Electric Field Polarization on Heteroatoms Doped Carbon Nanomaterials and Their Electrocatalytic Properties
Abstract
Project Title: Electric Field Polarization on Heteroatoms Doped Carbon Nanomaterials and Their Electrocatalytic Properties Identifying and developing new electrocatalysts to replace precious metals such as platinum (Pt) is a major target in the current research for potential energy and sensors technology applications. The objective of this research project is the studies of the electric field polarization effect on the electrocatalytic properties of some heteroatoms doped carbon nanomaterials, with an aim to use a physical approach, in addition to chemical approaches, to enhance the electrocatalytic performance of nanostructured materials as new noble-metal-free electrocatalysts for potential energy and sensors technologies. The research tasks of the project include: (1) developing a new, low cost, and highly energy efficient method for large scale synthesis of hierarchical Fe-N doped carbon nanostructures from natural cotton fibers using our patented work, with an aim to achieve their electrocatalytic performance comparable to precious metal (such as platinum) catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) as well as for oxygen evolution reaction (OER); (2) Synthesizing Mo2C nanosheets embedded in N-doped carbon nanostructures as new electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER); (3) Exploring bi- and tri-functional electrocatalytic properties of the synthesized nanocatalysts for ORR, OER/HER. (4) We will study the electric field polarization effect on the electrocatalytic properties of the heteroatoms doped carbon nanostructures, including ORR, OER, and HER. (5) The project will provide research trainings of graduate/undergraduate students, especially minority students, by intimately engaging them in the research activities. The mission of US Army Research Office (ARO) is seeking cutting-edge innovative research that could produce discoveries that would have a significant impact on enabling new and improved Army operational capabilities and related technologies. This project is to serve the research thrust of ARO Electrochemistry on fundamental electrochemical studies to understand and control the physics and chemistry that govern reduction-oxidation (redox) chemistry and electrocatalysts at a molecular level. The success of this research project will substantially enhance the research capabilities critical to the DoD mission at Southern University and A&M College-Baton Rouge (SUBR), which is one of the largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) institutions in the nation. This project will have broader impact on the education, interdisciplinary research training, and outreach for underrepresented minority students participations in the research frontier of nano catalyst research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 2022
- Source ID
- W911NF2210099
Entities
People
- Guang-lin Zhao
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Southern University
- United States Army