(2mm) Interfacial Engineering for Plasmon-Enhanced Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Biosensing applications

A rapidly evolving field of research focusing on interfacial engineering for plasmon-enhanced energy conversion (hydrogen evolution) and biosensors is at the intersection of materials science, catalysis, and nanotechnology. This research interest seeks to enhance energy efficiency through water splitting by leveraging the unique properties of plasmonic nanostructures. Developing a solid understanding of plasmonic effects and their interactions with light, particularly in the context of photocatalysis, and exploring the basics of energy conversion and biosensors are vital. The mechanisms involved in proton reduction at catalytic interfaces are fundamental information in plasmon-enhanced chemical reactions. We investigated various plasmonic nanostructures, such as metallic nanoparticles (e.g., gold, silver), nanoantennas, nanorods, and hybrid structures, with a focus on their size, shape, composition, and plasmon resonance properties.

In plasmon-enhanced catalysis, optimizing the interface between plasmonic nanostructures and catalyst materials is also an important parameter. Surface modification, ligand chemistry, and functionalization approaches are used to control interface properties. To facilitate the energy conversion, plasmonic nanostructures are integrated with various catalyst materials, such as metal catalysts (e.g., Pt, Pd, Ni, Co) or non-metal catalysts. In plasmonic-enhanced systems, the investigation of the dynamics of charge carriers produced by light, including electron-hole separation, migration, and recombination are important. Designating and optimizing plasmonic-enhanced energy devices, considering factors such as catalyst loading, nanoparticle distribution, and reactor configuration were considered. This helps to develop methods to improve the efficiency and stability of overall devices.

My research projects focused on understanding the magnetic, plasmonic, magnetoplasmonic, electrochemistry, and photoelechemistry of electronic and photonic nanomaterials. In addition, we demonstrated interest in innovative and frontier research that involves nanomaterials and their application in chemical sensing, biosensing, energy storage and energy conversion, environmental applications, photoelectrochemical reactions, and plasmon-mediated chemical reactions.

Teaching Interest

My teaching portfolio includes university-level General Chemistry I, II, and labs, Chemical Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry and Chemical Kinetics, Analytical Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Quantum Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Scientific Writing in face-to-face and distance learning platforms. My teaching approaches involve different student-centered teaching methods, such as brainstorming, lecture, tutorial and seminars, practical classes, industrial visits, group or individual assignments, independent, web-based and computer-assisted learning, presentations and group discussion, project work, demonstration, observation, and problem-solving. Furthermore, as an educator, my goal is to contribute to shaping the graduate profile of the learner in terms of acquired knowledge of chemicals and cultivating their ability to access, identify, organize, and communicate chemical knowledge effectively. In addition to the classroom setting, as part of my extracurricular activity, I work in harmony with faculties and school administrations to shape learners to value intellectual integrity, respect for truth, and the ethics of research and scholarly activities.

Moreover, I have a record of active participation in services and activities at universities and colleges where I taught, advised, and in the community where I have lived.

Keywords: Nanotechnology, Catalysis, Electrochemical Fundamental, Biosensors/Devices, Hydrogen production, Nanomaterials, Energy-Water Nexus, Bionanotechnology