Project description
Understanding catalytic reactions through advanced simulations in realistic environments
Converting CO2 into valuable chemicals is vital for a circular carbon economy and can be achieved through the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, no catalyst meets the necessary industrial standards for selectivity and stability. While theoretical models have helped in catalyst development, they often ignore the varied structures existing under real working conditions. The ERC-funded HeliECat project will enhance our understanding of catalytic processes, including side reactions and degradation, by modelling the changing surface structure employing realistic operando conditions. HeliECat will combine semi-empirical models with accurate kinetic studies and use deep reinforcement learning to connect independently explored surfaces. Focusing on CO2 reduction on a Cu/Au catalyst, it emphasises the importance of structural diversity for accurate simulations and effective in silico catalyst screening.
Objective
Converting carbon dioxide, an unwanted by-product of industrial processes and combustion engines, into valuable chemical compounds is key for a cyclic carbon economy and can be achieved by the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Despite the immense importance of this reaction in the fight against climate change, no catalyst to date meets the industrial requirements for product selectivity and catalyst stability.
Theoretical models and simulations have played a fundamental role in the understanding of these and similar catalytic processes and aided the development of more efficient catalysts for this reaction. These models, however, assume few often idealized surface structures, ignoring the fact that a variety of structures is present under working conditions that define the catalyst properties in terms of efficiency, selectivity, and stability.
With HeliECat, I will for the first time establish an approach that offers a holistic view of the catalytic processes, including side reactions and degradation mechanisms. To achieve this ambitious goal, I will combine an efficient semiempirical model for structural exploration with accurate embedded cluster models for kinetic studies. This combination shifts the focus from idealized structures to the diversity of the catalyst surface under realistic conditions. I will then model the interconversion of accessible surface structures with deep reinforcement learning techniques. The analysis of the emerging connected kinetic reaction networks will ultimately allow me to simultaneously study the catalytic activity, stability, and selectivity in silico.
I will study the CO2RR on a Cu/Au catalyst surface and demonstrate that automated kinetic modeling, considering structural diversity and realistic thermodynamic boundary conditions, is the key to a predictive simulation of catalyst behavior under actual working conditions. HeliECat will hence pave the way for realistic in silico catalyst screening.
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 electrocatalysis
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence machine learning reinforcement learning
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering aircraft rotorcraft
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences atmospheric sciences climatology climatic changes
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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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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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
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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-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-STG
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80333 Muenchen
Germany
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