Research Projects

The global shift toward renewable and sustainable energy systems has intensified the search for clean hydrogen production methods. Among them, photocatalytic water splitting stands out due to its direct utilization of solar energy to produce hydrogen. However, conventional photocatalytic systems suffer from low quantum efficiency, primarily due to poor charge carrier separation and limited visible light utilization.1,2 With a strong foundation in piezoelectric materials and electromechanical transduction, this project aims to bridge the gap between photocatalysis and piezoelectricity by designing hybrid piezo-photocatalytic nanomaterials that simultaneously harvest light and mechanical energy to drive efficient hydrogen evolution. The core hypothesis is that mechanical deformation of piezoelectric materials generates internal electric fields that can synergistically enhance photocatalytic performance by suppressing electron-hole recombination and improving interfacial charge transport.1,2 Building on this, we propose to fabricate and optimize composite systems such as BaTiO₃-based heterostructures and high-entropy-based piezoelectric materials, leveraging both their strong piezoelectric coefficients and visible-light responsiveness. The project will involve the synthesis and optimization of advanced nanomaterials, including these BaTiO₃-based heterostructures and high-entropy piezoelectric oxides, embedded within a PVDF matrix. PVDF is selected for its inherent piezoelectricity, flexibility, and ability to form robust, self-supporting films. These composite films are designed to operate autonomously in open environments, harvesting both light and mechanical energy without relying on external ultrasonic excitation or rigid substrates. A scalable fabrication process using solution casting and electrospinning will enable reproducible production of flexible films, which will be tested under real-world conditions for durability, environmental stability, and reusability. Hydrogen evolution will be evaluated in a custom piezo-photocatalytic reactor under light-only, mechanical-only, and combined modes. Output will be quantified via gas chromatography, along with performance metrics like apparent quantum efficiency and generation rate. Structural, electronic, and piezoelectric behavior will be studied using XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, UV-Vis, PL, transient photocurrent, EIS, LSV, and PFM to gain insights into charge dynamics, band structure, and polarization effects. The development of these hybrid materials will significantly improve the efficiency and practicality of hydrogen generation systems. Beyond advancing fundamental understanding of coupled piezoelectric-photocatalytic mechanisms, the project will deliver lightweight, flexible, and self-sustaining energy harvesting platforms. The outcomes will contribute directly to the advancement of clean hydrogen production technologies aligned with national and global sustainability goals.