Electro- and Photocatalytic N2 conversion with transition metal chalcogenides over 2D and 3D structured electrodes (NI-CONSTRUCT)

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The present project aims at establishing suitable electrode/electrolyte combinations for the electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic reduction of N2 (NRR). In particular, ionic liquids(IL)-based electrolytes, 3D nanostructured electrodes, and novel catalyst materials based on non-noble metal chalcogenides which mimic the natural role model of the catalytic centers of nitrogenases will be investigated. We also plan to compare photoelectrocatalytic and electrocatalytic NRR in identical two-compartment cells to identify similarities and prerequisites for both types of reaction schemes, in accordance with the main spirit of the SPP. We intend to create an understanding between the electrode structure and composition with the potential catalysts, the reaction environment controlled by the electrolyte, and the reaction performed under electrochemical and photoelectrochemical conditions. Therefore, novel ILs realized during the project will be also immobilized on and within fibrous structures, e.g. using the electrospinning approach, and the effect of improved 3-phase boundaries and shortened diffusion paths for educt, product and charge carriers on NRR performance will be determined.