Nanoconfined Electrochemistry with Surface Spectroscopy: Observing and Shaping Nanoconfined Water for Sustainable Hydrogen

Electrochemical water splitting using renewable electricity is a promising approach to sustainable hydrogen production for climate-neutral energy systems. However, current technologies often rely on expensive precious-metal catalysts, which limits their large-scale application. While catalysts derived from natural sources offer a more sustainable alternative, their activity remains limited by slow reaction kinetics. A previously underutilized approach to overcoming this challenge is the molecular understanding and targeted control of interfacial water, whose structure and dynamics significantly determine electrocatalytic activity.

Dr. Wang’s research aims to specifically engineer interfacial water through nanoconfinement and the precise control of its molecular organization. This strategy enables the regulation of water structure, proton transport, and interfacial reactivity, opening new avenues for accelerating water splitting. The goal is to develop molecular design principles for more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable hydrogen production.