Research summary
Energy shortages and environmental pollution are serious challenges facing our world today. A promising strategy that can address both is to use clean energy conversion and storage systems, such as rechargeable batteries, electrolyzers (for green hydrogen production), and fuel cells. These systems will be integral parts of a sustainable energy economy because they can harvest and store renewable energy—such as from hydro, wind or solar—and release it when needed.
As Canada Research Chair in Design and Fabrication of Energy Devices for Sustainability, Dr. Gaixia Zhang is developing low-cost, reliable energy conversion and storage devices and integrating them into grid systems that receive significant portions of their power from renewable sources. She and her research team are designing electrode components, assembling energy devices, and evaluating batteries, green hydrogen production and fuel cells. Ultimately, they aim to support global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and realize a net-zero carbon society.