By Pratyusha Soni 

A required class for all juniors, research is offered at many different levels, from On-Level to specialty Honors courses to Advanced Placement (AP). Beyond the scope of a class, however, there are numerous ways for students to gain experience with research, such as being a research intern, and even having the honor of getting their research published. 

Zinnun Malikov, a senior, was recently accepted as a research intern, and was published in the Inorganic Chemistry journal. Inspired by the challenges of photoelectrolysis and the production of green hydrogen, Zinnun’s research explores the green energy alternative of hydrogen-based fuels. Focused on ruthenium or Ru-based catalysts, Zinnun worked with at the University of California-San Diego and Emory University. 

In a recent interview, Zinnun shared his experience and the journey to his research publication. 

Tell us a little more about your research – what did you hope to accomplish? 

One of the key steps in the production of green hydrogen fuels is water oxidation, but this step is time consuming, requiring the need for catalysts. Thus, Zinnun explored modifications to Ru-based catalysts to make the process more efficient. 

In one sentence, why is your research important? 

The integration of more efficient Ru-based catalysts, Zinnun explained, green hydrogen can be made “more cost-effective and scalable”. 

What were some of the challenges you faced? 

At first, Zinnun shared, it was tricky to learn the new software platform and the simulations would occasionally result in outcomes they “did not predict”.  

What is some advice you would give to others who would like to publish their research? 

The most important thing is to pick a topic “you’re really interested in, because the process is often time-consuming and difficult,” Zinnun emphasized. “You want to explore something that you’re passionate about,” and don’t hesitate to reach out to professors whose work you’re interested in!