Project description
High-efficiency catalyst could improve solar fuel generation
Producing fuel from sunlight, carbon dioxide and water could help satisfy the growing energy demands worldwide and point to a more sustainable future. Photocatalysts decorated with noble metal nanoparticles as catalysts have widely been investigated for their ability to speed up the generation of chemical fuels from water and carbon dioxide. However, it is currently unknown how the crystal phase of the noble metal nanoparticles affects the photocatalytic activity. The EU-funded C[Au]PSULE project will combine various experimental techniques to examine the relationship between the crystal phase of gold nanoparticles and the photocatalytic activity of gold–perovskite photocatalyst composites. It also plans to introduce non-standard crystal phases to improve catalyst efficiency.
Objective
Artificial photocatalysis that converts CO2 into carbon fuels or produces clean energy such as H2 or NH3 from water and N2 using solar energy is an effective strategy to effectively reduce the carbon footprint and to develop a low carbon emission economy and sustainable energy in the future. Noble metal decorated photocatalysts have widely been investigated for improving the photocatalytic performance, however the effect of noble metal crystal phases on the photocatalytic performance is still an unexplored field. This project aims at exploiting the reduced coordination of surface metal atoms in non-standard crystal phases of metallic gold (Au) to create more effective photocatalysts. Specifically, the relationship between the Au crystal phase and the photoactivity of Au-perovskite composites will be systematically investigated by combining various advanced characterization techniques. Additionally, for achieving highly efficient Au-perovskite photocatalysts the modification of non-standard crystal phase Au by constructing crystal-phase-heterostructure and alloying with atom-thick metal shell and the optimization of charge migration pathways in the composites will be performed. Using single molecule fluorescence microscopy, the photocatalytic reaction pathways and the dynamics process over Au-perovskite photocatalysts will be elucidated.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy solar energy
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis photocatalysis
- engineering and technology materials engineering composites
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
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-EF-ST - Standard EF
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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-2019
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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.
3000 LEUVEN
Belgium
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.