Carbon Dioxide and Alkanes as Electron-sink and Source in a Solar Nanocell: towards Tandem Photosynthesis of Carbon Monoxide and Methanol
Lead Research Organisation:
University of East Anglia
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
A major solar energy challenge is the goal of artificial synthesis in which sunlight is used to generate fuels or high energy chemicals. Natural photosynthesis uses solar energy to generate dioxygen and carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water, but the targets of artificial photosynthesis can be more diverse. Our vision is to create a solar nano-device which will drive the coupled photo-conversion of methane and carbon dioxide into methanol and carbon monoxide respectively. This challenging target differs fundamentally from the familiar one of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. Our target offers products both on the oxidation and the reduction sides that are significant fuels or feedstocks. The photocatalytic reduction of CO2 and oxidation of alkanes represent long-standing goals of great complexity, but we base our concepts on well-established principles. We break down the goals into individual components, each of which is highly challenging within its own right and delivery of each would constitute a major breakthrough. The challenges will be met by a team of scientists, integrated across the four centres of Manchester, Nottingham, York and Norwich, who lead teams with expertise in photophysics, nanoscience, photochemistry, electrochemistry and synthesis. Thus these researchers will seek to establish the science required to underpin technologies that will allow the conversion of abundant and environmentally damaging feedstocks into products of high economic value by constructing a new class of solar device capable of driving green chemical reactions.
People |
ORCID iD |
Christopher Pickett (Principal Investigator) | |
Thomas Nann (Researcher) |
Publications
Prior C
(2016)
EPR detection and characterisation of a paramagnetic Mo( iii ) dihydride intermediate involved in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
in Dalton Transactions
Turrell P
(2013)
Ferracyclic carbamoyl complexes related to the active site of [Fe]-hydrogenase
in Dalton Transactions
Webster LR
(2012)
Solar fuels: visible-light-driven generation of dihydrogen at p-type silicon electrocatalysed by molybdenum hydrides.
in Chemistry (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)
Wright J
(2014)
Bioinspired Catalysis - Metal-Sulfur Complexes
Description | Major published research outcomes were the demonstration of two types of system for solar hydrogen generation using visible light, one based on indium phosphide nanoparticles, one based on silicon semiconducting wafers (as used in solar panels) and both employing electrocatalysts based on abundant materials. The silicon photocathode provided the centre piece for the SolarCap consortium's display at the 2011 Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition. Underpinning research on hydrogen evolution was also undertaken resulting in several publications that provide a better understanding of the role of hydride intermediates in electrocatalysis. We have a system for photoelectrocatalytic CO generation using 'red light' and a system for anodic alkane oxidation as a potential alternative to water oxidation, both are based on inexpensive iron electrocatalysts, and this work will be described in the open literature in due course. Further advances in understanding chemistry and photochemistry at synthetic sites related to the di-iron subsite of hydrogenase |
Exploitation Route | Advancing solar fuel catalysts. |
Sectors | Chemicals,Energy |
Description | Early stage research which supported cultural aspects of scientific exchange program with China. |
First Year Of Impact | 2012 |
Impact Types | Cultural |
Description | Photophysical studies of syntheticanalogues of hydrogenase active sites |
Organisation | University of Strathclyde |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Synthesis of artificial active sites related to the hydrogenases |
Collaborator Contribution | Detailed photophysical studies of artificial hydrogenase active sites. |
Impact | Several refereed papers. Physics/Chemistry |
Start Year | 2008 |
Description | Sino-UK Higher Education Research Partnership for PhD Studies |
Organisation | Fudan University |
Department | Department of Chemistry |
Country | China |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Synthesis of bioinspired hydrogen evolution catalysts |
Collaborator Contribution | Carborane redox groups for enhanced catalysis |
Impact | Student exchange. Poster presentations. |
Start Year | 2012 |