The deep understanding of complex chemical mechanisms is of utmost importance to obtain a desired product selectively. Herein we are interested in the fundamental study of the electrocatalysis of molecules which can be used in energy conversion and to design novel nanostructured materials. To assign the nature of the reaction intermediates and its contribution on the global rate we have applied in situ infrared spectroscopy, on line mass spectrometry and ellipso-microscopy for surface imaging coupled with the electrochemical cell. The experiments are frequently compared with numerical simulations that can further support the proposed kinetic mechanism.
Electrocatalysis for Sustainable Energy: Water Splitting and Carbon Dioxide Reduction
We are currently looking for the development of alternative fuels to help meeting rising demand for a low-carbon energy future. Renewable and sustainable energy can be photoelectrochemically obtained by water splitting reaction. Taking water and ripping it apart into molecular hydrogen and oxygen could form the basis of synthetic devices that could ultimately power homes and businesses. H2 has been is used extensively as a fuel because it produces a high energy yield, is pollution free and can easily be stored. Additionally, inspired by natural photosynthesis, we can also use the CO2 reduction reaction to stimulate solar fuels production. Its capture and utilization has attracted attention worldwide since this process can convert it to a wide range of value-added chemicals such as carbon monoxide, formic acid, methanol, ethanol, and ethylene.