Förnybara bränslen från solljus, vatten och CO2
- Diarienummer
- UKR24-0001
- Projektledare
- Shylin, Sergii
- Start- och slutdatum
- 240701-251231
- Beviljat belopp
- 1 000 000 kr
- Förvaltande organisation
- Uppsala University
- Forskningsområde
- Materialvetenskap och materialteknologier
Summary
In this project, we will develop next generation molecular/semiconductor photoelectrodes for conversion of solar energy into renewable fuels. We propose to combine semiconductor materials with new molecular catalysts in order to assemble hybrid photoanodes for water oxidation to dioxygen and hybrid photocathodes for CO2 reduction to value-added chemical compounds. While most state-of-the-art electrolyzers and photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells still utilize noble metals as anode materials, mainly iridium, we propose catalysts based on abundant, recyclable and environmentally benign metals. We plan to investigate a new family of polyhydrazide complexes of iron and copper in water oxidation and pyridyl-pyrazole complexes of iron in CO2 reduction catalysis. As light harvesting semiconductors, we will use recently developed sub-2 eV ternary metal oxides and chalcogenides. The catalysts will be deposited on the semiconductors via phosphonate anchoring groups. Intermediates relevant to catalytic reactions (i.e., mechanism of catalysis) will be studied using spectroscopy and electrochemistry methods. Transient absorption spectroscopy experiments will be carried out to investigate photoinduced electron-transfer kinetics in different time scales (from fs to ns). The project will advance the fundamental understanding of light-driven CO2 reduction process coupled to water oxidation and will thus pave the way to a realization of a PEC technology.
Populärvetenskaplig beskrivning
Capture, conversion, and storage of solar energy in the form of liquid fuels has enormous potential to defossilize the energy sector. Although photovoltaic cells, or solar panels, can already convert solar energy into electricity, consumption of liquid fuel accounts for one third of global energy use and is responsible for ca. 12 billion tons of CO2 emission every year. In addition, the sunlight is by its nature fluctuating and unevenly distributed over the surface of the plant. Thus, methods are needed to store solar energy in the form of a dense fuel (for example, renewable diesel, alcohol, etc.) in the course of so-called Artificial Photosynthesis. In this project, we propose to develop a prototype of a solar fuel cell. In such a cell, solar fuels can be generated by absorbing visible light and converting its energy to energy of chemical bonds by separation of electrons and holes. The electrons are used in the electrocatalytic reduction of an abundant substrate – atmospheric CO2, while the holes are used for oxidation of another abundant electron-rich substrate – water. The development of CO2 reduction and water oxidation catalysts is the major challenge, and the lack of stable catalysts that can operate in a long run is a significant bottleneck on the road to efficient Artificial Photosynthesis. A significant part of research on solar energy conversion focuses on systems based on precious metals, like iridium and platinum. The aim of our project is to design molecular catalysts, based on cheap and environmentally friendly materials (iron and copper). After the development of new molecular catalysts, we will design hybrid photoactive electrodes based on these materials. The electrodes will be used in photoelectrochemical cells prototypes for CO2 reduction and water oxidation. This work will be implemented by the applicant in collaboration with other researchers at Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University. The Department is the flagship of the Swedish Consortium for Artificial Photosynthesis, a collaborative research environment with the purpose of advancing research on various aspects of solar energy conversion, carbon capture and storage. The consortium brings together leading scientists with expertise in a broad range of disciplines within chemistry, physics and biology, which do fundamental and applied research, developing solutions for a sustainable future.