Development of Hybrid Single-Atom Photocatalysts based on Graphene Quantum Dots and 2D Materials Toward Solar Energy Conversion

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Mischa Bonn, since 6/2023; Professor Dr. Bernd Smarsly
• Subject Area: Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis ; Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation ; Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 514772236

The need to reduce anthropogenic amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere is nowadays one of the most urgent issues that we have to face as a global community and that we cannot delay further. It is becoming clear that its storage cannot represent a long-term solution. On the other hand, CO2 conversion into valuable chemicals (named solar fuels) is poised to become the most promising tool to reduce noxious emissions. In this project, we will take direct inspiration from nature to produce artificial photosynthetic technologies to perform solar to fuel reactions resorting only to low dimensional materials as the constituent building blocks. The recent rise of nanomaterials like graphene quantum dots, 2D materials and single atom catalyst (SAC) systems has given completely new tools to address the light-driven, challenging, multielectron, multiproton CO2 reduction process, due to the unique (opto)electronic properties and dimensionalities. In this project, we aim at answering some fundamental questions which are at the core of photocatalysts for CO2 reduction optimization: i) how to suppress the carrier recombination at the light absorption site of the system; ii) how to enhance the lifetime of the separated charges, in order to reach the catalytic centre; iii) how to efficiently and selectively convert CO2 into target chemicals such as light hydrocarbons. This disruptive technology, characterized by intrinsic low-costs of production and versatile design, will be demonstrated with hybrid photocatalytic systems, with the added value of being powered by the quasi infinite availability of the sun. The achievement of these ambitious objectives will contribute to shape a future sustainable and zero-emission energy landscape in our countries, enabled by nanotechnology.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Japan
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Akimitsu Narita
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Dr. Hai Wang, until 6/2023