Research Projects

Hydrogen as a vector of transport and storage of energy is a very attractive candidate in the context of increased use of renewable and clean energies. This project will address the study of the different processes that lead to the final configuration of an integrated systems for hydrogen generation and use mainly in portable applications (and potentially scalable for stationary applications). In particular, work will be carried out in this project in the following lines:
a) Research on new lightweight compounds for use in hydrogen generation processes on a small scale by chemical routes (hydrolysis). Typically hydrolysis reactions of borohydrides (i.e. NaBH4) and compounds like ammonia borane, hydrazine borane or hydrazine. This line includes the development of catalysts at the nanoscale using wet chemical methods for their synthesis: Metal-metalloid nanostructures (i.e. Co-B, Co-B-P and similar ones) and bimetallic catalysts (including or not metalloid) of low cost which potentiate synergistic effects (i.e. CoRu, NiPt or Co-Ru-B). The topic also includes the development of portable reactors for these processes and the development of new substrates and monoliths, studies of adherence and durability of the catalyst.
b) Research on new host-guest systems containing hydrogen for reversible storage (loading / unloading). Mainly porous supports (host) like the so called "nanoscaffolds" (based on C or BN) infiltrated with borohydrides materials (guest) (i.e. titanium borohydride) typically used for reversible hydrogen storage. These new materials must present improved charging and de-charging kinetics.
c) Studies of coupling a hydrogen generator system with a low cost fuel cell. Typically a continuous reactor for the hydrolysis of NaBH4 with Co-B catalyst for providing H2 at constant flow rate conditions to directly feed a PEM fuel cell of 60 W.
d) Fundamental studies for the development of catalysts and supports for the controlled combustion of hydrogen. It's a new line in the research group based on wet chemical preparation of noble metal nanoparticle catalysts on commercial porous ceramic supports (i.e. SiC). The line also includes the design of a reactor for laboratory-scale study of heat production by controlled combustion of hydrogen.
e) Development of sputtering technology ("magnetron sputtering") for the preparation of catalysts and nano-structures on various substrates for use in the processes developed in the previous sections. The group has extensive experience in this technology to be applied in novel ways in this project leading to a great versatility regarding nanostructure, composition and addition of additives to improve catalytic activity, durability and selectivity of catalysts.
f) Microstructural and chemical characterization of new materials and catalysts developed in the project. We are dealing typically with materials of controlled nanostructure where modern nanoscopic techniques will play a key role in the custom manufacturing of these materials

 

The AL-NANOFUNC project has been designed to install and fully develop at the Materials Science Institute of Seville (ICMS, CSIC-Univ.Seville, Spain) an advanced laboratory for the Nano-analysis of novel functional materials. Advanced Nanoscopy facilities, based on latest generation electron microscopy equipments, will be devoted to breakthrough research in specific topics of high interest: i) Nanomaterials for sustainable energy applications; ii) protective and multifunctional thin film and nanostructured coatings; iii) nanostructured photonic materials and sensors. To take the ICMS laboratories to a leading position that is competitive in a world-wide scenario, the AL-NANOFUNC project is contemplated to up-grade the actual research potential in several directions: i) improve equipment capabilities regarding the Analytical High Resolution Electron Microscopy facilities; ii) improve the impact and excellence of basic research through hiring of experienced researchers and transnational exchange with the reference centers in Europe; iii) develop and improve the innovation potential of the ICMS’s research by opening the new facilities to companies and stakeholders; iv) organize workshops and conferences, dissemination and take-up activities to improve research visibility. Close collaborations with reference centers and companies in Liège (Belgium), Graz (Austria), Jülich (Germany), Oxford (England), Cambridge (England), Dübendorf (Switzerland) and Rabat (Morocco), as well as with laboratories at Andalucian Universities, are foreseen in this project. Five companies in Andalusia will also collaborate in close synergies to promote the long-term strategic lines of interest for the region in the natural and artificial stone products and solar and renowable energy sectors.