SESAME Synchrotron - Wenyi Huo

Title: In-situ X-ray powder diffraction of Prussian blue analogues for efficient hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions

Abstract: Prussian blue analogs (PBAs), typically represented by the formula AxT[M(CN)6]y • mH2O (where A: alkali metals such as Li, Na, K; T: transition metals like Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Mg; M: transition metals such as Mn, Fe, Co), are a notable subclass of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Due to their uniform particle size, high porosity, tunable morphology, and versatile composition, PBAs have demonstrated significant potential in catalyzing water splitting reactions. Controlling their morphology and composition is crucial for optimizing catalytic performance. However, the synthesis of PBAs with tailored structures and the in-depth understanding of their catalytic mechanisms and stability remain substantial challenges. The proposed project was amid the implementation of XRPD measurements by synchrotron radiation equipment. With the help of these advanced experimental methodologies, we could obtain a deeper understanding of the structure–property relationships of complex PBA hybrid nanostructures. Afterwards, we determined the mechanism of the enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance by the unique structural configuration.



This project has received funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation
programme under grant agreement No 857470 and from European Regional Development Fund
via Foundation for Polish Science International Research Agenda PLUS programme grant
No MAB PLUS/2018/8.
Poland
The project is co-financed from the state budget within the framework of the undertaking of the Minister of Science and Higher Education "Support for the activities of Centers of Excellence established under Horizon 2020".

Grant: 5 143 237,70 EUR
Total value: 29 971 365,00 EUR
Date of signing the funding agreement: December 2023

The purpose of the undertaking is to support entities of the higher education and science system that have received funding from the European Union budget in the competition H2020-WIDESPREAD-2018-2020/WIDESPREAD-01-2018-2019: Teaming Phase 2. in the preparation, implementation and updating of activities, maintenance of material resources necessary for carrying out activities, acquisition and modernization of scientific and research apparatus, maintenance and development of personnel potential necessary for the implementation of activities, and dissemination of the results of scientific activities.