Investigation of structure-property relations in transition metal based pnictides and chalcogenides for electrochemical energy storage, conversion and fuel production

Abstract

The global energy demand is rapidly escalating with increasing levels of greenhouse gases and pollutants. Hence, there is a well-established need for transition towards a green and sustainable global economy. This facilitates the development of new energy technologies using renewable energy sources that can meet the end user requirement without posing a threat to our environment. The real challenge to achieve this transition lies with respect to reduction in cost of the available renewable energy sources. Electrochemical energy systems play a significant role in energy sustainability due to their high efficiencies and quite negligible chemical and noise pollution. The core of the electrochemical energy conversion and storage technology involves the development and designing of highly efficient and durable materials that can effectively catalyze various electrochemical reactions needed to facilitate the transition towards a greener economy. This thesis is aimed to address the environmental issues using the electrochemical approach by designing and development of various catalytic materials that will favor energy conversion, storage and fuel production.