Direct liquid fuel cells are considered an ideal electrochemical energy device to supplement Li-batteries in some special applications, due to the higher energy density of liquid fuel, quiet operation, and independent of charging plugs. We are interested in develop direct carbohydrazide fuel cells with high power density and high energy and fuel efficiency. Now we are investigating electrochemical reaction mechanisms of carbohydrazide, hydrazine and ammonia over different types of catalysts in various conditions, and exploring efficient anode catalyst materials, with the ultimate goal of developing novel carbohydrazide fuel cell technologies.
Sponsor: Iowa Reagents Innovation Fund (RIF)
Wenzhen Li Research Group
Electrochemistry / Catalysis / Energy
/ Environment / Agriculture / Sustainability
PhD Dissertations
Innovative Paired Electrolysis for Chlorine Remediation, Captured CO2 Reduction, and Biomass Upgrading
Dr.Tianlei Li, Spring 2026
Electrochemical oxidation of renewable/waste organic compounds over Pd-based catalysts
Dr. Mohammad Albloushi, Spring 2026
Dr. Basil Rawah, Spring 2023
Dr. Yifu Chen, Fall 2022
Dr. Hengzhou Liu, Summer 2022
Electrocatalysis for Selective Oxidation of Biomass-Derived Compounds
Dr. David Chadderdon, Spring 2018
Dr. Yang Qiu, Spring 2018
Dr. Neeva Benipal, Spring 2017
Electrocatalysts Design for Selective Oxidation of Organic Molecules in High-Performance Fuel Cell
Dr. Ji Qi, Spring 2016
Dr. Le Xin, Spring 2014
Dr. Zhiyong Zhang, Fall 2012
PhD Dissertations (co-advised)
Two-dimensional early transition metal carbides as supports for electrocatalysts
Dr. Xiaopeng Liu, Co-advised by Prof. Yue Wu, Spring 2026
Gaining higher salt scaling resistance with slag concretes
Dr. Mohsen Torabi, Major professor: Prof. Peter Taylor (CCEE), Spring 2023
Dr. Ting-Han Lee, Major professor: Prof. Eric Cochran (CBE), Summer 2022
MS Theses
Flow cell designs for electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide on-site (H2O2)
Mr. Mohammad Albloushi, Fall 2022
Mr. Olumide Wijobi, Fall 2010