Rational Design of Catalytic Nanomaterials for Artificial Photosynthesis and Nitrogen Cycle
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심욱 전남대 The development of sustainable energy generation and storage systems is on demand to ease the energy needs and restrict environmental pollution. Rationalization of nanomaterials on the flexible nanostructures can induce astonishing intrinsic material properties that can strongly influence the advancement of energy systems. Among the various types of sustainable energy fuels such as hydrogen, hydrocarbon, and ammonia are one of the most promising renewable energy sources with a high energy density. The discovery of efficient catalytic materials represents one of the most important and challenging issues for the implementation of photoelectrochemical (PEC) or electrochemical fuel production. A critical requirement for outstanding catalysts is not only an ability to boost the kinetics of a chemical reaction but also a durability against electrochemical and photo-induced degradation. Generally, precious metals, such as platinum, exhibit superior performance in these requirements; however, high cost of the precious metal is the biggest barrier to widespread commercial use. To address this critical and long-standing technical barrier, I have focused on an intense search for efficient, durable, and inexpensive alternative catalysts. My researches have been concentrated on these subjects; (1) new possibilities of an atomic-scale catalyst as the efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst, (2) single atomic catalyst for efficient CO2 reduction to CO production (3) The experimental electrochemical nitrogen reduction to ammonia production using metal nitride-based catalysts under ambient condition. |