Projects
Ongoing projects:
Beyond the limits of mass transfer: design of 3D pillar electrodes in redox flow batteries
Return Beyond the limits of mass transfer: design of 3D pillar electrodes in redox flow batteries November 2020 – October 2024 Renewable intermittent power sources such as solar panels and windmills pose big challenges regarding production-consumption profile matching. To solve this issue, batteries can offer a sustainable solution. More specific, redox flow batteries are an interesting technology since in these…
Unlocking the triple nitrogen bond: increasing the Faradaic efficiency with enhanced electrocatalysts achieved through a combination of high-end electrochemistry and electron microscopy.
One of the greatest global challenges is the minimization of greenhouse gas emissions. Finding a more eco-friendly alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process is one way of tackling this problem. This project therefore focuses on the development of the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions since it is more energy efficient. Unfortunately, current catalysts for this process have very…
Structured 3D electrodes for green hydrogen production
In order to achieve net zero emissions in Europe by 2050, hydrogen will play a vital role. Naturally, in order to mitigate climate issues green hydrogen, produced by water electrolysis with renewable energy, must be employed instead of grey hydrogen, produced from natural gas. However, with current prices of 2.5 to 5.5 €/kg, green hydrogen is far more expensive than…
Sol-gel chemistry to control morphology and porosity of actinide oxide feeds for electroreduction
The global energy demand is currently increasing due to an exponentially growing world population and ever expanding economic growth. Nuclear energy is an important base-load power source that can fulfil this demand with a limited impact on carbon emissions to the environment. The accumulation of highly radiotoxic spent nuclear fuel however is a major disadvantage. The environmental footprint of a…
Catalysis for sustainable organic chemistry (CASCH)
Catalysis is a key technology to achieve more efficient and greener organic synthesis. Complementary expertise on the development of new (homogenous and heterogeneous) catalysts (redox, photo and electrocatalysis) will be brought together with organic synthesis know-how in one center.
Improving the hydrodynamics of redox flow batteries through 3D printed electrodes
Society’s strive to more renewable energy, states major challenges in the future with respect to fluctuating electricity production levels. As Europe expects a renewable energy share above 45% in 2050, energy storage strategies are required.
Past projects:
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.
Integrated CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion: development of an electrocatalytic system
Climate change and global warming has become a growing threat to our world, where the carbon dioxide emisisons are believed to be a major contributor. In order to serve the society and environment, the Sustainable Chemistry department of VITO has been focusing since recent years on CO2 valorization, mainly on the development of conversion technologies.
Highly visible light responsive black titania for photo-electrochemical applications: the electrosensing of polyphenols in flow mode
Recent advances in extending the light absorption range of titania (TiO2) into the visible region has resulted in a new material, i.e. black TiO2 with a bandgap around 1.5 eV. Black TiO2 is a promising candidate for photo-(electro)catalysis under near infrared light owing to its narrow band gap and its improved electronic conductivity which only limited attention has been paid to it to use as a photoelectrochemical sensor.
Fundamental insight into the role of the support and electrocatalyst in CO2 electrolyzers: are carbon-based materials the solution or the problem?
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.
Quantitative in-situ structural, morphological and compositional characterization of bimetallic nanoparticles as a route towards innovative electrocatalysts
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. The coexistence of different materials on the same nano-object increases its functionalities because the individual properties of each component can be present on a single NP, and even more interestingly, opens the way to the discovery of new…
Electrosynthesis for the sustainable production of ethylene oxide
In the first phase, the activity, selectivity, and stability of the catalyst will be screened. Both commercially available and newly (self)-synthesized catalysts will be used for this purpose (Noblyst, Evonik; IrOx, Sigma Aldrich; Elyst Ir75 0480, Umicore). The most active, selective, and stable materials (Pt and IrOx) will then serve as a basis to synthesize catalytic (bimetallic) particles on flat supports, thus increasing activity, selectivity, and stability. An activity of 50 mA cm-2 and a current efficiency of 60% over a period of 9 months are set as the minimum…
New redox mediators and improved electrocatalytic materials for the functionalization of carbon-hydrogen bonds by electrosynthesis
Functionalization of inert carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds is an important reaction in the chemical industry. The introduction of functional groups (e.g. oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, … atom) in otherwise inert molecules is necessary to construct more complex molecules for the bulk and fine chemicals industry.
Electronics to high value chemical products (E2C)
The overall objective of the project is to stimulate investment in and implementation of Power-to-X technologies by developing innovative direct and indirect conversion processes for the chemical industry towards higher TRL’s, while making use of renewable electricity and lowering the carbon footprint.