Research Areas

Dr. Kalu and members of his research group are interested in the synthesis and characterization of materials for their performance applications. Nanocluster materials for electrocatalysis (electrochemical and solar power sources), very low and high temperature catalysis (hydrogen generation) and near-room temperature catalysis (waste recovery/treatment and biomaterials) are being investigated. We are investigating suitable choice of the synthesis and processing routes to control the functional performances of the catalyst and thus tailor the catalyst properties. We aim to understand the physics and chemistry at molecular level (nanoparticles) that guide and influence the behavior of materials. By exploring such fundamental issues, we hope to contribute to the general understanding of methods of assembling materials through “bottom-up” for the optimization of their performance properties.

The development of non-Pt based electrode for oxygen electrocatalysis is the long-term goal but our short-term investigation centers on developing Pt-based electrocatalyst capable of improving the potential loss on oxygen electrode.

Our interest in clean hydrogen generation for fuel cell applications centers on developing new synthetic methods for catalysts that can be used at very low temperatures (< 350oC) and have high selectivity for hydrogen production. For in-situ remediation of soil, ground and/or surface water contaminated with halogenated hydrocarbons, the development of efficient zero valent metal nanocluster catalysts is paramount. For biosensor applications, we are investigating physical adsorption and co-deposition of metal nanoparticles and biocatalysts (enzymes). We are interested in using polymer-stabilized metal nanocluster catalysts and electroless methods in the development of multi-metallic catalysts capable of achieving the stated objectives.


Selected Publications

E. E. Kalu, "Properties of Nanocrystalline Electrodeposited CoFeP Alloy with Low Phosphorus Content", J. Solid. State Electrochem. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10008-006-0252-6 (2006)

D. Foxx, E. E. Kalu, "Amperometric Biosensor Based on Thermally Activated Polymer-Stabilized Metal Nanoparticles", Electrochem. Commun. 9, 584 - 590 (2007)

D. De, E. E. Kalu, P. P. Tarjan and J. D. Englehardt, "Kinetic studies of the electrochemical treatment of nitrate and nitrite ions on iridium-modified carbon fiber electrodes", Chemical Engineering & Technology, 27 (1): 56 – 64 (2004)

S. Grady, G. D. Wesson, M. M. Abdullah and E. E. Kalu, "Prediction of 10-mm Hydrocyclone Separation Efficiency Using Computational Fluid Dynamics", Filtration & Separation, 40 (9) 41 - 46 (2003)

E. E. Kalu, T. Nwoga, V. Srinivasan and J. W. Weidner, "Cyclic Voltammetric Studies of Effects of Time and Temperature on the Capacitance of Electrochemically Deposited Nickel Hydroxide", J. Power Sources, 92, 163-167 (2001)


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