NC A&T Professor Researches Hydrogen Energy Production

Chemistry professor Bishnu Bastakoti works to lower hydrogen costs using inexpensive nanocatalysts in Greensboro.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Chemistry

Macro view of glass chemistry beakers containing blue liquid catalysts on a clean laboratory workbench. — North Carolina A&T chemistry professor Bishnu Bastakoti is leading research into affordable nanocatalysts designed to make clean hydrogen energy production more cost-effective. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Bishnu Bastakoti, an associate professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, is leading research into affordable hydrogen production. His work focuses on developing nanocatalysts to make the generation of clean fuel more practical and cost-effective.

Why it matters

Current nanomaterials used to produce hydrogen from water are prohibitively expensive for widespread use. Bastakoti's research aims to overcome these financial barriers to improve energy accessibility and address global power challenges.

Bastakoti's research group has secured $15 million in funding across 15 grants to study carbon dioxide conversion and hydrogen production. The team has published over 100 papers that have accrued 3,800 total citations.

The players

Bishnu Bastakoti

He is an associate professor of chemistry at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University who specializes in hydrogen energy.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

It is a public land-grant research university in Greensboro that hosts advanced chemical engineering and energy research.

The details

The research program explores innovative nanocatalysts designed to reduce the cost of extracting hydrogen from water. Additionally, the group investigates methods to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into usable chemicals and fuels.

2004: Bastakoti completed a master's degree at Tribhuvan University.
2021: Bastakoti received the Outstanding Young Researcher Award.
2023: Bastakoti received the Outstanding PhD Research Adviser Award.
2025: Bastakoti received the Interdisciplinary Research Award.

The Big Picture

This research follows a pattern set by the Department of Energy hydrogen production initiatives to prioritize affordable catalysis for clean fuels. The work marks a shift toward leveraging low-cost materials to bridge the gap between theoretical energy potential and practical market viability.

Advancements in nanocatalysts could eventually lead to more affordable hydrogen fuel options for industrial and transportation sectors. This progress may lower the cost of green energy technologies currently restricted by the high price of precious metal catalysts.

The takeaway

Advancing hydrogen production requires finding alternatives to expensive materials that currently limit sustainable energy growth. Developing affordable nanocatalysts serves as a critical step toward making clean hydrogen a viable energy source for the future.