Catalysis for energy conversion

Finding efficient strategies to produce energy vectors, such as H2 or CH4, is fundamental to respond to the need of alternative fuels.  In this regard, we are working on the development of new types of electrocatalysts for water splitting, catalysts for CH4 oxidation and systems for CO2 adsorption and reduction.

We have demonstrated that AuFe nanoalloys, with a non-thermodynamic stable composition, are able to significantly enhance oxygen evolution, thanks to the presence of a high number of Fe active sites distributed over a conductive matrix.

Now, we are working in the framework of the Biomass Hub project, for the development of efficient catalysts for CH4 oxidation.

References:

• Ivano Alessandri, Irene Vassalini, System Chemistry in Catalysis: Facing the Next Challenges in Production of Energy Vectors and Environmental Remediation, Catalysts, 11(1), 64; DOI: 10.3390/catal11010064

• Pitchiah Esakki Karthik, Ivano Alessandri, Anantharaj Sengeni, A review on electrodes used in electroorganic synthesis and the significance of coupled electrocatalytic reactions, Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 167, 125503

• I. Vassalini, I. Alessandri, Switchable Stimuli-Responsive Heterogeneous Catalysis, Catalysts, 8(12), 569; doi:10.3390/catal8120569  (open access)

•  I. Vassalini, L. Borgese, M. Mariz, S. Polizzi, G. Aquilanti, P. Ghigna, A. Sartorel, V. Amendola, I. Alessandri, Enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen evolution in Au-Fe nanoalloys, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2017, doi: 10.1002/anie.201703387