Bias-free high-performance solar NH3 production by perovskite-based photocathode and in-situ valorisation of glycerol

PECSolFuel aims to develop an environmentally benign bias-free photoelectrochemical device for energy-efficient NH3 production to replace the energy-intensive and fossil-fuel-driven Haber-Bosch process.

To achieve this, PECSolFuel has been tailored to overcome the current limitations of the solar-driven NH3 production alternative schemes involving: 1) the lack of selective and stable catalyst for efficient N2 reduction; 2) the dependence of sluggish and energy demanding reactions; 3) the requirement of a high photovoltage and 4) the catalyst degradation during long-term operation.

By choosing appropriate redox reactions (such as glycerol oxidation coupled with nitrate reduction) and the rational catalysts design (involving the stabilization of small metal nanoparticles on the step-edges of photocatalytic inorganic supports), as well as the efficient integration of photoelectrodes using perovskite-based photocathodes, the photoelectrochemical device produced in PECSolFuel will not require external energy input.

The synthesis of value-added products via glycerol oxidation reaction coupled with nitrate reduction reaction will be studied for the first time within this project.

PECSolFuel will deliver: i) New catalysts that are not only highly-selective and active, but also highly-durable for both the nitrate reduction and the electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol; ii) High-performance integrated perovskite photocathodes; iii) A two compartments photoelectrochemical device enabling a 20 % of solar-to-NH3 conversion efficiency by in situ valorisation of glycerol.

Joining Dr.

Gimenez group will allow me to establish myself as independent researcher and leading expert in solar fuel production in a group with key expertise, resources and links with academia and industry for the success of this action.

PECSolFuel will provide me with hands-on experience and training in scientific competences and strengthen my transferable skills, while expanding my professional network.