Shaun Alia is a staff scientist in the Electrochemical Engineering and Materials Chemistry Group at NREL. He holds degrees in chemical engineering from the University of California, San Diego (bachelor's degree), the University of Connecticut (master's degree), and the University of California, Riverside (doctorate). He has worked in several areas related to electrochemical energy conversion and storage, including proton and anion exchange membrane-based electrolyzers and fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells, capacitors, and batteries.

His current research involves understanding electrochemical and degradation processes, component development, and materials integration and optimization. Within HydroGEN, a part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Materials Network, Alia has been involved in low-temperature electrolysis through NREL capabilities in materials development and ex- and in-situ characterization. He is further active within in-situ durability, diagnostics, and accelerated stress test development for H2@Scale and H2NEW. He has published approximately 45 peer-reviewed publications.

Research Interests

Electrolyzer degradation processes

Materials integration and optimization

Catalysis and catalyst development in electrolyzers and fuel cells 

Education

Ph.D. Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside

M.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Connecticut
 
B.S. Chemical Engineering, University of California, San Diego

Featured Work

Electrolyzer Durability at Low Catalyst Loading and with Dynamic Operation, J. Electrochem. Soc. (2019)

The Impact of Ink and Spray Variables on Catalyst Layer Properties, Electrolyzer Performance, and Electrolyzer Durability, J. Electrochem. Soc. (2020)

Activity and Durability of Iridium Nanoparticles in the Oxygen Evolution Reaction, J. Electrochem. Soc. (2016)

Mercury Underpotential Deposition to Determine Iridium and Iridium Oxide Electrochemical Surface Areas, J. Electrochem. Soc. (2016)

The Roles of Oxide Growth and Sub-Surface Facets in Oxygen Evolution Activity of Iridium and Its Impact on Electrolysis, J. Electrochem. Soc. (2019)

Establishing Performance Baselines for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Electrolytes, J. Electrochem. Soc. (2020)

Evaluating the Effect of Membrane-Ionomer Combinations and Supporting Electrolytes on the Performance of Cobalt Nanoparticle Anodes in Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers, J. Power Sources (2021)

Evaluating Hydrogen Evolution and Oxidation in Alkaline Media to Establish Baselines, J. Electrochem. Soc. (2018)

Platinum-Coated Copper Nanowires with High Activity for Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction in Base, J. Am. Chem. Soc. (2013)

Porous Platinum Nanotubes for Oxygen Reduction and Methanol Oxidation Reactions, Adv. Funct. Mat. (2010)

Patents

Platinum Nickel Nanowires as Oxygen Reducing Electrocatalysts and Methods of Making the Same, U.S. Patent No. 10790514 (2020)

Extended Two Dimensional Metal Nanotubes and Nanowires Useful as Fuel Cell Catalysts and Fuel Cells Containing the Same, U.S. Patent No. 9680160 (2017)