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Hydrogen production
Photocatalytic conversion efficiency, including hydrogen fuel generation and organic compound degradation, is low, with Solar to Hydrogen (STH) efficiency at about 3%. The goal is to reach 10% STH. Thus, developing efficient solar-sensitive materials for hydrogen fuel, sensors, and environmental remediation is essential. Proposed research in the RE lab includes:
1. Enhancing Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
2. Developing Solar-Sensitive Nanocomposites for Sensors
3. Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants
4. Prototype Photovoltaics-Energy Storage Systems
Research team
  • Dr. Yerbolat Magazov
    Researcher, Group leader
    Education
    PhD in Chemical Engineering (2025) - Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
    Master of Science in Chemical and Materials Engineering (2020) - Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
    Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (2018) - Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan

    Research Area
    Photoelectrochemical water splitting, photocatalysis, thin films, semiconductors

    Specialization
    Chemical characterization techniques: UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, NMR, TGA, GC, HPLC, XRD, SEM, AFM, Profilometer.
    Film deposition techniques: Magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), electrochemical deposition
  • Dr. Vladislav Kudryashov
    Senior Researcher
    Education
    PhD in Material Science (2017) - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan

    Research Area
    Photocatalytic materials, heterostructured semiconductors, 2D materials, morphology tuning of metal oxide and non-metal semiconductors.

    Specialization
    Synthesis of nanomaterials and investigation on the modification of materials by ion implanting. He is also an expert in SEM, XPS, XRD, and AFM, as well as in the design and manufacture of experimental scientific equipment.
  • Dr. Yerkin Shabdan
    Senior Researcher
    Education
    PhD — Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan

    Research Area
    Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Nanotechnology, Solid State Physics, Experimental Physics
  • Dr. Nurlan Almasov
    Senior Researcher
    Education
    PhD (2013) - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan
    Master of Science (2004) - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan
    Bachelor of Science (1997) - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan

    Research Area
    Solid State Physics, Condensed Matter Physics

    Specialization
    Synthesis of Nanostructured Materials and Thin Films by Ion Plasma Sputtering, Thermal Evaporation, Electron Beam Evaporation; Characterization of their Structure and Electronic Properties
  • Asset Aliyev
    BSc student, Nazarbayev University
    Education
    Bachelor of Engineering (2021 - Current) - Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan

    Research Area
    Photoelectrochemical water splitting, photocatalysis, thin films, semiconductors

    Specialization
    Chemical characterization techniques: UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, SEM
    Film deposition techniques: thermal evaporation, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), electrochemical deposition
  • Aliya Kurbanova
    PhD student, Nazarbayev University
    Education
    PhD in Chemical Engineering (2024 - Current) - Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
    Master of Science in Chemistry (2013) - M.Kh.Dulaty Taraz Regional University, Kazakhstan
    Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (2010) - M.Kh.Dulaty Taraz Regional University, Kazakhstan

    Specialization
    Synthesis, study, and analysis of semiconductors and metal-complex composite materials with application to photocatalytic and PEC water splitting.
  • Assel Rakymbekova
    NUZYP, Nazarbayev University
    Education
    PhD in Chemistry (2024 - Current) - Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
    Master of Science in Chemistry (2017) - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan
    Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (2015) - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan

    Specialization
    Synthesis, study, and analysis of photoelectrodes for hydrogen generation, with an emphasis on improving their performance, stability, and durability
  • Zhamilya Taubaldiyeva
    MSc student, Nazarbayev University
    Education
    Bachelor in Chemical and Materials Engineering (2019-2024) - Nazarbayev University
    Master of Science in Chemical and Materials Engineering (2024-current) - Nazarbayev University

    Research area
    Solar-assisted photoelectrochemical water-splitting
  • Yerniyaz Zhangaliyev
    BSc student, Nazarbayev University
    Education
    Bachelor in Chemical and Materials Engineering (2024 - Current) - Nazarbayev University
Publications
  • Magazov, Y., Kudryashov, V., Asmatulu, D. D., & Nuraje, N. (2025). Chapter 17 - Nanotechnology safety in solar energy industry. In R. Asmatulu, W. S. Khan, & E. Asmatulu (Eds.), Nanotechnology Safety (Second Edition) (pp. 321–333). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-15904-6.00019-8
  • Magazov, Y., Kudryashov, V., Moldabekov, K., Amze, M., Nurmanova, A., Aliyev, A., & Nuraje, N. (2024). Copper oxide coupled with photon upconversion for solar water splitting. Communications Materials, 5(1), 126. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43246-024-00574-5
  • Magazov, Y., Aliyev, A., Moldabekov, K., Kurbanova, A., Rakymbekova, A., Amze, M., Ibrayev, N. & Kudryashov, V. (2024). Photoelectrochemical water splitting using Cu2O-based photocathode – A review. ES Energy & Environment, 26, 1347. https://doi.org/10.30919/esee1347
Funded projects
"Design and Optimization of a Hybrid Energy System for Hydrogen Production by Use of Electrolyzer Based on Astana Weather Data"
Project PI: Nurlan Almas
Duration: 2025 - 2027
"Advanced Nanoengineered Architectures of Photoactive Materials for Efficient Solar-to-Hydrogen Conversion Systems"
Project PI: Yerbolat Magazov
Duration: 2025 - 2027
"Advancement of the Green Energy: Foundational Research of Solar Fuel Technologies for Sustainable Production and Advanced Storage"
Project PI: Nurxat Nuraje
Duration: 2023 - 2025
"PbS QD sensitized Ln-up-conversion improving water splitting performance of WO3/Si heterostructure under solar light"
Project PI: Yerkin Shabdan
Duration: 2023 - 2025
"Nanointerface manipulation approach to improve light harness and charge separation in heterostructured photocatalyst"
Project PI: Vladislav Kudryashov
Duration: 2022 - 2024
"Nanointerface-Engineered Heterostructured Photocatalysts to Enhance Light Harnessing and Charge Separation"
Project PI: Nurxat Nuraje
Duration: 2020 - 2022