Investigador: Juan Santana
Descripción: This research project is organized to accomplish three goals: Goal 1: Studying catalysis for the oxygen reduction reaction using non-platinum group metal and non-metal catalysts Goal 2: Studying catalysis and stability for the oxygen evolution reaction using non-platinum group metal and non-metal catalysts Goal 3: Training underrepresented students in the development of non-PGM and non-metal catalysts for the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. PIRES-PR has two main thrusts. 1 (T1), led by Santiago, will study the specific location of the catalytic site for the ORR on non-PGM catalysts. Thrust 2 (T2), led by Colón, will study the separation of catalytic sites from the reacting molecules by using intercalations of bimetallic, trimetallic, and tetrametallic non-PGM catalysts to decrease degradation at high potentials required for the OER and control of catalytic activity.T1 and T2 will support Goals 1 and 2 while intersecting in support of Goal 3. In this proposal, our long-term goal (Goal 3) is to train a pool of talented young scientists, chemists, and engineers from underrepresented groups with the critical skills and expertise needed for the full breath of research in basic energy sciences. To reach this goal, an interdisciplinary research team underrepresented in the energy workforce will train Hispanic undergraduate and graduate students in fundamental research on catalysis science for the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. Training students with the knowledge to perform basic energy research provides the best opportunity to reach this ambitious goal while building a pipeline and capacity for a diverse STEM workforce.