Introduction to the Course

The Sustainable Energy Solutions: The Role of NiO Nanocatalysts in Hydrogen Evolution course explores how nanotechnology and advanced materials are driving clean hydrogen production for a sustainable energy future. Hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) are central to green hydrogen technologies, and nickel oxide (NiO) nanocatalysts are emerging as cost-effective, efficient alternatives to precious metal catalysts.

This course introduces learners to the fundamentals of hydrogen energy systems, electrocatalysis, and the role of NiO nanomaterials in improving reaction efficiency, stability, and scalability. You will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into how nanocatalysts are designed, synthesized, characterized, and applied in real-world hydrogen production systems.

Course Objectives

• Build a strong foundation in green nanotechnology and its role in sustainable development.
• Understand green chemistry and green engineering principles, including green metrics and safer synthesis decision-making.
• Learn NiO nanocatalyst fundamentals: properties, derivatives, and catalytic relevance.
• Understand NiO integration in HER and ethanol/bioethanol reforming with mechanism-level insights.
• Analyze real-world case studies, industrial best practices, and scale-up challenges.
• Identify future trends, opportunities, and research gaps in green nanocatalysis and hydrogen technologies.
• Enable networking through collaboration mapping, funding avenues, and partnership building.

What Will You Learn (Modules)

Module 1: Fundamentals of Green Nanotechnology & Sustainable Synthesis of NiO Nanocatalysts

•  Introduction to Green Nanotechnology
•  Green Chemistry & Green Engineering Principles for Nanomaterials
•  Introduction to NiO-Based Nanocatalysts
•  Green Synthetic Techniques for NiO Nanomaterials (and derivatives)

Module 2: Characterization of NiO Nanocatalysts & Property Understanding

• Principles of electrocatalysis and reaction kinetics.
• Mechanism of hydrogen evolution reactions in alkaline and acidic media.
• Key performance parameters: overpotential, Tafel slope, and stability.

Module 3: Applications in Renewable Hydrogen from Water and Ethanol/Bioethanol

• Structural, electronic, and surface properties of NiO nanomaterials.
• Why NiO is a cost-effective alternative to noble metal catalysts.
• Impact of particle size, morphology, and defects on catalytic activity.

Module 4: Synthesis of NiO Nanomaterials

• Chemical and physical synthesis methods for NiO nanoparticles.
• Controlling size, shape, and surface chemistry during synthesis.
• Green synthesis approaches and scalable fabrication methods.

Module 5: Characterization Techniques for Nanocatalysts

• Structural and morphological characterization methods.
• Surface chemistry and composition analysis.
• Evaluating electrochemical performance in HER systems.

Module 6: Performance Evaluation in Hydrogen Evolution

• Designing experiments for HER performance testing.
• Measuring catalytic activity, durability, and efficiency.
• Benchmarking NiO nanocatalysts against conventional catalysts.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for:

• Students and PG learners exploring nanotechnology, chemistry, materials science, and sustainable technology.
• PhD Scholars / Researchers: Working in catalysis, hydrogen research, green chemistry, or nanomaterials.
• Academicians / Faculty: Interested in sustainability-focused nanotechnology and energy research directions.
• Industry Professionals: Working in renewable energy, sustainable materials, catalyst development, and green technology R&D.

Job Opportunities

After completing this course, learners can pursue roles and research tracks such as:

• Nanocatalysis Research Associate
• Hydrogen Technology Research Intern / Associate
• Materials Characterization & Testing Associate
• Green Chemistry / Sustainable Materials R&D Associate
• Renewable Energy & Clean-Tech Project Associate

Why Learn With Nanoschool?

At NanoSchool, we focus on career-relevant learning that builds real capability—not just theory.

• Expert-led training: Learn from mentors with real research and application experience in green nanocatalysis and hydrogen pathways.
• Practical & research-informed learning: Learn through case studies, demonstrations, and workflows that mirror real lab-to-application thinking.
• Industry-aligned perspective: Understand scale-up, reproducibility, quality validation, and how industry evaluates catalyst performance.
• Portfolio-ready outcomes: Build structured notes, synthesis routes, characterization interpretation, and application mapping you can showcase.
• Learner support & networking: Grow your research network with collaboration mapping and guided interaction opportunities.

Key outcomes of the course

Upon completion, learners will be able to:

• Understand how NiO nanocatalysts enhance hydrogen evolution reactions.
• Gain the ability to evaluate and compare catalyst performance in HER systems.
• Develop practical insight into nanomaterial synthesis and characterization.
• Complete a hands-on project demonstrating the application of nanocatalysts in sustainable energy solutions.