Ecofriendly and COst-effective preparation of Single Atoms Catalysts

The design of efficient catalysts is vital for developing advanced catalytic processes, which allows to switch to more sustainable industry.

Single Atoms Catalysts has caught all the attention within the field of catalysis owing to their outstanding catalytic performance, being potential efficient systems.

However, their applications in industry is hindered by the low metal loading required and by the lack of an environmentally friendly, simple and inexpensive batch preparation method.

Ecofriendly and COst-effective preparation of Single Atoms Catalysts (ECOSACs) aims to synthesize several SAC formulations using high metal loading through a new and innovative mechanochemistry route, allowing their batch preparation in a near future.

The specific goals of ECOSACs are: (i) use of continuous flow mechanochemistry reactor for the synthesis of given SACs formulations, mainly composed by reducible metal oxides supported noble (Pt,Au) and earth abundant (Co,Fe) metals; (ii) verify the versatility of this new synthesis method; (iii) determine the physicochemical properties and electronic environment of the SACs by using traditional and advanced characterization techniques; (iv) determine the catalytic activity of SACs in selective oxidation reaction of biomass derived molecules and (v) develop an understanding of the relationship between physicochemical properties and the activity and stability of SACs .

The results of this project have the potential to introduce a green and low-cost continuous preparation of SACs and thereby develop more sustainable and greener European and global industry sectors, being align with the European Green Deal program, area 3 “Industry for a Clean and Circular Economy”.

Throughout this project I will learn new techniques relevant to industrial catalysis, develop my skills as an independent researcher and mentor, and expand my network to include international collaborations and relationships as transition to an established researcher.