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Project title

Sustainable biogenic synthesis of metallic nanoparticles on carbon for electrocatalysis

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

Fuel cells and electrolysers are devices that exploit redox processes to generate electricity/fuels and that will be central for energy sustainability. However, state-of-the-art devices require use of costly and scarce Pt-group metals as electrocatalysts, presenting issues of cost and scalability. Development of non-precious and earth-abundant transition metal-based (e.g.Fe,Mn) materials as electrocatalysts for key reactions in fuel cells/electrolysers, e.g. the oxygen reduction or hydrogen evolution reactions, is of paramount importance to expand use of these technologies. This Ulysses partnership will exploit the metal sequestering properties of biofilms for the sustainable synthesis of biogenic non-Pt group electrocatalysts for the above reactions. Selected bacterial cultures can form biofilms with high tolerance to transition metals through evolved mechanisms, including intracellular precipitation as metal nanoparticles. We will pioneer use of biofilms for the biogenic synthesis of carbon-based, non-Pt group electrocatalysts in the laboratory of Prof. Barri�re at UR1. We will then characterise these materials via spectroscopic and nanoscale imaging techniques in Prof. Colavita�s laboratory at TCD. Electrocatalyst performance in redox processes of relevance to energy applications will be evaluated using electrochemical methods at partners� laboratories and correlated to electrode nanostructure and composition using a combination of in situ spectroelectrochemistry/nanoelectrochemistry at TCD.

Grant Approved

�2,450.00

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Carbon Stocks, GHG Emissions, Sinks and Management Options

Start Date

01/09/2022

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/12/2023