Matt Mench
Dr. Matthew Mench recently joined Penn State's Mechanical Engineering faculty and his research interests include polymer electrolyte and solid oxide fuel cells for portable, mobile, and stationary power. The next generation of automobiles may look and sound quite different than today's models. Fuel cell technology is rapidly advancing and could eventually replace internal combustion engines in cars, and batteries in many portable devices such as laptops and cell phones. If fueled by pure hydrogen, fuel cells exhaust only water into the environment. Matthew is also very involved with undergraduate education and has taught several classes in thermodynamics and fluid dynamics. His new course, ME 497E, Fuel Cell Engines, will be offered this fall for the first time, and will provide the student with a detailed background in the thermal science, electrochemistry, and materials issues in advanced fuel cell systems. Matthew believes this course will be important for future graduates that will be employed in fuel cell and energy-based companies.
Dr. Mench's research targets a range of fuel cell issues. Currently, proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are made from a polymer electrolyte coated with a thin catalyst/electrolyte layer to promote low temperature electrochemical reaction. Specialized diagnostics developed by Dr. Mench include methods for in situ current, species, and temperature distribution of an operating fuel cell. These diagnostics have been used to study emerging issues in fuel cell systems related to optimizing performance, increased understanding of transient dynamics, and membrane longevity. Several automotive and other companies are currently funding Matthew's research. Dr. Mench is also the Associate Director of the Electrochemical Engine Center (ECEC), a multidisciplinary research center in the department of Mechanical Engineering that focuses on modeling and diagnostics of electrochemical engines.
Gold-plated segmented cell for current and species distribution measurements designed by Dr. Mench and colleagues at the ECEC.
There are several materials challenges for fuel cells and Dr. Mench is looking to collaborate with a team of researchers to solve specific technical problems. Ultra-fine embedded thermocouple structures and arrays will be useful to monitor temperature distribution in the fuel cell. New material processing concepts will be required for producing fine platinum and platinum/rhodium filaments (< 10 °m thick) for this purpose. He is also interested in the synthesis of nanoparticulates for high surface-area catalysts that will enhance the electrochemical reaction kinetics and hence increase the fuel cell efficiency and power density. In addition, embedded chemical sensors would allow him to monitor local reactions in the fuel cell. New fabrication processes and materials for these sensors will be useful to optimize fuel cell performance and predict failure mechanisms.
By Walt Mills,Validate to view address, 814-865-0285.
