How do we use electrochemistry at JM?
As one of our core capabilities, we use electrochemistry in a surprising range of areas - to generate power, promote chemical changes and investigate reactions.
A battery is a typical example of an electrochemical reaction producing electricity. We are developing market leading high performance battery materials for demanding applications, such as the automotive market. We’ve developed lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials for light and heavy duty vehicles, and eLNO®, our next generation high energy density battery material. These high capacity materials have industry leading performance for automotive and power applications. We also make components for fuel cells.
The challenge
The markets we address need high energy density, fuel efficiency, product lifetime, reduced cost, system simplicity and compactness. Each of these translate into specific technical improvements required in the catalyst, electrode catalyst layer, membrane, gas diffusion layer and membrane electrode assembly. Yet because we have a deep understanding of the interaction of materials and electrocatalysts, we know how the systems react in real life applications.
Creating chemicals
We also use electrochemistry to create chemicals including plating salts and baths (for putting very thin layer anti-corrosion protective coating on components used in high temperature and harsh environments). Using electrochemical techniques, we measure, probe, model and study materials in detail to understand structures, device behaviours, alloy behaviour, reaction mechanisms and corrosion. We can predict how different material compositions will behave, make improvements and turn them into useable products.