SolarFUEL · Gas Diffusion Electrodes and Flow Cells for Photoelectrochemical CO2 Conversion into Multicarbon Alcohols
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2020-12-01 → 2022-11-30
- EU contribution
- €212,934
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Gas Diffusion Electrodes and Flow Cells for Photoelectrochemical CO2 Conversion into Multicarbon Alcohols
Energy crisis and global warming are the key major issues that we are facing now-a-days. Still in 21st century, we are heavily dependent on the fossil fuels such as coal, oil, natural gas as our primary energy source. Technological advancement and human industrial activities do not only accelerate the consumption of non-renewable fossil fuels, but also result in escalated greenhouse gas (especially carbon dioxide, CO2) emission into the atmosphere which causes global warming. Thus, the conversion of CO2 into useful fuels is on demand and a step towards attaining a carbon-neutral energy cycle. Artificial photosynthesis is the key process where CO2 and water (H2O) can efficiently be converted into renewable fuels and chemicals using sunlight as an energy source. On the other hand, plastic pollution is of major environmental concern, as the majority of waste plastics accumulate in landfills or escapes into the environment. As the most recycling strategies being environmental polluting or requiring a high energy input, an attractive alternative solution to deal with plastic pollution would involve the sustainable conversion of plastic waste into industrially-relevant value-added chemicals. Sunlight is the most abundant and exploitable energy source we have. Thus, efficient use of solar energy for the CO2 and plastics conversion into sustainable fuels and chemicals would provide us an impactful solution towards these environmental issues. The major objectives of this project were: 1. Development of a photoelectrochemical reactor for simultaneous CO2 conversion and plastic reforming 2. Carbon capture and its efficient photoelectrochemical utilization 3. Solar-driven conversion of CO2 into multicarbon fuels
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Artificial photosynthesis, in which solar energy is directly used to generate fuels and useful chemicals from CO2 and water, is a promising solution to both energy crisis and global warming issues now-a-days. However, implementation of such a sustainable solar-fuel technology requires efficient light harvester and catalyst materials to power the uphill reaction. The proposed project is aimed to develop a novel flow cell set up with gas diffusion photocathode (GDP) for photoelectrochemical CO2 conversion into multicarbon alcohols (high energy density fuels). A layer by layer electrode fabrication method (systematic assembly of diffusion layer, photo-sensitizer, and co-catalyst materials) will be employed to develop a gas diffusion photocathode. Novel co-catalyst activation processes will be used to make the photocathodes active for multicarbon alcohol production. The innovative aspect of “SolarFUEL” is to employ a flow cell/GDP set up for the first time in photoelectrochemistry to produce alcohols from CO2. The cathodic solar CO2 conversion process will be coupled to an anodic solar water oxidation process. Operando spectroscopy studies (Raman, IR, and UV-Vis) will be carried out to monitor the catalyst systems and reaction pathways. The project being at the interface of material synthesis, photo-, electro-chemistry, and spectroscopy, will provide an excellent opportunity for the experienced researcher (ER) to develop profound scientific and technical expertise. In addition, the fellowship will allow the ER to gain complementary skills such as, manuscript preparation, public outreach, networking and collaboration which will be substantially helpful for his future independent career. The combination of the cutting-edge science and training excellence of the project will enhance the ER’s academic career prospect as well as improve the host’s international reputation.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE · CAMBRIDGECoordinatorUnited Kingdom
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union