Electrocatalysis V: electrocatalytic processes of chemical and electrical energy interconversion

Abstract

This research project aims at studying the electrocatalytic processes related to electrochemical systems for the chemical and electrical energy interconversion, in galvanic and electrolytic devices. The main focus is associated to the study of reactions involved in electrocatalysis for fuel cells feed with organic and inorganic molecules, metal / air batteries, regenerative electrochemical systems, hydrogen production and electro-reduction of carbon dioxide. Some fundamental aspects of the electrocatalysis and kinetic instabilities of these reactions will be investigated on single crystals and nanostructured metal electrocatalysts. The investigations will include correlation between the electrocatalytic activities and stabilities with the composition and structure of the nanoparticles. Finally, operational electrochemical investigations will be made on operating systems built using the most active electrocatalysts investigated in the previous studies. The project will be conducted by a team composed of permanent members including 6 professors/researchers, 2 researchers, 2 scientific technicians and 40 temporary collaborators such as post-docs, PhD and master students, and undergraduated students, all from the Institute of Chemistry of Sao Carlos, USP. (AU)