Electrocatalytic Coordination Networks

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Porous coordination networks (PCNs) are ideal candidates for selective electrocatalytic transformations since they enable highly selective adsorptive separations of small molecules inside pores and at the same time the integration of catalytically active sites, originating from transition metals as nodes or dopants generating tunable redox functions as building blocks in electrocatalytic coordination networks. PCNs developed in the 1st funding phase perform as highly active and selective electrocatalysts, however limitations in electrical conductivity for established CN systems and the instability of some CNs towards aqueous electrolytes reveal the need for exploring the synthesis of new PCN electrocatalysts. As a technical challenge, processing such materials into thin film electrodes is a key requirement to achieve high performance catalysts. Electrocatalysis for the generation of valuable intermediates poses a huge potential for the use of low-cost electrical energy emerging from the fluctuating energy supply of renewable resources. Electrocatalytic reduction of greenhouse gases such as CO2 (CO2RR) and conversion into valuable fuels such as methanol and methane is a promising target. Electroreduction of N2 (NRR) is a visionary target to reduce energy consumption for fertilizer production. Moreover a high potential of highly selective CNs is anticipated for fine chemical intermediates, for example the selective oxidation of polyols derived from biomass. This project will develop the next generation of electronically conductive coordination networks (ECNs) and their integration into electrodes for electrocatalysis where the CN enhances the product selectivity and the electron transfer is realized either by the I) coordination network itself, or II) a catalytically active nanomaterial (NM: nanoparticle, graphene surface, MXene etc.) using a composite approach. In an interdisciplinary approach the project will cover the whole process chain from the design and synthesis of molecular building blocks, ECN synthesis, development of required processing and advanced in situ-characterization techniques towards function demonstration in selected electrocatalytic model reactions including, CO2 and N2 electroreduction and polyol electrooxidation for the production of fine chemicals.