Sustainable Energy Solutions: The Role of NiO Nanocatalysts in Hydrogen Evolution

About This Course

This mentor-based virtual course (Green NanoSynth) delivers a structured, research-informed deep dive into sustainable NiO nanocatalyst synthesis and its use in renewable hydrogen production. Across three modules, participants explore green nanotechnology and green chemistry principles, learn multiple eco-friendly synthesis routes for NiO (and derivatives), and gain working knowledge of advanced characterization tools. The course bridges fundamentals to applications—covering hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and ethanol/bioethanol reforming, supported with case studies, practical demonstrations, and future research directions. It also creates a strong networking space for collaboration and innovation in green hydrogen and nanocatalysis.

Aim

To develop strong conceptual and practical understanding of green synthesis of NiO-based nanocatalysts, their characterization, and their deployment in renewable hydrogen production pathways (water-based HER and ethanol/bioethanol reforming), enabling participants to contribute to sustainability-focused research and industry applications.

Course Objectives

• Build a solid foundation in green nanotechnology and its role in sustainable development
• Understand green chemistry/engineering principles, green metrics, and environmentally safer synthesis decisions
• Learn NiO nanocatalyst fundamentals: properties, derivatives (“off-springs”), and catalytic relevance
• Gain practical familiarity with sustainable synthesis approaches: hydrothermal, plant-mediated, microbial, sonochemical, plasma, microwave-assisted, and other green methods
• Develop understanding of advanced characterization: XRD, TEM, SEM-EDAX, AFM, XPS, FTIR, UV–Vis, DLS, BET, TG–DTA, TPD, TPR, and electroanalytical methods
• Understand NiO integration in HER and ethanol/bioethanol reforming, including mechanism-level insights
• Analyze real-world case studies, industrial best practices, and scaling challenges
• Identify future trends, opportunities, and research gaps in green nanocatalysis and hydrogen technologies
• Enable networking: collaboration mapping, funding avenues, and partnership building
• Empower participants to translate knowledge into sustainable technology development and innovation

Course Structure

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

Session 1: Introduction to Green Nanotechnology

Session 2: Green Chemistry & Green Engineering Principles for Nanomaterials

Session 3: Introduction to NiO-Based Nanocatalysts

Session 4: Green Synthetic Techniques for NiO Nanomaterials (and derivatives)

Module 2: Characterization of NiO Nanocatalysts & Property Understanding

Session 5: Characterization Techniques for NiO-Based Nanocatalysts

Session 6: Understanding Key Properties of NiO Nanocatalysts

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

Session 7: Overview of Renewable Hydrogen Production

Session 8: NiO-Based Nanocatalysts for HER

Session 9: NiO Nanocatalysts for Ethanol/Bioethanol Reforming

Session 10: Case Studies and Industry Applications

Session 11: Future Perspectives, Challenges, and Closing Remarks

Session 12: Effective Networking and Collaboration

Who Should Enrol?

Students, PhD Scholars/Researchers, Academicians, and Industry Professionals in:
Nanotechnology, Chemistry, Materials Science, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Technology (including catalysis and hydrogen research domains)