Sustainable Catalysis and Energy Materials (SCEM) Lab
Research Institute for Sustainable Energy (RISE)
Overview of Research at SCEM
Rational Design of Noble Metal-Free Materials for Catalytic Performance
The development of noble metal-free catalysts is a central theme of our research, driven by the need for cost-effective, sustainable alternatives to precious metals such as platinum, ruthenium, iridium, and gold. Our work focuses on the rational design and synthesis of functional materials composed of earth-abundant elements - including transition metals (e.g., Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Cu, Mo) and non-metals (e.g., N, S, P, B, C)—to achieve high catalytic performance in energy and environmental applications. We employ diverse material platforms such as doped carbon materials, single-atom catalysts, transition metal (oxy)hydroxides, phosphides, sulfides, nitrides, and heterostructured nanocomposites.
Our research targets include key catalytic reactions that underpin clean energy technologies:
(i) Water splitting.
(ii) Carbon Dioxide Reduction Reaction.
(iii) Nitrogen Fixation.
(iv) Small Molecule Oxidation.
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We combine advanced synthetic techniques (e.g., hydrothermal synthesis, pyrolysis, electrochemical deposition) with state-of-the-art characterization tools, including XPS, XRD, TEM, operando Raman, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, to probe the structural and functional properties of catalysts in real time.
​By bridging materials science, surface chemistry, and catalysis, our goal is to develop scalable, stable, and selective catalysts that support the transition toward a carbon-neutral, circular economy.​
Catalytic Applications
​Our current primary research areas include:
1. Hydrogen Production via Water Splitting
Electrocatalytic water splitting is central to clean hydrogen production, a cornerstone of the future hydrogen economy. We focus on developing cost-effective and earth-abundant electrocatalysts for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Our work involves tuning the electronic structure, morphology, and surface chemistry of nanostructured catalysts (e.g., transition metal phosphides, nitrides, and oxides) to achieve high activity, low overpotential, and long-term stability. Mechanistic insights are derived from spectroelectrochemical and kinetic studies to inform rational catalyst design.
​2. Ammonia Production via Nitrogen Reduction
Ammonia is a key industrial chemical and a potential carbon-free energy carrier. Traditional ammonia synthesis via the Haber-Bosch process is energy-intensive and emits significant CO2. We aim to develop electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) systems that operate under ambient conditions. Our research focuses on catalyst design (e.g., single-atom catalysts, defect-engineered materials), electrolyte optimization, and mechanistic understanding of N2 activation and hydrogenation pathways. We also explore competing reactions such as HER to improve Faradaic efficiency and product selectivity.
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3. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Reduction
The electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2RR) offers a promising route to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and synthesize valuable chemicals and fuels such as CO, methane, ethylene, and alcohols. We design multifunctional catalysts with tailored active sites and hierarchical structures to enhance CO2 adsorption, activation, and electron transfer. Combining experiment with computational modeling, we study reaction mechanisms, intermediate stabilization, and product selectivity. We also integrate photoelectrochemical approaches to couple light harvesting with CO2 conversion.
4. Nitrogen and CO2 Fixation for Urea Synthesis
Urea is a widely used fertilizer and an important nitrogen-containing chemical. Current production methods involve harsh conditions and multiple steps, including ammonia and CO2 as precursors. We pursue one-step electrosynthetic urea production from simple nitrogen (e.g., Nâ‚‚ or nitrate) and carbon sources (e.g., CO2 or CO) under ambient conditions. This requires overcoming kinetic barriers associated with C–N bond formation. Our strategy involves the design of bifunctional catalysts capable of co-activating both N- and C-containing species, enabling selective coupling pathways. In situ studies are employed to track intermediates and optimize performance.​
5. Plastic Up-cycling and Small Molecule Oxidation
Selective oxidation of small organic molecules such as methanol, ethanol, glycerol, and formic acid holds potential for energy conversion and value-added chemical production. We investigate oxidation electrocatalysis on engineered surfaces, focusing on activity, selectivity, and poisoning resistance. Our research explores structure-activity relationships, particularly for bimetallic and doped systems, and integrates advanced characterization tools to reveal reaction intermediates and surface dynamics.
Across these research areas, the SCEM Lab maintains strong collaborations with prominent computational research groups, such as: Prof. Swapan K. Pati (JNCASR), Dr. Jaysree Pan (DTU), Dr. Tisita Das (HRI), and Prof. Ranjit Thapa (SRM University).
"Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved." – Mattie Stepanek