Research

My research lies at the intersection of mechanical engineering, fundamental electrochemistry, and materials science. At the Colorado School of Mines, under the mentorship of Professors Neal Sullivan and Ryan O'Hayre, I began by using statistical analysis-based experimental characterization to investigate the complex operating conditions of proton-conducting electrolysis cells (publication). These materials can enable high efficiency hydrogen generation from clean electricity sources to help us move towards a lower-carbon economy.

The proton-conducting ceramics research group at Colorado School of Mines

A portion of the electrochemistry research group at the University of Oslo

To further advance my research in solid-state conductors and electrochemistry, I was invited to spend six months with the electrochemistry group at the University of Oslo, hosted by Professors Truls Norby and Jonathan Polfus. During my time in Oslo, I developed a deep passion for the fundamentals of proton-conducting technologies, engaging intensively in kinetic and thermodynamic characterization, microstructural analysis, and materials development.

Since returning from Oslo, my research has centered on understanding degradation mechanisms in high-temperature conductive ceramics. Using in-situ techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy, along with extensive post-mortem characterization, we have identified grain boundaries as a key factor limiting long-term stability. Current research is investigating barrier layers and other potential mitigation strategies.

Microstructural and chemical degradation of proton-conducing ceramics exposed to steam for 250 hours

I believe the most influential aspects of my graduate research and education have been the people around me: fellow researchers, professors, students, and mentors. I have been fortunate to learn from many who generously shared their knowledge and support. A selection of our joint publications is listed below.

Rand, P., Shin, Y., Kim, Y.D., Ricote, S., Sullivan, N., O’Hayre, P. “Steam Exposure as a Driver of Grain Boundary Degradation in Proton-Conducting Ceramics” In preparation.

Kim, Y.D., Rand, P., Brim, E., Meisel, C., Goldy, S., Yang, J., Sanders, M., Kim, H., Tucker, G., Ciobanu, C., Richards, R., Sullivan, N., O’Hayre, R. “Machine learning informed rational design of high entropy double perovskite oxide universal air electrodes for solid oxide electrochemical cells” Under review.

Kim, Y.D., Meisel, C., Kim, I.H., Herradón, C., Rand, P., Yang, J., Sullivan, N., O’Hayre, R. “Tuning barium release from sacrificial powders to optimize sintering and enhance the performance of reversible large-scale tubular protonic ceramic electrochemical cells” Journal of Power Sources, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.235700

Rand, P., Huang, J., Kim, Y.D., Meisel, C., Herradón, C., Chmura, C., O’Hayre, P., Sullivan, N. “Statistical design of experiments for efficient experimental characterization of protonic ceramic electrolysis cells” Journal of Physics: Energy, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7655/ad92ab

Kim, Y.D., Kim, I.H., Meisel, C., Herradón, C., Rand, P., Yang, J., Kim, H., Sullivan, N., O’Hayre, R. “Improving tubular protonic ceramic fuel cell performance by compensating Ba evaporation via a Ba-excess optimized proton conducting electrolyte synthesis strategy” Journal of Physics: Energy, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7655/ad5760

Sesti, E., Alaniva, N., Rand, P., Choi, E., Albert, B., Saliba, E., Scott, F., Barnes, A. “Magic Angle Spinning NMR Below 6 K with a Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Fluid Flow and Temperature Gradients.” Journal of Magnetic Resonance, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmr.2017.11.002

Albert, B., Panhg, S.H., Alaniva N., Sesti, E., Rand, P., Saliba, E., Scott, F., Choi, E., Barnes, A. Instrumentation for Cryogenic Magic Angle Spinning Dynamic Nuclear Polarization using 90 Liters of Liquid Nitrogen Per Day. Journal of Magnetic Resonance, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmr.2017.08.014

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