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Towards Artificial Photosynthesis: Exploration of Efficient First-Row Transition Metal-Based Water Oxidation Catalysts

Time: Thu 2020-10-08 10.00

Location: https://kth-se.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_agBcdNYpRiq4pHUddsJtiA, Stockholm (English)

Subject area: Chemistry

Doctoral student: Lizhou Fan , Organisk kemi, Licheng Sun group

Opponent: Professor Thomas Wågberg, Umeå universitet

Supervisor: Licheng Sun, Molekylär elektronik, CMD, Kemi, Organisk kemi

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Abstract

Artificial photosynthesis provides a promising strategy for sustainable energy harvesting, yet its overall efficiency is limited by the water oxidation reaction. The subject of this thesis focuses on the exploration of highly efficient cost-effective heterogeneous catalysts for water oxidation, and the investigation of essential catalyst structure-activity relationships.

Chapters 1 and 2 present a brief introduction on heterogeneous catalysts for water oxidation, including selected state-of-the-art catalysts, methodologies for activity improvement, and mechanistic investigations. The characterization methods used in this thesis are also demonstrated.

In chapter 3, a molecular functionalization approach is developed to rationally modify the electronic structure of NiO catalyst, by which the water oxidation activity is systematically tailored. These studies correspond to the question: “How to rationally adjust the catalytic performance of heterogeneous catalysts?

In chapter 4, to lower the catalyst cost, a Fe-based Fe0.65Cr0.35Ox nanocatalyst is fabricated by structural and electronic modulation, which shows considerable water oxidation activity. These studies target the question: “How to fabricate an efficient Fe-based water oxidation catalyst?

In chapter 5, a bio-inspired Mn-based catalyst is presented. The catalyst successfully imitates the key features of the natural oxygen evolving complex, achieving dramatically improved water oxidation activity. These studies correspond to the question: “How to improve the catalytic activity of Mn-based water oxidation catalysts?

Finally, in chapter 6, a 3D NiFeCr/Cu nanoarray electrode is constructed by structural engineering, which exhibits extremely high water oxidation activity. These studies correspond to the question: “How to fabricate an efficient catalytic electrode for water oxidation?

urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-280269