will defend a master’s thesis entitled,

Catalytic performance of atomically thin electrodeposited metals

On

 Monday, July 22 at 2:00 pm.

Virtually via Microsoft Teams

Link to join

Committee

            Prof. Faisal M. Alamgir – School of Material Science and Engineering (advisor)
            Prof. Seung Soon Jang – School of Material Science and Engineering
            Prof. Meilin Liu – School of Material Science and Engineering

Abstract

In the field of electrocatalysis, understanding the performance of catalysts requires examining multiple factors, including the choice of substrate, the strain within the structure, and the morphology of the system. Catalysts operate through their surface area, making it crucial to optimize the surface-to-mass ratio to reduce the amount of noble metals used while maintaining active surface area. Two-dimensional materials such as graphene and atomic-layer-thin noble metals are particularly promising in this regard due to their high interface interaction with substrates. Graphene, in particular, allows for precise tuning of catalyst properties, thereby enhancing catalytic performance.
This work focuses on the catalytic performance of various two-dimensionally confined metals on different substrates with a layer of graphene, specifically for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to formic acid. Additionally, the research investigates the catalytic performance of two-dimensionally confined iridium (Ir) metal on various substrates in the presence and absence of graphene for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The graphene monolayer used in this study is produced via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and transferred onto substrates through a meticulous process.
The impact of graphene on catalytic performance is thoroughly analyzed, with catalytic activities assessed through voltametric measurements. Characterization of the samples is conducted using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy, and various electrochemical techniques. This detailed investigation provides valuable insights into the role of graphene and substrate interactions in optimizing the performance of two-dimensional electrocatalysts.