Manganese and Bismuth Oxides as Self-Repairing Electrocatalysts for Water Electrooxidation Reaction

• Grant number: 24/18880-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: January 01, 2026
• End date: December 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Fabio Henrique Barros de Lima
• Grantee: Felipe Magalhães Marinho
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/22183-6 - Electrocatalysis VI: fundamental and applied aspects of emerging and classical problems in electrochemical energy conversion, AP.TEM

Abstract

The improvement and implementation of technologies aimed at electrochemical devices for energy storage and conversion has intensified in last years, especially due to the need to obtain sustainable and renewable energy sources. Electrolysers are examples of these energy converter systems, because can convert electrical energy into chemical energy. Hydrogen gas, which can be obtained through the electrolysis of water, considered the "fuel of the future", can be used in fuel cells or gas turbines, to generate electricity, thus making a regenerative cycle. However, research is still needed for the development of electrocatalysts for the anode of proton exchange membrane electrolysers, in order to overcome limitations related to low stability during the oxygen evolution reaction, especially for abundant elements-based electrocatalysts. Thus, this doctoral work aims to study the electrocatalytic activity, stability and faradaic efficiency in the generation of O2 from electrocatalysts formed by mixed oxides of manganese and bismuth. Studies will be conducted both on acidic aqueous electrolyte and on anodes of real electrolysers with solid proton exchange electrolyte. The final objective is to analyze a possible synergistic effect of increased activity and stability in relation to pure oxides. Another central point will be the investigation of the self-repairing capacity of the electrocatalytic agent, i.e. anodic electrodeposition in operating potentials, in the presence of metal ions in solution, to maintain stability in operation and after long periods of inactivity. (AU)