Electrochemistry has itself undergone a
renaissance as a tool in the analysis of chemical and biological
systems. Recent developments in ultramicroelectrodes and
scanning electrochemical microscopy, developed at UT Austin,
have allowed new insights in chemistry with unprecedented
temporal and spatial resolution and are just beginning to have
an impact in studies of processes in living cells.
New
methods for nanoparticle synthesis and new materials for
electrodes are revolutionizing the field of electrocatalysis.
Electrochemistry is key to sustainable energy technologies, such
as fuel cells, solar energy, high energy density batteries, and
supercapacitors. In the field of health care, the most widely
used home diagnostic systems are electrochemical. Similarly, in
clinical analysis, electrogenerated chemiluminescence, largely
developed at UT, is now widely used worldwide. Electrochemical
science is the foundation for new chemical sensors needed for
homeland security.
Industry alone cannot deliver solutions to these technologies
without academic research and development to produce the
fundamental breakthroughs required to advance the field.
The
CEC was established in 2006 to capitalize on a half century of
excellence in electrochemistry at UT-Austin to foster
collaborative research programs in the electrochemical sciences.
The CEC offers a strong coupling between fundamental
electrochemistry and materials science, fields that are the
foundation for widespread applications in diverse fields such as
energy and health. CEC is comprised of a multi-disciplinary
group of more than 100 faculty, staff, and student researchers
spanning the chemistry, materials, and engineering aspects of
electrochemical science.