Project description
Paving the way to cleaner ammonia
Ammonia is an important ingredient for global food and energy systems, but its production through the century-old Haber-Bosch process comes at a high environmental cost. This is why scientists are exploring a cleaner method that involves converting nitrogen and water into ammonia using electricity (without carbon emissions). The EU-funded Plasmmonia project is advancing this approach by enhancing it with light. Specifically, the project is designing gold, copper, and alloy nanoparticles that harness light to boost the electrochemical reaction’s efficiency. These plasmonic catalysts could make ammonia production both cleaner and more energy efficient. This is in line with the EU’s 2030 climate goals.
Objective
Ammonia (NH3) production is essential for human development, as it is a key precursor in manufacturing synthetic fertilizers, chemicals, and hydrogen storage. Currently, NH3 is produced via the Haber-Bosch (H-B) method. Achieving sustainable alternatives to the H-B process will significantly contribute to the climate, environmental protection, and energy efficiency goals of the EU's 2030 Plan. The electrochemical reduction of molecular nitrogen (eNRR) to obtain NH3 is one of today's most promising routes. This methodology allows the direct conversion of N2 and water into NH3 at normal temperature and pressure without CO2 emissions. Due to their unique optical properties, an innovative strategy to improve eNRR involves using plasmonic-metal nanoparticles (NPs) as electrocatalysts. The excitation of the surface electrons occurs by illuminating the plasmonic substrates, generating localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). LSPR provides an additional source of high-energy electrons to the electrocatalytic system, which can increase efficiency and improve selectivity towards NH3 formation. This plasmonic-electrochemical combination is termed Plasmon-Assisted Catalysis.
This research aims to design, synthesize, and characterize plasmonic NPs made of Au, Cu, and Au/Cu alloys to maximize their activity as electrocatalysts for eNRR. The synthesis of NPs with different morphologies will be carried out through various chemical, and hydrothermal methods. The evaluation of the electrocatalytic activity will be conducted in an H-type electrochemical cell and the different synthesized electrocatalysts be supported on carbonaceous electrodes as the working electrode. The activity and stability of the materials will also be evaluated using aqueous and ionic liquids as electrolytes. Furthermore, real-time monitoring of the electrochemical process and determination of the eNRR mechanism will be achieved through in situ spectroelectrochemical techniques (SEIRAS, SERS).
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 physical sciences condensed matter physics quasiparticles
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis electrocatalysis
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
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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-2024-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.
06071 Badajoz
Spain
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.