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3D Model Catalysts to explore new routes to sustainable fuels

Descrizione del progetto

Nuove conoscenze sulla produzione di risorse rinnovabili

I nuovi catalizzatori sono essenziali per la transizione verso le risorse rinnovabili e per ridurre la dipendenza dal petrolio. Tuttavia, l’attuale sviluppo dei catalizzatori si basa in larga misura su tentativi ed errori, ostacolando la comprensione dettagliata del ruolo di ciascun componente. In questo contesto, il progetto 3MC, finanziato dal CER, propone di utilizzare modelli di catalizzatori 3D come strumento per affrontare questo problema. Pur imitando abbastanza da vicino i catalizzatori reali per i test di rilevanza industriale, questi catalizzatori ben definiti offrono una precisione senza precedenti nella variazione dei parametri strutturali. Assemblando materiali di supporto di silice mesoporosa e carbonio ordinati con nanoparticelle promosse e bimetalliche a base di rame, i ricercatori possono comprendere i meccanismi e le nanoleghe che influenzano la funzionalità catalitica. Ciò consentirà di progettare in modo razionale nuovi catalizzatori per la produzione sostenibile di sostanze chimiche e combustibili da risorse rinnovabili.

Obiettivo

Currently fuels, plastics, and drugs are predominantly manufactured from oil. A transition towards renewable resources critically depends on new catalysts, for instance to convert small molecules (such as solar or biomass derived hydrogen, carbon monoxide, water and carbon dioxide) into more complex ones (such as oxygenates, containing oxygen atoms in their structure). Catalyst development now often depends on trial and error rather than rational design, as the heterogeneity of these composite systems hampers detailed understanding of the role of each of the components.

I propose 3D model catalysts as a novel enabling tool to overcome this problem. Their well-defined nature allows unprecedented precision in the variation of structural parameters (morphology, spatial distribution) of the individual components, while at the same time they mimic real catalysts closely enough to allow testing under industrially relevant conditions. Using this approach I will address fundamental questions, such as:
* What are the mechanisms (structural, electronic, chemical) by which non-metal promoters influence the functionality of copper-based catalysts?
* Which nanoalloys can be formed, how does their composition influence the surface active sites and catalytic functionality under reaction conditions?
* Which size and interface effects occur, and how can we use them to tune the actitivity and selectivity towards desired products?

Our 3D model catalysts will be assembled from ordered mesoporous silica and carbon support materials and Cu-based promoted and bimetallic nanoparticles. The combination with high resolution characterization and testing under realistic conditions allows detailed insight into the role of the different components; critical for the rational design of novel catalysts for a future more sustainable production of chemicals and fuels from renewable resources.

Meccanismo di finanziamento

ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant

Istituzione ospitante

UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT
Contribution nette de l'UE
€ 1 999 625,00
Indirizzo
HEIDELBERGLAAN 8
3584 CS Utrecht
Paesi Bassi

Mostra sulla mappa

Regione
West-Nederland Utrecht Utrecht
Tipo di attività
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Collegamenti
Costo totale
€ 1 999 625,00

Beneficiari (1)