Yogesh Kumar

My research focuses on the design, synthesis, and application of advanced electrocatalytic materials for sustainable hydrogen production and electrochemical energy conversion. I develop various catalytic materials, including metal oxides, sulfides, and phosphides, as well as noble-metal-based systems supported on engineered carbon materials. By tuning composition, morphology, and electronic structure, I aim to enhance catalytic activity, stability, and efficiency. A key aspect of my work involves the controlled synthesis of nanostructured catalysts using methods such as hydrothermal synthesis, polyol reduction, and thermal treatment. These approaches enable improved dispersion of active sites and strong metal–support interactions, which are critical for achieving high catalytic performance. The synthesized materials are evaluated for hydrogen production via water electrolysis, including conventional alkaline water splitting as well as saline water electrolysis in a larger area electrolyzer, where competing reactions such as the Chlorine Evolution Reaction must be carefully controlled. To improve the overall energy efficiency of hydrogen generation, I also investigate alternative anodic reactions such as the Urea Oxidation Reaction, which can significantly lower the energy demand compared to the conventional Oxygen Evolution Reaction. In addition, my research explores the utilization of ammonia as an energy carrier in Ammonia Fuel Cells by studying catalysts for the Ammonia Oxidation Reaction to efficiently generate electricity. Overall, my work integrates materials chemistry and electrochemistry to advance practical clean-energy technologies.