Production method for photo-electrocatalytic electrodes from industrial pigment powders

Short summary A German technical university has developed an enhanced photo-electrocatalytic electrode from industrial pigment, applicable for fuel cells and electro catalysis. The main advantages are current densities that are many times higher than state of the art as well as cheaper and easier production. The institute is interested in a cooperation within a license or a research cooperation agreement to advance the technology from TRL 4 onward.

Full description Photo-electrocatalytic reactions assume an increasingly important role in water splitting or reduction of CO2 towards higher hydrocarbons. Fabrication of electrodes, used for this purpose, often requires laborious and costly synthesis steps. With a recent development, however, pre-fabricated industrial pigments can be employed with much less efforts. After modification of the size of the pigment particles and a suitable coating procedure, essential electronic properties turn out to be improved, and electrode manufacturing on a large scale becomes feasible. The invention by a German technical university presented herein describes an electrode with a catalytic layer of semiconductor particles of homogeneous size distribution, surrounded by an amorphous semiconductor layer (matrix). This arrangement leads to improved electric conductivity and increased light conversion efficiency. Furthermore the invention comprises the production method for manufacturing of the electrode and the use of cost-efficient semiconductor materials: In a suspension of the particles, a brief voltage pulse is applied for selective deposition of small-sized particles onto a substrate. Remaining particles in the suspension are then subjected to partial chemical dissolution until they reach the desired (small) size and are subsequently deposited. Electrodes manufactured by this recurrent procedure demonstrate photocurrent densities many times higher than those fabricated from unmodified pigment powders. Possible applications include the manufacturing of alternative fuels, activating of inert molecules (CO2 or hydrocarbons) and chemical catalysis. The university is interested in a cooperation in the framework of a license agreement or a research cooperation agreement. A future licensee would have the authorization to use the technology in return for a fee or a share of royalties. The client is also open to agree on a research cooperation agreement that aims at a joint further development of the technology. These cooperation types have been selected in order to find the most effective way of advancing the technology from TRL 4 onward - either through an external or a cooperative effort.

Advantages and innovations The main advantages of the innovation are current densities that are many times higher than state of the art, combined with cheaper and easier production. The production method also allows for a homogeneous size distribution of the catalyst particles stemming from powders with inhomogeneous size distribution. Another advantage is that the usage of conventional powders is still possible.
Contact / source: NEXT EEN Widgets (europa.eu)