At the end of the project we are happy to share the most relevant result from the different tasks:
WP1- Surface science : Spatially resolved experiments shed light on the electrocatalytic active surfaces, along their evolution under electrochemical conditions. We assessed at the nanoscale the stability and reconstruction of metal oxides for the oxide evolution reaction (OER): and of doped copper metallic surfaces for the selective reduction of CO2 to formate (CO2R).
WP2 . Electrocatalysis: Through electrochemical analyses, we selected the most promising catalysts, according to activity and stability, and the corresponding synthetic protocols. The catalysts were deposited onto electrode supports to analyze the optimum working conditions to drive the two chemical reactions, OER and CO2R. We found catalysts with great Faradaic efficiencies, well over 90%, in both cases, although with different electrolyte requirements.
WP3 – Theory: Computational analysis following the experimental results allowed us to determine key descriptors to drive energy efficient OER catalysis (lower overpotentials), and product selective CO2R (towards formate).
WP4 – Photoelectrocatalysis: Multiple architectures for Si-based photovoltatic layers were developed to be incorporated into photoanodes (or photocathodes). We engineered the deposition of the catalysts onto these Si light absorbers with appropriate interfaces to minimize energy loses between light absorption and electrochemical performance in our A-LEAF integrated system.
WP5 – An A-LEAF device: Gathering all knowledge, materials components and engineering tools as developed in the previous WPs, we designed and built a series of A-LEAF devices, matching the initial objectives as described in our original proposal: A photoelectrochemical (PEC) device, able to produce formate (formic acid) and oxygen from CO2 and water has been delivered, with a solar to fuels energy efficiency > 10%.
All our non-sensible results have been or are in the process of being published. Dissemination of the main results has taken place through open access publications and presentations in different international conferences and specialized workshops. Press releases have been sent out and pieces of news published in different media outlets.
Results susceptible of being commercially exploited will be protected before dissemination, and plans for exploitation have been drafted. One patent dealing with a combustion method to prepare electrodes has been filed as a result of the research of A-LEAF.
