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Sergio Bocchini

Sergio Bocchini's picture

Fixed-term tenure-track assistant professor
Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT)

Profile

Keywords

Anionic membranes
Biopolymers
Biosourced polymers
Carbon nanotubes
Cationic membranes
Co2 capture
Conductive polymer
Ionic liquids
Polymer chemistry
Polymer degradation
Polymer electrolytes
Polymer intrinsically microporous
Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (pemfc)

Scientific branch

PHYS-03/A - Experimental Physics of Matter and Applications
(Area 0002 - Physical sciences)

Research topics

  • Advanced membranes for clean hydrogen technologies My research focuses on advanced polymeric membranes for clean hydrogen technologies, including fuel cells, electrolyzers, hydrogen separation and hydrogen purification. The main objective is to design membrane materials that combine high transport performance, durability, chemical and mechanical stability, processability and reduced environmental impact. A central activity concerns ion-conducting polymer membranes for electrochemical devices, such as proton exchange membranes, high-temperature polymer electrolyte membranes, anion exchange membranes and fluorine-free or low-fluorine ionomers. The research addresses the relationships between polymer structure, ionic group chemistry, water uptake, ion conductivity, gas crossover, dimensional stability and degradation. Particular attention is given to alternatives to conventional perfluorinated membranes. A second focus is on high-temperature membranes for hydrogen-based energy conversion. Phosphoric-acid-doped polybenzimidazole and related aromatic polymers are investigated for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells. These systems can operate under low-humidity or anhydrous conditions, improve tolerance to fuel impurities and simplify water management. Membrane design is based on balancing acid uptake, proton conductivity, acid retention, mechanical confinement and long-term durability. The activity also includes membranes for hydrogen separation and purification, targeting H2 recovery and separations such as H2/CO2, H2/N2 and purification from reformate streams, renewable gas mixtures and industrial off-gases. Polymeric, ionomeric and mixed-matrix membranes are developed to tune permeability, selectivity, plasticization resistance and aging stability. A transversal element is the definition of structure-property-durability relationships. Polymer synthesis, membrane processing, transport measurements, aging tests and electrochemical validation are combined to understand how molecular architecture, free volume, ionic domains, hydrogen-bond networks and filler-polymer interfaces affect performance. Overall, this research supports the clean hydrogen economy by developing enabling membrane materials for hydrogen production, conversion, purification and utilization, with the aim of improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact and extending device lifetime
  • CO₂ capture and gas separation polymer membranes My research focuses on polymer membranes for CO₂ capture and gas separation, with the aim of developing efficient, selective and durable materials for low-energy separation processes. The activity targets applications such as post-combustion CO₂ capture, biogas upgrading, natural gas purification, hydrogen purification and separation of industrial gas mixtures. A central activity concerns the design of polymeric materials with controlled gas sorption and diffusion properties. Polymers of intrinsic microporosity, functionalized aromatic polymers, ionomers, ionic-liquid-containing systems and mixed-matrix membranes are investigated to tune permeability, selectivity, plasticization resistance and long-term stability. The research addresses the relationships between polymer structure, free volume, chain rigidity, functional groups, filler-polymer interfaces and membrane morphology. Particular attention is given to the balance between high gas permeability and high selectivity, as well as to resistance against aging, swelling and plasticization under realistic operating conditions. The activity also includes the development of membranes for CO₂/N₂, CO₂/CH₄, H₂/CO₂, H₂/N₂ and other technologically relevant gas pairs. Transport measurements, material characterization and aging tests are combined to define structure-property-durability relationships and guide membrane optimization. Overall, this research supports the development of membrane-based separation technologies for decarbonization, resource efficiency and sustainable industrial processes. The objective is to reduce the energy demand of gas separations, enable CO₂ capture and valorization, and provide robust polymer membrane platforms for clean energy and environmental applications.
  • Durability and aging of electrochemical membrane systems My research focuses on the durability and aging of electrochemical membrane systems, with particular attention to fuel cells, electrolyzers and membrane-based energy devices. The objective is to understand how membrane materials degrade under realistic operating conditions and to develop design strategies that improve lifetime, reliability and performance stability. A central activity concerns the study of chemical, mechanical and electrochemical degradation mechanisms in polymer electrolyte membranes and ionomers. The research addresses phenomena such as radical attack, hydrolysis, oxidation, membrane thinning, gas crossover, swelling, drying, humidity cycling, thermal stress, acid leaching and mechanical fatigue. These processes are analyzed as interconnected factors rather than isolated degradation modes. The activity includes proton exchange membranes, anion exchange membranes, high-temperature polymer electrolytes, ionomeric binders and mixed-matrix membrane systems. Particular attention is given to the relationships between polymer architecture, ionic group chemistry, water uptake, free volume, mechanical confinement and long-term stability. Accelerated stress tests, aging protocols, transport measurements and electrochemical validation are combined to identify critical failure mechanisms. A transversal element is the definition of structure-property-durability relationships. Membrane performance is evaluated not only in terms of conductivity or selectivity, but also through stability indicators such as gas permeability evolution, crossover increase, loss of mechanical integrity, voltage decay, ionomer degradation and retention of functional species. Overall, this research supports the development of more reliable electrochemical energy technologies by providing tools to predict, monitor and mitigate membrane degradation. The final objective is to extend device lifetime, reduce replacement costs and enable durable fuel cell and electrolyzer systems based on advanced polymer membranes.
  • Fluorine-free ionomers for fuel cells and electrolyzers My research focuses on the design and development of fluorine-free ionomers for fuel cells and electrolyzers, with the aim of reducing the dependence on perfluorinated materials while maintaining high electrochemical performance and durability. These materials are intended as alternatives to conventional fluorinated ionomers used in membranes, catalyst layers and electrode interfaces. A central activity concerns the synthesis and functionalization of hydrocarbon-based polymers bearing proton- or anion-conducting groups. The research addresses how polymer backbone rigidity, ionic group density, phase separation, water uptake and morphology control ion conductivity, gas crossover, swelling and mechanical stability. Particular attention is given to the balance between high ionic transport and resistance to chemical, thermal and mechanical degradation. The activity includes both proton-conducting and anion-conducting ionomers for low- and high-temperature fuel cells and water electrolysis. In these systems, ionomers play a key role not only as membranes, but also as binders and interfacial materials within electrodes, where they affect catalyst utilization, reactant transport, water management and device lifetime. A transversal element is the definition of structure-property-durability relationships. Polymer synthesis, membrane processing, ion transport measurements, gas permeability tests, accelerated aging and electrochemical validation are combined to understand how molecular architecture and ionic-domain organization affect performance under operating conditions. Overall, this research supports the development of more sustainable electrochemical energy devices by providing fluorine-free ionomeric materials for hydrogen conversion and production. The objective is to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and enable durable fuel cell and electrolyzer technologies based on advanced functional polymers.
  • Functional polymer materials for sustainable energy applications My research focuses on functional polymer materials for sustainable energy applications, with the aim of developing advanced materials for energy conversion, storage, separation and environmental technologies. The activity is based on the design of polymers whose chemical structure, morphology and transport properties can be tailored to address specific technological needs. A central activity concerns polymer membranes and ionomers for electrochemical energy devices, including fuel cells, electrolyzers, CO₂ electroreduction systems and other membrane-based devices. Functional groups, ionic domains, free volume, phase separation and polymer architecture are engineered to control ion transport, gas permeability, water uptake, mechanical stability and degradation resistance. The research also includes polymeric and hybrid materials for gas separation, CO₂ capture, hydrogen purification and low-energy industrial separations. Polymers of intrinsic microporosity, polybenzimidazoles, ionomers, ionic-liquid-containing materials and mixed-matrix systems are developed to tune sorption, diffusion, permeability, selectivity, plasticization resistance and aging stability. Another research direction concerns functional polymer binders, coatings and interfaces for energy storage and conversion devices. Bio-based, fluorine-free or low-impact polymer systems are investigated as alternatives to conventional materials, with attention to electrochemical stability, adhesion, processability, ion transport and compatibility with active materials. A transversal element is the definition of structure-property-performance relationships. Polymer synthesis, functionalization, membrane processing, materials characterization, transport measurements, aging protocols and device-level validation are combined to understand how molecular design affects performance and durability under realistic operating conditions. Overall, this research supports the development of sustainable energy technologies through advanced polymer materials. The objective is to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, extend device lifetime and enable scalable solutions for clean hydrogen, CO₂ management, energy storage and low-energy separation processes.
  • PIM and PBI polymers for selective molecular transport My research focuses on PIM and PBI polymers for selective molecular transport, with the aim of developing advanced membrane materials for gas separation, ion transport and electrochemical energy applications. These polymer families are investigated because they offer complementary transport properties: PIMs provide high free volume and fast molecular diffusion, while PBIs offer thermal, chemical and mechanical stability together with strong interactions with acids and polar species. A central activity concerns polymers of intrinsic microporosity for gas separation membranes. Their rigid and contorted molecular structure generates interconnected free-volume elements that promote high gas permeability. The research addresses how backbone design, functional groups, aging, plasticization and membrane processing affect permeability, selectivity and long-term stability in separations such as CO₂/N₂, CO₂/CH₄, H₂/CO₂ and H₂/N₂. A second activity concerns polybenzimidazole-based membranes for high-temperature and chemically demanding environments. PBI and modified PBI systems are studied for proton transport, hydrogen separation, CO₂ separation and high-temperature fuel cells. Particular attention is given to acid doping, hydrogen-bond networks, mechanical confinement, acid retention and degradation under operating conditions. The activity also includes functionalization, blending and mixed-matrix approaches to tailor molecular transport. PIM and PBI structures can be modified with ionic groups, acid-base functionalities, porous fillers, ionic liquids or crosslinked networks to control sorption, diffusion, selectivity, ion conductivity and resistance to aging. A transversal element is the definition of structure-property-transport relationships. Gas permeation, ion conductivity, sorption, thermal analysis, mechanical testing and aging protocols are combined to understand how molecular architecture, free volume, chain rigidity, polarity and intermolecular interactions determine membrane performance. Overall, this research supports the development of polymer membranes for low-energy separations and electrochemical devices. The objective is to exploit PIM and PBI chemistry to design robust, selective and durable materials for CO₂ capture, hydrogen purification, fuel cells and other clean energy technologies.
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Skills

ERC sectors

PE5_7 - Biomaterials synthesis
PE4_8 - Electrochemistry, electrodialysis, microfluidics, sensors
PE11_4 - Engineering of polymers and plastics
PE5_5 - Ionic liquids
PE5_14 - Macromolecular chemistry
PE11_9 - Nanomaterials engineering, e.g. nanoparticles, nanoporous materials, 1D & 2D nanomaterials
PE5_15 - Polymer chemistry
PE11_11 - Porous materials engineering, e.g. covalent-organic, metal-organic, porous aromatic frameworks

SDG

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
Goal 13: Climate action

Teaching

Collegi of the PhD programmes

  • SCIENZA E TECNOLOGIA DEI MATERIALI, 2025/2026 (41. ciclo)
    Politecnico di TORINO

Collegi of the degree programmes

Teachings

Bachelor of Science

MostraNascondi A.A. passati

Research

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Projects funded by competitive calls

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Publications

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