INSPIRE: Robust Biocatalysis for Energy Solutions(2)

Enzymes are highly selective and efficient catalysts for a range of energy cycling reactions, including H2 production and oxidation and the interconversion of CO2 and CO. However, existing strategies for controlling enzyme catalysis electrochemically have not transferred well to device development, largely due to instability of the proteins themselves and of their attachment to electrode surfaces. We therefore bring together innovative ideas and expertise in each building block of this process, to create a step change in the development of robust biocatalytic systems for energy technologies.

Direct academic impacts will arise from the innovative aspects of this project as outlined in the Case for Support. Each of these innovations represents an entirely new direction of research which will have significant impact on a range of academic communities from colloid science to energy research. The work will be published in high impact journals across the biological, chemical, physical and materials sciences and presented at conferences across the span of our fields. The highly interdisciplinary nature of this ambitious project means that results will have transformative impact across a diverse range of scientific fields.

Collaboration: This work represents a new collaboration bringing together 5 early-career researchers from very different disciplines. The opportunity to work together and also to explore subsequent many-directional projects, will have positive impacts on each of our research careers. Although we each bring substantial expertise to the project, the project itself represents an entirely new direction for each of us and thus opens up many new possibilities. This project will have significant impact in each of the individual research areas, adding value and extending our existing funded projects in new directions, in particular through the working visits to one another's laboratories.

Training: This project will provide MSci, MPhys and PhD students, as well as PDRAs, from all five research groups the opportunity to work in collaboration with another research group and learn interdisciplinary skills. The PI and CoIs on the project will also gain knowledge and exposure to techniques outside their own fields.

Industrial connections and commercialisation: The end goal of our research - to design components for new energy-cycling devices - would have significant financial impacts if carried through to production. We have a strong track-record of collaboration with industry and exploitation of research, including links with the following companies: Infineum UK, Nanotecture Ltd, Johnson Matthey, EON, British Energy and National Nuclear Laboratories, Solvay, and BayerTechonologies. We have the skills to interact with industry in order to maximize the impact and exploitation of our discoveries and strong links with technology transfer offices at our respective institutions.

Device development: Advanced catalysts for energy cycling reactions are essential, and enzymes offer cheap, renewable and highly efficient alternatives to precious metals such as platinum and palladium. This project transforms enzyme catalysis from the laboratory scale into robust electrode devices that will eventually be used in clean production of H2, fuel cells and carbon capture.

Public engagement: Through school talks and workshops, the PI and CoIs will educate young people in energy science and issues surrounding sustainable energy.