Synthesis and Characterization of Nanoenergy Materials for Hydrogen (H2) Production by Water Splitting

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Reliable renewable energy is a major sector with the constantly growing needs and dependency of energy almost everywhere today. Among various energy sources, hydrogen is most favorable due to its abundance, zero emission, storability, and high energy density. Hydrogen can be produced by water splitting where water is split into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) gases via hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Reliable and efficient ways to split water is by electrolysis and photolysis. The objective of this proposal is to synthesize two types of nanostructured materials - electrocatalysts and photocatalysts - for water splitting to obtain H2 gas by electrolysis and photolysis. Nanostructured 3d transition metal oxides (MO), hydroxides (MOH), sulphides (MS) and phosphides (MP) will be synthesized by electrodeposition, hydrothermal and anodization processes. Electrochemical baths with appropriate metal salts with controlled pH will be used to synthesize MO and MOH. MS and MP will be prepared by using hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas and sodium hypophosphite in appropriate electrolytes. These electrocatalysts and photocatalysts will be used to fabricate electrodes for electrolysis and photolysis to generate H2 using HER. The outcome of this program will lead to in-depth comprehension of synthesis and characterization of nanostructured MO, MOH, MS, MP for H2 production by water splitting processes. HQPs, will be trained in this field of increasing demand in this fast advancing technological world. They will comprise graduate and undergraduate students, postdocs and research professionals, who will acquire comprehensive and hands-on training on material synthesis and characterization techniques, which is essential as the Canadian economy booster. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, increasing Canada's visibility in energy research activities. New and intensive of existing Canadian and international collaborations will be established.