Tim Van Cleve is a scientist researching how electrode structure impacts the performance of electrochemical energy conversion devices (fuel cells, electrolyzers, etc). In particular, he is interested in using in situ electrochemical techniques to identify how the catalyst-ionomer interface and electrode microstructure affect reaction kinetics and mass transport throughout the electrode layer in order to elucidate robust structure-property relationships and facilitate successful integration of promising materials into state-of-the-art cell architectures. Tim has extensive theoretical and experimental research experience investigating how the local environment of catalytic sites impacts their activity, selectivity, and stability in electrochemical and thermochemical applications. 

Electrochemical engineering: PEM/AEM fuel cells, CO/CO₂ electrolyzers, and electrochemical diagnostics

Catalyst-adsorbate interactions: ionomer coverage and self-assembled monolayers

Rational catalyst design: targeted synthesis of novel catalytic sites, computational catalysis, and modeling reaction kinetics