| Category | Surface chemistry and heterogeneous catalysis |
| Keywords | Catalysts, Biofuel, Hydrogen, IR spectroscopy, Corrosion, Sensors |
Application
- Anticorrosion molecular coating. Protecting copper and steel with an electrochemical approach for surface anchoring of N-heterocyclic carbene nanolayer. Usable as standalone, or as a primer for standard overcoats.
- Molecular catalysts and nanostructures. Emphasis on Biofuels, Hydrogen Production and CO2 Reduction.
- Selective Coatings by electrochemical approach. Nanolayer coatings of one or a few molecular layers tailored for anticorrosion, permeability (e.g., to hydrogen) and transparency. Selectively applied to specific areas within a device. Applicable to a range of sensor devices and solar cells.
Our Innovation
- Anti-corrosion molecular coating on copper and steel applicable from the scale of microelectronics up to steel pipelines.
- Selective Molecular coatings of tailored functionality for application in integrated circuits, sensors, and solar cells.
- Molecular catalysts and nanostructures for Biofuels, Hydrogen Production and CO2 Reduction.
- High spatial resolution IR nano-spectroscopy for analysis of molecules or polymers on surfaces.
Technology
Anti-corrosion molecular coating. We demonstrate an electrochemical approach for surface anchoring of 2 nm thick N-heterocyclic carbene nanolayer on copper or steel by electro-deposition of alkyne-functionalized imidazolium cations. Ease of preparation and well-controlled growth process makes it easily applied to large-scale coating of thin and effective passivation layer. Copper film coated with an NHC nanolayer demonstrated high oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures and under alkaline conditions.
Catalysis is an essential technology for environmentally friendly, alternative feedstock. In order to get a precise picture of the catalytic reaction, we combine synthesis of catalytic nanostructures and testing their catalytic properties with advanced technology such as, AFM-IR, SNOM, synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy, in-situ IR, Raman. We reveal the mechanism of catalytic reactions and further optimize catalytic process for control over reactivity and selectivity of new catalysts for a viable energy future.
Selective Coatings. Technology is highly suitable for applications that require high transparency, such as solar cells and electroluminescence devices and sensors.
Opportunity
The group seeks industrial partnerships to advance the technologies towards commercialization.
Anticorrosion molecular coatings. Through industrial partnerships, the anticorrosion technology will scale from centimeter size to full electronic circuits (coatings on copper) and up to macro steel structures. The molecular coatings can also be applied on existing structures onsite, like pipelines.
Molecular catalysts and nanostructures. Through industrial partnerships, the innovative catalysts are scalable and optimizable for Biofuel formation, Hydrogen Production and CO2 Reduction.
Selective Molecular coating and patterning. Nanolayer thick coatings may be customized and optimized for sensors and solar cells. Specified corrosion protection, permeability, hydrophobicity, and/or transparency may be achieved in volume production.
