Oxygen Evolution Reaction on metal oxides electrodes

My studies are related to water oxidation using oxide electrodes such as Cobalt Oxide. I use additive metals in the cobalt oxide framework to impart improved activity and stability to these electrodes. I apply techniques such as in situ Raman Spectroscopy, isotopic substitution and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to understand electrode structure and activity in operando.

Oxidation Reactions on Platinum and Modified-Pt electrodes

I study Platinum and modified Pt electrodes for reactions such as electrochemical formic acid oxidation, alcohol oxidation, and hydrogen evolution. My focus includes carrying out kinetic studies, measuring activation parameters and, the calculation of electrochemically relevant surface parameters. In the recent past, my studies have focused on HCOOH as an energy carrier. In our studies, we have proposed Hupd suppression as one of the primary reasons for the significant enhancement of HCOOH oxidation activity on a Pb-modified Pt surface. 

CO2 electro-conversion to fuels using Solid Oxide Electrodes

My studies are about understanding electrochemical CO2 reduction on metal and metal oxide electrodes. I am interested in developing new cathodes for CO2 electro-reduction to CO using green electricity. My work is directed at developing novel SOEC membrane electrode assemblies that can efficiently catalyse CO2 reduction to CO. In the recent past, we have developed new electrodes based on Ni-YSZ architecture, which can mitigate the well-known electrode break down issue for Ni-YSZ in pure CO2 streams. We have developed novel operando Raman and Mass Spectrometry setups that can track the catalyst material under reaction conditions (800 degrees celsius) under applied potential. My work has contributed to the understanding of CO2 reduction mechanism on Ni-YSZ based electrodes.

Electrodes for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

I study electrochemical oxygen reduction reactions on metal oxide electrodes. I am developing mixed metal oxide electrodes that enable improved ORR activity, H2O-selectivity, and stability. I apply in situ Raman Spectroscopy to track electrode structure during the ORR and establish structure-property relationships. We have developed a novel Cu{Co}Ox-based catalyst that is highly selective for 4e reduction process and show improvement over benchmark electrodes such as Pt. Using in situ spectroscopy, we have argued that the presence of undercoordinated Co sites with a CuOx framework result in faster O-O cleavage  and improved ORR activity.

Ionic Transport in Solid Oxide Electrolytes

I use experimental and theoretical techniques to understand ion transport with metal oxide electrodes. I carry out ion transport measurements on high-temperature (500-800 degrees celsius) oxide and proton conducting electrodes using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and direct current 4-electrode measurements. A part of my work consists of carrying out electronic structure calculations on various materials using density functional theory to understand surface adsorption and ion transport in oxides. 

Novel Solid oxide Electrolytes for Catalysis

I synthesize and test novel proton-conducting solid oxide electrodes. I carry out operando-Raman and Mass Spectroscopy measurements on these electrodes to understand their activity and stability. Besides this, my interests lie in developing new electrodes for various electrochemical reactions on solid oxide electrodes.

Ion transport in polymeric membranes

I study in situ ion transport in polymeric electrolytes such as NAFION using 2 and 4 electrode transport measurements. I am applying vibrational spectroscopy to understand the nature of ion conduction within these electrodes.

CO2 electrolysis on Solid Oxide Electrodes

I am studying CO2 electrolysis on solid oxide cells. I am studying both anodic and cathodic reactions on these electrodes using operando Raman and Mass Spectroscopy.

Water electrolysis on oxide electrodes

I am studying water electrolysis on MCoOx electrodes. I primarily use electrochemical techniques besides Raman spectroscopy.