UMass Researchers Developing Efficient Energy Conversion Method That Can Aid in Clean Energy Production and Renewable Fuel Production
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Energy conversion, the process of transforming one form of energy into another—mechanical energy into electrical energy or chemical energy into thermal energy, for example—is proving to be an important factor in realizing a more sustainable future. This process, executed efficiently, will allow for the harnessing of various energy sources, including renewables, and the minimizing of energy losses, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits.
For this reason, a team of UMass researchers—including Reika Katsumata, Kenneth Carter, James J. Watkins, and Dipankar Saha of the College of Natural Sciences’s Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, and Nianqiang Wu and Peng Bai of the College of Engineering’s Department of Chemical Engineering—are working together to develop a cost-effective, durable, scalable, and efficient method for synthesizing mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbon materials coordinated with single-atom and atomic iron clusters. This approach combines rapid thermal annealing (RTA) with a soft template called a polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (PS-b-PEO) bottlebrush block copolymer (BBCP). This method, described in a new article in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, offers a promising avenue for efficient energy conversion.
This collaboration between the College of Natural Sciences and the College of Engineering was born out of a common pursuit in both polymer science and chemical engineering: “Upon analyzing the electrochemical data and conducting ex-situ spectroscopic analysis of our synthesized material, it became apparent that while the results provided insight into structural changes before and after the electrochemical process, they failed to elucidate the changes occurring during the electrochemical working conditions,” reveals Saha. “Understanding these dynamics is crucial from both material and electrochemistry perspectives. Realizing this gap, we sought collaboration with Nianqiang Wu's research group, renowned for their expertise in in-situ spectroscopy, and Peng Bai's research group, known for their proficiency in density-functional theory calculations. Both groups eagerly joined forces with us due to the interdisciplinary nature of the project and our shared goal of developing and comprehending a cost-effective material suitable for environmental applications. I want to extend special mention to Jiacheng Wang, a graduate student from Bai's research group, and Chaoyun Tang, a senior research fellow from Wu's research group, for their invaluable assistance throughout this collaborative endeavor.”
This UMass research, which details the creation of mesoporous single atom-cluster Fe–N/C electrocatalysts, has the potential to significantly impact both science and society. “In science, it advances our understanding of catalysis and materials science, potentially leading to more efficient, inexpensive, and sustainable energy conversion technologies,” explains Saha. “In society, the application of these electrocatalysts could contribute to the development of cleaner energy sources, thereby reducing environmental pollution and mitigating the effects of climate change. Overall, this innovation holds promise for a more sustainable future and underscores the importance of research in addressing pressing global challenges.”
Specifically, the team sees these electrocatalysts being used in two important ways:
- Clean Energy Production: these electrocatalysts could be used to make more efficient and sustainable energy conversion devices, such as water electrolyzers or fuel cells, which produce clean energy without harmful emissions.
- Renewable Fuel Production: the electrocatalysts could play a role in the production of renewable fuels, such as hydrogen, which can be used as a clean energy source in various applications, including transportation and industry.
“In short,” Saha argues, “this research opens up exciting possibilities for advancing clean energy technologies and addressing pressing environmental and societal challenges.”