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⚡️ PhD Dissertation Defense - Success!

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

During my Ph.D. research, I had the opportunity to explore a fascinating area of materials science: the development of nitrogen-doped graphene (N-G) and N-G/MOF nanocatalysts as sustainable alternatives to precious metal catalysts for electrochemical energy systems. My dissertation, titled “Material Degradation and Analysis of N-Doped Graphene/MOF Nanocatalysts for ORR in Electrochemical Energy Systems,” focuses on understanding how these advanced carbon-based materials behave during catalytic reactions.

The central question guiding this work was simple but important: how can we design efficient, durable, and affordable catalysts that can replace expensive precious metals like platinum?

To explore this, I investigated the relationships between material synthesis, structure, and catalytic performance. A major focus of the research was understanding how different nitrogen functional groups in graphene influence the catalytic activity of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which plays a key role in technologies such as fuel cells and metal–air batteries.

Through a combination of material synthesis, structural characterization, and electrochemical testing, I examined how the integration of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with nitrogen-doped graphene modifies the electronic structure and catalytic active sites. Techniques such as linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV) helped reveal how these materials perform under different electrochemical environments, including both alkaline and acidic conditions.

Another important aspect of the research involved understanding material durability. In real electrochemical systems, catalysts can degrade over time due to reactive species such as hydrogen peroxide and related oxidative intermediates. My work investigated how these species affect catalyst stability and how the structure of materials such as ZIF-8-derived components behaves in aqueous electrochemical environments.

Overall, this research helped clarify several key aspects of structure–performance relationships in carbon-based nanocatalysts, offering insights that can guide the design of more efficient and durable catalyst materials.

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue working on next-generation electrochemical materials for sustainable energy systems. My future interests include scalable catalyst synthesis, durability engineering, and structure-driven performance optimization for technologies such as fuel cells, batteries, and other clean energy systems.

Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the development of high-performance and cost-effective alternatives to precious metal catalysts, helping accelerate the transition toward more sustainable and widely deployable energy technologies.

Happy to research and work toward a sustainable future! 🌱⚡

Table of Contents

🔬🧪👩‍🔬📈 Collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), NY, USA.

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific discovery often grows stronger through collaboration. During my Ph.D. research, I had the opportunity to work on several collaborative projects with scientists at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) in New York, USA.

The CFN is a U.S. Department of Energy user facility that provides advanced characterization tools and scientific expertise for nanoscience research. Through this collaboration, I was able to investigate the structural and chemical properties of advanced nanomaterials using high-end facilities that are rarely available in standard laboratory environments.

These collaborative projects focused on understanding the structure–function relationships of nitrogen-doped graphene and metal–organic framework (MOF) based nanomaterials, particularly for electrochemical catalysis and thermal energy applications.

The Value of National Laboratory Collaboration

Working with a national laboratory such as BNL offers a unique research environment. The collaboration allowed our research team to combine:

Academic research at NJIT’s Advanced Energy Systems and Microdevices Laboratory
Advanced characterization facilities at CFN
Scientific discussions with experts specializing in nanomaterials and surface science

This environment enabled us to explore fundamental scientific questions about nanomaterials that would otherwise be difficult to investigate.

Beyond instrumentation, the collaboration fostered an atmosphere of scientific exchange, mentorship, and interdisciplinary problem solving.

Research Themes of the Collaboration

My collaborative work at CFN mainly focused on nitrogen-doped graphene (N-G) and metal–organic framework (MOF) based nanocatalysts. These materials are promising candidates for energy technologies because of their tunable structure and catalytic activity.

The key research topics I worked on include the following.

1. Durability of N-G/MOF Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

One of the major projects focused on evaluating the durability of highly active MOF-modified nitrogen-doped graphene catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a critical reaction in fuel cells and metal–air batteries.

This work aimed to understand how the catalyst structure evolves during long-term electrochemical operation and how structural degradation influences catalytic performance.

2. Evolution of Nitrogen Functional Groups in N-G/MOF Composites

Another key research question involved quantifying the changes in nitrogen functional groups when a metal–organic framework structure such as ZIF-8 is integrated with nitrogen-doped graphene.

Nitrogen functionalities—such as pyridinic, pyrrolic, and graphitic nitrogen—play a significant role in determining catalytic activity. Understanding how these groups evolve during material synthesis helps clarify the origin of catalytic performance.

3. Structural Evolution of Catalytic Active Sites

In addition to quantifying nitrogen groups, our work also investigated the chemical structural evolution of catalytic active sites formed during the integration of N-G and MOF materials.

By combining synthesis and advanced characterization, we examined how the interaction between graphene structures and MOF-derived components leads to the formation of new catalytic sites.

This insight is essential for designing more efficient non-precious metal catalysts for electrochemical energy systems.

4. Identification of Catalytic Sites in N-G/MOF Nanocatalysts

Another focus of the collaboration was to investigate the nature and distribution of catalytic active sites within N-G/MOF nanocatalysts.

Advanced characterization techniques helped us examine how different structural features—such as nitrogen configurations, carbon structure, and MOF-derived components—contribute to catalytic activity.

These studies contribute to the broader effort of replacing expensive platinum-based catalysts with sustainable carbon-based alternatives.

5. Nanomaterials for Enhancing Phase Change Materials (PCM)

Beyond electrocatalysis, our collaboration also explored the use of nitrogen-doped carbon nanomaterials and MOFs as additives for phase change materials (PCMs).

PCMs are widely used for thermal energy storage and temperature regulation. By integrating nanomaterials with PCMs, we investigated ways to enhance properties such as:

Thermal conductivity
Energy storage efficiency
Material stability

This work connects nanomaterial science with thermal energy management technologies.

Learning from the CFN Research Environment

Working with scientists at CFN provided valuable exposure to advanced research practices. The experience allowed me to:

– Conduct experiments using state-of-the-art characterization tools

– Collaborate with experts in nanomaterials and surface chemistry

– Interpret complex structural and spectroscopic data

– Connect fundamental material properties with device-level performance

These collaborations also strengthened the scientific foundation of several publications and ongoing research projects.

Personal Reflection

My experience collaborating with Brookhaven National Laboratory has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my doctoral research journey. The collaboration not only expanded the scope of our research but also provided valuable insights into how large-scale research facilities operate.

Working alongside scientists from different disciplines and institutions reinforced an important lesson in research: breakthrough discoveries often emerge from collaborative efforts that combine diverse expertise and resources.

My Thoughts on Collaboration with BNL

Collaborative research at national laboratories plays a crucial role in advancing modern science. My work with the Center for Functional Nanomaterials at Brookhaven National Laboratory allowed me to explore the complex chemistry and structure of advanced nanomaterials while contributing to the development of technologies for energy conversion and thermal energy storage.

These experiences continue to shape my approach to research, emphasizing both fundamental understanding and practical application of advanced materials.

🎉 NSF I-Corps Journey - Go out and know the Market

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Welcome 👋

Table of Contents

Overview

Academic research often focuses on scientific discovery and technological advancement. However, translating a laboratory innovation into a real-world product requires a deep understanding of market needs, industry challenges, and potential customers. My participation in the National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps Program provided a unique opportunity to bridge this gap.

As the Entrepreneurial Lead (EL) of our team, I worked alongside my research supervisor and industry collaborators to explore the commercialization potential of our technology: Nano-Carbon Enhanced Optimizable Phase Change Materials (NEO-PCM). The program challenged us to step outside the laboratory and engage directly with industry professionals to understand how our technology could create real value.

What is NSF I-Corps?

The NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program is designed to help researchers evaluate the commercial potential of their technologies. Unlike traditional academic training, the program emphasizes customer discovery, market validation, and entrepreneurial thinking.

One of the core principles of I-Corps is simple but powerful:

“Get out of the building.”

Instead of assuming who the customers are, teams must go out and talk to them.

Our Technology: NEO-PCM

Our project focuses on Nano-Carbon Enhanced Optimizable Phase Change Materials (NEO-PCM). These advanced materials are designed to improve thermal energy storage and temperature regulation in various applications, including:

👉 Cold-chain logistics and pharmaceutical storage
👉 HVAC and building energy efficiency
👉 Electronics cooling and thermal management
👉 Sustainable packaging and temperature-controlled shipping

By incorporating functional nano-carbon materials, the NEO-PCM technology aims to improve thermal conductivity, stability, and overall energy efficiency.

Customer Discovery: Talking to the Market

A major component of the I-Corps program is customer discovery interviews. As the team’s Entrepreneurial Lead, I conducted more than 100 interviews with professionals across multiple industries.

These conversations included:

💬 Industry engineers and technology managers
💬 Supply chain and cold-chain logistics experts
💬 Packaging and insulation companies
💬 Energy and HVAC specialists
💬 Investors and commercialization experts

The purpose of these interviews was not to sell our technology, but rather to listen and learn. Each discussion helped us understand:

💡 The real problems companies face
💡 Current technological limitations
💡 Market gaps and unmet needs
💡 Decision-making processes in industry

This process fundamentally reshaped our assumptions about the market.

Building a Business Model

Another critical component of the I-Corps journey was the development of a Business Model Canvas (BMC). The BMC framework helped us organize our understanding of the commercialization pathway by identifying key elements such as:

Customer segments
Value propositions
Key partners
Distribution channels
Cost structure and revenue streams

By iteratively refining the business model based on feedback from interviews, we gradually aligned our technology with real industry needs rather than hypothetical assumptions.

Lessons from the I-Corps Experience

Participating in the NSF I-Corps program taught me several valuable lessons about technology commercialization:

1. Technology alone is not enough

Even a strong scientific innovation must solve a clearly defined problem for customers.

2. The market defines value

The perceived value of a technology depends on the needs and priorities of industry stakeholders.

3. Listening is more important than pitching

Customer discovery is about learning from conversations, not convincing people.

4. Iteration is essential

Assumptions must constantly be tested and refined as new information emerges.

Impact on My Research Perspective

The I-Corps experience significantly broadened my perspective as a researcher. It highlighted the importance of connecting fundamental research with real-world applications and market demand.

Rather than viewing commercialization as a separate activity, I now see it as a complementary process that can guide research directions and accelerate the adoption of new technologies.

My Takeaways

The NSF I-Corps journey was an invaluable experience that allowed me to explore the intersection of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. By conducting over 100 industry interviews and developing a structured business model for NEO-PCM technology, our team gained a clearer understanding of how advanced materials can transition from laboratory research to impactful real-world solutions.

For researchers interested in bringing their innovations to market, the key takeaway from I-Corps is simple:

Go out, talk to people, and truly understand the problem you are trying to solve.

👩🏼‍🏫 Blog Post - Materials Characterization Series; Raman Spectroscopy

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The First Time I Saw a Raman Spectrum

During my Ph.D. research, I spent many hours working with different nanomaterials, including graphene, nitrogen-doped graphene, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), N-G/MOF composites, and phase change materials (PCMs). Among the many characterization techniques I used, Raman spectroscopy always felt special.

I still remember the excitement when I collected my first Raman spectrum of a Nitrogen-doped Graphene catalyst. After focusing the laser onto the sample and running the scan, a set of peaks appeared on the screen. These peaks were not just random signals—they were the fingerprints of the material’s atomic structure.

What fascinated me the most was the idea behind these peaks.

They appear because of phonons, which are the quantized vibrations of atoms in a crystal lattice. In other words, the atoms inside the material are vibrating, and the laser light interacts with those vibrations. The spectrum we observe is essentially a conversation between light and atomic motion.

At that moment, it almost felt mysterious—like seeing something invisible suddenly reveal itself - A ghost!! Ha ha … …

By the way, let’s have a deep dive into the fundamentals at this point.

Light, Energy, and Vibrations

To understand Raman spectroscopy, we need to think about how light interacts with matter.

When a monochromatic laser beam hits a material, most of the photons are scattered without losing energy. This is called Rayleigh scattering. However, a very small fraction of the light interacts with the vibrational energy of the atoms in the material.

During this interaction, the scattered photon may:

Lose energy to the lattice vibration (Stokes scattering), or
Gain energy from an already excited vibration (anti-Stokes scattering).

The energy difference between the incoming and scattered light corresponds exactly to the vibrational modes of the material. These energy differences appear as peaks in the Raman spectrum.

When I first learned this, I was amazed: the peaks I saw on the computer screen were actually signatures of atomic vibrations occurring inside the material.

Why Graphene Raman Spectra Are So Special

Graphene is one of the most fascinating materials to study with Raman spectroscopy because its spectrum reveals a lot about its structure.

A typical graphene Raman spectrum contains several important peaks, including:

G peak (~1580 cm⁻¹) This peak corresponds to the in-plane vibration of sp² carbon atoms.
D peak (~1350 cm⁻¹) This peak appears when defects are present in the graphene structure.
2D peak (~2700 cm⁻¹) This peak is related to second-order phonon scattering and provides information about the number of graphene layers.

Each peak tells a story about the material. By analyzing these peaks, we can learn about:

Structural defects
Degree of graphitization
Layer thickness
Doping effects
Structural disorder

For a researcher working with graphene-based materials, Raman spectroscopy becomes almost like a diagnostic tool for the atomic structure.

Watching the Structure Change

During my experiments, I collected Raman spectra for many materials:

Graphene oxide (GO)
Nitrogen-doped graphene (N-G)
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)
N-G/MOF composite catalysts
Nanomaterial-enhanced phase change materials (PCMs)

Each material had its own spectral signature.

For example, when nitrogen atoms were incorporated into the graphene lattice, the D/G intensity ratio often changed, reflecting increased defects or modified bonding structures. When graphene was integrated with MOFs, additional structural effects could be observed.

These spectral changes helped us understand how synthesis processes—such as ball milling, thermal treatment, or chemical functionalization altered the material structure.

In this way, Raman spectroscopy allowed us to translate spectral peaks into structural insights.

My Personal Reflection

One of the things I enjoy most about Raman spectroscopy is how it connects abstract physics with real materials.

The peaks we see on a Raman spectrum are not just data points. They represent quantized vibrations of atoms, something that cannot be seen directly but can be detected through careful measurement.

Sometimes, when I was running Raman scans late in the lab, watching those peaks appear on the screen felt almost magical. The idea that a laser beam could probe atomic vibrations and reveal structural information made me appreciate how powerful modern scientific tools are.

What initially seemed mysterious gradually became understandable through physics, chemistry, and careful analysis.

Why Raman Spectroscopy Matters

Raman spectroscopy is widely used in materials science because it provides:

Non-destructive structural characterization
Fast measurement with minimal sample preparation
Detailed information about chemical bonding and crystal structure

For graphene-based materials and nanocatalysts, Raman spectroscopy plays a crucial role in understanding structure–property relationships, which ultimately influence performance in applications such as:

Fuel cells, Batteries, Catalysts, Thermal storage materials, Electronic devices, etc.

Thoughts

Looking back, Raman spectroscopy was one of the most fascinating tools I used during my Ph.D. research. It allowed me to explore the vibrational world of atoms and understand how small structural changes can dramatically influence material behavior.

Every Raman spectrum I collected was more than just a graph—it was a window into the hidden dynamics of atoms and bonds inside the material.

And sometimes, seeing those peaks appear still feels a little like watching the invisible become visible.

Talk at TMS 2025 - Graphene/MOF/MXene Synergy for ORR Catalysis.

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In March 2025, I had the opportunity to attend the TMS 2025 Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada. The conference brought together researchers, engineers, and industry professionals from around the world to discuss advances in materials science, metallurgy, and energy technologies.

One of the highlights of the event for me was delivering an invited talk titled:

“Advanced ORR Electrocatalyst from Physicochemical Integration of N-doped Graphene, MOF, and MXene by Wet Ball Milling.”

It was an exciting opportunity to share our research with an international audience and to engage with experts working on electrochemical energy systems.

The Importance of ORR Catalysts

Electrochemical energy technologies—such as fuel cells and advanced batteries—are increasingly important for building a sustainable energy future. These systems offer higher efficiency and lower environmental impact compared to traditional energy conversion technologies.

However, a key challenge remains the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) that occurs at the cathode. This reaction often limits the efficiency of electrochemical devices.

Currently, the most widely used catalysts for ORR are platinum-group metal (PGM) catalysts. While highly effective, they are also expensive and susceptible to degradation during long-term operation. This motivates researchers worldwide to develop non-precious metal catalysts that are both efficient and durable.

Our Approach: Integrating N-Graphene, MOF, and MXene

In this research, we explored the development of a new class of carbon-based composite electrocatalysts by integrating three advanced materials:

Nitrogen-doped Graphene (N-G)
Metal–Organic Framework (MOF), specifically ZIF-8
Ti₃C₂ MXene

Each of these materials brings unique advantages:

N-doped graphene provides excellent electrical conductivity and catalytically active nitrogen sites.
MOFs offer highly porous structures that increase accessible surface area and catalytic site distribution.
MXenes contribute high electrical conductivity and chemically active transition-metal sites.

By combining these materials, we aimed to create a synergistic catalytic system capable of outperforming traditional catalysts.

Synthesis Using Wet Ball Milling

A key aspect of this work was the use of a Nanoscale High Energy Wet (NHEW) ball milling process, which enables the physicochemical integration of different nanomaterials.

The synthesis pathway involved several stages:

Nitrogen-doped graphene (N-G) was synthesized from graphene oxide and melamine.
The N-G material was then combined with ZIF-8 MOF to form an N-G/MOF composite catalyst.
In a later stage, Ti₃C₂ MXene was incorporated to produce an N-G/MOF/MXene composite catalyst.

This scalable synthesis approach allows strong interactions between the different components while preserving their functional properties.

Catalytic Performance

The electrochemical evaluation revealed several promising results.

The N-G catalyst alone demonstrated catalytic activity comparable to the benchmark 10 wt% Pt/C catalyst.

When the MOF structure was integrated, the resulting N-G/MOF composite showed even better performance than Pt/C in an alkaline electrolyte.

Finally, the N-G/MOF/MXene composite catalyst exhibited the highest catalytic activity and durability among the tested materials.

This enhanced performance can be attributed to several synergistic effects:

Transition-metal catalytic sites from MXene-derived components
Formation of catalytic TiO₂ active sites
The porous framework of the MOF
Nitrogen-active sites within the graphene structure
Highly conductive titanium-carbide layers of MXene

Together, these features created a highly efficient electron transport pathway and increased catalytic active sites.

Durability and Stability

Durability is a critical factor for practical catalyst applications. Our results showed that the composite catalyst exhibited excellent structural stability during operation.

Strong bonding between metal, metal-oxide, and carbon structures helped prevent metal leaching, while the graphene framework helped protect MXene surfaces from oxidation and passivation.

These characteristics indicate that the N-G/MOF/MXene composite has strong potential as a durable non-precious metal ORR catalyst.

Reflections from the Conference

Presenting this work at TMS 2025 was a rewarding experience. The conference provided an excellent platform to exchange ideas with researchers working on:

Electrocatalysis
Advanced nanomaterials
Energy storage technologies
Sustainable energy systems

The discussions and feedback from attendees offered valuable insights and new perspectives for future research directions.

Conferences like TMS are not only about presenting results—they are also about building connections, sharing ideas, and learning from the global research community.

Looking Forward

The development of efficient and durable non-precious metal catalysts remains an important challenge in electrochemical energy technologies.

Our work on N-G/MOF/MXene composite catalysts demonstrates how integrating multiple functional nanomaterials can create powerful catalytic systems.

I look forward to continuing research in this area and exploring how these materials can contribute to next-generation fuel cells, batteries, and sustainable energy technologies.

⭐ A memorable moment:

Presenting this work as an invited speaker at TMS 2025 was an important milestone in my research journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share our work with the international materials science community.

🎤 Attended the MRS Fall 2024 Exhibit

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In December 2024, I had the opportunity to attend the Materials Research Society (MRS) Fall Meeting 2024, one of the largest international conferences in materials science. During the conference, I delivered an oral presentation titled:

“N-doped Carbon Nanocatalyst with Zn Single Atom Catalytic Sites from N-doped Graphene and Metal-Organic Frameworks.”

The meeting brought together researchers from academia, national laboratories, and industry to discuss advances in materials for energy, electronics, nanotechnology, and sustainability. It was an exciting environment to share research and learn from the global materials science community.

The Research Idea

Nitrogen-doped carbon materials—especially nitrogen-doped graphene (N-G)—have gained strong attention as non-precious metal catalysts for electrochemical reactions. These materials show promising catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a critical process in technologies such as:

Fuel cells
Metal–air batteries
Supercapacitors

To further improve catalytic performance, researchers have explored combining N-doped graphene with metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which provide highly porous structures and chemically tunable sites.

What Makes This Catalyst Different?

Most conventional Graphene-based catalysts undergo high-temperature treatments, where metal atoms are typically removed, leaving behind porous carbon structures.

In this work, we explored a different concept:

retaining and utilizing metal atoms within the catalyst structure.

By integrating N-doped graphene with ZIF-8 MOF using a Nanoscale High Energy Wet (NHEW) ball milling process, we created a nanocatalyst containing Zn single-atom catalytic sites embedded within the carbon structure.

These Zn sites form Zn–N–C active centers, which are highly beneficial for ORR catalysis.

Key Findings from the Study

Our experimental results showed several encouraging outcomes:

The N-G catalyst alone performed close to the benchmark 10 wt% Pt/C catalyst.
The optimized N-G/MOF catalyst achieved higher ORR current density than Pt/C in both alkaline and acidic environments.
The catalyst followed a 4-electron ORR pathway, indicating efficient oxygen reduction.
After 2000 electrochemical cycles, the catalyst retained over 90% of its activity, demonstrating strong durability.

Advanced characterization techniques—including SEM, TEM, XPS, FTIR, and EDS—confirmed the formation of Zn single-atom catalytic sites dispersed within the N-doped carbon framework.

Why Single-Atom Catalysts Matter

Single-atom catalysts are an exciting frontier in catalysis research because they allow maximum utilization of metal atoms while maintaining high catalytic activity.

In this work, the combination of:

Nitrogen-doped graphene
MOF-derived porous structures
Atomically dispersed Zn catalytic sites

created a synergistic catalytic system capable of robust ORR performance.

Thoughts

My presentation at MRS 2024 was an exciting moment in my research journey. Sharing our work on N-doped carbon nanocatalysts with Zn single-atom catalytic sites reinforced the importance of designing new catalyst architectures that can replace expensive precious metals.

Advances like these bring us closer to developing efficient, durable, and affordable catalysts for next-generation electrochemical energy systems.