PhD student · Started in 2024
Sembukutti Arachchige Ayodya Bede THEJASIRI
Development of nano-structured SOFC anode
CurriculumPhysical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences for Engineering
AdvisorElisabetta Comini
Research groupTo be confirmed
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells have the highest energy conversion efficiency among fuel cells. To facilitate the hydrogen reduction reaction at the anode, high surface area with high density of triple phase boundaries (TPB) is required. My work focuses on increasing the reaction surface area (i.e. TPB) without compromising ionic and electronic conductivity of the anode layer. I employ vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) growth, hydrothermal synthesis, and micro-/nano-molding for my fabrications. As materials, YSZ and GDC are used. Material characterization uses XRD, SEM, and Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical performance of cells are assessed via current–voltage measurements and impedance spectroscopy.
Other advisors: Dario Zappa
Profile
Short Bio
Ayodya Thejasiri is a PhD candidate in the Department of Information Engineering at the University of Brescia. He obtained his BSc Honours and MPhil in Physics from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Prior to his doctoral studies, he worked as a Graduate Officer at the Electrical & Electronics Laboratory (SLSI), a Research Scientist at the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) Sri Lanka, and a Physics lecturer at NCHS Sri Lanka (affiliated with Swinburne University, Australia). His research interests include functional materials, electrochemistry, and DFT-assisted simulations.
