Chemistry Departmental Seminar – Prof. Jeffrey Bell

About the event

Speaker: Prof. Jeffrey Bell, Department of Chemistry, Washington State University

Title: Towards the development and integration of low-cost diagnostics with magnetically enhanced aqueous batteries

Abstract: Throughout the world, two major societal issues requiring profound attention are (i) the development of clean and efficient energy storing devices and (ii) access to appropriate healthcare. The synergistic relationship between the need for accessible diagnostics and clean energy stem from the recent recognition and importance of ‘Global Health’. Electrochemistry, which plays an important role in a variety of scientific pursuits, is heavily relied upon in the fields of diagnostics and sustainable energy and is thus well-suited to make significant contributions to Global Health. This utility, and diversity in implementation, stems from the ability of electrochemical systems to be easily modified, miniaturized, and used in the field. This talk will focus on our group’s efforts in advancing the Global Health initiative. Firstly, I will discuss our approach for fabricating low-cost and highly selective sensors for diverse applications at the point-of-care (POC) using additive manufacturing (i.e., 3D printing) technologies. Secondly, I will discuss our recent progress in the realm of magnetoelectrochemistry, and its utility in overcoming some of the current roadblocks in the field of energy storage through the implementation and incorporation of magnetic fields into aqueous zinc-ion batteries.