WP1: Research Achievements
• Synthesized MnPSe3 and NiPS3 controllably.
• Successfully intercalated Li ions into MnPSe3’s van der Waals gaps.
• Scientific and Technological Milestones:
o Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER): Achieved a low overpotential of 48 mV at 10 mA/cm² and a Tafel slope of 95 mV/dec, indicating high catalytic efficiency and favorable reaction kinetics.
o Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER): Achieved an overpotential of 210 mV at 10 mA/cm² with a Tafel slope of 61 mV/dec, demonstrating excellent catalytic activity and efficient charge transfer.
o Overall Water Splitting: Demonstrated a cell voltage of 1.63 V at 10 mA/cm², showing dual functionality for HER and OER.
o Stability: Maintained excellent stability over 36 hours of continuous operation.
o Solar Integration: Successfully initiated water splitting using a silicon-based solar cell at close to 1.8 V, showcasing potential for sustainable energy conversion.
WP2: Training Milestones
• Secured a permanent position and Italian national habilitations at Ca’Foscari University of Venice.
• Promoted to associate professor.
• Selected as a member of the Global Young Academy and Ambassador for EUTOPIA Young Leaders Academy.
WP3: Dissemination and Communication Milestones
• Organized annual symposia (2022, 2023) on Advanced Ceramics for Environmental Remediation at the Materials Science & Technology Conference.
• Demonstrated science for children at Veneto Night (Venice, 2023).
• Taught courses at Ca’Foscari University:
o Fundamentals of Nanoscience and Technology (CM1406, 12 credits)
o Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials (CM0600, 9 credits)
o Analysis and Synthesis Techniques for Functional Surfaces and Nanostructures (PHD197, 8 credits)
• Delivered invited talks at international conferences:
o International Conference & Exposition on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (USA, 2021, 2022, 2023)
o International Ceramics Congress of CIMTEC (Italy, 2022)
o Challenges Materials Technologies Energy Conversion, Saving Storage (MATECSS) (Mexico, 2023)
o First IOCD North/South Collaborative Workshop on Energy (Mexico, 2023)
o IEEE International Conference “Nanomaterials: Applications & Properties” (IEEE NAP-2023) (Slovakia, 2023)
o International Conference on Ceramic Materials and Components for Energy and Environmental Systems (CMCEE14) in Budapest, Hungary (2024)
• Published a review paper, "Frontiers in Photoelectrochemical Catalysis: A Focus on Valuable Product Synthesis,” in Advanced Materials (2024).
• Published research in Chemical Research in Chinese Universities and Springer-Verlag GmbH (2024).
• Submitted a paper on the electrochemical evolution of metal oxyhydroxide surfaces for amine oxidation to nitrile to Carbon Energy, Wiley (under review).
