TOPIC：Mechanistic Studies of Electrochemical Interfaces for Rational Design of Energy Materials
SPEAKER：Dr. Zhenxing Feng，School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University， USA
TIME：Aug. 8 (Monday)AM10:00
LOCATION：化学A楼528演讲厅
INVITER：马紫峰 教授

Abstract：
For electrochemical systems such as batteries and fuel cells, the gas/solid and liquid/solid interfaces are critical parts where many important reactions take place. Revealing the mechanism of these interfacial processes will help design efficient energy conversion and storage devices. In this talk, I will discuss how we study both model systems and real materials for fundamental understanding and real applications. The first example will be magnesium (Mg) battery, which can potentially replace current state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery in electric vehicles. Using thin film model systems, we have explored the electrochemical performance of Mg spinel oxides as new battery cathodes, as well as the intercalation mechanism of Mg2+ at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces. In the second example, we have studied a series of spinel ferrites to explore their pseudocapacitive as well as electrochemical catalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). By combining electrochemical tests and in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements, we have figured out the property descriptors, and provide the design principles of spinel ferrites as supercapacitors and electrocatlyasts. These design rules are applied to successfully predict and test other transition metal spinels’ electrochemical properties.

Bio:
Zhenxing Feng graduated from Peking University in China with BS in Physics. He obtained MS in Physics from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering of Northwestern University, USA. Then he spent two years at Electrochemical Energy Lab of Mechanical Engineering at MIT for postdoctoral trainings. After working in Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR) of Argonne National Lab for 3 years in advanced battery research, he moved to Oregon State University as an assistant professor. He is interested in finding design principles of various materials for energy harvesting, conversion and storage applications.