Research Interests

Solid-state hydrogen storage materials

Hydrogen storage is one of the biggest technical challenges in the global energy transition from fossil fuel to hydrogen energy. A variety of metal nitrides and imides have been developed in the lab as the efficient hydrogen storage materials. Higher storage capacity and moderate thermodynamics have been identified.

Synthesis of ternary and higher metal amides and imides

Novel routes, such as mechanochemical reaction, have been established to synthesize inorganic ternary and higher imides and amides. A series of new structures have been formed and analyzed by XRD, XPS, EXAFS, IR and NMR etc.

Direct chemical reaction between amide-hydride produces hydrogen at room temperature; water-Carbon reforming catalyzed by alkali metal salts gives hydrogen at temperature as low as 450˚C.

Synthesis, characterization and application of single- and multi-wall Carbon Nanotubes with random or aligned morphology; metal nanoparticles and nanofibers.