Sari Zerah
Project: High Entropy Alloys for new PGM (Platinum Group Metal) applications
Supervisors: Matt Rosseinsky, Alexander Cowan, Troy Manning, Ruiyong Chen
Industry Partner: Johnson Matthey
What inspired you to pursue this project and join the DAMC CDT?
As a part of my materials engineering undergraduate degree, I had the opportunity to do research full-time at a fuel cell company. After graduating, I worked at a high-throughput materials discovery company focusing on synthesis and electrochemical applications. Both of these experiences were invaluable, and after a couple of years wanted to use the skills and knowledge I had acquired and delve deeper into the fundamental science by doing a PhD. I was also looking to work in an open and collaborative environment with the guidance of both respected academic and industry professionals. When I found the project on high-throughput discovery of high entropy alloys through the CDT, I was excited because it fit my experience quite well while also having lots of opportunities to learn. On top of that, being a researcher in the CDT had the added benefit of having access to expertise on computational models and machine learning tools, which will further accelerate the discovery process within my project.
What is your research project about, and what impact do you hope it will have?
With the world moving toward sustainable energy, the demand for platinum group metals (PGM) metals is shifting. This provides opportunities for PGM catalysts to be developed for new applications. The purpose of my project is to use these PGMs by synthesising high entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles and find new thermo- and electro-catalysis applications for them. HEAs are defined as having ≥ 5 metal elements and have high complexity allowing more precise tuning of desired properties. I am excited about having an impact by developing new applications and improving the overall performance of catalysts associated with net zero technologies like fuel cells and electrolyzers.
What has been the most exciting or rewarding part of your PhD journey so far and how does your project benefit from being part of an interdisciplinary CDT?
Having full control of my project direction while also having support from everyone in my groups and the CDT is the best part of my PhD journey so far. In industry there were sometimes external factors dictating project direction, so having more freedom on that front has been exciting. Since my project has high-throughput elements, having training in data analysis, including python tools, though the CDT is helpful to me in managing the large amount of data produced.