Analysis of the charge-transfer and relationship between properties and structure in composites of silk fibroin and nickel hydroxide

• Grant number: 23/10470-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: November 01, 2023
• End date: October 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Wendel Andrade Alves
• Grantee: Eduardo Ruben do Nascimento
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Our previous results demonstrated that silk fibroin stabilizes nanoparticles and alters the electrochemical properties of nickel hydroxide. Especially during the oxygen evolution reaction, the presence of fibroin enhances the catalytic activity of Ni(OH)2, although the involved mechanism is still unclear. The continuation of this project will allow a deeper understanding of the charge transfer mechanisms in silk fibroin and nickel hydroxide, as well as the correlation of these processes with the structures and properties of the materials. Through spectroelectrochemical techniques and investigation of the physical properties of the materials, significant discoveries are expected for various technological applications. The extension of the scholarship is essential for the completion of these studies and for a significant contribution to the field. (AU)