Nanostrutture di carbonio ad alta area superficiale come trasduttori elettronici per la fotosintesi artificiale

The NANOCARB project is a comprehensive endeavor aimed at developing novel electrocatalytic nano-systems, complementary to the PE-spoke 9 partners, with precise control over composition, dimensionality, and morphology. These systems are intended for the efficient processing of vital redox couples, such as H2O//O2, H2O//H2, O2//H2O2, CO2//CO, CO2//HCOOH, and CO2//CH3OH or CO2//C2H5OH. The project's goals align with addressing the pressing challenges of renewable energy vectors and feedstocks while advancing the frontier of H2O splitting and selective CO2 reduction for a carbon-neutral circular economy. Key components of the NANOCARB project include: 1. Modular assembly of organic-inorganic building blocks: This involves integrating relevant properties such as molecular recognition, surface area, electron and proton transport, catalysis, stereo-electronic modulation, and self-healing into electrocatalytic interfaces. 2. Utilization of electron-transporting carbon nanostructures (CNS): Materials for efficient electron transduction at the electrode, such as carbon nanotubes, nanohorns, nanodots, and graphene are employed as scaffolds for surface functionalities and interfaces. Efficient electron transduction is crucial for optimizing the performance of various electronic devices, from solar cells to transistors. By enhancing the flow of electrons within these systems, we can improve energy conversion efficiency, signal processing speed, and overall functionality. 3. Implementation of tailored synthetic protocols: Efficient interactions between CNS and inorganic materials (metal oxides, metal nanoparticles, etc.) are facilitated through specific synthetic approaches by controlling the inter-domain connectivity, size distribution, morphology and structural anisotropy (i.e., core-shell) of the resulting nano-structures. 4. Fabrication techniques: Layer-by-layer assembly and Langmuir-Schaefer film deposition methods are employed to create electroactive surfaces with precise control over interfacial adhesion and dimensional organization. 5. Computational modeling: DFT calculations and Molecular Dynamic simulations complement experimental efforts, aiding in understanding interactions, predicting material properties, and guiding the evolution of NANOCARB materials, in collaboration with the PE-spoke 9 consortium. 6. Electrochemical characterization: Fundamental electrocatalysis studies are conducted to evaluate the performance of NANOCARB systems for various redox reactions, establishing structure-reactivity relationships, in terms of overpotential, faradaic current and yield, selectivity and long-term performance. 7. Industrial research and technology transfer: ENPHOS srl coordinates the project's industrial research impact, aiming to transition NANOCARB technologies beyond the laboratory to commercial applications, with a focus on circular economy principles and environmental sustainability, teaming up with the PE-spoke 9 partners in close connection with the central PE2-Hub guidelines. In particular, the potential of Industrial Research development (TRL > 3) will be based on (i) the analysis of the research milestones considering their impact on the economy/market fields, evaluate its competitiveness in the scenario of the “green” and ecological transition in energy production, and set the next goals for a successful commercialization of the resulting technology; (ii) a precise attention to the principles of circular process economy and environmental sustainability for the choice of materials and methods; (iii) the engagement of industrial stakeholders with potential interest in the manufacturing of PE2-spoke9 advanced materials and intermediate components. In this way the possibility exists to participate in the development stage of a large-scale pilot for future applications in energy and technology transfer. The collaboration among research and academic centers, i