Water-splitting electrolysers powered by renewable electricity is a promising solution to produce green hydrogen fuel. However, the high voltage input required to drive the device considerably elevates the costs of this technology. One solution to increase the electrolyser energy efficiency is coupling the hydrogen evolution reaction at the cathode with alternative oxidation reactions, such as the partial oxidation of organic molecules containing the aldehyde group. The partial electrooxidation of aldehydes like furfural or formaldehyde can reduce the cell voltage by more than 1 V and it releases hydrogen at the anode. This project aims to prepare transition metal alloys for the partial oxidation of formaldehyde and biomass-derived furfural, coupled with the hydrogen evolution reaction for the anodic and cathodic co-production of hydrogen.
The project will address the alloy composition and structure effects on the catalyst´s stability and activity, especially during the partial oxidation of the aldehyde molecules. The project will also evaluate the effect of using different electrolytes and salt concentrations on the catalytic properties of the prepared materials. The alloys will be prepared using electroplating methods and characterized with electrochemical, electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques.
Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.
Sweden Academic Chemistry Earth Science Energy Physics Postdoc KTH - Royal Institute of Technology