New photocatalytic materials for the reduction of CO2 to fuels
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Liverpool
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
The project will explore the development of materials that utilise solar energy to drive the production of chemical fuels from waste, or widely available feedstock's, such as CO2 and H2O. The approach, which is commonly called artificial photosynthesis, has the potential to offer a sustainable route to carbon based fuels. However, to realise this goal new, more efficient photocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 to products such as CO, CH3OH, CH4 are required.
The successful applicant will join a newly established programme that will build upon our recent work demonstrating photocatalytic activity for a new family of complex oxide photocatalysts (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 14480) and on novel molecular CO2 reduction catalysts (Chem. Sci., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/C5SC03225C, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 1562). In addition to developing the new catalysts the student will also get the opportunity to utilise advanced transient spectroscopies to gain a fundamental understanding of the key mechanistic parameters controlling photocatalytic activity.
The successful applicant will join a newly established programme that will build upon our recent work demonstrating photocatalytic activity for a new family of complex oxide photocatalysts (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 14480) and on novel molecular CO2 reduction catalysts (Chem. Sci., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/C5SC03225C, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 1562). In addition to developing the new catalysts the student will also get the opportunity to utilise advanced transient spectroscopies to gain a fundamental understanding of the key mechanistic parameters controlling photocatalytic activity.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Matthew Rosseinsky (Primary Supervisor) | |
Verity Piercy (Student) |
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
EP/N509693/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
1797549 | Studentship | EP/N509693/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/07/2020 | Verity Piercy |
Title | Development of high throughput photocatalysis testing set-up |
Description | A high throughput set-up was developed to test multiple small scale photocatalysis experiments to increase work output. The method allows for quick testing of different photocatalyst materials and can be used to determine any 'hit' materials. |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | I have been able to test a library of samples at a much faster rate, to determine those with especially high or low activity. |
Description | Liverpool Light Night 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | At Liverpool Light night, we presented a 'Solar Powered Dolls House' and explained how solar cells and electrolysers can be used to 'power the home'. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Made From Light at Alder Hey Children's Hospital |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | We presented a 'Solar City', containing a solar powered dolls house, crane and car.These were used to illustrate the use of renewable energy and how solar cells and electrolysers can be used. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | The Art of Science at Tate Liverpool |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | We presented a 'Solar City', containing a solar powered dolls house, crane and car.These were used to illustrate the use of renewable energy and how solar cells and electrolysers can be used. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |