CryoPhase: Electrical Interfacial Control for Sustained Ionic Transport in Subzero Energy Systems

Overview

Cold environments present a major challenge for electrochemical systems, where freezing disrupts ionic pathways and leads to rapid loss of functionality. This project investigates whether the ice–liquid interface, typically treated as a temporary byproduct of freezing, can instead be stabilised and used to preserve system performance. A controlled experimental system was developed using a thermoelectric cooling platform to induce directional freezing in a saline medium, with an applied low-voltage electrical field to influence interfacial behaviour. Under these conditions, a persistent interphase was maintained, allowing ionic transport to continue even as surrounding regions solidified. Electrical conductivity, resistance, interfacial thickness, and structural stability were systematically measured and compared against control conditions. Results demonstrated sustained conductivity below −10°C and elimination of structural failure across repeated freeze–thaw cycles. This work establishes a new approach to maintaining electrochemical function in subzero environments, with potential applications in energy systems and cold-region infrastructure.

Awards (2)

• Bronze Medal
• Selected for CWSF 2026

Competition history

• CWSF 2026 Energy

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