Project description
Robust molecular catalysts for the electrochemical ammonia oxidation reaction
Converting the energy stored in chemical bonds into electrical energy via fuel cells is a promising component of the green energy transition. Ammonia has many benefits over hydrogen, including a lower cost per unit energy stored and a well-established and straightforward production and distribution infrastructure. The electrochemical ammonia oxidation reaction (eAOR) typically relies on platinum-based electrocatalysts. Molecular eAOR catalysts are a promising alternative with many benefits but greater understanding is needed under non-homogeneous and more realistic conditions. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the Elmar project aims to create hybrid electrocatalysts by encapsulating non-noble metal molecular complexes in carbon-based supporting materials and optimise them for Europe’s energy sector.
Objective
Fuel cells represent highly efficient and non-polluting power devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel into electrical power. Ammonia, as a fuel, is considered a potent alternative to the commonly used hydrogen because it has a lower cost per unit of stored energy and benefits from a well-established production and distribution infrastructure. The electrochemical NH3 oxidation reaction (eAOR) typically relies on Pt-based electrocatalysts due to their low overpotential and remarkable selectivity for N2. However, their susceptibility to durability problems exacerbates their already high cost and limited availability. A few recent studies have reported molecular eAOR catalysts, but evaluate them under homogeneous conditions, which are rarely relevant to energy-related applications. To make feasible catalytic systems out of molecular catalysts, their heterogenisation on electrode surfaces is necessary.
Within the MSCA postdoctoral fellowship 'Elmar', I aim to construct catalytic films for eAOR, by encapsulating non-noble metal molecular complexes in carbon-based supporting materials. Those hybrid electrocatalysts will undergo electrochemical assessment to determine their efficiency and durability, and will be compared to a reference Pt/C catalyst. The performance of each electrocatalyst will be optimized by tuning the micro-environment of the molecular complex inside the film, and rationalized based on spectroscopic and spectroelectrochemical investigations.
Overall, I aspire to establish an exemplary methodology for constructing, optimizing, and rationalizing electrocatalysts based on simple non-noble metal complexes. My ultimate goal is to create robust eAOR catalysts capable of competing with Pt-based ones. This endeavour can significantly contribute to the development of fuel cell technologies, that are expected to play an important role in the decarbonization of the EU’s energy system.
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.
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis electrocatalysis
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry electrolysis
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels fuel cells
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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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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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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.
751 05 Uppsala
Sweden
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.