Brad Easton, PhD
Professor, Chemistry, Faculty of Science | University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Oshawa, ON, CANADA
Materials electrochemist explores fundamental ways to enhance fuel cell performance
Biography
Harnessing energy from low-cost and highly efficient fuel cells to power mobile devices and commercial transportation will provide a critical source of clean energy and reduce the global carbon footprint. Brad Easton, PhD, Professor of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science, leads the University of Ontario Institute of Technology's Electrochemical Materials Lab where his research group prepares and characterizes new materials with primary applications in electrochemical systems. A materials electrochemist, he develops new materials and compounds that display notable electrochemical properties and tests them for energy conversion and storage applications, such as fuel cells or capacitors, or for electrochemical sensing, which determines the presence and concentration of certain compounds. His latest research focuses on the study and enhancement of sulfonated silica-based ceramic carbon electrodes (SS-CCE), a new, low-cost fuel cell electrode technology which performs extremely well in dry conditions, compared to conventional fuel cell materials. His novel approach will lead to the development of higher-performing and lower-cost fuel cells, enabling Canada to meet its clean energy needs.
Driven by the science of discovery, Dr. Easton's research group has developed real-world and real-time diagnostic measurements to better understand how electrode materials are breaking down, while avoiding subsequent expensive and difficult measurements. A key area of his research examines new fuel cell electrode structures. Within these structures, a polymer is used to provide ionic conductivity and also serves as an electrode binder. However, the current polymer does not operate effectively under all environmental conditions. Dr. Easton has developed a low-cost material that can be operated under dry conditions and have essentially zero loss in performance. His research also investigates ways to improve the stability of fuel cells in mobile power systems which typically perform optimally when first used; however, cell performance degrades over time.
Dr. Easton earned his Bachelor of Science and his Doctorate in Chemistry from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He joined the University of Ontario Institute of Technology as an Assistant Professor in 2006, following the completion of two NSERC post-doctoral fellowships at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, and at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Industry Expertise (7)
Chemicals
Education/Learning
Nanotechnology
Precious Metals / Minerals
Program Development
Renewables and Environmental
Research
Areas of Expertise (11)
Electrochemistry
Electrochemical Systems
Materials Chemistry
Fuel Cells
Electrocatalysis
Breath Alcohol Sensors
Ethanol Sensing
Carbon Surface Chemistry
Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen Technologies
Impedance Spectroscopy
Accomplishments (1)
UOIT Research Excellence Award (professional)
2013-12-01
This Early Stage Researcher Award recognizes excellence in research achieved by faculty members whose research over the past 10 years since obtaining doctoral degree(s) is judged as outstanding by the selection committee.
Education (4)
Dalhousie University: Post-Doctorate, Physics 2006
Simon Fraser University: Post-Doctorate, Chemistry 2004
Memorial University of Newfoundland: PhD, Chemistry 2003
Memorial University of Newfoundland: BSc, Chemistry 1998
Honours
Links (1)
Event Appearances (7)
Pt-Mn and Pt-Cu Alloys for Ethanol Electroxidation
98th Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition Ottawa, Ontario
2015-06-13
Durability Studies of Pt-Mn and Pt-Cu Ethanol Oxidation Catalysts
98th Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition Ottawa, Ontario
2015-06-13
Glucose Doped TiO2/Carbon Electrocatalyst Supports for PEMFCs
98th Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition Ottawa, Ontario
2015-06-13
Polyaniline Composite Membranes for Hydrogen Production in Cu-Cl Thermochemical Cycle
International Conference on Hydrogen Production-2015 Oshawa, Ontario
2015-05-03
Investigation of TiO2/Carbon Electrocatalyst Supports Prepared Using Glucose as a Modifier
International Conference on Hydrogen Production-2015 Oshawa, Ontario
2015-05-03
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Carbon/Metal Oxide Composites for Fuel Cell Applications
97th Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition Vancouver, British Columbia
2014-06-01
Comparison of Novel Anode Materials for the Production of Hydrogen Using CuCl/ HCl Electrolyzers
223rd Meeting of the Electrochemical Society Toronto, Ontario
2013-05-12
Patents (2)
Oxygen-Reducing Catalyst Layer
U.S. Patent No. 7906251 B2
2011-03-15
This invention relates to an oxygen-reducing catalyst layer that includes a thermally stable substrate and a catalytic material film disposed on the thermally stable substrate. The catalytic material film includes carbon, nitrogen, and a transition metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, and combinations thereof. The oxygen-reducing catalyst layer exhibits good catalytic activity and is corrosion resistant.
Sulfonated Silica-based Electrode Materials Useful in Fuel Cells
U.S. Patent No. 20140080039 A1 (Pending)
2014-03-20
Sulfonated silane ionomeric materials useful in electrodes of e.g., membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) of fuel cells can improve cell performance. MEAs prepared with CCE cathode catalyst layers and standard ELAT anode layers over a period of several start-stop cycles, as well as at multiple relative humidities were studied. The MEA performance was monitored using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and fuel cell polarization curves. The CCE cathode materials appeared to maintain performance and had improved water management capabilities at comparatively low relative humidities.
Research Grants (5)
Water and Ion Transport in Ceramic Carbon Electrodes for Fuel Cells
NSERC Strategic Project Grant $363,350
2015-10-01
Principal investigator of this major three-year research program, Dr. Easton is focused on the study and enhancement of sulfonated silica-based ceramic carbon electrodes (SS-CCE), a new and innovative fuel cell electrode technology. The long-term objective of this strategic grant is aimed at understanding the phenomena that enable these SS-CCEs to perform well under dry conditions, and to further improve the material's performance. This research is supported in-kind by Ballard Power Systems in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Understanding the Activity and Stability of Electrode Materials Targeted for Clean Energy Applications Through Diagnostic Impedance Measurements
NSERC Discovery Grant $225000
2015-04-01
As principal investigator of this five-year research program, Dr. Easton is focused on fundamental studies of advanced materials targeted for electrochemical energy systems including fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical/super capacitators which have the potential to be more widely deployed in the energy landscape. He recently developed an EIS-based diagnostic methods that can clearly explain the mode of electrode degradation occurring. This program will also concentrate on the refinement of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements as a go-to diagnostic tool by understanding how the electrode surface is changing over time and also to quantify active surface species, both metallic and carbon-based, and how this impacts activity.
Clean Hydrogen Production with Water Splitting Technologies
Ontario Research Fund Excellence Funding $100000
2012-04-01
Dr. Easton is a co-investigator on this five-year research project to provide a detailed characterization of the fundamental properties MEA materials under conditions relevant to CuCl electrolysis, ultimately leading to higher cell performance and increased durability. This involves the identification, synthesis and evaluation of new materials as well as the development of experimental techniques by which these can be characterized.
Chemical Studies of New Materials for Electrochemical
NSERC Discovery Grant $150000
2010-04-01
As principal investigator on this five-year research program, Dr. Easton is focused on fundamental studies of novel materials for electrochemical energy systems. The materials include inorganic-organic hybrid materials based on siloxane copolymers formed through sol-gel chemistry as well as surface functionalized carbon materials. Such materials have potential applications in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells and biosensors. This research seeks to design materials with enhanced properties and providing new insights into the factors that impact structure and performance. Key parameters of interest include conductivity, electrochemically active surface area, catalytic activity and performance.
Next Generation Materials for Fuel-cell Based Alcohol Sensors
NSERC Collaborative Research and Development Grant $393000
2010-04-01
As principal investigator on this three-year research project, Dr. Easton is focused on developing faster, more reliable and lower cost fuel cell-based sensors for ethanol detection, a critical technology used to detect impaired driving. This collaborative research endeavour aims to create next generation materials for fuel cell-based ethanol sensors, for example, new electrodes that employ lower platinum loadings as well as platinum alloys. Similarly, more durable membrane materials, such as those targeted for high-temperature fuel cell applications which have been developed in Dr. Easton's lab are also being investigated. In addition to enhancing the fundamental understanding of this sensory system, the research findings are expected to have important economic and industrial consequence, and lead to increased road safety in Canada.
Courses (3)
Articles (15)
The Application of Power-Generating Fuel Cell Electrode Materials and Monitoring Methods to Breath Alcohol Sensors
Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
2016-06-01
A state-of-the-art fuel cell-based breath alcohol sensor (BrAS) testing station was developed and used to test electrocatalysts typically employed in power generating fuel cells for ethanol sensing. The design of this test cell and station enabled in situ monitoring of membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) health through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements in an operating sensor.
Investigation of TiO2/Carbon Electrocatalyst Supports Prepared using Glucose as a Modifier
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
2015-11-04
The oxidative treatment of carbon used to increase surface wetness can also make it less stable and more prone to carbon corrosion at high potentials when used in a fuel cell cathode. In this work, we investigate an alternative non-oxidative approach in which a thin film of TiO2 nanoparticles (∼10–20 nm) is deposited on pristine carbon using a sol–gel method and glucose as carbon modifier to improve both wetness and dispersal of Pt on the support.
Progress in Thermochemical Hydrogen Production with the Copperechlorine Cycle
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
2015-10-30
Recent advances are reported by an international team on research and development of the copper chlorine (Cu–Cl) cycle for thermochemical hydrogen production. New experimental and numerical results are given for several processes of the cycle. Experimental results for CuCl/HCl electrolysis and integration of unit operations in the Cu–Cl cycle are presented. A new solubility model for the CuCl–CuCl2–HCl–H2O quaternary system is presented, which optimizes the cupric chloride selective precipitation prior to the hydrolysis reactor. Also, recent progress on photo-electrochemical cell development for enhancement of the electrolysis process is reported along with its integration with a concentrated solar radiation system.
Thermally Induced Changes in the Structure and Ethanol Oxidation Activity of Pt0.25Mn0.75/C
Applied Catalysis B: Environmental
2015-10-01
Decreasing the cost associated with platinum based catalysts along with improving catalytic properties is a major challenge for commercial direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFC). In this work, Pt/C and Pt–Mn/C alloys have been synthesized and the impact of heat treatment on the structure and electrochemical properties of these catalysts was investigated.
The Sulfonation of Polyvinyl Chloride: Synthesis and Characterization for Proton Conducting Membrane Applications
Journal of Membrane Science
2015-09-01
This study demonstrates a novel technique to impart increased water-uptake and proton conductivity to a PVC polymer without destroying the pre-existing membrane morphology.
Improving the Ethanol Oxidation Activity of Pt-Mn Alloys through the Use of Additives during Deposition
Catalysts
2015-06-25
In this work, sodium citrate (SC) was used as an additive to control the particle size and dispersion of Pt-Mn alloy nanoparticles deposited on a carbon support. SC was chosen, since it was the only additive tested that did not prevent Mn from co-depositing with Pt.
Investigation of Transport Mechanisms for Sulfonated Silica-Based Fuel Cell Electrode Structures
Journal of The Electrochemical Society
2015-04-23
Ceramic carbon electrodes (CCEs) have demonstrated their ability to function as proton exchange membrane fuel cell electrodes under low relative humidity (RH) conditions. Small quantities of sulfonated silane in the catalyst layer produced electrodes with high surface area, porosity, and water retention which improved catalytic activity and proton conductivity. The purpose of this work was to investigate the mechanisms that facilitate enhanced performance of CCE electrodes under different RH conditions.
Enhanced Activity and Stability of Pt/TiO2/Carbon Fuel Cell Electrocatalyst Prepared Using a Glucose Modifier
Journal of Power Sources
2015-10-30
Two TiO2–C composite materials were prepared through a conventional sol gel synthesis using Vulcan XC-72 carbon black. The carbon was initially functionalised to form acid treated Vulcan (ATV) prior to TiO2 deposition. In one composite, the ATV was further modified through glucose adsorption (G-ATV) in order to facilitate the growth of small and uniform TiO2 nanoparticles on the carbon surface.
Progress of International Program on Hydrogen Production with the Copper–Chlorine Cycle
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
2014-02-14
This paper highlights and discusses the recent advances in thermochemical hydrogen production with the copper–chlorine (Cu–Cl) cycle. Extended operation of HCl/CuCl electrolysis is achieved, and its performance assessment is conducted. Advances in the development of improved electrodes are presented for various electrode materials.
Photo-Enhanced Activity of Pt and Pt–Ru Catalysts Towards the Electro-oxidation of Methanol
Journal of Power Sources
2014-02-01
Electrocatalyst materials, consisting of Pt or Pt–Ru supported on carbon with and without TiO2, are evaluated for their activity towards the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in 1.0 M H2SO4 at 25 °C in the presence and absence of visible light irradiation. Electrochemical studies showed that enhanced MOR activity is achieved upon irradiation with visible light for each catalyst, in both the presence and absence of TiO2. Irradiation leads to no improvement in activity towards the formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) indicating that irradiation aids in the removal of adsorbed intermediate species, such as CO, during MOR. While the presence of a TiO2 support does lead to an increase in activity upon irradiation, about 50 per cent of the improvements arise solely from the irradiation of the metal-containing electrocatalysts themselves.
Determining Electrochemically Active Surface Area in PEM Fuel Cell Electrodes with Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and its Application to Catalyst Durability
Electrochimica Acta
2013-12-01
This research has derived a simple expression to relate faradaic pseudo-capacitance, CF, determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of Pt electrocatalysts.
PtCu/C and Pt(Cu)/C Catalysts: Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Activity Towards Ethanol Electrooxidation
Journal of Power Sources
2013-01-15
Binary catalysts containing Pt and Cu have been synthesized by two different methods. The first method consists of mixing Pt4+ and Cu2+ cations in presence of NaBH4 to form PtCu/C alloy catalyst. In the second method, Cu/C nanoparticles were first synthetized then treated with Pt+4 in presence of NaBH4 in an attempt to form core shells Cu covered by Pt, Pt(Cu)/C.
Fuel Cell Electrode Structures Containing Sulfonated Organosilane-based Proton Conductors
Journal of Power Sources
2012-01-01
Ceramic carbon electrodes (CCE) for PEM fuel cells have been prepared in a one-pot procedure from a mixture of tetra ethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and 3-trihydroxysilyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (TPS) polymerized in the presence of a platinized carbon with concurrent spray deposition of the partially gelled ink onto a gas diffusion layer. The CCE showed fuel cell performance comparable to commercially available Nafion-based cathodes. This high activity is explained in terms of the high electrochemically active surface area resulting from the enhanced proton conductivity in the CCE.
High-Performance Glucose Sensor Based on Glucose Oxidase Encapsulated in New Synthesized Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Vulcan/Nafion Composite Deposited on Glassy Carbon
Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
2011-07-01
In this study researchers synthesized Pt nanoparticles supported on carbon Vulcan (Pt/C), a cheap and high surface area carbon. This interesting behaviour of the synthesized Pt/C was used to encapsulate glucose oxidase along with a small amount of Nafion for the manufacturing of a glucose sensor. The resulting glucose sensor has a high sensitivity of 1.25 μA/mM mm2, which compares very well with other glucose sensors based on precious metal nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, an extended linear range up to 45 mM without using any outer polymer layer, low interference from endogenous species, short response time (
Fe – N ∕ C Oxygen Reduction Catalysis Prepared by Covalent Attachment of 1,10-Phenanthroline to a Carbon Surface
Journal of The Electrochemical Society
2011-01-20
Nonprecious metal catalysts (NPMC) for the oxygen reduction reaction were prepared by surface modification of a carbon black with 5,6-diamino-1,10-phenanthroline through diazonium and benzimidazole coupling chemistry. Both methodologies covalently attach 1,10-phenanthroline to the surface.
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