Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University
Traditional energy generation and storage methods that rely on fossil fuels strain the environment and limit efficiency. Combustion-based energy significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, intensifies urban pollution, and impacts air quality worldwide. For many researchers and innovators, the question is clear: How can we power the world in a way that sustains rather than strains our planet?
Dr. Sanjeev Mukerjee, a College of Science Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University and Founder and Director of the Center for Renewable Energy Technology (NUCRET) and its subset, the Laboratory for Electrochemical Advanced Power (LEAP), is pioneering solutions to this problem. His research focuses on advanced electrochemical systems, from hydrogen fuel cells to solid-state batteries, which have the potential to redefine energy storage and conversion.
“We hope to change the world by completely eliminating all combustion-related processes,” Dr. Mukerjee says.
Through cutting-edge breakthroughs in electrocatalysis, Dr. Mukerjee and his team are tackling the toughest energy challenges. They are driving innovations that could reduce pollution, improve safety, and increase efficiency across industries.
The Role of Electrocatalysis in Revolutionizing Energy Technologies
Dr. Mukerjee’s focus on electrochemical systems—specifically batteries, fuel cells, and electrolysis—positions him at the forefront of sustainable energy technology. “We are a material science group, so our specialty is electrocatalysis,” he explains.
Electrocatalysis uses catalysts at the atomic level to optimize chemical reactions and significantly enhance the performance and efficiency of energy devices. For Dr. Mukerjee, electrocatalysis is a cornerstone for developing cutting-edge solutions, from hydrogen-powered fuel cells to safer, longer-lasting batteries.
Through electrocatalysis, Dr. Mukerjee’s team can address issues like energy conversion in fuel cells, energy storage in batteries, and hydrogen production through electrolysis. This multidisciplinary approach to energy technology has positioned his lab to tackle one of today’s most critical energy challenges: reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Game-Changing Innovations in Hydrogen Production and Fuel Cells
One of Dr. Mukerjee’s most groundbreaking areas of research is hydrogen production. His team’s work with anion exchange membrane electrolyzers has enabled hydrogen production costs to fall below $2 per kilogram, a significant milestone in making hydrogen a viable energy source.
This cost reduction has far-reaching implications, potentially transforming industries that rely heavily on carbon-based fuels. By eliminating noble metals from the catalysts, his team has achieved a more sustainable production process, reducing reliance on rare and costly resources.
One important application for this hydrogen production technology is transportation, particularly in long-haul trucking. Hydrogen-powered trucks could drastically reduce emissions, especially in urban environments where idling diesel trucks contribute to pollution even when not actively driving.
“If we can imagine a fuel-cell-powered truck powered by hydrogen, the only thing coming out of the tailpipe will be water vapor,” says Dr. Mukerjee.
Therefore, with water vapor as the only byproduct, hydrogen fuel cells offer a compelling alternative to diesel engines.
Safer and More Efficient Battery Technology with Solid-State Electrolytes
In addition to hydrogen fuel cells, Dr. Mukerjee’s lab is advancing battery technology to meet modern energy needs. Traditional batteries have long been limited by issues such as overheating and insufficient capacity, negatively affecting safety and usability. Dr. Mukerjee’s work with solid-state electrolytes addresses these concerns directly. By replacing liquid electrolytes with solid-state alternatives, his team is developing safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting batteries.
Solid-state batteries offer many advantages, including increased energy density and the potential for faster charging times. They also have a significantly lower risk of leaks or fires. Dr. Mukerjee illustrates the importance of safety in battery technology by referencing the increased instances of dogs chewing on conventional battery packs, resulting in dangerous home fires. “That will not happen with a solid-state electrolyte,” he notes, emphasizing how this technology could reduce battery-related accidents in consumer electronics and beyond.
These solid-state batteries could make renewable energy a more practical choice for households and businesses by providing a reliable, high-capacity storage solution.
Real-World Applications: Transforming Industries
These technologies have many real-world applications across multiple industries. For example, advancements in hydrogen production and fuel cell technology could power warehouses with hydrogen-powered forklifts, reducing emissions and enhancing safety in enclosed spaces. Meanwhile, improvements in battery technology could provide better, safer options for energy storage, helping to stabilize the grid and make renewable energy sources more accessible.
These innovations could also help with heat rejection in fuel cells, an issue critical to maximizing fuel cell efficiency and lifespan. By enabling better thermal management, this technology promises to further optimize fuel cells for various industrial applications, from transportation to power generation.
“We are looking for industry support to improve the processes,” Dr. Mukerjee says, extending an invitation to potential collaborators. Dr. Mukerjee hopes to expedite the development and commercialization of these next-generation technologies by partnering with industries that are ready to adopt cleaner, more efficient energy solutions.
A Vision for the Future of Clean Energy Technology
For Dr. Mukerjee, the future of clean energy lies in sustainable, high-efficiency solutions powered by electrocatalysis. His research aims to create a world where everything from trucks to homes can be powered with minimal environmental impact.
“These are next-generation technologies that will power everything from our trucks to our homes,” Dr. Mukerjee says. His work with NUCRET and LEAP continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, redefining the limits of energy storage, conversion, and production.
His work is paving the way for efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly energy solutions by addressing critical issues in hydrogen production, fuel cell technology, and battery safety. With continued support and collaboration from industry, these innovations have the potential to revolutionize how we produce, store, and use energy in everyday life.
Interested in this technology? Contact Commercialization Associate Director, Mark Saulich, [email protected].
Written by Elizabeth Creason