Descrizione del progetto
Un percorso inedito verso la sintesi di nanoparticelle metalliche
Le nanoparticelle rappresentano importanti nanomateriali in numerosi campi di applicazione. Le loro potenzialità sono pressoché infinite grazie alle loro proprietà uniche ed esotiche, che surclassano le forme sfuse dei medesimi materiali, nonché grazie alla loro capacità di essere funzionalizzate secondo le necessità e alle loro superfici estremamente elevate. I tensioattivi sono generalmente impiegati nella sintesi di nanoparticelle per evitarne l’aggregazione, permettendo il controllo sulla loro forma finale. Tuttavia, nella maggior parte dei casi e, in particolare, durante la catalisi, questi agenti risultano dannosi per le applicazioni finali. Il progetto CoSolCat, finanziato dall’UE, esaminerà un metodo di sintesi da poco brevettato e svilupperà nuove strategie di produzione che non richiedono l’uso di tensioattivi per la creazione di nanoparticelle. Si prevede che i dettagli acquisiti si tradurranno nell’affermazione di nuovi e migliori catalizzatori per il settore industriale.
Obiettivo
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.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
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Meccanismo di finanziamento
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinatore
1165 Kobenhavn
Danimarca