PRIN 2017 - 2017YH9MRK - Dr.Francesco Vizza (DCM.AD005.019)

Thematic area

Chemical sciences and materials technology

Project area

Structure responsible for the research project

Institute of chemistry of organometallic compounds (ICCOM)

Other structures collaborating in the research project

• Institute of nanostructured materials (ISMN)
• Institute for superconductors, oxides and other innovative materials and devices (SPIN)

Project manager

FRANCESCO VIZZA
Phone number: 0555225286
Email: francesco.vizza@cnr.it

Abstract

The project described in this research proposal aims to radically change the state of the art in electrode technology for fuel cells, water electrolyzers and for CO2 electroreduction. The project will achieve this
by introducing a new method for fabrication at the nanoscale of multi-layered electrodes based upon thin layers of supported active metals on thin layers of metal oxide promoters. Such materials will improve
efficiency and lower device costs by reducing dramatically the precious metal content and by improving the mass activity of the precious metals present (e.g. Pt in fuel cells). Another important aspect will be
removing the need for expensive polymeric ionomers for electrode manufacture (e.g. Nafion)by having very thin and nanostructured electrodes. This project will also develop alternative membranes to suit the new electrode structures. Both electrode and membrane development will be supported by ex-situ and in-situ spectroscopic studies with state of the art instrumentation. Finally, optimized metal-metal
oxide nanostructures will be fabricated using micro machining techniques and these will be tested in water electrolyzers,CO2 electroreduction and H2 fed fuel cells

Start date of activity

05/06/2019

Keywords

Fuel cells, CO2 valorisation and hydrogen, nanomaterials, energy storage, electrochemistry

Last update: 20/05/2024