During his PhD studies, Ramadan Chalil Oglou investigated industrial water-splitting electrodes to understand their behavior under operating conditions. These fundamental insights are essential for developing more effective catalysts for green hydrogen production, a key technology for replacing carbon-based fuels.

His research focused on nickel-based porous electrodes, which are widely used in industry. By applying advanced characterization techniques at synchrotron facilities, in collaboration with an industrial partner, he uncovered how catalytic performance is directly linked to surface chemistry.

Complementary studies on model surfaces demonstrated that improved performance depends strongly on surface morphology, particularly the presence of defects and irregularities that provide the active sites for the reaction. This PhD research delivers valuable knowledge for the design of more efficient catalysts, contributing to the advancement of sustainable and clean energy technologies.

The PhD study was completed at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Friday, 21 November 2025 at 13.15
Place: Building 1593, room 012, iNANO Auditorium, iNANO, Gustav Wieds Vej, 8000 Aarhus
Title of dissertation: Ni-Based Electrocatalysts for Alkaline Water Electrolysis – From Model Surfaces to Industrial Electrodes
Contact information: Ramadan Chalil Oglou, e-mail: ramadan@inano.au.dk, tel.: +45 3185 4217
Members of the assessment committee:
Dr Alex Walton, Department of Materials Chemistry, The University of Manchester, UK
Professor Brian Seger, Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
Professor Torben René Jensen (chair), Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) and Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University
Main supervisor: Professor Jeppe Vang Lauritsen, iNANO, Aarhus University
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.

The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Natural Sciences/GSNS, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, 8000 Aarhus C.