1:00 p.m.           Welcome

 

Professor Joseph M. Serafin,   2018 Chair, ACS New York Section, St. John's University

1:05 p.m.           Opening of the Distinguished Symposium

Professor Justyna Widera-Kalinowska,   2018 Chair-Elect, ACS New York Section, Adelphi University

1:15 p.m.           Designing Transition Metal Phosphide Nanoparticles and Composites for Effective Electrocatalytic and Photocatalytic Water Splitting

Professor Stephanie L. Brock   Wayne State University

Transition metal phosphides are of considerable research interest for the wide range of catalytic functions they imbue. These include hydrodesulfurization of fossil fuels, hydrodeoxygenation of biofuels, and electrocatalytic water splitting reactions, among others. However, the functionality of the phosphide is sensitively dependent on composition, structure and particle size. In order to better understand the roles of structure, electronics, and surface chemistry on catalytic activity and stability, synthetic methods that enable composition, structure, and size to be targeted, and that yield low-polydispersity samples, are needed. In this presentation, the synthesis of bimetallic manganese and ruthenium phosphide nanoparticles M2–xMnxP (M = Fe, Co) and Ni2–xRuxP will be described and their composition-dependent activity for electrocatalytic water oxidation presented. The role of structure, site occupancy, and electronic considerations on functionality will be discussed in the context of designing more active and stable electrocatalysts. Finally, as a means to translate electrocatalytic activity into photocatalytic activity, the design of porous nanoparticle assemblies that blend phosphides with light-harvesting sulfide nanoparticles will be described and their efficacy for photocatalytic water reduction discussed in light of interfacial characteristics. The talk will conclude with a discussion of the importance of rational nanomaterials synthesis and design in addressing 21st century energy and environmental needs.

 

2:00 p.m.           Modulating Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Mechanisms for the Efficient Production of Fuels

Dr. Jillian L. Dempsey   University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Molecular transformations of interest for solar fuel production are underpinned by proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions. To optimize efficiency in the catalytic reactions that mediate fuel production, this proton-electron reactivity must be carefully orchestrated. Our group utilizes a combination of electrochemical methods and time-resolved spectroscopy to elucidate the mechanisms of PCET reactions in both transition metal-based hydrogen-evolving catalysts and model systems. By systematically examining the influence of various reaction parameters—including catalyst structure, ligand electronics and proton source—on the PCET mechanisms and the kinetics of their elementary reaction steps, we are revealing how the PCET reaction space can be intentionally traversed. These findings are providing the blueprints for next-generation catalyst design.

 

2:45 p.m.           Coffee Break

3:15 p.m.           Operando Methods for the Study of Energy Materials

Dr. Héctor D. Abruña   Cornell University

This presentation will deal with the development of operando methods for the study and characterization of fuel cell and battery materials. The presentation will begin with a brief overview of the methods employed. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) X-ray microscopy and tomography and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) all under active potential control. The utility of these methods will be illustrated by selected examples including electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction and spectroscopic studies of Li/S batteries and lithium dendrite formation dynamics. The use of operando TEM will be illustrated by studies of fuel cell catalyst degradation and coalescence and lithiation/de-lithiation dynamics of LiFePO4 via energy-filtered TEM. Finally the concept of symmetrical redox flow batteries will be demonstrated. The presentation will conclude with an assessment of future directions.

 

4:00 p.m.           Architectural Design, 1D Walls, 3D Plumbing, and Painting Blind en Route to Multifunctional Nanoarchitectures for Energy Storage

Dr. Debra R. Rolison,   U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

Nichols Medalist

Our team at the Naval Research Laboratory looks at rate-critical chemical processes where events per second are required for high performance in such technologies as energy storage, energy conversion, (electro)catalysis, and sensing. We then design next-generation systems built around pore–solid nanoarchitectures that seamlessly embody all of the requisite rate functions for high-performance electrochemistry: molecular mass transport, ionic/electronic/thermal conductivity, and electron-transfer kinetics. We have taken the lessons from 20 years of probing the operational and design characteristics of catalytic and energy-relevant nanoarchitectures to create a zinc sponge—a stand-alone, 3D-wired anode that improves current distribution within the electrode structure during charge–discharge cycling, thwarts dendrite-formation, and can challenge the energy density of Li-ion battery packs, all while using safer aqueous-based chemistry. With this breakthrough, we are now addressing the family of zinc-based rechargeable alkaline batteries: nickel–3D zinc, silver–3D zinc, MnO2–3D zinc, and even rechargeable 3D zinc–air. The route we have taken to move from a creative concept to a fabricated reality to the necessary fundamental characterization to prototype development (and ultimately commercialization by outside companies) will be described.

 

5:15 p.m.           Social Hour

6:15 p.m.           William H. Nichols Medal Award Dinner
                Professor Henry White of the University of Utah will introduce the 2018 Medalist