Fundamental Studies on the Exsolution Mechanism of Platinum NPs from Perovskite Oxides and Their Application in Polyols Electro-oxidation

• Grant number: 24/07435-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Pablo Sebastián Fernández
• Grantee: Mileny dos Santos Araujo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Company: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Química (IQ)
• Associated research grant: 17/11986-5 - Generation and storage of New Energy: bringing technological development for the country, AP.PCPE

Abstract

This project addresses the urgent need for renewable energy solutions by exploring the synthesis of Platinum nanoparticles (NPs) from perovskite oxide (PO) for use in electro-oxidation of glycerol (EOG), a process that offers a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods. Utilizing green hydrogen as a clean, renewable energy source, this project aims to replace costly and scarce platinum (Pt) catalysts with PO-based catalysts based on abundant transition metals, exploiting the unique properties of NPs exsolved from PO structures at high temperatures. The exsolution process, which involves the separation of metal ions from the PO lattice to form highly stable exsolved NPs, presents a potential breakthrough in catalyst design.The project's objectives include understanding the relationship between PO composition, exsolution temperature, and catalytic properties, as well as optimizing the synthesis and application of these materials in EOG. Experiments will use both in situ and ex situ techniques to analyze the crystalline changes during exsolution and the resulting electrochemical properties of the catalysts. Techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy will be employed to closely monitor and characterize the structural and electronic changes occurring during the exsolution process.This comprehensive study not only aims to enhance our understanding of the exsolution mechanism and its impact on catalytic efficiency but also strives to develop cost-effective, high-performance catalysts for sustainable energy applications.