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.

Principle Project

Water splitting

The ability to separate hydrogen and oxygen from water has great potential benefits. Global demand for clean energy is on the rise, made even more urgent by the depletion of current energy sources. Hydrogen produced from water splitting is particularly of interest as, if using renewable energy, can be used directly as a carbon-neutral transportation fuel from production to tailpipe. Our group is exploring advancements for alkaline water electrolyzers. Studies range from the development of nanomaterials to varying process conditions and configurations.

Avium LLC

In addition to our laboratory studies, this project has a startup company associated with this topic. Avium, LLC was created to further develop high performing electrocatalysts. Currently, they are developing an electrolyzer which will produce hydrogen on site at fueling stations using renewable energy sources. This technology utilizes the catalysts developed by the Leonard Lab. Avium is made possible by an NSF SBIR, America's seed fund.