Designing the electronic properties of novel 2D layered crystals via alloy engineering for efficient photo-electro-chemical action - DELTA

Project description:

Photo-electrocatalysis is a process that uses light to drive chemical reactions, specifically the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen. This method is promising because it utilizes abundant sunlight, making it a sustainable and renewable energy source. Hydrogen produced this way can be used as a clean fuel, emitting only water during combustion, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Developing efficient and cost-effective photo-electrocatalysis catalysts is essential for commercially viable hydrogen production on a large scale. Advances in this technology will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change, and ensure a stable and clean energy source for future generations. The DELTA project aims to conduct fundamental research into the design of efficient catalysts by using easily designed and validated 2D alloy structures. This is crucial to meeting growing energy demands and the need for sustainable environmental solutions. Hydrogen can be produced by splitting water molecules using light (photocatalysis) or an electric current (electrocatalysis). However, current catalysts are not efficient or cheap enough for large-scale use. Our project focuses on improving these catalysts by designing new materials with improved performance. The DELTA project will combine theoretical approaches (such as density functional theory and Monte Carlo simulations) with practical experiments. This will allow us to design materials with optimal properties for hydrogen production. Our findings will help set new standards for catalysts, making hydrogen a more accessible and sustainable energy source.