Nanostructured Systems for Electrocatalysis of Reduction Reactions for Energy Conversion Applications

Isopi, Jacopo (2021) Nanostructured Systems for Electrocatalysis of Reduction Reactions for Energy Conversion Applications, [Dissertation thesis], Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna. Dottorato di ricerca in Chimica, 33 Ciclo. DOI 10.48676/unibo/amsdottorato/9771.
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Abstract

Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) requires a platinum-based catalyst to reduce the activation barrier. One of the most promising materials as alternative catalysts are carbon-based, graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNT) derivatives. ORR on a carbon-based substrate involves the less efficient two electrons process and the optimal four electrons process. New synthetic strategies to produce tunable graphene-based materials utilizing graphene oxide (GO) as a base inspired the first part of this work. Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) is a slow process requiring also platinum or palladium as catalyst. In the second part of this work, we develop and use a technique for Ni nanoparticles electrodeposition using NiCl2 as precursor in the presence of ascorbate ligands. Electrodeposition of nano-nickel onto flat glassy carbon (GC) and onto nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (rGO-N) substrates are studied. State of the art catalysts for CO2RR requires rare metals rhenium or rhodium. In recent years significant research has been done on non-noble metals and molecular systems to use as electro and photo-catalysts (artificial photosynthesis). As Cu-Zn alloys show good CO2RR performance, here we applied the same nanoparticle electrosynthesis technique using as precursors CuCl2 and Cl2Zn and observed successful formation of the nanoparticles and a notable activity in presence of CO2. Using rhenium complexes as catalysts is another popular approach and di-nuclear complexes have a positive cooperative effect. More recently a growing family of pre-catalysts based on the earth-abundant metal manganese, has emerged as a promising, cheaper alternative. Here we study the cooperative effects of di-nuclear manganese complexes derivatives when used as homogeneous electrocatalysts, as well as a rhenium functionalized polymer used as heterogeneous electrocatalyst.

Abstract
Tipologia del documento
Tesi di dottorato
Autore
Isopi, Jacopo
Supervisore
Co-supervisore
Dottorato di ricerca
Ciclo
33
Coordinatore
Settore disciplinare
Settore concorsuale
Parole chiave
Electrochemistry Catalyst Graphene Nanoparticles ORR HER CO2RR GQD Dinuclear Complexes
URN:NBN
DOI
10.48676/unibo/amsdottorato/9771
Data di discussione
20 Maggio 2021
URI

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