Narrow Size Distribution Metal Nanoparticles Prepared via a Metal-Organic Framework Approach for Electrocatalytic Applications

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Aliaksandr Bandarenka; Professor Dr. Roland A. Fischer
• Subject Area: Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis ; Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation ; Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation ; Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: from 2020 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 448402829

This project uses recent knowledge on how to predictably tailor the catalytic activity using nanoparticle size, shape and composition in order to synthesize and optimize nanostructured electro-catalysts for energy applications. This knowledge is based on both theoretical and experimental concepts involving so-called generalized coordination numbers (GCN) and in situ elucidation of the nature of active sites under reaction conditions through electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy measurements (EC-STM). Implementation to obtain electrocatalysts with high mass activities towards the oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) will be performed through the unique procedures, which use atom-precise metal carbonyl clusters as tailored precursors for nanoparticles and metal-organic frameworks as templates. The project aims at further fundamental understanding of the role of the size-structure-composition-activity relations in electrocatalysis using well-defined metal and metal alloy nanoparticles.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants