Project description
Ion insertion and electrocatalytic reactions competition in aqueous batteries
Aqueous batteries (ABs) are safe and eco-friendly, but struggle with efficiency due to overlapping redox potentials that cause hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). The mechanisms behind this competition remain unclear. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the COMBATT project aims to create a X-Mass platform to combine operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy with differential electrochemical mass spectrometry. It will track the chemical composition of active materials and H2 production, measuring ion insertion (j-inst) and hydrogen evolution (j-HER) current densities. The project will analyse how electrolyte modifications (additional cations and salt concentrations) and different TiO2 and WO3 polymorphs affect these current densities, enhancing understanding of the competition between ion insertion and electrocatalytic reactions.
Objective
Aqueous batteries (ABs) hold great potential for large-scale energy storage due to their safety and environmental compatibility. However, they face a fundamental challenge as the redox potential for ion insertion overlaps with the limit of the electrochemical stability window of water. This overlap leads to severe H2 evolution reactions (HER) in ABs, reducing cell efficiency and causing side reactions. Despite its importance, the underlying mechanisms of the competition between ion insertion and HER remain poorly understood. This project aims to address this challenge by combining the experienced researcher's expertise in batteries and X-ray techniques with the host institute's expertise in interfacial electrochemistry and electrocatalysis.
We will develop a novel analytical platform, named X-Mass, designed to ensure compatibility between operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry. Through the X-Mass, we will track the chemical composition of the active material and H2 gas production under consistent electrochemical conditions, allowing precise quantification of ion insertion (j-inst) and HER (j-HER) current densities. This will enable us to assess how both reactions vary and compete during battery operation.
To further understand the factors governing their rates and limiting steps, we will explore the effects of electrolyte and electrode modifications on j-inst and j-HER. Electrolyte properties will be controlled by additional cations (Cs+, Mg2+, Al3+, etc.), insertion ion species (Li+, H+), and salt concentrations. Electrode properties will be modified using different polymorphs of the model materials, TiO2 and WO3. This approach will deepen our understanding of their reactions particularly in relation to the double layer and electrode electronic structures.
Our project will provide new insights into the critical but fundamentally unexplored competition between ion insertion and electrocatalytic surface reactions.
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 electrochemistry
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis electrocatalysis
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels fossil energy natural gas
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy absorption spectroscopy
- natural sciences chemical sciences analytical chemistry mass spectrometry
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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)
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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)
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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.
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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
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(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.
2311 EZ Leiden
Netherlands
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