Abstract

Whilst many technologies seek to deliver Net Zero, most fall short when whole life cycle is considered. We therefore need to deliver a range of low carbon technologies including some that actually reduce carbon impact to have a change of achieving Net Zero. Work at St Andrews has developed a number of approaches to develop new lower carbon technologies.

Understanding and controlling the processes occurring at catalyst surfaces and electrode/electrolyte interface are key factors in optimising fuel cells and electrolysers. Metal particles supported on oxide surfaces promote many of the reactions and processes that underpin the global chemical industry and are key to many emergent clean energy technologies. At present, particles are generally prepared by deposition or assembly methods which, although versatile, usually offer limited control over several key particle characteristics, including size, coverage, and especially metal-surface linkage.

Here we look at new approaches to deliver effective catalysts and electrocatalysts for hydrogen production, CO2 conversion and ammonia technologies