معرفی
Dr. Egwu Eric Kalu is a Professor in the Chemical & Biomedical Engineering department at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. His research focuses on electrochemical and nanomaterials engineering for sustainable energy and environmental systems, with expertise in energy storage modeling, electrocatalysis, and bioelectrochemistry.
Dr. Kalu's educational background includes:
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University (1991)
- MASc in Chemical Engineering from University of British Columbia (1988)
- B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from University of Lagos, Nigeria (1984)
Dr. Kalu's research spans several critical areas in sustainable energy. His work focuses on electrochemical & nanomaterials engineering for sustainable energy systems, including electrical energy storage modeling for batteries, ultracapacitors, and fuel cells. He investigates oxygen electrocatalysis for fuel cells and hydrogen generation from liquid fuels and biofuels. His laboratory integrates theory, simulation, materials design, and rigorous validation to solve challenges in clean energy generation and bioelectrochemical systems, with current focus on seawater electrolysis, MEA durability, and catalyst benchmarking for affordable alternatives to precious metal catalysts.
Dr. Kalu's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on advanced energy storage technologies, particularly lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, with emphasis on novel anode and cathode materials. His work spans computational modeling of battery materials, synthesis of nanomaterials for energy applications, and development of sustainable approaches to energy storage. A significant portion of his research addresses the challenges of seawater electrolysis and catalyst development for hydrogen production, reflecting his commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Dr. Kalu has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career:
- 2010-2011 Fulbright Scholar, Nigeria
- 2010 Faculty Research Fellowship Award, Oak Ridge National Lab
- 2007 High Merit Award for Pioneering Nanotech. Research, Masscal Sci. Instr
- 2004 NASA Faculty Fellowship
- 1998 Lockheed Martin E&M Minority Institution of the Year
- 1996 FSU First-Year Assistant Professor Research Award
Dr. Kalu has been actively involved in mentoring students and securing research funding. His laboratory pursues a three-pronged approach to research: theory & modeling (mechanistic charge-transfer and mass transport modeling, simulations from DFT to continuum porous-electrode scales), materials synthesis & characterization (fabrication of Ni-Co-Mo, Ir-based nano-alloys, in situ characterization), and device-level testing (custom cells for alkaline/seawater electrolysis, performance via EIS, CV, and long-term cycling).
Dr. Kalu leads a research laboratory focused on electrochemical power systems and biomedical applications. His lab integrates theory, simulation, materials design, and rigorous validation to solve challenges in clean energy generation and bioelectrochemical systems. Current projects range from seawater electrolysis to bioelectric modeling, with specific focus areas including seawater electrolysis (investigating Mn/Fe effects on Ni-Co-Mo catalyst durability), MEA durability (linking catalyst degradation to fuel cell failure mechanisms), and catalyst benchmarking (comparing Iridium and NiCoMo electrocatalysts).
حوزههای پژوهشی
