Plasma-derived bimetallic nanocatalysts for electrochemical hydrogen evolution (B13*)

• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas ; Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 327886311

The design of highly efficient and durable bimetallic nanoscale electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is desired to replace the Pt-based catalysts used today. Here, we fabricate such nanocatalysts from micelle-contained metal salt solutions by gas and liquid phase atmospheric pressure plasma induced nucleation. This combination will be used to produce nanoparticles of desired composition, shape and configuration. Their electrocatalytic HER activity will be measured and assigned to the respective catalyst properties, allowing us to identify property-activity relations and, thus, provide a route to efficiently design improved electrocatalysts and plasma-based fabricate thereof.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1316: Transient atmospheric plasmas - from plasmas to liquids to solids
• Applicant Institution: Ruhr-Universität Bochum
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Kristina Tschulik