"Material Conversion" Team at CESD-I2CNER

In Situ Operando Spectroscopy

To achieve elemental and material cycling, the development of innovative materials and systems is essential. Understanding the behaviour and properties of materials under reaction conditions is crucial for this purpose. Therefore, it is necessary to create a foundation focused on surface and bulk information of materials through operando spectroscopic measurements. Surface information is extremely important for understanding how materials interact and react with gas-phase and liquid-phase molecules. On the other hand, bulk information provides critical insights into the properties and stability of the materials themselves. This study aims to integrate these pieces of information through non-steady-state operando measurements to optimise material conversion processes and develop new materials and systems for sustainable cycling systems. Our team is applying modulation excitation spectroscopy (MES) for infrared, Raman, X-ray absorption, and X-ray scattering.

Heterogeneous Catalysis

Catalytic processes are key elements in reducing CO₂ emissions and other waste products by turning them into fuels and value-added products. By finding alternative pathways, catalysts lower the energy requirement for chemical reactions and improve their selectivity towards the desired products. Catalysis research aims to develop high-performance catalysts with minimal incorporation of noble metals. We utilise in-situ spectroscopy to study catalysts under the relevant reaction conditions. The findings regarding reaction mechanisms and the role of catalysts are vital to rationally design next-generation catalysts for carbon-neutral technologies.

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Green Hydrogen Production by Water Electrolysis

The central aim of this research topic is to foster the production of green hydrogen through water electrolysis, thereby encouraging the widespread adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Achieving this vision necessitates a significant advancement in water electrolysis technology. Currently, the large overpotential of the oxygen evolution reaction is a bottleneck. Our strategy aims to leverage urea electro-oxidation as a potent anodic reaction, which in turn amplifies hydrogen generation at the cathode. This method not only reduces dependence on conventional fossil fuels, but also paves the way for eco-friendly fuel production for vehicles using abundant resource such as water.

This research topic is a collaborative effort involving three institutes in Thailand, funded by JST-NEXUS (Link to JST-NEXUS).

1. Khon Kaen University (Prof. Kaewta Jetsrisuparb, Prof. Jesper Knijnenburg)
2. Chulalongkorn University (Dr. Manunya Okhawilai)
3. National Nanotechnology Center (Dr. Sanchai Kuboon, Dr. Pongkarn Chakthranont)

CO₂ Capture

We are pioneering innovative solutions to address the pressing issue of CO₂ emissions. Our research focuses on the development of CO₂ capture technologies utilising amine-based solid materials. By employing low-temperature regeneration processes, we aim to significantly reduce energy costs associated with CO₂ capture.

• Energy Efficiency: Our low-temperature regeneration process minimises energy consumption, making CO₂ capture more sustainable and cost-effective.
• Environmental Impact: By reducing the energy required for CO₂ capture, we lower the carbon footprint of the process, contributing to a cleaner environment.
• Scalability: Our technology is designed to be scalable, making it suitable for various industrial applications.