Projects
Ongoing projects:
Electrocatalysis combined with in-situ transmission electron microscopy
The goal of this project is to perform an in-situ structural, morphological and compositional characterization of bimetallic electrocatalytic nanoparticles (NPs) both at the nanometer and the atomic scale. We will synthesize bimetallic NPs electrochemically and/or through colloidal chemistry, by tuning the ratio of different elements including Pt, Ni, Ag, Cu and Sn.
Reduction_Oxidation_Recycling (RedOxRed)
The project aims at providing a working use-case on the recovery of noble metals from production waste of electronics production sites, in order to increase resource efficiency through recycling and this through the development and validation of a small to medium scale and environmental-friendly chemical extraction process based on electrodeposition.
Quantitative in-situ structural, morphological and compositional characterization of bimetallic nanoparticles as a route towards innovative electrocatalysts
Return Quantitative in-situ structural, morphological and compositional characterization of bimetallic nanoparticles as a route towards innovative electrocatalysts September 2019 – August 2023 The goal of this project is to perform an in-situ structural, morphological and compositional characterization of bimetallic electrocatalytic nanoparticles (NPs) both at the nanometer and the atomic scale. We will synthesize bimetallic NPs electrochemically and/or through colloidal chemistry,…
Electron tomography combined with state-of-the-art electrochemistry to gain better insight into the role of the different components of the active layer in a CO2 electrolyzer
Renewable energy sources can offer a solution for excessive emissions of greenhouse gases and to the expected decrease in availability of fossil fuels in the near future. Both problems would find a common solution if we were able to develop energy-efficient processes to convert (low concentrated) CO2 streams into fuels and useful chemical products, ensuring a positive economic and environmental balance.
Innovative three-dimensional electron microscopy to boost the catalytic activity of core-shell nanostructures
Electron tomography has evolved into a state-of-the-art technique to investigate the 3 dimensional structure of nanomaterials, also at the atomic scale. However, new developments in the field of nanotechnology drive the need for even more advanced quantitative characterization techniques in 3 dimensions that can be applied to complex (hetero-)nanostructures.
Mixer electrodes for redox flow batteries
Renewable energy sources state the challenge of fluctuating energy production levels. As its estimated share is expected to increase with over 20%, new energy storage or conversion strategies are required.
Direct electron detector for soft matter TEM
Modern materials are made to perform a certain task very well at a low (energy) cost of production. This drive towards more efficient materials has shifted the attention from making e.g. the strongest material to making a sufficiently strong material at an acceptable use of natural resources.
Towards a targeted optimization of electrocatalysts by combining electrosynthesis with in-situ electron paramagnetic resonance
In recent years, there has been a growing search for clean, environmental friendly methodologies for organic synthesis. Organic electrochemistry offers an interesting alternative to tackle the issues for organic transformations.
Feasibility study towards an industrial CO2 electrolyzer design (STACkED)
The global energy demand continues to increase and poses great challenges regarding CO2 emissions. To this end, a shift to renewable energy sources is in progress.
Electron tomography combined with state-of-the-art electrochemistry to boost electrocatalytic CO2 reduction
In the future, renewables will gain importance. Combining the use of CO2 as a feedstock along with the supply of renewable energy can compensate for fluctuations in energy production, while at the same time reducing CO2 emissions.
Past projects:
Advanced support materials for electrocatalysis
Over the last decade, the use of nanotechnology in electrochemical catalysis has become extreme important. Sole nanoparticles, however, do not yet constitute an electrode. Hence, deposition on a conducting support structure is indispensable
Ordered three dimensional electrodes for electrocatalysis
Over the last decade, the use of nanotechnology in electrochemical catalysis has become extreme popular. Sole nanoparticles, however, do not yet constitute an electrode. Hence, deposition on a conducting support structure is indispensable.
The impact of the electrocatalythic properties of Cu/Ag core-shell nanoparticles for the reduction of co2 in an electrochemical flow microreactor legaten
In the last decades, the amount of CO2 in the earth’s atmosphere has increased enormously. Due to the goals set by Europe, CO2 mitigation is of major importance for industry as well as society.
Waterside: active passive water pollution sampling device
The project aims to develop an active passive water sampler for inorganic and organic pollutants. The apparatus allows the time integrated monitoring of surface waters and waste streams.
Development of an electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy EPR platform for electrocatalysis
The goal of this project is the development of a generic platform for electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) to unravel the electrocatalytic reaction mechanism.
Influence of the morphology of core-shell nanoparticles on the mechanism of organic halide reduction
In recent years there has been a growing interest in clean and environmentally friendly methodologies in organic synthesis. To tackle these issues, an electrosynthetic methodology can be applied.
Improvement of energy and conversion efficiencies of electrochemical and plasma reactors by miniaturization
The goal of this project is the integration of plasma and electrochemical applications into a generic microreactor setup.
Construction of a prototype electrosynthesis reactor
The production of organic chemicals by means of electrosynthesis can dramatically increase reaction efficiency. The approach of this project is to construct a prototype reactor setup to facilitate the transition from classical chemical towards electrochemical pathways.
Electrochemical impedance measurements in an intelligent database of corrosion
Corrosion is a common phenomenon that causes detrimental economic and social consequences. An obvious way of corrosion protection is to prevent the metal surface from being exposed to a corrosive environment by application of one or several coatings, usually conversion coatings.
Influence of the detection method in impedimetric aptasensors
Impedimetric aptasensors consist out of two key elements: an aptamer as biologic recognition element and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as detection method.