Green preparation of high-performance energy materials 

Prof. Ali Kamali has conducted TSB, EPSRC and NSFC funded investigations to develop new electrode materials for high performance metal-ion batteries, including graphene/silicon and nanostructured plastic-derived materials. His current research includes the sustainable conversion of highly available resources such as natural graphite, minerals and waste into nanostructured compounds for utilization in energy storage devices. 

Novel methods of producing carbon nanostructures

With funding assistance from the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers and the UK Technology Strategy Board, Ali scaled up and then successfully transferred a unique method for making carbon nanotubes from University of Cambridge to industry. He also developed a green method for large scale production of inexpensive but high quality graphene, which has been licensed to a British company where its applications in various fields are explored. He has also developed a novel method of producing inexpensive diamond nanocrystals under normal atmospheric pressure, which has also been licensed to an international company. Currently, he and his team are studying on the materials chemistry involved in the preparation of graphene-based materials using waste such as plastics. The application of these nanostructures in energy storage and water purification is explored. 

Molten salt preparation of hydrogen, metals/alloys and compounds

Prof. Ali Kamali has invented a green method of producing low-cost hydrogen using high-temperature molten salts electrolysis. The hydrogen product enables the in-situ reduction of metal oxides into a range of metals and /alloys. Further research and development is underway by funding from various sources such as NSFC.