A Photochemical CO2 Reduction Over Supported Single Atom Catalyst: A Knowledge Driven Approach From Molecular to Heterogeneous Catalysis
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
Mitigating CO2 to minimize the steady rise in global temperature is a pressing topic and the scientific community is putting every effort to reduce CO2 emissions from major point sources such as steel or cement industries. This research proposal investigates the photochemical reduction of CO2 with single-atom catalysts (SACs) of 1st-row transition metals incorporated in light-absorbing host matrices like C3N4 or porphyrinic materials. A knowledge-driven interdisciplinary approach from a molecular catalyst to a supported catalyst will systematically address issues like (a) how an efficient SAC can be synthesized, (b) the mechanism of CO2 reduction over SACs, (c) the dynamic behavior of atoms via tracking the active center (change in oxidation state, symmetry, and bond distances) with operando spectroscopic investigations such as FTIR and X-Ray absorption spectroscopy. 1st-row transition metal complexes are active for the photochemical reduction of CO2; this research proposal investigates the synthesis of heterogeneous analogs of these metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) as SACs. After a successful grant application, Dr. Bidyut Bikash Sarma (researcher) will be able to explore a new field of research in the group of Prof. Erwin Reisner (host). A two-way knowledge transfer between the host group (expertise in photocatalysis and artificial photosynthesis) and the researcher (expertise in surface science and operando spectroscopy) will bring new ideas that will benefit both parties.
| Description | This project successfully synthesized novel materials and those are currently being explored for photo and electro-catalytic carbon dioxide conversion to fuels |
| Exploitation Route | The novel materials were characterised by various methods such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The catalytic results are promising, and they will serve as a benchmark in the future for new innovations towards mitigating carbon dioxide concentration from atmosphere. One of the objectives of this project is to follow the course of the reaction with in-situ/operando spectroscopy at synchrotron light source. |
| Sectors | Environment |
| Description | Guest lecturer at B. Borooah College |
| Geographic Reach | Asia |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | Students were able to get used to the digital platform and learned about modern methods of characterization. Soft skills such as how to prepare presentations, writing scientific articles were also introduced during the course |
| Title | X-ray absorption spectroscopy |
| Description | These research datasets were collected at various synchrotrons across Europe (DESY, Hamburg and Karlsruhe light source) at different metals edges such as Cu K-edge, Mn K-edge, Co K-edge and Ni K-edge. |
| Type Of Material | Data analysis technique |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | This result will bring new insight to the current research where it is necessary to have the X-ray absorption spectroscopy data to prove about existence of single atom catalyst. |
| Description | Cambridge Open Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | During the open day, we have demonstrated a few activities related to solar fuels to the common public and school students. This was aim to engaged with common public from Cambridge and to motivate school children with science. Several demonstartions were made for example, how to produce green hydrogen, conversion of waste such as biomass, platics to fuels, waste water treatment with sunlight etc. At the end, school children were able to ask questions and perform the demonstration by themselves |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Visit to European Synchrotron Research Facility, Grenoble, France |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | One week visit to European Synchrotron Research Facility conducting some experiments and engaged with beamline scientists for data analysis. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Visit to Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Around 80-90 people were in the audience that includes professor, post-doctoral fellow, PhD student and undergratudate students. During my visit, I also visited Karlsruhe light source and engaged with the scientific activities with beamline scientists. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Visit to school of chemistry, Cardiff University |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Around 70-80 scientists, professors, Post-doctoral fellow, PhD students and undergraduate students were actively engaged during the presentation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |