Yuhong Ye - PhD student (7/2025 -)
Yuhong Ye is a PhD student starting in July 2025 under the supervision of Dr Qilei Song. He received his BSc in Materials Physics from Sun Yat-sen University, where he received training in electrocatalysis. He then completed an MRes in Nanomaterials at Imperial College London, where his research focused on using computational methods to understand catalytic process. Following his master’s study, he gained additional research experiences at Tongji University and Guangdong Institute of Bioengineering. His PhD research will focus on the development of nanostructured electrocatalysts and membrane electrode assemblies for energy conversion and storage systems.
Email: y.ye22@imperial.ac.uk
Brief Introduction to Research
Anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyzers and fuel cells are increasingly considered as promising technologies for clean hydrogen production and utilization. Their operation in alkaline conditions offers opportunities to move beyond the constraints of traditional acidic systems, particularly by reducing dependence on precious metals and non-degradable materials. Despite these advantages, AEM-based devices still face challenges related to sluggish oxygen and hydrogen electrocatalysis, alongside the integration of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), both of which limit their long-term efficiency and scalability under industrially relevant conditions.
Yuhong’s PhD research will address these challenges through the development of advanced and cost-effective catalysts, in combination with rational MEA design. His work will focus on tuning the chemistries, nanostructure and interfacial properties of electrocatalysts to enhance catalytic activity and stability under alkaline operating conditions. A particular focus will be placed on the interface between catalyst layers and ion-conductive membranes, seeking to improve overall mass activity, power density and durability. Positioned at the intersection of materials design and device engineering, this research contributes to the broader goal of building scalable, efficient, and environmentally responsible electrochemical systems, supporting the global transition to green hydrogen and carbon neutrality.
Selected publication
Yuanyuan Zheng, Jing Yang, Xubing Lu, Honglei Wang, Amare Aregahegn Dubale, Yi Li, Zhao Jin, Dongyang Lou, Navpreet Kaur Sethi, Yuhong Ye, Jing Zhou, Yujing Sun, Zhikun Zheng, Wei Liu. Boosting Both Electrocatalytic Activity and Durability of Metal Aerogels via Intrinsic Hierarchical Porosity and Continuous Conductive Network Backbone Preservation. Advanced Energy Materials 2021, 11, 2002276.
Yuanyuan Zheng, Amanda Schramm Petersen, Hao Wan, René Hübner, Jiangwei Zhang, Jianlan Wang, Haoyuan Qi, Yuhong Ye, Chaolun Liang, Jing Yang, Zhiming Cui, Yuezhong Meng, Zhikun Zheng, Jan Rossmeisl, Wei Liu. Scalable and Controllable Synthesis of Pt-Ni Bunched-Nanocages Aerogels as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction. Advanced Energy Materials 2023, 13, 2204257.