This project offers an opportunity to work with a senior researcher in the well renowned Particles and Catalysis Research Group. The aim of this project is to develop novel three-dimensional (3D) hybrid catalyst materials toward efficient conversion of energy, e.g. electrolytic water splitting and electrochemical reduction of CO2, using the electricity generated from photovoltaics. In this project, the 3D hybrid materials will be built up on nickel foam skeleton, via electrodeposition or hydrothermal reactions. Comparing with normal two-dimensional structured materials, 3D structured catalyst materials tend to offer larger surface area, higher amounts of accessible active sites as well as facile diffusion of reactants (H2O or CO2) and products (O2 or CO, CH4, etc.), therefore could lead to significantly enhanced catalytic activity. Work could include the preparation of 3D catalyst materials, the characterization of these materials employing a variety of advanced techniques, e.g. scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy etc., and the measurements of their performances in electrolytic energy conversion reactions using potentiostat and gas chromatographer. If highly efficient catalysts are obtained with reasonable costs, we could possibly seek for industrial partners to commercialize them. Besides that, paper will be composed based on the experimental data obtained.

Supervisor:

• Professor Rose Amal