EMOCAT – Electrifying Model Catalysis: A knowledge based approach to new oxide-stabilized electrocatalysts

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Electrocatalysis is the key to our transition to a renewable energy system. With increasing availability of cheap electrical energy from renewables, electrocatalysis will play a vital role not only for energy storage but also for new chemical production processes driven by electrical power. In this project, we address three major challenges associated with the development of electrocatalytic materials for such new energy storage and chemical production routes: (1) the noble metal efficiency, (2) the stability, and (3) the selectivity. As a new design concept, we target oxide-stabilized electrocatalysts, i.e. materials in which the active component is stabilized by an additional oxide with sufficient conductivity. Oxide-stabilized electrocatalysts hold the potential to stabilize the noble metal in high dispersion by anchoring, reduce the noble metal loading and tune the selectivity through support interaction.We will explore the potential of oxide-stabilized electrocatalysts following a knowledge-driven approach starting from a surface science perspective. Complex oxide-based model electrodes are prepared in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) and characterized with respect to their geometric and electronic properties, adsorption behavior and reactivity. Then these models are transferred into the electrochemical (EC) environment while preserving their surface structure. In the EC environment, we study the stability, activity and selectivity of the model electrodes under potential control. In this project, we will focus on the selective partial oxidation alcohols, a highly demanding class of reactions with outstanding relevance for chemical production and energy technology.We will target three key challenges of fundamental importance: (1) First, we will investigate the fundamental mechanisms, the potential and the limits of stability enhancement by anchoring to oxide supports. (2) Secondly, we will examine the fundamental mechanisms that improve the electrocatalytic activity of noble metals through support interactions. (3) Finally, we will explore selectivity control induced by the interaction of the active noble metal with the oxide support. We will seek to understand the underlying mechanisms and exploit the effects to steer the electrocatalytic transformation.In our project, we will combine a state-of-the-art portfolio of UHV and EC characterization methods to explore the structure and reactivity in both environments. The project will greatly benefit from the development of new transfer technologies between UHV and the EC environment and from agreed cooperation with partner groups that bring in unique characterization methods and theoretical modelling. Following this fundamentally driven research strategy, we will evaluate the potential of this innovative materials approach towards new electrocatalytic materials with enhanced noble metal efficiency, stability and selectivity.