Project description
Functionalised outer shells give copper nanocrystals outsized catalytic power
Among the important ways to reduce atmospheric CO2 is its capture and catalytic conversion into useful chemicals. The electrochemical reduction of CO2 can help us store excess renewable electricity in the bonds of carbon-based liquid fuels and industrially relevant chemicals. It is a win-win-win proposition, reducing CO2, generating useful chemicals and relying on renewable energy sources to do so. However, it faces challenges related to the low selectivity, activity and stability of electrocatalysts in aqueous solutions. The EU-funded SURFCAT project is developing approaches to modify copper nanocrystals, the catalyst of choice, to surpass these obstacles and spur the commercialisation of this important process to close the carbon cycle, protect the environment and provide fuels and chemicals.
Objective
With an expanding population and finite fossil fuel resources, society faces several major challenges regarding energy and the environment. SURFCAT seeks to address these issues by making advances in the electrochemical carbon-dioxide reduction-reaction (CO2RR), which converts carbon dioxide into hydrocarbon fuels using renewable electrical energy. Whilst copper is the only metal able to produce hydrocarbons in the CO2RR, modifications to pure, bulk copper are required in order to bypass its intrinsic limitations. Copper nanocrystals (CuNCs) offer enhanced activity and selectivity for single products in the CO2RR, yet there is a need to improve these materials further. SURFCAT strives to take advantage of surface modification in order to deliver these improvements. SURFCAT will go beyond the state-of-the-art by modifying the surfaces of CuNCs with functional organic ligands. The objectives of the research will be to: 1) synthesise new organic molecules, judiciously designed to influence favourable interactions between the CuNCs and carbon dioxide; 2) synthesise hybrid CuNCs, consisting of a metallic, nanocrystalline core and a functional ligand shell; 3) study and optimise the electrocatalytic performance of these novel materials; and 4) use spectroscopy and computational modelling to understand their mode of action and offer insight into the role of functional ligands on catalyst surfaces. These objectives will be achieved by combining the applicant’s expertise in steering catalysis through ligand design with the host laboratory’s expertise in nanocrystal synthesis and electrocatalysis. SURFCAT is perfectly aligned with the MSCA Work Programme, combining unique skills and knowledge from both the applicant and the host laboratory. Through training during his time at EPFL, the applicant will develop professional, language and teaching skills on top of his research efforts, in order to become a mobile and World-leading researcher.
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 chemical sciences organic chemistry hydrocarbons
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials nanocrystals
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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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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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF
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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) H2020-MSCA-IF-2018
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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.
1015 LAUSANNE
Switzerland
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.