Xuesong Zhang will defend his PhD thesis on 30 October 2025
The PhD researcher Xuesong Zhang from the NN group at ICMAB-CSIC, will defend his PhD thesis on Thursday, 30 October 2025 at ICMAB.
Rational Design and Synthesis of Advanced Nanocrystals with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activities for Water Splitting
PhD Candidate: Xuesong Zhang
Date: Thursday, 30 October 2025 Time: 11.00 AM Venue: C1/070-1 Sala de Graus - Faculty of Sciences - UAB
Abstract
The global transition toward sustainable energy underscores hydrogen's potential as a carbon-neutral energy carrier. This thesis explores the development of cost-effective nanostructured electrocatalysts for water electrolysis, aiming to reduce reliance on noble metals. Au@Pt core-shell nanocrystals were produced by a microwave-assisted synthesis which achieved enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity with significantly reduced platinum loading. For the oxygen evolution reaction, co-doping of NiFe layered double hydroxides with boron and aluminum demonstrated improved activity and stability, even in seawater electrolysis.
Finally, the synthesis of Cu@CoO nanoheterostructures enabled efficient methanol and ethanol oxidation, offering alternative anodic reactions that add value to hydrogen production. Collectively, this work advances both the fundamental understanding and practical design of high-performance catalysts for sustainable hydrogen energy.
Supervisors
Pablo Guardia, ICMAB-CSIC, Spain
PhD Committee
President: Teresa Andreu Arbella, UB, Spain
Secretary: Lluís Soler Turu, UPC, Spain
Vocal: María Escudero Escribano, UAB, Spain
University: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)
