Tuning selectivity of oxide electrocatalysts towards electrolytic production of organic N-derivatives and H2O2

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Aliaksandr Bandarenka
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation ; Analytical Chemistry ; Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials
• Term: from 2019 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 413163866

In this project, the main fundamental focus is set on revealing factors responsible for the activity and selectivity, which are related not only to electrodes but also electrolytes through electrolyte composition. The target is to develop electrocatalysts and electrolyte compositions capable to tune selectivity with respect to the anodic reactions (which typically have gaseous O2 as the final compound) during electrolysis of aqueous solutions. In particular, we aim to directly generate H2O2 at the electrode surface and/or selectively oxidize N-compounds, such as amines, using pure electrochemical pathways or using the generated H2O2 for "in-pot" oxidation of the N-compounds chemically at the interface (in-situ chemical-electrochemical approach).

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 2982: UNODE - Unusual Anode Reactions