Ashique Lal

PhD candidate
University of Amsterdam

Department

van’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences

Contact information

Room
C2.228

Email address
a.lal@uva.nl

Key expertises

Density Functional Theory, Molecular Dynamics, Electrocatalysis, Heterogenous catalysis

About me

I pursued a combined bachelor's and master's degree at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram from 2016 to 2021, where I worked on experimental and theoretical heterogenous electrocatalytic Oxygen evolution cells for my master's thesis. As a Research Assistant in 2021, I focused on synthesizing Twisted bilayer materials. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD and using DFT-MD simulation to study electrocatalytic CO2 reduction at the metal-water interface. Outside of academics, I enjoy programming with an emphasis on scientific applications and art.

About my research

This research aims to understand the role of solvent conditions in the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to value-added chemicals and low carbon fuel at the Cu-water interface. The study employs a realistic model based on density functional theory, incorporating explicit water molecules and accounting for thermal fluctuations by molecular dynamics. Copper-based electrodes are extensively researched as heterogeneous catalysts for this reaction. The research may provide guidelines for optimal Cu-based electrochemical devices for CO2 conversion and explore other systems such as Pt-Pd. The ultimate goal is to reduce the considerable increase in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere due to fossil fuel consumption and prevent irreversible climate changes. The research is part of the CO2 pillar and involves collaboration with researchers from other groups.

Academic career

Early Stage Researcher

2022-2021: Research Assistant in the group of Materials and Interface Engineering at TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences Hyderabad, under the supervision of Dr. T N Narayanan.

2021-2020: Master degree in the group of Nanomaterials and Energy Devices at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, under the supervision of Dr. M. M. Shaijumon.