Objective
Artificial photosynthesis is one of the most promising methods for the direct conversion of solar energy into renewable chemical fuels. The process involves splitting water by creating spatially separated electron-hole pairs, which then control the redox semi-reactions leading to evolution of molecular hydrogen and oxygen. This project aims at providing an electronic and structural characterization of novel highly-efficient catalysts for water oxidation, as well as at identifying the fundamental reaction mechanisms underlying their function and efficiency. To this end, we will use state-of-the-art first-principles numerical modeling based on density functional theory. In particular, we will focus on inorganic ruthenium-containing polyoxometalate homogeneous catalysts that have been recently synthesized and that displayed unprecedented reactivity and stability in solution. Very little is known about the fundamental electronic and structural properties of this novel class of materials. Besides a full characterization, this project will provide insight into the water/catalyst interaction, the electronic processes controlling the charge state of the active metal centers, and the mechanism of water oxidation. This study of structure and functions will allow us to identify correlations between the catalytic activity, the atomistic environment and the electronic structure, thus proposing guidelines for a predictive tailoring of inorganic water-splitting catalysts. During the reintegration period, the researcher will be hosted in the theory group of the ELETTRA synchrotron radiation facility where a joint theoretical and experimental multidisciplinary project is currently being set up. This unique scientific environment will give him the opportunity to become a leading figure in the field of artificial photosynthesis for energy applications.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy solar energy
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry electrolysis
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
- natural sciences biological sciences botany
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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.
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.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-IRG-2008
See other projects for this call
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.
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.
Coordinator
00185 Roma
Italy
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.