About Us

The Electrochemistry and Catalysis Research Laboratory (ECRL) of the Department of Chemistry at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Sylhet, Bangladesh is a leading research lab in Bangladesh dedicated to advancing the fields of electrochemistry and catalysis. Our mission is to conduct innovative research, provide comprehensive education, and develop sustainable technological solutions to address pressing environmental and energy challenges.

ECRL on a busy day, in the Department of Chemistry, room no. 217 at academic building B, SUST.

Research Focus

At ECRL, our research encompasses a broad spectrum of topics within electrochemistry and catalysis, including:

Electrocatalysis: We investigate the mechanisms and kinetics of electrochemical reactions to design efficient catalysts for energy conversion and storage applications. Our research focuses on developing cost-effective and high-performance catalysts for various electrochemical processes, including the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), CO₂ reduction reaction, ascorbic acid oxidation, hydrogen peroxide oxidation and reduction, hydrazine oxidation, and the catalysis of other fuel cell anodic and cathodic reactions.
Environmental Chemistry: Our team is dedicated to developing catalytic processes that remove environmental pollutants through photocatalysis or adsorption method, and mitigate the impact of hazardous substances on ecosystems. In addition, we focus on the electrocatalytic detection of harmful compounds, such as the reduction of Cr(VI), reduction of nitrate, and the oxidation of As(III) on platinum- and gold-based electrodes in acidic media. We also specialize in the hydrogeochemical analysis of groundwater from various regions in Bangladesh, collecting samples across different hydrogeological zones and analyzing them both onsite and in our laboratory using state-of-the-art instruments.
Sensor Development: We create sensitive and selective electrochemical sensors for the detection of various chemical species, with applications in environmental monitoring and healthcare diagnostics. Our research includes the development of sensors for the detection of hydrogen peroxide, uric acid, paracetamol, L-Aspartic Acid, L-Glutamic acid, Bisphenol-A, and other critical chemicals, which require regular monitoring in various environmental, commercial, and biological domains.
CO₂ Reduction: To address the global challenge of climate change, we are specially exploring electrochemical methods for the reduction of carbon dioxide into value-added products. Our research aims to develop efficient catalysts and processes that can convert CO₂ into useful chemicals, contributing to carbon capture and utilization strategies.
Fuel Cell Catalysts: We investigate and develop catalysts for fuel cells, focusing on improving their efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Our works basically includes the development of suitable electrocatalyst to facilitate fuel cell reactions on anode and cathode.

A three-electrode setup in ECRL for conducting voltametric analysis using a potentiostat.

Facilities and Instrumentation

Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments to support our research endeavors, including:

Electrochemical Workstations: We utilize advanced potentiostats and galvanostats for precise electrochemical measurements, enabling us to study various electrochemical processes and reactions.
Spectroscopic Tools: Our laboratory is equipped with spectroscopic instruments such as UV-Vis, FTIR, and Raman spectrometers for comprehensive material characterization. These tools allow us to analyze the structural and chemical properties of materials, aiding in the development of efficient catalysts and sensors.
Analytical Instruments: We have access to analytical instruments like multi-ion meter, ammonia meter, DO meter, nitrate meter, pH meter, TDS meter, conductivity meter, TOC analyzer, ICP-OES (through CoE at SUST), FE-SEM (CoE), XPS (CoE), XRD (CoE), TGA instrument (CoE) etc for chemical analysis, facilitating the identification and quantification of reaction products in our research.

These facilities enable us to conduct high-precision experiments and obtain reliable data to advance our research objectives.

Collaborations and Outreach

ECRL actively collaborates with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners both nationally and internationally. Our major collaborators include partners in Japan, India, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Malaysia, England, USA, and numerous domestic universities. These collaborations foster interdisciplinary research and facilitate the translation of our findings into practical applications. We have established partnerships with various universities and research centers to work on joint projects, share knowledge, and promote scientific advancements.

We are also committed to engaging with the broader community through workshops, seminars, and public lectures to promote awareness and understanding of electrochemistry and catalysis. Our outreach activities aim to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, as well as inform the public about the importance of our research in addressing global challenges.

Educational Commitment

We are dedicated to the education and training of the next generation of scientists and engineers. Our laboratory provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at SUST to engage in cutting-edge research projects, offering hands-on experience and mentorship to prepare them for successful careers in academia, industry, and government.

Our educational initiatives include:

Research Training: Students at ECRL receive comprehensive training in various electrochemical techniques, data analysis, and scientific report writing. They gain practical experience in laboratory work, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and research capabilities.
Seminars and Workshops: We organize regular seminars and workshops featuring experts in the field, providing students with exposure to the latest research developments and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Mentorship: Our faculty members provide personalized mentorship to students, guiding them through their research projects and supporting their professional development.

Our Team

ECRL is led by a team of dedicated and experienced researchers:

Dr. Mohammad Abul Hasnat: Professor in the Department of Chemistry at SUST and the principal investigator of ECRL. His research interests include electrochemical energy conversion through fuel cell catalysts, the development of sensors for various applications, arsenic detection and removal, and groundwater analysis.
Dr. Md. Saiful Alam: Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at SUST and an assistant lead at ECRL. His research focuses on Raman spectral analysis, materials chemistry for hard coatings, environmental pollution control, and electrochemical energy applications.
Dr. S. M. Nizam Uddin: Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at SUST and an assistant lead at ECRL, he specializes in electrocatalysis and environmental chemistry. His expertise spans the synthesis of various nanoparticles and computational chemistry, with a focus on developing catalysts for energy conversion, pollutant degradation, sensor development, and conducting theoretical calculations.
Research Scholars: Undergraduate (BSc) and graduate (MS) students are the driving force behind ECRL’s progress. Our team includes several outstanding research scholars pursuing BSc and MS degrees, whose contributions to various projects continually propel our laboratory forward. Their diverse expertise and perspectives greatly enrich our research environment. Additionally, our lab is supported by dedicated MPhil and PhD students who commit long-term efforts to advancing ECRL, science, society, and the nation as a whole.

Connect with Us

Connect to ECRL through the following social handles.