Investigation of the behavior of cobalt/iron catalysts mechanochemical synthesized towards eNO3-RR by X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques

• Grant number: 24/20464-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Susana Inés Córdoba de Torresi
• Grantee: Rafaela Morais Marrese
• Supervisor: Dr Franziska Emmerling
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Bundesanstalt Für Materialforschung Und -Prüfung, Germany
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/01361-1 - Synthesis of catalysts based on Co(OH)2 towards electrocatalytic reduction of N2 to NH3 in water in salt electrolytes, BP.IC

Abstract

The Haber-Bosch synthesis is responsible for the large-scale production of ammonia, an essential product for the fertilizer, polymer and explosives industries. However, this process demands a high energy consumption and is responsible for contribute for CO2 emissions. As a result, electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (eNO3¿RR) have emerged as more sustainable alternatives for ammonia synthesis at mild conditions. However, these methods still face several challenges, such as the low selectivity of catalysts. In this context, cobalt-based catalysts have attracted interest due to their low cost and catalytic properties, especially for eNO3-RR. Moreover, studies show that the incorporation of iron into cobalt-based catalysts can influence their conductivity and adsorption area. Despite this, there are currently no reports in the literature that address in detail the structural and electronic properties of the material after iron incorporation through mechanochemical processes and after catalysis. Therefore, this project aims to explore and understand the electronic properties of pure Co(OH)2 and its variations with different iron incorporations via mechanochemistry, employing X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques.