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Welcome to the UP Diliman
Laboratory of Electrochemical Engineering (LEE)
The Laboratory of Electrochemical Engineering (LEE), one of the most active research laboratories in the University of the Philippines, is among the few research groups in the country dedicated to the development of electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems.
Watch our short AVP to learn more about what we do in LEE!
ONGOING PROJECTS
Latest news
The CIPHER project team , led by Prof. Joey Ocon and Assoc. Prof. Julie Anne D. del Rosario-Paraggua, recently visited South Korea from March 27 to April 7, 2024. During the trip, the team participated in joint research workshops at Inha University, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), and Hanyang University. They presented their research works, fostering discussions on advanced topics in electrochemical engineering. The team also gained valuable insights by touring state-of-the-art research facilities at these universities, including the GIST Advanced Institute of Instrumental Analysis (GAIA) center, which offers LEE members access to cutting-edge material characterization equipment to further their studies and projects. The visit not only facilitated academic exchange but also paved the way for potential collaborations in the future. By tapping into the expertise and resources available at these institutions, LEE aims to drive innovative research and advancements in electrochemical engineering.
Prof. Joey Ocon, Asst. Prof. Michael Castro, and Mr. Ovid Tubalinal attended energy systems research collaboration meetings and workshops at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) , Hong Kong SAR. The team from LEE was hosted by Asst. Prof. Laurence Delina from the Division of Environment and Sustainability (ENVR). Prof. Ocon shared a brief introduction of LEE and the energy systems studies being conducted in LEE to graduate students of HKUST-ENVR who were participative with questions on the topics presented such as the effect of incorporating storm hardening measures and insurance into hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES), the transition pathways to 100% renewable in Philippine off-grid islands, and the evaluation of green hydrogen potential in the Philippines. The remaining days were spent in preparation for two meetings with HKUST faculty regarding cooling (and heating) demands of cities to explore future research collaboration. The productive meetings resulted in planning for funding acquisition and conceptualization of a collaborative research project.
Honesto Ovid Tubalinal, a Research Fellow of CIPHER Project , has finished a three-month special research student program at the Morikawa Laboratory in the Graduate School of Engineering , Osaka University Suita Campus from October 2023 to January 2024. He was mentored by Prof. Morikawa Yoshitada, and PhD Student and LEE alumnus Mr. Ace Christian Serraon on improving the results of the density functional theory (DFT)-based study on the passivation of hydrohalogenic acid-treated germanium (001) surfaces. Mr. Tubalinal also attended workshops organized by the professors of the Quantum Engineering Design Course (QEDC) where PhD and MS students present the progress of their studies. This sandwich program was a great opportunity to interact and to work with international students, and to learn new techniques on DFT-based calculations and operation of high-performance computing (HPC) clusters.
Glennise Faye C. Mejica, a Research Fellow (RF) III of the CIPHER project and a PhD Student Researcher of Empa's AURORA project with UP Diliman, visited the Laboratory for High Performance Ceramics at Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Switzerland from February 1, 2024, to March 29, 2024 , for a two-month research stay. The Project AURORA, titled "Advanced Utilization and Research On Renewable Ammonia" is funded by the Research Partnership Grant ASEAN 2022 (RPG-ASEAN 2022), aiming to deepen the understanding and advance photoelectrochemical ammonia technology through comprehensive investigations on photoelectrocatalysts. It also supports the exchange of ideas and training on advanced instruments relevant to the study between researchers from the Philippines and Switzerland. During Ms. Mejica’s stay, she conducted research on photoelectrocatalysis for nitrogen reduction reactions and received training on scientific instruments and apparatus pertinent to the study. She was mentored by Dr. Artur Braun , the Project Principal Investigator of Project AURORA. Some highlights of the research stay include: Project AURORA meeting Conducting experiments on Photoelectrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Reaction (PEC-NRR) Developing copper oxide-based photocathodes and performing photoelectrochemical testing Visiting Casale, an ammonia company located in Lugano, Switzerland Visit of Prof. Joey D. Ocon, PhD at Empa Visit of Prof. Julie Anne Del Rosario-Paraggua, PhD, who delivered a talk at Empa This research stay provided Ms. Mejica with invaluable opportunities to engage with researchers from diverse backgrounds and refine her skills and expertise. The experience significantly enhanced her capabilities in researching photoelectrochemicals for nitrogen reduction reactions within the scope of Project CIPHER and Project AURORA. By: Glennise Faye C. Mejica, M.Eng.
Dr. DJ Donn C. Matienzo, a Research Fellow V of the Project CIPHER and DOST Long-term Balik Scientist Awardee, shared valuable insights through his talk “Mabu-Hydrogen! A #ChExit Presentation” during the DOST Balik Scientist Program Virtual Exit Report Presentation via Zoom last February 26, 2024. Participation to the event was open to the public especially to those who aspire becoming a Balik Scientist Awardee. The Balik Scientist Program (BSP) is a brain gain initiative managed by the Department of the Science and Technology (DOST) aimed to accommodate Filipino scientists, experts, inventors, and engineers abroad who would return and share their expertise with global perspective. This aims to fortify the S&T capabilities of local researchers in the academe, public and private sectors, and industry. The BSP awardees shall serve the country depending on the terms of engagement. A showcase of relevant published works discussing the essential role of battery and hydrogen technologies in the energy transition and sustainability underscored the research goals and strategies of Dr. Matienzo’s transformative BSP engagement. Presented also in the event were the valuable contributions and innovations brought about by this engagement to the host universities – the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) and Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP). Furthermore, Dr. Matienzo conferred the projected positive impact of his current research on the national development and economic progress. As his BSP engagement is nearing to its completion, Dr. Matienzo will be added to the roll of Balik Scientist Awardees who have imparted significant knowledge and expertise vital to shaping the nation’s S&T landscape. Reference: https://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/The-PCHRD-Balik-Scientist-Program.pdf
The National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) conducted a three-part webinar series on the Innovations for Human and Planet Health and Security to promote open innovation and collaboration as a defining factor of socio-economic development. Highly esteemed NAST members of the representative divisions of various fields in science, awardees, and experts were invited to tackle the current innovation ecosystem of the Philippines and the innovative solutions that address food security and climate change. Aimed to promote multidisciplinary discourse and partnerships, the event was participated by researchers, policymakers, government officials, and the general public. Among the prestigious roster of resource speakers was Prof. Joey D. Ocon who delivered his talk on “Next Generation Batteries and Green Hydrogen with Renewables: Opportunities in the Clean Energy Transition” during the third segment of the NAST PHL Innovation Series. Prof. Ocon shared insights on the crucial role of energy storage technologies in the transition to renewable energy sources and the scalability of energy systems that can help satisfy the energy demand in the country. As part of the vertically-integrated R&D agenda of the Laboratory of Electrochemical Engineering (LEE), he also introduced water electrolyzer technologies involved in the production of Green Hydrogen. Moreover, the research facilities in LEE such as the CHED-LAKAS funded Hydrogen as Vector for Energy (HyVE) Research Facility and the DOST-NICER funded Advanced Batteries Center, both of which are first of its kind within the country, were highlighted as well as their capabilities and future endeavors. In the area of commercialization, Prof. Ocon discussed the multi-scale approach of the startup Nascent Technologies Corporation and its mission on industrial decarbonization by providing technologies and solutions for various energy storage applications. Through information dissemination in his thematic talk, more innovators and collaborators can come forward in support of the vision of the ongoing projects led by Prof. Ocon and devise integrative innovations that can contribute to the clean energy transition in the Philippines. Reference: https://nast.dost.gov.ph/index.php/13-news-press-releases/752-nast-phl-to-conduct-webinar-series-on-innovations-for-food-security-climate-change
UPCOMING EVENTS
FUNDING AGENCIES
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CONTACT US
(+632) 8981-8500 local 3213
lee.upd@gmail.com
Pilot Plant, Department of Chemical Engineering, C. P. Garcia Ave., University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines, 1101
ABOUT
ONGOING PROJECTS
