Light-Driven Transformation of Carbon Dioxide into Fuels and Chemicals

Efficient use and storage of renewable energies is a challenge for the implementation of sustainable systems of power supply or transportation. Harnessing sunlight by converting it into chemical energy, embodied in the form of solar fuels, is a compelling strategy. Mild conversion of water and carbon dioxide into such products, inspired in natural photosynthesis, is pursued in this process in the context of circular carbon economy strategies.
Based on this motivation, the candidate will design, produce and characterise photoelectrocatalytic materials based on Earth-abundant elements, and test their activity for CO2 reduction into high-value products (e.g. methanol, hydrocarbons or more complex organic matter) under solar irradiation. Moreover, recyclable electron donors to assist in the photo-reduction of CO2 will be investigated. Photo(electro)catalytic cells will be constructed including the most promising materials produced. Sensitive parameters such as solar-to-fuel energy efficiency, or production costs, will be appraised as indicators for technological feasibility and sustainability.