Category: Biography

Asst. Prof. Arokia Anto Jeffery Antony Cruse: International research assistant professor at Yeungnam University, Korea (South)

• Title/Designation: Asst. Prof

• Name: AROKIA ANTO JEFFERY ANTONY CRUSE

• Current Role/Designation: International Research Assistant Professor

• Organization/Institution Details: Yeungnam University

• Country: Korea (South)

• Subject Track: Chemistry

• Key Areas of Expertise: Electrocatalysis, fuel cells, water splitting

• Award Categories: Best Innovator Award
  Submitted: Aug 20, 2025

Dr. Arokia Anto Jeffery Antony Cruse is a Research Assistant Professor at Yeungnam University, South Korea, specializing in the fields of materials chemistry and electrochemistry. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Bangalore University, India, he has established himself as a prominent researcher in energy materials, particularly in electrocatalysis for water splitting and fuel cell applications. His post-doctoral training at prestigious institutions such as Queen’s College (USA), Chungnam National University (South Korea), and Shenzhen University (China) has shaped his expertise in the design and optimization of advanced catalysts for energy conversion. Dr. Jeffery is actively engaged in cutting-edge research to develop sustainable energy solutions by focusing on the synthesis of novel nanomaterials, improving the performance of electrochemical devices, and addressing challenges in renewable energy storage and conversion.

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Education

Dr. Jeffery’s educational background laid the foundation for his successful career in materials chemistry. He completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Bangalore University in 2017, where his research focused on the synthesis and application of novel nanomaterials for photocatalysis and energy conversion processes. His doctoral work explored the potential of titanium-based nanosheets in environmental remediation, leading to breakthroughs in photocatalytic dye degradation. His education also included early research experiences in material synthesis and surface chemistry. Prior to his Ph.D., Dr. Jeffery completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies with a strong focus on inorganic chemistry, building a solid foundation for his advanced research in energy materials and catalysis.

Research Focus

Dr. Jeffery’s research is primarily centered around the design, synthesis, and application of advanced electrocatalysts for energy conversion technologies, particularly in the areas of water splitting and fuel cells. He explores the structure-property relationships of catalysts, investigating how the electronic structure and surface properties influence catalytic performance. His work often focuses on transition metal alloys, single-atom catalysts, and 2D materials like molybdenum disulfide and tungsten disulfide. A key aspect of his research is developing bifunctional catalysts that can efficiently facilitate both hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution reactions, crucial for water electrolysis. Dr. Jeffery is also investigating the integration of these materials in practical devices, aiming to improve their performance in real-world applications, such as in alkaline fuel cells and seawater electrolysis.

Experience

Dr. Jeffery has accumulated extensive experience in both research and academia, working across several top-tier institutions around the world. His current role as a Research Assistant Professor at Yeungnam University (South Korea) involves leading a research group focused on electrocatalyst design and sustainable energy technologies. Before this, Dr. Jeffery held multiple post-doctoral positions, including one at Queen’s College, City University of New York, where he focused on nanomaterials for energy storage. His time at Chungnam National University in South Korea (2019–2022) involved significant work on nanostructured catalysts for fuel cells and water splitting. Additionally, his post-doc role at Shenzhen University, China provided him with hands-on experience in the synthesis of novel catalysts for energy conversion technologies, including the development of single-atom catalysts and nanoalloys for efficient electrochemical processes.

Research Timeline & Activities

Dr. Jeffery’s research trajectory can be divided into several key phases. In the early part of his career, as a Ph.D. student at Bangalore University, he focused on photocatalysis and the development of novel transition metal-based catalysts. From 2017 to 2018, during his post-doctoral tenure at Shenzhen University, he worked on nanostructured electrocatalysts for water splitting. His later post-doctoral work at Chungnam National University (2019–2022) involved investigating fuel cell catalysts, while his time at Queen’s College (2022–2023) allowed him to delve into materials for energy storage and conversion. In 2023, he joined Yeungnam University, where his current research focuses on electrocatalysis, advanced nanomaterials, and energy conversion. Throughout these phases, he has authored numerous papers and contributed to groundbreaking work in the design of efficient electrocatalysts for both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, and other sustainable energy technologies.

Awards & Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Jeffery has been recognized for his exceptional research in materials science and electrochemistry. Some of his notable honors include the Best Paper Award at the IUMRS-ICYRAM conference (2016), recognizing his work on titanate nanosheets. He has also been awarded several research grants from institutions such as the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) and International Energy Agency (IEA) for his work in electrocatalysis and sustainable energy technologies. His excellence in research mentorship has been acknowledged by Yeungnam University, where he has helped shape the next generation of researchers in the field of materials chemistry. These recognitions highlight his sustained contributions to advancing clean energy solutions and energy conversion technologies.

Top Noted Publication

One of Dr. Jeffery’s most highly cited and impactful papers is titled “Regulating the electronic structure of CoMoO4 via La doping for efficient and durable electrochemical water splitting reactions,” published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A in 2025. This work discusses the engineering of cobalt-molybdenum oxide (CoMoO4) electrocatalysts for improved water splitting efficiency and stability, particularly in alkaline electrolytes. The study presents a unique approach to dopant engineering, significantly enhancing the catalyst’s performance and longevity. This publication is a key contribution to the field of electrocatalysis, offering insights into material design principles that can be applied to other catalytic systems aimed at sustainable energy solutions.

1. Charge transfer dynamics and tuning of reorganization energy in graphene-encapsulated Co-based alloy catalysts for fuel cells

Nanoscale | 2025 | DOI: 10.1039/D5NR01548K
Contributors: A. Anto Jeffery, Sourabh S. Chougule, Monika Sharma, Yunjin Kim, Keonwoo Ko, Jiho Min, Jinseo Heo, Hyung-Kyu Lim, Namgee Jung
This study investigates the charge transfer dynamics and reorganization energy tuning in graphene-encapsulated Co-based alloy catalysts designed for alkaline fuel cells. The research focuses on how encapsulating the metal catalyst within a graphene shell influences the electrocatalytic activity and stability of the material, making it more efficient for fuel cell applications. The findings underscore the importance of electronic structure engineering to enhance both the rate of charge transfer and the reorganization energy, critical parameters that govern catalyst efficiency in fuel cells.

2. Impact of catalyst engineering on the durability performance of self-supported catalysts in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers: recent advances and perspectives

Journal of Materials Chemistry A | 2025 | DOI: 10.1039/D5TA00208G
Contributors: Keerthana Pradeep, A. Anto Jeffery, Arun Prakash Sundaresan, R. Gunaseelan, Saravanan Rajendran, P. Esakki Karthik, Young-Ho Ahn, N. Clament Sagaya Selvam
This article explores the latest advances in catalyst engineering for self-supported electrodes used in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWE). The paper highlights how materials design and surface engineering contribute to enhancing the durability and long-term performance of these catalysts. The review discusses catalyst stability under real-world operating conditions and provides a comprehensive perspective on how electrode materials can be optimized for sustainable water splitting in AEMWEs.

3. Probing the catalytic heterogeneity of single FeCo and FeCoNi hydroxide nanoneedles by scanning electrochemical microscopy

Chemical Communications | 2025 | DOI: 10.1039/D4CC06469K
Contributors: A. Anto Jeffery, Tianyu Bo, Gaukhar Askarova, Michael V. Mirkin
This study uses scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to investigate the catalytic heterogeneity of single FeCo and FeCoNi hydroxide nanoneedles, which are emerging as promising candidates for electrocatalytic water splitting. The paper offers a detailed analysis of how the local electrochemical properties of these nanoneedles vary across individual sites and how these variations can be correlated with their overall performance as bifunctional catalysts. This study enhances the understanding of the role of nanostructure and composition in catalytic performance.

4. Regulating the electronic structure of CoMoO4 via La doping for efficient and durable electrochemical water splitting reactions

Journal of Materials Chemistry A | 2025 | DOI: 10.1039/D4TA06599A
Contributors: Bharathi Arumugam, Erakulan E. Siddharthan, Pandian Mannu, Ranjit Thapa, Chung-Li Dong, Arokia Anto Jeffery, Seong-Cheol Kim
This paper presents the doping of CoMoO4 with lanthanum (La) to enhance its electrocatalytic activity and durability for water splitting reactions. The study demonstrates that La doping regulates the electronic structure of CoMoO4, resulting in improved performance in both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The work provides valuable insights into how dopant engineering can be employed to tune the electronic properties and reactivity of complex oxides for sustainable energy applications.

5. Synergetic nanoarchitectonics with CuFe-LDH@NiOOH interface for high-efficiency bifunctional electrocatalyst toward accelerated electrocatalytic water splitting

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy | 2025 | DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.150994
Contributors: N. Ambikeswari, A. Anto Jeffery, Gabriela Sandoval-Hevia, Krishnamoorthy Shanmugaraj, N. Chidhambaram, N. Dineshbabu, Mangalaraja Ramalinga Viswanathan, Shanmuga Sundar Dhanabalan, Sathish-Kumar Kamaraj, Carolina Venegas Abarzúa et al.
This article reports the development of a bifunctional electrocatalyst consisting of a CuFe-Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) core and a NiOOH shell for electrocatalytic water splitting. The unique nanoarchitectonics at the CuFe-LDH@NiOOH interface creates a synergetic effect, leading to high electrocatalytic efficiency and enhanced stability for both HER and OER. The catalyst architecture significantly accelerates the water splitting process, showing promising potential for hydrogen production via renewable energy systems.

Strength for the Best Innovator Award

1. Innovative Electrocatalyst Development

• Dr. Jeffery’s pioneering work in designing and optimizing electrocatalysts, particularly for water splitting and fuel cells, has directly advanced sustainable energy solutions. His focus on bifunctional catalysts that facilitate both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER) demonstrates his ability to address critical challenges in energy conversion processes.

• A standout example of his innovative approach is his work on CoMoO4 catalysts doped with lanthanum (La), which significantly enhances both the efficiency and durability of electrochemical reactions. This discovery contributes directly to the advancement of water electrolysis and hydrogen production, two key technologies for renewable energy.

2. Advanced Materials Design and Engineering

• Dr. Jeffery’s research on nanostructured catalysts is groundbreaking. His study of graphene-encapsulated Co-based alloys for fuel cells reveals his skill in materials engineering to enhance the performance of energy conversion systems. By modifying the charge transfer dynamics and reorganization energy of these catalysts, he has increased their efficiency and longevity, making them more suitable for real-world applications.

• His use of single-atom catalysts and transition metal alloys also showcases his cutting-edge work in the design of materials that are not only efficient but highly stable under challenging conditions.

3. Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Global Impact

• Dr. Jeffery’s work spans multiple countries and institutions, enriching his research with diverse perspectives and advanced methodologies. His collaborations with top institutions such as Queen’s College, City University of New York, Chungnam National University, and Shenzhen University have strengthened his work and allowed for the integration of the best research practices from across the world.

• He’s an active participant in global scientific discourse, consistently presenting his findings at international conferences, engaging with researchers worldwide, and contributing to the academic community. This openness to collaboration enhances his role as a leader in his field.

4. Commitment to Sustainability and Renewable Energy

• Dr. Jeffery’s unwavering focus on sustainable energy technologies is one of his core strengths. His work in fuel cells, water splitting, and electrocatalysis aims to directly address the global need for clean, renewable energy solutions.

• His research has significant implications for the commercialization of green hydrogen production, an essential step in the global transition to renewable energy sources. His ability to develop novel nanomaterials for efficient energy conversion is poised to play a crucial role in meeting global energy demands sustainably.

5. Proven Track Record of Excellence

• Throughout his career, Dr. Jeffery has received numerous accolades, including the Best Paper Award at the IUMRS-ICYRAM conference and several research grants from prestigious organizations such as the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF). These honors reflect his consistent excellence in research and innovation.

• His top-cited publications and collaborations with other leading scientists highlight his established reputation in the field and his continuous impact on advancing scientific knowledge.

6. Mentorship and Research Leadership

• As an Assistant Professor at Yeungnam University, Dr. Jeffery plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of researchers in materials chemistry and energy conversion technologies. His mentorship not only ensures the continuation of cutting-edge research but also fosters innovation in his students and colleagues.