Speaker: Fei Yao, University at Buffalo 

Abstract: “Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals materials have garnered significant attention as promising candidates for energy storage and conversion, owing to their unique layered structures, tunable electronic properties, and exceptional chemical stability. In this webinar, we will examine the electrochemical properties of 2D materials synthesized via liquid-phase approaches and chemical vapor deposition. Fundamental insights will be provided into the key mechanisms underlying their superior performance, including active site exposure, surface area enlargement, electrical conductivity enhancement, and structural phase engineering. Special focus will be placed on advancements in the hydrogen evolution reaction, a pivotal process for clean hydrogen production. Additionally, potential challenges and future directions in this rapidly evolving field will be discussed, offering a comprehensive outlook on the role of 2D materials in sustainable energy technologies.”