Peter Pintauro, H. Eugene McBrayer Professor of Chemical Engineering and chair of the chemical and biomolecular engineering, has been named a fellow of the Electrochemical Society (ECS).
A mark of high distinction, the fellowship was established in 1989 and recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to electrochemistry and solid-state sciences and are active in the affairs involving the Electrochemical Society.
Recognized for his work in the field of fuel cell membranes and electrochemical engineering, Pintauro, has won numerous awards for teaching and research, was named chair of the chemical and biomolecular engineering department at Vanderbilt in 2008. In June 2009 he became the first holder the H. Eugene McBrayer Chair in Chemical Engineering in the School of Engineering.
Pintauro’s research work is focused on developing new membranes for hydrogen/air, direct methanol and alkaline fuel cells; modeling species transport in ion-exchange membranes; and investigating electrochemical methods for organic synthesis.
The biggest impact of this research will be on the performance (power output) of fuel cells, which will lead to less expensive fuel cells. Pintauro works on new polymer materials and new polymer nanostructures for high-performance proton-exchange membranes to be used in hydrogen and direct methanol fuel cells. Better membranes will improve fuel cell performance and durability, which will ultimately make fuel cells more attractive for portable, automotive and stationary power applications.
Recognition of the ECS Fellows Class of 2010 will take place at the ECS’S 218th Meeting in Las Vegas Oct. 10-15. Recipients will be presented with a citation of their contributions to electrochemistry as well as a lapel pin awarded by the society.
The Electrochemical Society (ECS) was founded in 1902 and is an international non-profit, educational organization concerned with electrochemical and solid-state science and technology.