A surface-science model for operando NAP-XPS studies of CO2 hydrogenation on dispersed oxides on a zirconia film

A surface-science model for operando NAP-XPS studies of CO₂ hydrogenation on dispersed oxides on a zirconia film
1st supervisor and 1st promotor: Prof. Emiel Hensen
2nd supervisor and co-promotor: Assistant Prof. Jan Philipp Hofmann
Affiliation: Eindhoven University of Technology
Research theme: Storing electricity from renewable sources in chemical bonds

Renewable electricity will rapidly become cheap and abundant and is therefore expected to play an essential role to displace fossil resources for covering our primary energy demand. However, due to a mismatch between production and demand, there is a growing need to store renewable energy. Doing so in chemical bonds is not only very efficient but also offers opportunities to convert CO₂ waste into building blocks for the chemical industry, thereby contributing to a circular economy. Methanol is a promising storage chemical for renewable H₂.

In this project, the researchers will conduct atomic-scale investigations of a novel catalyst system for efficient methanol synthesis from CO₂, consisting of thin layers of reducible metal oxides on zirconia. For this purpose, a surface science approach will be followed in which a thin oxide film of zirconia will be synthesized and loaded with indium oxide or other catalytically active phases. With this model, we will be able to investigate in detail the reactions occurring at the catalytic surface, contributing to the development of better catalytic processes for renewable energy storage.

Keywords:

• Renewable energy storage
• CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol
• Reducible oxides
• Surface science model
• NAP-XPS