Surface Curvature Effect Beyond Oxygen Electrocatalysis

Surface curvature is an intrinsic property of many electrocatalyst materials. However, controlling the curvature is a challenging task both computationally and experimentally. A recent breakthrough has enabled the modelling of the surface curvature effect, which was demonstrated for oxygen electrocatalysis. In this project, the surface curvature effect will be investigated computationally and experimentally to improve activity for two important electrocatalytic reactions: formic acid oxidation and carbon dioxide reduction. Computationally, the surface curvature effect will be predicted by further expanding on the previously developed methodology. Experimentally, the computational predictions will be verified using two approaches: by applying metal macrocycles on different-sized carbon nanotubes, and by using templating to achieve variable porosity mesoporous catalysts. The project will enable controlled improvement of catalyst activity via a change in surface curvature.