Dr. Silva

Fundamental research in physical chemistry, catalysis, and interface science

Direction of Interface Science Department and catalyst research

Electrocatalyst research and fuel cell catalyst kinetics

A key electrochemical reaction in hydrogen fuel cells where oxygen gains electrons. It is a notoriously sluggish process that requires efficient catalysts.

The electrical potential applied beyond the thermodynamic requirement, used to drive electrochemical reactions forward. The study shows overpotential is a critical variable that determines which reaction steps become rate-limiting.

Common heterogeneous catalysts for ORR dispersed on carbon supports