Electrocatalysis

Objectives

An electrocatalyst is a material which is used to catalyze an electrochemical reaction i.e., an electron transfer oxidation or reduction reaction. Electrocatalysis is a crucial component to many different energy and industrial applications. In artificial photosynthesis (a process in which sunlight, water, and CO₂ are converted to fuels or chemicals) electrocatalysts are used to improve the efficiency of the hydrogen evolution reaction, the oxygen evolution reaction, and/or CO₂ reduction. In addition, electrocatalysts are used in fuel cells and metal-air batteries to catalyze the oxygen reduction reaction. Industrially, electrocatalysts are used in electrowinning (the process of extracting metals from their ores), electroplating (the process of coating a material usually with a thin layer of metal), and electrogalvanizing (a corrosion protection method usually applied to stainless steel).

The research goals of the Leonard Lab include developing new electrocatalysts based on earth-abundant materials for all of the above applications. This encompasses investigating new materials as well as novel reaction media. In addition, the aim is to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of electrochemical reactions and how they are affected by electrocatalyst properties.

Current Project

Battery Electrochemistry - Our research focuses on the direct electrochemical synthesis of high-valence oxidants, for advanced battery applications.