Foysal Kabir Tareq

• Siddanth, S.G.; Tareq, Foysal Kabir & Rudra, Souman (2026). Engineering fast-charging anodes for solid-state sodium batteries: Materials progress, interfacial kinetics, and emerging design strategies. Journal of Energy Storage. ISSN 2352-152X. 180(B). doi: 10.1016/j.est.2026.124310. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The growing demand for safe, sustainable, and high-power energy storage systems has accelerated the development of sodium-based batteries as promising alternatives to conventional lithium-ion technologies. In particular, solid-state sodium batteries (Na SSBs) offer improved safety, wider electrochemical stability, and the potential for fast-charging operation. However, the anode often becomes the key kinetic and stability bottleneck due to sluggish Na+ diffusion, interfacial polarization, and chemo-mechanical degradation. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent advances in anode materials for fast-charging solid-state sodium batteries, emphasizing the fundamental mechanisms governing Na+ transport, interfacial electrochemistry, and mechanical stability. The article first discusses the fundamental processes controlling charge–discharge behavior in Na SSBs. Subsequently, major classes of anode materials are systematically reviewed, including metallic sodium, alloy-type anodes (Si, Ge, Sn, Sb, Bi), carbon-based frameworks, composite architectures, and emerging high-entropy or hybrid materials. Particular attention is given to interface engineering strategies, microstructural optimization, and electrolyte compatibility that enable improved fast-charging performance and enhanced cycling stability. Finally, current challenges and future research directions are discussed, highlighting the need for integrated materials design, advanced characterization, and computational screening to accelerate the development of high-performance anodes. This review provides a mechanistic and design-oriented roadmap for engineering next-generation fast-charging solid-state sodium batteries.

• Tareq, Foysal Kabir; Nasir, Rakib Bin & Grasmo, Geir (2026). Multiphase and microstructural engineering of DED-LB-fabricated Ni solid solution-nickel silicides with alloying addition and heat-treatment for improved mechanical, oxidation/corrosion performance. Materials & design. ISSN 0264-1275. 267. doi: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.116362. Full text in Research Archive
• Hossain, Md Iftekher; Tareq, Foysal Kabir; Rudra, Souman & Carvalho, Patricia Almeida (2025). Cascaded photonic-electronic junction based plasmonic Mott–S scheme heterojunction photoelectrodes for water splitting and Zn-air battery technology. Journal of Power Sources. ISSN 0378-7753. 663. doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.238906. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Photo-assisted electrochemical systems present a sustainable pathway for water splitting and metal–air batteries, yet their performance is hindered by poor visible- light utilization, short carrier lifetimes, and sluggish redox kinetics. This work introduces a novel concept of a plasmon-enhanced Mott–S-scheme heterojunction AgCo-Fe2O3/g-C3N4, designed to overcome these limitations through a synergistic integration of photonic and plasmonic mechanisms. Nitrogen-deficient g-C3N4(g- CN) acts as a light-harvesting scaffold, while coupling with Fe2O3 forms an S-scheme junction enabling directional charge migration and selective carrier separation. AgCo nanoparticles introduce localized surface plasmon resonance, simultaneously serving as electron sinks to suppress recombination and as hot-carrier generators that accelerate catalytic turnover. Collectively, these structural and electronic synergies lead to significantly enhanced activity with reduced overpotentials of 78 mV for HER and 174 mV for OER at 10 mA/cm2, and a half-wave potential of 0.855 V vs. RHE for ORR in alkaline media; outperforming commercial Pt/C and IrO2 references. Durable operation is demonstrated in industrial-level water splitting (500 and 1000 mA/cm2 for 120 h) and extended Zn-air battery cycling (>100 h). Altogether, these findings highlight a mechanistically guided approach to plasmonic Mott–S-scheme heterojunction design, enabling light-assisted redox catalysis across multiple reaction pathways.

• Tareq, Foysal Kabir & Grasmo, Geir (2025). Improved properties of near-eutectic nickel silicide alloyed with vanadium, chromium, and carbon in inductively coupled plasma spheroidization for additive manufacturing. Materials & design. ISSN 0264-1275. 256. doi: 10.1016/j.matdes.2025.114377. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Nickel-rich silicides offer excellent hardness, thermal stability, corrosion and wear resistance. However, their application is limited by poor fracture resistance and a propensity for cracking, particularly when processed through conventional thermo-metallurgical methods. To address these limitations, this study explores the enhancement of nickel-silicon alloy properties through alloying with V (5 wt%), Cr (3 wt%), and C (0.3 wt%). The Ni-12Si alloy features a Niss-Ni3Si eutectic with a γ-Ni31Si12 phase. Alloying elements refine the microstructure, are present as soluble constituents in the phases, stabilizing the γ-Ni31Si12, and introducing element-rich phase precipitation. Additionally, plasma spheroidization of these as-crushed powder was performed to improve powder characteristics for additive manufacturing. The spheroidization process, optimized by adjusting plasma power and powder feed rate, yields spherical powders with refined microstructures, and improved flowability, showing suitability for laser-based directed energy deposition (DED-LB). DED-LB deposition of spheroidized powders on S355 steel substrate showed the Ni-12Si bead exhibited solidification microcracks at the grain boundaries, whereas the alloyed variants Ni-11.4Si-5V, Ni-11.1Si-3Cr, and Ni-12Si-0.3C demonstrated flawless deposits with improved properties. These enhancements are attributed to the synergistic effects of alloying on phase evolution, microstructural refinement and transformation, and grain boundary modification through the formation of fine, element-rich precipitates at grain boundaries.

• Hossain, Md Iftekher; Tareq, Foysal Kabir & Rudra, Souman (2025). NiFe co-doped TiO<inf>2</inf> as a high-performance bifunctional photocatalyst for enhanced oxygen evolution and reduction reactions in efficient zinc-air battery systems. Electrochemistry communications. ISSN 1388-2481. 176. doi: 10.1016/j.elecom.2025.107942. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study underscores the significant influence of Ni and Fe transition metal doping, as well as NiFe co-doping, on enhancing the properties of TiO2 to address the critical challenges in developing high-performance photo-assisted Zn-air batteries, particularly the need for improved light absorption, charge carrier separation, and catalytic efficiency. The doping process notably enhances light absorption and charge carrier separation, while the reduction in TiO2 crystallite size increases the surface area and shortens charge carrier diffusion paths, thereby minimizing recombination rates and improving photocatalytic efficiency. Moreover, the higher redox potentials of Ni and Fe oxidation states relative to TiO2's conduction band enable them to function as efficient electron acceptors, stabilizing charge carriers and accelerating reduction reactions. Electrochemical analysis reveals that NiFe-doped TiO2 exhibits superior conductivity and reduced charge transfer resistance compared to its single-element-doped counterparts, facilitating faster reaction kinetics. For OER, the overpotential decreases from 307 mV to 221 mV, while for ORR, illumination improves the half-wave potential to 0.65 V and increases the diffusion-plateau current density from 3.96 mA/cm2 to 4.6 mA/cm2. Battery performance testing demonstrates that under light irradiation, the charging potential is reduced to 1.63–1.66 V, and the discharge voltage is stabilized at 1.56–1.60 V, resulting in a round-trip efficiency of 96.34 %, compared to 77.59 % under dark conditions. These performance metrics approach the theoretical redox potential of 1.64 V, outperforming the capabilities of the state-of-the-art catalysts for photo-assisted Zn-air systems. Overall, this work establishes NiFe-doped TiO2 as a highly effective bifunctional photocatalyst, highlighting its potential to optimize oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) processes, thereby contributing to advancements in sustainable energy storage technologies.

• Hossain, Md Iftekher; Tareq, Foysal Kabir & Rudra, Souman (2025). Light-driven photocathodes in Li/Zn-O<inf>2</inf> (air) batteries : An analytical review, technological breakthroughs and future challenges. Energy Storage Materials. ISSN 2405-8297. 75. doi: 10.1016/j.ensm.2025.104025. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The rapid advancement of renewable energy technologies has intensified the demand for high-performance energy storage systems. Metal-O2 (air) batteries, specifically Li-O2 (air) and Zn-O2 (air) variants, present exceptional theoretical energy densities, positioning them as promising candidates for next-generation storage solutions. However, significant challenges remain in optimizing the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR/OER), critical for achieving high efficiency and stability. Recent developments in light-assisted metal-O2 (air) battery designs leverage photonic energy to enhance oxygen reduction and evolution reactions, offering reduced charge voltages, improved round-trip efficiencies, and extended lifetimes. This review critically evaluates the breakthroughs and limitations in photo-assisted Li/Zn-O2 (air) battery technologies, with a focus on novel photocathode materials, including advanced semiconductors, heterojunction configurations, and nanostructured catalysts. We systematically highlight the key properties of these photocathode materials, evaluating their photon-utilization efficiency, charge separation capabilities, recombination rates, charging/discharging profiles, efficient decomposition of discharge products and stability under operational conditions. Emphasis is placed on advanced strategies to enhance light absorption, aiming to optimize photocatalytic efficiency, electronic properties, and catalytic stability, thereby overcoming current performance barriers. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the current landscape and emerging trends, this review aims to chart a path forward for the development of more robust, efficient, and sustainable light-assisted Li/Zn-O2 (air) batteries, highlighting the essential role of innovative photocathode materials in achieving next-generation energy storage solutions.

• Hossain, Md Iftekher; Tareq, Foysal Kabir & Rudra, Souman (2025). NiFe co-doped TiO2 as a high-performance bifunctional photocatalyst for enhanced oxygen evolution and reduction reactions in efficient zinc-air battery systems. Electrochemistry communications. ISSN 1388-2481. 176. doi: 10.1016/j.elecom.2025.107942. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study underscores the significant influence of Ni and Fe transition metal doping, as well as NiFe co-doping, on enhancing the properties of TiO2 to address the critical challenges in developing high-performance photoassisted Zn-air batteries, particularly the need for improved light absorption, charge carrier separation, and catalytic efficiency. The doping process notably enhances light absorption and charge carrier separation, while the reduction in TiO2 crystallite size increases the surface area and shortens charge carrier diffusion paths, thereby minimizing recombination rates and improving photocatalytic efficiency. Moreover, the higher redox potentials of Ni and Fe oxidation states relative to TiO2’s conduction band enable them to function as efficient electron acceptors, stabilizing charge carriers and accelerating reduction reactions. Electrochemical analysis reveals that NiFe-doped TiO2 exhibits superior conductivity and reduced charge transfer resistance compared to its single-element-doped counterparts, facilitating faster reaction kinetics. For OER, the overpotential decreases from 307 mV to 221 mV, while for ORR, illumination improves the half-wave potential to 0.65 V and increases the diffusion-plateau current density from 3.96 mA/cm2 to 4.6 mA/cm2. Battery performance testing demonstrates that under light irradiation, the charging potential is reduced to 1.63–1.66 V, and the discharge voltage is stabilized at 1.56–1.60 V, resulting in a round-trip efficiency of 96.34 %, compared to 77.59 % under dark conditions. These performance metrics approach the theoretical redox potential of 1.64 V, outperforming the capabilities of the state-of-the-art catalysts for photo-assisted Zn-air systems. Overall, this work establishes NiFedoped TiO2 as a highly effective bifunctional photocatalyst, highlighting its potential to optimize oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) processes, thereby contributing to advancements in sustainable energy storage technologies.

• Tareq, Foysal Kabir; Aune, Ragnhild Elizabeth; Odden, Jan Ove & Grasmo, Geir (2025). Enhancing Characteristics of Hypoeutectic, Congruent, and Eutectic Nickel Silicide Alloys by Optimizing Inductively Coupled Plasma Spheroidization Parameters for Additive Manufacturing. Journal of Alloys and Compounds. ISSN 0925-8388. 1036. doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2025.181635. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Nickel-silicon (Ni–Si) alloys are known for their excellent physicochemical, thermal, and mechanical properties, making them suitable for high-temperature oxidation-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and wear-resistant applications. However, their inherent brittleness and the processing challenges associated with conventional methods, such as casting, forging, and machining, limit broader industrial applicability. To address these limitations and enhance their suitability for additive manufacturing (AM), this study investigates the spheroidization of Ni–Si alloy powders using inductively coupled plasma spheroidization (ICPS). The work focuses on hypoeutectic Ni-16.1Si, congruent Ni-32.4Si, and eutectic Ni-38Si (weight%) powders, which initially exhibit irregular morphology and consist of γ-Ni31Si12/δ-Ni2Si, Ni3Si2/NiSi/NiSi2, and NiSi/NiSi2 phases, respectively. The ICPS process was optimized by evaluating the effects of plasma power, chamber pressure, and powder feed rate, resulting in the formation of spherical particles with smooth surfaces, narrower particle size distributions, refined microstructures, modified phase compositions, and enhanced flowability, characteristics well-suited for AM requirements. The spheroidized powders were deposited onto S355 steel substrates using a laser-based directed energy deposition process to assess their suitability for surface engineering applications. While higher Si-content alloys exhibited increased susceptibility to microcracking due to residual stress and brittle phase formation, Ni-16.1Si demonstrated the most favorable mechanical performance, including high surface hardness, low abrasion-induced volume loss, and strong resistance to indentation-induced cracking. Overall, this study establishes a strong foundation for the use of spheroidized Ni–Si powders in AM, particularly for applications requiring durable hard surface engineering materials.

• Tareq, Foysal Kabir & Rudra, Souman (2024). Enhancing the performance of silicon-based anode materials for alkali metal (Li, Na, K) ion battery: A review on advanced strategies. Materials Today Communications. 39, p. 1–24. doi: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2024.108653. Full text in Research Archive
• Tareq, Foysal Kabir; Hossain, Iftekhar & Rudra, Souman (2024). Phase transformation and electronic structure modulation of 1T-MoS<inf>2</inf> with electronegative non-metal doping as anode material for enhanced potassium-ion battery. Journal of Energy Chemistry. ISSN 2095-4956. 103, p. 735–748. doi: 10.1016/j.jechem.2024.12.024. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The scarcity and high cost of lithium resources drive the search for sustainable alternatives, positioning potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) as promising energy storage solutions due to the natural abundance and advantageous electrochemical properties of the potassium. This study investigates the enhancement of KIB anodes through phase transformation and electronic structure engineering of monolayer 1T-MoS2, achieved via doping with highly electronegative non-metal elements: carbon (C), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), and fluorine (F). Density functional theory (DFT) simulations reveal that electronegative atom doping enhances phase stability, structural robustness, and thermal resilience, which are key properties for high-performance KIB anodes. Among the doped configurations, F and N-doped 1T-MoS2 (MoS2-F and MoS2-N) exhibit superior electrochemical performance, showing optimal adsorption energies and significantly improved electronic conductivity, attributable to favorable charge redistribution and increased active potassium adsorption sites. Specifically, MoS2-F and MoS2-N achieve the highest specific capacities of 339.65 and 339.17 mAh/g, respectively, while maintaining stability within an ideal open circuit voltage range, outperforming undoped MoS2. This work underscores the potential of electronegative atom doping in 1T-MoS2 to enable sustainable, high-capacity energy storage solutions, offering key advancements in the electrochemical and structural properties of KIB anodes.

• Hossain, Iftekhar; Tareq, Foysal Kabir & Rudra, Souman (2024). Substitutional electronegative element defects-induced modification of silicene's electronic structures as high-performance cathode material for water splitting. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. ISSN 0360-3199. 101, p. 148–160. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.12.390. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The growing global energy demands, and environmental concerns underscore the need for innovative green and sustainable energy conversion technologies. Water splitting, an advanced method for green hydrogen production, offers exceptional energy density with zero carbon emissions, and can significantly alleviate environmental pollution and crisis. This study explores the modification of silicene's electronic structure through substitutional defects involving electronegative elements (P, Se, S, and C) to enhance its efficacy as a cathode material for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Density functional theory (DFT) simulations reveal that defect-induced modifications significantly alter the electronic structure of silicene, optimizing active sites. Among the various configurations, SiC3-silicene emerges as a superior catalyst, exhibiting an unprecedented Gibbs free energy (ΔGH) of 0.008 eV for HER, surpassing the performance of traditional platinum-based catalysts. Furthermore, SiC3-silicene demonstrates a minimal overpotential of 172 mV at current densities of 500 mA/cm2, affirming its potential for industrial-scale applications. A comprehensive charge transfer analysis shows that the incorporation of electronegative dopants induces substantial charge redistribution, markedly increasing charge concentration at the active sites. This enhanced charge transfer plays a pivotal role in stabilizing hydrogen adsorption, thereby improving catalytic efficiency. Additionally, the structural stability of doped silicene confirms that the SiC3-silicene configuration maintains robust structural integrity, which is essential for practical deployment. This simulation-based study introduces SiC3-silicene as a novel, high-performance cathode material for sustainable hydrogen production, paving the way for its practical implementation in sustainable energy systems.

• Tareq, Foysal Kabir; Lee, Ha-Young; Shin, Cheol-Hwan; Kojo, Seim Isaac & Yu, Jong-Sung (2024). Honeycomb-structured S and N-codoped highly graphitized carbon as a catalyst support for Rh nanoparticles: A new benchmark electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction. Electrochimica Acta. ISSN 0013-4686. 498. doi: 10.1016/j.electacta.2024.144627. Full text in Research Archive
• Tareq, Foysal Kabir; Hovig, Even Wilberg; Aune, Ragnhild Elizabeth & Grasmo, Geir (2023). Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Arc-Melted NiSi11Cx Alloys, TMS 2023 152nd Annual Meeting & Exhibition Supplemental Proceedings. Springer. ISSN 9783031225239. p. 216–225. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-22524-6_21. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Functional materials such as nickel silicides (Ni3Si) are considered promising materials for building complex and strong structures. They have proven to have a high melting point, low electronic resistivity, excellent corrosion resistance, and thermally stability, however, their overall performances are still challenging due to their brittleness. Therefore, it is essential to prepare high-strength nickel silicide-based materials to improve their toughness. In the present study, arc melting has been utilized to synthesize nickel silicide (NiSi11, wt%) and carbon (C) alloyed nickel silicide (NiSi11Cx, x = 0.2, 1 wt%) with varying amounts of C aiming to improve the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy. The NiSi11 and NiSi11Cx alloys were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and microhardness tests. Results show that the NiSi11 alloy comprises lamellar-like eutectic Ni3Si and Ni solid solution phases. After alloying with C, the microstructure of the Ni-rich solid solution and Ni3Si phase is changed to a relatively fine-scale morphology, and C is mainly dissolved in the Ni-rich solid solution phase. The microhardness of the alloys is increased with the addition of C, which is mainly attributed to the microstructure refinement and solid solution strengthening obtained through C addition.

• Tareq, Foysal Kabir; Aune, Ragnhild Elizabeth; Grasmo, Geir; Akhtar, Naureen & Sætre, Tor Oskar (2022). Preparation and Characterization of Spherical Nickel Silicide Powder by Inductively Coupled Plasma Spheroidization for Additive Manufacturing, TMS 2022 151st Annual Meeting & Exhibition Supplemental Proceedings. Springer. ISSN 9783030923815. p. 1488–1496. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-92381-5_141. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Metal alloy powder with spherical-shaped morphology, high flowability, and packing density is the main requirements for metal-based additive manufacturing (AM). Among metal alloys, nickel silicide is considered as a potential candidate due to its unique properties such as high melting point, good electrical conductivity, as well as high corrosion and wear resistance. However, the fabrication of spherical nickel silicide powder has proven to be a challenging task. In the present work, spherical NiSi16 alloy powders were synthesized by inductively coupled plasma spheroidization (ICPS). The influence of the feed rate on the properties of the as-prepared powder was investigated using different analytical techniques to evaluate the particle morphology, particle size distribution, oxygen content, bulk density, fluidity, and spheroidization rate. The results showed some unique advantages of the ICPS technology in the preparation of spherical nickel silicide powder that is believed to be well suited for AM.

• Tareq, Foysal Kabir; Aune, Ragnhild Elizabeth & Sætre, Tor Oskar (2022). Influence of process parameters on laser metal deposition (LMD) of inductively coupled plasma spheroidized (ICPS) NiSi32 powder, World PM2022 Proceedings. European Powder Metallurgy Association. ISSN 9781899072552. Full text in Research Archive

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