Joshua is a student in the PREM program at CHESS.
Joshua's project is focused on the synthesis of two dimensional copper zinc heterostructures that can be used as electrocatalysts in decarbonization technology.
What is your home institution and your expected graduation year?
I currently study at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez campus, and I expect to graduate in 2025.
Which CLASSE summer program are you a part of and who is your mentor?
I belong to the PREM program and my mentor is Jonathan Rowell.
What is the research you are engaged in and what have you accomplished so far this summer? What are you hoping to accomplish by the end of your project?
My research project has been mainly focused on the synthesis of two dimensional copper zinc heterostructures that can be used as electrocatalysts in decarbonization technology. The project proposes to induce a cation exchange upon a CuS nanoparticles to tune the 3-D band structure of these materials, which will in turn help optimize the binding energy between the material surface and the surface of the reaction intermediates to optimal energy levels. To test this hypothesis, I have used colloidal synthesis method to synthesize CuS nanoparticles. These nanoparticles where then characterized using XRD and TEM. The CuS was also submitted to echem tests to determine the activity of these samples. Once this was done, a cation exchange was induced to the nanoparticles to create the heterostructures. What I hope to accomplish in this project is to see if we synthesis these materials in an optimal way.
What are the impacts of your research for the general public?
If we are able to synthesize these heterostructures and test their electrocatalytic activity, we can determine if these materials are an optimal choice to replace highly expensive Pt catalysts, which will make renewable energy a viable alternative to reduce carbon emissions on the planet.
What are you enjoying most about this research/summer experience?
I’m enjoying several things about this experience. First of all, I really am enjoying the research work I am doing in the lab since it has given me a big insight on the life of research. Furthermore, I have also enjoyed the chance of meeting other people and having the chance to submerge myself to other cultures that are present in Ithaca like for example eating Thai food or learning about my friends' homes and their cultural values.
What are you finding the most challenging about this research?
The most challenging thing that I have experienced in this research has been trying to grasp the concepts that my research project entails, since it involves certain topics that are complicated. Also, getting to walk everywhere has also been kind of a struggle because I am not used to it.
How has this experience changed your view about being a researcher?
This experience has further enhanced my desire to be a researcher because getting to know all the aspects of it has made me more interested in pursuing research professional field.