Synthesizing Mesoporous Nano-Electrodes for Batteries

This project aims to develop functional mesoporous (2-50 nm) nanomaterials with controlled morphology, surface area, pore size, and nano-crystallinity. Mesoporous Materials are an important class of materials finding applications in numerous fields such as catalysis, adsorption-separation, sensors, and energy storage. Mesoporous carbon and transition metal (Mn, Co, Fe, and Ni) oxide will be synthesized using sol-gel, reflux, and nanocasting methods.

The project aims to investigate the effects of materials properties on functional electrochemistry. Synthesized mesoporous carbon and transition metal oxide materials will be tested as electrodes in aqueous rechargeable Zn2+, Ni2+, Na+, and Li+ batteries and as electrochemical supercapacitor electrodes.

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Seeking researchers

• Interested students must have completed CHEM 1211, CHEM 1212 and MATH 1190 courses.
• Preference will be given to students who have completed additional course work in chemistry, physics, engineering and/or mathematics.

Spring 2018 to Summer 2019