Surface Engineered Electrodes by Precision Fabrication Approaches for the Application of Energy Storage and Conversion

Sustainable approaches of energy storage and conversion play a critical role, in the transitioning from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources. Rechargeable aqueous batteries, electrochemical water splitting, and carbon dioxide reduction systems are three notable research fields for sustainability development, especially to increase the efficiency of energy storage and conversion and improve eco-friendliness. The relative technologies involve a series of electrochemical reactions, which heavily rely on electrodes to achieve optimal performance, thus makes high-performance cathode and anode materials an essential aspect in this field.

In my research, through precise controls over various aspects, we design and obtain advanced electrodes with superior properties, including: high reactivity, exclusive selectivity, and exceptional stability. We demonstrate potential applications of the electrodes in these three important fields. Our work focuses on transition-metal-based electrodes, for which we develop novel designs, through the precise control of crystalline shape, structure, composition, and surface chemistry. Utilizing a range of electrochemical and chemical treatments, we systematically tailor the morphology and composition of different types of transition metal nanomaterials, and achieve enhanced activity while addressing several common challenges, including sluggish reaction kinetics and undesired side reactions. My work opens new possibilities for promising applications in a wide range of fields not limited to energy storage and conversion, but also chemical production and beyond.