Dr. Shuhui Sun

Abstract

The development of high-performance and low-cost clean energy conversion and storage technologies is essential to achieve a Carbon-Neutral future. Hydrogen fuel cells offer significant advantages such as high efficiency, high energy density, and zero emissions, making them pivotal in the pursuit of sustainability. Hydrogen is a clean fuel that, when consumed in a fuel cell, produces only water. However, the widespread commercial application of hydrogen and fuel cells encounters obstacles, such as the high cost associated with the utilization of rare and expensive noble metal-based catalysts. On the other hand, the development of high energy density, safe, and durable batteries is critical for their broad applications in smart grids, portable devices, and electric vehicles. Lithium metal and metal-air batteries are among the most promising next-generation energy storage technologies but still face grand challenges for large-scale commercialization. In this talk, I will introduce our work on the following aspects:

1. Exploration of Single-atom catalysts (SACs) and non-precious metal catalysts for green H₂ Production. Particularly, our non-precious metal-based catalysts have demonstrated exceptional performance in freshwater and seawater splitting at high current densities (e.g. 500 mA cm⁻²).
2. Development of Low-Pt and Pt-free catalysts for hydrogen Fuel Cells. Particularly, the activity of our Fe-based catalyst has reached that of state-of-the-art commercial Pt catalysts.
3. Advancements in high-performance electrode materials and electrolytes for High-Energy-Density, Long-Life Li-Metal Batteries and Rechargeable Metal-air batteries. Specifically, we developed a patented electrolyte additive strategy to prevent lithium dendrite growth on the Li metal anode. This innovation is pivotal for producing safer, longer-lasting and higher-voltage lithium metal batteries.