Development of Heterogeneous Carbine- and Nitride-based Catalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Abstract
Abstract The hydrogen evolution reaction is a key transformation in the interconversion of electrical and chemical forms of energy. Although platinum catalysts have long been known to perform this reaction with low overpotentials, their high material cost has precluded widespread deployment. In this proposal, we outline the development of earthabundant heterogeneous catalytic systems for this system, specifically the transition-metal carbides and nitrides, which have shown promise in preliminary experiments. A joint theoretical I experimental approach will be taken in order to develop guiding principles for these heterogeneous materials. Theoretical studies will rationalize the material-, facet- and coverage- dependence of the reaction, which will help to rationalize the reactivity of certain carbides. This will enable the development of principles for the computational search for improved earth-abundant materials. Experimental approaches will synthesize promising materials in order to correlate experimental measurements with theoretical activity predictions. Novel graphene-supported carbide nanoparticles will be synthesized of different materials in order to maximize the surface area, decrease the charge transfer resistance, and expose unique facets. We will additionally modify catalytic surfaces with known promoters and poisons in order to deliberately alter catalytic activities, which will be correlated with theoretical predictions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 22, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512223
Entities
People
- Andrew A Peterson
Organizations
- Brown University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy