This report covers the all part of the project ( from 04/2017 to 04/2019).
The project focused on developing electrocatalysts for new methods of production of valuable chemicals.
However, from the original submission and the beginning of the project, a period of 1 year elapsed.
In this time frame, experimental work showed that the background theoretical hypothesis driving the project was not valid.
In that respect the 'model reaction' used as case study for the project had to be changed.
The project re-focused on the energy conversion rather than electrochemical production of valuable chemicals.
This also mean that the secondment did not happen has planned (as agreed in written with the contact point at the secondment) to favor further academic research.
However alternative industrial partners were successfully identified as detailed below.
The training expected and the various scientific and transferable skills to be developed where successfully achieved as planned.
E.g. SAXS training, use of head-space chromatography, teaching, writing publications, attendance of conferences, contribute the supervising, contribute to science dissemination,etc.
The idea of developing new synthesis method of electrocatalysts turned out to be extremely rewarding.
I developed a new method to produce precious metal nano-particles that bears economic and ecological benefits over state of the art.
Comparison of catalysts produced by this new method vs benchmark and even industrial catalysts for applications in both energy conversion and simple chemical production were successfully demonstrated and the results published in a high impact factor journals.
Several partnerships with industry and research groups are being developed and the work performed is a strong base to develop further funding and possibly secure and academic career.
Several manuscripts focusing on the controlled synthesis (e.g. effect of experimental parameters, size control, even more sustainable synthesis approach) and further detailing the multiple benefits of the synthesis are being issued.
Advanced characterization techniques have also been investigated to control the synthesis of the catalysts and the related data analysis is undergoing.
7 publications related to the work have been issued.
Another 3-4 are expected.
