Project description
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.
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 (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.
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy solar energy
- natural sciences chemical sciences organic chemistry alcohols
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
- natural sciences biological sciences botany
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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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.
CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom
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.