A closer look at what electrochemistry is, how we use it at JM and why it's one of our core capabilities.
60+
years' experience building expertise in electrochemical technology
1839
Our platinum electrodes were used for the first demonstration of the electrochemical fuel cell effect by William Grove
We've built expertise in electrochemical technology since the 1950s when NASA first used alkaline fuel cells to power its space programme. We now draw on know-how from across our scientific teams to apply electrochemical techniques to solve complex problems for a wide range of applications.
Electrochemistry relates to the study of chemical changes that can be produced by electricity, or the generation of electricity by a chemical change. In electrochemistry, electricity can be generated by movements of electrons from one element to another in a redox or oxidation-reduction reaction, or the electricity can force the movement of electrons causing a chemical change.
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 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.
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.
