Project description DEENESFRITPL A novel setup recreates photosynthesis for the production of fuels Scientists and engineers often look to nature for novel and/or efficient ways to do things, from processing information to synthesising molecules and pretty much anything in between. Photosynthesis is an inspiring way to harvest the sun's energy to produce "fuel" from CO2 and water, addressing our desire to both reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and meet energy needs sustainably. However, the photosynthetic process is highly complex and efficient, and therefore difficult to mimic. The EU-funded SolarFUEL project is tackling this problem with the goal of delivering a novel setup that will enable photoelectrochemical CO2 conversion into high energy-density fuels. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Artificial photosynthesis, in which solar energy is directly used to generate fuels and useful chemicals from CO2 and water, is a promising solution to both energy crisis and global warming issues now-a-days. However, implementation of such a sustainable solar-fuel technology requires efficient light harvester and catalyst materials to power the uphill reaction. The proposed project is aimed to develop a novel flow cell set up with gas diffusion photocathode (GDP) for photoelectrochemical CO2 conversion into multicarbon alcohols (high energy density fuels). A layer by layer electrode fabrication method (systematic assembly of diffusion layer, photo-sensitizer, and co-catalyst materials) will be employed to develop a gas diffusion photocathode. Novel co-catalyst activation processes will be used to make the photocathodes active for multicarbon alcohol production. The innovative aspect of “SolarFUEL” is to employ a flow cell/GDP set up for the first time in photoelectrochemistry to produce alcohols from CO2. The cathodic solar CO2 conversion process will be coupled to an anodic solar water oxidation process. Operando spectroscopy studies (Raman, IR, and UV-Vis) will be carried out to monitor the catalyst systems and reaction pathways. The project being at the interface of material synthesis, photo-, electro-chemistry, and spectroscopy, will provide an excellent opportunity for the experienced researcher (ER) to develop profound scientific and technical expertise. In addition, the fellowship will allow the ER to gain complementary skills such as, manuscript preparation, public outreach, networking and collaboration which will be substantially helpful for his future independent career. The combination of the cutting-edge science and training excellence of the project will enhance the ER’s academic career prospect as well as improve the host’s international reputation. Fields of science engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energysolar energynatural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryalcoholsnatural scienceschemical sciencescatalysisnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbotanynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy Keywords Photoelectrochemistry Gas diffusion electrode Flow cell CO2 conversion Operando spectroscopy Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2018 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2018 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF) Coordinator THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE Net EU contribution € 212 933,76 Address TRINITY LANE THE OLD SCHOOLS CB2 1TN Cambridge United Kingdom See on map Region East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 212 933,76
