The Stamenkovic Lab opened in January 2022 at UC Irvine and focuses on atomic scale fundamental research in electrocatalysis, specifically developing platinum group metal (PGM) catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) used in fuel cells and applied to fuel cell electric vehicles. Supporting this research are projects on the synthesis of novel alloyed and shape controlled nanoparticle catalysts as well as the rigorous and precise characterization of these nanoparticles in various conditions and with beneficial additives and surface modifiers. At the heart of the group’s goals are deriving structure-activity and structure-stability relationships at the nanoscale that results in the design and accurate manufacture of next generation performance catalysts for fuel cells and electrolyzer systems.

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Check out our recent work featured on the cover of ACS Catalysis:

From Fundamentals to E-Chem Devices

Our approach aims to encompass a range of length scales which allows implementation of the most advanced discoveries and approaches at the atomic level in practical electrochemical devices. At the most basic level, we use well-defined single crystal surfaces to look at how surface manipulation alters surface-adsorbate interactions. Thin films have become a key tool which allow rapid fabrication of new surfaces approaching the well defined nature of classically produced single crystals. Moving up in length scales, extended surfaces and mesostructured thin films offer a bridge towards nanoparticle systems design for use in real world systems. This holistic approach allows us to change one variable at a time to develop our understanding of electrochemical systems.