The Technology
In electro-chemical cells such as batteries and fuel cells electrical components should be both good conductors and chemically reactive. Most materials do not be efficient in both properties. There are several techniques to improve electrical conductivity and reactivity such as doping, but they change the material homogenously and tend not to improve both properties.
Gradient doping causes material composition in the bulk (interior of the material) to be different than the material composition at its surface. In the bulk, the material will include a higher concentration of dopants that enhance electron conductivity. At the surface, the material will have a lower concentration of these dopants since they inhibit chemical activity. Or other dopants will be used to enhance chemical activity at the surface.
Advantages
- Higher efficiency
- Lower over potential
Applications and Opportunities
- Batteries
- Fuel cells
