Defect Chemistry in Design and Development of Functional Materials for Energy Storage and Electrocatalysis Applications
March 17th, 2023 (AEST)
Dr. Sajjad Seifi Mofarah
Dr. Mofarah obtained his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, UNSW Sydney, in 2020, with a focus on electrochemistry-based synthesis and characterization of 2D metal oxides, heterostructures, and coordination polymers for energy storage and catalysis applications. He was appointed as a Research Associate at the SMaRT Centre, UNSW Sydney in April 2020 to work on cyclic reprocessing of battery materials and recovery of wastes into functional nanostructures for electrocatalysis and capacitance applications. Upon being appointed as the Chief Scientist at Vecor Technologies Pty. Ltd. in 2022, he started working on research and development of cathodic materials for lithium and sodium rechargeable batteries. His research interests include fabrication, advanced characterization, and thermodynamic analyses of defective layered oxides and perovskites for energy storage applications.
Background:
The design of nanoscale materials can be achieved by engineering the type and concentration of structural defects, which determines their functionality in surface-sensitive applications such as energy storage and electrocatalysis. Defects in semiconducting materials significantly alter their electronic band structures and surface charge, with mid-gap states forming in the former, and charge compensation occurring in the latter. These alterations can facilitate Faradaic reactions at or near the material's surface during interaction with surrounding species. However, in most cases, the majority of structural defects are not exposed to the reaction sites and are considered inactive bulk defects. Since defects serve as active sites in energy storage and catalysis applications, nanoscale engineering to maximize the number of accessible defects plays a critical role in determining the final performance of a material. Therefore, the ability to engineer defects in materials is a promising area of research and development with significant potential for advancing the field of materials science.
Goal / Rationale:
The goal of this workshop is to explore the influence of structural imperfections on the functionality of nanostructures for energy storage and electrocatalytically-driven oxygen/hydrogen evolution reactions. The discussion will cover a range of defects, from 0D to 3D, and will focus on nanoengineering strategies to control the type and density of states. Additionally, advanced characterization techniques for identifying and quantifying defects in the structure will be presented. To provide a comprehensive overview of the topic, a comparison will be made among various characterization methods, and their respective advantages and disadvantages will be highlighted. Attendees can expect to gain insights into cutting-edge research in the field of materials science and will have the opportunity to engage in discussions with leading experts in the area of defect engineering.
The main objective of this workshop is to shed light on the critical area of materials science that deals with controlling the functionality of materials and customizing their chemical properties to fit specific applications. The workshop aims to provide summarized information of the methods for creating defects and characterizing them. By exploring these cutting-edge techniques, attendees will gain valuable insights into the field of defect engineering, making this workshop a useful tool for postgraduate students and academics seeking to develop their research projects in this direction. Overall, this workshop promises to offer a valuable learning experience and an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with other professionals in the field.
Scope and Information for Participants:
The scope of this workshop is to attract professionals from the research and industry communities working in various fields, including chemistry, environmental chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science. Established researchers with a specific focus on the design of nanostructures will find the workshop particularly useful, as will new research scholars seeking to enhance their knowledge of advanced materials characterization techniques and defect chemistry. This workshop will serve as an excellent opportunity for participants to expand their understanding of the field and stay up to date with the latest developments. The content will be relevant to attendees from diverse educational backgrounds, including those with a background in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials, and physics. Overall, the workshop aims to provide an inclusive platform for participants to engage with leading experts and peers from across the globe, fostering a stimulating and collaborative environment for learning and sharing knowledge.
The workshop titled “Defect Chemistry in Design and Development of Functional Materials for Energy Storage and Electrocatalysis Applications” took place on 17 March 2023, in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at UNSW Sydney, Australia. The workshop was organised by Dr. Sajjad S. Mofarah, as part of the 3rd International Conference on Materials Chemistry and Environmental Engineering. The workshop brought together 12 highly esteemed researchers, including honours, masters, and Ph.D. students, as well as postdocs, who specialize in the fields of energy storage, including batteries and capacitors, and catalysts, such as electro- and piezophoto- catalysis.
The workshop delved into the fundamentals of defect chemistry, covering various types of defects such as 0D, 1D, and 2D defects in inorganic nanomaterials, including oxides and perovskites. Discussions were focused around the application of such defects in energy storage and O2/H2 evolution reactions (water splitting). Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the defects, their chemistries, the methods to create them, and their potential applications. Overall, the workshop proved to be a valuable forum for knowledge exchange and professional development, paving the way for future breakthroughs in the field of energy storage and electrocatalysis.
Access to Workshop:
UNSW Sydney, High St Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
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