Descrizione del progetto
Risolvere la relazione struttura-stabilità degli elettrocatalizzatori su scala atomica
Le tecnologie delle celle a idrogeno e delle celle a combustibile potrebbero favorire la transizione verso un sistema energetico pulito e a basse emissioni di carbonio. L’elettrolisi dell’acqua è un metodo ecocompatibile per produrre idrogeno. L’efficienza e la competitività di questo processo dipendono dall’uso di elettrocatalizzatori altamente stabili. La debole stabilità degli elettrocatalizzatori, insieme alla loro scarsa abbondanza e alla distribuzione geografica disomogenea, rappresenta un ostacolo a un metodo più sostenibile di stoccaggio e generazione di elettricità. Il progetto 123STABLE, finanziato dall’UE, mira ad approfondire la relazione tra la struttura e la stabilità dei catalizzatori coinvolti nelle reazioni elettrochimiche. Approcci ad alta sensibilità fino al livello del picogrammo, combinati con la microscopia su scala subatomica, promettono approfondimenti a livello atomico sulla corrosione e la ricostruzione dei metalli nobili in ambienti elettrochimici.
Obiettivo
In the last decades, significant progress has been made on understanding and controlling solid/liquid electrochemical interfaces at atomic levels. As the principles guiding the activity of electrochemical reactions are quite well established (structure-activity relationships), the fundamentals of stability are still poorly understood (structure-stability relationships). 123STABLE proposes to employ (1) identical location, (2) online monitoring and (3) modeling of noble metals based nanoparticles changes with the state-of-the-art electron microscopy equipment and online dissolution and evolution analytics using electrochemical flow cell coupled to online mass spectrometers. Projects unique methodology approach with picogram sensitivity levels, in combination with sub-atomic scale microscopy insights and simulations, promises novel atomistic insights into the corrosion and reconstruction of noble metals in electrochemical environments. This unique approach is based on observations of the same nanoparticles before and after electrochemical treatment where weak and stable atomic features and events can be recognized, followed, understood and finally utilized. Upon (1) doping, (2) decoration and/or (3) other synthetic modification of nanoparticles like a change in size and shape further stabilization is envisioned. For instance, blockage of nanoparticle vulnerable defected sites like steps or kinks by more noble metal could stop or significantly slow down their degradation.
The 123STABLE project will feature platinum- and iridium-based nanostructures as a model system to introduce a unique “123” approach, as they still possess the best electrocatalytic properties for the future electrification of society through the Hydrogen economy. However, their electrochemical stability is still not sufficient. Coupled with the fact that their supply is hindered by extremely scarce, rare and uneven geological distribution, the increase in their stability is of immense importance.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
Argomento(i)
Meccanismo di finanziamento
ERC-STG - Starting GrantIstituzione ospitante
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia