Research Interest Proposal （2）-continued

My past research experience has prepared me to carry out computational research on new energy-related materials, especially oxygen reduction reactions, during my PhD program. The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is one of the electrochemical energy conversion processes that plays a very important role in renewable energy technologies, including fuel cells and metal−air batteries. Driven by the need for efficient and low-cost ORR catalysts, which are essential for mass marketing a fuel cell technology to address the world’s energy needs, the search for a highly active catalyst to replace noble metal cathodes is very urgent. As for the efficiency of PEMFC, it is determined by the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode, and up to now the most effective cathode catalysts for an ORR have been platinum-based catalysts. However, its large scale commercial applications are hindered by the high cost of Pt. The Pt-based electrode also suffers from low selectivity, poor durability, and CO deactivation. Therefore, I would study non-precious metal-based catalysts for ORR, like Cu and Fe metal alloys or other C-based catalysts. My work would combine computation with corresponding experiments. Through computation we could indentify probable highly active ORR catalysts, which could be verified via appropriate experimentation. I would greatly appreciate this opportunity to expand my research and would work hard to continue to improve my academic research skills while pursuing a PhD.