Doctoral themes 2023

Energy Conversion Reactions using BODIPY-based Metal Organic Frameworks

Supervisors

Anup Paul, anuppaul@tecnico.ulisboa.pt

Biljana Sljukic, biljana.paunkovic@tecnico.ulisboa.pt

M. Fatima C. G. Silva, fatima.guedes@tecnico.ulisboa.pt

Registration Institution

Instituto Superior Técnico

Project description

The need for clean and sustainable energy sources has led to a surge in research towards developing efficient energy conversion systems. Hydrogen has been identified as a possible replacement for fossil fuels, owing to its abundance as the most prevalent element on Earth. Nevertheless, hydrogen typically exists in combination with other compounds like water and hydrocarbons, thereby necessitating artificial synthesis. To this end, Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising candidates for energy conversion applications due to their high surface area, tunable pore size, and facile functionalization capabilities. BODIPY (boron-dipyrromethene) is a versatile and widely used chromophore that exhibits excellent photophysical properties, making it an ideal candidate for energy conversion reactions. In this proposed research, we aim to explore the potential of BODIPY-based MOFs for energy conversion applications namely oxygen evolution reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction or photocatalytic hydrogen production and solar cells.  Different analytical techniques will be used to characterize the developed ligands and MOFs, such as single crystal XRD, PXRD, SEM-EDS, TEM, etc. Within the proposed PhD work, candidates would have an opportunity to learn about materials synthesis methods, the multiple techniques of materials characterization as well as electrochemical methods. The student will have the opportunity to work with a company and a prominent scientist abroad, gaining valuable research experience and contributing to the development of sustainable energy sources.

This PhD project will be conducted in collaboration between Group 1 [Coordination Chemistry and Catalysis (CCC)] and Group 9 [Materials Electrochemistry Group (CEFMA)]. 

Keywords

BODIPY

Metal Organic Frameworks

OER

HER

Photocatalytic hydrogen production