Research Projects

This study proposes the synthesis of a carbon-supported high entropy alloy (HEA) of five non-noble metal nanoparticles, namely Cu, Fe, Al, Ni, and Co. The carbon-supported nanocomposite material (QHEA) will be synthesized using a hybrid approach combining chemical-thermal-mechanical methods. Phenolic polymeric beads will be in situ doped with metal salts during the polymerization process, allowing for a high and uniform loading of CFANC metal nanoparticles. The polymeric beads will undergo thermal treatment, including hydrogen-reduction and carbonization, and the carbon-supported QHEA will be subjected to ball milling or mechanical steps depending on the end-use. The proposed QHEA material will be tested as an electrocatalyst for four reactions: carbon dioxide reduction (CRR), nitrogen reduction (NRR), oxygen reduction (ORR), and water splitting (WSR). The study aims to develop a hybrid, less energy- and chemicals-intensive route to synthesize the carbon-supported non-noble metal nanoparticles-based QHEA-electrocatalyst capable of catalyzing various reactions in energy and environmental sectors. The preliminary data suggests the development of a thermally, mechanically, and chemically stable porous structure with a high surface area, ensuring sustainable synergic effects of Al, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Co.