1. Iron phosphide electrocatalyst for renewable production of value-added productsTakwa Chouki, Manel Machreki, Iwona A. Rutkowska, Beata Rytelewska, Pawel Jozef Kulesza, Georgi Tyuliev, Moussab Harb, Luis Miguel Azofra, Saim Emin, 2022, objavljeni povzetek znanstvenega prispevka na konferenci (vabljeno predavanje) Opis: The electrochemical reduction reaction of the nitrate ion (NO3) to valuable ammonia (NH3) is a promising green approach. Herein, we report for the the electrocatalytic reduction of NO3 using different phases of iron phosphide. Particularly, FeP and Fe2P phases were successfully demonstrated as efficient catalysts for NH3 generation. The Fe2P catalyst exhibits the highest Faradaic efficiency (96%) for NH3 generation with a yield (0.25 mmol h−1 cm-−2) at −0.55 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The recycling tests confirmed that Fe2P and FeP catalysts exhibit excellent stability during the NO3 reduction at −0.37 V vs. RHE. These results indicate that the Fe2P phase exhibits excellent performance to be deployed as an efficient noble metal-free catalyst for NH3 generation. In addition to NO3 reduction the iron phosphide phases were used in electrocatalytic H2 generation using water electrolysis. The electrocatalytic activities of heat-treated Fe2P−450°C, Fe3P−500°C, and Fe2P/FeP−500°C catalysts were studied for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 0.5 M H2SO4. The lowest electrode potential of 110 mV vs. a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) at 10 mA cm−2 was achieved with a mixed Fe2P/FeP−500°C catalyst. Ključne besede: electrochemical reduction, nitrate reduction, iron phosphide catalyst, NH3 generation Objavljeno v RUNG: 10.01.2025; Ogledov: 141; Prenosov: 1 Povezava na datoteko Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
2. Functional nanomaterials for electrochemical energy conversionSaim Emin, 2024, objavljeni povzetek znanstvenega prispevka na konferenci (vabljeno predavanje) Opis: Functional materials play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and performance of electrocatalytic systems. These materials exhibit unique characteristics that facilitate electrochemical reactions, such as the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2), the splitting of water or the oxidation of organics, crucial for energy conversion applications. Understanding the fundamental principles governing the behavior of functional materials in electrocatalytic processes is essential for advancing this field. The correlation between material properties, such as composition, morphology, and surface structure, and their electrocatalytic performance are essential puzzle to design functional materials.
During this presentation, I will provide an overview of many potential technologies and concepts utilized in energy conversion. My presentation will center on the electrocatalytic oxidation of organic compounds, CO2 reduction and water electrolysis. I will discuss the utilization of MoSe2, WC, Fe2P, FeP, WO3, and Fe2O3 in water electrolysis. I will highlight effective solutions for CO2 electroreduction in high-pressure environments and with the use of flow cells. Electrooxidation of biomass will be discussed as a potential match for CO2 reduction and H2 production. Seeking effective materials for electrocatalytic energy conversion is a crucial aspect of the search for sustainable and clean energy solutions. Finally, a techno-economic analysis shall be overviewed to assess the economic viability and competitiveness of CO2 electrolysis as a carbon capture and utilization technology. Ključne besede: CO2 reduction, functional materials, electrochemistry Objavljeno v RUNG: 07.01.2025; Ogledov: 160; Prenosov: 1 Povezava na datoteko Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
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4. An in situ proton filter covalent organic framework catalyst for highly efficient aqueous electrochemical ammonia productionKayaramkodath C. Ranjeesh, Sukhjot Kaur, Abdul K. Mohammed, Safa Gaber, Divyani Gupta, Khaled Badawy, Mohamed Aslam, Nirpendra Singh, Tina Škorjanc, Matjaž Finšgar, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) driven by renewable electricity provides a green synthesis route for ammonia (NH3) production under ambient conditions but suffers from a low conversion yield and poor Faradaic efficiency (F.E.) because of strong competition from hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the poor solubility of N2 in aqueous systems. Herein, an in situ proton filter covalent organic framework catalyst (Ru-Tta-Dfp) is reported with inherent Ruthenium (Ru) sites where the framework controls reactant diffusion by suppressing proton supply and enhancing N2 flux, causing highly selective and efficient catalysis. The smart catalyst design results in a remarkable ammonia production yield rate of 2.03 mg h−1 mgcat−1 with an excellent F.E. of ≈52.9%. The findings are further endorsed with the help of molecular dynamics simulations and control COF systems without in situ proton filter feasibility. The results point to a paradigm shift in engineering high-performance NRR electrocatalysts for more feasible green NH3 production. Ključne besede: covalent organic frameworks, ammonia, electrochemical synthesis, electrochemistry, nitrogen reduction reaction, ruthenium Objavljeno v RUNG: 11.12.2023; Ogledov: 1682; Prenosov: 8 Celotno besedilo (2,77 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
5. Tuning the activity of iron phosphide electrocatalysts for sustainable energy conversionSaim Emin, Takwa Chouki, Manel Machreki, 2023, objavljeni povzetek znanstvenega prispevka na konferenci (vabljeno predavanje) Opis: Electrocatalysis is a promising approach for the sustainable conversion of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into chemical energy that can be stored and used on demand. By harnessing renewable electricity to drive electrochemical reactions, we can produce fuels and chemicals in a way that is both clean and cost-effective. As we continue to develop new electrocatalytic materials and improve the efficiency of existing processes, the potential for electrocatalysis to transform our energy system will only continue to grow.
We report the use of iron phosphide (Fe2P, FeP) in several electrocatalytic applications, such as reduction of nitrate ions (NO3), hydrogen and oxygen evolution studies. The electrochemical reduction of the nitrate ion (NO3), a widespread water pollutant, to valuable ammonia (NH3) is a promising approach to achieving green energy conservation. Particularly, FeP and Fe2P phases were successfully demonstrated as efficient catalysts for NH3 generation. Detection of the in-situ formed product using a bi-potentiostat was achieved by electrooxidation of NH3 to nitrogen (N2) on a Pt electrode. The Fe2P catalyst exhibits the highest Faradaic efficiency (96%) for NH3 generation with a yield (0.25 mmol h−1 cm-−2 or 2.10 mg h−1 cm−2) at −0.55 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). To get relevant information about the reaction mechanisms and the fundamental origins behind the better performance of Fe2P, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed. Ključne besede: Fe2P, FeP, electrocatalysis, NH3 reduction, counter electrode Objavljeno v RUNG: 04.12.2023; Ogledov: 1705; Prenosov: 5 Povezava na datoteko Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. Efficient electrochemical nitrogen fixation at iron phosphide (Fe_2P) catalyst in alkaline mediumBeata Rytelewska, Anna Chmielnicka, Takwa Chouki, Magdalena Skunik-Nuckowka, Shaghayegh Naghdi, Dominik Eder, Aleksandra Michalowska, Tomasz Ratajczyk, Egon Pavlica, Saim Emin, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: A catalytic system based on iron phosphide (Fe2P) has exhibited electrocatalytic activity toward N2-reduction reaction in alkaline medium (0.5 mol dm−3 NaOH). Based on voltammetric stripping-type electroanalytical measurements, Raman spectroscopic and spectrophotometric data, it can be stated that the Fe2P catalyst facilitates conversion of N2 to NH3, and the process is fairly selective with respect to the competing hydrogen evolution. A series of diagnostic electrocatalytic experiments (utilizing platinum nanoparticles and HKUST-1) have been proposed and performed to control purity of nitrogen gas and to probe presence of potential contaminants such as ammonia, nitrogen oxo-species and oxygen. On the whole, the results are consistent with the view that the interfacial reduced-iron (Fe0) centers, while existing within the network of P sites, induce activation and reduction of nitrogen, parallel to the water splitting (reduction) to hydrogen. It is apparent from Tafel plots and impedance measurements that mechanism and dynamics of nitrogen reduction depends on the applied electroreduction potential. The catalytic system exhibits certain tolerance with respect to the competitive hydrogen evolution and gives (during electrolysis at -0.4 V vs. RHE) the Faradaic efficiency, namely, the selectivity (molar) efficiency, toward production of NH3 on the level of 60%. Under such conditions, the NH3-yield rate has been found to be equal to 7.5 µmol cm−2 h−1 (21 µmol m−2 s−1). By referring to classic concepts of electrochemical kinetic analysis, the rate constant in heterogeneous units has been found to be on the moderate level of 1-2*10−4 cm s−1 (at -0.4 V). The above mentioned iron-phosphorous active sites, which are generated on surfaces of Fe2P particles, have also been demonstrated to exhibit strong catalytic properties during reductions of other electrochemically inert reactants, such as oxygen, nitrites and nitrates. Ključne besede: nitrogen reduction, alkaline medium, iron phosphide catalyst, ammonia, electrochemical determinations Objavljeno v RUNG: 30.11.2023; Ogledov: 1954; Prenosov: 5 Celotno besedilo (2,67 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. Performance of copper - based catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reductionStefan Popović, 2023, doktorska disertacija Opis: The industrial era has brought a never-ending problem to
civilization through the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs)
while extracting energy from fossil fuels for a variety of processes. Among different GHGs, carbon dioxide (CO2) stood out as one of the most impactful and dangerous gases causing climatic disasters around the globe. However, CO2 as the abundant C1 building block, through the conversion pathways
gives a plethora of opportunities to convert it into a wide range of commercial products and applications. The holistic approach among different conversion pathways is the electrochemical reduction of CO2 (eCO2R), ideally powered by renewable energy from intermittent sources such as wind and solar power. A silver bullet of the process is to find a catalyst that is active, selective, and stable. Copper has been recognized as the
only monometallic catalyst that can produce products that require a transfer of >2e-. However, in recent years the increased awareness of its reconstructive nature under eCO2RR-relevant conditions multiplied the complexity of the parameters that can
influence the reaction. Therefore overall thesis's approach to studying copper-based catalysts is based to understand the reconstructive aspect and the stability of Cu-based
catalysts, and deeply comprehend their relationship with the activity/selectivity. Chapter 1 gives an introduction to the recent activities in the field of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCSU) technologies, the fundaments of CO2 as a molecule,
and its pathway toward state-of-the-art discoveries in the eCO2
R reaction. Afterward, the thesis focuses on the main experimental technique to produce nanostructured copper-based materials, namely, electrodeposition (Chapter 2). A big part of the thesis focuses on the establishment of an electrochemical setup for activity/selectivity measu
rement. The setup consists of two parts: 1) construction of the custom-made gas-tight sandwich-type electrochemical cell and 2) optimization of the online gas and ex-situ liquid product detection. After the establishment of the reliable electrochemical setup, Chapter 3 focuses on electrochemically
-grown Cu2O nanocubes catalyst and how the reconstructive nature induced by a particular electrochemical protocol influences on boost in activity/selectivity for methane production. The last part of the thesis consists contribution to the fundamental understanding of the degradation mechanisms and stability of Cu
-based catalysts under eCO2RR conditions. A unique ex-situ approach, mirrored in identical location scanning electron microscopy (IL-SEM) method is employed to study electrodeposited spherical half-micron particles on the glassy carbon rotating disk electrode (GC-RDE). With this evidence, we could interpret the observed structural changes as two separate electrochemical processes occurring one after another, namely copper dissolution from pre-oxidized native nanoparticles and subsequent (electro
-) redeposition of the dissolved copper species in a form of n
ew smaller Cu fragments. Ključne besede: electrocatalysts, electrochemical CO2 reduction, copper nanoparticles, IL-SEM, stability, degradation Objavljeno v RUNG: 14.11.2023; Ogledov: 2359; Prenosov: 25 Celotno besedilo (5,55 MB) |
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9. Highly active iron phosphide catalysts for selective electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammoniaTakwa Chouki, Manel Machreki, Iwona A. Rutkowska, Beata Rytelewska, Pawel Jozef Kulesza, Georgi Tyuliev, Moussab Harb, Luis Miguel Azofra, Saim Emin, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The electrochemical reduction reaction of the nitrate ion (NO3−), a widespread water pollutant, to valuable ammonia (NH3) is a promising approach for environmental remediation and green energy conservation. The development of high-performance electrocatalysts to selectively reduce NO3− wastes into value-added NH3 will open up a different route of NO3− treatment, and impose both environmental and economic impacts on sustainable NH3 synthesis. Transition metal phosphides represent one of the most promising earth-abundant catalysts with impressive electrocatalytic activities. Herein, we report for the first time the electrocatalytic reduction of NO3− using different phases of iron phosphide. Particularly, FeP and Fe2P phases were successfully demonstrated as efficient catalysts for NH3 generation. Detection of the in-situ formed product was achieved using electrooxidation of NH3 to nitrogen (N2) on a Pt electrode. The Fe2P catalyst exhibits the highest Faradaic efficiency (96 %) for NH3 generation with a yield (0.25 mmol h−1 cm-−2 or 2.10 mg h−1 cm−2) at − 0.55 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The recycling tests confirmed that Fe2P and FeP catalysts exhibit excellent stability during the NO3− reduction at − 0.37 V vs. RHE. To get relevant information about the reaction mechanisms and the fundamental origins behind the better performance of Fe2P, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed. These results indicate that the Fe2P phase exhibits excellent performance to be deployed as an efficient noble metal-free catalyst for NH3 generation. Ključne besede: iron phosphide, electrocatalysts, nitrates reduction ammonia, DFT calculations Objavljeno v RUNG: 02.02.2023; Ogledov: 2572; Prenosov: 9 Celotno besedilo (7,95 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
10. Designing new renewable nano-structured electrode and membrane materials for direct alkaline ethanol fuel cell : Information on catalytic activity, structure and electric current con- ductivity of new catalysts on supporting substratesEgon Pavlica, Gvido Bratina, Jørgen Svendby, Qingjun Chen, Jia Yang, De Chen, Ji-Song Huang, Jessie Lue Shingjiang, 2020, končno poročilo o rezultatih raziskav Ključne besede: fuel cell, ethanol oxidation, graphene, oxygen reduction, catalyst, pt-free, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy Objavljeno v RUNG: 03.12.2020; Ogledov: 4005; Prenosov: 0 Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |