1D and hybrid catalysts: from few particles to gas diffusion electrodes

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The world energy demand grows rapidly, and the innovation and development of alternative energy sources are absolutely fundamental to meet this need, and to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gases. It is well recognized that electrochemical devices for power generation systems, such as fuel cells and metal-air batteries, and electrolyzers play an important role in the arena of sustainable energy. Electrolyzers allow the conversion of electrical energy available from renewable sources into energy stored in the form of chemical bonds (fuels), into add-value chemicals (e.g., H2O2), and could be applied in the removal of persistent contaminants from water. Precious metals (Pt and Pt-based alloys) and precious metal oxides (RuO2 and IrO2) remain the most efficient catalysts for the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions, respectively. These are the reactions occurring at the oxygen electrodes in these devices, and are both characterized by sluggish kinetics and high overpotentials. This research program aims to develop novel low cost and active catalysts for the oxygen electrode and to investigate their structural - properties - stability relationships, of great significance for fuel cells, metal - air batteries and electrolyzers. More specifically, high aspect ratio perovskite and M / La2O3 and hybrid nanoparticle catalysts derived from transition metal oxides from groups IV and V will be investigated. Studies will be conducted on few oxide nanoparticles, on the standard nanoparticles thin film deposited on the surface of disk electrodes, and on gas diffusion electrodes. This approach will fill the gap between structure - activity - stability of oxide catalysts at the screening and applied levels. The benefits related to this research program include the training HQP with skills relevant to Canadian industry and to academia. A total of 3 PhD students, 1 MSc student and 1 undergraduate student per year will be involved in the research program. In addition, it will provide new opportunities for long term R&D collaborations with the industry.