wide variety of perspectives. Topics range from how generative AI can be used to drive cars to smart connected sensors. The podcast is designed for a general audience with curiosity about how AI is driving innovation.
https://www.bosch.com/stories/podcast-from-know-howto-wow/
The Electrochemistry Podcast
Dr. Alex Peroff and Dr. Neil Spinner host a lighthearted and informative podcast about all things electrochemistry. They also offer a YouTube channel with a livestream Q&A to answer real-time questions about issues that you are working through in your lab space. This weekly show offers a variety of topics ranging from impedance to best practices in the lab.
https://tinyurl.com/Pine-research
The Immunology Podcast
This is a weekly podcast with experts in the field of immunology. The podcasts are designed to be accessible and entertaining and cover the latest advances in immunology research. While this isn’t a traditional electrochemistry topic, many of the methods used to investigate immunological issues are rooted in bioanalytical techniques and sensor research.
https://www.immunologypodcast.com
About the Author
Alice Suroviec is a Professor of Bioanalytical Chemistry and Dean of the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at Berry College. She earned a BS in Chemistry from Allegheny College in 2000. She received her PhD from Virginia Tech in 2005 under the direction of Dr. Mark R. Anderson. Her research focuses on enzymatically modified electrodes for use as biosensors. She is a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society and Associate Editor of the PAE Technical Division for the Journal of the Electrochemical Society. She welcomes feedback from the ECS community.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9252-2468
Staff News
Mary Hojlo Promoted to Manager, Membership & Constituent Services
On February 11, 2025, Mary Hojlo received a well-deserved promotion to Manager, Membership & Constituent Services. In his announcement of the promotion, Shannon Reed, Senior Director of Engagement said, “Mary consistently demonstrates dedication to our members and constituents, ensuring they feel supported and connected to ECS. Her commitment to service, leading role at meeting registration, and ability to build strong
relationships continue to make a meaningful impact on the ECS community. This promotion is a well-earned recognition of her contributions and leadership.”
Mary joined ECS in 2012; her former position was Membership and Consituent Specialist. She says, “I am excited to continue with ECS in my new role as Manager. Being part of a society that is doing so much to advance science and technology is rewarding. I most enjoy participating in the ECS meetings and interacting with the Society community, students just beginning their journey, and accomplished scientists and Nobel prize winners.”
247th ECS Meeting | Montréal, Canada | May
18–22, 2025
Unite with your peers at this international conference when scientists, engineers, and researchers from academia, industry, and government laboratories gather to share electrochemical and solid state science and technology research and issues. Absorb and exchange information on the latest scientific developments and related topics through unique, interdisciplinary oral presentations, poster sessions, panel discussions, tutorial sessions, short courses, professional development workshops, exhibits, and more!
Start planning now for these technical and networking opportunities:
• Five days of technical programming across 53 symposia;
• Over 3,000 abstracts;
• More than 2,499 oral presentations, including almost 726 invited talks by the world’s leading experts;
• Over 585 posters over three evening poster sessions;
• 14 hours of Exhibit Hall time over three days;
• Complimentary daily morning and afternoon coffee breaks
Montréal is a vibrant, multicultural city offering a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern energy. Visitors can explore its rich history through the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal, indulge in world-class dining, and immerse themselves in stunning architecture. Whether you’re wandering through vibrant markets, exploring beautiful green spaces, or enjoying the city’s nightlife, Montréal promises every traveler unforgettable experiences.
THE ECS LECTURE
Monday, May 19 | 1630h EST
“Harnessing Protons and Electrons for NetZero 2050”
David P. Wilkinson, University of British Columbia
David P. Wilkinson is Professor and Associate Department Head of Chemical Engineering, and a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Clean Energy and Electrochemical Technologies at the University of British Columbia (UBC). His research covers fuel cells, electrolyzers, battery research, carbon dioxide and nitrogen conversion, electrochemical approaches to clean energy and fuels, and electrochemical treatment of wastewater and
drinking water. Much of his research is used by industry. After receiving a BS in Chemical Engineering at UBC (1978), Prof. Wilkinson completed a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Ottawa (1987) under Prof. Brian Conway. He worked in electrochemical industries for over 18 years before joining UBC in 2004. He holds 82 US patents and has published more than 250 refereed articles. Among the many awards he has received are the Order of Canada, Grove Medal, Lifetime Award of the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Association, ECS Battery Division Technology Award, and ECS Canada Section Electrochemical Award.
AWARD-WINNING SPEAKERS
(Consult the Online Program for days, times, and locations.)
Society Award-Winning Speakers
Doron Aurbach, Bar-Ilan University (BIU), Israel
John B. Goodenough Award of The Electrochemical Society
Hideo Hosono, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Gordon E. Moore Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Solid State Science & Technology
Debra J. Rolison, US Naval Research Laboratory
Allen J. Bard Award in Electrochemical Science
Division Award-Winning Speakers
Alejandro Franco, Université de Picardie Jules Verne Battery Division M. Stanley Whittingham Mid-Career Award
Junichi Murota, Tohoku University Electronics and Photonics Division Award
Gang Wu, University at Buffalo —SUNY Energy Technology Division Research Award
Raul Marquez, University of Texas at Austin Energy Technology Division Graduate Student Award Sponsored by BioLogic
Karthish Manthiram, California Institute of Technology
Energy Technology Division Supramaniam Srinivasan Early-Career Investigator Award
Dean Miller, Stanford University
Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering
Division H. H. Dow Memorial Student Achievement Award
Monsuru Dauda, Louisiana State University
Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering Division Student Achievement Award
Kaustubh Girish Naik, Purdue University
Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering
Division Ralph E. White Outstanding Student Award
Chockkalingam Karuppaiah, Ohmium International
Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering
Division New Electrochemical Technology (NET) Award
Yury Gogotsi, Drexel University Nanocarbons Division Robert C. Haddon Research Award
Yang Shao-Horn, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry Division David C. Grahame Award
SHORT COURSES
Sunday, May 18
(Consult the Online Program for times and locations.)
ECS Short Courses are all-day classes designed to provide students and seasoned professionals with in-depth education on a wide range of topics. These small classes taught by academic and industry experts offer personalized instruction and help novices and experts advance their technical expertise and knowledge.
Basic Impedance Spectroscopy
Instructor: Mark Orazem
Fundamentals of Electrochemistry: Basic Theory and Thermodynamic Methods
Instructor: James Noël
Multiphysics Modeling of Batteries
Instructor: Jun Xu
Introducing Python for Electrochemistry Research
Instructor: Weiran Zheng
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS
(Consult the Online Program for times and locations.)
ECS provides professional development opportunities, including workshops, professional panels, and career resources, at its biannual meetings. Students, early career researchers, and experienced professionals advance through these workshops.
Essential Elements for Employment Success
Instructor: Michel Fouré, Berkeley Grant Writing, LLC
Resume Review
Instructor: Michel Fouré, Berkeley Grant Writing, LLC
Strategic Tools for a Successful Career
Instructor: Michel Fouré, Berkeley Grant Writing, LLC
Win Funding: How to Write a Competitive Proposal Instructor: Michel Fouré, Berkeley Grant Writing, LLC
From Lab to Launch: Entrepreneurship in Chemical Technology
Instructor: Maedeh Ramezani, Queen’s University
How to Get Published
Instructors: Arlo Quineze and Jessica MacDonald, IOP Publishing
SPECIAL EVENTS
(Consult the Online Program for times and locations.)
Opening Reception: Kick off an exciting week with fellow attendees! Enjoy light snacks, an open bar, ample networking time, and a chance to meet with ECS divisions. Start your meeting experience by strengthening connections within the ECS United community.
Member Reception Celebrating More Than 12 Million Downloads*: Before the evening's Opening Reception, ECS members are invited to celebrate the milestone achievement of more than 12 million downloads from the ECS Digital Library. Enjoy light food and drinks with your community! Register now, as only 400 tickets are available!
Student Mixer*: Students and early-career professionals: Wrap up the meeting’s first full day with friends and peers. Mingle in a relaxed setting and enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.
Annual Society Business Meeting and Luncheon*: Join us to celebrate 2024’s many successes and preview the Society’s even brighter future!
It Could be Verse—An Evening of Poetry and More*: Come and share your special talent at this cultural and entertaining evening. Meeting attendees are all welcome to step up and read a poem, sing, play music—or simply listen. Participants without experience in contributing to such an event are highly encouraged to join in the fun! General and Student Poster Sessions: With hundreds of posters to explore, don’t miss a minute of these sessions. Grab a snack, wander the aisles, review presentations, talk to authors, and get to know our exhibitors. These sessions are a great way to end the day!
Exhibit Hall: Take time to explore electrochemistry and solid science’s leading vendors’ exhibits. Enjoy Poster Sessions, Coffee and Networking Breaks, Professional Portraits, and the ECS booth.
Division and Symposia Social Events: ECS divisions and meeting symposia host social events (receptions, banquets, luncheons, and more) throughout the week. Be sure to check the Online Program for these opportunities to socialize and network with your peers!
Blue & Green Day: Show your ECS United spirit by wearing blue and green—the official colors of ECS! Whether you’re presenting research, attending sessions, or networking, let’s visually celebrate the unity of our community!
Meet the Editors: Connect with some of our family of journals’ esteemed editors, along with ECS Publications Editorial Team members, at the ECS booth. They are on hand to answer your questions on journal processes and discuss editorial opportunities and the vision for ECS Publications’ growth.
Meet the Leaders: Take advantage of this unique opportunity to meet the ECS Executive Committee at the ECS booth. Learn about ECS initiatives, share your thoughts, and discuss the society’s future. Whether you are a long-time member or new to ECS, this is your chance to engage with ECS leadership!
*Pre-registration or purchase of a separate ticket is required.
Symposia Topics
A Batteries and Energy Storage
A01 New Approaches and Advances in Electrochemical Energy Systems
Chockkalingam Karuppaiah, Brett Lucht, Deepa Madan, Karim Zaghib, Sanjeev Mukerjee, James Saraidaridis Energy Technology; Battery; Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering
A02 Whittingham Young Investigator and Student Slam
Jie Xiao, Matthew McDowell, David Reber, Zheng Chen Battery
A03 Lithium Batteries and Beyond
Zhengcheng Zhang, Shirley Meng, Vibha Kalra, Vito Di Noto, Neil Dasgupta Battery; Energy Technology
A04 Large-Scale Energy Storage
Joshua Gallaway, Xiaolin Li, Jacob Spendelow, Yoon Hwa, Reed Wittman, Derek Hall Battery; Energy Technology
A05 Battery Characterization and Diagnosis
Alex Bates, Krishna Shah, Golareh Jalilvand, Peter Attia, Vincent Chevrier Battery; Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
A06 Metal Anodes and Interfacial Design in Batteries
Feifei Shi, Xia Cao, Lin Ma, Jelena Popović-Neuber, Karim Zaghib Battery; Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
A07 New Developments and Applications of Electrode Binders for Rechargeable Battery and other Electrochemical Systems
Gao Liu, Jason Porter, William Mustain, Christian Kuss, Jinhua Sun Energy Technology; Battery; Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
A08 Interplay between Temperature and Battery Phenomenon 2
Rachel Carter, Todd Kingston, Xiao-Guang Yang, Sabine Paarmann, Partha Mukherjee Battery
B Carbon Nanostructures and Devices
B01 Carbon Nanostructures for Energy Conversion and Storage
Andrew Ferguson, Kyu-Young Park, Avetik Harutyunyan, Uroš Cvelbar, Chunsheng Wang, Jeff Blackburn Nanocarbons; Battery; Dielectric Science and Technology
B02 Carbon Nanostructures in Medicine and Biology
Delphine Bouilly, Daniel Heller, Ardemis Boghossian, Tatiana Da Ros, Markita Landry, Larry Nagahara, Jeffrey Halpern, Mekki Bayachou, Jessica Koehne, Anton Naumov, Nicole Iverson, Noe Alvarez Nanocarbons; Organic and Biological Electrochemistry; Sensor
B03 Carbon Nanotubes – From Fundamentals to Devices
YuHuang Wang, R. Bruce Weisman, Slava Rotkin, Shigeo Maruyama, Yan Li, Benjamin Flavel, Yutaka Ohno, Ming Zheng, Jana Zaumseil, Sofie Cambre Nanocarbons
B04 NANO in China
Yan Li, Slava Rotkin, Shangfeng Yang, Chunying Chen Nanocarbons
B05 Fullerenes – Endohedral Fullerenes and Molecular Carbon
Yoko Yamakoshi, Alan Balch, Francis D’Souza, Luis Echegoyen, Dirk Guldi, Nazario Martín, Steven Stevenson, Shangfeng Yang, Akimitsu Narita, Vijay Krishna Nanocarbons
B06 2D Layered Materials from Fundamental Science to Applications Michael Arnold, Yaw Obeng, Stefan De Gendt, Zia Karim, Stephen Creager, Elisa Miller-Link, Richard Martel, Uroš Cvelbar, Slava Rotkin Nanocarbons; Dielectric Science and Technology
B07 Light Energy Conversion with Metal Halide Perovskites, Semiconductor and Nanostructures, Inorganic Organic Hybrid Materials, and Dynamic Exciton
Hiroshi Imahori, Prashant Kamat, Kei Murakoshi, Tsukasa Torimoto, Mahesh Hariharan, Zhiqun Lin, Andrea Listorti Nanocarbons
B08 Porphyrins, Phthalocyanines, and Supramolecular Assemblies
Nathalie Solladie, Karl Kadish, Tomás Torres, Roberto Paolesse, Norbert Jux, Ángela Sastre-Santos Nanocarbons
B09 On-Surface Synthesis of Carbon Nanomaterials
David Ecija, Hiroshi Imahori, Wilhelm Auwärter, Nazario Martín Nanocarbons
Corrosion Science and Technology
C01 Corrosion General Session Dev Chidambaram, Eiji Tada Corrosion
Dielectric Science and Materials
D01
Uroš Cvelbar, Davide Mariotti, Mohan Sankaran, Mahendra Sunkara Dielectric
Electrochemical Deposition for Advanced Manufacturing and Sustainability
Rohan Akolkar, Antoine Allanore, Massimo Innocenti, Luca Magagnin, Damilola Daramola
Electrodeposition; Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering
E02 Enhanced Electrodeposition in High Energy MicroEnvironments: Laser, Ultrasound, Microwaves
Sudipta Roy, Jean-Yves Hihn, Bruno Pollet, Johna Leddy Electrodeposition; Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
F Electrochemical Engineering
F01 Advances in Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering
Elizabeth Biddinger, Paul Kenis, Jean-Philippe Tessonnier, John Staser, Chockkalingam Karuppaiah
Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering
F02 Multiscale Modeling, Simulation, and Design 6
Taylor Garrick, Venkat Subramanian, Scott Calabrese Barton, Drew Pereira, Krishna Shah
Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering; Energy Technology
F03 Electrochemical Science and Engineering on the Path from Discovery to Product 4
Xiao Su, Karel Bouzek, E. Jennings Taylor
Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering
F04 Electrochemistry for Liquid Hydrogen Carriers
Juan Lopez-Ruiz, Elizabeth Biddinger, Paul Kenis, Chockkalingam Karuppaiah, Jean-Philippe Tessonnier, Stoyan Bliznakov
Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering; Energy Technology
G Electronic Materials and Processing
G01 Silicon Compatible Emerging Materials, Processes, and Technologies for Advanced CMOS and Post-CMOS Applications 15 Hemanth Jagannathan, Zia Karim, Kuniyuki Kakushima, Paul Timans, Evgeni Gousev, Stefan De Gendt, Durga Misra, Yaw Obeng, Fred Roozeboom, Rishikesh Krishnan
Electronics and Photonics; Dielectric Science and Technology
G02 Processes at the Semiconductor Solution Interface 11 Vidhya Chakrapani, Heli Wang, Colm O’Dwyer, D. Noel Buckley, Arnaud Etcheberry, Robert Lynch, Philippe Vereecken
Electronics and Photonics; Dielectric Science and Technology; Electrodeposition; Energy Technology; Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
G03 Organic Semiconductor Materials, Devices, and Processing 10
Benjamin Iniguez, M. Jamal Deen, Hagen Klauk, David Gundlach, Zhi Chen, Sunghwan Lee Electronics and Photonics; Dielectric Science and Technology
H Electronic and Photonic Devices and Systems
H01 Wide-Bandgap Semiconductor Materials and Devices 26
Qiliang Li, Vidhya Chakrapani, Jennifer Hite, Travis Anderson, Marko Tadjer, Steve Kilgore, Sunghwan Lee, Gautam Banerjee Electronics and Photonics; Dielectric Science and Technology
H02 Advanced CMOS-Compatible Semiconductor Devices 21 João Martino, Francisco Gamiz, Jean-Pierre Raskin, Eddy Simoen, Bogdan Cretu Electronics and Photonics
H03 Solid-State Electronics and Photonics in Biology and Medicine 11 Zong-Hong Lin, Yu-Lin Wang, Wenzhuo Wu, Chih-Ting Lin, Toshiya Sakata, Mark Ming-Cheng Cheng, Lluis Marsal, Bor-Ran Li, Yu-Jui Fan Electronics and Photonics; Sensor
I Fuel Cells, Electrolyzers, and Energy Conversion
I01 Low Temperature Water Electrolysis (LT-WE) for Hydrogen Production 3
Hui Xu, Marcelo Carmo, Shaun Alia, Peter Strasser, Fan Yang, William Mustain, Samaneh Shahgaldi, Vito Di Noto, Ahmet Kusoglu, Svitlana Pylypenko, Fikile Brushett Energy Technolog; Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering; Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
I02 Renewable Fuels via Artificial Photosynthesis or Heterocatalysis 11
Nianqiang Wu, Shelley Minteer, Ayyakkannu Manivannan, Vaidyanathan Subramanian, Frank Osterloh, Mahendra Sunkara, Tsutomu Minegishi, Jae-Joon Lee, Heli Wang, Gary Wiederrecht, Scott Cushing, Sophia Haussener Energy Technology; Organic and Biological Electrochemistry; Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry; Sensor
I03 Materials for Low Temperature Electrochemical Systems 11 Minhua Shao, Zheng Chen, Vito Di Noto, Marc Secanell, Jean StPierre, Plamen Atanassov, Pawel Kulesza Energy Technology; Battery; Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
I04 Electrosynthesis of Fuels 9
Dong Ding, Plamen Atanassov, Xiao-Dong Zhou, Huyen Dinh, Hui Xu, John Flake, Paul Kenis, Tianyu Zhang, Saket Bhargava High-Temperature Energy, Materials, and Processes; Energy Technology; Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering; Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
I05 Crosscutting Materials Innovation for Transformational Chemical and Electrochemical Energy Conversion Technologies 6 Huyen Dinh, Yuyan Shao, Eric Miller Energy Technology; Battery; High-Temperature Energy, Materials, & Processes
I06 Energy Conversion Based on N, P, and Other Nutrients 4 Damilola Daramola, Lea Winter, Gang Wu, Shiqiang Zou Energy Technology; Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering; Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
I07 Advanced Manufacturing for High-Temperature Materials and Devices 2
Jianhua Tong, Liangbing Hu, Chuancheng Duan, Xinfang Jin, Sean Bishop High-Temperature Energy, Materials, & Processes
I08 Flow Batteries: Beyond Vanadium
Thomas Zawodzinski, Ruozhu Feng, Marc-Antoni Goulet, Vito Di Noto, Gioele Pagot, Burcu Gurkan, James Saraidaridis Energy Technology; Battery; Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
I09 New Frontiers in Modelling & Characterizing Electrochemical Energy Interfaces
Kirk Bevan, Clotilde Cucinotta, Marc Koper, Yamine Benabed, Burcu Gurkan, Iryna Zenyuk, Minhua Shao, Stephen Paddison, Xia Li Energy Technology; Battery; High-Temperature Energy, Materials, & Processes; Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
K Organic and Bioelectrochemistry
K01 Advances in Organic and Biological Electrochemistry
Shelley Minteer, Jeffrey Halpern, Ariel Furst, David Hickey, Valentine Vullev
Organic and Biological Electrochemistry; Nanocarbons; Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
L Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry, Electrocatalysis, and Photoelectrochemistry
L01 Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry, Electrocatalysis, and Photoelectrochemistry General Session and Grahame Award
Stephen Paddison, Anne Co
Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
L02 Electrode Processes 16
David Cliffel, A. Robert Hillman
Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
L03 Electrocatalysis 12 In Memory of Shimshon Gottesfeld
Gessie Brisard, Plamen Atanassov, Anne Co
Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
L04 Charge Transfer: Electrons, Protons, and Other Ions 6
Stephen Paddison, Vito Di Noto, Robert Warburton, Valentine Vullev
Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry; Energy Technology
L05 Invited Perspectives and Tutorials in Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
Svitlana Pylypenko, Anne Co, Plamen Atanassov, D. Noel Buckley
Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry; Energy Technology
L06 Development of Catalytic Systems and Mechanistic Understanding of Oxygen Electrochemistry
Pawel Kulesza, Vito Di Noto, Iwona Rutkowska, Robert Mantz, Piotr Zelenay, Plamen Atanassov
Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry; Energy Technology
L07 New Horizons in Spectroelectrochemistry and Photoelectrochemistry
Valentine Vullev, Katarzyna Rybicka-Jasińska, Gary Moore, Shannon Boettcher
Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry; Energy Technology
L08 Electrochemistry: Unusual Media, Novel Conditions
Johna Leddy, Alice Suroviec, Adriana Ispas
Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry; Electrodeposition
M Sensors
M01 Recent Advances in Sensors Systems: General Session
Peter Hesketh, A. Robert Hillman, Gary Hunter, Larry Nagahara Sensor
M02 Biosensors, Lab-on-Chips, Point-of-Care Testing, In Vitro and In Vivo Bio-imaging 3
Leyla Soleymani, Nianqiang Wu, Pengyu Chen, Guobao Xu, Harshini Mukundan, Larry Nagahara, Wei Gao, Valentine Vullev, Netz Arroyo, Sadagopan Krishnan
Sensor; Organic and Biological Electrochemistry; Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
Z General
Z01 General Student Poster Session
Alice Suroviec, Qingye Lu, Jennifer Hite
All Divisions
Z02 Materials, Devices, and Systems for Neuromorphic Computing and Artificial Intelligence Hardware 2
Rashmi Jha, Durga Misra, Kuniyuki Kakushima, Jeff Blackburn, Bilge Yildiz, Gitanjali Kolhatkar, Zia Karim
Electronics and Photonics; Dielectric Science and Technology; High-Temperature Energy, Materials, & Processes; Nanocarbons; Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Subcommittee Battery Division; Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry Division
Corie L. Cobb Named a 2024 Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors
Corie L. Cobb has been selected for the 2024 class of Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). She will be inducted as a fellow and receive a medal at a special ceremony honoring the inductees at the NAI 14th Annual Meeting in June 2025.
NAI is dedicated to encouraging academic inventors with US patents. Each year, the Academy inducts a class of fellows who demonstrate a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on the quality of life, economic development, and welfare of society.
Corie L. Cobb is the Washington Research Foundation Professor in Clean Energy and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington (UW). Prof. Cobb’s research lies at the intersection of manufacturing and engineered materials with a focus on renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
For the last 16 years of her professional career, she has advanced the development and commercialization of new manufacturing methods for semiconductors, energy storage, and energy conversion materials. Grants from the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and industry partners have funded her recent research. Prof. Cobb has 20 US patents, seven US patent applications, and 45 international patents in the areas of additive manufacturing, materials processing, lithium-ion batteries, and solar cells. She previously worked at Palo Alto Research Center Inc. (formerly known as Xerox PARC) and Applied Materials. Prof. Cobb is a recipient of the DARPA Young Faculty Award, DARPA Director’s Fellowship, and 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award. In 2023, Cobb was elected to the Washington State Academy of Sciences. Cobb received her PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and BS in Product Design and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University.
James T. Burns, Robert Kelly, and John Scully Receive 2024 University of Virginia Research Achievement Award
On February 5, 2025, James T. Burns, Robert Kelly, and John Scully received the 2024 University of Virginia (UVA) Research Collaboration Award at UVA’s sixth annual Research Achievement Awards. The award honors their more than 10 years of work exploring corrosive electrochemical processes that affect engineering materials. They have published over 40 papers with at least two of them as coauthors and have been supported by more than $30 million in research funding. The team focuses on creating resources and informing decision-making when it comes to choosing engineering materials. Scully, Kelly, and Burns have been sponsored by such organizations as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Department of Defense, Rolls-Royce, Arconic, and NASA. The award committee emphasized that the team is “globally known for their knowledge and they have both moved and set the benchmark for what passes as an extensive assessment of corrosion.”
“Not only are the applicants exceptionally worthy recipients of this honor and recognition by UVA; but I believe it will encourage others to emulate the collegiality, positive nurturing, and strategic planning that the team has so wonderfully achieved,” said Nick Birbilis, executive dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University. James T. Burns is an associate professor of materials science and engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science; Robert Kelly is professor of materials science
and engineering; and Charles Henderson is chaired professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Virginia.
Ahmet Kusoglu Receives PECASE Award
Ahmet Kusoglu has received a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the US government on outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers. Fewer than 400 scientists and engineers were chosen for the honor.
Dr. Kusoglu is a staff scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and an Interface contributing editor. He was recognized for his research on ion-conductive polymers and their behavior in polymerelectrolyte fuel cells and similar electrochemical energy applications. Dr. Kusoglu’s research focuses on structure-property characterization
of ionomers and soft-hard interfaces, chemical-mechanical interrogation of ion-exchange membranes for improved performance and durability in fuel cells and electrolyzers, as well as understanding and developing material design guidelines for energy conversion and storage systems.
Established by President Clinton in 1996, PECASE recognizes scientists and engineers who show exceptional potential for leadership early in their research careers. The award recognizes innovative and far-reaching developments in science and technology, expands awareness of careers in science and engineering, recognizes the scientific missions of participating agencies, enhances connections between research and impacts on society, and highlights the importance of science and technology for our nation’s future.
In Memoriam ... Boone B. Owens
(1932 – 2024)
Dr. Boone B. Owens, ECS Fellow, world-renowned chemist, and devoted family man, passed away on October 16, 2024, at the age of 91. Born December 13, 1932, in China to Presbyterian missionary parents, Boone moved to the United States at the age of eight. His early experiences abroad sparked a lifelong curiosity and passion for science and discovery.
Boone completed high school in Monrovia, CA, graduated from Whittier College with a BA in Chemistry, and went on to earn his PhD in Chemistry from Iowa State University.
Boone’s professional contributions to the world of science are nothing short of remarkable. A leading expert in solid state electrochemistry, he discovered rubidium silver iodide in 1965, a breakthrough in solid-state conductivity that remains unsurpassed nearly 60 years later. His work laid the foundation for modern batteries used in life-saving medical devices, such as pacemakers, enabling a battery life of up to 15 years compared to just 18 months before his discovery. Boone’s pioneering achievements truly transformed the field and have saved countless lives.
Over the course of his 45-year career, Boone acquired 18 patents and authored over 200 technical papers. He joined ECS in 1966 and was a longtime, active member of the battery division. He was also a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Chemical Society. In 1982, he was elected a member of the prestigious Medtronic Bakken Society, and in 1994, Boone was awarded a Fellow of The Electrochemical Society. He also received the Battery Division Technology Award in 2001.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Boone had a zest for life, a great sense of humor, and a wide array of personal passions. He loved the outdoors, often taking his family hiking, camping, and fishing. He was an extraordinary photographer who enjoyed making
In Memoriam ... Bruno Scrosati (1937 – 2024)
Dr. Bruno Scrosati, ECS Fellow and Society President from 2003 to 2004, passed away on November 5, 2024. Renowned for his work in electrochemical energy conversion and storage, Dr. Scrosati was a true pioneer in the field. His publication in the Journal of the Electrochemical Society was a first report on “rocking-chair” battery (RCB) technology; the RCB was later renamed the lithium-ion battery (M. Lazzari, B. Scrosati, J Electrochem Soc 1980, 127, 773).
Born in Ortisei, Italy, in 1937, Dr. Scrosati received his PhD in Electrochemistry from the University of Rome. After stints as a Research Associate at the University of Illinois and as a Summer
photo books. He was well known for his culinary skills, particularly his mastery of Chinese cuisine. Family was central to Boone’s life, and he loved playing games—especially cribbage.
Boone was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sonya, in 2006. He is survived by his four children: David Owens (Luette Semmes), Janette Willacker (Richard), Charissa Owens, and Matthew Owens (Angie). He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish his wisdom, kindness, and love.
Boone B. Owens’ life and work left an indelible mark on both the world of science and the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
This remembrance was contributed by Dr. Owens’ son David.
From Esther S. Takeuchi:
Boone was the author of a text (Batteries for Implantable Devices, first published in 1986 and last edition published in 2012) that covered the field of batteries for implantable medical devices. His book was published when the device size, intended therapy, and function were rapidly evolving. It was the dawn of the implantable device era. The text that Boone wrote was used as the definitive resource in the field for many years.
He was also an active participant in ECS meetings. During his long scientific career, it is hard to remember a fall ECS meeting (in those times, batteries were discussed only in the fall meetings) when he was not present. He was an active listener, engaged in conversation about the field, and always asked insightful questions about the topics.
Posted by Stan Wittingham, 2019 Chemistry Nobel Laureate: Boone Owens was a leading pioneer in solid state electrochemistry. He discovered the remarkable ionic conductivity of silver rubidium iodide in 1965, which even today has not been surpassed. His work was the basis for batteries used in pacemakers and other devices, and transformed the field. He was a close colleague in the formation of the field of solid state ionics.
Visiting Scientist at Bell Telephone Laboratories, he became a Full Professor of Electrochemistry at the Sapienza University of Rome in 1980. Over his career, he held numerous distinguished visiting professorships at universities all over the world, and was awarded honorary doctorates from the University of St. Andrews, Chalmers University, and the University of Ulm.
An Awarded Life Fellow, Dr. Scrosati joined ECS in 1969; he was elected Vice President in 2000 and President for the 2003 to 2004 term. ECS acknowledged his pioneering research in battery technology with the 2012 Vittorio De Nora Award, 2006 Europe Section Alessandro Volta Award, and 1997 Battery Division Research Award. He was named Fellow of The Electrochemistry Society in 2005 in recognition of his contributions to the Society and to science.
Dr. Scrosati delivered the ECS Lecture at the 221st ECS Meeting Plenary Session in May 2012. The Battery Division and the Physical
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(continued from previous page)
and Analytical Electrochemistry Division sponsored a symposium at the 229th ECS Meeting, San Diego, in May 2016, titled “Future and Present Advanced Lithium Batteries and Beyond—a Symposium in Honor of Prof. Bruno Scrosati.” The organizers presented a certificate of recognition to Prof. Scrosati that read, “... to Bruno Scrosati, an exceptional researcher and academic teacher, guide, and inspirer of many top-level scientists worldwide, in recognition of his pioneering discoveries of functional materials and mechanisms governing the operation of lithium-ion batteries. His studies and outstanding divulgation activity allowed breakthrough and fundamental advancements in the energy storage technology.”
Among Dr. Scrosati's most impactful and enduring legacies is the founding of the International Conference on Lithium Batteries (IMLB), which today is still the highest regarded lithium battery meeting in the world. Prestigious positions held by Dr. Scrosati include vice president and president of the International Society of SolidState Ionics (1988–1990); president of the Italian Chemical Society (1996–1998); and appointment in 1989 to the Italian Commission of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). He was a member of the Faraday Division of the Council of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
In Memoriam ...
John S. Wilkes (1947 – 2024)
Dr. John S. Wilkes, Professor Emeritus, US Air Force Academy, passed away on August 12, 2024. Dr. Wilkes was born on March 6, 1947. He received a BA in Chemistry from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and an MS and PhD from Northwestern University. After completing active military service in the US Air Force, he became a civilian professor at the US Air Force Academy in 1978. He served the Academy continuously for the rest of his career, including serving as the Academy’s Research Center Director.
Dr. Wilkes joined ECS in 1967; he was an active member of both the Society and the Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry (PAE) Division. He received the PAE Division Max Bredig Award in Molten Salt and Ionic Liquid Chemistry in 2006. His award talk,
He served as European editor of the Journal of Power Sources and on the editorial boards of several international journals, including Solid State Ionics, Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, Progress in Solid State Chemistry, Ionics, The Chemical Records, and La Chimica e l’Industria. Dr. Scrosati is listed among the 10,000 mostcited chemists in the world. He authored more than 700 scientific publications, with an h-index of 108 and 71,604 citations, as well as nine books and 10 book chapters. He held 16 patents.
Among many other honors, Dr. Scrosati received the prestigious 2003/2004 Italgas Science and Environment Prize, for studies that “constitute concrete proof that morphologically optimized materials can enable the performance required of batteries and fuel cells for electric vehicle applications.”
This remembrance was compiled from ECS archives and articles published by the Sapienza University of Rome, the Helmholtz Institute Ulm, and the International Society of Electrochemistry.
From Dr. Giovanni Appetecchi: Bruno was a true pioneer in the field of electrochemical energy storage, particularly on lithium batteries. To all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him, he was an authentic leader and mentor, always combining an authentic and genuine passion for science.
“Molten Salts and Ionic Liquids—Are They Not the Same Thing?,” was published in ECS Transactions. Dr. Wilkes also served on the Editorial Advisory Committee from 2010 to 2011.
His former Air Force colleague, Professor Charles Hussey at the University of Mississippi, states that Wilkes was a creative, adaptable scholar. For example, although he was trained in biochemistry, his Air Force research activities led him to explore the field of ionic liquid electrolytes for applications in rechargeable military battery systems. His transition into electrochemical and synthetic research with ionic liquids was seamless. Most importantly, he is recognized for designing and developing the quaternary di- and trialkylimidazolium salts that serve as the basis of many classes of low-melting ionic liquids, especially the AlCl3-based chloroaluminate systems. His original paper describing these salts appeared in the journal Inorganic Chemistry [Inorg Chem, 21, 1263-1264 (1982)] and was one of the most highly cited articles from 2005. Wilkes’s seminal work with imidazolium-based salts is without doubt a significant factor driving the world-wide exponential growth in ionic liquid research.
Photo: Lt. John Ross
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Looking at Patent Law: Patenting an Invention for Electrochemical Dewatering of Nanocellulose Suspensions...A Case Study
by E. Jennings Taylor and Maria Inman
In this installment of the ‟Looking at Patent Lawˮ articles, we present a case study of a patented invention for electrochemical dewatering of cellulosic nanomaterials, including cellulosic nanocrystals (CNCs), microfibrilated cellulose (MFC), nanofibrilated cellulose (NFC), and bacterial cellulose (BC). Nanocellulosic materials are of interest due to their unique physical properties and the fact that they are recyclable, biodegradable, and produced from renewable resources. Current fabrication methods produce aqueous suspensions of ~ 3 to 7 wt/% nanocellulosic materials. The primary objective of dewatering is to reduce the transportation costs of these low concentration aqueous suspensions. Nanocellulosic materials are being evaluated for applications in electrochemical technologies that include batteries and fuel cells, corrosion resistant coatings, biosensors, electronic devices, electrochromic devices, and composites.1,2 The subject invention aligns with an important focus of The Electrochemical Society (ECS) on sustainability and with the technical interests of several divisions, including Battery (BATT), Corrosion (CORR), Dielectric Science and Technology (DS&T), Electronics and Photonics (EPD), Energy Technology (ETD), Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering (IE&EE), Luminescence and Display Materials (LDM), Nanocarbons (NANO), Organic and Biological Electrochemistry (OBE), Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry (PAE), and Sensor (SENS). The case illustrates overcoming prior art obviousness rejections by incorporating limitations from the specification into the independent claim. More specifically, by including “descriptive” terminology in the specification, the inventors were able to distinguish the subject invention from the prior art. In addition, the case illustrates the difference between patent drawings and the corresponding technical manuscript drawing. Finally, the case introduces ECS members to an emerging technology of interest to both academia and industry.
Recall from our previous article,3 the prosecution history of a patent application is publicly available in the file wrapper at the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) Patent Center website.4 With the USPTO Patent Center system as the primary source of information for this case study, we illustrate the prosecution “events” encountered during the examination of US Patent No. 12,091,333; “Method and Apparatus for Electrochemical Dewatering of Suspensions of Cellulosic Nanomaterials”.5 The ‘333 patent issued on September 17, 2024 with inventors Timothy D. Hall, Maria E. Inman, Stephen T. Snyder, Santosh H. Vijapur, E. Jennings Taylor, and Thi Xuan Huong Le. The inventors consist of a team of researchers from Faraday Technology, Inc, an electrochemical R&D company focused on developing innovations based on pulse/ pulse reverse electrolytic principles.6 The company commercializes its electrochemical inventions via licensing or selling the associated patents to strategic partners/customers.7 The patented invention that is the focus of this article is assigned to Faraday Technology, Inc.
The dewatering technology associated with the ‘333 patent was developed with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO). The subject invention is directed toward a pulse current electrochemical method and apparatus for dewatering aqueous suspensions of nanocellulosic materials. The dewatering technology was described in a DOE/AMO announcement and in a recent publication.8,9 The dewatering apparatus is depicted in Fig. 1 (see Background and Detailed Description of the invention herein).
The inventors speculated that the dewatering apparatus could function via several mechanisms listed in Table I. Water consumption via Joule heating or electrolysis were shown to be high energy requirement mechanisms. Water separation/transport via electroosmosis and electrophoresis were assumed to be low energy requirement mechanisms. Finally, rotation/viscosity effects resulting in wall slip and shear banding were assumed to (continued on next page)
Taylor and Inman (continued from previous page)
1. Schematic representation of the pulse current electrochemical dewatering apparatus from the ‘333 patent.
1.
representation of the pulse current electrochemical dewatering apparatus from the ‘333 patent.
be low energy requirement mechanisms and are illustrated in Fig. 2 of the ‘333 patent. The inventors further speculated that the low energy requirement mechanisms could be favored by adjusting the electrochemical parameters and the rotation rate. While the invention describes several mechanisms for dewatering, note that the validity of the claimed invention is not dependent on theory, and that patents do not need to explain the mechanisms by which a device works.
The ‘333 patent abstract generally describes the invention as follows:
“A dewatering apparatus for cellulosic materials includes a chamber for an aqueous solution of a cellulosic material, an inner electrode in the chamber, an outer electrode in the chamber about the inner electrode, and a power supply connected to the inner electrode and the outer electrode applying a voltage potential across the electrodes to remove water associated with the aqueous solution and to dewater the cellulosic materials.”
Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated summaries of the ‘333 patent using OpenAI (ChatGPT)10 are:
Technical Problem Summary
“The patent addresses the challenges associated with dewatering aqueous suspensions of cellulosic nanomaterials (e.g., cellulosic nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulosic nanofibers (CNFs)). Existing methods, such as centrifugation, sedimentation, filtration, and drying, are energy-intensive,
Dewatering Mechanism Function Energy Requirement
Water Consumption:
Joule Heating Water vaporization HIGH
Electrolysis Water electrolysis HIGH
Separation/Transport:
Electroosmotic Water transport to cathode LOW
Electrophoretic CNC-CNF transport to anode LOW
Rotation/Viscosity Wall slip, shear banding LOW
inefficient, and often result in agglomeration (hornification) of the nanomaterials, reducing their reusability and performance. The pseudoplastic, non-Newtonian nature of nanocellulosic suspensions further complicates water removal, as they require high pressures, extended filtration times, and specialized apparatus.
Key issues include:
1. Energy Efficiency: Conventional methods demand excessive energy, making large-scale processing economically prohibitive.
2. Agglomeration (Hornification): Current methods often lead to irreversible bonding of cellulose fibers, compromising their structural integrity and usability.
3. Processing Complexity: Handling pseudoplastic suspensions and achieving higher solids concentrations efficiently remains a significant hurdle.”
Benefit Summary
“The disclosed invention offers an electrochemical apparatus and method for efficient dewatering of nanocellulosic suspensions. Key benefits include:
1. Energy Efficiency: Utilizes low-energy electrochemical methods (e.g., direct current, pulse voltage) to achieve significant water removal with reduced energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
2. Agglomeration Prevention: The approach minimizes hornification, enabling the re-dispersal of nanocellulosic materials into water without compromising their quality or properties.
3. Enhanced Concentration: Achieves high solids concentrations (up to 70 wt%) while maintaining the suspension’s usability.
4. Innovative Apparatus Design: Features include concentric rotating electrodes, non-cylindrical shapes (e.g., paddles, screws), and variable rotation rates to optimize water removal and handle pseudoplastic fluids effectively.
5. Scalability: The invention is adaptable for continuous and batch processing, making it suitable for industrial-scale applications.
These advancements support the sustainable and economical use of cellulosic nanomaterials in diverse applications, fostering longterm environmental and industrial benefits.”
Patent Applications
This article summarizes the prosecution history of US Utility Patent Application No. 18/068,333 leading to US Patent No. 12,091,333. In Table II, we list the patent applications related to
2. Figures from the ‘333 patent illustrating wall slip and shear banding, respectively.
Wall Slip Shear Banding
2. Figures from the ‘333 patent illustrating wall slip and shear banding, respectively.
Fig.
Schematic
FIG.
Table I. Mechanisms Assumed to be Associated with the Dewatering Apparatus.
Fig.
FIG.
US Provisional Patent Application
US Utility Patent Application
US Utility Patent Application
US Utility Patent Application
62/842,037 N/A
16/813,836 N/A
18/068,895 12,091,333
18/779,658 N/A
Method and Apparatus for Electrochemical Dewatering of Suspensions of Cellulosic Nanomaterials
Method and Apparatus for Electrochemical Dewatering of Suspensions of Cellulosic Nanomaterials
Method and Apparatus for Electrochemical Dewatering of Suspensions of Cellulosic Nanomaterials
Method and Apparatus for Electrochemical Dewatering of Suspensions of Cellulosic Nanomaterials
Patent Application No. 18,068,333. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/842,037 was filed on May 5, 2019. Recall, claims are not required in a provisional patent application11 and a provisional patent application expires one year from its filing date.12 The inventor team used the original provisional patent application as a placeholder while additional experimental activities progressed, which were captured in subsequent patent applications. US Utility Patent Application No.16/813,836 was filed on March 10, 2020, within one year of the original provisional patent application, and therefore has a priority date of May 5, 2019. US Patent Application No. 16/813,836 was abandoned. US Utility Patent Application No. 18/068,836 was filed as a division of 16/813,836 on December 20, 2022, and issued as US Patent No. 12,091,333 on September 17, 2024. The ‘333 patent has a priority date of the original provisional patent application, May 5, 2019. US Patent Application No. 18/779,658 was filed as a division of 18/068,895 on July 22, 2024, while US Patent Application No. 18/068,895 was pending.13
Background and Detailed Description of the Invention
The “BACKGROUND” section of the patent application describes problems in the state-of-the-art related economical use of nanocellulosic materials. Specifically,
“Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to an increase in global consumption of materials for various applications. Non-renewable resources such as petroleum products account for a significant fraction of global materials use. With increasing worldwide demand, an eventual depletion of non-renewable petroleum reserves is inevitable. There is large and important opportunity to investigate renewable resources to address long term sustainability. A costcompetitive biomass product would have substantial market potential in which to seek entry despite recent reductions in the price per barrel of crude oil. In the long-term, the nonrenewable nature of petroleum reserves will eventually lead to upward pressure on the per-barrel price of petroleum crude. Accordingly, cellulosic materials are attracting considerable interest to replace in part traditional nonrenewable resources... Currently, cellulosic nanomaterials are produced as low concentration suspensions of solids in water. For example, CNCs and CNFs are available as aqueous suspensions of ~7 wt % solids and ~3 wt % solids, respectively. As shipping of low concentration suspensions of CNCs and CNFs over long distances is not economical, there is a need for energy-efficient, dewatering methods to increase the solids content…A particular challenge with suspensions of cellulosic nanomaterials is that they are non-Newtonian fluids and exhibit pseudoplastic behavior. In addition, the current methods for dewatering require excessive amounts of energy and often result in significant agglomeration of the nanocellulose particles. Consequently, a need exists for an improved apparatus and method for dewatering suspensions of cellulose nanomaterials which requires relatively low energy and does not result in significant hornification.”
May 05, 2019 Expired
Mar. 10, 2020 Abandoned
Dec. 20, 2022 Issued Sep. 17, 2024
Jul. 22, 2024 Pending
The “SUMMARY” section of the patent application further describes the electrochemical dewatering invention as
“ElectroDewatering is an electrochemical technology that utilizes… pulse current or pulse voltage, or pulse reverse current or pulse reverse voltage electric waveforms in conjunction with a cylindrical electrochemical cell for removal of water from an aqueous suspension of particulates such as cellulosic nanomaterials consisting of cellulosic nanocrystals (CNCs) of cellulosic nanofibers (CNFs) or mixtures thereof. While the instant invention is not bound by theory, this lowenergy ElectroDewatering process may remove water by one or more mechanisms comprising Joule heating removal as water vapor, electrolysis removal as hydrogen and oxygen gas, electroosmotic transport of water to the cathode and electrophoretic transport of nanocellulosic material to the anode with subsequent removal of the liquid water from the cathode region, and/or creating regions of high nanocellulosic material content and low nanocellulosic material content due to the relative rotation of the anode and cathode with subsequent removal of liquid water from the low concentration nanocellulosic material region…Any or all of the above mechanisms of water removal and transport may be combined into an electrochemical dewatering method and apparatus for low energy concentration of particle suspensions in water such as nanocellulosic suspensions.”
Several figures from the patent application further illustrate the subject invention. In Fig. 3, we reproduce Figure 17 and its description from the ‘333 patent:
FIG. 3. Figure 17 from the ‘333 patent illustrating the electrochemical dewatering apparatus invention.
(continued on next page)
Fig. dewatering apparatus invention.
Taylor and Inman
(continued from previous page)
“…a cylindrical tilted electrochemical cell 70 with an inner auger electrode 72 and a tilted concentric mesh outer electrode 74 with an outer concentric porous separator 78 within container 76. Auger 72 includes a helical screw blade as shown. The porous separator 58 has pores which primarily permits water or low concentration nanocellulosic suspension to pass through. Nanocellulosic suspension 31 is feed to tilted electrochemical cell 70 from hopper 60. Power supply 37 is connected to inner electrode 72 and mesh outer electrode 74 to provide electric current or voltage across the electrochemical cell 70 containing the nanocellulosic suspension 31
The electrochemical cell 70 is equipped with a rotating mechanism to apply rotation to inner electrode 72. The inner electrode 72 may be rotated at a fixed or variable rotation rate by drive motor 90 and rotating shaft 96 via belt 92 and pulley 94a and pulley 94b. The tilted electrochemical cell 70 may be operated at a titled angle, a ranging from 45-degree to the horizon, 90-degree to the horizon or horizontally. The cylindrical tilted electrochemical cell 70 may be operated in a continuous manner such that water or low concentration nanocellulosic suspension 82 passes through mesh outer electrode 74 and then through porous separator 78 and into liquid catch basin 84 and concentrated nanocellulosic suspension 86 passes into nanocellulosic catch basin 88.”
Figure 3 is the patent drawing equivalent of the technical figure illustration in Fig. 1. The US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) has specific requirements for patent drawings. If these requirements are not followed, the patent application is rejected. Patent drawings are reviewed by the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) during preliminary examination. Drawings not in compliance will not be in the examination queue until corrected patent drawings are submitted. An obvious difference between the patent drawing and technical illustration is the use of black and white versus color, respectively. The USPTO requires black and white drawing.14 Color patent drawings may be used in special cases where color is15
“…the only practical medium by which to disclose the subject matter to be patented…”
Another obvious difference is the use of reference numbers in the patent drawings. Reference numbers are required to distinctly point out key elements of the invention which generally appear in the claims. Elements of the invention which appear in more than one patent drawing must use the same reference number.16 Additionally, elements/reference numbers mentioned in the description of the patent application must appear in the patent drawing and elements/ reference numbers not mentioned in the description of the patent application must not appear in the patent drawing.17 While we have reviewed some patent drawing requirements, there are numerous other requirements and we recommend consultation with a qualified draftsman or patent attorney/patent agent for the preparation of patent drawings.18
The patent application included two independent claims and twenty-nine dependent claims. Independent Claim 1 is reproduced herein.
1. A dewatering method for cellulosic materials comprising:
a. placing an aqueous solution of a cellulosic material in a chamber with an inner electrode and outer electrode about the inner electrode;
b. applying a pulse and/or pulse reverse waveform across the inner and outer electrodes;
c. rotating at least one electrode to apply a shear stress to the cellulosic material to decrease its viscosity;
d. urging liquid material to migrate through the outer electrode; and
e. urging solid material to migrate towards the inner electrode.
In addition to the specification, the applicant submitted the filing fee and inventor declarations with the patent application.19 The declaration included an assertion by the inventors stating,
“The above-identified application was made or authorized to be made by me. I believe that I am the original inventor or an original joint inventor of a claimed invention in the application.”
The declaration included an acknowledgement that the inventor was aware of the penalties for a false statement,20
“I hereby acknowledge that any willful false statement made in this declaration is punishable under 18 U.S.C. 1001 by fine or imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, or both.”
Importantly, the “named inventor” must be correctly represented on a US patent application.21 Specifically, inclusion of a colleague as a co-inventor who did not participate in the conception of the invention is known as a misjoinder and may invalidate an otherwise valid patent. Similarly, exclusion of a co-inventor who participated in the conception is known as a nonjoinder and may invalidate an otherwise valid patent. If an inventor is erroneously omitted or erroneously included as an inventor, the misjoinder/nonjoinder can be corrected and the patent remains valid.22
Establishing and Maintaining a Filing Date
To establish a filing date, a utility patent application must include 1) Specification23
“…a written description of the invention, and the manner and process for making it…to enable any person skilled in the art…to make and use [the invention] …”
2) Minimum of one claim24
“…particularly pointing out…the subject matter…as the invention…”
3) Drawings25
“…where necessary for understanding the subject matter…to be patented…”
To maintain the filing date, the following additional criteria are required
1) Filing fee in accordance with the current USPTO fee schedule26
2) Inventor oath or declaration asserting27
a. The patent application was authorized by the inventor(s), b. The inventor(s) believe he/she is the original inventor or they are the original joint inventors.
The patent application was filed on Dec. 20, 2022. As summarized above, the specification included a background and summary of the invention describing various embodiments of the invention; claims directed towards the invention; drawings illustrating the “elements” of the subject invention; filing fee; and inventor oath.
Consequently, the initial filing of the patent application and associated documents met the requirements to both establish and maintain a filing date and thereby avoided being abandoned. On Jan. 25, 2023, the USPTO issued a filing receipt and assigned the patent application number 18/068,895.
March-in Rights
The work leading to the electrochemical dewatering invention was supported with funding from the DOE SBIR program. The BayhDole Act stipulates that an invention made with government funding include a government rights statement.28 The subsequently issued patent included the following statement
“This invention was made with government support under government Contract No. DE-AR0001494 awarded by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA-E) of the U.S. Department of Energy to Sublime Energy, Inc. The government has certain rights in the invention.”
Regarding march-in rights, a key policy objective of the BayhDole Act is29
“…to ensure that the Government obtains sufficient rights in federally supported inventions to meet the needs of the Government and protect the public against nonuse or unreasonable use of inventions…”
To our knowledge, the government has never exercised BayhDole march-in rights in any invention.
Inventor Assignment and Power of Attorney
The inventors were employed by Faraday Technology, Inc. at the time of the invention. Consequently, the patent application was assigned to Faraday Technology.
The patent application included a statement that the applicant appointed patent attorneys/agents from Iandorio, Teska & Coleman, LLP to prosecute the patent application at the USPTO.
Information Disclosure Statement
The applicants submitted an “Information Disclosure Statement” (IDS) to the USPTO after filing the patent application and prior to the first office action addressing patentability. The IDS included prior art references, including those of the inventors as required by the “Duty of Candor.” The “Duty of Candor” requires that the inventor(s) submit an IDS within a reasonable time of submission of the patent application disclosing30
“…to the Office [USPTO] all information known to that individual to be material to patentability…”
The “Duty of Candor” is specific to any existing claim and requires that the IDS be continually updated while the claim is pending. The “Duty of Candor” ceases only when the claim is allowed and the patent issue fee is paid.
The “Duty of Candor” extends to any individual associated with the filing of the patent application including
1) Inventor(s),
2) Patent Counsel, or
3) Persons who are substantially involved in the preparation or prosecution of the patent application.
Substantial involvement in the preparation of the patent application could include technical assistants, collaborators, or colleagues. Substantial involvement would generally not extend to clerical workers. Furthermore, the inclusion of a reference in an IDS31
“…is not taken as an admission that the reference is prior art against the claims.”
If a finding of a violation of the “Duty of Candor” resulting in “inequitable conduct” regarding any claim in a patent is determined, then all the claims of the subject patent are rendered invalid.32 The
applicant is cautioned not to “bury” the examiner with a long list of non-material references in hopes that the examiner will not notice the relevant material references.33 The specific guidance from the USPTO is to34
“…avoid the submission of long lists of documents if it can be avoided…If a long list is submitted, highlight those documents which have been specifically brought to the applicant’s attention and/or are known to be of most significance.”
Publication
The USPTO began publishing patent applications eighteen months after their priority date for patent applications filed on or after November 29, 2000. The patent application was published July 6, 2023, as publication number US 2024/0083819. The publication date was later than eighteen months from the priority date of the US provisional patent application since this patent application was a divisional of an abandoned patent application.
Requirement for Restriction/Election
As noted above, the patent application contained thirty-one claims. The claims were directed toward various embodiments of an electrochemical dewatering method consisting of variations of an electrochemical cell with a rotating inner electrode and cylindrical outer electrode. The various embodiments were described in the specification, illustrated in the drawings, and cited in the claims. The USTPO stated there were ten distinct inventions claimed based on these embodiments. Per the patent statute, the USPTO directed the applicants to elect a single invention for examination.35 After the prosecution of the initial invention is complete, the other inventions can be elected for subsequent examination. The applicants picked the claims associated with the screw auger embodiment depicted in Fig. 3 (i.e., Fig. 17 from the ‘333 patent).
Non-Final Office Actions
On March 8, 2024, the USPTO issued a non-final office action (NFOA) rejecting all the claims in the patent application as being “obvious” in view of the prior art36
“A patent may not be obtained… if the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art...”
The patent application was not rejected for lack of “novelty,” which is37
“…the invention was patented or described in a printed publication in this or a foreign country or in public use or on sale in this country, more than one year prior to the date of application for patent in the United States.”
The obviousness rejection was based on three prior art references. Specifically, Candor (US Pat. No. 5,362,371) in view of Huba et al (US Pat. No. 4,331,525) and Jajuee et al (US Pub. No. 2013/011,371). The Candor and Huba prior art citations are issued patents, and the Jajuee prior art citation is a published patent application. While the prior art used by the USPTO in this case were US patents or patent applications, non-patent (US or foreign) printed publications may also be used as prior art.38
Recall, the prior art is required to describe the invention, either alone or in combination with other prior art, under the following two basic requirements39
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Taylor and Inman
(continued from previous page)
1) each and every element of the claimed invention must be disclosed either explicitly or inherently, and the elements must be arranged or combined in the same way as in the claim.40
4. Figure 33 from the Prior Art US Patent No. 5,362,371 used in the obviousness rejection of the electrochemical dewatering patent applications.
2) a person of ordinary skill in the art must have been enabled to make the invention without undue experimentation.41
To summarize the NFOA, the examiner noted the three prior art references described in combination an electrochemical dewatering device (apparatus) using pulsed or direct currents with an outer mesh electrode and a rotating inner screw electrode. Although the prior art references were directed toward an apparatus and the instant patent application is directed toward a method or process, as noted by the examiner42
When the prior art device is the same as a device described in the specification for carrying out the claimed method, it can be assumed the device will inherently perform the claimed process.
The takeaway is that prior art directed toward an apparatus may be used to reject a patent application directed toward a method. Two relevant figures from two of the prior art references depicting the electrochemical cell with a screw electrode are reproduced in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The combination of these figures along with the description in the prior art references covered all the elements in the subject invention and provided the basis for the obviousness rejection. Of note, none of the prior art references described dewatering of nanocellulosic suspensions.
Applicant Response/Allowance of Patent Application
Generally, obviousness rejections are overcome by adding limitations from dependent claims or from the specification to the rejected claims.43 On May 20, 2024, the applicant submitted amended claims and arguments to the USPTO with the intent of overcoming the obviousness rejections. Specifically, the applicants noted that none of the prior art references addressed dewatering of nanocellulosic suspensions. In most cases, changing the solution would not be sufficient to overcome an obviousness rejection. However, in this case the aqueous suspensions of nanocellulose materials behaved as a non-Newtonian fluid and exhibited properties unique from those of the fluids in the prior art references. Due to the uniqueness of the nanocellulose aqueous suspensions, the applicants noted that there is no suggestion in the prior art that what works for Jajuee, Huba, or Candor would work for dewatering nanocellulosic materials. The applicant added the nanocellulosic material and non-Newtonian fluid limitations into an amended independent Claim 1. The new Claim 1 is reproduced and compared to the originally submitted claim herein with the inserted text depicted in [brackets].
1. A dewatering method for cellulosic materials [nonNewtonian nanocellulosic fluids including cellulosic nanocrystals (CNCs) and/or cellulosic nanofibers (CNFs), free water, and immobilized water bound to the CNCs and/ or CNFs by hydrogen bonds, the method] comprising:
4.
33 from the Prior Art US Patent No. 5,362,371 used in the obviousness rejection of the electrochemical dewatering patent applications.
a. placing an aqueous solution of a cellulosic material in [feeding the non-Newtonian fluids into] a chamber with an inner electrode [including an auger with a helical screw blade] and outer [mesh] electrode about the inner electrode;
b. applying a pulse and/or pulse reverse waveform across the inner and outer electrodes;
c. rotating at least one electrode [relative to the other] to apply a [produce wall slip and] shear stress to the cellulosic material to decrease its [banding lowering the] viscosity [of the non-Newtonian fluids resulting in regions of low nanocellulosic material concentrations to enhance separation of water from the nanocellulosic suspenation];
d. urging liquid material to migrate through the outer electrode; and
e. urging solid material [simultaneously applying a direct current and/or pulse and/or reverse pulse waveform across the inner electrode and the outer mesh electrode urging water to migrate towards the outer mesh electrode for extraction therethrough and further urging the CNCs and/or CNFs] to migrate towards the inner electrode [for transport by the helical screw blade out of the chamber for collection].
The amended independent Claim 1 allowed the applicants to overcome the “obviousness” rejections. The applicants paid the issue fee, and the patent application issued as US Patent No. 12,091,333 on September 17, 2024.
The applicants specifically pointed out sections of the patent application which enabled the subject additions to the independent claim.44
On July 12, 2024, the USPTO issued a notice of allowance.
5. Figure 4 from Prior Art Pub. No. US1013/0112561 used in the obviousness rejection of the electrochemical dewatering patent applications.
5.
4 from Prior Art Pub. No. US1013/0112561 used in the obviousness rejection of the electrochemical dewatering patent applications.
Fig.
Figure
FIG.
Fig.
Figure
FIG.
Summary
In this installment of the “Looking at Patent Law” series, we present a case study of the prosecution of US Patent No. 12,091,333; “Method and Apparatus for Electrochemical Dewatering of Suspensions Cellulosic Nanomaterials.” The ‘333 patent issued on September 17, 2024, with inventors Timothy D. Hall, Maria E. Inman, Stephen T. Snyder, Santosh H. Vijapur, E. Jennings Taylor, and Thi Xuan Huong Le. The inventors consist of a team of researchers from Faraday Technology, Inc, an electrochemical R&D company focused on developing innovations based on pulse/ pulse reverse electrolytic principles. The case study begins with a brief synopsis of the background of the invention followed by 1) summary of several drawings and the specification of the invention, 2) inventor assignment and power of attorney designations, 3) march-in rights for government-sponsored research, 4) submission of the Invention Disclosure Statement (IDS) and associated Duty of Candor, 5) summary of the non-final office action rejecting the patent application for obviousness, and 6) applicant response and allowance of the patent application. The case study illustrates the use of adding limitations from the specification to the independent claim to overcome an obviousness rejection. In addition, the case illustrates the differences between patent drawings and the corresponding technical drawing. With this case study, we hope to de-mystify the patent prosecution process and better prepare electrochemical and solid-state scientists, engineers, and technologists to interact with their patent counsel regarding their inventions.
© The Electrochemical Society. DOI:10.1149/2.F04251IF
About the Authors
E. Jennings Taylor, Founder of Faraday Technology, Inc.
Research Interest: Founder of Faraday Technology, Inc., a small business focused on developing innovative electrochemical processes and technologies based on pulse and pulse reverse electrolytic principles. Until his recent retirement, Taylor led Faraday’s patent and commercialization strategy and negotiated numerous patents via field-of-use licenses as well as patent sales. He is admitted to practice before the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) in patents cases as a patent agent (Registration No. 53,676). He is a Member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA). Pubs & Patents: Numerous technical pubs and presentations, inventor on 40 patents.
4. Patent Center https://patentcenter.uspto.gov
5. T. D. Hall, et al.,“Method and Apparatus for Electrochemical Dewatering of Suspensions of Cellulosic Nanomaterials” U.S. Patent No. 12,091,333 issued September 17, 2024.
6. E. J. Taylor, et al., in Advances in Electrochemical Science and Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering: The Path from Discovery to Product R.C. Alkire, P.N. Bartlett, M. Koper (Eds.) Chapter 7 (Vol. 18) Wiley-VCH (2018).
7. www.faradaytechnology.com (accessed 12-21-2024).
8. https://www.energy.gov/eere/ammto/articles/faradaytechnology-develops-energy-efficient-method-dewatercellulosic (accessed 12-21-2024).
9. E. J. Taylor, J Electrochem Soc, 171, 083503 (2024)
10. www.openai.com/chatgpt/ (accessed 9-13-2024).
11. 35 U.S.C. §111(b)(2) Provisional Application/Claim.
12. 35 U.S.C. §111(b)(5) Provisional Application/Abandonment.
13. Manual of Patent Examination Procedure (MPEP) §201.06 Divisional Application.
14. 37 CFR 1.84(a)(1) Standards for Drawings.
15. 37 CFR 1.84(a)(2) Standards for Drawings.
16. 37 CFR 1.84(p)(4) Standards for Drawings.
17. 37 CFR 1.84(p)(5) Standards for Drawings.
18. 37 CFR 11.5 Register of attorneys and agents in patent matters; practice before the Office.
19. 37 CFR 1.63 Inventor’s Oath or Declaration.
20. 18 U.S.C. §1001Statements or Entries Generally.
21. E. J. Taylor and M. Inman, Electrochem Soc Interface, 26(2), 45 (2017)
22. Manual of Patent Examination Procedure (MPEP) §1481.02 Correction of Named Inventor.
23. 35 U.S.C. §112(a) Specification/In General.
24. 35 U.S.C. §112(b) Specification/Conclusion.
25. 35 U.S.C. §113 Drawings.
26. https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/fees-andpayment/uspto-fee-schedule#Patent%20Fees
27. 35 U.S.C. §115(b)(1)(2) Inventor’s Oath or Declaration/ Required Statements.
28. 35 U.S.C. §203 March-in Rights.
29. 35 U.S.C. §200 Policy and Objective.
30. 37 CFR §1.56(a) Duty to Disclose Information Material to Patentability.
31. Riverwood Int’l Corp. v. R.A. Jones & Co., 324 F.3d 1346, 135455, 66 USPQ2d 1331, 1337-38 (Fed Cir. 2003).
32. Manual of Patent Examination Procedure (MPEP) §2016 Fraud, Inequitable Conduct, or Violation of Duty of Disclosure Affects All Claims
33. R. B. Taylor, Mich Telecom & Tech Law Rev, 19, 99 (2012).
34. Manual of Patent Examination Procedure (MPEP) §2004.13 Aids to Comply with Duty of Disclosure.
35. 35 U.S.C. 121.
Work with ECS: Member for 42 years, ECS Fellow. Website: http://www.faradaytechnology.com/ https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3410-0267
Maria Inman, Vice President, Faraday Technology, Inc.
Work Experience: Dr. Inman manages Faraday Technology’s pulse and pulse reverse research project portfolio and business development activities. Pubs + Patents: >108 publications and 7 patents.
Work with ECS: Member for 27 years, Chair of the IE&EE Division.
36. 35 U.S.C. §103(a) (pre-AIA) Conditions for Patentability; Nonobvious Subject Matter.
37. 35 U.S.C. §102(b) (pre-AIA) Conditions for Patentability; Novelty and Loss of Right to Patent.
38. E. J. Taylor and M. Inman, Electrochem Soc Interface 27(4), 33 (2018)
39. Vas-Cath Inc. v. Mahurkar, 935 F.2d 1555, 1562, 19 USPQ2d 1111, 1115 (Fed. Cir. 1991).
40. Eli Lilly & Co. v. Zenith Goldline Pharms., Inc., 471 F.3d 1369, 1375, 81 USPQ2d 1324,1328 (Fed. Cir. 2006).
41. Impax Labs., Inc. v. Aventis Pharms. Inc., 545 F.3d 1312, 1314, 88 USPQ2d 1381, 1383 (Fed. Cir. 2008).
42 In re King, 801 F.2d 1324, 231 USPQ 136 (Fed. Cir. 1986).
Website: http://www.faradaytechnology.com/ https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2560-8410
References
1. B.-E. Channab, et al., J Environ Manag, 352, 119928 (2024)
2. B. Thomas, et al., Chem Rev, 118(24), 11575 (2018)
3. E. J. Taylor and M. Inman, Electrochem Soc Interface, 26(4), 57 (2017)
43. E. J. Taylor and M. Inman, Electrochem Soc Interface, 26(3), 39 (2017)
44. 35 U.S.C. §112(a) Specification/In General.
A New Vision for ECS Advances
In 2024, ECS appointed a new editorial team to lead ECS Advances.
Rohan Akolkar, Editor-in-Chief of ECS Advances, is the Milton and Tamar Maltz Professor of Energy Innovation at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). He is an Ohio Eminent Scholar, serves as Faculty Director of CWRU’s Great Lakes Energy Institute, and holds a joint appointment as Chief Scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Prof. Akolkar received his PhD in Chemical Engineering from CWRU in 2004. He worked in industrial R&D at Intel Corporation for eight years before returning to CWRU as a faculty member in 2012. His research has been recognized by the ECS Norman Hackerman Young Author Award (2004), the ECS Electrodeposition Division Research Award (2023), and numerous industry awards during his tenure at Intel. He is an elected Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (2021), and a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society (2024). He was elected the inaugural Editor-in-Chief of ECS Advances in 2024.
Kent Zheng, Associate Editor of ECS Advances, is an Assistant Professor in the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin. He officially joined UT in Spring 2024. Kent was a postdoctoral research associate in the MIT Physics Department from 2021 to 2023. He obtained his PhD in 2020 from Cornell University. Kent earned his bachelor’s degrees in materials science and in history from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2017. As of November 2024, he has co-authored more than 70 peer-reviewed research papers with total citations of 5000+ and an h-index of 30. He has been recognized by the Early Career Award from the Electrodeposition Division of ECS and was named a 2025 Forbes 30 under 30 in Science. He is a coach with the American Chemical Society for the US National Chemistry Olympiad.
Pietro Papa Lopes, Associate Editor of ECS Advances, is an Electrochemist Scientist in the Materials Science Division of Argonne National Laboratory and a Senior Scientist in the University of Chicago Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering (CASE). He received his PhD in Chemistry from the University of São Paulo, Brazil in 2013 and has worked in the electrochemistry field since 2004 when he was completing his undergraduate studies. He is the recipient of the 2022 DOE Early Career Award and received an ACS Materials Au Rising Star Inaugural Award in 2022. He received an Impact Argonne Award in 2022 and more recently he received an Argonne Commercialization Excellence Award in 2024. He was Chair of the MSD Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council between 2021 and 2023. His current research focus is on understanding at the fundamental level structure-functionstability relationships in materials for electrochemistry, employing well-defined materials and interfaces to uncover degradation mechanisms to allow the development of regeneration strategies and recover material functionality.
ECS interviewed Akolkar, Zheng, and Papa Lopes to understand their collective vision for ECS Advances. Here are their responses.
Conversation with Dr. Akolkar
ECS: As the first dedicated Editor in Chief of ECS Advances (ECSA), what is your vision for this journal and what excites you most about the journal’s potential (pun intended)?
Dr. Akolkar: When I interviewed for the editor-in-chief position, I stated my firm belief that ECS Advances needed a clearly defined and distinct identity within the portfolio of ECS journals. Having been an engineer in industry and in academia, I believe that “advances” happen when fundamental science meets applications in areas of critical societal need. In this sense, ECS Advances has a unique opportunity for significant impact by providing a home to scientific contributions that outline not just the electrochemical and solidstate science (as JES or JSS already effectively do) but also connect them to technology and industry. Specifically, contributions that leverage sound science while also highlighting advances in reactor designs and scale-up, performance demonstrations of materials and systems at scale, rigorous techno-economics and associated life-cycle assessments, etc., would not only help ECS Advances assume a scope distinct yet complementary to JES and JSS but also broaden the overall readership and impact. What excites me most is the immense potential ECS Advances offers for being a preferred avenue for authors to publish the latest advances in electrochemical technologies, enhance the reputation of ECS as it relates to societal impact, and last but not least, gradually increase its impact factor. Being a true open access journal is vital to this vision, as it will help achieve wider dissemination of content.
ECS: Can you tell us how ECS Advances will serve to complement the other ECS journals, and how will it be a unique resource for the ECS community?
Dr. Akolkar: ECS Advances covers all technical interest areas (TIAs) supported by ECS, so it truly is an “all-encompassing” journal, carrying the broadest scope of electrochemical and solidstate science and technology content. Unlike JES and JSS, it is a fully open-access journal, which allows wider dissemination of its high-quality, thoroughly peer-reviewed content. Open access will also be important in increasing citations, the number of downloads, and the impact factor. I believe that in the coming years we will see innovations at the interface between electrochemical and solid state sciences which will be critical to advances in future technologies (e.g., energy storage, energy harvesting, semiconductors, sustainable manufacturing, to name a few). So, it is imperative that ECS Advances offers support to a broad set of TIAs. It’s early days, but the ECS Advances editorial team has already begun discussions about focus issue topics and a more dedicated outreach to leading researchers and authors—stay tuned for more on this. Finally, I must mention the unquestionable need for very high-quality peer review. The collective goal of the ECS Advances editorial team is to set very high standards for peer review, so only the most-impactful content finds a home in the journal.
ECS: In what way will Associate Editors Kent Zheng and Pietro Papa Lopes help you shape the vision of ECS Advances?
Dr. Akolkar: I am very fortunate to have two excellent AEs, Kent and Pietro, working with me to shape ECS Advances. First and
foremost, I respect both of them as exceptional scientists. They are leaders in their respective fields, and they have impressive publication records. They know the editorial process very well, and they care deeply about ECS and are well-connected in the ECS community. It was clear to me from the beginning that they understand the opportunity they have as AEs to transform ECS Advances into a distinct and impactful journal, as you will see in their responses below. I look forward to my journey as editor-in-chief in large part because I have their unwavering support.
Conversation with Dr. Zheng
ECS: What aspects of your role as Associate Editor are you most looking forward to, and how do you plan to support Dr. Akolkar’s vision for the journal?
Dr. Zheng: The most exciting aspect of serving as an AE for ECSA is the opportunity, alongside the editor-in-chief, to shape a new high-impact journal that represents the influence and prominence of The Electrochemical Society. As Dr. Akolkar points out, the journal’s open-access model is essential for bridging the gap between fundamental research and its technological applications. This approach ensures that research discoveries can achieve broader societal impact by being freely accessible to everyone. Personally, I’m thrilled by the chance to engage with and contribute to the publication of original papers. Four months into my editorship with ECSA, I can confidently say it has been an intellectually rewarding experience. In support of Dr. Akolkar’s vision, I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of scientific rigor and soundness, ensuring that only the best contributions in electrochemistry and solid-state science are published.
ECS: In your opinion, what are some of the key topical interest areas that ECS Advances will prioritize to stay at the forefront of innovation in electrochemistry and solid state science?
Dr. Zheng: It is fascinating to see how sustainability has become a central theme across nearly every research field. This focus is both natural and necessary, as sustainability is critical for humanity’s growth and future. As an ECS journal, ECSA will continue to serve researchers working in all TIAs identified by ECS. Notably, research addressing sustainability challenges within these TIAs is likely to receive greater attention and have a higher impact. Beyond research on small scales—such as my own research program on electrochemical crystallization in battery electrodes—ECSA will also welcome studies of phenomena on larger scales, such as realistic systems and techno-economic analyses. Insights spanning multiple length scales, from the atomic (Å) to the macroscopic (m and beyond), are essential for fundamental scientific discoveries to create meaningful impact beyond academia.
ECS: How will ECS Advances ensure quality and scientific rigor across its publications while maintaining an open-access model?
Dr. Zheng: In my view, scientific rigor and the open-access model are totally compatible, especially under ECSA’s affiliation with The Electrochemical Society. The nonprofit nature of both our publishing partner, IOP, and ECS ensures that the sole criterion for considering a manuscript is the level of its scientific content. At ECSA, each submission undergoes thorough review by the editor-in-chief, associate editors, and independent expert reviewers. Besides the editorship, we are all scientists actively pursuing original research in electrochemistry and solid state science. Personally, as an AE, I find myself deeply engaged in the review-revision process for manuscripts within my research areas. In addition to the reviewers’ comments, I often provide my own technical feedback to ensure the findings are presented with the utmost accuracy, clarity, and engagement. This approach underscores ECSA’s commitment to both rigor and impact.
Questions for Dr. Papa Lopes
ECS: Dr. Papa Lopes, what are the biggest opportunities for ECS Advances to impact the global electrochemistry community?
Dr. Papa Lopes: We are in a moment in history where there is urgency to arrive at energy solutions that allow us to transition to a future powered by sustainable and renewable energy. From industry
leaders to start-up companies to research laboratories in academia, there is an unprecedented scale of effort to develop new energy storage chemistries, materials, and architectures; new catalysts and ion exchange membranes at the heart of water and CO2 electrolyzer systems; and new electrochemical processes for manufacturing and powering sustainability as broadly defined. This is a big opportunity for ECS Advances to serve as the venue to share industry insights and challenges openly, with a focus on stimulating innovations from global research labs that would also be shared using ECS Advances Think of it as a meeting place between fundamental research and industrial progress. While I have had conversations where there was a belief that industry and fundamental research—like water and oil—do not mix well, I strongly disagree. Sure, while their objectives are inherently different, with fundamental research questioning and learning about nature and its laws, and industry focused on profits by providing solutions to societal needs, I strongly believe fundamental research can answer the defining questions that enable devices and technologies to reach maturity and to be deployed at scale at faster rates. That is the role I believe ECS Advances should serve: to be a high-quality curated publication where industry and fundamental research mix-together, emulsifying the knowledge that is needed to advance electrochemical technologies for our society’s pressing needs.
ECS: What unique perspective or expertise do you bring to your role that will help ECS Advances flourish as an inclusive, interdisciplinary publication?
Dr. Papa Lopes: I have served as Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in my division at Argonne. I am currently an earlycareer scientist, and I am an immigrant as well. These three areas of my personal and professional experience give me the certainty that science can be done by anyone and in any country. All you need is the drive and curiosity, and an open path to pursue science as a career. As an Associate Editor, I see my role as to open new roads where early-career scientists and electrochemists globally can contribute their expertise as reviewers to ensure that ECSA published articles are at the highest standards, as well as contributors by publishing their work in ECSA. We can accomplish this by editing special issues focusing on topics where contributions from early-career scientists and electrochemists will be sought after and highly welcomed. But we need to ensure that the work disseminated through ECS Advances is technically rigorous and written and edited to broaden its reach and impact. Having a publication where researchers know their work will be evaluated seriously is the first step to ensure that ECS Advances can grow as an independent publication and to meet its mandate as defined by our Editor-in-Chief and Advisory Committee.
ECS: How do you plan to engage the wider ECS community, including early-career researchers, to contribute and participate in ECS Advances?
Dr. Papa Lopes: I have mentioned our approach to reaching early -career researchers. However, it is also important to hear from our mid and senior-level researchers, as their experiences are invaluable. Having invited perspective contributions from mid and seniorlevel authors, particularly from ECS Fellows, can offer the broad ECS community invaluable insights on their research approach, open questions, and guidance on collaborative science, especially since, now more than ever, advances in technology such as artificial intelligence are poised to transform how we solve problems.
Regardless of the specific tools we use, science is a community effort, done through the efforts of countless researchers who devote their time and energy to experiment, rationalize, and verify what is true and what is not. In that spirit, ECS Advances welcomes contributions from anyone who takes the scientific and innovative spirit to heart, submitting their best contributions after careful self-evaluation on whether the work truly aims to address relevant problems using the most rigorous experimental and theoretical approaches, opening new opportunities for advancing electrochemistry, and powering the technologies needed by our society.
© The Electrochemical Society. DOI:10.1149/2.F05251IF
Rate Capability of Fluorinated CatholyteBased Li Primary Batteries Governed by Interfacial and Bulk Li+ Transport Li primary batteries like lithium thionyl chloride (Li-SOCl2) and lithium carbon monofluoride (Li-CFx) provide 590 and 870 Wh/kg respectively when high energy density and/or long operation time are a must. A new class of Li primary based on liquid pentafluorosulfanyl arene materials could provide better safety than SOCl2 and better kinetics than CFx. Researchers at MIT have reported an investigation of rate capability limitations in the Li–NO2-Ph-SF5 primary cell. These cells operate well at a wide range of rates at 50 °C, but at 25 °C show losses in both voltage and capacity at all but the lowest rates (0.1 mA/cm2). Using pulsed discharge and EIS techniques, they demonstrated that overpotentials at the Li anode are the most significant at 25 °C, suggesting the SEI is inferior at lower temperatures. Comparing data at 50 and 25 °C, they found SEIs of the same thickness, but different compositions. Higher temperature resulted in a higher O/F species ratio, which is correlated to better Li transport in the SEI. Development of these energy dense primary batteries should thus focus on enhancing the SEI Li conductivity to enable mid-to-high rate at lower temperatures.
From: A. R. Sevilla, H. Gao, et al., J Electrochem Soc, 171, 110505 (2024).
Corrosion of Copper, Cupronickel, Nickel Aluminium Bronze and SuperDuplex Stainless Steel Rotating Cylinder Electrodes in Seawater under Turbulent Flow Conditions
A paper published as part of the JES Focus Issue on Celebrating Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University reports on investigations of the corrosion of copper (Cu), Cupronickel (90-10 Cu-Ni), nickel aluminium bronze (NAB) and duplex stainless steel (Ferralium SD40) in a well-defined seawater environment using rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) configurations. The use of RCE in turbulent flow conditions helps the studies of anodic and cathodic reactions individually and enables separation of charge transfer from mass transfer. This work also highlights applying various electrochemical techniques to derive critical corrosion parameters: using chronopotentiometry at corrosion potential tells film formation on materials surface over time; linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) of anodic dissolution/cathodic reaction identifies different corrosion rate-controlled regions. Potential step current transient (PSCT) and velocity step current transient (VSCT) determine the mass transfer-limited current as rotation speed varies. Correlation plot of limiting current density against rotating velocity provides a KouteckyLevich type analysis which is typically used in RDE configuration; it helps distinguish charge transfer-controlled kinetics from mass transfer effects, providing insights to Tafel
TECH HIGHLIGHTS TECH HIGHLIGHTS
slope in a mix-controlled region and oxygen diffusion coefficient. Through this work, the general corrosion rate of these 4 metals is in the following order: NAB > 90-10 Cu-Ni > Cu > Ferralium SD40.
From: F. C. Walsh, B. D. Barker, et al., J Electrochem Soc, 171, 101503 (2024).
Bipolar Membrane Capacitive Deionization for the Selective Capture of Lithium Ions from Brines and Conversion to Lithium Hydroxide
Sustainable capture of lithium is essential for the rapidly growing demand for lithiumion batteries. The long processing time and high water demand of 800 m3/ton of lithium carbonate in the solar evaporation method have led to recent efforts on Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies. One of these is the Bipolar Membrane (BPM) based Capacitive Deionization (CDI) method developed by researchers at Penn State University and Louisiana State University. The team carried out four configurations with BPM and de-lithiated iron phosphate. They were able to demonstrate very good selectivity for Li+ over divalent cations and cations of greater concentration. With 8 flow cycles, 124 ppm of LiOH was extracted. Researchers found a pH inversion through the discharge cycle, the mechanism of which was investigated through molecular dynamic simulation and H cell studies. Through this, the authors attributed the pH inversion to the recombination of protons and hydroxide ions in conjunction with charge neutralitydriven ion repulsion from the BPM. They conclude with a call for the next step towards the capacity improvement of de-lithiated iron phosphate to make this commercially viable.
From: T. Kulkarni, A. M. I. A. Dhamen, X. Zhuang, et al., J Electrochem Soc, 171, 103502 (2024).
Bimetallic Au-Ag Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanostructures for Enhanced Detection of Dengue Virus E Protein Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease, is known to be a major health concern in tropical regions, with over 6.5 million people infected and 7,300 deaths attributed to it in 2023. Detection of dengue fever is of high interest to both control the spread and for proper health management of patients. Current techniques that rely on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are costly and slow and are not suitable for providing real-time detection capabilities in remote regions with already limited resources. Researchers at the National Institute of Technology have recently demonstrated an electrochemical-based immunosensor composed of reduced graphene (rGO) with integrated bimetallic gold silver (Au-Ag) nanoparticles. This sensor capitalizes on the high conductivity of the graphene and the enhanced catalytic activities provided by the Au-Ag nanoparticles for the detection
of dengue virus envelope (E) protein. Laboratory results demonstrated an ultra-low limit of detection (LOD) of 4.959 ag ml-1 for the E protein, surpassing existing detection techniques. Although further maturation of the technology is needed, the demonstrated sensitivity and specificity make this sensor a promising new candidate in the development of new dengue fever diagnostics.
From: R. Kokilavani, H. Kotal, et al., J Electrochem Soc, 171, 107513 (2024).
Designing of a High Performance NiMgPO4-CNT Electrode Material for a Battery-Supercapacitor Hybrid Device Supercapacitor-battery hybrid devices (supercapatteries) combine the high energy density of batteries with the high-power density and long cycle life of supercapacitors, with the aim of addressing the limitations of each energy storage technology. Consequently, the electrode materials used in such hybrid devices must ideally possess relatively high specific capacities and good rate performance capabilities. In this study, composite electrodes were prepared to combine the high specific capacity of NiMgPO4 with the high electrical conductivity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Composites of NiMgPO4 and CNTs were produced via a facile hydrothermal treatment. The product was then processed into a slurry and coated onto a Ni foam current collector. Two-electrode supercapattery cells were prepared by pairing NiMgPO4/ CNT composite anodes with activated carbon cathodes. The supercapattery cells demonstrated an initial specific capacity of 251 C g−1, based on the mass of the NiMgPO4/ CNT composite, when galvanostatically cycled with an applied specific current of 1.1 A g-1 and maintained a capacity retention of 85% after 5000 cycles. This stability in terms of capacity retention over long-term cycling demonstrates the potential of NiMgPO4/CNT composite anodes for supercapattery devices.
From: M. A. ul Haq, M. Imran, A. M. Afzal, et al., ECS J Solid State Sci Technol, 13, 101003 (2024)
Tech Highlights was prepared by Joshua Gallaway of Northeastern University, Mara Schindelholz of Sandia National Laboratories, David McNulty of University of Limerick, Chao (Gilbert) Liu of Shell, Chock Karuppaiah of Vetri Labs and Ohmium International, and Donald Pile of EnPower, Inc. Each article highlighted here is available free online. Go to the online version of Tech Highlights in each issue of Interface, and click on the article summary to take you to the full-text version of the article.
Overview: Sensor Reproducibility
by Praveen Sekhar
Ubiquitous sensors are an integral part of Internet of Things (IoT) applications. These devices sense the environment and enable applications in home automation, safety, comfort, environment, and personal healthcare, to name a few. At a macro level, sensors provide data for smart cities, smart agriculture, water conservation, energy efficiency, environment management, industry 4.0, and society 5.0. The design and operation of these complex systems requires methods for policy makers to evaluate the relative merit of alternative options and the implications that choosing one of those options will have in terms of fiscal resources and performance. For a decision maker to make an informed choice, accurate data and meaningful metrics are essential for understanding and assessing the state of the system. Technological improvements in sensors have enabled their facile integration into a wide range of systems to provide quantitative feedback about the state of the system.
Despite the diverse application space and interdisciplinary nature of sensors, a long-standing challenge plaguing the field of sensors is reproducibility. Reproducibility refers to instances in which the original researcher’s data are used by independent researchers to regenerate the results. It also refers to the ability of a technology like a sensor to consistently produce the same measurement results when tested multiple times under different conditions. Despite the innovation and breadth of research on sensors, the extremely limited number of devices that have come into field use and commercialization can be primarily attributed to issues of reproducibility.
In this context, this issue of Interface focuses on challenges to sensor reproducibility and the potential solutions to address them. The first article, by Sekhar and Soundappan, details the reasons for reproducibility bottlenecks, describes stakeholder and research environment perspectives, gives an introduction to “FAIR” principles, and demonstrates the need for capacity building at minority-serving institutions to facilitate reproducible research. Achieving sensor reproducibility has long-term implications that impact academics, funding agencies, institutions, policymakers, and disciplinary experts. Establishing community standards for open data practices nationwide will translate scientific norms and values into concrete actions and change the current incentive structures to drive researchers’ behavior toward more transparency. The knowledge transfer of FAIR principles across diverse institutions will prepare budding engineers for a systemic culture of a transparent research enterprise. The article seeks to centralize the means of aligning individual and communal incentives to practice openness via acceptable scientific policies and procedures.
One of the case studies underscoring the importance of sensor reproducibility is breath analysis. The article by Khosla, aptly subtitled “A Breath of Fresh Air,” lays down the case exceedingly well. Breath analysis is emerging as a transformative tool in healthcare, offering non-invasive, real-time diagnostics by detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gas phase analytes that act as biomarkers. Advances in sensor arrays, smell sensors, and electronic noses are driving this revolution, enabling early disease detection, personalized treatment, and continuous health monitoring. By using an array of sensors with precise measurements, such a device can generate a complex pattern of responses that can be used to differentiate different breath samples. Machine learning (ML)
algorithms can be trained to recognize patterns in the sensor data that are associated with specific diseases or health conditions. Different types of ML techniques are described in the article. The potential applications of vapor phase chemical sensor arrays in healthcare are vast and span a wide range of medical needs that include lung cancer detection, asthma screening, diabetes monitoring, and identifying gastrointestinal ailments.
While the case study highlights the promising potential of e-noses for disease diagnosis, several challenges remain before widespread clinical adoption can occur, including standardization, validation, assessment of data reproducibility and analysis, and field testing. The ECS family of journals, along with other venues tied to sensors research, will play an active role in augmenting reproducibility.
Another article in this issue features a discussion with the editorial team of ECS Advances, an open access journal that is relatively new to the ECS family. ECS Advances covers all technical interest areas (TIAs) supported by ECS, so it truly is an “all-encompassing” journal, carrying the broadest scope of electrochemical and solid-state science and technology content. However, ECS Advances’ unique scope provides a home for scientific contributions that outline not just the electrochemical and solid-state science but also connect them to technology and industry—a translation that always requires addressing issues such as reproducibility. Thus, ECS Advances welcomes submissions that leverage sound science while also highlighting advances in reactor designs and scale-up, performance demonstrations of materials and systems at scale, and rigorous techno-economics and associated life-cycle assessments. They will not only help ECS Advances assume a scope that is distinct yet complementary to JES and JSS but also broaden its overall readership and impact, all while advancing the work’s real-world relevance.
© The Electrochemical Society. DOI:10.1149/2.F07251IF
About the Author
Praveen Sekhar, Associate Professor, School of Engineering and Computer Science, Washington State University Education: PhD (Electrical Engineering), University of South Florida Research Interests: Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as Sensors, Antennas, and Machine learning for threat reduction, healthcare, and energy security applications. Broadening participation in engineering and diverse workforce development
Pubs + Patents: 80 publications, 76 presentations, 22 conference proceedings
Awards: Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service: Advancement and Community Service Award, Washington State University (WSU); Alexander Von Humboldt Fellow (University of Cologne, Germany)
Work with ECS: Positions served in Sensor Division: Student award reviewer, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-Chair, Associate Editor Sensors TIA (JES, JSS, ECS Sensors Plus), Sensor Division Awards Committee Chair Website: https://labs.wsu.edu/praveen-sekhar/ https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4669-535X
The Electrochemical Society book series provides authoritative, detailed accounts on specific topics in electrochemistry and solid state science and technology. These titles are sponsored by ECS and published in cooperation with Wiley.
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Sensor Reproducibility: Challenges, Solutions, and Generic Model
by Praveen Sekhar and Thiagarajan Soundappan
The ability to repeat research is vital in confirming the validity of scientific discovery and is relevant to all sensor research. Investigation of novel sensors and sensing mechanisms intersect with several federal and nonfederal agencies. Despite numerous studies on sensors at different stages of development, the absence of new, field-ready or commercial sensors seems limited by reproducibility. Current research practices in sensors require sustainable transformations. The scientific community seeks ways to incorporate reproducibility and repeatability to validate published results. In this context, the article discusses (a) open source data management frameworks in alignment with findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reuse (FAIR) principles to facilitate assessment of sensor reproducibility; (b) suggestions for journals focused on sensors to incorporate a reproducibility editorial board and incentives for data sharing; (c) the practice of reproducibility assessment by targeted focus issues; and (d) the education of the current and the next generation of diverse student and faculty community on FAIR principles. The existence of different types of sensors, such as physical, chemical, biological, and magnetic (to name just a few), and the fact that the sensing field spans multiple disciplines (e.g., electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, and electrochemistry) call for a generic model for reproducibility. Considering the available metrics, the authors propose eight FAIR metric standards that transcend disciplines: citation standards, design and analysis transparency, data transparency, analytical methods transparency, research materials transparency, hardware transparency, preregistration of studies, and replication.
Ubiquitous sensors are integral to Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The promise that everyone and everything will be connected wirelessly and that services like healthcare will be brought to everyone, everywhere, at any time, for virtually any need, highlights the omnipresence of sensors. These devices sense the environment and provide applications for home automation, safety, comfort, personal healthcare, etc. At a macro level, they provide data for smart cities, smart agriculture, water conservation, energy efficiency, environment management, Industry 4.0, and Society 5.0, to name a few complex domains. The design and operation of these complex systems require methods for policymakers to evaluate the relative merit of alternative options and the probable effects of choosing one over another of those options. For a decision maker to make an informed choice, accurate data and meaningful metrics are essential for understanding and assessing the state of the system. Technological improvements in sensors have enabled facile integration into a wide range of systems to provide quantitative feedback about the state of the system. The field of sensors is a common thread that connects many engineering and science disciplines. Further, various federal agencies have specific programs and calls for sensor-related research.
Despite the diverse application space, reproducibility is a longstanding challenge plaguing the field of sensors. Reproducibility refers to independent researchers using the original researcher’s data to regenerate the results. Replicability refers to when a researcher collects new data to arrive at the same scientific findings as a previous study. Interoperability indicates data and metadata are conceptualized, expressed, and structured using common published standards. Their importance cannot be overstated. Despite innovations and the breadth of research in sensors, extremely limited numbers of devices have come into use in the field, and this limited commercialization is primarily attributable to reproducibility issues.
Inappropriate research practices such as HARKing (Hypothesizing After the Results are Known), p-hacking (forcing statistical significance), selective reporting of positive results, and poor research design have been proposed to be key causes of irreproducibility. Other factors that contribute to irreproducibility are inadequate training of researchers in experimental design and methodology, such as randomization, bias, replication, and statistical analysis; variations in sophisticated techniques; and variability in instrumentation and materials. Additionally, insufficient time available for research, bureaucracy, pressure to publish in high-impact journals to compete for research grants and positions, and lack of proper supervision and mentorship further exacerbate the reproducibility crisis. Fig. 1 shows critical factors influencing barriers to sensor reproducibility. 1
The facts mentioned above may lead to researchers taking shortcuts, not transparently reporting their work, or even indulging in questionable research practices. Factors related to costs, lack of infrastructure, disciplinary culture, and weak incentives for ethical behavior are barriers to reproducing research. Over-reliance on publication in high-impact journals to grant tenure or promotion to researchers makes the crisis even worse. Likewise, publishing novel results rapidly increases the impact factor of journals but ignoring negative or unimpressive results is a worrying factor. Compounding this problem, researchers in resource-constrained institutions may not have equal access to the use of the same level of repositories or the skills to share their data properly.
These institutions also need to provide more training and teaching resources on the scientific research process, including experimental design and methods. Initiatives from federal agencies, institutions, publishing venues, funding agencies, and professional societies are underway to overcome the technological, structural, and infrastructure barriers hindering reproducibility.
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Fig. 1. Factors affecting sensors reproducibility. Reproduced with permission from Ref. 1.
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Initiatives to Support Reproducibility and FAIR Principles in Science
Federal agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) have funded open science efforts in specific disciplines. In earth sciences, The Magnetics Information Consortium (MagIC) provides a data archive that allows the discovery and reuse of data for the broader earth sciences community. The NSF has also supported the Paleo Perspectives on Climate Change (P2C2) Program, which provides comprehensive paleoclimate data sets that can serve as model test data sets analogous to instrumental observations. In addition, the Galaxy Project funded by the NSF provides a web-based platform for “data-intensive” biomedical research, including biosensors. For managing bioinformatics and phylogenetic research on plants, NSF has funded the iPlant Collaborative. Further, NSF partnered with Amazon to support FAIRness in Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects by understanding how AI systems designed on fairness, transparency, and trustworthiness will advance the boundaries of AI applications.
The Office of Data Science Strategy (ODSS) has hosted multiple workshops to ensure that data from National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded research adhere to FAIR principles. These workshops bring together stakeholders to discuss ways to enhance a FAIR biomedical data ecosystem. To help researchers find, use, and share data more efficiently, the ODSS is working with technical leaders across the NIH’s 27 institutes and centers to modernize the data repository ecosystem, support the storage and sharing of data, and standardize data and adopt common data elements. The NIH also provides “Rigor and Reproducibility” guidelines to support reproducibility in biomedical research.
Apart from federal agencies, the scientific community has suggested several guidelines and recommendations to conduct reproducible research. Journals like Nature require authors to provide the data used for experiments mentioned in the publications. Nature introduced a reporting checklist in 2014 that requires authors to make materials, data, code, and associated protocols promptly available to readers without undue qualifications. Cambridge University Press has launched a new open-access journal to help address science’s reproducibility issues and glacial peer-review timelines. The journal, titled Experimental Results, gives researchers a place to publish valid, standalone experimental results, regardless of whether those results are novel, inconclusive, negative, or supplementary to other published work. The journal also publishes work about attempts to reproduce previously published experiments.
Hardware and software frameworks as they relate to sensors research have different creation pipelines. Further, fabrication requires standardization. The challenge that unifies software and hardware as it pertains to reproducibility is the lack of intricate details and nuances, though variations in hardware or fabrication quality could be corrected for via error analysis. Recording workflow details; adequately commenting code; containerizing, preserving, and sharing research artifacts; and running internal reproducibility checks all take time, and are often met with little direct reward. In the context of sensors research, the FAIR datasets differ from other investigations in data quality, data unavailability, data non-uniformity, and data semantics.
Knowledge Gap
While progress is being made on the incorporation of FAIR principles across the scientific enterprise, as inferred from the previous section, there are yet to be widely adopted standards of FAIR practices prevalent in the sensor community. Further, early-career and budding engineers need to gain awareness of the importance and mechanics of making their data findable, reproducible, interoperable, and reusable. Moreover, not every institution has the capacity, know-how, and infrastructure to support FAIR practices, which is especially relevant in minority-serving institutions. The current knowledge gap presents an opportunity to develop an ecosystem centered on reproducibility and interoperability in the field of sensors by (a) establishing community standards and standardizing disciplinary practice by
achieving consensus and implementation of recommendations of reproducibility across engineering disciplines, (b) deriving a generic metrics reproducibility model that can be extended and applied to other disciplines, particularly because sensors research spans broad disciplines, (c) training student and experienced researchers via exploring FAIR curricula and subsequent course integration, and (d) arming minority-serving institutions with adequate resources and knowledge for full practice of FAIR principles, in particular, reproducibility and interoperability.
Some Potential Solutions
Structured Virtual Teleconference Meetings: Journal Leadership
Journals that focus on sensors are naturally invested in maintaining the quality of research in the field, and collective agreement on standards and practices is a good first step. To achieve that, communication in the form of structured meetings of journal leadership are proposed. The structured teleconference could happen for one hour every quarter of the year. The participants must be editors and associate editors from various sensor-related journals. The teleconference meeting could be conducted via Zoom. Registration will be required for the teleconference, as well as completion of a meeting pre-survey. Editors and associate editors of the Journal of Electrochemical Society, IEEE Sensors and IEEE Sensors Letters, Sensors and Actuators A and B, American Chemical Society publications, Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Biomedical Microdevices, and Nature publishing group, to name a few, could find a common time to meet. The topics of discussion could include but are not limited to: author incentive mechanisms, reproducibility badges, formation of an external reproducibility board, credit to data producers, waiver of open access fees, pre-publication reproducibility checks, publication of negative results, internal reproducibility editorial boards, and establishment of community standards.
Exploring a FAIR Framework in Teaching
The implementation of the FAIR principles entails a wide range of skillsets that need to be employed by individuals working in many different roles and disciplines. Training will need to be delivered to individuals, referred to as data stewards, who are involved in making data FAIR and keeping it FAIR. Data stewards may be researchers, students, data scientists, data curators, librarians, and data and repository managers, to name a few. Various educational frameworks are developing to teach and train data stewards in these areas. A recently developed educational framework, the FAIR4S framework (Framework for FAIR Data Stewardship Skills in Science and Scholarship), targets data stewards wishing to acquire FAIR skills. In addition, there exist isolated FAIR training resources such as the Belmont Forum Data Management Toolkit, the DataONE Skillbuilding Hub, ELIXIR (European data infrastructure for the life sciences), the FOSTER (Facilitate Open Science Training for European Research) portal, the EOSC training portal, and the FAIRplus framework. The authors recommend seamlessly integrating the training sources on FAIR and mapping them to existing educational curricula that meet accreditation standards and, in turn, applying the curricula or curricular materials in existing courses.
Building Capacity at Diverse Institutions
The authors strongly advocate for enhancing the FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability) capabilities at minority-serving institutions (MSIs). This enhancement is crucial for advancing FAIR principles and for building human and infrastructural capacities at institutions often facing significant resource constraints. The success of the STEM research enterprise in the US hinges on the ability to draw from a diverse pool of scientists and engineers who are well-trained and capable of addressing the complex research challenges of the 21st century. By providing the necessary knowledge, oversight, and infrastructure, MSIs can be empowered to adopt FAIR principles, ensuring that their contributions to scientific research are transparent, rigorous, and reproducible.
One of the critical aspects of promoting FAIR capabilities at
MSIs is addressing the training and management of responsibilities in work, education, and time allocation within their academic environments. These institutions often face unique challenges, including limited financial resources, infrastructure, and access to advanced scientific tools and methodologies. Consequently, students and researchers at MSIs may need more exposure to informal and formal training opportunities, creating uncertainties in research processes and standards. This lack of exposure hinders the transition from theoretical knowledge to practical applications, such as sensor fabrication, a vital component of STEM education and research.
Sensor fabrication and testing at MSIs often encounter specific challenges due to limited access to cutting-edge scientific practices and advanced instrumentation. Many students and researchers come from core science and educational backgrounds, with less emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches essential for sensor development. These inconsistencies impede progress and highlight the need for more comprehensive training and infrastructural support to enhance technical skills and methodological rigor. Moreover, the time required to produce testable sensors is another limiting factor that hinders the advancement of research. Often, fabricating a batch of testable sensors takes an entire day, slowing down the research cycle and limiting the number of experiments that can be conducted. This timeconsuming process, combined with the limited laboratory space and equipment, underscores the importance of improving infrastructure and training to enable more efficient research practices at MSIs.
Despite these challenges, researchers at minority-serving universities have demonstrated remarkable success in sensor research.2 These successes testify to these institutions’ resilience, creativity, and innovation potential. They showcase that, with a suitable investment in human capital and infrastructure, MSIs can significantly contribute to scientific knowledge and practical solutions to societal challenges, instilling a sense of hope and optimism in the audience.
Enhancing FAIR principles at these institutions fosters a culture of transparent, rigorous, and reproducible research. It ensures that researchers’ diverse perspectives and talents from underrepresented communities are effectively integrated into the broader STEM enterprise. By developing comprehensive training programs, workshops, and infrastructure improvements, MSIs can better prepare their students and researchers to meet the demands of modern scientific challenges. This holistic approach will ensure that these minority-serving universities become integral contributors to the scientific community, driving the innovation and diversity in research that are essential for tackling the complex and multifaceted problems of the 21st century.
Increasing the FAIR capabilities of minority-serving institutions is essential for building a more inclusive, equitable, and effective STEM research ecosystem. Through deliberate efforts to provide training, resources, and infrastructure, these institutions can overcome existing barriers and contribute to high-quality, impactful research. The successes already achieved in sensor fabrication are just the beginning of what is possible when MSIs are empowered to reach their full potential. As they continue to build capacity and expertise, minority-serving universities will play an increasingly prominent role in advancing scientific research and addressing critical challenges nationally and globally.
A Generic Reproducibility Model and Model Adaptability to Other Disciplines
The authors recommend creating a generic FAIR metrics model (see Fig. 2) that can be utilized across disciplines. Rather than imposing a “tick box” exercise with which researchers reluctantly comply to the minimum level required, it is preferred to encourage genuine progress toward all the FAIR principles with a model that recognizes and rewards different degrees of FAIR compliance. It is critical that the assessment frameworks for FAIR data suit differences in disciplinary practice. While open data are preferable, FAIR does not necessarily mean open. Openness is not a requirement of FAIRness since sometimes data cannot be made public for privacy or confidentiality reasons. A one-size-fits-all approach that ignores differences among research communities will be counterproductive
and unhelpful. Further, what is considered FAIR in one scientific community may differ from the FAIRness requirements or expectations in another community due to norms, standards, and practices.
Hence, the proposed metric FAIR model could address the multi-dimensionality of the FAIR principles and accommodate all disciplines. The FAIR data metric model should contain (across all research areas) a basic minimum standard of FAIR, such as discoverable metadata, persistent identifiers, and access to the data or metadata. FAIR metrics are available for public discussion at the FAIR Metrics GitHub, with suggestions and comments made through the GitHub comment submission system. Considering the above facts and available metrics, the authors propose eight FAIR metric standards that transcend disciplines: citation standards, design and analysis transparency, data transparency, analytical methods transparency, research materials transparency, hardware transparency, preregistration of studies, and replication. The metric model encompassing these standards will be assessed through numeric levels (from 0 to 5), with 0 indicating no compliance and 5 indicating the maximum level of FAIR compliance.
Outlook
Reproducibility is the cornerstone of science, so it is critical to improve the quality and reliability of publications by going beyond disseminating results by providing raw data. Incorporating these changes in a competitive scientific enterprise requires broad cultural shifts that extend beyond disciplinary boundaries. This article addresses this complexity by organically nudging scientific practices toward greater openness via complementary and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.
Solving the reproducibility challenge will benefit scientific advancement by promoting transparency, encouraging collaboration, accelerating research, and driving better decision-making. Achieving sensor reproducibility impacts many disciplines and applications, from healthcare to aerospace. For example, air quality sensors for pollutant measurement across urban and industrial areas entail numerous benefits as they provide policymakers and air quality researchers with sound solutions to fill knowledge gaps that are impossible by regulatory monitors and satellite data. Consensus via achieving reproducibility establishes a sense of reliability for policymakers and the public, as these sensors can overestimate or
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Fig. 2. Graphical representation of elements that support sensor reproducibility. Reproduced with permission from Ref. 1.
Sekhar and Soundappan
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underestimate pollutant concentrations, which can hamper meaningful interventions. Policy decisions based on inaccurate sensor data can be devastating, especially to minority populations facing environmental and health disparities.
© The Electrochemical Society. DOI:10.1149/2.F08251IF
Portions of this article appeared in P. K. Sekhar, W. Billey, M. Begay, B. Thomas, C. Woody, and T. Soundappan, ECS Sens Plus, 3, 046401 (2024)
About the Authors
Praveen Sekhar, Associate Professor, School of Engineering and Computer Science, Washington State University Education: PhD (Electrical Engineering), University of South Florida Research Interests: Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as Sensors, Antennas, and Machine learning for threat reduction, healthcare, and energy security applications. Broadening participation in engineering and diverse workforce development
Pubs + Patents: 80 publications, 76 presentations, 22 conference proceedings
Awards: Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service: Advancement and Community Service Award, Washington State University (WSU); Alexander Von Humboldt Fellow (University of Cologne, Germany)
Work with ECS: Positions served in Sensor Division: Student award reviewer, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-Chair, Associate Editor Sensors TIA (JES, JSS, ECS Sensors Plus), Sensor Division Awards Committee Chair
Thiagarajan Soundappan, Associate Professor and Chemistry Program
Coordinator and Head, Navajo Technical University
Education: PhD in Engineering (Electrochemistry)
Research Interests: Include the characterization of nano metals, nano-bimetallic sensor materials, thick and thin-film devices, oxide electronics, semiconductors, and ferroelectric films for biosensor and energy storage applications. Special interests in SECM for electrochemical imaging, electrochemical biosensors, paper-based flexible electrochemical sensors, redox flow batteries, Li-ion batteries, and energy storage. Brief Work Experience: Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Center for Electrochemistry, University of Texas at Austin, under the mentorship of Prof. A.J. Bard (2012). Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering (EECE), Washington University in St. Louis, working under the guidance of Prof. V. Subramanian and Prof. P. Biswas (2013–2016). In 2016, he joined Navajo Technical University (NTU) as an Assistant Professor. He was appointed Chair of the School of Science at NTU in 2017. In 2018, he became an Associate Professor. He is also Chemistry Program Coordinator and Head at NTU.
Pubs + Patents: Papers: 43; Presentations: 36; Books: 1; h-index: 26; https://scholar.google.com/ citations?user=VbbHjwYAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
Work with ECS: Sensor division member for 20+ years; Conference session chair; Editorial Advisory Board, ECS Sensors Plus Awards: Fondazione Oronzio e Niccolò De Nora Postdoctoral Fellowship in Electrochemistry (WUSTL, MO) (2013–2015) Website: https://thiaguthiaguchem.wixsite.com/neel-lab/about-me https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0871-1301
References
Website: https://labs.wsu.edu/praveen-sekhar/ https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4669-535X
1. P. K. Sekhar, W. Billey, M. Begay, B. Thomas, C. Woody, and T. Soundappan, S Sens Plus, 3, 046401 (2024)
2. Electrochem Soc Interface, 32, 43 (2023). 19th
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The Future of Vapor Phase Chemical Sensors in Healthcare: A Breath of Fresh Air
by Ajit Khosla
The future of healthcare is poised for a revolution, not through invasive procedures or expensive imaging, but through the air we exhale. The human breath, a seemingly simple act of respiration, holds a treasure trove of information about our health. Within the exhaled air reside hundreds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), each a potential clue to our physiological state. These VOCs, produced by metabolic processes, cellular stress, and disease, offer a non-invasive window into the body’s inner workings. For decades, the analysis of breath has held promise as a diagnostic tool, but it is only recently, with the advent of advanced vapor phase chemical sensor arrays, coupled with the power of artificial intelligence, that this promise is beginning to materialize. Breath analysis is emerging as a transformative tool in healthcare, offering non-invasive, real-time diagnostics by detecting VOCs linked to health states. Vapor phase chemical sensors, capable of detecting minute VOCs) in breath, sweat, and environmental samples, are emerging as a transformative tool.1,2 These sensors promise to shift the healthcare paradigm from reactive treatment to proactive, personalized medicine, offering non-invasive diagnostics and real-time health monitoring for health maintenance and prevention of disease. Advances in sensor arrays, smell sensors, and electronic noses are driving this revolution, enabling early disease detection, personalized treatment, and continuous health monitoring. This article explores these technologies, their current applications, and their potential to redefine healthcare.
This article explores the current landscape and future potential of vapor phase chemical sensor arrays in healthcare and disease diagnosis, highlighting the matured technological advancements, challenges, and ethical considerations that will shape this exciting field.
The Promise of Breath Diagnostics
The potential of breath diagnostics is extremely promising. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as blood draws, biopsies, and or imaging, can be invasive, time-consuming, and expensive. Breath analysis, on the other hand, offers a non-invasive, painless, and potentially rapid alternative. Imagine a world where a simple breath test could detect cancer in its early stages, predict the onset of asthma attacks, or monitor the efficacy of personalized treatments. This is the vision that is driving the development of vapor phase chemical sensor arrays.
Human breath contains a complex mixture of gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and trace amounts of VOCs. Human exhaled breath contains over 1,000 different VOCs. These VOCs are diverse and can include alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and aromatic compounds. Each VOC has a unique chemical signature, and their concentrations in breath can vary significantly depending on an individual’s health status. For example, specific VOCs have been linked to multiple diseases, such as acetone in diabetes, isoprene in lung cancer, and a variety of volatile sulfur compounds in halitosis.
The challenge lies in accurately identifying and quantifying these trace VOCs within the complex background of breath. Traditional analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), are highly sensitive and specific but are also bulky, expensive, and require trained personnel. These limitations
make them unsuitable for point-of-care diagnostics or continuous monitoring. This is where vapor phase chemical sensor arrays come into play.
Vapor Phase Chemical Sensor Arrays: A Technological Leap
Vapor phase chemical sensor arrays, also known as electronic noses or e-noses, are devices designed to mimic the mammalian olfactory system. They consist of an array of different chemical sensors, each of which interacts differently with different VOCs. When breath is passed over the sensor array, the VOCs interact with the sensors, causing changes in their electrical or optical properties. These changes are then measured and processed to generate a unique “fingerprint” for the breath sample.
Several types of chemical sensors are used in these arrays, including:
• Metal Oxide Semiconductors (MOS): These sensors rely on changes in the electrical conductivity of a metal oxide material when exposed to VOCs. They are robust, relatively inexpensive, and can detect a wide range of VOCs.
• Conducting Polymers (CPs): CPs are organic polymers that exhibit changes in their electrical conductivity upon interaction with VOCs. They offer high sensitivity and selectivity but can be less stable than MOS sensors.
• Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Sensors: SAW sensors utilize acoustic waves generated on a piezoelectric substrate. Changes in the mass or properties of the substrate due to VOC adsorption affect the wave’s propagation, which can be measured. They offer high sensitivity and can be used to detect a wide range of VOCs.
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Electronic noses hold great potential for future disease diagnosis and health maintenance.
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• Quartz Crystal Microbalances (QCMs): QCMs measure changes in the resonant frequency of a quartz crystal due to the adsorption of VOCs. They are highly sensitive and can detect even trace amounts of VOCs.
• Mid-Infrared (Mid-IR): Mid-infrared e-noses work by exploiting the unique vibrational absorption patterns of molecules in the mid-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. They offer high sensitivity and selectivity for VOC detection. Their unique spectral fingerprints enable identification of complex gas mixtures in breath. This technology allows for non-invasive, real-time disease diagnosis and monitoring. Mid-IR e-noses hold great promise for future healthcare applications.
The key to the effectiveness of these arrays lies in the diversity of the sensors. By using an array of sensors with different sensitivities and selectivities, the device can generate a complex pattern of responses that can be used to differentiate between different breath samples.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
The data generated by vapor phase chemical sensor arrays is complex and highly dimensional. Analyzing these data and extracting meaningful information requires sophisticated data processing techniques. This need is where artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) come into play.
ML algorithms can be trained to recognize patterns in the sensor data that are associated with specific diseases or health conditions. These algorithms can learn from large datasets of breath samples and corresponding clinical data to identify subtle differences that would be difficult for humans to detect. Several ML techniques are used in breath analysis, including:
• Principal Component Analysis (PCA): PCA is a dimensionality reduction technique that can be used to simplify the sensor data and identify the most important features.
• Support Vector Machines (SVMs): SVMs are supervised learning algorithms that can be used to classify breath samples into different categories, such as healthy or diseased.
• Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs): ANNs are complex networks of interconnected nodes that can learn complex patterns in the data. They are particularly well-suited for analyzing high-dimensional data like breath samples.
• Deep Learning: A subset of machine learning, deep learning uses artificial neural networks with multiple layers to analyze data. This approach can be especially useful for complex datasets and can help identify intricate patterns indicative of disease.
By combining the power of vapor phase chemical sensor arrays with AI/ML algorithms, it is possible to develop highly accurate and reliable diagnostic tools.
Applications in Healthcare
The potential applications of vapor phase chemical sensor arrays in healthcare are vast and span a wide range of medical needs:
• Early Disease Detection: One of the most promising applications is the early detection of diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. Early detection is crucial for improving treatment outcomes, and breath analysis offers a non-invasive way to screen large populations.
• Personalized Medicine: Breath analysis can be used to monitor an individual’s response to treatment and personalize their care. For example, it can be used to track the efficacy of drugs or to adjust treatment plans based on changes in breath VOC profiles.
• Disease Monitoring: For patients with chronic conditions, such as asthma or COPD, breath analysis can be used to monitor their disease activity and predict exacerbations. These data can help patients better manage their condition and avoid hospitalizations.
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics: The development of portable and low-cost vapor phase chemical sensor arrays could enable point-of-care diagnostics, bringing advanced diagnostic capabilities to resource-limited settings.
• Remote Patient Monitoring: Breath analysis can be integrated with wearable devices to enable remote patient monitoring. This capability can be particularly useful for elderly patients or those with limited mobility.
• Infectious Disease Diagnosis: Emerging research suggests the potential for using breath analysis to detect infectious diseases, including viral and bacterial infections. This capability could be crucial for rapid diagnosis and outbreak control.
Case Studies on Sensor Array Based Electronic Noses for Disease Diagnosis
E-noses aim to mimic the mammalian olfactory system, detecting and differentiating complex VOC mixtures to identify disease-specific “fingerprints.” This section presents several case studies showcasing the potential of e-noses in diagnosing various diseases.
Lung Cancer Detection
Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, and the cancer is often diagnosed at late stages when treatment options are limited. Early detection significantly improves survival rates, making non-invasive screening methods highly desirable. Several studies have explored the use of e-noses for lung cancer detection, demonstrating promising results.
• Study 1: A study published in Thorax3 used an array of metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors to analyze breath samples from patients with lung cancer and healthy controls. The e-nose, combined with support vector machine (SVM) classification, achieved a sensitivity of 90% in distinguishing lung cancer patients from healthy individuals. This suggests the potential of e-noses as a non-invasive screening tool for lung cancer.
• Study 2: Researchers4 investigated the use of an e-nose with a different sensor array that incorporated conducting polymers for lung cancer detection. They found that the e-nose could differentiate between different histological subtypes of lung cancer, potentially aiding in personalized treatment strategies. This highlights the ability of e-noses not only to detect the presence of cancer but also to provide additional clinically relevant information.
• Study 3: A meta-analysis of multiple studies evaluating e-nose performance for lung cancer detection showed overall sensitivity and specificity that exceeded 80%.5 While acknowledging the need for further large-scale validation studies, the meta-analysis supports the potential of e-noses as a valuable component of lung cancer screening programs.
Asthma Diagnosis and Management
Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation and bronchospasm, affects millions worldwide. Accurate diagnosis and effective management are crucial for controlling symptoms and preventing exacerbations. E-noses offer a non-invasive way to assess airway inflammation and identify individuals at risk of asthma attacks.
• Study 1: Researchers used an e-nose to analyze breath samples from children with and without asthma. The e-nose, in conjunction with machine learning algorithms, differentiated between children with asthma and healthy controls with high accuracy.6 This result suggests the potential of e-noses for objective asthma diagnosis, particularly in
Khosla
young children where traditional pulmonary function tests can be challenging.
• Study 2: A longitudinal study monitored the breath VOC profiles of people with asthma using an e-nose. The study found that changes in breath VOC patterns could predict asthma exacerbations before the onset of noticeable symptoms.7 This demonstrates the potential of e-noses for personalized asthma management, allowing for timely interventions to prevent severe attacks.
• Study 3: Researchers explored the use of a portable, handheld e-nose for home-based asthma monitoring.8 The device could transmit breath data wirelessly to a mobile app, allowing patients and healthcare providers to track asthma control and identify potential triggers. This highlights the potential of e-noses for remote patient monitoring and personalized asthma management.
Diabetes Detection and Monitoring
Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, is a major global health concern. Early diagnosis and effective blood glucose control are essential for preventing long-term complications. E-noses have shown promise in detecting diabetes and monitoring glycemic control through breath analysis.
• Study 1: A study investigated the use of an e-nose to differentiate between individuals with type 2 diabetes and healthy controls. The e-nose, combined with pattern recognition techniques, achieved high accuracy in identifying people with diabetes based on their breath VOC profiles. This result suggests the potential of e-noses as a non-invasive screening tool for diabetes.9
• Study 2: Researchers explored the use of an e-nose to monitor blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. They found a correlation between breath VOC patterns and blood glucose concentrations, suggesting that e-noses could potentially be used for continuous glucose monitoring without the need for finger-prick blood tests or insertion of sensors.10
• Study 3: A clinical trial evaluated the performance of an e-nose for detecting diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication of diabetes. The e-nose demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in identifying DKA through breath analysis, suggesting its potential as a rapid and non-invasive diagnostic tool for this life-threatening condition.11
Infectious Disease Diagnosis
Rapid and accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases is crucial for effective treatment and outbreak control. E-noses offer a potential non-invasive approach for detecting infectious agents through breath analysis.
• Study 1: Researchers investigated the use of an e-nose to differentiate between patients with bacterial pneumonia and those with viral pneumonia. The e-nose, coupled with machine learning algorithms, accurately distinguished between the two types of pneumonia based on their distinct breath VOC profiles. This highlights the potential of e-noses for rapid and differential diagnosis of respiratory infections.12
• Study 2: A study explored the use of an e-nose for detecting tuberculosis (TB), a global health challenge.13 The e-nose differentiated between individuals with active TB and those with latent TB infection, suggesting its potential as a noninvasive screening tool for TB.
• Study 3: Researchers investigated the use of an e-nose for detecting various viral infections, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The e-nose could differentiate between individuals infected with different viruses, demonstrating its potential for rapid and multiplexed diagnosis of viral infections.14
Other Applications
Beyond the examples discussed above, e-noses have also shown promise in diagnosing other diseases, including:
• Cancer (other than lung cancer): Studies have explored the use of e-noses for detecting various cancers, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer, through breath analysis.15
• Kidney disease: E-noses have been investigated for their ability to detect and monitor kidney disease through breath VOC analysis.16
• Gastrointestinal disorders: E-noses have shown potential in diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, through breath analysis.17
• Neurological disorders: Emerging research suggests the potential of e-noses for detecting neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, through breath VOC analysis.18
Challenges and Opportunities
The future of e-noses in disease diagnosis and management is bright. Continued research and development in sensor technology, data analysis, and clinical validation are paving the way for the development of non-invasive, accurate, and cost-effective clinical tools that could revolutionize healthcare. As technology advances and our understanding of the “breathome” deepens, e-noses have the potential to become an integral part of disease screening, diagnosis, and personalized management. The case studies discussed above are just a few examples of the many studies that have been conducted on the use of electronic noses for disease diagnosis and management. While the technology is still in its early stages of development, the results of these studies are very promising and suggest that electronic noses could eventually become a valuable tool for healthcare professionals.
While the case studies presented above highlight the promising potential of e-noses for disease diagnosis and the significant progress made in recent years, several challenges remain before vapor phase chemical sensor arrays can be widely adopted in healthcare.
Technological Challenges
• Sensor Selectivity and Sensitivity: Improving the selectivity and sensitivity of the sensors is crucial for accurately detecting trace VOCs in the complex background of breath. Further research is needed to develop new sensor materials and designs.
• Hardware: The development of process control microelectronics for chemical sensor arrays is in its early stages.
• Data Standardization and Validation: Standardizing the data acquisition and analysis protocols is essential for ensuring the reliability and comparability of results. Largescale clinical trials are needed to validate the performance of these devices.
• Data Interpretation and Clinical Integration: Developing robust algorithms for data interpretation and integrating breath analysis into clinical workflows is crucial for translating research findings into clinical practice.
• Cost and Miniaturization: Reducing the cost and size of the devices is essential for making them accessible for point-ofcare diagnostics and remote patient monitoring.
• Addressing the Complexity of “Breathomics”: The “breathome,” the complete VOC profile in breath, is incredibly complex and influenced by numerous factors beyond disease, including diet, environment, and even the time of day. Disentangling these confounding factors is a major challenge.
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• Long-Term Stability and Reproducibility: Ensuring the long-term stability and reproducibility of the sensors is crucial for reliable and consistent performance. Sensor drift and degradation over time can affect the accuracy of measurements.
• Regulatory Approval: Obtaining regulatory approval for these devices will be necessary before they can be widely used in clinical practice.
Addressing these challenges will require multidisciplinary collaboration between chemists, engineers, clinicians, data scientists, and regulatory experts. Continued research and development in sensor technology, data analysis, and clinical validation are essential for realizing the full potential of vapor phase chemical sensor arrays in healthcare.
Ethical Considerations
As with any new technology, the use of vapor phase chemical sensor arrays raises ethical considerations.
• Data Privacy: Protecting the privacy of individuals’ breath data is crucial. Appropriate security measures must be in place to prevent unauthorized access and use of this sensitive information.
• Data Ownership: Clarifying who owns the breath data and how it can be used is important. Patients should have control over their own data and be informed about how it will be used.
• Bias and Fairness: Ensuring that the AI algorithms used to analyze breath data are not biased against certain populations is essential. Bias in the data can lead to stigmatization and inaccurate or unfair diagnoses.
• Accessibility and Equity: Making these technologies accessible to all populations, regardless of their socioeconomic status, is crucial.
A Call to Action
The potential of vapor sensors is immense, yet realization demands collaboration. Governments, industry, and investors must fund interdisciplinary research, bridging material science, medicine, and data analytics. Regulatory frameworks should balance safety with agility, while ethical guidelines safeguard privacy. As we stand on the cusp of this healthcare revolution, the question isn’t if vapor sensors will transform medicine, but how swiftly we can overcome barriers to breathe life into this future. Sensor arrays, smell sensors, and electronic noses are poised to transform healthcare by making diagnostics faster, cheaper, and less invasive. Realizing this potential requires collaboration between material scientists, engineers, data scientists across all areas, clinicians, and policymakers to overcome technical and ethical barriers—convergence of disciplines is required. The future of medicine may well be written in the air we exhale. In embracing these challenges, we unlock a world where a simple breath could save lives—ushering in an era of healthcare that’s as intuitive as it is revolutionary. The air around us holds secrets to our health; it’s time we listen.
Conclusion: A Breath of Fresh Air for Diagnostics
The analysis of human breath, once a distant dream in the realm of diagnostics, is rapidly becoming a tangible reality. The convergence of advanced vapor phase chemical sensor arrays, sophisticated machine learning algorithms, and a growing understanding of the “breathome” is poised to revolutionize healthcare. The potential benefits are immense, ranging from early disease detection and personalized medicine to continuous patient monitoring and pointof-care diagnostics. Imagine a future where routine breath tests become as commonplace as taking your temperature, providing a
non-invasive, painless, and cost-effective way to assess health and detect disease. This vision is no longer science fiction, but a plausible scenario within the foreseeable future.
While significant challenges remain, the progress made in recent years is remarkable. The sensitivity and selectivity of chemical sensors are constantly improving, allowing for the detection of trace VOCs with increasing accuracy. Machine learning algorithms are becoming more sophisticated, enabling the identification of complex patterns in breath data that are indicative of health states. And perhaps most importantly, the medical community is beginning to recognize the potential of breath analysis and is actively involved in clinical trials and validation studies.
However, the journey from research to widespread clinical adoption is not without its hurdles. Standardizing data acquisition and analysis protocols is crucial for ensuring the reliability and comparability of results. Large-scale clinical trials are necessary to validate the performance of these devices in diverse populations and across different disease states. Integrating breath analysis into existing clinical workflows and electronic health records is essential for seamless implementation. Addressing the “breathomics” complexity, by accounting for confounding factors like diet and environment, remains a significant challenge. Furthermore, ensuring the long-term stability and reproducibility of the sensors, along with reducing the cost and size of the devices, are crucial for widespread accessibility.
Beyond the technical challenges, ethical considerations must also be addressed. Protecting the privacy of individuals’ breath data, clarifying data ownership, and ensuring fairness and equity in the use of AI algorithms are paramount. Open and transparent discussions about these ethical implications are necessary to build public trust and ensure responsible innovation.
Future Possibilities: Inhaling Innovation
Several exciting possible applications for vapor phase chemical sensor arrays in healthcare are on the horizon.
• Personalized Breath Profiles: Longitudinal monitoring of an individual’s breath could create personalized breath profiles, providing a baseline for comparison and enabling the early detection of subtle changes indicative of disease onset or progression. This could pave the way for highly personalized treatment plans tailored to an individual’s unique physiology.
• Integration with Wearable Devices: Integrating breath sensors into wearable devices, such as smartwatches or fitness trackers, could enable continuous and real-time monitoring of health status. This could empower individuals to take a more proactive role in managing their health and could provide valuable data for healthcare professionals.
• Virtual “Breath Biopsy”: Advances in sensor technology and data analysis could eventually lead to the development of a virtual “breath biopsy,” providing detailed information about cellular processes and metabolic pathways without the need for invasive procedures. This could revolutionize the diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases, including cancer.
• AI-Powered Diagnostics: As machine learning algorithms become more sophisticated, AI-powered diagnostic tools could be developed that can analyze breath data with even greater accuracy and identify subtle patterns that are currently undetectable. This could lead to the development of highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for a wide range of diseases.
• Global Health Applications: Portable and low-cost breath analysis devices could be deployed in resource-limited settings, providing access to essential diagnostic capabilities in areas where traditional methods are unavailable. This could have a profound impact on global health, particularly in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.
• Beyond Disease Diagnosis: Beyond disease diagnosis, breath analysis could also be used for other healthcare applications, such as monitoring drug efficacy, assessing nutritional status, and even detecting environmental exposures.
The journey toward realizing the full potential of breath diagnostics is ongoing, but the pace of innovation is accelerating. With continued research and development, vapor phase chemical sensor arrays are poised to transform healthcare, offering a future where disease detection is non-invasive, personalized, and accessible to all. The future of diagnostics is in the air, and it’s breathing new life into the possibilities of personalized and proactive healthcare.
© The Electrochemical Society. DOI:10.1149/2.F09251IF
Ajit Khosla, Distinguished Professor, Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Xidian University and Distinguished Professor, Mechanical Systems
Engineering, Yamagata University
Education: PhD in Applied Science (Simon Fraser University)
Research Interests: Dr. Khosla’a major research interest is an interdisciplinary area “Materials, interfaces, and data driven intelligent turnkey systems for sustainability,” which bridges disciplines with applications in healthcare, soft robotics, the automotive industry, and ecosystem monitoring and restoration (fauna and fauna). He has organized >50 conferences, mini colloquia, and workshops for ECS, IEEE, ACS, and IOP in his areas of interest.
Pubs + Patents: >194 peer reviewed articles, 9 books, and 4 patents with an h-index of 52 and over 10,150 citations. His research network transverses more than 51 institutions globally. Editorial board member, IEEE Access, IET Nanobiotechnology, and IOP Nanotechnology. Top 2% cited researcher in 2022, 2023, and 2024 by Stanford-Elsevier.
Honors & Awards: 2012 Dean of Graduate Studies Convocation Medal, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Fellow of the Electrochemical Society
Work with ECS: Founding Editor-in-Chief of one of the Electrochemical Society’s first gold open access journals, ECS Sensors Plus, and Editor in the Electrochemical Society’s family of journals.
References
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13. A. M. I. Saktiawati, D. D. Putera, A. Setyawan, Y. Mahendradhata Y, and T. S. van der Werf, EBioMed (2019).
14. D. K. Nurputra, A. Kusumaatmaja, M. S. Hakim, et al. npj Digit Med, 5, 115 (2022).
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17. T. T. Ma, Z. Chang, N. Zhang, H. Xu, J Cancer Res Clin Oncol, 150(8), 401 (2024).
18. W. Fu, L. Xu, Q. Yu, et al., ACS Omega, 7(5), 4001 (2022).
248th ECS Meeting
Chicago, IL October 12–16, 2025
Hilton Chicago
Meeting Registration Opens in May
SECTION
ECS Twin Cities Section
On the evening of November 20, 2024, the ECS Twin Cities Section hosted an engaging technical meeting in collaboration with AlumiPlate, Inc. This event featured an enlightening technical presentation by Gus Vallejo, Executive Vice President of AlumiPlate, followed by an exclusive tour of the company’s 99.99 percent pure aluminum electroplating facility and state-of-the-art metrology instrumentation. Despite the wintry weather, more than 30 participants—including undergraduate and graduate students, professors, and industry professionals—attended the event.
Vallejo’s presentation offered unique insights into the electrodeposited aluminum process, highlighting its applications across industries such as aerospace, semiconductors, and renewable energy. Participants also had the opportunity to explore advanced metrology tools and witness AlumiPlate’s cutting-edge technology in action.
The ECS Twin Cities Section thanks AlumiPlate for hosting this exceptional event and providing participants with both an educational and a networking opportunity. The participants also received a light dinner and refreshments sponsored by AlumiPlate. Special thanks to Gus Vallejo and his team for their hospitality and for sharing their expertise.
This event exemplifies the ECS Twin Cities Section’s mission to bring together academia and industry professionals to foster learning and collaboration in electrochemical sciences and technologies.
The ECS Twin Cities Section tours the AlumiPlate 99.99 percent pure aluminum electroplating facility.
Gus Vallejo, Executive Vice President of AlumiPlate, gives a technical presentation to ECS Twin Cities Section visitors.
The ECS Twin Cities Section tours AlumiPlate, Inc.’s 99.99 percent pure aluminum electroplating facility.
Section Leadership
Connect with Local Scientist and Engineers
ECS Sections introduce and support activities in electrochemistry and solid state science within specific regions. Getting involved with a section is an excellent networking opportunity for those new to the field or advanced in their careers. Sections also bring technical news and activities within reach of those who are not able to attend ECS
meetings. Sections participate in overall ECS affairs, work hard to increase ECS membership, and help create awareness for science.
For more information on your region’s section, go to https:// www.electrochem.org/sections. Contact ECS Section & Chapter Engagement Specialist, Maggie Hohenadel, for more information on joining.
Section Name
Section Chair
Arizona Section Candace K. Chan
Brazil Section Raphael Nagao
Canada Section Steen B. Schougaard
Chile Section José H. Zagal
China Section Open
Detroit Section Erik Anderson
Europe Section Jan Macak
Georgia Section Faisal Alamgir
India Section Sinthai Ilangovan
Israel Section Daniel Mandler
Japan Section Yasushi Idemoto
Korea Section Won-Sub Yoon
Mexico Section Norberto Casillas Santana
Mid-America Section Nosang Myung
National Capital Section Chungsheng Wang
New England Section Sanjeev Mukerjee
Pacific Northwest Section April Li
Pittsburgh Section Open
San Francisco Section Xiong Peng
Singapore Section Zhichuan J. Xu
Taiwan Section Chi-Chang Hu
Texas Section Jeremy P. Meyers
Thailand Section Soorathep Kheawhom
Twin Cities Section Lifeng Dong
Learn more about ECS sections at www.electrochem.org/sections.
AWARDS PROGRAM AWARDS PROGRAM
ECS Awards, Fellowships, and Grants
The ECS Honors & Awards Program recognizes outstanding technical achievement in electrochemistry, solid state science, and technology, and acknowledges exceptional service to the Society. Award opportunities are provided in the categories of Society Awards, Division Awards, Section Awards, and Student Awards.
Recognizing that today’s emerging scientists are the next generation of leaders in our field, ECS offers competitive fellowships and grants that make it possible for students and young professionals to make discoveries and shape our science long into the future.
Society Awards
Charles W. Tobias Early-Career Award: A young scientist or engineer’s outstanding scientific and/or engineering work in fundamental or applied electrochemistry or solid state science and technology is recognized by this award. Established in 2003, the award consists of a framed certificate; $5,000*; ECS Life Membership; complimentary meeting registration; and assistance with travel to the designated meeting.
Nomination Period: April 1 – October 1, 2025
ECS Toyota Young Investigator Fellowship: Launched in partnership with the Toyota Research Institute of North America in 2015, the award funds innovative electrochemical research in green energy technology. ECS Toyota Fellows receive ECS membership and restricted grants of no less than $50,000 to conduct their proposed research.
Materials deadline: January 31, annually
Edward Goodrich Acheson Award: Distinguished contributions to the advancement of any of ECS’s objects, purposes, or activities are acknowledged by this award, established in 1928. Awardees receive a gold medal; plaque bearing a bronze replica of the medal; $10,000; ECS Life Membership; and complimentary meeting registration.
Nomination Period: April 1 – October 1, 2025
Henry B. Linford Award for Distinguished Teaching: The award, established in 1981 to recognize excellence in teaching subjects of interest to ECS, consists of a silver medal; plaque; $2,500; ECS Life Membership; and complimentary meeting registration.
Nomination period: September 1, 2024 – April 15, 2025
Leadership Circle Awards: Established in 2002 to honor and thank our electrochemistry and solid state science partners, these awards are granted in the year that an institutional member reaches a milestone level. Awardees receive a commemorative plaque and recognition in ECS Interface and on the ECS website.
Nominations not accepted
Vittorio de Nora Award: The award was established in 1971 to honor distinguished contributions to the field of electrochemical engineering and technology. It consists of a gold medal; plaque; $7,500; ECS Life Membership; and complimentary meeting registration. Nomination period: September 1, 2024 – April 15, 2025
Division Awards
Battery Division M. Stanley Whittingham Mid-Career Award: Established in 2024 in honor of long-term ECS member and Nobel laureate M. Stanley Whittingham, the award recognizes mid-career achievement and contributions to the field of electrochemical energy storage. Awardees receive a framed certificate and $3,000.
Nomination period: March 15 – June 15, 2025
Dielectric Science and Technology Division Thomas D. Callinan Award: Established in 1967, the award encourages excellence in dielectric investigations, the preparation of high-quality science and technology papers and patents, and publication in the Journal of The Electrochemical Society. The award consists of a framed certificate and $1,500.
Nomination period: March 15 – June 15, 2025
Electronics and Photonics Division Award: The award was founded in 1969 to encourage excellence in electronics research and outstanding technical contribution to the field of electronics science. Recipients are authors making noteworthy scientific contributions and enhancing ECS’s scientific stature in physics, chemistry, and metallurgy of electronic materials and devices by presenting well-received papers in Society journals and meetings. The award consists of a scroll; $1,500; and the choice of ECS Life Membership or up to $1,000 in meeting travel expenses.
Nomination period: March 15 – June 15, 2025
Energy Technology Division Research Award: Established in 1992 to encourage excellence in energyrelated research, the award consists of a framed certificate; $2,000; and ECS Energy Technology Division membership for the duration of the recipient’s ECS membership.
Nomination period: March 15 – June 15, 2025
Energy Technology Division Supramaniam Srinivasan Early-Career Investigator Award: Established in 2011, the award recognizes and rewards outstanding young researchers in the energy technology field. The award consists of a framed certificate; $1,000; and complimentary meeting registration.
Nomination period: March 15 – June 15, 2025
Nanocarbons Division Richard E. Smalley Research Award: The award, established in 2006, encourages excellence in fullerenes, nanotubes, and carbon nanostructures research, and recognizes researchers making outstanding contributions to the understanding and applications of fullerenes. Awardees receive a framed certificate; $1,000; and up to $1,500 in travel assistance to an ECS meeting.
Nomination period: March 15 – June 15, 2025
Nanocarbons SES Research Young Investigator Award: Outstanding young researchers in the field of fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanostructures are recognized by this award. Established in 2007, it consists of a framed certificate; $500; and complimentary meeting registration.
Nomination period: March 15 – June 15, 2025
Section Awards
present research results of general interest to ECS. Accepted posters are eligible for General Student Poster Awards: 1st place, $1,500; 2nd place, $1,000; and 3rd place, $500. For award consideration, authors must submit abstracts and be accepted into the Z01—General Student Poster Session; upload a digital poster; and be present during inperson judging.
Materials deadline: The abstract deadline for the ECS Meeting in which the poster will be presented (March 28, 2025, for the 248th ECS Meeting)
ECS Outstanding Student Chapter Award: The award rewards student chapters that demonstrate active participation in the Society’s technical activities; establish community and outreach activities in electrochemical and solid state science and engineering education; and create and maintain robust membership bases. The Outstanding Student Chapter receives a plaque; certificates; $1,000; and recognition in ECS Interface or other electronic communications. Up to two Chapters of Excellence are also awarded.
Materials deadline: April 15, 2025
ECS Summer Fellowships: The Edward G. Weston, Joseph W. Richards, F. M. Becket, and H. H. Uhlig Fellowships were established in 1928 to support student research from June through August in fields of interest to ECS. Fellows receive $5,000 and publication of a summary report in ECS Interface
Materials deadline: January 15, annually
Pacific Northwest Section Electrochemistry Research Award Sponsored by Gamry Instruments: Established in 2021, the award recognizes research excellence in electrochemistry and solid state science and technology by an independent scientist or engineer working in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho. The award consists of a framed certificate and $1,000.
Nomination period: April 15– July 15, 2024
Student Awards
Biannual Meeting Travel Grants: Divisions and sections offer travel grants to undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, young professionals, and faculty presenting papers at ECS biannual meetings. Grants range from complimentary meeting registration to luncheon/reception tickets, travel expenses, and more. The divisions and sections maintain their own application requirements.
Application period for 248th ECS Meeting Travel Grants: March 28 – June 23, 2025
Colin Garfield Fink Fellowship: Since 1962, the fellowship has supported research by a postdoctoral scientist/researcher from June through September in a field of interest to the Society. The award consists of $5,000 and publication of a summary report in ECS Interface
Materials deadline: January 15, annually
ECS General Student Poster Session Awards: Established in 1993 to stimulate active student interest and participation in the Society, the session enables undergraduate and graduate students to
Energy Technology Division Graduate Student Award Sponsored by BioLogic: Established in 2012 to recognize and reward promising young engineers and scientists in fields pertaining to the division, the award consists of a framed certificate; $1,000; complimentary student meeting registration; and admission to the division’s business meeting.
Nomination period: March 15 – June 15, 2025
Georgia Section Outstanding Student Achievement Award: The $500 prize (established in 2011) recognizes academic accomplishment by students pursuing PhDs at universities in the Georgia section region in any area of science or engineering in which electrochemical and/or solid state science and technology is the central consideration.
Nomination period: May 30 – August 15, 2025
Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering Division Student Achievement Awards: Established in 1989 to recognize promising young engineers and scientists in the field of electrochemical engineering, the awards consist of framed certificates and $1,000.
Nomination period: March 15 – June 15, 2025
Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering Division Ralph E. White Outstanding Student Award: The award of a certificate and $1,000 recognizes promising young engineers and scientists in the field of modeling and simulation of electrochemical systems. It was established in 2022 to encourage recipients to continue careers in electrochemical engineering or applied electrochemistry,
Nomination period: March 15 – June 15, 2025
* US dollars.
AWARDS PROGRAM AWARDS PROGRAM
Award Winners
The prestigious ECS Honors & Awards Program has recognized professional and volunteer achievement in our multi-disciplinary sciences for decades. Join us in congratulating our spring 2025 award winners!
Society Awards
Allen J. Bard Award
Debra R. Rolison heads the Advanced Electrochemical Materials section at the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). Her team designs, synthesizes, characterizes, and applies 3D-structured, ultraporous, multifunctional, hold-in-your-hand nanoarchitectures for rate-critical applications such as catalysis and energy storage/conversion. Dr. Rolison was a Faculty Scholar at Florida Atlantic University, receiving her BS in Chemistry in 1975 and the Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry. She completed her PhD in Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with Prof. Royce W. Murray (1980), then joined NRL as a Staff Scientist.
Dr. Rolison is a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Chemical Society, Materials Research Society, and Association for Women in Science. Her major awards include the 2024 ECS Battery Division Technology Award (with Drs. Joseph Parker and Jeffrey Long), 2018 William H. Nichols Medal, 2017 E. O. Hulburt Award, 2015 Department of the Navy Dr. Dolores M. Etter Top Scientist & Engineer Team Award (with Drs. Joseph Parker and Jeffrey Long), 2012 Charles N. Reilley Award of the Society for Electroanalytical Chemistry, 2011 ACS Award in the Chemistry of Materials, and 2011 Hillebrand Prize. Her editorial advisory board service includes Advanced Energy Materials and ACS Applied Energy Materials, Chemical Reviews, Analytical Chemistry, Langmuir, Nano Letters, Annual Review of Analytical Chemistry, Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, and Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Dr. Rolison also writes and lectures widely on issues affecting women (and men!) in science, including proposing Title IX assessments of science and engineering departments. She has authored over 275 articles and holds 49 US patents.
Gordon E. Moore Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Solid State Science & Technology
Hideo Hosono is Honorary and Institute Professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo (formerly Tokyo Institute of Technology or Tokyo Tech) and a Distinguished Fellow at the National Institute for Materials Science. His research focuses on the creation of novel functional materials based on his own design concept. Achievements include the material design of transparent oxide semiconductors such as InGaZnOx (IGZO) and their thin film transistor (TFT) applications for state-of-the-art displays; the creation of stable electrides and their application to catalysts for ammonia synthesis; and the discovery of high-Tc iron-based superconductors. After completing a PhD at Tokyo Metropolitan University (1982), Prof. Hosono was Assistant and Associate Professor at the Nagoya Institute of Technology (1982–1990) (including a Visiting Associate Professorship at Vanderbilt University [1988-1989]), then Associate
Professor at the Institute for Molecular Science (2005–2007). He became a full professor at Tokyo Tech in 1999. Prof. Hosono has published some 1,000 SCI (Science Citation Index) journal papers, six English-language books (edited), and registered about 100 patents. His Google Scholar h-index is 156 and Web of Science h-index is 132. He served as a member of the Science Council of Japan and President of the Materials Research Society of Japan.
Prof. Hosono has received many awards, including the 2023 Society for Information Display Karl Fredrich Brawn Award, 2022 Eduard Rhein Foundation Technology Award, 2018 MRS Von Hippel Award, 2016 Japan Prize, 2015 Imperial Prize of the Japan Academy, 2015 American Physical Society James C. McGroddy Prize for New Materials, 2012 Nishina Memorial Prize, and 2009 Bernd T. Matthias Prize. He is a 2013 Thomson Reuter Citation Laureate, a highly cited researcher, and Foreign Member of the The Royal Society.
John B. Goodenough Award of the Electrochemical Society
Doron Aurbach is Distinguished Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Bar-Ilan University (BIU). He is the founder of BIU’s Electrochemistry Group, founder and head of BIU’s Energy and Sustainability Center, founder and leader of the Israel National Research Center for Electrochemical Propulsion, and leader of the Israel National Institute for Energy Storage. His research encompasses a broad range of topics that include non-aqueous electrochemistry, batteries, and electrochemical water desalination. He has uncovered the mechanisms behind the key limiting reactions that define the electrochemical windows of most of the important non-aqueous polar-aprotic electrolyte solutions, as well as the interfacial reactions in highly reactive electrochemical systems. The inventor and leader of the field of rechargeable magnesium batteries, his expertise extends to the water-energy nexus, where he has contributed to innovations in desalination, microfiltration, green hydrogen production, CO2 sequestration (for agricultural purposes), disinfection, and the extraction of important minerals from seawater through electrochemical methods.
After earning his BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees (summa cum laude) from BIU’s Department of Chemistry, Prof. Aurbach obtained a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (summa cum laude). Ernest B. Yeager oversaw his postdoctoral fellowship at Case Western Reserve University. Prof. Aurbach has served as Chair of BIU’s Department of Chemistry (2001–2005) and Chair of the Israel Labs Accreditation Authority (2010–2016). He has published 820 peer-reviewed publications with more than 111,000 citations and an h-index of 160 (Google Scholar).
Prof. Aurbach joined ECS in 1983 and is an active and valued member, having served as Chair of the ECS Israel Section and, since 2007, as JES Technical Editor in the Battery and Energy Storage technical interest area.. ECS has recognized him with the Allen J. Bard Medal (2017), Battery Division Research Award (2013), Fellow of The Electrochemical Society (2008), and Battery Division Technology Award (2005). Among his other prestigious awards are the Israel Chemical Society’s Gold Medal (2020), Eric and Sheila Samson Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation in Alternative Fuels for Transportation (2018), International Society of Electrochemistry’s Alexander Frumkin Medal (2018), Membership in Academia Europaea (since 2015), International Battery Association’s Ernest
Photo: Sarah Peterson, USNRL
B. Yeager Award for Outstanding Contributions to Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage Science (2014), Kolthoff Prize of the Technion for Excellence in Chemical Research (2013), Israel Chemical Society’s Excellence in Research Award (2012), Landau Prize for Green Chemistry (2011), and Edwards Company Prize of the Israel Vacuum Society for Research Excellence (2007). He is a Fellow of the International Society of Electrochemistry and of the Materials Research Society.
Division Awards
Battery Division
M. Stanley Whittingham Mid-Career Award
Alejandro Franco is a Full Professor at the Université de Picardie Jules Verne and Honorary Member of the Institut Universitaire de France. He leads the Theory Open Platform of the ALISTORE European Research Institute and coordinates the i-MESC (Interdisciplinarity in Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion) Erasmus Mundus Master Program. For more than 20 years, Prof. Franco has conducted research in the field of multiscale modeling of electrochemical energy devices. He has received two of the most competitive grants in Europe, an ERC Consolidator Grant for his ARTISTIC project focusing on digitalizing battery manufacturing through multiscale modeling and artificial intelligence (digital twins), and ERC Proof of Concept grant for his innovative SMARTISTIC project aimed at assisting battery manufacturers with mixed reality technology. He has participated actively in many European projects and bilateral collaborations with industry.
Prof. Franco completed an MSc. in Physics at the Universidad Nacional del Sur, Argentina (2001), PhD at the Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (2005), and Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches at the Université of Lyon 1 (2010). He has produced more than 158 publications, 12 invited book chapters, three edited books, and 23 patents. Frequently invited to deliver plenary, keynote, and invited oral presentations in international conferences, he has given more than 139 invited lectures and over 67 invited seminars in universities, institutes, and companies. In 2019, he received the French Prize for Pedagogy Innovation for his use of virtual reality in teaching battery science and technology.
Electronics and Photonics Division Award
Junichi Murota is Professor Emeritus and Research Fellow in the Micro System Integration Center at Tohoku University. Through his 50 years of research, he has made outstanding contributions to atomically controlled processing of group IV semiconductors by low-pressure CVD for ultra large-scale integration.
Prof. Murota received his BE (1970), ME (1970), and PhD (1985) in Electronic Engineering from Hokkaido University. From 1972 to 1985, he engaged in research on chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for large scale integration at the Electrical Communication Laboratory, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation. There he demonstrated the self-limited reaction and selective deposition on Si (100) for Mo, W, and Ge. In 1985, he joined Tohoku University where he developed atomically controlled and ultraclean processing by low-pressure CVD. He was named Professor Emeritus at Tohoku
University in 2012, and, in 2015, Research Fellow in their Micro System Integration Center. Prof. Murota has published more than 300 articles in refereed journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters, and has been co-editor of eight special journal issues.
The honors Prof. Murota has received include the 2010 Commendation for Science and Technology from the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the 2003 Yamazaki-Teiichi Prize. He is a Fellow of The Electrochemical Society and the Japan Society of Applied Physics.
Prof. Murota joined ECS in 1987 and is now an Emeritus Member. He has served on the ECS Board of Directors and in every officer position of the ECS Electronics and Photonics Division, which he continues to serve as a Member at Large. Prof. Murota is the author of 15 papers in ECS journals (including three for the Journal of Solid State Science and Technology as first author), and 73 papers in ECS conference proceedings (including 16 as invited first author).
Energy Technology Division Research Award
Gang Wu is Professor of Chemical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis with expertise in electrochemical science and engineering. His current research focuses on advanced electrocatalysis and catalysis for hydrogen and carbon-neutral electrochemical energy technologies, such as polymer electrolyte fuel cells, water electrolysis, CO2 reduction, electrosynthesis, and carbon-free nitrogen electrochemistry. He is also interested in developing clean energy–related heterogeneous catalysis, including efficient ammonia synthesis and cracking to overcome the grand challenges of hydrogen storage and transportation.
After completing a PhD at the Harbin Institute of Technology (2004), Prof. Wu completed postdocs at Tsinghua University, University of South Carolina, and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). He became a staff scientist at LANL in 2010. Joining The State University of New York-Buffalo as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in 2014, he was promoted to tenured Associate Professor in 2018 and Full Professor in 2020. Prof. Wu moved to Washington University in St. Louis in 2024.
Prof. Wu is the author of more than 340 journal papers with nearly 57,000 citations with an h-index of 130 (Google Scholar). Clarivate Analytics has acknowledged Wu as a Highly Cited Researcher continuously since 2018. He serves as Associate Editor for journals that include the Journal of The Electrochemical Society. An active ECS member since 2007, Dr. Wu has served on the Joint Journal Editorial Board, as a Member at Large of the ECS Energy Technology Division, and on the division’s award subcommittees.
Energy Technology Division Graduate Student Award
Sponsored by BioLogic
Raul Marquez is a fifth-year PhD candidate at the University of Texas at Austin, working under Prof. C. Buddie Mullins. His research bridges fundamental and applied science, focusing on the effects of operational conditions and reaction environments on the performance and stability of transition metalbased electrocatalysts for liquid alkaline water electrolysis. He develops methods and equipment to characterize catalyst transformations and degradation by combining insights from instrumental analysis and electrochemical engineering. His work also
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emphasizes rigor and promotes benchmarking in the scientific community to accelerate the development and implementation of energy conversion technologies.
Marquez earned his BS in Chemical Engineering (2017) and MS in Chemistry (2020) from the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua. His work has been published in ACS Energy Letters, Energy & Environmental Science, and other leading journals in energy, catalysis, sustainability, and materials science. Marquez serves as a Community Board Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Materials Horizons. Outside the lab, he is an instructor and ambassador for Clubes de Ciencia MX, a STEM initiative that offers free educational experiences for Hispanic high school and undergraduate students. He is an ECS Student Member and serves as Secretary of the ECS University of Texas at Austin Student Chapter.
Energy Technology Division Supramaniam Srinivasan Young Investigator Award
Karthish Manthiram is Professor of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and William H. Hurt Scholar at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The Manthiram Lab focuses on electrified molecular systems, including the development of heterogeneous electrocatalysts that convert carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen into useful molecules, as well as electrifying metabolism in living cells.
Prof. Manthiram received his BS in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University (2010) and PhD in Chemical Engineering from University of California, Berkeley (2015). After a one-year postdoc at the Caltech, he joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as Assistant Professor in 2017. He moved to Caltech as a Full Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering in 2021 and in 2022 was named a William H. Hurt Scholar. Prof. Manthiram’s research has been recognized with the ECS San Francisco Section Daniel Cubicciotti Student Award, Gordon and Betty Moore Inventor Fellowship, Department of Energy Early Career Award, National Science Foundation CAREER Award, Sloan Research Fellowship, 3M Nontenured Faculty Award, American Institute of Chemical Engineers 35 Under 35, and a Forbes 30 Under 30 in Science. He has also received accolades for teaching: the Camille Dreyfus TeacherScholar Award, C. Michael Mohr Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award, MIT Chemical Engineering Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award, and MIT Teaching with Digital Technology Award.
Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering Division H. H. Dow Memorial Student Achievement Award
Dean Miller is a Chemical Engineering PhD student at Stanford University and NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Fellow. He seeks to refine pollutants in wastewater into purified chemicals, producing treated water in the process. To do so, his research in William Tarpeh’s Lab focuses on electrocatalytic reactive separation systems that convert wastewater nitrate into purified ammonia. Miller is specifically interested in powering reactive separations with molecular electrocatalysts because of their atomic precision and synthetic
tunability. He researches the structure of molecular electrocatalysts as a function of their electrochemical environments, and how structure dictates function for the electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction. He leverages these molecular insights to develop practical electrochemical reactor systems. Miller’s research spans from electrochemical engineering in the Tarpeh Lab to in situ characterization at synchrotron facilities to technology implementation on operating vegetable farms.
Miller completed undergraduate chemical engineering studies at the University of Pittsburgh as a member of the James McKone Lab where he investigated electron transfer kinetics for redox flow batteries. In 2025, he will join the Anna Wuttig Research Group at the University of Chicago as a postdoctoral researcher. He hopes to spend his career as an electrochemist and electrochemical engineer, applying his efforts to aqueous systems for sustainable chemical production, clean water access, and environmental protection. Miller is an ECS Student Member.
Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering Division Student Achievement Award
Monsuru Olatunji Dauda is a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at Louisiana State University (LSU), conducting research under Professor John C. Flake. His research focuses on sustainable chemical production through the electrochemical conversion of CO₂ into valuable chemicals and fuels. By leveraging advanced analytical tools, electrochemical techniques, and computational methods, his work aims to improve the selectivity, activity, and durability of CO₂ conversion processes, addressing critical challenges in sustainability and contributing to the reduction of atmospheric CO₂ levels.
Dauda completed a BTech in Chemical Engineering at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (Nigeria) and an MS in Chemical Engineering at LSU. Upon completing his PhD, Dauda plans to advance sustainable technologies and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. He is committed to fostering partnerships with industry to ensure that his research translates into real-world solutions, contributing to a cleaner and greener future. Dauda is an ECS Student Member.
Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering Division Ralph E. White Outstanding Student Award
Kaustugh Girish Naik is a PhD candidate in the Energy and Transport Sciences Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University. His PhD research pioneered the development of a comprehensive suite of physics-based modeling frameworks for solid state battery electrodes and interfaces. He revealed critical insights into the complex mechanistic interactions in solid state batteries, focusing on electro-chemo-mechanical phenomena, thermo-electrochemical dynamics, and microstructural stochastics. His work elucidates the stability landscape and key limiting mechanisms for solid-solid interfaces, thereby delineating design guidelines for the development of stable, high-performance solid state batteries.
Photo: Sandia National Lab
Photo: Lance Hayashida, Caltech
Naik has BTech and MTech degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT). His research appears in journals that include Advanced Energy Materials, Energy Storage Materials, Applied Mechanics Reviews, and ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. He has presented at ECS Meetings; the Gordon Research Seminar and Conference on Batteries, Minerals, Metals & Materials Society Conference; and the International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition. Naik was awarded Purdue University’s 2023 Bilsland Dissertation Fellowship for his excellence in research, academics, and scientific leadership, and the Purdue Trailblazer in Engineering Fellowship for his outstanding scholarly achievements and potential to become a future faculty member broadening diversity and participation in engineering. He received an ECS Travel Grant to attend the 244th ECS Meeting in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering Division New Electrochemical Technology (NET) Award
Top left: Chockkalingam Karuppaiah, Top right: Arne Ballantine, Middle left: Ramesh Thangavel, Middle right: Muralidhar Venkatraman, Bottom left: Vani Rajagopal, Bottom right: Jason Hixson
Ohmium designs, manufactures, and deploys modular, scalable proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers that enable cost-competitive green hydrogen production. The company’s suite of electrochemical products helps customers achieve their sustainable energy goals across industrial, transportation, and energy projects. Headquartered in the US with manufacturing facilities in India and operations worldwide, Ohmium has a global green hydrogen project pipeline exceeding two gigawatts across three continents. In 2023, Ohmium raised $250 million in Series C financing, led by TPG Rise Climate.
Team Biographies
Arne Ballantine is the CEO and Co-Founder of Ohmium International. With over 20 years of experience in power generation technology, he has held roles such as VP of Systems Engineering at Bloom Energy, Product Manager and Joint Lead of Engineering at Plug Power, and Lead Engineer at IBM. Ballantine holds 192 issued US patents in semiconductor and hydrogen industries. He earned his Nuclear Engineer Certification while serving as a US
Navy Submarine Officer and has a degree in Physics and Computer Science from Harvey Mudd College. Additionally, he has served as the Palo Alto City Energy Utility Commissioner, Rutgers University Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering board member, and American Society of Mechanical Engineers Energy Technology Advisory Panel member.
Chockkalingam (Chock) Karuppaiah is Chief Technology Officer at Ohmium, where he leads the development of advanced electrochemical technologies with world-class reduction of iridium usage. He received his PhD in Electrochemistry and Fuel Cells from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. With a career spanning over two decades, he held such roles as Vice President of Fuel Cell Stack Engineering at Bloom Energy, founder of EC Labs, and Research Professor at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Karuppaiah managed the fundamentals team at Plug Power and conducted research at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He designed, developed, and scaled seven products, including polymer electrolyte fuel cells, flow batteries, and solid oxide fuel cells. Holding 36 published patents and over 12 scientific publications, Dr. Karuppaiah recently founded Vetri Labs to support decarbonization efforts through incubation of climate tech and materials tech startup companies, electrochemical research, and consulting. An ECS Life Member, in the past he was on the ECS Transactions Editorial Advisory Board and currently serves as 1st Vice Chair of the ECS San Francisco Section and Secretary/ Treasurer of the ECS Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering Division.
Jason Hixson, a noted chemical engineer, is the Senior Vice President of Engineering at Ohmium. With 18 years of experience, he led the design of two generations of stack technology at Ohmium. Previously, at Bloom Energy, he managed global cost reduction initiatives and oversaw modeling, forecasting, and asset optimization for a 500-megawatt fuel cell fleet. Hixson holds three issued patents and continues to drive innovation and efficiency in the engineering sector. He earned his BS magna cum laude from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2006, graduating first in his class.
Ramesh Thangavel is the Associate Director of Stack Materials at Ohmium, which launched India’s first two gigawatt PEM Electrolyzer Manufacturing Plants. There he bridges the gap between R&D and manufacturing, focusing on translating development projects into pilot-level production. In 2012, Dr. Thangavel began his career as a Research Scholar at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials where he worked on the development of structural porous carbon materials derived from biomass for energy storage applications, including compressed hydrogen storage, supercapacitors, and lithium-ion batteries. He earned his PhD in Physics from the National Institute of Technology Warangal in 2021 and has authored and co-authored more than 12 peer-reviewed publications.
Vani Rajagopal is an expert in fuel cell technology and serves as Principal Scientist at Ohmium. She oversees the design and fabrication of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), material qualification for stacks and systems, stack performance degradation analysis, and performance enhancement projects. She earned her PhD in Fuel Cells from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in 2020. Her research focused on self-humidifying membranes and carbon nano materials for fuel cells and supercapacitor applications, resulting in over six peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Rajagopal began her career as an R&D Team Lead at Elicius Energy Private Limited, where she worked on PEM fuel cell MEA fabrication, stack testing, and performance analysis. Her expertise and dedication have made her a key figure in sustainable energy solutions.
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Photo: Sarah Peterson
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Muralidhar Venkatraman is a Principal Engineer at Ohmium. He leads the mechanical design and development of electrolyzer PEM stacks, focusing on high-pressure sealing and product reliability. With over 14 years of experience, Venkatraman started his career at enArka India, managing mechanical and thermal aspects of power processing products. He earned his MS with Honors in Product Development and Manufacturing from the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen in 2018. Venkatraman has worked at leading research institutes. At BMW, he specialized in plastic design and optimization, then later served as a Technical Project Manager in Hilti’s Battery Systems Engineering Department. He has two published patents with several more in the pipeline. His passion for green hydrogen drives his enthusiasm at Ohmium.
Nanocarbons Division
Robert C. Haddon Research Award
Yury Gogotsi is Distinguished University Professor and Charles T. and Ruth M. Bach Endowed Chair in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Drexel University. He founded and serves as Director of the A. J. Drexel Nanomaterials Institute. With his students and colleagues, Prof. Gogotsi made principal contributions to the development of materials for electrochemical capacitors and other energy storage devices; discovered MXenes and polygonal nanotubes (graphite polyhedral crystals); demonstrated the tuning of structure and porosity of carbide-derived carbons; and developed new processes for the synthesis, surface modification, and purification of nanotubes and nanodiamonds.
Prof. Gogotsi received his MS (1984) and PhD (1986) from the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, then completed a DSc at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, at which time he was the youngest Chemistry PhD in Ukraine. Prof. Gogotsi pursued extensive postdoctoral training as a Humboldt Fellow at the Hochschule Karlsruhe, JSPS Fellow at the Tokyo Institute of Technology (now the Institute of Science Tokyo), and NATO National Research Council Fellow at the Universitetet i Oslo. He joined the University of Illinois in Chicago as Assistant Professor in 1996 and has been at Drexel since 2000.
Prof. Gogotsi is a Fellow of The Electrochemistry Society, National Academy of Inventors, Royal Society of Chemistry, and European Academy of Sciences. He has over 1,250 publications in materials science with over 213,000 citations and an h-index of 245 (Google Scholar). With Vladimir Lavrenko, he published the book Corrosion of High-Performance Ceramics. Recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher in Materials Science and Chemistry and a Citations Laureate in Physics by Clarivate Analytics (Web of Science), his many academic distinctions include the 2021 Materials Research Society Medal, Elsevier Materials Today Innovation Award, and Royal Society of Chemistry Horizon Prize. Prof. Gogotsi delivered the ECS Lecture during the Plenary Session of the 245th ECS Meeting.
Physical
and Analytical Electrochemistry Division David C. Grahame Award
Yang Shao-Horn is JR East Professor of Engineering and faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Research Laboratory of Electronics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her research centers on physical/material chemistry to tune kinetics and dynamics in enabling energy storage and making chemicals and fuels.
Prof. Shao-Horn received a BS in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Beijing University of Technology (1992) and PhD in the same discipline from Michigan Technological University (1998). Before joining MIT in 2002, she was Staff Scientist at the Eveready Battery Company, where she researched materials for various types of batteries. She later received a National Science Foundation International Research Fellowship to work with Claude Delmas at the Institut de chimie de la matière condensée de Bordeaux
With over 400 publications, more than 75,000 citations, and an h-index of 131 (Google Scholar), Prof. Shao-Horn is among the topmost-cited female scientists in the world focusing on clean energy solutions. She is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and Fellow of The Electrochemical Society, American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Academy of Inventors, and International Society of Electrochemistry. ECS has recognized her with the Charles W. Tobias Young Investigator Award and Norman Hackerman Young Authors Award, and the Battery Division’s Technology Student Research Award. Other honors include the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Faraday Medal, Technische Universität München’s Dr. Karl Wamsler Innovation Award and Hans Fischer Senior Fellowship, and Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung Humbolt Prize in Chemistry. Prof. Shao-Horn has co-founded several startups and serves on the board of directors of multiple companies as well as public and private organizations, including the Pioneer Center for Accelerating P2X Materials Discovery, Fritz-Haber-Institut der MaxPlanck-Gesellschaft, and Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability.
Prof. Shao-Horn joined the Society in 1995 and is now an Awarded ECS Life Member. She has served as a Member at-Large of the ECS Battery Division, on the Individual Membership Committee, and on multiple award subcommittees, including the Fellow Selection Subcommittee.
Section Awards
Georgia Section Outstanding Student Award
Kelsey Anne Cavallaro is a PhD candidate at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in the School of Materials Science and Engineering, working with Professor Matthew T. McDowell. She earned her BS at The University of Texas at Austin in Chemical Engineering where she researched novel electrode materials and architectures to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. As a graduate student at Georgia Tech, Cavallaro’s research aims to understand the fundamental reaction mechanisms and morphological evolution of next-generation materials for lithium-based batteries at low temperatures to engineer devices with improved performance in
Photo: SamanthaDAnnaPhotography
extreme environments. A NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunity Fellowship supports this work.
As President and in other roles with Women in Materials Science and Engineering, and on the university-wide Joint Sexual Violence Advisory Committee, Cavallaro is actively involved in improving Georgia Tech’s School of Materials Science and Engineering community for women and underrepresented genders. She is also passionate about educating the next generation of scientists and engineers and has lectured for multiple Materials Science and Engineering classes. Cavallaro is a member of the Center for Teaching and Learnings’ Tech to Teaching program. Outside academia, Cavallaro enjoys martial arts, crafting, and reading with her cat.
Pacific Northwest Section Electrochemistry Research Award
Dongping Lu is Chief Scientist and Team Lead for the Battery Materials Research Team at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). He is committed to advancing cost-effective and safe energy storage solutions using electrochemistry. Dr. Lu’s research integrates fundamental understanding, materials discovery, engineering innovation, and advanced
processing techniques. His current work focuses on maximizing the utilization of low-cost sulfur materials for high-energy, long-life batteries, spanning liquid Li-S, Li-ion sulfur, and all-solid-state Li-S systems. Dr. Lu oversees multiple Department of Energy (DOE) programs as Principal Investigator, including projects on high-energy Li-S batteries, solid-state polymer batteries, solid electrolyte manufacturing, and all-solid-state Li batteries. He completed a PhD in Physical Chemistry at Xiamen University in 2011. An inventor with 11 granted and pending patents Dr. Lu has published more than 70 peer-reviewed papers. He received the PNNL 2016 Pathway to Excellence Patent Award and 2014 and 2015 PNNL Energy and Environment Directorate Outstanding Performance Awards. He serves as a guest editor for journals and organizes symposia for scientific societies, including The Electrochemical Society, American Chemical Society, and Materials Research Society.
in a Diverse & Inclusive Worldwide Community
Committees to get involved Divisions & Sections within ECS to hone your expertise
Student Chapters to start you on your path
Promotional opportunities to showcase the newest of the new
NEW MEMBERS NEW MEMBERS
ECS is proud to announce the new members for October, November, and December 2024 (Members are listed alphabetically by family/last name.)
Members
ALjalem Abrha, Rapid City, SD, USA
Dogukan Apaydin, Vienna, Wien, Austria
BAbderraouf Boucherif, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
Robert Butera, College Park, MD, USA
CJuan Ramon Cabanillas Gonzalez, Madrid, MAD, Spain
Emma Cave, Seattle, WA, USA
Ahmad Elgazzar, Houston, TX, USA
Carlos Fernandez, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
Alec Goffin, New York, NY, USA
HYoshikiyo Hatakeyama, Kiryu, Gunma, Japan
Ray Hua Horng, Hsinchu, Hsinchu County, Taiwan
Seyyeadmirhossein Hosseini, Columbia, SC, USA
J
Mi Jang, Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
KMisaki Katayama, Sayo, Hyogo, Japan
Hyoung-Juhn Kim, Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, ROK
Daisuke Kiriya, Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
Rishikesh Krishnan, Cohoes, NY, USA
LSeokmin Lee, Ginza, Tokyo, Japan
Baikun Li, Storrs, CT, USA
Yingwei Li, Honolulu, HI, USA
Dongxia Liu, Newark, DE, USA
Bibo Lou, Nanan, Chongqing, China
MClaudio Margulis, Coralville, IA, USA
Gregory Menk, Santa Clara, CA, USA
Robson Monteiro, Houston, TX, USA
Keisuke Muramatsu, Ueda, Nagano, Japan
Nicolas Murer, Magny Les Hameaux, Île-deFrance, France
NJung Hyun Nam, Cary, NC, USA
P
Shalini Prasad, Richardson, TX, USA
Patrick Prendergast, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
R
Mauricio Rincon Bonilla, Bilbao, EUS, Spain
S
Enas Sayed, Al Minya, Minya, Egypt
Soji Shimizu, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan
Kevin Sittner, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Xin Sui, Aalborg, North Jutland, Denmark
Thomas Szkopek, Montréal, QC, Canada
Chris Turner, Dublin, OH, USA
Ralph Wise, Farmington, NY, USA
Student Members
A
Manar Abdel Hamid, New Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Abdelrahman Abdelmohsen, New Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Lobna Abdo, New Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Paul Abi, Golden, CO, USA
Yusuke Adachi, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
Mehran Afra, Coventry, West Midlands, UK
Shamsuddeen Ahmad, Bauchi, Bauchi, Nigeria
Opeyemi Akanbi, Lowell, MA, USA
Haidy Akar, New Cairo, Giza, Egypt
Azeez Akinyemi, Boston, MA, USA
Ahmad Alsewailem, Thuwal, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Cesar Alvarado Orellana, Romeoville, IL, USA
Andres Alvarez Martínez, Puebla, Puebla, México
Ahmed Amin, New Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Amanda Anderson, New Lenox, IL, USA
Sophia Anderson, Schwenksville, PA, USA
Md Ansari, Dhanbad, JH, India
Hojat Ansarinasab, Montréal, QC, Canada
José Arenas Rivera, Puebla, Puebla, México
Faryal Assad, Vilnius, Vilnius County, Lithuania
Austeja Atkociunaite, Vilnius, Vilnius County, Lithuania
Huber Avila, Mayagüez, PR, USA
BNadia Barnard, Eugene, OR, USA
Sattajit Barua, Newark, DE, USA
Mridula Bhadra, Prayagraj, UP, India
Julian Blanco Hernández, Puebla, Puebla, México
Kyle Bledsoe, Plainfield, IL, USA
JaiShaun Boyd, Charlotte, NC, USA
C
Luca Maria Cavinato, Straubing, BY, Germany
Supratim Chatterjee, Montréal, QC, Canada Ahmadraza Chaudhary, Stillwater, OK, USA
Xiaohong Chen, Nanang District, Chongqing, China
Gillian Collins, Trim, Leinster, Ireland
Naïla Corcoran, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
D
Yash Dadeech, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Ahmad Reshad Delawary, Zlin, Zlin, Czech Republic
Arielle DeShazier, Shorewood, IL, USA
Arianna Diaz, Halifax, NS, Canada
Jiaxin Ding, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, UK
Steve DiSpirito, Browns Mills, NJ, USA
Jadyn Dominguez, Joliet, IL, USA
Marius Dzvinka, Vilnius, Vilnius County, Lithuania
E
Jonathan Ehring, Mechanicsburg, PA, USA
Salma El Shabrawy, Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
Marwa El-Gammal, Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
Mohamed Elokl, New Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Sara Elsamman, New Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Marijose Esparragoza, Puebla, Puebla, México
Avery Ethridge, Bixby, OK, USA
Adeoluwa Ewebajo, Idaho Falls, ID, USA
F
Mahmoud Fadeel, New Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Manal Fatimah, Montréal, QC, Canada
Qianyun Feng, Chongqing, Chongqing, China
Johannes Fischer, Garching bei Muenchen, BY, Germany
Samson Kong Jee Foo, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
Lucia Fortado, Kaysville, UT, USA
Matthias Fuechsl, Munich, BY, Germany
G
Gavin Gallop, Waco, TX, USA
Michele Galvani, Brescia, LM, Italy
John Gardner, Elkton, MD, USA
Francesco Grassi, Gent, East Flanders, Belgium
Zezhou Guo, Austin, TX, USA
HSara Helal, New Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Ariful Hoque, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
Jiseon Hwang, Columbus, OH, USA
IJumpei Ishikawa, Suita, Osaka, Japan
JVaishnavi Sree Jeganathan, Cleveland Heights, OH, USA
Tristan Julian Hernandez, Puebla, Puebla, México
Simona Jureviciute, Kaisiadoriys, Kaisiadoriys, Lithuania
KManthankumar Shaileshbhai Kapopara, Gainsville, FL, USA
Connor Keating, Tinley Park, IL, USA
Sadhak Khanna, Ghaziabad, UP, India
Steven Kidd, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
Lucja Kozicka, Gdansk, Pomerania, Poland
LJean-Danick Lavertu, Montréal, QC, Canada
Christopher LeBarron, Charleston, SC, USA
Seungil Lee, Montréal, QC, Canada
Dalia Leon, Enschede, Overijssel, Netherlands
Qinghong Li, Chongqing, Chongqing, China
Jorge Lima Martinez, Puebla, Puebla, México
Chamika Liyanaarachchi, Stillwater, OK, USA
Evaldas Lugauskas, Alytus, Alytus County, Lithuania
Debanhi Lugo Trinidad, Puebla, Puebla, México
MNagalakshmi Gayathri Maddala, Austin, TX, USA
Adam Makhlouf, Tinley Park, IL, USA
Yeray Márquez, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, México
Angelina Martinez, Lockport, IL, USA
Liam McMullin, Loda, IL, USA
Adil Mehboob, Montréal, QC, Canada
Aditya Mehrotra, Cambridge, MA, USA
Yenus Mekonen, Gondar, Amhara, Ethiopia
Izak Minnie, Newark, DE, USA
Esraa Mohamed Farag, Beni Suef, Cairo, Egypt
Mohamad Aizad Mohd Mokhtar, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Louka Moutarlier, Eugene, OR, USA
Camilo Muñoz, Las Cruces, NM, USA
NMd Shahriar Nahian, West Lafayette, IN, USA
Kaiya Nakasone, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
Muhammad Ashar Naveed, Lincoln, NE, USA
Nikola Nikolić, Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
Onyinyechukwu Njoku, Potsdam, NY, USA
Uma Nudurupati, South Burlington, VT, USA
OJonathan Moses Ortmann, Altotting, Altstadthotel Schex, BY, Germany
PAmanda Pacholczak, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
Lahiru Pasikku Hannadige, Lubbock, TX, USA
Jorge Pérez Vázquez, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Ba Lich Pham, Orsay, Île-de-France, France
Theodore Phung, Palo Alto, CA, USA
Aamrapali Vinay Pimple, Bryan, TX, USA
Sharad Pinjari, Bhopal, MP, India
RMaisara Rabie, Cairo, Giza, Egypt
Jacob Redwinski, Bolingbrook, IL, USA
Nicolas Reyes Lara, Puebla, Puebla, México
Gabriela Romero, Puebla, Puebla, México
Guste Rudaityte, Vilnius, Vilnius County, Lithuania
S
Mohammed Salama, Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Berenice Sánchez Cerón, Puebla, Puebla, México
Kalaiarasi Satchidhanandam, Calgary, AB, Canada
Cristian Sayers, Romeoville, IL, USA
Stefan Schaeffler, Munich, BY, Germany
Isaac Kojo Seim, Clemson, SC, USA
Sam Sankar Selvasundarasekar, Cleveland, OH, USA
Kamal Singh, Dehradun, UT, India
Priyanka Sira Prakash, Bryan, TX, USA
Evan Smith, Rochester, MA, USA
Joonghyun Song, Wexford, PA, USA
Ula Suliman, Edmonton, AB, Canada
T
Abdulrahman Tarek, Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Ermias Telahun Teka, Tarragona, Tarragona, Spain
Aaron Thielen, Shelby Township, MI, USA
Aleksandra Tober, Gdansk, Pomerania, Poland
Tonya Tolino, Gallup, NM, USA
Sydney Tremblay, Bolingbrook, IL, USA
Mia Tripp, Halifax, NS, Canada
Wantong Tuo, Chongqing, Chongqing, China
V
Monissh Vijayakumar, Calgary, AB, Canada
Fernando Villavicencio, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
W
Yao-Te Wang, Taoyuan, Taoyuan County, Taiwan
Amanda Warfield, Romeoville, IL, USA
Akira Watanabe, Ueda, Nagano, Japan
Kadampita Gamladdalage Nishani Weerasinghe, Lubbock, TX, USA
Joshua Wilson, Marietta, GA, USA
Clarencia Woody, Many Farms, AZ, USA
YLiwen Yang, Chongqing, Chongqing, China
Emmanuel Yankson, East Lansing, MI, USA
Yuanqing Yun, Providence, RI, USA
Z
Michele Zanotti, Brescia, LM, Italy
Shihan Zhang, Chongqing, Chongqing, China
Shiyuan Zhou, Lemont, IL, USA
Yi Zhuang, Chongqing, Chongqing, China
Yasin Zolfaghar, Montréal, QC, Canada
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NEW MEMBERS NEW MEMBERS
New Members by Country Look who joined ECS in the Fourth Quarter of 2024
James A. Amick
Yasutaka Ban
Juan Haydu
Werner Kern
Nicholas Maskalick
Lyuji Ozawa
Prosenjit Rai-Choudhury
Stanley F. Rak
Franklin Schultz
David Shores
William Vierow
John C. Angus
Brian Barnett
Daniel J. Eustace
Peter S. Fedkiw
H.Frank Gibbard
Robert L. Gibbons
Richard D. Granata
Charles L. Hussey
Eugene A. Irene
Karl Kadish
60-Year Anniversaries
50-Year Anniversaries
Saudi Arabia South Korea Spain Sweden Taiwan UK USA
Member Anniversaries 2025
It is with great pleasure that we recognize the following ECS members who have reached their 30, 40, 50, and 60-year anniversaries with the Society in 2025. Congratulations to you all!
Vikram J. Kapoor
Arthur J. Learn
Joseph D. Luttmer
Patrick J. Moran
Norvell J. Nelson
Keith B. Oldham
Emanuel Peled
Towfik H. Teherani
40-Year Anniversaries
Michael T. Carter
Jim L. Davidson
Mary Helen Dean
Eiji Endoh
Darell E. Engelhaupt
Bryan M. Hall
Michael Hitchman
Chiaki Iwakura
Mira Josowicz
Bernd O. Kolbesen
Henning Lund
John A. Magyar
Durga Misra
Yoshio Nishi
Peter G. Pickup
Neil Robertson
Jerzy Ruzyllo
Benjamin R. Scharifker
Kurt D. Sieber
Andrei Szilagyi
Isao Taniguchi
Carl W. Townsend
Shian-Cherng Yang
Sunghee Yoon
30-Year Anniversaries
Radoslav Adzic
Philippe Allongue
Marc A. Anderson
Jan Y. Andersson
Gautam Banerjee
Pierre Bouchard
Scott A. Calabrese Barton
Stephen Campbell
Robert M. Darling
Nancy J. Dudney
Yair Ein-Eli
John C. Flake
Don F. Gervasio
Takumi Haruna
Tatsuo Horiba
Sarah Horswell
Kevin Huang
Allan J. Jacobson
Ryoji Kanno
Gilberto Maia
Krishna Chandra Mandal
Mirjana Metikos-Hukovic
Margarita Miranda
Michael Pozin
Francisco J. Presuel
Judith F. Rubinson
Kazunori Sato
Marshall C. Smart
Narasi Sridhar
James A. Staffa
Karen E. Swider-Lyons
Danut-Ionel Vaireanu
Clinton S. Winchester
Akihiko Yoshida
Chuanjian Zhong
STUDENT NEWS STUDENT NEWS
Student Chapter News
ECS Austria Student Chapter
In spring 2024, the Austria chapter hosted the ECS Austria Poster Palooza, an exciting event where students and researchers presented their work and connected with their peers in the field of electrochemistry. The evening featured a lively poster session that highlighted innovative research, along with an insightful talk by Prof. Alexander Opitz. Attendees enjoyed a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with delicious food, drinks, and freshly mixed cocktails. A friendly poster competition brought a competitive edge to the event, with participants voting for the best poster and fantastic prizes awarded to the winners.
To close the year, students celebrated the holidays with the ElectroHoHo Chemistry Exchange in December 2024 at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology. This festive event brought together students from institutions that included the Institute of Science and Technology Austria, University of Vienna, Technical University Vienna, and even a group from the ECS Ulm Student Chapter in Germany. The evening began with a lab tour, followed by research presentations and discussions that fostered collaboration and learning among attendees. In the spirit of the holidays, everyone enjoyed gingerbread, punch, and pizza while participating in fun activities like the Christmas Dress-Up Contest, where creative costumes earned prizes.
ECS Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla Student Chapter
To encourage science learning, on November 9, 2024, the chapter conducted four practical workshops for the general public on the application of electrochemistry. Many students from elementary school to university and their families attended the event on the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla campus.
The chapter’s first Seminario de Actualización en Electroquímica, a four-hour online seminar on electrochemistry topics, took place on
November 28, 2024. More than 30 participants attended presentations by Dr. Adriana Mendoza Garcia (Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional [IPN]), Dr. Felipe de Jesús González Bravo (Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN), Dr. Ignacio González (Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa), and Dr. Hugo Olvera-Vargas (Instituto de Energías Renovables).
ECS Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla Student Chapter members (from left to right): Faculty Advisor Prof. Erika Méndez Albores, Secretary Arely Barrera, Social Media Manager Berenice Sánchez, Alejandra Lugo, and Julián Hernández
Photo: Dafne González
ECS Case Western Reserve University Student Chapter
The Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) ECS Student Chapter was well-represented at PRiME 2024. Members showcased exceptional research contributions, reflecting the community’s innovative and impactful work. Sabhapathy Palani presented “Low Potential Benzotriazole Derivatives as Negolytes for Nonaqueous Redox Flow Batteries,” focusing on their design, synthesis, and electrochemical properties. Anar Badalbayli explored “Molten Salt Electrolysis for Sustainable Iron Metal Production,” providing insights into eco-friendly methodologies for industrial applications. Oğuz Kağan Coşkun discussed advances in “The Mechanism and Enhancement of Imidazolium-Mediated CO₂ Reduction on Silver in Non-Aqueous Electrolyte.” Desiree Mae Prado’s investigation into “Hydrodynamic Voltammetry of Fe²⁺/³⁺ Redox Couple in Eutectic Electrolytes for Flow Batteries” offered valuable insights
into optimizing flow battery performance. Zeynep Bagbudar contributed theoretical perspectives on “Hydrogen Evolution Involving Imidazolium Proton Donors,” while Vaishali Khokhar presented findings on “Dissolution and Electrodeposition of Rare Earth Oxides within Acidic Eutectic Solvents.” Nicholas Sinclair explored sustainable pathways in “Aqueous Electrochemistry Towards Iron Production,” transitioning from dilute to highly concentrated electrolytes. Christian J. Kellamis introduced a multireaction model for metal oxide electroreduction with applications in nuclear fuel reprocessing. Sogol Asaei developed a novel bioelectrochemical sensor for cerium detection, and Saudagar Dongare shared advances in CO₂ conversion using functionalized ionic liquid electrolytes. Theodore Phung provided mechanistic insights into
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ECS Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla Student Chapter members with their Faculty Advisor, Prof. Erika Méndez Albores (front row, fourth from the left) at the university.
Photo: Margarita Montiel
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STUDENT NEWS STUDENT NEWS
electrolyte additives that mitigate anode corrosion in battery systems. Last, Miguel Muñoz presented his research on “Coupling Electron Transfer Reactions of Quinones with Grotthuss Proton Transport of Concentrated Hydrogen-Bonded Electrolytes,” offering innovative approaches in the field of energy storage.
On November 18, as part of the chapter’s Electrochemistry Lecture Series, Arvind Singh Heer, a graduate student from the CWRU Department of Chemistry, presented his research on electrostatic stimulation. During the presentation, he explored the physicochemical foundations of phenomena induced by modulating electrostatic potential in solution, known as electrode stimulation. Arvind’s work focused on two key reactions: the reduction of selenite on Au(poly), which involved the reduction of H₂SeO₃ and the oxidation of its primary product, elemental Se, and the oxidation of CO on Pt(poly) in acidic solutions, a reaction critical to energy conversion processes. By examining these reactions, he demonstrated how factors such as current and potential could enhance the efficiency of electrode stimulation. This cutting-edge research provided valuable insight into advancing the understanding of electrochemistry and improving energy conversion technologies.
Chapter member Prof. Chase Cao achieved a significant breakthrough in the development of zinc-sulfur rechargeable batteries, offering a safer and more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. His research, featured in CWRU The Daily on December 12, 2024, highlights the use of key additives that enhance energy capacity by 20 percent, improve conductivity and stability, and prevent zinc dendrite formation—addressing long-standing safety concerns. This advancement has the potential to revolutionize renewable energy storage and portable electronic devices, reducing environmental impact and dependence on scarce materials. Prof. Cao leads CWRU’s Soft Machines and Electronics Laboratory, where he also develops technologies for soft robotics, advanced sensing systems, and space exploration.
On December 6, the chapter concluded 2024 with a vibrant YearEnd Celebration & Networking Reception at the Jolly Scholar. This exclusive event for chapter members provided a warm and festive atmosphere to reflect on the year’s achievements. Attendees celebrated overcoming challenging courses, making strides in groundbreaking research, and reaching personal milestones. The gathering highlighted the camaraderie and dedication within the chapter, fostered connections, and set the stage for an even more successful year ahead.
ECS Central Electrochemical Research Institute Student Chapter
The ECS Central Electrochemical Research Institute Student Chapter (CECRI) Student Chapter, in collaboration with the Central Electro Chemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), the International Center for Diffraction Data (ICDD), Vivertana Distributors, and the Academy of Scientific & Innovation Research Science Club, successfully organized a two-day workshop titled “XRD –Fundamentals to Applications” on December 10 to 11, 2024. The event at CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi, emphasized the critical role of X-ray diffraction (XRD) as a fundamental analytical technique for understanding structural phases and structure-property correlations in electrochemical energy conversion and storage materials. Honored by the presence of renowned authorities Dr. Sooriya N. Kabekkodu (Editor-in-Chief, International Centre for Diffraction Data), and Prof. Tayur N. Guru Row (Emeritus Professor, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru and Co-Founder of Vivertana Distributors Pvt. Ltd.), the workshop combined insightful theoretical sessions with practical demonstrations. A major highlight was the hands-on
Sooriya N. Kabekkodu, Editor-in-Chief at the International Centre for Diffraction Data, delivered a insightful lecture at the chapter’s two-day workshop, “XRD – Fundamentals to Applications.”
ECS Case Western Reserve University Student Chapter members presented their research at PRiME 2024 (top row, left to right): Oguz Kagan Coskun, Sabhapathy Palani; (bottom row, left to right): Desiree Mae Prado, Miguel Muñoz
Dr.
ECS Case Western Reserve University Student Chapter members gather during PRiME 2024 (from left to right:) Dr. Saudagar Dongare, Oğuz Kağan Coşkun, Desiree Mae Prado, Burcu Gurkan, Dr. Sabhapathy Palani, Dr. Vaishali Khokhar, Prof. Robert Savinell, Zeynep Bagbudar, Miguel Muñoz, Sogol Asaei, Dr. Anton Perera, and Prof. Robert Warburton.
STUDENT NEWS STUDENT NEWS
training sessions focusing on advanced XRD techniques such as data mining, phase identification, and quantitative phase analysis using ICDD PDF-5+ Sieve+ and ICDD MDI/JADEPro software with the Rietveld refinement method. Participants also explored crystallinity measurement, crystallite size analysis, and micro-strain analysis, equipping them with essential skills to analyze experimental data and address material challenges in electrochemical systems. The workshop attracted significant participation from students, researchers, and faculty members, who appreciated the detailed content, interactive sessions, and opportunities to engage with experts in the field. Positive feedback highlighted the practical relevance of the workshop and its ability to bridge the gap between theory and application. The chapter looks forward to organizing similar initiatives to empower the scientific community and foster knowledge-sharing in the field of electrochemistry.
Participants at the “XRD – Fundamentals to Applications” workshop engage in a hands-on training session led by Dr Sooriya N. Kabekkodu, focusing on advanced XRD techniques, including phase identification, quantitative analysis, and Rietveld refinement using ICDD PDF-5+ and MDI/JADEPro software
members, participants, organizers, and resource persons of the two-day “XRD – Fundamentals to Applications” workshop pose for a group
ECS Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico en Electroquímica Student Chapter and ECS Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro Student Chapter
From September 18 to 20, 2024, the city of Querétaro became the epicenter of electrochemical innovation, hosting the 1st ECSMÉXICO Student Congress. The ECS Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico en Electroquímica (CIDETEQ) Student Chapter and the ECS Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro Student Chapter co-organized the landmark event. The congress served as a crucial platform for bringing researchers and students together to explore cutting-edge advances in electrochemistry related to energy, the environment, and health, and for fostering scientific collaboration and interdisciplinary growth in Mexico.
The event featured an impressive lineup of keynote lectures delivered by esteemed national and international experts. Dr. José Luis Nava Montes de Oca (Departamento de Ingeniería Geomática e Hidráulica de la Universidad de Guanajuato) inaugurated the program with a comprehensive overview of electrochemical engineering applications in water treatment and energy storage and conversion, a pivotal area for addressing environmental challenges. Dr. Erika
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Participants attend a keynote session of the 1st ECS-MÉXICO Student Congress co-organized by the ECS Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico en Electroquímica Student Chapter and the ECS Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro Student Chapter.
Chapter
photo.
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STUDENT NEWS STUDENT NEWS
Bustos Bustos (Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico en Electroquímica) presented her work on modified surfaces for environmental electrochemistry applications, emphasizing circular economy principles and sustainable development.
Prof. Bernardo A. Frontana Uribe (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) discussed recent advances in organic electrosynthesis, highlighting its relevance to green chemistry. He also led the workshop “Organic Electrosynthesis: Basic Principles,” which provided a theoretical introduction to sustainable methodologies for molecule activation, demonstrating the innovative potential of electrochemistry in transforming organic compounds. Prof. Lena Ruiz Azuara (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) rounded out the program with her inspiring talk titled “How to Take an Idea to the Laboratory and then to Application,” emphasizing the bridge between fundamental research and practical applications.
Among the event’s highlights was a dynamic poster competition, with 40 undergraduate and graduate students showcasing their projects. María José Martín Martínez, PhD student at CIDETEQ, received the best poster award for her outstanding research on electrochemistry for health applications, a field with significant implications for human well-being.
The congress attracted over 252 in-person attendees and more than 300 virtual participants, achieving substantial reach and fostering the exchange of ideas among students, researchers, and professionals. A particularly notable moment was the virtual participation of Prof. Colm O’Dwyer, President of The Electrochemical Society, who highlighted the advantages of ECS membership and encouraged students to actively engage with their local chapters.
The success of the congress laid the groundwork for future events. The organizers are already in contact with other student chapters in Mexico to plan the 2nd ECS-MÉXICO Student Congress. The goal of the next congress is to deepen interdisciplinary collaboration and extend the reach of electrochemical science to new regions across Mexico, strengthening scientific networks and broadening access to knowledge.
The 1st ECS-MÉXICO Student Congress established a new benchmark for promoting electrochemistry in Mexico. By connecting emerging talent with established leaders, the event underscored the transformative impact of electrochemical science and set the stage for future advances in the field.
Uribe (Center; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) at the 1st ECS-MEXICO Student Congress.
ECS Indian Institute of Technology Madras Student Chapter
The chapter hosted a two-day workshop on density functional theory (DFT) simulations and molecular modeling for energy storage materials. Around 75 students from around Chennai attended the event. Esteemed speakers, including Prof. Vijay Ramani (Washington University), Prof. V Subramanian (Indian Institute of Technology Madras [IITM]), and Dr Sooraj K (IITM), provided in-depth knowledge of DFT techniques and their applications in understanding the properties of materials used in energy storage systems.
In collaboration with the PSG Institute of Advanced Studies Coimbatore, the chapter hosted a comprehensive two-day workshop with the support of Sentil Kumar (National Sales Manager, BioLogic Science Instruments Pvt. Ltd.). This event provided some 100 attendees with deep insight into the fundamentals of electrochemistry and the latest advances in Li-ion batteries and other electrochemical energy systems. Key topics included the structure of battery materials, charge-discharge mechanisms, impedance spectroscopy, and practical hands-on sessions that fostered interactions between academia and industry professionals. The event was led by esteemed speakers including Prof. Vijayamohanan Pillai (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research [IISER] Tirupati), Prof. Kothandaraman
Ramanujam (IIT Madras), Prof. Muhammed Musthafa (IISER Pune), and Dr. Poulomi Roy (Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute [CSIR-CMERI]).
To honor the educators shaping future scientists and researchers, the chapter celebrated Teachers’ Day with special lectures by
Students and researchers interact at the 1st ECS-MÉXICO Student Congress poster competition.
Organizers and participants with Bernardo A. Frontana
Participants and organizers at the ECS Indian Institute of Technology Madras Student Chapter’s “Workshop on Molecular Modeling and DFT Simulations for Energy Storage Materials.”
Participants attend the ECS Indian Institute of Technology Madras Student Chapter’s “Prospects of Li-ion Batteries and Emerging Electrochemical Energy Systems” inaugural event.
professors from the IIT Madras Department of Chemistry, Prof. S. Sankararaman and Prof. Parasuraman Selvam. The lectures covered advanced solid state chemistry and catalysis topics, celebrating teachers’ contributions to the electrochemistry field.
The chapter organized a workshop focusing on cutting-edge innovations in lithium-ion battery technology at Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam. Prof. Ramanathan S and Prof. Kothandaraman R. were the resource persons for the event. Participation was impressive, with about 100 students and featured lectures reviewing advances in battery materials and system designs and discussing the future directions for lithium-ion technologies.
The chapter collaborated with the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) to conduct two workshops in November and December at VIT Vellore. The workshops consisted of lectures and hands-on experience of various fundamental topics in electrochemistry. One workshop lasted two days, the other three. Each attracted around 120 students.
Students from VIT and others from around Tamil Nadu attended. The first workshop featured a distinguished lineup of speakers. Prof. S. Natarajan (Indian Institute of Science [IIS], Bangalore),
Hands-on experiments were carried out at the Vellore Institute of Technology using basic electrochemical techniques like CV, GCD, EIS, and more.
delivered “Solid State Batteries: A Solid State Chemist’s View.”
Prof. R. Kothandaraman (IIS, Madras) followed with “Basics of Electrochemistry for Batteries” and “Redox Flow Batteries for Grid Level Energy Storage.” Prof. C. Retna Raj (IIS, Kharagpur) discussed “Metal-air Batteries: Principles and Practices.” Prof. S. Sampath (IIS, Bangalore) led a session on the development of electrochemistry as a subject and supercapacitors. Deepak Parab (CEO, Metrohm India Pvt. Ltd.) provided electrochemical Raman instruments for hands-on experience as well as lectures by their product managers on applying and using the instruments.
The second workshop focused on the fundamentals of energy storage devices like batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors. Prof. Kothandaraman R (IIT Madras), Dr. Raman V (ARCI), Prof. Ganesh V (CSIR-CECRI), and Dr. Sunandan S (National Institute of Technology, Trichy) shared their vast experimental and theoretical knowledge with students.
These events reflect the chapter’s ongoing efforts to advance knowledge in electrochemistry and energy storage technologies and to provide participants with theoretical frameworks and practical experience. Over the past year, the chapter’s outreach activities have benefited people across India, especially in and around Tamil Nadu.
ECS Ohio University Student Chapter
The chapter had a successful fall semester, including welcoming seven new members, bringing the total membership to 17. In addition to hosting several events, the chapter planned outreach events to be held at local high schools.
During the November meeting, members learned how to make batteries from common household items like coins and paper towels. This activity will be used in the upcoming outreach events. On
December 5, the chapter collaborated with the university’s AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers) and Tau Beta Pi student chapters of to host a trivia night. Students enjoyed an evening of good food and fun while relaxing before finals week. Upcoming events for the spring semester include guest speakers, outreach events in March, elections in April, and another game night in May.
The ECS Ohio University Student Chapter collaborated with the university’s AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers) and Tau Beta Pi student chapters to host a trivia night in December.
To practice for upcoming outreach events, an ECS Ohio University Student Chapter member tests a battery made from household items.
ECS Texas Tech University Student Chapter
The chapter has experienced a dynamic and productive period in recent months, collaborating with the Texas Tech Alumni Association and the Center for Advancing Sustainable and Distributed Fertilizer Production (CASFER) on an outreach program. The two-day event from June 25 to 26, 2024, “Racing into the Future: Fuel Cell Technology,” was part of Texas Tech University (TTU)’s Legacy U workshop. It was designed to promote intergenerational learning on campus and brought together grandchildren (ages seven to 13) and their grandparents.
On the first day, former chapter Secretary Jessica OrtegaRamos introduced participants to chemical engineering and electrochemistry, emphasizing fuel cell technologies for sustainable energy production. Chapter members served as mentors for the pairs of grandparents and grandchildren, explaining hydrogen fuel cell principles and complementing theoretical concepts with practical knowledge. The second day featured an exciting fuel cell car race that promoted healthy competition and team spirit while testing participants’ theoretical understanding. With guidance from mentors, grandchildren engaged in hands-on experiments, gaining practical experience operating fuel cell cars and creating calibration graphs.
The chapter held its first general fall semester meeting on September 11, 2024. New executive officers welcomed returning members. The incoming leadership team was introduced and upcoming semester events were outlined. Members received detailed information about the benefits of student chapter membership, including professional development opportunities and access to the broader electrochemical community.
On November 20, the chapter hosted a webinar featuring NASA Fellow Dr. Donald A. Dornbusch, who presented his research on enhancing solid state lithium-sulfur battery scalability through innovative materials and fabrication techniques. He discussed his pioneering work on advanced cathodes, electrolytes, and metallic anodes. The presentation concluded with an engaging discussion about the future of electrochemical science.
The chapter celebrated a significant milestone when former chapter President Nathan Wilson completed his PhD, demonstrating his dedication and contributions to the field. The chapter extends its best wishes to Dr. Wilson in his future endeavors. The chapter is committed to its mission of advancing electrochemical science and technology, and proud of its members’ continued achievements.
ECS University of Michigan Student Chapter
In the fall 2024 semester, the chapter continued promoting academic enrichment, discussion, and community engagement among electrochemists at the University of Michigan (U-M) through a series of talks, journal clubs, and social events.
The chapter hosted a talk by Dr. Thomas Hamann (James L. Dye Endowed Chair, Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University) on “Electrocatalytic Ammonia Splitting to Enable the Nitrogen Economy.” Dr. Hamann discussed his group’s recent investigation of homogeneous electrocatalysts to drive the ammonia splitting reaction at room temperature and ambient pressure. Following Dr. Hamann’s talk, the chapter hosted a virtual talk by Dr. Jon Boualavong (Department of Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering, University at Buffalo) on “Electrochemically Mediated CO2 Capture: Beyond Cu-diamine.” Dr. Boualavong examined different efforts to expand the set of possible compounds in electrochemical carbon capture processes beyond electrochemically mediated amine regeneration.
Continuing the commitment to academic exploration, the chapter’s Journal Club provides students with an opportunity to lead discussions on recent academic publications. This semester,
two journal clubs were hosted and moderated by chapter executive board members Josh Hazelnis and Chris Woodley. The journal clubs covered various topics of electrochemistry, including oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts and the effects of dopants in NMC batteries.
Collaboration between the ECS University of Michigan Student Chapter and the ECS Detroit Section was strengthened by multiple electrochemists from U-M attending and presenting at the ECS Detroit event “EV Technology for Heavy Duty Applications.” To promote collaboration and community engagement among students, the chapter also organized social events that included a game night and a holiday party. These events attracted students from different fields of electrochemistry, natural sciences, and engineering, fostering an inclusive and cohesive community.
The chapter received the ECS Chapter of Excellence Award. We appreciate the Society’s recognition of our efforts to advance the field of electrochemistry through academic initiatives and community engagement. The chapter will continue pursuing its mission of fostering intellectual growth and community outreach by hosting many more events during the rest of the school year.
The ECS University of Michigan Student Chapter hosted a talk by Dr. Thomas Hamann (James L. Dye Endowed Chair, Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University) titled “Electrocatalytic Ammonia Splitting to Enable the Nitrogen Economy.”
Photo: Chris Woodley
To promote collaboration and community engagement among students, the ECS University of Michigan Student Chapter hosted a fun game night.
Photo: Josh Hazelnis
ECS University of Nebraska–Lincoln Student Chapter
On November 19, 2024, the chapter had the privilege of hosting Prof. Rebecca Lai (Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, University of Nebraska–Lincoln [UNL]) for an insightful seminar titled “Folding and Dynamics-Based Electrochemical Biosensors.” The seminar captivated students and professionals with its engaging discussion of cutting-edge advances in biosensor technology. The chapter was thrilled by the enthusiastic turnout, both in person and virtually, as attendees actively participated in the session. The event concluded with a lively post-seminar networking session—complete with pizza—where attendees could connect and exchange ideas. The chapter extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the seminar and to the UNL Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and College of Engineering for their invaluable support in making this event a success.
ECS University of Oregon Student Chapter
The chapter was officially established on October 10, 2024. Its executive team is composed of Chair Christian Emeodi, Vice Chair Louka Moutarlier, Secretary Caitlyn Cannan, Treasurer David Diaz, and dedicated Social Media Manager, Nadia Barnard. Under the guidance of faculty advisor Prof. Paul Kempler, the chapter aims to create an interdisciplinary platform for students from diverse academic backgrounds to engage in discussions and exchange ideas on advances in electrochemistry and solid state science.
The chapter hosted its first Tabling/Advertising event on November 20 at the University of Oregon (U of O) Willamette Atrium. The event featured the presentation of a mock electrochemical cell and other electrochemical artifacts designed to engage visitors.
The chapter also celebrated its launch by hosting a technical talk. Speakers included U of O PhD students. The event began on an engaging note with Andrew Goldman delivering an insightful talk on the fundamentals of electrochemistry, its real-world applications, and the importance of paying attention to the exciting advances emerging in the field. Fourth-year PhD student Kira Thurman gave a talk on “The Influence of Polymer Electrolytes on Ion Transfer Kinetics.” The event also saw presentations by Stern, a second-year PhD student in Paul Kempler’s lab, and Doran Pennington, a PhD student in the Christopher Hendon Lab.
chapter thanks all the participants and everyone involved for making
From left to right: The ECS University of Oregon Student Chapter’s Social Media Manager Nadia Barnard, Vice Chair Louka Moutarlier, and Secretary Caitlyn Cannan staff the chapter’s table at the University of Oregon Tabling Event.
University of Oregon PhD student Andrew Goldman (standing) gives the introduction at the ECS University of Oregon Student Chapter Launch.
Prof. Rebecca Lai (Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, UNL) and participants at her seminar, “Folding and Dynamics-Based Electrochemical Biosensors.
Photo: Sahand Serajian
Attendees pay rapt attention to speakers at the ECS University of Oregon Student Chapter Launch
The
the launch a success.
STUDENT NEWS STUDENT NEWS
ECS University of South Carolina Student Chapter
Over the past six months, the chapter has actively engaged in fostering knowledge sharing, professional development, and community building within the field of electrochemistry. The chapter was honored to host Dr. Gerardine Botte, President of The Electrochemical Society, whose motivational speech had a profound impact on students. Dr. Botte shared her invaluable insights, wisdom, and encouragement, inspiring chapter members to pursue excellence in their academic and professional endeavors.
The chapter established a recurring Battery Seminar Series, held every three weeks, featuring industry and research leaders in the field of electrochemical energy storage and conversion. The seminar series welcomed esteemed speakers that included Dr. Karen SwiderLyons (Plug Power Company) who delivered an insightful talk on fuel cell contaminants, emphasizing their critical role in advancing clean energy technologies. Dr. Brian Morin (CEO, Soteria Battery Innovation Group) presented groundbreaking advances in battery safety, particularly innovative separators designed to mitigate thermal runaway risk in lithium-ion batteries. Dr. Kyle Fenton (Sandia National Laboratories) shared his expertise on thermal batteries, electrode mechanics, and applied energy storage technology development. Most recently, Dr. Will Rigdon (Stanley Black and Decker) inspired attendees by sharing his professional journey and vast experience in electrochemistry, highlighting the diverse and exciting career opportunities in this field.
In addition to hosting impactful events, the chapter proudly participated in the 245th ECS Meeting in San Francisco. Members engaged with the broader electrochemical community and benefited
from up-to-date cutting-edge research. The chapter also contributed to the field by publishing a research article in the Journal of The Electrochemical Society (JES), showcasing members’ dedication and scholarly achievements.
ECS Western University Student Chapter
In 2024, the chapter was privileged to host Dr. Sriram Suryanarayan (Kinectrics) as an invited guest speaker. He delivered an engaging and insightful talk titled “Your Future in Nuclear: A Guide to Innovations, Advancements, and Career Success.”
Additionally, the 7th Annual Western University ECS Student Chapter Research symposium took place on December 2, 2024. More than 45 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows gathered from Western’s Physics, Engineering, and Chemistry Departments. Six research talks were given by students in varying stages of their graduate journey. For many, this was their first research talk, while others were near the end of their PhDs. To further students’ research progress, the symposium was held in a laid-back fashion, which encouraged discussion and engagement. Two keynote speakers were featured. Dr. Peyman Taheri (Technische Universiteit Delft) presented “Understanding Corrosion Mechanisms and Inhibition: From Molecular Insights to Nanoscale Processes.” Dr. Kevin Daub (Queen’s University) gave a talk titled “Corrosion of Cu Relevant to Nuclear Applications: A Combined Experimental and Characterization Approach.” For the first time, a poster session was held, allowing participants to showcase their research in a more interactive format. The session was well received, with attendees appreciating the opportunity to ask detailed questions and to network further. The enthusiasm demonstrated by presenters and attendees during the session facilitated meaningful discussions and fostered new connections.
The chapter is hosting a trivia night to celebrate the end of the spring semester. Our popular lecture series will continue, with the next event scheduled for June 2025. Our 8th Annual Research Symposium is scheduled for December 2025.
The 7th Annual Western University ECS Student Chapter Research Symposium gathered researchers from research groups, including those led by Western University professors Samantha Gateman, James Noël, Yolanda Hedberg, Zhifeng Ding, Yang Zhao, and Joshua Pearce
The ECS University of South Carolina Student Chapter was proud to host ECS President Dr. Gerardine Botte (center, foreground).
STUDENT NEWS STUDENT NEWS
ECS Yeditepe University Student Chapter
The chapter made significant strides in promoting electrochemistry and solid state science through expertly curated events. In 2024, two key training programs were delivered: “Corrosion and Cathodic Protection,” in collaboration with the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (UCTEA), and “Surface Engineering and Industrial Applications,” organized with the Surface Treatment Industry Association (TÜYİDER). These programs combined theoretical instruction with hands-on experience, covering critical topics such as corrosion prevention, galvanotechnics, and coating technologies. Details of the two training programs follow.
On September 25 to 26, 2024, the first training program, “Corrosion and Cathodic Protection,” was given by Okan Işdaş, UCTEA board member. The program delved into critical topics that included corrosion formation, underground corrosion, applications of cathodic protection using galvanic anodes and impressed current systems, field measurements, stray current interference, and system installations.
Participants engaged in hands-on practical exercises, solidifying their understanding of these complex concepts. To conclude the event, theoretical and practical assessments were conducted. The
training provided an exceptional opportunity for attendees to deepen their knowledge of this vital area of electrochemical science and engineering, demonstrating the chapter’s dedication to fostering its members’ professional growth and practical expertise.
On November 20, 2024, the chapter hosted its second program of the fall. “Surface Engineering and Industrial Applications” was an insightful program organized in collaboration with TÜYİDER. The event took place in the Yeditepe University Technology Transfer Office Event Tent. It began with an introduction to TÜYİDER by Mr. Turan Ali Selen, followed by a detailed overview of surface engineering and galvanotechnics presented by Mr. Ekrem Altuncu. After a networking lunch at the Yeditepe University Social Facilities’ Sofra Restaurant, attendees explored such advanced topics as electroplating facilities, coating quality control, thickness measurement methods, and industrial coating applications. The program concluded with an engaging session on coating techniques led by Ms. Melda Bağcan This event exemplified our commitment to fostering knowledge exchange in electrochemical sciences, providing students with valuable industry insights and professional networking opportunities.
ECS Yeditepe University Student Chapter members at their comprehensive training session on corrosion and cathodic protection given by Okan Işdaş, Board Member of UCTEA (Chamber of Metallurgical and Materials Engineers) (first on the left).
The ECS Yeditepe University Student Chapter collaborated with the TÜYİDER (Surface Treatment Industry Association) on an insightful program on surface engineering and its industrial applications at the Yeditepe University Technology Transfer Office Event Tent
Participants from the ECS Yeditepe University Student Chapter gather for the “Corrosion and Cathodic Protection” training session presented by UCTEA, the Chamber of Metallurgical and Materials Engineers.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
247th ECS Meeting
Montréal, Canada
May 18-22, 2025
Palais des Congrès de Montréal
248th ECS Meeting
Chicago, IL
October 12-16, 2025
Hilton Chicago
19th International Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC-XIX)
Stockholm, Sweden
July 13-18, 2025
The Brewery Conference Center
249th ECS Meeting
Seattle, WA
May 24-28, 2026
Washington State Convention Center