Plamen Atanassov

Plamen Atanassov is a Chancellor’s Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with a joint appointment in Materials Science and Engineering at the Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine. His work focuses on developing advanced electrocatalysts for energy conversion and storage systems.

• Department: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering
• Academic Rank: Professor (Chancellor’s Professor honorific)
• Research Themes: Electrocatalysis, Bio-electrocatalysis, Fuel Cells, Energy Harvesting

Research Interests:
Prof. Atanassov specializes in non-platinum and platinum-based electrocatalysts for fuel cells, bio-inspired energy systems, and carbon dioxide valorization technologies. His group has pioneered:

• Atomically dispersed metal-nitrogen-carbon catalysts
• Novel synthesis methods for durable electrocatalysts
• Machine learning-guided fuel cell optimization
• Electrochemical ammonia and urea production
• Hydrogen evolution reaction with non-precious metals

Scientific Contributions:
With over 380 peer-reviewed papers (101 h-index), 50 issued US patents, and 35+ PhD students advised, his work bridges fundamental electrochemistry and industrial-scale energy solutions. Recent publications emphasize catalyst durability under realistic conditions, CO2 reduction, and sustainable manufacturing practices.