Project description
A novel route to metallic nanoparticle synthesis
Nanoparticles are important nanomaterials in many fields of applications. Their potential is virtually limitless thanks to their unique and exotic properties relative to bulk forms of the same materials, their ability to be functionalised as required, and their extremely high surface areas. Surfactants are commonly used in nanoparticle synthesis to prevent the aggregation of nanoparticles and allow control over their final shape. However, in most cases and particularly in catalysis, these agents are detrimental to the final applications. The EU-funded CoSolCat will explore a recently patented synthesis method and develop new production strategies that do not require surfactants to obtain nanoparticles. Insights gained are expected to lead to new and improved catalysts for industry.
Objective
CoSolCat is based on a new surfactant-free colloidal synthesis of precious metal nanoparticles developed and patented by the experienced researcher Dr J. Quinson. The technology has attracted interest from industries and a start-up has been created, yet is in its very early stages. Further research is required to fully seize and position the technology as a new state–of –the –art method to produce precious metal nanocatalysts.
The objectives of CoSolCat are to study in detail and develop further surfactant-free syntheses of precious metal-based nanoparticles to be used as catalysts with enhanced performances for the production of valuable chemicals and energy applications.
By combining world-leading expertise from the University of Copenhagen (Assistant-Professor Maria Escudero Escribano), Stanford (Assistant Professor Matteo Cargnello), a start-up and his own experience, Dr J. Quinson will produce, study, characterise, compare and so benchmark nanocatalysts obtained by the technology he patented, new routes to-be-developed in the project, and state-of-the art methods.
This will provide a deeper understanding of the production and properties of precious metal catalysts while the new technology will be more controlled and optimised to a degree relevant for industry. E.g. bi-metallic nanoparticles comprising a non-precious metal will be developed for the first time with new surfactant-free approaches and studied for model hydrogenation reactions. This research will lead to sustainable and affordable catalysts with improved selectivity.
The expertise gained by the applicant will (1) help to mature the technology, (2) develop a new pool of competences in heterogeneous catalysis in Europe, (3) provide expertise in industrially relevant production of catalysts suitable for a range of chemical productions and energy conversion reactions. The proposal is then directly relevant to provide world leading expertise in Europe for a green and more sustainable economy.
Fields of science
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Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinator
1165 Kobenhavn
Denmark