Formic acid oxidation reaction as model reaction for curvature effect towards fuel cell development

Recently, it has been shown that the local catalyst structure plays a significant role in adsorption energies via the curvature effect. Currently, the curvature effect is mainly based on computational observations. My research objective is to validate my computational model of the curvature effect by experimental testing with Prof.

Herrero's group at the University of Alicante.

To validate the model, I will use the formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR), an important reaction for direct liquid fuel cell applications, as the model reaction.

The research on validating the curvature effect is timely due to the established advancements in catalyst synthesis and spectroscopical studies.

Namely, I will combine experimental methods of synthesising curved catalysts with the recent advancements in spectroscopical studies of electrochemical reactions.

The resulting research will provide insights for curvature effect application on fuel cells research via the gained understanding of CO adsorbate energy correlation with curvature, and other electrochemical reactions by increased control of adsorption intermediate energies. During the fellowship, I will acquire new experimental skills in synthesis and surface characterisation.

The obtained experimental experience will also further my current computational modelling expertise directly, by helping to refine the existing computational model for curvature, and, indirectly, by helping to understand the experimental limitations and governing factors that currently might be neglected in modelling.