Determination of Quantum Effects in Plasmonic Electrocatalysis

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This project initiates the first formal collaboration between Prof. Nikolay Kornienko from the Université deMontréal and Dr. Inez Weidinger from the Technische Universität Dresden. The research aims to investigatelight-matter interactions at the surface of plasmonic electrocatalysts that enable low-energy pathways inelectrocatalysis. Specifically, quantum effects that enable electron and proton tunneling will becomprehensively investigated using the unique expertise of both partners (Kornienko - materials synthesis andelectrocatalysis; Weidinger - spectroscopy and quantum chemical modelling).The research itself entails the fabriaction of nanoscopic gold particles and their application as(photo)electrocatalysts for the conversion of N2 to NH3 as a renewable-energy powered alternative toconverntional thermochemical NH3 production.The complementary research that is only possible through the joint contributions between the Canadian andGerman partners aims to advance the state of the art in renewable energy conversion research and in theinvestigations of quantum materials. This falls squarely within the National Quantum Strategy of Canada andthe Canadian priority of sustainability. Further, as the first collaboration between two early to mid-career researchers,the work performed here is anticipated to serve as a building block for future endeavors, includingcollaborations with industry and larger-scale investigations of quantum materials through follow-upinternational grants.