Dr. Jesum Alves Fernandes

Higher education and research

UK EPSRC-funded research programme focused on fundamental science of metal atoms and clusters at surfaces and interfaces for sustainable technologies.

Public university with strong focus on natural sciences, engineering, and advanced microscopy.

This is an advanced microscopy technique that uses a specially designed transmission electron microscope operating at low accelerating voltages and often with liquid cells or ultrathin supports to image materials and reactions in real time at near‑atomic resolution, while reducing beam‑induced damage.[1][2][4] In the Pt–Ni study, a SALVE‑type low‑voltage TEM with graphene supports was used to directly visualize the mixing, separation, and oxidation of atoms within individual nanoclusters as they evolved toward catalytically active structures.[1][2]

These are nanoscale catalyst particles composed initially of alloyed platinum and nickel atoms that can reorganize under stimulus into hybrid structures with one platinum-rich metallic half and one nickel oxide half, joined at an atomically defined interface highly active for the hydrogen evolution reaction in water electrolysis.[1][2] The material aims to provide record‑level hydrogen production performance while minimizing platinum usage by leveraging cooperative interactions between Pt and NiO at the interface.[1][2][6]

A catalyst surface with microscopic grooves and ridges at the nanoscale level that enhance catalytic activity by providing optimal sites for chemical reactions.

Nottinghamshire

Baden-Württemberg (Ulm)

East Midlands (Nottingham) and Oxfordshire (Diamond Light Source)

Research project to develop and optimize metal swarf as a substrate for platinum-based catalysts in electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production.