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Carbon-based Single-atom Catalyst for Direct CO2 Hydrogenation to Fuel-range (C5+) Hydrocarbons

Objective

To address climate change and achieve carbon neutrality, innovative technologies are needed to convert CO2 into fuels and chemicals. Among the several strategies, the direct conversion of CO2 and green H2 into fuel-range hydrocarbons (C5+) presents a sustainable alternative to fossil-based processes, ensuring energy security, especially in hard-to-electrify sectors such as shipping and aviation. In general, this tandem process through the RWGS-FT pathway demands at least two different types of active sites in a catalytic system for the formation of primary intermediate CO and subsequent consumption through C-C coupling and chain growth. Although Fe, Co, and Ru-based nanomaterials are well studied for this process, they have critical limitations, including low CO formation, limited C5+ selectivity, and insufficient activity under mild conditions.
The core of this proposal is to construct single-atom sites (Fe or Co) within doped/co-doped carbon that combines the advantages of single-metal dispersion for *CO formation and stabilization and dynamic aggregation and carburization under reaction conditions for obtaining high C5+ selectivity. Therefore, this research will focus on tailoring the coordination environment at the atomic scale for achieving C5+ selectivity beyond the ASF limit (48%).
This work will adopt a multidisciplinary approach, integrating a simple catalyst synthesis strategy with advanced characterization and in-situ/operando spectroscopy studies. Special attention will be given to probe dynamic structural and electronic changes under reaction conditions. By establishing a structure-activity relationship, fundamental insights into how a single site and its structural evolution affect the catalytic performance will be achieved.
The expected outcome of this project is to develop a robust and scalable single-atom catalyst for CO2 valorization, contributing to the EU's Green Deal goal and enhancing researchers’ skills in both catalysis and leadership.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF

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Coordinator

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 276 187,92
Address
RESEARCH SERVICES C/O MAIN BUILDING
CF10 3AT CARDIFF
United Kingdom

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Region
Wales East Wales Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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.

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