Project description
Smart photocatalysts increase solar CO2 conversion
Using sunlight to convert CO2 into fuel is one way to address climate change and the worldwide energy crisis. However, a challenge to photocatalytic CO2 reduction (PCR) is charge carrier recombination in semiconductor heterojunctions, for example – and this reduces efficiency. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the RECHERCHE project is investigating how to adjust the charge carrier diffusion length. Researchers will modify the semiconductor particles to be used in tandem Z scheme heterostructures to have the same diffusion length before using electrostatic self-assembly to couple the particles together. The project will also optimise optical absorption into these systems, which is grounded in solar cell technology. RECHERCHE will overcome the drawbacks and achieve the full possibilities for solar-driven CO2 reduction.
Objective
Harnessing solar energy through photocatalytic CO2 reduction (PCR) is a promising means to address the escalating environmental challenges and energy crises simultaneously. One of the primary challenges in photocatalysis and PCR is the issue of charge carrier recombination within semiconductor heterojunctions. While these heterostructures promise to improve charge separation, internal recombination processes can undermine their efficiency. To address this challenge, the proposal describes a novel method for optimizing charge carrier diffusion lengths within materials. This strategy involves a two-step process. The first step is to prepare each semiconductor component individually, with particle size proportional to charge carrier diffusion length, and then assemble them using the electrostatic self-assembly technique to fabricate tandem Z scheme heterostructures. Balancing the generation of electrons within heterojunction systems is another critical factor in achieving efficient charge transfer. The proposal suggests considering the optical absorption coefficient of semiconductors within the heterojunction, drawing inspiration from the solar cell field. This approach can potentially revolutionize heterojunction design and enhance the charge carrier separation and the efficiency of photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The overarching research objective is to understand the limitations of current heterogeneous photocatalysts and design novel tandem Z scheme photocatalysts. The focus is optimizing absorption coefficients and diffusion lengths and constructing novel tandem Z scheme configurations. Advanced analytical techniques will validate the success of these heterostructures, contributing to the development of efficient photocatalytic systems. These innovations promise enhanced charge transfer, redox potential optimization, and overall performance in the context of photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
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: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis photocatalysis
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
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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.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
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.
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
80333 Muenchen
Germany
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.