Advanced support materials for electrocatalysis

Over the last decade, the use of nanotechnology in electrochemical catalysis has become extreme important. Sole nanoparticles, however, do not yet constitute an electrode. Hence, deposition on a conducting support structure is indispensable. In electrode fabrication planar supports are the preferred format as they give rise to the least complications during deposition. Planar supports, though, do not always lead to the most efficient process.Tubular support structures give rise to a higher surface area and improved mass transport due to its flow distribution properties. Regular deposition of electrocatalyst nanoparticles in confined spaces of non-planar supports, however, is far from straightforward considering the difficulty to reach such places. Hence, it has been identified as one of the next big challenges. The goal of this project is to develop such tubular support structures and uniformly coat them with electrocatalytic nanoparticles.

Keywords:ELECTROCHEMICAL REACTOR, ELECTROCATALYSIS, ELECTROCHEMISTRY, ELECTRODE

Disciplines:Analytical chemistry, Physical chemistry, Catalysis and reacting systems engineering, Chemical product design and formulation, General chemical and biochemical engineering, Process engineering, Separation and membrane technologies, Transport phenomena, Other (bio)chemical engineering, Ceramic and glass materials, Materials science and engineering, Semiconductor materials, Other materials engineering