Next-generation catalysts for hydrogen economy and carbon mitigation

This project aims to develop advanced catalysts for sustainable energy and environmental applications. It focuses on four key areas: hydrogen production, where hydrogen is generated in conjunction with the oxidation of organic substances using dye-sensitized photocatalysts; H2O2 production through optimized green synthesis methods; CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR), where catalytic systems are designed to electrochemically reduce CO2 into valuable products; and organic oxidation, coupled with hydrogen and H2O2 production to enhance reaction efficiency. The project seeks to improve the performance of these catalytic processes, contributing to a sustainable energy transition and carbon emissions mitigation. 

M.B. Poudel, M.P. Balanay, P.C. Lohani, K. Sekar, D.J. Yoo. Atomic engineering of 3D self-supported bifunctional oxygen electrodes for rechargeable zinc-air batteries and fuel cell applications. Adv. Energy Mater. 14 (2024) 2400347. DOI:10.1002/aenm.202400347

Design and synthesis of electrochromic materials 

The design and synthesis of electrochromic materials for energy conversion and storage applications represents a promising frontier in the pursuit of smart, energy-efficient technologies. These materials, which can reversibly change color in response to an applied voltage, are being explored for their potential in applications such as smart windows, energy-efficient displays, and advanced battery systems. By leveraging techniques like molecular engineering, thin-film deposition, and nanostructuring, researchers are able to tailor the electrochromic properties of these materials to enhance their optical performance, response speed, and durability. The integration of electrochromic materials into energy storage devices not only enables real-time monitoring of energy levels but also contributes to the overall efficiency of energy conversion systems by optimizing light management and thermal regulation. As these technologies mature, they hold the potential to significantly impact energy sustainability and consumption in various sectors.

G. Nuroldayeva, M.P. Balanay. Flexing the spectrum: Advancements and prospects of flexible electrochromic materials. Polymers 15 (2023) 2924. DOI:10.3390/polym15132924.

Dye-sensitized solar cells as a prospective candidate for indoor/diffused light harvesting applications 

Dye-sensitized solar cells have proven to be one of the best photovoltaic methods for harnessing indoor/artificial light. They are an efficient photovoltaic technology to power electronic applications such as wireless sensors with light. Their low cost and abundant materials, as well as their ability to be fabricated as thin and lightweight flexible solar modules, highlight their potential for economical indoor light harvesting applications. This research focuses on the development of bifacial transparent electrodes using materials that are abundant on Earth, as well as the development of quasi-solid-state and solid-state electrolytes. 

A. Yelshibay, S.D. Bukari, B. Baptayev, M.P. Balanay.  Conducting polymers in solar cells: Insights, innovations, and challenges. Organics 5 (2024) 640. DOI:10.3390/org5040034. 

A. Ibrayeva, U. Abibulla, Z. Imanbekova, B. Baptayev, R.J. O'Reilly, M.P. Balanay. Advancements in carbazole-based sensitizers and hole-transport materials for enhanced photovoltaic performance. Molecules 29 (2024) 5035. DOI:10.3390/molecules29215035.

S.D. Bukari, A. Yelshibay, B. Baptayev, M.P. Balanay. Enhanced photovoltaic performance of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(N-alkylcarbazole) copolymer-based counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells. Polymers 16 (2024) 2941. DOI:10.3390/polym16202941.

D. Suleimenova, Y. Tashnov, B. Baptayev, M.P. Balanay. Enhanced efficiency and stability of dye-sensitized solar cells utilizing FeCo2S4 nanowires as Pt-free counter electrodes. J. Photochem. Photobiol. A 457 (2024) 115908. DOI:10.1016/j.jphotochem.2024.115908.

Y. Tashenov, D. Suleimenova, B. Baptayev, S. Adilov, M.P. Balanay. Efficient one-step synthesis of a Pt-Free Zn0.76Co0.24S counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells and its versatile application in photoelectrochromic devices. Nanomaterials 13 (2023) 2812. DOI:10.3390/nano13202812.

B. Baptayev, Y. Tashenov, S. Adilov, M.P. Balanay. Facile fabrication of ZnCo2S4@MWCNT as Pt-free counter electrode for high performance dye-sensitized solar cells. Surf. Interfaces 37 (2023) 102699. DOI:10.1016/j.surfin.2023.102699.

D. Suleimenova, Y. Tashenov, M.P. Balanay, B. Baptayev. Unveiling the potential of MnxCo3-xS4 electrocatalyst in triiodide reduction for dye-sensitized solar cells. Bull. Karaganda Univ.-Phys. 3 (2023) 58-64. DOI:10.31489/2023Ph3/58-64.

B. Baptayev, S.-M. Kim, B. Bolatbek, S.H. Lee, M.P. Balanay. Effect of π-spacer length in novel xanthene-linked L-(D−π–A)2-type dianchoring dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells. ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 5 (2022) 6764. DOI:10.1021/acsaem.2c00384.

B. Baptayev, Y. Tashenov, M.P. Balanay. Conjugated Polymers as Organic Electrodes for Photovoltaics. In R.K Gupta, Ed. Organic Electrodes: Fundamental to Advanced Emerging Applications, Engineering Materials. Springer, Cham. (2022) pp. 137-153. DOI:10.1007/978-3-030-98021-4_8

B. Baptayev, S.-M. Kim, B. Bolatbek, S.H. Lee, M.P. Balanay. The effect of coupling and di-anchoring group in the performance of triphenylamine-based dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells. Dyes Pigm. 198 (2022) 110020. DOI:10.1016/j.dyepig.2021.110020.

Computational design of hole-transport materials and dyes for photovoltaic applications

Various studies have focused on the research and development of alternative types of solar cells that are less expensive and have better efficiency and stability compared to silicon photovoltaics. Nowadays, much of the research is focused on the study of perovskite solar cells (PeSCs). The improvement in photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) of PeSCs has increased exponentially over the years, from only 3.8% in 2009 to a PCE of 25% today. Since the theoretical efficiency limit of PeSCs is 31%, there is still much room for improvement that can be achieved by optimizing the absorber and hole transport material (HTM). The discovery of alternative HTMs is one of the most important research areas in PeSCs to improve device efficiency and stability. Spiro-OMeTAD, the HTM commonly used in PeSCs, has several drawbacks, such as a complicated synthesis route, high cost, and low conductivity and hole mobility. Therefore, the continuous search for new HTM through a computational approach lowers the production cost.

The search for suitable sensitizers that can be used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) continues to be considered, as DSSCs offer a low-cost design with relatively simple fabrication without a glovebox compared to PeSCs. They are also currently being targeted as a potential power source for energy-saving devices in the Internet of Things. 

L.L. Estrella, M.P. Balanay, D.H. Kim. Theoretical insights into D-D-pi-A sensitizers employing N­-annulated perlyne for dye-sensitized solar cells. J. Phys. Chem. A 122 (2018) 6328-6342.

M.P. Balanay, D.H. Kim. Strategic design of bacteriochlorins as possible dyes for photovoltaic applications. J. Phys. Chem. A 121 (2017) 6660.

M.A.B. Gapol, M.P. Balanay, D.H. Kim. Molecular engineering of tetraphenylbenzidine-based hole transport material for Perovskite solar cell. J. Phys. Chem. A 121 (2017) 1371.

L.L. Estrella, M.P. Balanay, D.H. Kim. The effect of donor group rigidification on the electronic and optical properties of arylamine-based metal-free dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells: A computational study. J. Phys. Chem. A 120 (2016) 5917.

Molecular Engineering of Perovskite photovoltaics

This project is in collaboration with the research group of Dr. Annie Ng (School of Engineering and Digital Sciences).

Perovskite solar cells are a type of solar cells that use materials with perovskite structure as the active layer for light collection. Molecular engineering of perovskite photovoltaics involves the design and synthesis of new materials that can improve the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. In this research, we focus on interface engineering, synthesis of semiconductors for better adhesion and good crystallinity of the perovskite layer, etc.

G. Zhumadil, M. Cao, Y. Han, V. Pavlenko, G, Nigmetova, Z. Yelzhanova, H.P. Parkhomenko, Z. Ergasheva, D. Aidarkhanov, M.P. Balanay, A.N. Jumabekov, G. Li, Z. Ren, A. Ng. Ionic liquid-assisted strategy for morphology engineering of inorganic cesium-based perovskite thin films toward high-performance solar cells. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 16 (2024) 63059. DOI:10.1021/acsami.4c15880. 

D. Aidarkhanov, Z. Yelzhanova, Z. Ren, G. Nigmetova, S.P. Lau, M.P. Balanay, H. Hu, C. Surya, A.B. Djurišić, A. Ng. Synergic effects of incorporating black phosphorus for interfacial engineering in perovskite solar cells. Surf. Interfaces 43 (2023) 103531. DOI:10.1016/j.surfin.2023.103531.

B. Davlatiyarov, K. Akmurzina, A. Seralin, G. Bizhanova, B. Baptayev, M.P. Balanay, A. Ng. Investigation of synthesis and deposition methods for Cesium-based perovskite quantum dots for solar cell applications. Eurasian Chem.-Technol. J. 24 (2022) 241. DOI:10.18321/ectj1437.

Z. Yelzhanova, G. Nigmetova, D. Aidarkhanov, B. Daniyar, B. Baptayev, M.P. Balanay, A.N. Jumabekov, A. Ng. A morphological  study of solvothermally grown SnO2 nanostructures for application in Perovskite solar cells. Nanomaterials 12 (2022) 1686. DOI:10.3390/nano12101686.

D. Aidarkhanov, Z. Ren, Z. Yelzhanova, B. Baptayev, M.P. Balanay, C. Surya, A. Ng. Interfacial engineering for high performance perovskite solar cells. Mater. Today: Proc. 49 (2022) 2482. DOI:10.1016/j.matpr.2020.11.918.

D. Aidarkhanov, Z. Ren, C.-K. Lim, Z. Yelzhanova, G. Nigmetova, G. Taltanova, B. Baptayev, F. Liu, S.H. Cheung, M.P. Balanay, A. Baumratov, A.B. Djursic, S.K. So, C. Surya, P.N. Prasad, A. Ng. Passivation engineering of hysteresis-free mixed perovskite solar cells. Sol. Energy Mater. Sol. Cells 215 (2020) 110648. DOI:10.1016/j.solmat.2020.110648.

Design and synthesis of environmental sensors and analysis

The design and synthesis of environmental sensors are centered on developing advanced devices that can detect and analyze pollutants, including heavy metals and dyes. These sensors are crafted using specialized materials and technologies to achieve high sensitivity and accuracy. To detect heavy metals like lead and cadmium, sensors often incorporate functionalized nanomaterials or electrochemical techniques that selectively interact with metal ions. For dye analysis, such as methylene blue, optical methods or chemical reactions that induce measurable changes in light absorption or fluorescence are commonly employed. By integrating these sensing technologies, we can effectively assess environmental contamination, which is crucial for pollution control and maintaining environmental safety.

E.K. Adotey, D. K. Kozhabai, O. Toktarbaiuly, M. Abutalip, B. Baptayev, L. Tastanova, A. Bekeshev, D. Shah, N. Nuraje, M.P. Balanay, and M. Amouei Torkmahalleh. Chemical characterization and sources identification of PM10 aerosols in an industrial area. ES Energy Environ. 26 (2024) 1312. DOI: 10.30919/esee1312. 

R.A.E. Lagunay, R.R.B. Adalim, A. Tleubekova, D. Suleimenova, M.J.F. Fernandez, R.J. O'Reilly, M.P. Balanay. Trade-off between degradation efficiency and recyclability: Zeolite-enhanced Ni3−xCoxS4 catalyst for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. Molecules 29 (2024) 4167. DOI:10.3390/molecules29174167

R.A.E. Lagunay, B. Akhetova, R.J. O'Reilly, M.P. Balanay. Tailoring the optoelectronic properties of soybean-derived nitrogen self-doped carbon dots through composite formation with KCl and zeolite, synthesized using autogenic atmosphere pyrolysis. Crystals 14 (2024) 348. DOI:10.3390/cryst14040348. 

E.K. Adotey, M.P. Balanay, D. Shah, P.K. Hopke, S. Sabanov, M. Amouie Torkmahalleh. Heterogeneous (gas-solid) chemistry of atmospheric Cr: A case study of Astana, Kazakhstan. Environ. Pollut. 344 (2024) 123210. DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123210.

E.K. Adotey, M. Amouie Torkmahalleh, L. Tastanova, A. Bekeshev, D. Shah, P.K. Hopke, W. Lee. M.P.Balanay. Ultrasensitive fluorescent carbon dot sensor for quantification of soluble and insoluble Cr(VI) in particulate matter. J. Hazard. Mater. 462 (2024) 132671. DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132671.

E.K. Adotey, M. Amouie Torkmahalleh, P. Hopke, M.P. Balanay. N,Zn-doped fluorescent sensor based on carbon dots for the subnanomolar detection of soluble Cr(VI) ions. Sensors 23 (2023) 1632. DOI:10.3390/s23031632. 

B. Baptayev, Y. Tashenov. M.P. Balanay. Foam for Sensors. In R.K Gupta, Ed. Polymeric Foams: Applications of Polymeric Foams (Volume 2). American Chemical Society (2023) pp. 233-251. DOI:10.1021/bk-2023-1440.ch011.

B. Baptayev, Y. Tashenov. M.P. Balanay. Metal oxide-based flexible and wearable sensors. In R.K Gupta, Ed. Flexible and wearable sensors: Materials, technologies, and challenges. CRC Press (2023) pp. 135-148. DOI:10.1201/9781003299455-9.

E.K. Adotey, L. Burkutova, L. Tastanova, A. Bekeshev, M.P. Balanay, S. Sabanov, A.M. Rule, P.K. Hopke, M. Amouei Torkmahalleh. Quantification and the sources identification of total and insoluble hexavalent chromium in ambient PM: A case study of Aktobe, Kazakhstan. Chemosphere 307 (2022) 136057. DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136057. 

E.K. Adotey, M. Amouei Torkmahalleh, M.P. Balanay. Zinc metal-organic framework with 3-pyridinecarboxaldehyde and trimesic acid as co-ligands for selective detection of Cr(VI) ions in aqueous solution. Methods Appl. Fluoresc. 8 (2020) 045007. DOI:10.1088/2050-6120/abb364. 

Computational study of the influence of tau fibrils in Alzheimer's disease 

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and eventual loss of functional independence. One of the key pathological features of AD is the accumulation of tau protein in the brain, which forms fibrils that can disrupt neuronal function and lead to cell death. Recent advances in computational modeling and simulation have allowed researchers to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying tau fibril formation and propagation AD. Tools such as molecular dynamics simulations allow researchers to study the behavior of individual tau molecules and the interactions between them. Computational studies have shown that the aggregation of tau into fibrils is a complex process that involves multiple steps and can be influenced by a variety of factors. For example, the presence of other proteins or small molecules in the brain can influence the formation and stability of tau fibrils, as can changes in pH or ambient temperature.

P.A. Barredo, M.P. Balanay. Recent advances in molecular dynamics simulations of tau fibrils and oligomers. Membranes 13 (2023) 277. DOI:10.3390/membranes13030277.

P.A. Barredo, M.J.F. Fernandez, C.E. Ambe, M.P. Balanay. Tau fibril with membrane lipids: Insights from computational modeling and simulations. PLoS One 16 (2021) e0258692. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0258692.