Topic of Research Seminar: Zinc–Based Batteries: Electrocatalytic Insights into OER and HER for Next-Generation Energy Storage

Abstract: The growing global demand for clean and sustainable energy has accelerated research into advanced electrochemical storage systems. Among these, zinc-based batteries, particularly zinc–air batteries, have emerged as promising candidates due to their high safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. A key challenge in these systems lies in the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which occurs at the cathode during the charging process. OER, being a complex four-electron process, requires efficient electrocatalysts to overcome high overpotential and kinetic barriers. This presentation explores the fundamental mechanism of OER, evaluates critical electrochemical parameters such as LSV, EIS, ECSA, and Tafel slope, and highlights the effect of pH and overpotential on reaction efficiency. By linking OER directly to zinc–air battery performance, this work underscores the importance of optimizing catalytic activity to advance next-generation energy storage technologies.

Subject Field of Topic: Energy Conversion and Energy Storage

Name of Speaker: Muhammad Awais Nawaz

Professorial Rank of Speaker: Research Associate

Email of Speaker: [email protected]

Affiliation of Speaker: School of Natural Sciences (SNS-NUST)

Date and Venue: (Thursday) 02 October, 2025, 02:15 PM, Room # 203 New Building, School of Natural Sciences (SNS), NUST Islamabad