In the first place, the Instituto de Tecnología Química (ITQ) will be briefly introduced to show the capabilities of the research center and the work developed there. Afterwards, the presentation will focus on the work performed on the Energy conversion and storage group. Some examples of applications of devices will be shown. First, the development of solid-state ionic-based devices for selective detection of ethylene in car exhaust gases will be presented. This comprises the synthesis of materials, device preparation, electrical and structural characterization and catalytic activation. Nowadays, hydrocarbon sensors are not mandatory in car exhaust systems. However, both European (EURO standards) and American administration (TER and LEV) are keen to make them mandatories. Therefore, the development of devices able to fulfill the emissions limits will help legislators on this task.These kind of sensors can be exposed directly to harsh conditions like an exhaust gas, offering a good response with a relatively low cost. The main advantage is that both electrodes can be exposed to the same atmosphere, in a similar approach than single chamber fuel cells. This reduces the cost and installation difficulties. Additionally, applications of thin films in both hydrogen and oxygen membranes will be showed. Thin films are deposited to improve the performance of the membranes in harsh conditions, making them able to be used in industrial applications.

Contact : annie.ducher@grenoble-inp.fr