Materials Science

Materials Science

DigiM actively works in the characterization, failure analysis, and performance prediction of a variety of different materials, including energy materials (e.g., cathode, anode, and catalyst elements of batteries and fuel cells), filtration and fluid management material, re-enforcement  material (rubber, plastic, and ceramic with additive particles or fibers), food, and more.

The example below shows a study on Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). PEMFCs are being developed as alternative energy sources for both residential and automotive applications. For this technology to reach its full commercial potential, a significant reduction in cost is still required while the performance and durability of PEMFCs must be maintained or improved. In recent years, several microscopy techniques have become widely available to characterize the three-dimensional structure of PEMFC catalyst layers. By combining 3D imaging data at multiple scales, DigiM developed a unified structural characterization workflow and up-scaling approach which enabled our client to make effective, predictive changes to their product.

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell 3D Reconstruction from DigiM Solution on Vimeo.

Case Studies (click on each image to learn more)

Presentations and Publications

  1. Zhu, L., Yin, D., Qin, Y., Konda, S., Zhang, S., Zhu, A., . . . Lin, H. (2019). Sorption‐Enhanced Mixed Matrix Membranes with Facilitated Hydrogen Transport for Hydrogen Purification and CO 2 Capture. Advanced Functional Materials. 
  2. Jankovic, J., Zhang, S., Putz, A., Saha, M. S., & Susac, D. (2019). Multiscale imaging and transport modeling for fuel cell electrodes. Journal of Materials Research, 34(4), 579-591. 
  3. Kamp, J., Zhang, S. (2017) High Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography for the Measurement and Simulation of Decreased Permeability in the Wall-Flow Diesel Particulate Filter due to the Accumulation of Lubricant-Derived Ash. 2017 MRS Fall Meeting (November 27, 2017). With MIT.