John W. Van Zee

Professor

Interim Director, USC Future Fuels Initiative

Director, NSF IU/CRC Fuel Cell Center

Dr. Van Zee studies fuel cells with experimental and computational methods. His current focus is with Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) and with metal-H₂O₂ semi fuel cells. 

The experimental and computational efforts are complimentary because the models are verified with water-balance and average current/voltage data and because often it is easier to test hypotheses with the models prior to performing designed experiments. On the other hand, the PEMFC experimental facilities in Dr. Van Zee's laboratory allow for investigations that foster new developments with the mathematical models and computational schemes.

Dr. Van Zee, his students and his co-workers are interested in quantitatively determining measurable parameters that can be used to scale designs from laboratory-size reactors to full-scale fuel cells and batteries. This is accomplished by comparing the mathematical models with the experimental data and by determining electrochemical rate constants and mass transfer coefficients in a manner similar to that used in traditional chemical engineering.

In addition to fuel cells Dr. Van Zee has studied the electrochemical engineering aspects of nickel electrode preparation, nitrate reduction for waste minimization, and hydrogen storage in fullerene-based nanotube materials. His accomplishments include a description of nickel-hydroxide precipitation at both planar and porous electrodes. His group has developed mathematical models that can be used by manufacturers of satellite batteries to insure that the uniform deposition, needed for long cycle life, has occurred.