In-situ investigation of the dynamics of nickel phosphide formation and transformation

Research question

The aim of this project is to develop and explore the formation dynamics of novel earth-abundant nickel phosphide catalysts for capture and conversion of CO2 into useful chemical products. The goals are to deduce mechanisms controlling formation phase formation, dynamics of phase transformation, stability as a function of environment and active phases during CO2 reduction. This will be investigated in real time using a dedicated in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) setup integrated with a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) system for precisely controlled introduction of a range of gas species to a nanoscale sample.

Sustainability aspects

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and their potential removal from the atmosphere are critical to mitigating the effects of climate change. In addition to carbon capure and storage, development of technologies for carbon capture and utilization is needed to transform CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels. Pt-group metals including Pd are very successful as catalysts, but their scarcity and high cost necessitate the development of novel, earth-abundant alternatives with high stability and selectivity. Phosphides of earth-abundant transition metals have in recent years been identified as a very promising class of catalysts for a broad range of processes, and development of these materials could provide a viable alternative to noble metal catalysts.