40 Years of Experience

Established in 1967 as the Central Laboratory of Electrochemical Power Sources (CLEPS), the Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems successfully combines the traditions of the Bulgarian Stranski-Kaischev Electrochemical School with the general policy of BAS for integration with the European Research Area. The main scientific activities resonate with the priorities for sustainable high quality of life and development of a knowledge based society.

A new trend in the research is the Hydrogen Energy. It is oriented towards novel approaches for hydrogen generation and storage, metal-hydrides and fuel cells. The activities concerning Li-batteries follow the advanced ideas for synthesis of high efficient, low cost intercalation compounds and nanostructured composite materials for primary and Li-ion batteries. In the field of lead-acid batteries the work is focussed on the development of new materials and new technologies for the production of battery plates with performance meeting the requirements for hybrid electric vehicles and photovoltaic system applications. The development of Zn-air cells is based on the combination of fundamental studies, professional knowledge and advanced technologies. An original idea for environmentally friendly cells is realized on Mg-air cells with seawater electrolyte. Research and development of electrochemical information systems (bioscensors and enzyme electrodes) with application in medicine and ecology is in progress. Isotropic and anisotropic metal and intermetal nanoparticles, nanowires, nanorods and nanochains containing hydrogen, boron or nitrogen, with tailored quantum-influenced properties, are synthesized by the boronhydride method. They find application as catalysts and electrocatalysts, as well as in electrochemical energy sources. The development and application of advanced methods for investigation and testing of energy sources (heavy pulse testing, Non-stationary methods, original Differential Coulomerty Spectroscopy) is a durable practice. The advanced technique of the Differential Impedance Analysis is carefully approbated, disseminated and finalized by the edition of an original monograph. A new research priority is the development and implementation of e-Science instruments for efficient collaboration and virtual research, especially in the field of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy.

The Institute has a long term tradition in intensive international collaboration  with other scientific structures and firms. The number of contractors and partners from Europe, USA, Canada, Japan, China, in the last 10 years is more than 300.  One of the long term benefits from the prestigious grant of 5FP Centre of Excellence POEMES (Portable and Emergency Energy Systems) is the editing of “POEMES SERRIES” (two Proceedings and two monographs for the last 3 years). The collective monograph POEMES with 29 authors (18 from Europe, USA, Canada) unites review articles representing the state of the art in the field, combined with own knowledge and experience.

IEES is a host organization of international and national structures: EICIS - European Internet Centre for Impedance Spectroscopy; National Centre for Nanotechnologies, COSENT – regional COoperation of South-east Europe for Nano-Technologies; LABAT – international conference on Lead-Acid BATteries, held in every 3 years; TK64 – Technical Committee for harmonization of the Bulgarian standards for batteries with the European ones; BED – Bulgarian Electrochemical Society. The Institute is a member of the Bulgarian Hydrogen Society, BG GRID Society, and organizer of the Association of the Bulgarian Centres of Excellence – aBEST.

IEES publicity relies on scientists recognized world-wide: Acad. D. Pavlov, Acad. A. Popov, Prof. V. Bostanov, Prof. Z. Stoynov, Prof. I. Dragieva, Prof. R. Raichev, Prof. D. Vladikova, Associate Professors A. Kaisheva, P. Andreev, G. Papazov, V. Obretenov, K. Petrov, A. Momchilov, B. Banov, T. Rogachev, T. Petkova, G. Petkova, S. Vasilev, A. Trifonova, E. Slavcheva and others.

Z. Stoynov
Director

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