Harnessing materials and mechanics science for a sustainable energy

Cutting-edge materials science and engineering play a key role in clean energy conversion. Dr Xiao ZHANG, Assistant Professor of Department of Mechanical Engineering, has focused research on achieving decarbonisation through clean electricity with special emphasis on the production of valuable chemicals from the earth’s abundant resources. 

One of his research on catalytic interface engineering and electrochemical reactor has facilitated the design for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. The study “Electrochemical oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide at practical rates in strong acidic media” was published in Nature Communications in 2022. The research presented a cation-regulated interfacial engineering approach to promoting the H2O2 selectively under industrial-relevant generation rates in strongly acidic media. A double-PEM (proton exchange membrane) solid electrolyte reactor was further developed to realise a continuous, selective and stable generation of H2O2. 

Practically, the acidic H2O2 solution delivers a wider range of applications and greater demand. This strongly motivates studies in the high-performance electrochemical generation of H2O2 in acidic media.

Another novel study in material sciences demonstrated a unique approach to structure tuning of material, resulting in effective manipulation of its catalytic properties and functionalities. The research meticulously investigated structural change during the lithiation-induced amorphization process. The research, “Lithiation-induced amorphization of Pd3P2S8 for highly efficient hydrogen evolution” was published in Nature Catalysis in 2018. 

The study showcased a breakthrough in the amorphization of layered materials, transforming inherently non-catalytic materials into highly efficient catalysts for cathodic hydrogen production. The atomic-level structural engineering of inorganic materials has proven to be a compelling strategy for tuning their physical, chemical and electronic properties, thus enhancing their performance in various applications, particularly in electrocatalysis. 

Increasingly concerns about the rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and its influence on climate change have made it essential to create efficient strategies to reduce CO2 emissions. Dr ZHANG's team identifies the potential of integrating CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion as a promising approach to tackle this challenge.

Recently, Dr ZHANG and his research team have made a noteworthy advancement in the sustainable energy field through their groundbreaking study published in ACS Energy Letters. The review paper "Integration of CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion" delves into the exploration of combining CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion.

A comprehensive investigation was conducted in the study to develop an efficient and sustainable system that captures CO2 from emission sources, and subsequently converts it into valuable chemicals or fuel. The findings provide valuable insights and practical strategies for researchers, policymakers, and industries working towards sustainable CO2 management and developing a circular carbon economy. The integration of CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion can help us move toward a greener and more sustainable future.

References:

• X. Zhang, Z. Luo, P. Yu, Y. Cai, et. al., Lithiation-induced Amorphization of Pd3P2S8 for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution, Nature Catalysis, vol 1, 460, 2018.
• X. Zhang, H. Xie, Z. Liu, C. Tan, et. al., Black Phosphorus Quantum Dots, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 54, 3653, 2015.
• X. Zhang, X. Zhao, P. Zhu, ZY Wu, et. al., Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction to Hydrogen Peroxide at Practical Rates in Strong Acidic Media, Nature Communication, vol 13, 2880, 2022 .
• X. Zhang, Q. Xia, K. Zhang, T. Zheng, et. al., Integration of CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion, ACS Energy Letters, June 2023.