Judiciously designed nanomaterials play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and reducing the cost of energy conversion and storage technologies. Our team focuses on electrodeposition as a scalable and energy-efficient strategy for synthesizing inorganic nanomaterials. Through our research, we have developed innovative electrochemical methods that result in nanomaterials with desirable properties. For instance, we have successfully produced high aspect ratio crystalline semiconductor nanomaterials tailored for solar energy applications. Additionally, our achievements include the deposition of ultra-thin, smooth metal oxide overlayers on these high aspect ratio semiconductor materials. These advancements hold great promise for the progress of sustainable energy technologies. 

Solar energy and renewable electricity offer a sustainable and potentially cost-effective approach to chemical synthesis, particularly in the production of fuels like green hydrogen through water splitting. However, the efficiency of photo- or electrocatalytic water splitting processes is often hindered by the challenging water oxidation half-reaction. This reaction demands significant kinetic and energetic input and often relies on expensive catalysts. To address these limitations, our research endeavors to explore alternative oxidation half-reactions that yield valuable chemicals instead. 

A key obstacle lies in finding a nanomaterial that meets the criteria of affordability, stability, and efficiency for desirable chemical-forming processes. To tackle this challenge, our group focuses on understanding and designing more suitable electrode/electrolyte interfaces. The comprehension of electrode functioning involves a wide range of subjects, including materials science, surface science, thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics. By delving into these aspects, we aim to develop improved nanomaterials for efficient and economical solar or electricity-driven chemical production.

Non-thermal plasma (NTP), also known as nonequilibrium plasma, provides a distinct and exceptional environment for the synthesis of chemicals and materials. By exciting gases in an electric field, a non-equilibrium condition is created, resulting in the generation of hot electrons with temperatures significantly higher than room temperature, while the heavy species (gases or ions) maintain temperatures close to room temperature. Recent advancements in atmospheric pressure NTPs have paved the way for plasma-liquid interactions, often referred to as "electrodeless electrochemistry," enabling the occurrence of unconventional reactions facilitated by solvated electrons acting as strong reducing agents and other excited species, including hydroxy radicals acting as strong oxidizing agents.

Our interest lies in exploring how plasma-liquid interactions (PLI) can effectively address challenges in chemicals and materials synthesis. Notably, we have successfully demonstrated two significant achievements including synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles of immiscible metals and formation of hydrogen peroxide, a valuable compound useful for challenging organic reactions.