Supercapacitors are advanced energy storage devices that offer higher capacitance compared to conventional capacitors and higher power than rechargeable batteries. They store and release energy through reversible adsorption and desorption of ions at the electrode-electrolyte interface and fast Faradaic reactions. Our group focuses on developing new electrode materials that are cost-effective, environmentally benign, and have good electrochemical performance. We also work on improving the performance of supercapacitors by tuning the textural properties of electrode materials and by suitable additives in the electrolyte.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have become the dominant choice for powering portable electronics and are increasingly used in electric and hybrid electric vehicles due to their high voltage and charge storage capabilities. Most commercially available Li-ion batteries use layered oxides as the positive electrode material and graphitic carbon as the negative electrode material. However, this combination poses significant safety risks. As a result, our research focuses on developing safer and higher-energy alternatives, such as polyanionic cathode materials and high-voltage anode materials, to enhance both the performance and safety of these batteries.
Metal–air batteries, which use a base metal negative electrode and an air-positive electrode, offer high energy density due to their use of oxygen from the air as an oxidizing agent. This design allows for a greater proportion of the battery's interior to accommodate the negative electrode material, resulting in specific and volumetric energy densities exceeding 500 Wh kg−1 and 1000 Wh L−1, respectively. Despite these advantages, electrically rechargeable metal-air batteries face challenges such as low power density, practical energy density, and poor cycle life. Our research focuses on addressing these issues by developing novel electrode structures enhanced with multifunctional catalysts, aiming to advance metal-air batteries for modern electronic and electromobility applications, which demand high energy density solutions beyond the capabilities of traditional lithium-ion batteries.
The demand for hydrogen as a clean and efficient energy carrier has increased significantly as the world seeks sustainable energy sources. Hydrogen plays a crucial role in the global transition to lower carbon emissions and greater environmental responsibility due to its wide range of applications in energy storage, transportation, and industrial processes. However, producing hydrogen, particularly "green hydrogen" generated through water electrolysis using renewable resources, presents several challenges. One of the primary issues is the need for effective electrocatalysts, which are vital for catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) by reducing the kinetic barriers. Our research group focuses on developing sustainable electrocatalysts by thoroughly understanding and addressing the challenges associated with HER and OER, including slow reaction kinetics, high overpotential, and limitations in catalyst performance.
Harnessing energy from industrial and household wastes will not only efficiently manage and treat waste but also contribute to energy production. This approach not only offers a cost-effective solution for waste disposal but also helps in meeting the growing energy demands. Our research is dedicated to developing innovative methods for extracting energy from waste and promoting sustainability in waste management practices. In addition to this, we also focus on the recovery and recycling of materials from used batteries. This effort aims to repurpose valuable components for various applications, thereby supporting a circular economy and minimizing the environmental impact associated with waste and resource depletion.