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Content archived on 2024-05-30

Heterostructure Nanomaterials for Water Splitting

Objective

The aim of this project is to synthesize and assemble novel nanomaterials for the purpose of water splitting through a rational design process. To achieve efficient water splitting we want to mimic photosynthesis in green plants by using the so-called Z-scheme. Briefly, the Z-scheme consists of two photosystems abbreviated as PSI and PSII. When the photosystems are illuminated with light, electrons both in PSI and PSII are excited to a higher level. Due to the specific band offset in these photosystems the photogenerated electrons in PS II are transferred to the highest occupied molecular level of PS I. These electrons then recombine with holes photogenerated at PS I. While the photogenerated electrons in PS I participate in reduction of protons to produce hydrogen, the holes in PSII oxidizes water molecules, producing oxygen. By mimicking such a Z-scheme, we expect the probabilities of charge recombination to decrease significantly, resulting in more efficient hydrogen generation.
We want to design novel nanomaterials by modifying a Z-scheme type system with the following changes: 1) to engineer an interface between two different nanomaterials or to link them using a solid state electron mediator, 2) to synthesize a single heterostructure material that meets the band offset requirements, and 3) to selectively deposit metal nanoparticles only on the semiconductor phases designated as PSI. Introducing modifications into a Z-type-scheme will offer the capability of using semiconductors with band gaps less than thermo-dynamical limit (1.23 eV/pH=0) for water splitting and improve photostabilities of many catalysts. The project will primarily aim at boosting the photocatalytic activities of nanomaterials for overall water splitting i.e. attaining a quantum yield above 6.3 % at 420 nm. From the perspective of commercialization, templating systems combined with wet-chemistry synthetic routes will be developed for the preparation of the nanomaterials.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG
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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)

Coordinator

UNIVERZA V NOVI GORICI
EU contribution
€ 100 000,00
Address
VIPAVSKA CESTA 13 ROZNA DOLINA
5000 Nova Gorica
Slovenia

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Region
Slovenija Zahodna Slovenija Goriška
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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