In the contemporary era, the interlinked challenges of energy sustainability and environmental stewardship are of paramount importance. The quest for innovative materials capable of catalyzing a transition towards sustainable energy practices is at the heart of this challenge. The development of such materials is not merely an academic endeavor but a necessity for enabling the technological advancements required for a future where energy is both sustainable and abundantly available. This drive stems from an imperative need to not only generate and utilize energy more efficiently but also to ensure its storage and secure its supply in a manner that aligns with environmental conservation principles. Given that the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of energy conversion and storage solutions are predominantly constrained by the materials employed, the pursuit of novel functional materials for the ensuing generation of energy technologies is urgent.

Our research endeavors have illuminated the potential of manipulating the accessible surface area of electrocatalysts via structural and compositional adjustments to bolster their activity and refine their selectivity towards the production of desired chemical products. Remarkably, through meticulous morphological optimization of electrocatalysts, we have achieved a Faradaic efficiency exceeding 95% for formic acid production.^[1] Furthermore, our studies have heralded the successful synthesis of C₄ products utilizing copper catalysts, marking a significant milestone in electrocatalytic research. ^[2] Our investigations are geared towards surmounting prevalent challenges in catalyst selectivity, stability, and activity by engineering active sites and fabricating smart, multifunctional nanomaterials. These materials are distinguished by their unique physical and chemical attributes, which significantly amplify catalytic efficacy. A cornerstone of our approach is to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning key energy conversion reactions, thereby informing the design of more potent catalysts. Presently, our research is concentrated on the synthesis of biomass-derived carbon materials and MXene-based hybrids, targeting their application in water splitting and CO₂ reduction processes. We have innovatively integrated polyoxometalates (POMs) with MXenes, employing them as electrocatalysts. For hydrogen generation, Cobalt and Tungsten-based POMs were incorporated, demonstrating low overpotential, particularly with Cobalt-based POMs. In electrochemical CO₂ reduction, the integration of Copper-based POMs led to the successful production of C₂ products.

This research trajectory not only contributes to the advancement of material science but also holds the promise of propelling us towards a more sustainable and environmentally harmonious energy landscape.