Research on Single and Dual Atom Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction (HOR): In the Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction (HOR), one of the major challenges to overcome is the sluggish reaction kinetics, particularly in alkaline media. While effective in acidic conditions, traditional platinum-based catalysts exhibit significantly lower activity in alkaline environments due to slower charge transfer and increased adsorption of hydroxyl species on the catalyst surface. This results in higher overpotentials and reduced efficiency. Additionally, platinum's high cost and limited availability make it unsustainable for large-scale fuel cell applications. Therefore, improving the kinetics of HOR and finding cost-effective, efficient catalysts are critical to advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Publication:
ACS Catalysis 14 (2024): 13877-13882
Research on Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR): One of the main challenges is the sluggish kinetics, which limits the overall efficiency of fuel cells, especially in alkaline and acidic media. Traditional platinum-based catalysts, though highly effective, are expensive and lack long-term durability. Additionally, these catalysts often suffer from issues such as poor stability, susceptibility to poisoning, and degradation over time. Addressing these problems requires the development of cost-effective, durable, and efficient electrocatalysts that can sustain high catalytic activity while improving stability and electron transfer, ultimately leading to more sustainable and high-performance fuel cell systems.
PtNi/C Single Atom Alloy for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER): In the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) in alkaline media, one of the key challenges is the slow reaction kinetics compared to acidic environments. Platinum-based catalysts, while effective in acidic media, face higher overpotentials and reduced activity in alkaline conditions. This is largely due to the difficulty of efficiently adsorbing and dissociating hydrogen molecules and the additional energy required for the proton transfer process. Moreover, the high cost of platinum presents a barrier to the widespread adoption of HER technologies. To overcome these problems, it is essential to develop catalysts that not only reduce overpotentials but also offer high mass activity, improved hydrogen adsorption, and are more cost-effective for large-scale hydrogen production in alkaline media.
Publication:
Energy Adv., 2024, Advance Article
Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) and Transition Metal Ferrites: In the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER), a significant challenge is the sluggish reaction kinetics, which limits the efficiency of water-splitting processes, particularly in alkaline media. Traditional catalysts, such as precious metals, are effective but costly and not scalable for large-scale renewable energy applications. Additionally, many catalysts suffer from poor stability and degradation over time, especially under the harsh conditions of OER. To overcome these problems, it is crucial to develop affordable, durable, and efficient catalysts that can enhance electron transfer, improve oxygen binding, and maintain long-term performance. Transition metal ferrites, with their mixed metal oxide compositions, are promising candidates for addressing these challenges in OER.
Publication:
ACS Applied Nano Materials 7.15 (2024): 17776-17785
Supercapacitors, while offering high power density and fast charge/discharge rates, face key challenges that limit their broader application. One major issue is their relatively low energy density compared to batteries, which restricts the amount of energy they can store. Additionally, improving the long-term stability and performance of supercapacitors, particularly under extreme conditions, remains a challenge. To address these problems, my research focuses on developing innovative electrode materials, such as carbon-based nanostructures and metal oxides, to enhance energy storage capacity, improve stability, and increase the overall efficiency of supercapacitors. These advancements are critical for unlocking their full potential in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and portable electronics.
Publication:
Journal of Energy Storage 68 (2023): 107821
Electrochimica Acta 445 (2023): 142020
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 14, no. 16 (2022): 18570-18577
Journal of Solid State Chemistry, 306, p.122727