Project description
Innovative combinations of materials boost the efficiency of promising solar energy storage
The electrolysis of water (splitting it with electricity) into oxygen and hydrogen using energy generated by photovoltaics is a great way to store energy from the sun in the form of chemical bonds. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a limiting step in the reaction pathway, and overcoming this barrier will require the development of an efficient, durable and cost-effective electrocatalyst. The EU-funded DIMCO project is rising to the challenge, with a focus on a novel combination of materials offering synergistic effects that could significantly enhance OER activity.
Objective
Water splitting is considered as one of the most attractive methods to store renewable energies, especially solar energy. Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a main bottleneck of the water splitting. Although hydroxides incorporating both Ni and Fe have been intensively studied due to their promising activity for OER, the reaction mechanism and active catalysts are still under vigorous debate. We propose to introduce manganese (Mn) into monolayer of NiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH). We expect that Mn-induced synergistic electronic effect with Ni and Fe will lead to enhancement of OER activity. Moreover, we will probe the active sites of these catalysts using operando spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The project will provide guidance for the design of a novel class of multi-component OER catalysts, as well as revolutionary analytical tools for operando characterization of electrocatalysts. The project includes a comprehensive training program to enhance the career perspectives of the fellow.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EFCoordinator
1015 Lausanne
Switzerland