Research & Development
World Class Research: Building A Research Powerhouse
One of the key building blocks for any company looking to make its mark on the hydrogen and fuel cell economy is world-class research. The University of South Carolina (USC) is investing in hydrogen, fuel cell technology, and future fuels by creating a research culture enabling inter- and multidisciplinary interactions and the sharing of expertise, resources and facilities.
Centers of Excellence: Investing in the Future of Discovery
Future FuelsTM is a focal point for science and engineering studies investigating alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. At USC, these alternatives include new materials for batteries and capacitors, molten carbonate fuel cells, proton exchange membrane fuel cells, and solid oxide fuel cells, as well as development of hydrogen fuel cell technologies, and the components and calculations necessary to make them a reality.
I/U CRC
USC's National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Fuel Cells is the nation's first NSF-sponsored fuel cell center with the mission to help industry advance the technology and commercialization of fuel cells in fuel cell design; fuel cell performance; hydrogen storage materials; devices and distribution systems; catalysts and materials for hydrogen production and electrodes.
Energy Frontier Research Center
The University is also home to an Energy Frontier Research Center, a $12.5M federally funded competitively-awarded center set up by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. The center is focusing on designing and creating materials essential for engineering devices such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, electrodes, photovoltaics, combustion devices, fuel-cell processing devices, and functional membranes and coatings.
USC Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Center of Excellence
Nominated in 2009 as National Incubator of the Year, the USC-Columbia Technology Incubator works to increase the vitality of the regional economy by recruiting and nurturing start-up companies that advance technology development, employ highly skilled workers and contribute to the economic development of the area. Since 1998 the incubator has nurtured 51 companies, created 645 jobs, and has facilitated over $29,000,000 in follow on investment capital.
USC Nanocenter
The NanoCenter is the University’s focal point for science and engineering studies of nanometer-scale structures, their unique properties, and their integration into functional units.
USC IP
The USC Intellectual Property Office works with business and entrepreneurial interests to leverage the University's intellectual property for its benefit and for the benefit of faculty, the public, and the state of South Carolina. Technologies related to fuel cells, energy and future fuels are available for licensing.
Global Thought Leaders: A World Class Talent Pool
USC professors have been actively engaged in fuel cell research since 1996, and the university now boasts over 50 research professionals making cutting edge breakthroughs in fuel cells, materials, energy storage, and Future FuelsTM. Through the SC Centers of Economic Excellence Act, the university has recruited some of the industry's brightest minds to Columbia. The talent pool at USC is deep, globally recognized, and includes:
Dr. Brian C. Benicewicz,
Center of Economic Excellence Endowed Chair in Polymer Nanocomposite Research
Dr. Kenneth L. Reifsnider,
Center of Economic Excellence Endowed Chair in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and
Director, Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Programs
Dr. John W. Van Zee ,
Director, NSF IU/CRC Fuel Cell Center