National Taiwan University of Science and Technology

Nano Electrochemistry Lab (SEED Center)

Wei-Nien Su
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncbKxh6UcDI

Research Field

Energy Technology

Introduction

Wei-Nien Su is a professor at the Institute of Applied Science and Technology of the Taiwan University of Science and Technology and currently serves as the director of the Technology Transfer Center of the R&D Department. His research interests include energy nanomaterials and electrochemical systems, including electrocatalysts, energy storage materials, and perovskite solar cells. W.N. Su received his Master of Engineering (Diplm. Ing) from the University of Stuttgart, Germany, and later received his Ph.D. from Loughborough University in the UK. He has published more than 100 SCI papers and 13 patents. His Google Scholar citations exceed 11,000, with the H index of 54.

•E∞ center advocates fundamental research and science-based technology development on energy materials and systems, disseminates research outcomes and promotes the applications in portable devices, green communities, buildings, energy storage and transportation.


Research Topics

Energy storage materials for nonaqueous and aqueous batteries; Electrolytes and additives; Electrocatalysis, Fuel cells, Power 2 X conversion

  1. Formulation of liquid electrolytes and developing solid electrolyte materials and their surface modifications; study their effects on the metal plating and stripping.
  2. The interfacial stability and reactions of battery active materials during the charge / discharge. 
  3. The electrocatalyst’s changes in its valence state and coordination environment under operative conditions. 

Honor

--


Educational Background

PhD - Loughborough University (UK)

Dipl. Ing. - Universitaet Stuttgart (Germany)

BSc - National Taiwan University, Dept. Chem. Eng.


1 Vacancy

Job Description

Development of aqueous Zn-based  batteries

  1. Zn anode and its treatment 
  2. Aqueous electrolyte design (water in salt, dual salts, locally concentrated electrolyte, solvation structure analysis, additive, etc.)
  3. Zn plating and stripping events and interfacial phenomena
  4.  MnO2 or other suitable cathodes.

These are only suggested directions. The actual job description requires more discussion.

Applicants are suggested to read some of the following publications:

  • NIGATU, Teshome Assefa, et al. An anode-free aqueous hybrid batteries enabled by in-situ Cu/Sn/Zn alloy formation on pure Cu substrate. Electrochimica Acta, 2023, 443: 141883.
  • BEZABH, Hailemariam Kassa, et al. In-Depth Insight into a Passive Film through Hydrogen-Bonding Network in an Aqueous Zinc Battery. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2023, 15.6: 7949-7958.
  • TEKALIGNE, Teshager Mekonnen, et al. Corrosion inhibition of aluminum current collector by a newly synthesized 5-formyl-8-hydroxyquinoline for aqueous-based battery. Journal of Power Sources, 2022, 550: 232142.
  • FENTA, Fekadu Wubatu, et al. Structural engineering of α-MnO2 cathode by Ag+ incorporation for high capacity aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Journal of Power Sources, 2022, 548: 232010.
  • CLARISZA, Adriana, et al. Highly concentrated salt electrolyte for a highly stable aqueous dual-ion zinc battery. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2022, 14.32: 36644-36655.
  • OLBASA, Bizualem Wakuma, et al. Highly reversible Zn metal anode stabilized by dense and anion‐derived passivation layer obtained from concentrated hybrid aqueous electrolyte. Advanced Functional Materials, 2022, 32.7: 2103959.
  • NIGATU, Teshome Assefa, et al. Synergetic effect of water-in-bisalt electrolyte and hydrogen-bond rich additive improving the performance of aqueous batteries. Journal of Power Sources, 2021, 511: 230413.
  • OLBASA, Bizualem Wakuma, et al. High-rate and long-cycle stability with a dendrite-free zinc anode in an aqueous Zn-ion battery using concentrated electrolytes. ACS Applied Energy Materials, 2020, 3.5: 4499-4508.
  • FENTA, Fekadu Wubatu, et al. Electrochemical transformation reaction of Cu–MnO in aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries for high performance and long cycle life. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2020, 8.34: 17595-17607.

 

 

Preferred Intern Education Level

Undergraduates, graduates (master, PhD) are all welcome.

Skill sets or Qualities

  1. Electrochemistry or physical chemistry
  2. Having similar experience is preferred, but not necessary.

1 Vacancy

Job Description

Develop materials and applications in the electrocatalytic fields of P2X and H2. 

Suggested topics: 

  1. Materials or devices for H2 production or electrolyzer (HER, electrolysis);.
  2. Electrochemical synthesis of NH3 (ammonia);
  3. Electrochemical reduction of CO2 ; 
  4. Fuel cells;
  5. Power to chemicals or fuels; 
  6. Techno-economical analysis

Note: No applicant should apply for different vacant jobs at the same time. Multiple applications do not increase your chances.

Preferred Intern Education Level

Undergraduate or graduate (Master, PhD) students are all welcome.

Skill sets or Qualities

  1. Physical chemistry or electrochemistry; 
  2. Related experience is preferred, but not necessary.

1 Vacancy

Job Description

Develop and apply machine learning to spectroscopic data and help establish the methodology. 

Develop and apply machine learning to electrochemical data and help establish the methodology. 

 

Note: No applicant should apply for different vacant jobs at the same time. Multiple applications do not increase your chances.

Preferred Intern Education Level

Undergraduates and graduates (Master, PhD) are all welcome.

Skill sets or Qualities

  1. Fundamentals of chemistry and physics;
  2. Machine learning / programming