Design principles for Electrode-Electrolyte Interfaces in Energy Conversion and Health

Electrification-driven processes are key to sustainable energy and environmental monitoring, requiring a deep understanding of the electrode-electrolyte interface where molecular interactions dictate device efficiency and lifetime. In this talk, I will discuss how developing in situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy reveals electrolyte oxidation pathways to design stable Li-ion batteries and how interfacial hydrogen bonds influence electrocatalysis. Further, I will demonstrate a coupled ion-electron transfer mechanism governing Li-ion intercalation kinetics. Finally, beyond energy storage, I develop plasmon-enhanced Raman scattering with machine learning and electrokinetics to identify bacteria in wastewater. These approaches provide design principles for next-generation batteries, electrocatalysis, and biosensing systems.