Our PhD Profile series shines a light on the next generation of material scientists and the innovative work shaping our future.
In this article, we speak to graduate researcher Arpita George whose research sits at the cutting edge of clean energy. By designing solid-state electrolytes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, Arpita is helping improve how protons move through hydrogen-based systems, which store and release energy using hydrogen as a clean fuel.
AT A GLANCE
Area of research: Materials science, with a focus on designing solid-state electrolytes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
PhD Project: Developing safer and more efficient proton-conducting materials for hydrogen fuel cells, with a focus on performance under low-humidity and higher-temperature conditions.
Joined Deakin Institute for Frontier Materials: 2024
What inspired you to start a career in your field?
I think it goes back to childhood, I was always the one asking, “but why?” about everything, often not satisfied with simple answers. That curiosity stayed with me and eventually drew me towards chemistry, where I could start understanding how things work at a deeper level.
Over time, this interest evolved into materials science when I realised how powerful it can be in addressing real-world energy and environmental challenges.
That journey is what inspired me to pursue research.
What is your PhD project and what do you hope to find?
My PhD project focuses on developing safer and more efficient proton-conducting materials for hydrogen fuel cells, particularly for operation under low-humidity and higher-temperature conditions. My research mainly explores polymerized ionic liquids, protic ionic liquids, zwitterionic materials, and novel electrolyte systems to better understand proton transport mechanisms and improve fuel cell performance.
A major aim of my work is to design materials that can function without relying heavily on water while also avoiding environmentally persistent chemicals such as PFAS. Through this research, I hope to contribute towards cleaner, more sustainable, and practical energy technologies for future fuel cell applications.
Why did you decide to join the Deakin Institute for Frontier Materials?
The Deakin Institute for Frontier Materials stood out to me because of its strong focus on advanced materials and its collaborative research environment.
It felt like the right place to work on impactful energy-related problems while learning from leading researchers in the field.
Where do you see this research going?
I’m very passionate about my work and strongly believe that identifying the problem is the first step towards solving it. At the same time, I also want to contribute to developing effective and practical solutions. In that sense, I see this research contributing to the design of more efficient and robust fuel cell materials. In the long term, it has the potential to make hydrogen-based energy technologies more practical and widely adopted.
What are some of the key findings of this research?
My work has shown that tuning the cation and anion chemistry of polymerised ionic liquids directly influences their molecular interactions and overall properties. Furthermore, the incorporation of suitable additives can significantly enhance proton transport, leading to improved ionic conductivity as well as thermal and electrochemical stability under anhydrous conditions. Importantly, these findings also highlight the potential of polymerised ionic liquids as promising candidates for designing solid-state electrolytes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Together, these insights are guiding the development of more efficient and robust membrane materials.
Why is your research important and how can it make a difference?
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, which use hydrogen as a fuel, are a promising energy technology, but their performance is often limited by the electrolyte materials used. By developing new materials that can serve as efficient electrolytes and operate under challenging conditions, this research aims to enable more reliable and durable fuel cell systems, ultimately contributing to cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.
This has real-world implications for applications such as hydrogen-powered vehicles and sustainable power generation.
Quick-fire questions: life beyond research
If you weren’t in research – is there another occupation you could see yourself in?
I would likely be in teaching. I enjoy explaining concepts and helping others understand science in a clear and engaging way. I just lovvveee communicating my science.
Describe your ultimate holiday – what would you do and where would you go?
I’m a girl from the mountains, so I’ve always felt a strong connection to nature. My ideal holiday would be somewhere peaceful, surrounded by mountains or lush landscapes, where I can explore during the day and unwind in a calm, quiet setting in the evenings.
When you are not at work, what are you doing?
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with friends, exploring new places, and taking time to unwind and recharge. I also love photography and enjoy colouring as a simple, creative way to relax.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would remind my younger self, “if not now, then when?” but also tell her to pause, take a step back, and see how far she has come and how far she can still go. I would also say to trust the process, be patient, and not be afraid of uncertainty. Growth takes time, and it’s okay not to have everything figured out.