Su2nCat-CO2
Su2nCat-CO2
Fast Facts about the Project
Project Leader:
Dr. rer. nat. Lars Mohrhusen
Organization:
Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg
Duration:
01.03.2024 – 28.02.2030
Funding Volume:
2.649.738 €
Grant Agreement Number:
033RC038
In a Nutshell
In order to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into utilizable raw materials using sunlight, the right photocatalysts are needed. The team behind Su2nCat-CO2 is developing novel oxide-based hybrid materials in which the typical (noble) metal nanoparticles are replaced by (2D) nanomaterials made from sustainably available elements. Model studies under defined conditions, together with operando experiments, serve as the basis for the transfer to industrially scalable materials.
Project Details
Activating CO2 with sunlight in the absence of (precious) metals
Nanoparticles made of (precious) metals such as gold, platinum or palladium are now an integral part of many (photo)catalysts, but have a number of disadvantages. These metals are expensive, have limited availability and are often unstable due to poisoning or sintering. The team behind Su2nCat-CO2 is looking for alternatives for these nanoparticles in oxidic photocatalysts. The aim is to develop previously unexplored precious metal-free hybrid catalyst materials from readily available raw materials, especially for the utilization of CO2 with sunlight, to characterize them in model systems and to optimize their photochemical reactivity, selectivity and stability. The aim is not only to obtain future-proof photocatalysts, but also to gain an in-depth understanding of the structural properties and (de)activation processes.
Combining sustainable nanomaterials with oxide semiconductors
A special feature of the project is the material combinations used. Oxidic semiconductors such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) are used as a platform for nanostructures as a (noble) metal substitute. Specifically, two approaches are being pursued:
In the first sub-project, nanostructured sulphides, nitrides and phosphides are deposited on the oxides. Among other things, these ensure improved utilization of sunlight. At the same time, the selected materials promise high resistance to corrosion, sintering and carbon monoxide poisoning.
In the second sub-project, organic building blocks are anchored on the oxide surface and linked withttps://sinatra-research.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=2530&action=edit#h other monomers to create a network of conjugated bonds. The absorption can thus be adapted to the sunlight, and the high charge carrier mobilities should increase the lifetime of the charge carriers required for photochemical reactions. Further advantages are expected, e.g, through the chemical functionalizability or effects through “ confinement” of the reactants.
In both subprojects, structural features and reaction channels with key intermediates are initially elucidated using defined model systems. To this end, spectroscopic and microscopic methods are combined with reactivity studies under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) and operando conditions. This fundamental knowledge serves as a basis for the transfer to industrially scalable materials.
In a third sub-project, microreactors are also being developed to enable the model catalysts to be tested under realistic conditions, which is currently often done using ultra-high vacuum methods.
Exploitation of results: Network and transfer
Over the course of the project, at least nine scientists in various career phases will work on the sub-projects under the leadership of Dr. Lars Mohrhusen. This team benefits from the environment of many years of interdisciplinary energy research at the University of Oldenburg as well as from a network of academic and non-academic partners in Europe and the USA, who not only provide special expertise and methods, but are also involved in the supervision of the employees.
From the materials used to the involvement of partners and the communication of results: Su2nCat-CO2 puts emphasis on the transferability of the results. The aim is not only to enable the application of the optimized photocatalysts, but also to contribute to technological progress with the fundamental findings on preparation and structural properties. These findings can be relevant far beyond the field of (photo)catalysis, e.g, in the field of materials science, semiconductor technology or corrosion chemistry.
