CONFINED CATALYSIS IN LAYERED MATERIALS – A TRANSFORMATIONAL APPROACH FOR EFFICIENT WATER SPLITTING

Project Information

CoCaWS

Grant agreement ID: 101027930

DOI

10.3030/101027930

Project closed

EC signature date 5 July 2021

Start date 1 January 2022

End date 2 July 2024

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 171 473,28

EU contribution

€ 171 473,28

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITA CA' FOSCARI VENEZIA
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CoCaWS (CONFINED CATALYSIS IN LAYERED MATERIALS – A TRANSFORMATIONAL APPROACH FOR EFFICIENT WATER SPLITTING)

Reporting period: 2022-01-01 to 2023-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The CoCaWS project aims to explore new efficient catalysts for overall WS, addressing the global energy crisis through eco-friendly hydrogen production. It studies efficient catalysts based on composite two-dimensional (2D) layered nanomaterials, employing confined catalysis—where catalytic activities occur in a unique nanoscale environment separated from the surrounding bulk space—to ensure long-term efficient H2 and O2 production from water.The CoCaWS project is crucial for several reasons: i)Addressing the Global Energy Crisis: Focusing on hydrogen production through water splitting provides a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, crucial for mitigating the global energy crisis.ii) Reducing Reliance on Noble Metals: CoCaWS seeks alternatives to scarce and expensive noble metals like platinum and iridium/ruthenium oxides, reducing costs and making large-scale hydrogen production more feasible. iii) Simplifying Catalyst Design and Compatibility: Developing bifunctional catalysts that work in a single electrolyte simplifies system design and improves efficiency, avoiding complications from using different materials and electrolytes.i) Innovative Catalysis Approach: Using confined catalysis, CoCaWS aims to enhance long-term efficiency in producing hydrogen and oxygen, potentially leading to breakthroughs in catalyst performance and durability.
In conclusion, the CoCaWS project represents a significant advancement in sustainable energy solutions, focusing on hydrogen production through water splitting. By addressing limitations of current technologies that rely on scarce and expensive noble metals, CoCaWS develops efficient catalysts based on composite 2D layered nanomaterials. It tackles the challenge of designing bifunctional catalysts for both HER and OER in a single electrolyte, simplifying design and improving efficiency. The innovative concept of confined catalysis ensures long-term efficient H2 and O2 production, with the potential to revolutionize energy systems by providing a sustainable, efficient, and practical solution to the global energy crisis.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

WP1: Research Achievements
• Synthesized MnPSe3 and NiPS3 controllably.
• Successfully intercalated Li ions into MnPSe3’s van der Waals gaps.
• Scientific and Technological Milestones:
o Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER): Achieved a low overpotential of 48 mV at 10 mA/cm² and a Tafel slope of 95 mV/dec, indicating high catalytic efficiency and favorable reaction kinetics.
o Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER): Achieved an overpotential of 210 mV at 10 mA/cm² with a Tafel slope of 61 mV/dec, demonstrating excellent catalytic activity and efficient charge transfer.
o Overall Water Splitting: Demonstrated a cell voltage of 1.63 V at 10 mA/cm², showing dual functionality for HER and OER.
o Stability: Maintained excellent stability over 36 hours of continuous operation.
o Solar Integration: Successfully initiated water splitting using a silicon-based solar cell at close to 1.8 V, showcasing potential for sustainable energy conversion.
WP2: Training Milestones
• Secured a permanent position and Italian national habilitations at Ca’Foscari University of Venice.
• Promoted to associate professor.
• Selected as a member of the Global Young Academy and Ambassador for EUTOPIA Young Leaders Academy.
WP3: Dissemination and Communication Milestones
• Organized annual symposia (2022, 2023) on Advanced Ceramics for Environmental Remediation at the Materials Science & Technology Conference.
• Demonstrated science for children at Veneto Night (Venice, 2023).
• Taught courses at Ca’Foscari University:
o Fundamentals of Nanoscience and Technology (CM1406, 12 credits)
o Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials (CM0600, 9 credits)
o Analysis and Synthesis Techniques for Functional Surfaces and Nanostructures (PHD197, 8 credits)
• Delivered invited talks at international conferences:
o International Conference & Exposition on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (USA, 2021, 2022, 2023)
o International Ceramics Congress of CIMTEC (Italy, 2022)
o Challenges Materials Technologies Energy Conversion, Saving Storage (MATECSS) (Mexico, 2023)
o First IOCD North/South Collaborative Workshop on Energy (Mexico, 2023)
o IEEE International Conference “Nanomaterials: Applications & Properties” (IEEE NAP-2023) (Slovakia, 2023)
o International Conference on Ceramic Materials and Components for Energy and Environmental Systems (CMCEE14) in Budapest, Hungary (2024)
• Published a review paper, "Frontiers in Photoelectrochemical Catalysis: A Focus on Valuable Product Synthesis,” in Advanced Materials (2024).
• Published research in Chemical Research in Chinese Universities and Springer-Verlag GmbH (2024).
• Submitted a paper on the electrochemical evolution of metal oxyhydroxide surfaces for amine oxidation to nitrile to Carbon Energy, Wiley (under review).

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Key Contributions to the State of the Art:
1. Novel Material Synthesis: The synthesis of 2D layered MnPSe3 with confined Ru presents an innovative catalyst for water splitting.
2. Enhanced Catalytic Performance: Achieved low overpotentials and favorable Tafel slopes for both HER and OER, indicating superior catalytic performance.
3. Renewable Energy Integration: Successfully integrated the catalyst with a silicon-based solar cell for water splitting, advancing practical renewable energy applications.
Enhancing Innovation Capacity and Societal Impact:
1. Innovation Capacity and Market Opportunities:
o Development of Novel Catalysts: Ru-confined MnPSe3 catalysts represent a significant advancement in water splitting, with commercialization potential.
o New Market Opportunities: Superior catalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution open avenues for green hydrogen production, a growing market.
2. Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Issues:
o Renewable Energy Source: Enhancing water splitting efficiency for green hydrogen production reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
o Sustainable Development: Integration with silicon solar cells for outdoor water splitting supports sustainable energy generation.
3. Industrial and Societal Needs:
o Strengthening Competitiveness: Novel catalysts can enhance the competitiveness of industries in the global renewable energy market.
o Societal Benefits: Producing green hydrogen meets societal needs for clean, sustainable energy, contributing to energy security and environmental sustainability.
Contribution to European Policy Objectives:
• Renewable Energy Directive: Supports EU targets for renewable energy deployment by advancing green hydrogen production.
• Green Deal: Aligns with goals of achieving carbon neutrality and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
• Research and Innovation Strategies: Supports EU priorities in developing novel materials and technologies for renewable energy applications.
Potential Users and Communication:
• Renewable Energy Companies: Can utilize developed catalysts to enhance hydrogen production processes. Collaboration with De Nora and other companies for greater impact.
• Academic Researchers: Findings contribute to the scientific community working on advanced materials for energy applications.
• Policy Makers: Research insights can inform policy decisions related to renewable energy and sustainability.

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