Subnanometer Cluster Catalysts for Green Chemistry (SNaGC): a Combined Theoretical and Experimental Thrust
The goal of the SNAGC project is to investigate and develop new disruptive subnanometer metal clusters as catalysts for the heterogeneous conversion of carbon dioxide and its electrochemical reduction (CO2RR). We will focus on sub-nm Cu and Cu-Pd clusters of a few to 30 total atoms, synthesized via size-selected gas-phase deposition, characterized ad tested at the CAS unit, and modelled computationally at the CNR unit. We will consider mixed-oxide supports for heterogeneous catalysis and amorphous carbonaceous materials for electrocatalysis. The Cu-Pd combination, the use of mixed-oxide for heterogeneous and amorphous carbon for electrocatalysis, are all novel in the sub-nm catalysis context. SNaGC will be grounded on the unique expertise of the CAS unit in size-selected cluster deposition and catalyst testing and characterization, and of the CNR unit in DFT reaction mechanism sampling and atomistic models of clusters and amorphous materials. The synergistic interplay of theory (CNR) and experiment (CAS) will enable a comprehensive understanding and design of the catalysis process.
Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic
Grant Number: CNR-22-17
2022 - 2024
NanoCAT TWINNING
The consortium partnership with the University of Ulm (Die Universität Ulm) and the Technical University of Vienna (Technische Universität Wien) will allow to perform highly interdisciplinary research in the field of nanocatalysis, the planned mobility of qualified scientists and young researchers including PhD students and administrative staff will encourage the development and creativity of new approaches.
The TWINNING instrument aims to support the bridging of the gap between the Member States by developing and exploiting their research and innovation potential. The aim is to contribute to a more even and sustainable dissemination of excellent research in the European Research Area.
European Commission
Grant Number: 101079142
2022 - 2025
Utilization of waste biomass for catalytic conversion to glucaric acid: from multiscale reaction modelling to reactor production
Climate change and limited resources of fossil fuels have made research of green technologies a necessity if we wish to maintain the current standard of living. Glucaric acid is an example of a chemical that is still being produced in a non-sustainable way, using toxic chemicals. Research into alternative production routes must be and is being conducted because glucaric acid is one of the most important dicarboxylic acids, used in the pharmaceutical, food, perfume and chemical industry. Multiscale modelling is a novel ground-breaking methodology for understanding, improving and devising new catalytic processes, which has only recently become available. It allows for faster, cheaper and environmentally friendlier ways of catalyst screening and process optimization.
Grant Agency of the Czech Republic
Grant Number: 21-48595L
2021 - 2024
J. Heyrovský Chair
J. Heyrovský Chair project makes part of concerted actions of management of the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry to induce structural changes, which will help develop Institute´s most promising potential in long-term perspective, and turn into recognized, widely known research body. It is envisaged that this project will result in meeting the following main objectives: increase of scientific excellence, support of structural changes within the Institute,enhancement of international visibility and attractiveness, improvement of human resources and capacities, maintenance of sustainability of introduced changes.
Horizon 2020, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation
WIDESPREAD-03-2017 - ERA Chairs
Grant agreement ID: 810310
2019 - 2023
