Transition Metal Chalcogenides and Surfaces for Energy Conversion Devices
Department
Chemistry
Major
Chemistry
Research Advisor
Nath, Manashi
Advisor's Department
Chemistry
Funding Source
NSF
Abstract
In recent times electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic water splitting has emerged as one of the most potent form of clean energy generation. This project is focused on designing efficient catalysts from earth-abundant resources based on transition metal chalcogenides for electrocatalytic water splitting and integrating these new catalysts with solar photoabsorber nanostructure arrays. Catalyst design follows a simple hypothesis which optimizes catalytic performance based on the material’s properties, specifically anion electronegativity and degree of covalency in the structure. Rational design of the electrocatalyst will be achieved through combinatorial electrodeposition whereby, a phase diagram will be explored in a systematic way by varying relative amounts of respective precursor in the electrolyte. Along with new material synthesis, chemical identity of the active surface of the catalysts will be elucidated from various surface analytical techniques by carefully designing various surfaces and comparing their activities.
Biography
Jennifer’s research experience includes working for Dr. Nath through the FYRE Program. She is interested in renewable energy and was drawn to Dr. Nath’s work with clean energy alternatives. She also has hands on research experience with polymer formulation as an intern with the R&D group at Brewer Science. She graduated summa cum laude from Jefferson College in May 2017. She is currently a junior at Missouri S&T where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. She was on the Fall 2017 Dean’s List and is also on a part time co-op with Brewer Science.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium
Presentation Date
17 Apr 2018, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Transition Metal Chalcogenides and Surfaces for Energy Conversion Devices
Upper Atrium
In recent times electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic water splitting has emerged as one of the most potent form of clean energy generation. This project is focused on designing efficient catalysts from earth-abundant resources based on transition metal chalcogenides for electrocatalytic water splitting and integrating these new catalysts with solar photoabsorber nanostructure arrays. Catalyst design follows a simple hypothesis which optimizes catalytic performance based on the material’s properties, specifically anion electronegativity and degree of covalency in the structure. Rational design of the electrocatalyst will be achieved through combinatorial electrodeposition whereby, a phase diagram will be explored in a systematic way by varying relative amounts of respective precursor in the electrolyte. Along with new material synthesis, chemical identity of the active surface of the catalysts will be elucidated from various surface analytical techniques by carefully designing various surfaces and comparing their activities.
