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Area Engineering

Synthesis and characterization of copper nanoparticles supported on carbon or metal oxide for electrochemical conversion of CO2 to methane

keywords CARBON DIOXIDE REDUCTION, ELECTROCATALYSIS

Reference persons JUQIN ZENG

Research Groups Materials and Processes for Micro and Nanotechnologies

Thesis type MASTER THESIS

Description The electrochemical conversion of CO2 to renewable fuels and feedstocks represents a promising technology that supports the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources in the chemical industry. This thesis proposal will contribute to an EU project (ELECTROMET, 12.2024-11.2027), which is co-funded by the EU in the Clean Energy Transition Partnership.
This proposal focuses on the development of Cu nanoparticles (NPs) anchored on nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbons (N-OMCs) and metal oxides (e.g. WO3, Al2O3) as catalysts for the CO2 conversion to methane (CH4). The N-OMCs have high surface area and pore volume, allowing success anchoring of Cu NPs. They also possess ordered pore structure, favouring mass diffusion and enhance the selectivity and activity for CH4 production. The presence of N can enhance the interaction between Cu NPs and OMC, achieving target stability. Metal oxides such as WO3 and Al2O3 are innovative and promising supports able to activate CO2 and promote CH4 formation. Moreover, they have abundant surface defects, hydrophilic property, and high reduction potential, which make it suitable for NPs dispersion and as a cathodic catalyst support.
The N-OMCs will be synthesized by a hard template method [DOI: 10.1002/celc.201402028; DOI: 10.1021/ie2016619], followed by the decoration of Cu NPs with a microwave assisted route. The metal oxide supported Cu NPs will be prepared by a one pot microwave assisted hydro or solvothermal process. The microwave method can reach fast heating up and favour the growth of NPs. The effects of the loading, size and morphology of Cu NPs will be studied.
The prepared catalysts will be characterized using a variety of techniques including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive X ray spectroscopy (EDX), X ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
The promising catalysts will be electrochemically characterized with different techniques including linear sweeping voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic measurements with product analysis. These tests can enable the understanding of the activity and selectivity of the catalysts for the CO2-to-CH4 conversion.


Deadline 29/01/2026      PROPONI LA TUA CANDIDATURA