Controlling and Understanding Interface Chemistry for Energy Conversions

August 15th, 2022

R&D Focus Areas:
Electrolysis

Lead Organisation:
University of Wollongong

Partners:
The University of Texas at Austin
University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei,
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea

Status:
Active

Start date:
April 2020

Completion date:
To be advised

Key contacts:
Chief Investigator:  Professor Shixue Dou – shi@uow.edu.au
Chief Investigator: Dr. Wenping Sun – wenping@uow.edu.au
Chief Investigator: Dr. Ji Liang – liangj@uow.edu.au

Funding:
AUD$635,701 – Australian Research Council

Project total cost:
AUD$635,701

Project summary description:
This project aims to develop efficient catalysts for the electrochemical energy conversion systems that would make intermittent renewable electricity utilized more efficiently. The project is expected to generate new knowledge for the rational design and synthesis of catalysts and to promote the development of energy conversion techniques, particularly water electrolysis for hydrogen production.

Expected outcomes include the delivery of new catalyst systems and scaling-up synthesis protocols, attainment of a deep understanding of the relevant fundamental science, and demonstration of prototype devices.

The project aims to deliver high-performance electrocatalysts for water electrolysis for hydrogen production and electrochemical synthesis of useful chemicals from CO2 driven by renewable electricity.

Performing electrochemical synthesis of useful chemicals from CO2 can not only produce energy carriers for national power supply, but also greatly reduce CO2 emissions. This project will also generate new knowledge in the fields of materials science, nanotechnology and energy technology.

Related publications and key links:

  • Lao, K. Rui, G. Zhao, P. Cui, X. Zheng, S. X. Dou, W. Sun, Angew Chem Inter Ed 2019, DOI: 10.1002/anie.201901010.
  • P. Chen, Q. Zhou, G. Q. Zhao, Z. W. Yu, X. L. Wang, S. X. Dou, W. P. Sun, Adv Funct Mater 2017, 28, 1705583. DOI: org/10.1002/adfm.201705583.
  • Rui, G.Q. Zhao, Y. P. Chen, Y. Lin, Q. Zhou, J. Y. Chen, J. X. Zhu, W. P. Sun, W. Huang, S. X. Dou, Adv Funct Mater 2018, 28, 1801554. DOI: org/10.1002/adfm.201801554.
  • Li, W. Bi, M. Chen, Y. Sun, H. Ju, W. Yan, J. Zhu, X. Wu, W. Chu, C. Wu, Y. Xie, J Am Chem Soc 2017, 139, 14889. DOI: org/10.1021/jacs.7b09074.
  • Zheng, X. B.; Yang, J. R.; Xu, X.; Dou, S. X.; Sun, W. P.; Wang, D. S.; Wang, G. X. Deciphering Cationic and Anionic Overoxidation: Key Insights into the Intrinsic Structural Degradation of Catalysts. Energy Mater. 2024, 14 (30).
  • Zheng, X.; Guan, X.; Cheng, X.; Li, X.; Fu, Y.; Li, Y.; Zheng, Z.; Pang, W.; Xu, X.; Li, P.et al. Liquid metal in prohibiting polysulfides shuttling in metal sulfides anode for sodium-ion batteries. Journal of Energy Chemistry 2024, 96, 559.
  • (Zheng, X.; Yang, J.; Wang, D. Advanced dual-atom catalysts for efficient oxygen evolution reaction. EES Catal. 2023, 1 (5), 665.
  • Zheng, X.; Yang, J.; Li, P.; Wang, Q.; Wu, J.; Zhang, E.; Chen, S.; Zhuang, Z.; Lai, W.; Dou, S.et al. Ir-Sn pair-site triggers key oxygen radical intermediate for efficient acidic water oxidation. Sci Adv 2023, 9 (42), eadi8025.
  • Zheng, X.; Chen, Y.; Lai, W.; Li, P.; Ye, C.; Liu, N.; Dou, S. X.; Pan, H.; Sun, W. Enriched d‐Band Holes Enabling Fast Oxygen Evolution Kinetics on Atomic‐Layered Defect‐Rich Lithium Cobalt Oxide Nanosheets. Funct. Mater. 2022, 32, 2200663.

Higher degree studies supported:
One PhD student at the University of Wollongong is supported by this project.

 

Reviewed: December 2024