Research Tom Breugelmans

Abstract

Catalysis is a key interdisciplinary technology in the chemical industry, and certainly one of the scientific disciplines with the largest societal impact. The research mission of the CASCH consortium is to contribute to sustainable development by addressing the challenges of reducing CO2 emissions, overcoming the dependence on fossil carbon feedstock and natural resource scarcity through development of new catalytic methods. The consortium spans a multidisciplinary expertise to develop and understand catalysis for challenging transformations and aims to develop more sustainable organic chemistry, mainly from prevalent but unreactive functional groups. As resources for making organic molecules renewable building blocks will be a focus area, but also petrochemicals will be studied. Complementary expertise on the development of new catalysts (synthesis and characterization) is brought together with organic synthesis know-how in one Centre of Excellence. The focus will be on the replacement or minimization of the use of critical raw materials by replacing noble metals by more abundant transition metals as active catalytic elements. The types of catalysis to be explored comprise the two major classes, i.e. heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis. Besides thermal catalysis also recent emerging activation techniques such as photocatalysis and electrocatalysis are developed. Photoredox and electrocatalysis have come to the forefront in organic chemistry as a revival of radical chemistry, fully exploiting renewable energy for the activation of small molecules. Innovative heterogeneous photocatalysts have the advantage of being easily recyclable and thus allowing continuous production which the typically used homogeneous catalyst do not (easily) allow. Electrosynthesis is an ultimate method for performing redox chemistry: oxidation and reduction requires no extra reagents, only electrons, hence the generated waste is greatly reduced. Electrocatalytic reactions require new electrode materials for both direct and indirect (via mediators) electrochemical routes which are developed by the consortium. A particular area of attention is the development of a new type of heterogeneous catalysts, i.e single atom catalysts (SACs), combining the advantages of heterogeneous (recyclability, robustness, cost, activity and productivity) and homogeneous (product versatility, tunability of the geometry and electronic properties of the active metal, reactants complexity) catalysis.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Maes Bert
• Co-promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Cambré Sofie
• Co-promoter: Cool Pegie
• Co-promoter: Herrebout Wouter
• Co-promoter: Van Doorslaer Sabine

Research team(s)

• Organic synthesis (ORSY)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The European Climate Law mandates Member States to cut greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. To meet this target, the electrochemical reduction of CO2 (eCO2R) is pivotal as it can be simultaneously used to reduce carbon levels while also serving as a feedstock material for sustainable chemicals and fuels. Currently, there exists a strong focus on the development of zero-gap electrolysers utilising gaseous CO2 due to the low CO2 solubility in aqueous electrolytes upon which mass transport inhibitions occur. The materials chosen to facilitate the mass transport of reagents and products in and out of the cell are currently based on hydrogen fuel cells, leading to dissatisfactory product purities and system efficiencies. In this proposal, a completely novel bottom-up design is proposed to obtain an integrated structure of the main components responsible for multiphase transport. Three WPs have been designed to develop an in-depth understanding of the mass transport and functionality of both the bipolar plate and the porous transport layer. Furthermore, high-end electrochemical and physico-chemical characterisations will allow us to set up structure-performance correlations by which it will be possible to fully control the mass transport and reaction environment. Ultimately, this will then lead to a significant advance in terms of efficiency and durability as well as greatly contributing to the fundamental understanding and operation of eCO2R reactors.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Fellow: De Preter Clem

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Over the years, the ELCAT research group has expanded its extensive knowledge in electrochemistry with the designing process and in-house manufacturing of custom electrochemical reactors and peripheral systems. In specific we specialize in liquid-liquid flow reactors, redox flow batteries and gas-liquid reactor systems in flow by, flow-through or zero gap configurations to accommodate for example the reduction of CO2 or H2 evolution. This expertise has led to multiple project collaborations with a focus on designing state-of-the-art reactors. With our IOF proposal for ENCORE, we intend to leverage the electrochemical reactor engineering expertise of the ELCAT research group. (i) Firstly, by launching a standardized line of electrochemical reactors to compete with companies that offer off-the-shelf fixtures. (ii) Secondly, ENCORE aims to bridge the existing market gap between said companies, that offer off-the-shelf standardized setups, and engineering firms, who solely operate at TRL 8 and 9. Through ENCORE's platform we aim to commercialize our knowhow and manufacturing technologies by offering tailor made lab-scale reactors to cater to the specific needs of academic and industrial parties in R&D. We offer a high-level customizability in our (reactor) products tailored to the demands of potential customers and as such advise them in the design based on our expertise and carry out the fabrication process. (iii) In synergy, our advanced manufacturing techniques will also be made available as standalone services, i.e. ENCORE's third pillar. These include in specific: a high-resolution metal and polymer 3D printing, CNC milling, catalyst deposition technology and a femtosecond laser ablation. ENCORE is embedded within a greater, overarching initiative of the "Electrification Institute". Located in BlueApp, this center is spawned from a collaboration effort between research groups PLASMANT, ElectrifHy and ELCAT. The ENCORE platform will represent a key pillar in this initiative and specifically aim to ramp the 4th money flow revenue of this institute, dedicated to push the boundaries of reactor technology while creating value for our customers and contributing to intellectual asset development. In this plan we see the reactors and the associated IP - such as patents, trade secrets and design rights – as the value creating assets.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Schalck Jonathan

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

To avoid catastrophic climate change, European countries are bound by the European Climate Law to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to become climate-neutral by 2050. To meet this necessary but steep target, radical progress in the technology for carbon capture and utilization (CCU) is needed. Electrochemical reduction of CO2 (eCO2R) is key to aid in the reduction of carbon levels and the production of sustainable chemicals and fuels. Current electrochemical reactor systems suffer from low efficiency and mass transport inhibitions due to the low CO2 solubility in aqueous electrolytes. By using gaseous CO2, zero gap electrolyzers overcome the low solubility issue. However, the productivity and product purity obtained with current zero gap cells are still a far way off from the industrially required levels. We believe that the main blame for this lies with the components used to facilitate the mass transport of the CO2 gas and liquid water to the catalyst on the one hand, and the removal of products and solid carbonate salts, out of the cell on the other hand, as they are still based on materials used in hydrogen fuel cells. The use of unsuitable materials affects the overall efficiency negatively. In TRANSCEND, I propose a disruptive approach to the CO2 electrolyzer. I will apply a radically new bottom-up design to arrive at an integrated structure of all components responsible for multiphase transport. Three work packages are designed to develop an in-depth understanding of the mass transport and functionality of each of the different reactor components whilst in parallel building up the integrated electrolyzer. The envisaged high control over the mass transport and reaction environment will lead to high efficiency and durability. If successful TRANSCEND will contribute greatly to the fundamental understanding of the requirements and operation of eCO2R reactors and lay the foundation for the next generation and industrial application of this technology.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The overall goal of the "Map-it CCU"-project is to centralize knowledge concerning the valorisation of industrial CO2 waste streams in a knowledge matrix and afterwards translate it (partly within and partly outside the Map-it CCU project) in a decision framework that can be used by companies with their technology choice. The following steps from the value chain will be taken up in the knowledge matrix: 1) Evaluation of existing and novel CO2 capture technologies in function of their applicability (e.g. CO2 concentration range and typical impurities); 2) Identification of purification- and conditioning steps to treat the captured stream to desired specifications. These depend on the destination of the stream. Within Map-it CCU delivery to a central CO2 pipeline and direct conversion to desired products are foreseen; 3) Conversion possibilities of purified and conditioned CO2 streams in end products (CCU, e.g. chemicals and fuels) or their final storage (e.g. CCS and mineralisation). In the decision framework we will search for differential parameters that allow companies to, given their specific situation, make a selection of technically feasible technologies. To this end, a couple of parameters that allow to take the specific situation of the company in question into consideration, will also be included, like the availability of local rest heat, available space, etc. The Map-it CCU project focuses in first instance on CO2 emitters and besides on companies that have an interest in CO2 conversion.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meynen Vera
• Co-promoter: Bogaerts Annemie
• Co-promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Verbruggen Sammy

Research team(s)

• Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

CONFETI project proposes the development of a lab-scale validated innovative technology that is able to utilise and electrochemically convert CO2 and N2 directly from air or flue gases without the use of critical raw materials and using renewable energy sources. By the production of urea from N (N2 and/or NO3-) and CO2, the project aims to ensure a circular and renewable carbon and nitrogen economy by recycling and converting the NO3- not consume by the plant into ammonia or urea using photocatalytic technologies based on sunlight. The technology proposed in the current project to synthetize and deliver urea fertilizer to plants will follow sustainable agriculture models by promoting the efficiency of available resources, the sustainability of the agriculturalsector, the preservation of the environment and the safety and quality of products. For many countries, agriculture is the dominant sector in developing the economy. Increasing productivity and the modernization of agricultural production systems are the primary drivers of global poverty reduction and energy increase.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Hereijgers Jonas

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Hydrogen is considered essential for the transition towards carbon neutrality. Currently, however, most hydrogen is derived from fossil fuels, because this is cheaper than producing hydrogen renewably through electrolysis. This cost gap currently impedes the adoption of renewable hydrogen and significant cost reductions are necessary to make it competitive. Crucially, the cost of cell stack components accounts for about half of the total cost of electrolysis systems. An effective way to lower the stack costs, is to improve the electrolyser's productivity by increasing the operating current density. Increasing the current density, however, accelerates the formation of gas bubbles on the electrode surface, which reduce the efficiency. The objective of this project is, therefore, to investigate how the cell design and operating conditions affect the gas bubble removal in alkaline water electrolysers at high current densities. Through a combination of electrochemical techniques and in-situ X-ray tomography, a relation can be established between gas bubble removal and the interelectrode distance, flow fields and electrodes, enabling the optimisation of these parameters. Several operational parameters, including flow rate, cell compression, temperature, and pressure, will also be studied to gain insight into how they affect the bubble removal. This will also make it possible to link each cell design with the optimal operating conditions, in order to maximise the energy efficiency.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Hereijgers Jonas
• Fellow: Van Laere Quinten

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

High performance research reactors (HPRRs) are vital instruments in materials research, nuclear physics and nuclear medicine. Their high neutron flux irradiation capabilities were historically obtained by the use of HEU fuel. In light of nonproliferation there is a strong drive to convert existing HPRRs to high assay LEU (HALEU) and provide HALEU fuel solutions for future HPRRs. Innovative manufacturing techniques are needed to fabricate high density metallic HALEU fuel, with emphasis on UMo and U3Si2 types. Key steps are (i) the conversion of uranium oxides to its metallic form and (ii) recycling of production scraps to increase fabrication yield and thus U economy. Pyroprocessing is a combination of electrochemical operations in high temperature molten salt media developed for the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuels. Deployed as a batch process, it can be designed with a small footprint and has the possibility to provide low waste amounts. Electroreduction and electrorefining are key process steps in pyroprocessing. The objective of this research project is the development of an electrorefining process suited to recycle HALEU production scraps. Separation efficiencies of the most common impurities together with Mo and Si will be determined. In-situ electrochemical and spectroscopic analysis techniques will be studied as tools to follow-up process parameters.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The overall goal of this Baekeland research proposal is to develop (a) fast, reproducible electrochemical method(s) delivering results that can predict in the best way (be correlated to) the ASTM D1384 results. Such (a) method(s) would allow to screen faster new grades of raw materials for use in heat transfer fluid formulations and speed up the development of additive packages.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

To avoid catastrophic climate change, European countries are bound by the European Climate Law to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to become climate-neutral by 2050. To meet this target, electrochemical reduction of CO2 (eCO2R) is key to aid in the reduction of carbon levels and the production of sustainable chemicals and fuels. Current electrochemical reactor systems suffer from low efficiency and mass transport inhibitions due to the low CO2 solubility in aqueous electrolytes. By using gaseous CO2, zero gap electrolyzers overcome this. However, their current productivity and product purity are still a far way off from the industrially required levels. We believe that the main blame for this lies with the components used to facilitate the mass transport of reagents and products in and out of the cell, as they are still based on unsuitable materials used in hydrogen fuel cells. Here, a disruptive approach to the CO2 electrolyzer with a radically new bottom-up design is proposed to arrive at an integrated structure of the main components responsible for multiphase transport. Two WPs are designed to develop an in-depth understanding of the mass transport and functionality of the bipolar plate and the porous transport layer. The envisaged high control over the mass transport and reaction environment will lead to high efficiency and durability. If successful, this will contribute greatly to the fundamental understanding of the requirements and operation of eCO2R reactors.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The overall objective of this project is to get better understanding in the process of water electrolysis. This should lead to the implementation of a more robust, well controlled and sustainable membrane fabrication process, to a faster development of next gen membranes for future alkaline and AEM electrolyzer systems, and to improved electrolyzer concepts. Starting point is a small-scale, flexible and efficient test-bed system for water electrolysis. It must enable Agfa to understand the fundamental requirements of the membranes, as a crucial component at the heart of the electrolyzer, that determine quality, robustness, reliability and performance. In addition, this should result in a fast screening of membrane performance in the electrolyzer under realistic and sustainable conditions. Moreover, it will enable ELCAT to develop improved electrolyzer designs by taking a closer look at the reactor configuration and the electrode design. Combining novel membranes with improved electrolyzer designs should ultimately allow lifting the electrolyzer performance above the state-of-the-art in terms of energy efficiency (and durability). In that way ELECZIR will help to bring green hydrogen production closer to the market, and to the ambitions of the REPOWER-EU strategy.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The textile industry is the fourth largest industry in the world with the global volume of fiber production for textile manufacturing reaching 110 million metric tonsin 2020. At the same time, the textile industry is one of the most polluting industries worldwide with the highest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions corresponding to 10% of the global emissions. Polyester (PET) isthe most widely used fibre in the industry, making up 52% of the global market volume. No technology available today is capable of addressing the textile industry's sustainability and virgin PET produced from primary petrochemical sources remains predominant with a fossil fuel consumption of 98 Mt annually which is expected to reach 300 Mt by 2050. Addressing the key challenges of carbon neutrality, circularity, cost, value chain adaption, and textile properties is the ambition of Threading-CO2, a disruptive project that will demonstrate on an industrial scale a first-of-its-kind technology that converts CO2 waste streams into sustainable PET textiles. Threading-CO2 aims to scale-up and demonstrate its first-of-its-kind technology producing high-quality commercially viable sustainable PET textile products from CO2 waste streams at industrial scale (TRL7) using a circular manufacturing approach and running on renewable energy sources. The overall outcome of the Threading-CO2 project is a 70% GHG emissions reduction compared to existing PET manufacturing processes. In addition, Threading-CO2 will enable the creation of a European value chain for sustainable PET textiles, from feedstock to final textile products in the clothing, automotive and sports/ outdoor industries.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Hereijgers Jonas

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Through femtosecond pulsed laser micromachining a wide variety of materials such as ceramics (e.g. glass), hard metals (e.g. Hastelloy), and polymers can be processed with microscale resolution, offering innovation and beyond state-of-the-art research opportunities. To name a few, the planned research infrastructure would allow to tune the catalytic properties of surfaces, to enhance flow distribution, heat transfer and mass transfer in chemical reactors, to increase detection limit of photoelectrochemical sensors, to facilitate flow chemistry, to tailor-make EPR and TEM measurement cells, and to allow machine learning for hybrid additive manufacturing. Currently, the University of Antwerp lacks the necessary research infrastructure capable of processing such materials and surfaces with microscale precision. Access to femtosecond pulsed laser micromachining would yield enormous impact on ongoing and planned research both for the thirteen involved professors and ten research groups as for industry, essential to conduct research at the highest international level.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Bogaerts Annemie
• Co-promoter: Cool Pegie
• Co-promoter: De Wael Karolien
• Co-promoter: Maes Bert
• Co-promoter: Meynen Vera
• Co-promoter: Perreault Patrice
• Co-promoter: Van Doorslaer Sabine
• Co-promoter: Vanlanduit Steve
• Co-promoter: Verbeeck Johan
• Co-promoter: Verbruggen Sammy
• Co-promoter: Verwulgen Stijn
• Co-promoter: Watts Regan

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Water electrolysis has since long been considered as a sustainable and scalable technology to generate green hydrogen, which is a promising candidate to store and liberate energy from. In order to increase the overall energy efficiency of this process, it is important to understand and improve the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) by developing more efficient electrocatalysts. Crucial in this search is the role dopants play in this process, as they severely impact the activity and stability of the electrocatalyst which can result in a positive or negative outcome. The main goal of this proposal is to reveal the impact of dopants, electrode nanoscale structure and microscale morphology on the stability of Ni-based OER electrocatalysts. Understanding and controlling the mechanism and processes behind the activity improvement caused by dopants of a diverse set of Ni containing catalysts will be achieved by a combination of high-end electrochemistry and (in-situ) physicochemical characterization both in idealized environments as continuous conditions. This will result in a complete understanding of the dopant activation/degradation mechanism, which can then be exploited to fine-tune and improve the proposed synthesis approaches and develop state-of-the-art Ni-based OER electrocatalysts that combine a high activity with a high stability.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The negative impact of CO2 on climate change makes the decrease of anthropogenic CO2 emissions one of the biggest scientific challenges our current generation faces. One possible solution is the direct photo- or electrochemical conversion of CO2 to highly value-added products such as methanol, using merely H2O as proton source and renewable electricity as driving force. However, in the current state-of-the-art these processes are not productive or not selective enough. In this respect, photo-electrochemistry emerges as a highly promising technique as it combines the advantages of photochemistry with those of electrochemistry. Electrochemistry allows to attain high conversion rates as an external driving force is applied. Downside is the low selectivity. Photochemistry is capable of achieving a high selectivity but at the expense of a low conversion rate. Photo-electrochemistry combines the best of both worlds. Whereas this combined strategy has proven itself in the production of hydrogen gas, no catalysts exist to this date that can efficiently convert CO2 into methanol. The goal of this project is to develop active, selective and stable photo-electrocatalytic materials through a fundamental understanding of their reaction mechanism and the material properties driving a successful and selective CO2 conversion.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Cool Pegie

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main goal of the CLUE innovation project is the development of an efficient electrolyzer for durable electrochemical conversion of CO2 to ethylene using realistic and industrially-relevant CO2 streams and highly stable and efficient electrodes based on mono- and bimetallic deposited clusters. CLUE proposes to reach these ambitious goals by bringing together the unique expertise and skill-sets in Flanders ranging from novel catalyst development (KUL), characterization (UA-EMAT), application testing and process development on this multidisciplinary topic (UA-ELCAT and VITO).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In order to achieve net zero emissions in Europe by 2050, hydrogen will play a vital role. Naturally, in order to mitigate climate issues green hydrogen, produced by water electrolysis with renewable energy, must be employed instead of grey hydrogen, produced from natural gas. However, with current prices of 2.5 to 5.5 €/kg, green hydrogen is far more expensive than grey hydrogen which only costs 1.5 €/kg. A major factor herein is the power usage, which determines 80% of the green hydrogen price. In order to lower the power usage, research focus typically lies on improving the electrocatalyst, while reactor engineering remains underdeveloped. With this proposal I would tackle this knowledge gap and investigate how structured 3D electrodes can improve the performance of water electrolysers. With the combined effect of a high surface area and structured geometry, a reduced ohmic resistance, an efficient bubble release, a small pressure drop and a uniform current distribution can be obtained, tackling the power usage of today's water electrolysers. Through 3D printing and the use of coating techniques such as electrodeposition, the influence of the electrode geometry and surface structure on the efficiency losses in water electrolysers will be characterised, yielding insight in parameters such as the ohmic resistance, hydrodynamic properties and bubble release size.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Promoter: Hereijgers Jonas
• Co-promoter: Hereijgers Jonas
• Fellow: De Wolf Renée

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges faced by our current generation is lowering the concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere and reducing anthropogenic CO2 emissions. The electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECR) provides a solution to this problem by utilizing CO2 in combination with renewable energy and convert it to valuable chemicals (here formic acid, FA). However, to make the process more rapidly industrially feasible it would be beneficial to replace the anodic oxygen evolution reaction at the counter electrode with an economically more interesting one, like alkane dehydrogenation. This reaction, however, requires elevated temperatures, up to 100°C, which signifies that the cathodic CO2 reduction should also operate efficiently at these temperatures. Unfortunately, little is known on the effect of elevated temperatures on the overall performance of CO2 reducing electrolyzers and especially electrocatalysts. The goal of this project is thus to develop SnO2-based electrocatalysts that allow high and stable ECR performance to FA at elevated temperatures by utilizing advanced carbon supports. High-end electrochemistry and physicochemical characterizations will be used to obtain an in-depth knowledge about the interactions between support and SnO2 and reveal the impact of the support on the degradation mechanisms at high temperatures in order to reduce them to a minimum. Achieving this will allow the ECR to be coupled with alkane dehydrogenation in a co-electrolysis setup.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Fellow: Rossen Alana

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of the project is to create a Belgian homebase for academic hydrogen expertise by establishing a core group of 16 broadly trained and highly networked early-stage researchers who can, together with their extended academic peer-network, support the Belgian industry in finding both technological and societal solutions to essential hydrogen challenges. They will achieve this by pursuing excellence in their fundamental research, obtaining specialized skills through extensive training and exchanging knowledge between peers and within the academic-industrial network.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In light of the climate challenges by which humankind is currently faced, CO2 capture and conversion has emerged as one of the best ways to proceed and curb the ever-increasing CO2 levels in the atmosphere. In this respect, several conversion techniques are being investigated with electrochemistry leading the pack as being closest to becoming economically competitive. Generally, electrochemical syntheses need fewer steps, produce less waste, provide a cheaper reagent (i.e. water) and require less auxiliaries. Moreover, electrochemical strategies often allow an easier scale-up than non-electrochemical syntheses and can be conducted at ambient conditions while using electricity as driving force for the reaction. Since the electrons are pollution free, the waste can be reduced. By further optimizing the different aspects of the reactor, going from the electrocatalyst to the integration in the final reactor, this program tends to bring us even closer to potential application and replacing current industrial processes. During integration, special attention will be given to the interfaces between the different reactor components in order to reduce the energy losses (Ohmic losses) to a minimum and increase the overall reactor efficiency. By focusing both on the electrocatalyst and the reactor design (interfaces, conditions, flow fields, etc.), it is expected that we can move in front of the current state-of-the art in terms of electrocatalytic activity, selectivity and stability.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The objective of the project is to combine photo- and electrochemistry into a photo-electrocatalytic approach to convert CO2 into methanol. The approach herein lies on developing more active and stable photo-electrocatalytic materials compared to the state-of-the-art and to improve productivity of the photo-electrochemical reactor, targeting an energy efficiency of 30% with an outlook for further upscaling.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

ELCAT wishes to replace its existing HPLC analysis equipment as it is reaching its end-of-life, does not allow for product identification, has a low sensitivity, cannot be coupled with the different electrochemical reactors for in-line detection and is no longer supported by its manufacturer. ELCAT conducts research in the field of electrochemistry and industrial electrification. In the development of electrochemical reactors and catalysts it is of utmost importance to be able to identify and quantify all products in the reaction mixture to evaluate and improve the studied electrochemical processes. Considering ELCAT is a young research group and its exponential growth over the last years the stress on its current analytical equipment is high, affecting its research progress and future research projects.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Alkane dehydrogenation is a central reaction not only in current chemical industry, but also in the revalorization of polyolefin waste feedstock. Dehydrogenation is endothermic and at high temperature (> 500°C) faces selectivity challenges. Here we will dehydrogenate alkanes at moderate temperature (100-200 °C), by driving the reaction with (renewable) electricity in a two-compartment electrochemical reactor. At the anode, we use either a noble metal catalyst that is promoted to enhance its selectivity for mono-dehydrogenation; or a homogeneous pincer Ir catalyst is used, which after alkane dehydrogenation and metal dihydride formation is regenerated at the anode. Ir pincers allow unique, e.g. terminal selectivity. At the cathode, the protons and electrons from the alkane are used to reduce CO2 to formic acid on modified Sn electrodes, which need to operate at the same temperatures as the anodic compartment. Critical is the membrane between anodic and cathodic compartments which must conduct protons even at 100-200°C; mixed matrix membranes with stable polymers (e.g. polybenzimidazole) and metal-organic framework fillers will be designed and applied. All compounds are assembled in a mass-transport optimized electroreactor. Advanced operando techniques (in situ TEM, XRD, DEMS) are applied to characterize the catalyst in the actual reaction conditions, and to measure rates of dehydrogenation, proton transport and CO2 reduction.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This IOF consortium connects chemists, engineers, economic and environmental oriented researchers in an integrated team to maximize impact in key enabling sustainable chemical technologies, materials and reactors that are able to play a crucial role in a sustainable chemistry and economic transition to a circular, resource efficient and carbon neutral economy (part of the 2030 and 2050 goals in which Europe aims to lead). Innovative materials, renewable chemical feedstocks, new/alternative reactors, technologies and production methods are essential and central elements to achieve this goal. Due to their mutual interplay, a multidisciplinary, concerted effort is crucial to be successful. Furthermore, early on prediction and identification of strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats in life cycles, techno-economics and sustainability are key to allow sustainability by design and create effective knowledge-based decision-making and focus. The consortium focuses on sustainable chemical production through efficient and alternative energy use connected to circularity, new chemical pathways, technologies, reactors and materials, that allow the use of alternative feedstock and energy supply. These core technical aspects are supported by expertise in simulation, techno-economic and environmental impact assessment and uncertainty identification to accelerate technological development via knowledge-based design and early stage identified key research, needed for accelerated growth and maximum impact on sustainability. To achieve these goals, the consortium members are grouped in 4 interconnected valorisation programs focusing on key performance elements that thrive the chemical industry and technology: 1) renewable building blocks; 2) sustainable materials and materials for sustainable processes; 3) sustainable processes, efficiently using alternative renewable energy sources and/or circular chemical building blocks; 4) innovative reactors for sustainable processes. In addition, cross-cutting integrated enablers are present, providing expertise and essential support to the 4 valorisation programs through simulation, techno-economic and environmental impact assessment and uncertainty analysis.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meynen Vera
• Co-promoter: Billen Pieter
• Co-promoter: Bogaerts Annemie
• Co-promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Compernolle Tine
• Co-promoter: Cool Pegie
• Co-promoter: Das Shoubhik
• Co-promoter: Lenaerts Silvia
• Co-promoter: Maes Bert
• Co-promoter: Neyts Erik
• Co-promoter: Perreault Patrice
• Co-promoter: Vande Velde Christophe
• Co-promoter: Vande Velde Christophe
• Co-promoter: Van Passel Steven
• Co-promoter: Verbruggen Sammy
• Fellow: Meyer Nathalie

Research team(s)

• Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Catalysis is a key technology to achieve more efficient and greener organic synthesis. Complementary expertise on the development of new (homogenous and heterogeneous) catalysts (redox, photo and electrocatalysis) will be brought together with organic synthesis know-how in one center. Through collaboration of 5 research teams spanning two different faculties of the University of Antwerp a unique basis for innovative research, tackling challenging transformations in organic chemistry, is created. Cleavage and functionalization of strong bonds (carbon-nitrogen, carbon-oxygen, carbon-hydrogen and carbon-carbon bonds) in (small) organic molecules will be the target of the research activities of the consortium. The substrates will include petrochemical, biorenewable or waste compounds (e.g. CO2). The consortium combines advanced spectroscopy (including UV-vis, (in-situ) IR, multi-frequency EPR and NMR, circularly polarized and conventional Raman), sorption and quantum-chemical and molecular modeling techniques which will allow for fundamental insight in the active site of the catalyst and the reaction mechanism, providing a tool for rational catalyst/reaction development. Through shaping of the novel catalysts (e.g. indirect 3D printing) and evaluation in flow, effects of mass transport and sorption are evaluated revealing their industrial potential.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Maes Bert
• Co-promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Cool Pegie
• Co-promoter: Herrebout Wouter
• Co-promoter: Meynen Vera
• Co-promoter: Van Doorslaer Sabine

Research team(s)

• Organic synthesis (ORSY)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Amine scrubbing is currently the most robust technology for post-combustion CO2 capture. However, the energy-intensive regeneration process of the amine has an important effect on the operating costs, making the technology expensive, which hinders a wider industrial application. To avoid the regeneration step and thus decrease the cost, this PhD project proposal aims at the direct electrochemical CO2 reduction from the capture media, focusing on the catalyst preparation and the determination of the reduction mechanism. Formate is targeted as main reduction product due to the readiness of production from the CO2 reduction. Tin (Sn) catalysts will be synthesized, primarily by electrodeposition, for an optimized formate generation from the capture media. Spectroelectrochemical methods – mainly SEIRAS – will be used to investigate the electrode surface and thus unravel the reaction mechanism. With the determined mechanism and optimized CO2 conversion, the system will be tested for longer term electrolysis (> 50h) and will be validated by means of a different catalyst (Ag for the production of CO), enabling this technology to be one step further into the possible industrial application.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Fellow: Bohlen Barbara

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The awareness of society in terms of sustainability and the fragility of ecosystems and our environment has pushed governments to pass legislation imposing stricter product requirements on industry. Companies are therefore looking for alternative feedstocks with less impact on the environment. This implies that the origin of these feedstocks has to be renewable or they have to be recycled from what would otherwise be a wastestream. A pioneer in this matter is Ecover. It is their mission to produce cleaning agents ecologically, economically and in a socially responsible manner. They are actively looking to replace feedstocks with environmentally-friendly alternatives without compromising on quality. An example of an active component used in descaling products is formic acid which is currently obtained from fossil resources. This PoC project serves to investigate the compatibility of formic acid produced from CO₂ (with varying purity using specific catalysts) with the product specifications and formulations of Ecover's descaling products. Therefore, contaminants in the product stream originating from impurities in the CO₂ feed or introduced by the catalyst will be determined. Once satisfactory results are achieved, the formic acid will be subjected to Ecover's quality control and formulation compatibility will be investigated. The complementarity of the three partners in this project in terms of fundamental catalyst properties, reactor engineering and descaling products ensures a market driven technology transfer. At the end of this project, a batch of 50 L renewable formic acid will be produced and an assesment will be made if the batch can be used for the production of CO2 neutral descalers by Ecove and how this would be practically implemented. This will prove the potential of the technology on an economical and technical level to the broader public.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Neukermans Sander

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Drug (ab)use continues to have devastating consequences on human health and society. As large changes have occurred recently in the recreational drug market throughout Europe, such as new psychoactive substances, chemical modifications and isomerisations of typical illicit drugs, novel analytical challenges arose. These chemicals contain multiple drugs or even isomers that are specifically designed to evade current on-site test and international drug legislation. The proposed REVAMP project has the ambitious goal to revive electrochemical detection in liquid chromatography (HPLC). The goal is to create and study the coupling of a new electrochemical detector based on a screen printed electrode (SPE) array with HPLC to develop for the first time a mobile benchtop device able to identify drugs on-site with an enhanced selectivity towards isomers and polydrug detection. The main problem of conventional electrochemical detection (reproducibility and polishing) will be tackled by using SPE's. Although electrochemical detection is an inviting approach to detect a wide variety of compounds, given its high sensitivity (low/sub-ng/ml), low cost and miniaturization opportunities, the methodological coupling to LC with SPE's is lacking. The obtained strategies can be transferred to analytes with often similar functionalities such as antibiotics, phenolic compound and explosives.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Wael Karolien
• Co-promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: van Nuijs Alexander
• Fellow: Sleegers Nick

Research team(s)

• Antwerp engineering, PhotoElectroChemistry & Sensing (A-PECS)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Greenhouse gas emissions needs to be urgently reduced to avoid severe climate change and its catastrophic consequences. In this respect, the use of renewable energy sources and increasing efficiency of largescale chemical production processes are essential steps. On the short term carbon capture of exhaust CO2 from these processes is required to reduce greenhouse gas emission. The high cost en technological limits of available CO2 capture technologies prevent a successful industrial implementation. Consequently, this CAPTIN project has the goal to develop new, efficient, sustainable and economic feasible technologies for carbon capture and utilization.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

"The project aims at developing innovative continuous flow technologies with as prospective industrial implementation. Flow technology is especially useful for continuous processes and can be implemented at different levels going from efficient and economic screening of process conditions to process intensification. At the moment, the application of flow technology is mainly limited to the most typical and simple chemical reactions and on top of that only utilizing relatively simple reactor designs to limit process costs. More advanced technologies are at the moment not yet on an industrial level and are thus not yet commercially viable. In this project we want to close this gap for a set of industrially relevant process that are at the moment too expensive and also too inefficient, by applying advanced flow technology. The two most important processes that will be investigated are photo- and electrochemical syntheses, both "green" processes. In batch they are still insufficiently effective but this problem can be solved and big advances in yield and selectivity can be achieved by performing them in optimized flow reactors (e.g. minimal resistances and optical path length). Finally, it will also be attempted to perform equilibrium and multistep reactions continuously by implementing in-situ and in-line purification and separation of the different products."

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Amine scrubbing is currently the most robust technology for post-combustion capture of CO2 from large-scale industrial emission sources. However, it requires large amounts of heat to regenerate the amine solvent. The innovation objective of this project is to reduce the cost of the amine-scrubbing process for CO2 capture by regenerating the amine at lower temperature (< 100°C) and simultaneously coupling the capture with CO2 conversion. The cost of the process can be substantially reduced by 1) the low-temperature regeneration of the amine, and 2) the direct integration between capture and conversion of the CO2 into valuable molecules (formic acid, methyl formate and/or ethylene). The general goal of the RASCON project is to develop a low-temperature reactive scrubbing process where CO2 is converted into industrially valuable products and the amine absorbent is simultaneously regenerated.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

One of the greatest global challenges is the minimization of greenhouse gas emissions. Finding a more eco-friendly alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process is one way of tackling this problem. This project therefore focuses on the development of the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions since it is more energy efficient. Unfortunately, current catalysts for this process have very low activities and selectivities. Here, we will design a new state-of-the-art catalyst: Fe-Au core-shell NPs on nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (NOMC) supports. Both Fe and Au have shown great promise for NRR, but we believe that combining both elements in a core-shell will lead to synergy, in line with observations in other similar reactions. To improve stability as well as activity of the catalyst, the particles will be incorporated into an optimized mesoporous support. By combining advanced electron microscopy with electrochemical testing, links can be established between the 3D structure and the catalytic performance, allowing for a rational optimization of the catalyst. The impacts of the porous support, doping, particle loading, core-shell configuration and the structure of the interfaces on performance will be determined. Degradation mechanisms will also be studied to gain insight into catalyst deactivation and allow for improvement of the long-term stability. This research presents an important step towards making the NRR more industrially viable.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Bals Sara
• Fellow: Hoekx Saskia

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Electrochemical reduction can convert CO2 to a vast array of interesting chemicals (including carbon monoxide and formic acid) using electricity as the direct driving force. To obtain industrially relevant activities, efficient supply of reagents to the catalyst is the critical factor that determines the overall CO2 electrolyzer performance. The gas diffusion layer (GDL) is the environment where CO2, electrons and water meet. Thus far, the design of GDLs for CO2 electrolysis has been mainly based on repurposed fuel cell materials. These are not tailored to CO2 electrolysis applications, and as a result often exhibit limited durability, with performance decay after a few hours of operation. We propose to build a GDL by using covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) as the base material, which will be more active, but foremost more durable than the current GDL technology. The proposed GDL consists of three distinct layers: the structural base will be a carbon cloth, onto which we will grow a hydrophobic CTF. On top of this hydrophobic layer, we will add a second layer of CTF, which serves as the support for the catalyst nanoparticles. This CTF will be made of a mixture of different monomers, which each contain a desired property that further enhances the cell performance. The novel GDL will be loaded with two different state-of-the art catalysts based on earth-abundant metals, and tested for long-term stability and activity for the production of either CO or formic acid.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Renewable intermittent power sources such as solar panels and windmills pose big challenges regarding production-consumption profile matching. To solve this issue, batteries can offer a sustainable solution. More specific, redox flow batteries are an interesting technology since in these batteries the storage capacity is decoupled from the size of the battery by actively circulating the electrolyte through the battery. Consequently, they are highly interesting for long-term and large-scale energy storage. However, to become industrially applicable the power output must be enhanced. For this reason, the mass transfer of the active species inside the battery must improve as in current state-of-the-art redox flow batteries the mass transfer is the limiting factor. The aim of this PhD project is to improve the mass transfer without the expense of increased pumping costs by developing 3D pillar electrodes. By having the combined effect of a high surface area, ordered geometry resulting in a low pressure drop, and uniform current and potential distribution, pillar electrodes in electrochemistry allow to surpass the current state-of-the-art.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Promoter: Hereijgers Jonas
• Fellow: De Rop Michiel

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Society's strive to more renewable energy, states major challenges in the future with respect to fluctuating electricity production levels. As Europe expects a renewable energy share above 45% in 2050, energy storage strategies are required. Such a strategy is storing excess electricity through the use of redox flow batteries. In contrast to conventional (lithium-ion) batteries, the storage capacity in redox flow batteries is independent of the electrode size. As the electrolyte is pumped through the battery, the storage capacity only depends on the volume of the electrolyte that can be stored in low cost tanks. To increase the power output, redox flow batteries are typically equipped with sponge-like felt electrodes. However, high pumping costs are required to pump the electrolyte through such disordered 3D electrodes. By 3D printing the electrodes, yielding a structured geometry, we can decrease this pumping cost by two orders of magnitude. The aim of this project proposal is to unravel how 3D printed electrodes can influence the performance of redox flow batteries. To achieve this goal, correlations between power output and pressure drop will be studied for different electrode designs and as function of the battery stability.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Fellow: Hereijgers Jonas

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The goal of the project is to develop a prototype electrochemical reactor based on the COSTA™ technology. Current commercially available electrochemical reactors demonstrate significant restrictions in terms of mass transfer efficiency, a critical process parameter for heterogeneous catalyzed processes (i.e. electrochemistry). Having proved advantageous for the development of photochemical reactors, the COSTATM technology will enable us to overcome the limitations of the current commercial electrochemical reactors, and will permit a wide implementation of the developed reactor in the pharmaceutical and fine-chemical industry. While photo- and electrochemistry show much similarity (e.g. underlying single electron transfer mechanism, reagents must be transported towards the reactive zone, where either photons (glass window) or electrons (electrode) are supplied), they also show fundamental differences (e.g. an electrochemical reactor requires a separate anode and cathode that both have to be physically connected to a power source). Consequently, the implementation COSTA™ technology for an electrochemical reactor will include a substantial effort of research and development. Fundamental research will be necessary to evaluate parameters such as static mixing element design and configuration, electrode material, heat transfer module integration, reactor holding body, electrical insulation, reactor material compatibility, pulsation parameters, etc.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) offers a unique tool for the characterization of paramagnetic systems found in biological and synthetic materials. It is used in very diverse fields, such as biology, chemistry, physics, medicine and materials sciences. EPR is a global name for many different techniques, of which the pulsed EPR spectroscopies are the most versatile ones, able to reveal very detailed structural information. The University of Antwerp hosts a pulsed and high-field EPR facility that is unique in Belgium. However, the basic continuous-wave EPR instrumentation that underlies this facility needs urgent upgrade. Moreover in recent years, the technical realization of arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs) with clock rates higher than a gigahertz has initiated a new era in EPR spectroscopy. These AWGs allow for novel experiments with shaped pulses through which more detailed information about the systems under study can be obtained. Use of these shaped pulses avails enormously increased sensitivity and spectral width. This is particularly important for the study of nanostructured materials and the detection of transiently formed active sites during catalysis, device operation or biological in-cell reactions, topics of major interest for the consortium. The requested extension of the EPR facility is essential to assure that EPR at UAntwerp remains at the forefront in this rapidly changing field.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Doorslaer Sabine
• Co-promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Cambré Sofie
• Co-promoter: Dewilde Sylvia
• Co-promoter: Maes Bert
• Co-promoter: Meynen Vera
• Co-promoter: Van den bergh Wim
• Co-promoter: Verbruggen Sammy

Research team(s)

• Biophysics and Biomedical Physics
• Theory and Spectroscopy of Molecules and Materials (TSM²)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In light of climate change, we started in 2018 with the IOF SBO STACkED project that aims at identifying the most optimal CO2 electrolyzer configuration. The results direct obtained from this project have in October 2019 led to the start of a patent application process with the De Clercq & Partners patenting agency to protect the CO2 electrolyzer configuration. The current CO2 electrolyzer is, however, still at the lab-scale and therefore situated at TRL 3. Consequently, it is time to take the next step and scale-up this electrolyzer design to an industrial relevant size, achieving TRL 5. The goal of this POC Blue_App project therefore is to up-scale the electrolyzer from 5 watt to 1-2 kilowatt. Moreover, this POC Blue_App project will also allow to strengthen the patent application process and find solutions to the potential bottlenecks that will be highlighted in the search report of the patent application process and explore valorization opportunities through a spin-off or third-party licensing.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Daems Nick
• Co-promoter: Hereijgers Jonas

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Pyroprocessing is a combination of electrochemical operations for the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuels in high temperature molten salt media. Deployed as a batch process, it can be designed with a small footprint and can be implemented in a colocation system with several reactors in one site, contrary to a centralized aqueous reprocessing facility with large throughput. Pyroprocessing is highly radiation resistant and generally consists of several sub- processes: (i) head end treatment, (ii) electroreduction and (iii) electrorefining. In the electroreduction step the oxide feed is loaded in a high temperature LiCl:Li2O melt. Applying a current between the cathode (oxide feed) and inert anode reduces the feed material to its metallic form. The majority of highly active fission products is dissolved in the molten salt, reducing the heat and radiation of the metal product. Finally, during the electrorefining the metallic fuel is loaded in an electrorefiner containing a LiCl:KCl melt. The fuel is electrochemically dissolved by applying a specific potential between the fuel containing anode and a sequence of cathodes to recover a fraction rich in uranium and one in transuranium elements. Although the advantages of pyroprocessing are clear, improvements in faradaic efficiency and processing time are still needed for its upscaling and widespread employment. These improvements are hindered by a lack of fundamental understanding of the processes at play. Precise mass transfer control that can be applied in this manner is crucial in gathering this fundamental information. The main objective in this research project is to reduce reaction times and improve the faradaic efficiency of the electroreduction process of uranium oxides in molten salt media to facilitate its future industrial application in pyroprocessing. The mass transfer rate of active species involved in the electrochemical reactions is one of the main parameters that needs to be understood and controlled. In this perspective, the innovation of the project will be to use a sol-gel method to control the morphology and porosity (which influence the mass transfer rates) of the oxide feed as driving parameter for the electroreduction. Consequently, this gathered know-how can facilitate the design of optimized electroreduction process parameters such as cathode morphology and electrode geometry.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

ELCAT wishes to replace its existing HPLC analysis equipment as it is reaching its end-of-life, does not allow for product identification, has a low sensitivity, cannot be coupled with the different electrochemical reactors for in-line detection and is no longer supported by its manufacturer. ELCAT conducts research in the field of electrochemistry and industrial electrification. In the development of electrochemical reactors and catalysts it is of utmost importance to be able to identify and quantify all products in the reaction mixture to evaluate and improve the studied electrochemical processes. Considering ELCAT is a young research group and its exponential growth over the last years the stress on its current analytical equipment is high, affecting its research progress and future research projects.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Altantzis Thomas
• Co-promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this project is to study, explore and develop various (catalytic) technologies for the production of CO as platform chemical via conversion of CO2. A technology assessment will subsequently be carried out to evaluate the potential of each technology, pinpointing promising strategies for further development and upscaling. Concrete objectives and criteria The efficiency/productivity of existing homogeneous catalytic systems for CO2 reduction to CO will be mapped out and evaluated to identify the most promising systems to achieve this reduction and to explore ways to improve its larger scale viability through detailed catalyst modification studies. The focus will be on cobalt and nickel systems containing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) species as ligands. The goal of the heterogeneous catalytic conversion of CO2 to CO is to assess the potential of the oxidative propane dehydrogenation (OPD) reaction with CO2 as a soft oxidant. The main purpose here is to focus on and maximize CO2 reduction and CO formation via novel catalyst synthesis, surface engineering and investigation of catalyst support. In the field of electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 to CO we aim to (1) develop metal-based electrodes (electrocatalysts integrated in gas diffusion electrodes) exhibiting enhanced stability, (2) to investigate a novel type of metal-free electrocatalyst that can tackle the current challenges witnessed in N-doped carbons and (3) to demonstrate the continuous production of CO from CO2 by the development of a prototype lab scale reactor including the best-performing electrocatalysts developed in this project Another goal of this project is providing a proof-of-concept for plasmonic enhanced CO2 conversion into CO in an energy-lean process involving only solar light at ambient pressure as energy input i.e. without external heating. The objective of the plasma catalytic route for CO production is to enhance the conversion and energy efficiency of CO2 conversion in different plasma reactor types, with major focus on Gliding Arc plasma and Nanosecond pulsed discharges (NPD) plasma reactors. The project also takes up the challenge to activate CO2 and bio-CH4 and turn them into CO by combining chemical looping processes, into which catalysis is integrated, mediated by multifunctional materials (combine different functionalities into one smartly engineered material) and/or spatial organization of materials in dynamically operated packed-bed reactors.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In order to limit the effects of global warming, introduction of CO2 capture technology is absolutely and urgently required. However, the high cost and technological limitations of available CO2 separation technologies restrict their successful and general industrial deployment in the CO2 capture and utilization (CCU) context. In this short project, we aim at the development of new and more efficient, sustainable and economically viable CO2 capture and separation technology. Different routes will be explored to achieve this goal: (1) Intensification of mass and heat transfer processes in CO2 capture is aimed at using a vortex unit and a photochemical aerosol reactor. (2) Electrification of the CO2 capture processes using microwave and inductive heating will be implemented in order to develop faster and more efficient separation cycles. (3) The integration of CO2 capture and conversion is envisioned using alkali-mediated capture combined with electrochemical conversion of CO2 into chemicals. Experimental test devices will be developed and/or modified in order to investigate these new concepts and deliver proof of principles. Models will be built that allow the assessment of the new technologies in terms of efficiency. At the end of the project, bottlenecks should be identified and solutions to overcome these bottlenecks will be proposed. It will be evaluated which technologies have the potential for further industrial implementation and which specific CO2 capture niches should be aimed at.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Lowering the atmospheric CO2 concentrations and reducing anthropogenic CO2 emissions is one of the greatest scientific challenges faced by the current generation. A possible strategy is to use H2O and CO2 as renewable feedstock for the production of fuels and chemicals. Simultaneously, excess electricity, generated by renewable energy sources, can be utilized to drive these reactions. In this PhD project, CO2 will be electrochemically converted to formic acid. Currently, the electrochemical reduction of CO2 is not yet industrially viable, mainly due to the robustness of the envisaged technology. While a lot of research focusses on the selectivity, the stability of the most commonly investigated electrocatalysts (i.e. nanoparticles (NPs) consisting of two different metals or bimetallic NPs) remains inadequate. Here, we propose to improve the stability by combining state-of-the-art bimetallic electrocatalysts with (doped) ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) supporting materials. By incorporating these electrocatalysts into the structure of (doped) OMCs, the supporting material is able to significantly enhance the stability by inhibiting the agglomeration and detachment of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the effect of doping these carbon materials with foreign elements (e.g. N, B, P) on the reaction outcome will also be investigated. Finally, by characterizing both electrocatalyst and support the impact of loading, configuration and surface area will be unraveled.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Fellow: Van Daele Kevin

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The project aims at providing a working use-case on the recovery of noble metals from production waste of electronics production sites, in order to increase resource efficiency through recycling and this through the development and validation of a small to medium scale and environmental-friendly chemical extraction process based on electrodeposition. The focus lies on the Recovery of raw materials from End-of-life products and the extraction via hydrometallurgical route of Au and Ag and Platinum Group Metals (PGMs, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ir and Ru).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

BASF is wereldwijd de grootste multinational in de chemische sector en in België gevestigd in de Antwerpse haven. De vestiging omvat onder andere de grootste ethyleenoxide (EO) productieafdeling in Europa. Het huidige EO-productieproces verloopt via katalytische oxidatie. Hierbij verbrandt echter een substantieel deel van de voeding tot CO2. Gedreven door de ontwikkelingen op klimatologisch vlak en de te verwachten heffingen op broeikasgassen staan milieubelastende processen onder druk en wordt de omschakeling naar groenere processen gestimuleerd. Zo werd onder andere een actieplan van de EU in het leven geroepen om de opwarming van de aarde af te remmen en onder de 2°C grenswaarde te houden. Het plan stelt dat 40% afslanking van de broeikasgasuitstoot, 27% verhoging van de energie-efficiëntie en 27% verhoging van de groene stroom gerealiseerd moeten worden voor 2030. BASF volgt deze filosofie en werkt toe naar een CO2 vrije groei tegen 2030. Het bedrijf wil zich dan ook inzetten voor de ontwikkeling van een groen EO productieproces en is daarom samen met de ART onderzoeksgroep het engagement aangegaan voor de uitwerking van een Baekeland project. Een elektrosynthese methode biedt de mogelijk om een CO2 vrije productie van EO te realiseren. Elektrochemische processen verlopen doorgaans bij veel lagere temperaturen (< 100°C), waardoor verbrandingsreacties, en bijgevolg de CO2 uitstoot, volledig vermeden kan worden. De laatste decennia heeft de elektrochemische technologie grote stappen voorwaarts gemaakt onder impuls van nieuwe technieken en inzichten op vlak van materiaaltechnologie, oppervlakte-engineering, membraan-technologie en gasdiffusie-elektroden (GDE).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Hereijgers Jonas
• Fellow: Schalck Jonathan

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Previously an active passive sampler for accumulation of pollutants from water was developed into a laboratory prototype. Its n°1 feature is controlled flow through the device, such that sampling is independent of hydrodynamic flow in the water body. This project will establish a field-deployable prototype. Its valorization value lies in standardization and the replacement of biota sampling.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Blust Ronny
• Co-promoter: Bervoets Lieven
• Co-promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Weyn Maarten

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Functionalization of inert carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds is an important reaction in the chemical industry. The introduction of functional groups (e.g. oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, … atom) in otherwise inert molecules is necessary to construct more complex molecules for the bulk and fine chemicals industry. However, an organic molecule contains multiple C-H bonds (the most common bond in organic molecules) and the selective functionalization of a specific C-H bond with chemical reactants is therefore very difficult to achieve. New chemoselective C-H functionalization methods for late stage functionalization with the production of low amounts of (harmful) waste are therefore important to make organic synthesis more efficient and sustainable. Electrosynthesis is a promising alternative, although currently suffering from low chemoselectivity. By adding a homogeneous catalyst (redox mediator) this lingering problem can be overcome, but an electrochemically activation step of the redox mediator is required. In the current state-of-the-art this is performed with inert electrode materials (e.g. glassy carbon), resulting in low yield and energy intensive processes with excessive required amounts of redox mediator. Hence, there is a strong need for improved electrocatalytic materials in combination with more active redox mediators. In general this research projects aims to develop new electrocatalytic materials for the charge transfer to redox mediators for C-H bond cleavage in organic substrates. To achieve this goal we will use a step-wise electrocatalytic approach to obtain an optimal catalytic performance for the charge transfer to redox mediators. In a first step, bulk electrode materials will undergo a preliminary screening to identify possible materials that possess high electrocatalytic activities. In a second step, the activity of the electrode surface is further improved by (i) moving towards nanoparticles dispersed on a support and (ii) by introducing an alloy with a second or third metal. The redox mediator represents one of the key-elements in successfully implementing C-H bond functionalization. Therefore, we will examine redox mediators in combination with the electrocatalysts. As a case-study the electrochemical C-H oxygenation making use of quinuclidine mediator will be selected as model reaction. The above mentioned research questions will require an intertwined approach combining electrocatalysis (expertise of the ART research group) with state of the art organic synthesis (expertise of the ORSY research group).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Maes Bert
• Fellow: Vorobjov Filip

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Recent advances in extending the light absorption range of titania (TiO2) into the visible region has resulted in a new material, i.e. black TiO2 with a bandgap around 1.5 eV. Black TiO2 is a promising candidate for photo-(electro)catalysis under near infrared light owing to its narrow band gap and its improved electronic conductivity which only limited attention has been paid to it to use as a photoelectrochemical sensor. Using photo-electrocatalysts in stationary electrochemical systems commonly face poisoning phenomena due to the generated product seriously affecting the electrochemical detection. In order to improve the recyclability of the photo-electrocatalyst, a flow photoelectrochemical cell is the best choice due to continues movement of a carrier solution to the electrode surface. The combination of a flow cell and an electrochemical setup integrates the benefit of two systems such as high mass diffusion, much lower amount of sample requirements, while warranting strong signals and a high detection sensitivity. The core idea of my proposal is to synthesize and exploit black (reduced) titania as a highly visible light responsive material in a flow analysis setup to detect polyphenols via photo-electrochemistry.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Wael Karolien
• Co-promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Meynen Vera
• Fellow: Rahemi Vanousheh

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Renewable energy sources can offer a solution for excessive emissions of greenhouse gases and to the expected decrease in availability of fossil fuels in the near future. Both problems would find a common solution if we were able to develop energy-efficient processes to convert (low concentrated) CO2 streams into fuels and useful chemical products, ensuring a positive economic and environmental balance. One possible strategy is to use H2O and CO2 as renewable feedstock for electrochemical production of fuels and chemicals (e.g. carbon monoxide, formic acid or methanol), employing excess electricity generated by renewable power sources (like wind or solar) to drive the reactions. At the moment, the electrochemical reduction of CO2 is not yet industrially viable, mainly due to the lack of a good electrocatalyst. While a wide range of electrocatalysts is currently being investigated in an attempt to improve the overall performance this was currently without success. Here we propose a combination of state-of-the-art electrochemistry with high-end TEM characterization in the face of the discovery of new high-performance CO2 reduction electrocatalysts to methanol or formic acid. A key aspect to achieve this goal can be found in the interaction between the gas diffusion electrode (morphology and compostion) and the novel electrocatalysts. Finally, also a more engineering aspect of the overall process, i.e. the coating of the electrode with the active material will be optimized.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Fellow: Daems Nick

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The overall objective of the project is to stimulate investment in and implementation of Power-to-X technologies by developing innovative direct and indirect conversion processes for the chemical industry towards higher TRL's, while making use of renewable electricity and lowering the carbon footprint. With these technologies, valuable fuels and platform chemicals can be produced from renewable raw materials while decreasing costs and increasing flexibility. The aim is to develop at least two pilot demonstrators at TRL 6 – 7 and two bench scale pilot installations at TRL 4 with supporting feasibility evaluations, thereby lowering the risks of investment for companies, especially SME's, and positioning the 2 Seas region as an innovation leader in Power-to-X sustainable technologies. For more information visit the website https://www.interreg2seas.eu/en/E2C.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Climate change and global warming has become a growing threat to our world, where the carbon dioxide emisisons are believed to be a major contributor. In order to serve the society and environment, the Sustainable Chemistry department of VITO has been focusing since recent years on CO2 valorization, mainly on the development of conversion technologies. In the meantime, new insights in the techno-economic challenges within the value chain has led to the definition of new technological approaches, which also include CO2 capture and its integration with the conversion towards organic acids and alcohols and further downstream processing of the post-reaction mixture. In this PhD, the focus is on the development of an electrocatalytic reduction process based on VITO's proprietary electrode systems incorporating an electrocatalyst. The study consists of screening and selection of appropriate electrocatalysts, their incorporation in porous elecrodes and demonstration of the optimal system.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Fellow: Gutiérrez Oriol

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Processes in energy applications and catalysis as well as biological processes become increasingly important as society's focus shifts to sustainable resources and technology. A thorough understanding of these processes needs their detailed observation at a nano or atomic scale. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is the optimal tool for this, but in its conventional form it requires the study object to be placed in ultrahigh vacuum, which makes most processes impossible. Using environmental TEM holders, the objects can be placed in a gas/vapour or liquid environment within the microscope, enabling the real time imaging, spectroscopic and diffraction analysis of the ongoing processes. This infrastructure will enable different research groups within the University of Antwerp to perform a wide range of novel research experiments involving the knowledge on processes and interactions, including among others the growth and evolution of biological matter, interaction of solids with gasses/vapours or liquid for catalysis, processes occurring upon charging and discharging rechargeable batteries, the nucleation and growth of nanoparticles and the detailed elucidation of intracellular pathways in biological processes relevant for future drug delivery therapies and treatments.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hadermann Joke
• Co-promoter: Bals Sara
• Co-promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Meynen Vera
• Co-promoter: Sijbers Jan
• Co-promoter: Verbruggen Sammy

Research team(s)

• Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main objective of the project is the development of technologies for the conversion of CO2 to value-added chemicals using catalysis and renewable energy. To benchmark, compare and develop the various technologies, the formation of formic acid is selected as the initial target.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In the future, renewables will gain importance. Combining the use of CO2 as a feedstock along with the supply of renewable energy can compensate for fluctuations in energy production, while at the same time reducing CO2 emissions. In this PhD project, CO2 will be converted to CO through an electrochemical approach. At the moment, the electrochemical reduction of CO2 (ERC) is not yet industrially viable, mainly due to the lack of good electrocatalysts. In the past, different attempts have been made to improve the electrocatalytical activity, selectivity and stability while at the same time reducing the overall electrocatalyst cost. Over the last couple of years, core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as promising candidates, reaching a high product selectivity, yet maintaining a low productivity. It is believed that the bimetallic enhancement effects, are behind the improved performance of these core-shell NPs when compared to the individual metals. Unfortunately, as they are still rather unexplored, a fundamental understanding of the core-shell interactions is still absent. This makes their characterization, being the major research objective of this PhD proposal, of the utmost importance to gain insight into the connection between morphology, structure, composition and the electrocatalytic properties and thus to further improve their ERC performance. A combined use of state-of-the-art electrochemistry and electron tomography will provide this in-depth understanding.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Bals Sara
• Fellow: Pacquets Lien

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The global energy demand continues to increase and poses great challenges regarding CO2 emissions. To this end, a shift to renewable energy sources is in progress. The vast majority of this will be provided by solar photovoltaics and on- or offshore wind farms. These technologies, however, lack in production continuity and demand energy storage solutions. On the other hand CO2 emissions are even then still bound to increase at a rate of 0.9% on a yearly basis. To address these problems, this current IOF-SBO application proposes to build an industrial CO2 electrolyzer, converting CO2 into fuels and chemicals.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Climate change and global warming has become a growing threat to our world, where the carbon dioxide emisisons are believed to be a major contributor. In order to serve the society and environment, the Sustainable Chemistry department of VITO has been focusing since recent years on CO2 valorization, mainly on the development of conversion technologies. In the meantime, new insights in the techno-economic challenges within the value chain has led to the definition of new technological approaches, which also include CO2 capture and its integration with the conversion towards organic acids and alcohols and further downstream processing of the post-reaction mixture. In this PhD, the focus is on the development of an electrocatalytic reduction process based on VITO's proprietary electrode systems incorporating an electrocatalyst. The study consists of screening and selection of appropriate electrocatalysts, their incorporation in porous elecrodes and demonstration of the optimal system.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Over the last decade, the use of nanotechnology in electrochemical catalysis has become extreme important. Sole nanoparticles, however, do not yet constitute an electrode. Hence, deposition on a conducting support structure is indispensable. In electrode fabrication planar supports are the preferred format as they give rise to the least complications during deposition. Planar supports, though, do not always lead to the most efficient process. Tubular support structures give rise to a higher surface area and improved mass transport due to its flow distribution properties. Regular deposition of electrocatalyst nanoparticles in confined spaces of non-planar supports, however, is far from straightforward considering the difficulty to reach such places. Hence, it has been identified as one of the next big challenges. The goal of this project is to develop such tubular support structures and uniformly coat them with electrocatalytic nanoparticles.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hereijgers Jonas
• Co-promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing search for clean, environmental friendly methodologies for organic synthesis. Organic electrochemistry offers an interesting alternative to tackle the issues for organic transformations. Electrochemical synthesis mostly needs fewer steps and produces less waste with the electron as a cheap, clean and energetically efficient reagent. However, the applicability of electrosynthesis depends on the selection of the electrocatalyst as a way to decrease the energy demand of the reactions. In the current state of the art, these catalysts are still subject to further improvements. In our opinion, developing sufficient theoretical knowledge about the reaction mechanism on the electrode surface for very specific electrochemical reactions is essential to tune these catalysts. Therefore, we will use a combination of in situ electrochemistry and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to unravel the underlying mechanism. The final goal is to develop an approach that provides an in-depth understanding of reaction mechanisms and that links the electrocatalytic and electrosynthetic features to the morphology and stability of the electrode material. To reach this goal, a combination of electrochemical techniques, in-line analytical methods and different EPR techniques will be used. New flow cells will be constructed in addition to existing static cells to unravel the electrode kinetics and to assess the activity of different electrocatalyst materials.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Van Doorslaer Sabine

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Electron tomography has evolved into a state-of-the-art technique to investigate the 3 dimensional structure of nanomaterials, also at the atomic scale. However, new developments in the field of nanotechnology drive the need for even more advanced quantitative characterization techniques in 3 dimensions that can be applied to complex (hetero-)nanostructures. Here, we will focus on hetero-metallic particles with electrocatalytic applications and hard-soft core-shell structures that are of interest in the field of photocatalysis. Although catalytic hetero-nanoparticles yield improved properties in comparison to their parent compounds, the underlying reasons for this optimized behaviour are still debated. Therefore, innovative 3 dimensional electron microscopy techniques are required to understand the connection between the structure, composition and catalytic properties. The combination of advanced aberration corrected electron microscopy and novel 3 dimensional reconstruction algorithms is envisaged as a groundbreaking new approach to quantify the structure AND the composition for any given nanomaterial. By combining these innovative experiments with activity and stability tests under relevant conditions we will be able to solve fundamental questions, which are of importance for both electro- and photocatalysis. Through these insights, we aim to boost the activity of catalytic nanostructures and we envisage that the outcome of our project will have major impact. For example, a fundamental understanding of the plasmonic behaviour will greatly improve the photocatalytic performance in sunlight and therefore lies at the base of better air purification technology. Our project will also enable a founded selection of catalysts in order to proceed towards an industrially applicable reaction such as the reduction of CO2 or the Oxidation Reduction Reaction.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bals Sara
• Co-promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Lenaerts Silvia

Research team(s)

• Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Over the last decade, the use of nanotechnology in electrochemical catalysis has become extreme popular. Sole nanoparticles, however, do not yet constitute an electrode. Hence, deposition on a conducting support structure is indispensable. In electrode fabrication planar supports are the preferred format as they give rise to the least complications during deposition. Planar supports, though, do not always lead to the most efficient process. Three dimensional (3D) support structures give rise to a higher surface area and when the architecture is ordered, also to improved mass transport due to its flow distribution properties. Regular deposition of electrocatalyst nanoparticles in confined spaces of non-planar supports, however, is far from straightforward considering the difficulty to reach such places. Transferring the desired atomic rearrangement into ordered 3D structures has then also been identified as one of the next challenges. The goal of this project is to develop such ordered 3D support structures and uniformly coat them with electrocatalytic nanoparticles. To achieve this goal, three research questions will be answered: (1) what is the impact of the support shape on the deposition uniformity; (2) what is the impact of the support shape on the efficiency of electrochemical processes; (3) what is the impact of the electrode positioning in the electrochemical reactor.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Fellow: Hereijgers Jonas

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Modern materials are made to perform a certain task very well at a low (energy) cost of production. This drive towards more efficient materials has shifted the attention from making e.g. the strongest material to making a sufficiently strong material at an acceptable use of natural resources. Combining this trend in materials science with the nano revolution where properties of materials depend increasingly on their structure at the nanoscale, requires scientific instruments that study these so-called soft materials on the nanoscale. Typically, this is a task for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) offering a look inside materials down to the atomic structure. A drawback of TEM however is that this process can destroy soft materials while viewing, making the analysis unreliable or impossible. In order to overcome this issue, we propose to acquire a so-called direct electron detector which efficiently detects every electron that interacts with a given material reducing the required electron dose by up to a factor of 100. This considerably shifts the field of applicability of TEM into the range of soft materials allowing us to resolve their structure down to the atomic level.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verbeeck Johan
• Co-promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Cool Pegie
• Co-promoter: Lenaerts Silvia

Research team(s)

• Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In the last decades, the amount of CO2 in the earth's atmosphere has increased enormously. Due to the goals set by Europe, CO2 mitigation is of major importance for industry as well as society. In this project we will focus on the electrochemical reduction of CO2. However, this reaction pathway can only become cost-effective by reducing the large overpotential for the electrochemical CO2 reduction and thus, directs the problem towards the world of electrocatalysis. More specific, the catalytic properties of bimetallic Cu/Ag core-shell nanoparticles on the reduction of CO2 into valuable C1-C3 hydrocarbons will be investigated. Electrochemical measurements will provide an insight in the reaction pathway and this information will be used to adjust the electrodeposition of the NP's and optimizing the core-shell NP morphology of the catalysts. In addition, this project will combine the design and synthesis of these electrocatalysts with the engineering of an electrochemical membrane flow microreactor (including the electrode structure and cell construction). In our opinion, it is this combination that provides the next step in the improvement of CO2 reduction to fuels and chemical building blocks.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Bogaerts Annemie
• Co-promoter: Meynen Vera
• Fellow: Vervecken Robbe

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The project aims to develop an active passive water sampler for inorganic and organic pollutants. The apparatus allows the time integrated monitoring of surface waters and waste streams. A controlled water flux is directed across an array of sorbents which accumulate different classes of pollutants. The operational and kinetic characteristics of the sampler will be determined experimentally and the results compared with biota in lab and field conditions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Blust Ronny
• Co-promoter: Bervoets Lieven
• Co-promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Weyn Maarten

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Proposed by the University, the Francqui Foundation each year awards two Francqui Chairs at the UAntwerp. These are intended to enable the invitation of a professor from another Belgian University or from abroad for a series of ten lessons. The Francqui Foundation pays the fee for these ten lessons directly to the holder of a Francqui Chair.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The goal of this project is the development of a generic platform for electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) to unravel the electrocatalytic reaction mechanism. The constructed platform will be used to investigate parameters such as reaction kinetics, mechanism, mass transport, etc. For the elaboration of this platform we will focus on the reduction of benzyl bromide.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Co-promoter: Van Doorslaer Sabine

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In recent years there has been a growing interest in clean and environmentally friendly methodologies in organic synthesis. To tackle these issues, an electrosynthetic methodology can be applied. Electrochemical syntheses mostly need fewer steps, produce less waste, provide a cheaper reagent and require less auxiliaries. However, a major drawback is that those electrosynthetic processes require very negative electrode potentials what makes them inadequate for use in industrial production processes due to exuberant energy costs. Attempts to reduce the large overpotentials are directed towards improving catalytic activity of the electrode materials. In this research project, the link between the morphology of the catalyst material and the electrosynthetic pathway will be investigated. In a first step, nanoparticles of transition metals will be electrochemically deposited and the effect of their morphological properties (particle size, porosity, …) on the electrochemical syntheses will be studied. Nanoparticles can be synthesized with high selectivity by means of electrochemical deposition and the nature of the nanoclusters can be tuned by changing electrolyte composition and deposition parameters. In a second step, core-shell electrocatalysts will be constructed with the most active electrode material as a shell metal. These structures consist of a core metal covered with one or few atomic layers of a second shell metal and are of interest because several electronic effects increase their catalytic activity. As a case study, the mechanism of the electrocatalytic reduction of organic halides will be unraveled. Due to a strong involvement of the cathode surface in the reaction intermediates, transition metals such as Ag, Cu, Pd, Ni, Pt and Au are selected. Three molecules with a single carbon halogenide bond will be investigated: benzyl chloride, benzyl bromide and benzyl iodide. The different halogen atom substituents in these molecules will indicate the effect of specific adsorption on the electrode surface on the reaction mechanism.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom
• Fellow: Vanrenterghem Bart

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The goal of this project is the integration of plasma and electrochemical applications into a generic microreactor setup. The work plan consists of (i) the construction of a microreactor setup, (ii) a study on the influence of gap space and catalysis on the destruction of NOx in a plasma micro-reactor, and (iii) a study on the electrochemical aldol condensation of aceton to mesityl oxide in a electrochemical microreactor.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhulst Kristof
• Co-promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The production of organic chemicals by means of electrosynthesis can dramatically increase reaction efficiency. The approach of this project is to construct a prototype reactor setup to facilitate the transition from classical chemical towards electrochemical pathways. The modular reactor setup will be an ideal platform to develop electrosynthesis reactions and to transfer knowledge towards future follow-up projects.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Corrosion is a common phenomenon that causes detrimental economic and social consequences. An obvious way of corrosion protection is to prevent the metal surface from being exposed to a corrosive environment by application of one or several coatings, usually conversion coatings. Conversion layers are formed by a reaction (anodizing, phosphating, chromatation) between the metal surface and a solution. Recently more ecological alternatives for these processes were introduced, but the use of these new alternatives is currently impeded due to a lack of objective data about their corrosion. A prevailing measurement technique for corrosion detection is electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). A disadvantage is that the obtained EIS-spectra are difficult to interpret. This project wants to make the impedance technique widely accessible to the industry by developing an intelligent database for corrosion. Within this framework the purpose of this work is twofolded. The first aim is to use this ORP-EIS technique as a method for coating inspection, coating optimalisation and coating selection. For example, an attempt will be made to judge the corrosion protection of alternative conversion coatings. The second goal of this work is the integration of extensive series of these experiments in a database with an intelligent search engine. The valorisation of this work contains the development of a commercial software tool.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

• Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Impedimetric aptasensors consist out of two key elements: an aptamer as biologic recognition element and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as detection method. A crucial and challenging step in EIS is the interpretation of its data. Therefore, the main goal of this project is a profound analysis of the obtained EIS data, not only limited to the reliability of the data, but also concerning the most appropriate modelling procedure of the experimental data.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Wael Karolien
• Co-promoter: Breugelmans Tom

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project