UniSysCat - Cluster of excellence
Cluster of excellence "Unifying Systems in Catalysis" (UniSysCat), research area A und D
Surface enhanced spectro-electrochemistry for analysis of coupled and electronically activated surface reactions
Funded by Federal and State Governments in Germany within the German Excellence Strategy.
Collaboration partner
Prof. Dr. Peter Hildebrandt (TU Berlin, Fachgebiet Biophysikalische Chemie)
Prof. Dr. Kallol Ray (HU Berlin, Fachbereich Chemie)
Dr. Matthias Schwalbe (HU Berlin, Gruppe Metallorganische Chemie und Photokatalyse)
Prof. Dr. Arne Thomas (TU Berlin, Fachgebiet Funktionsmaterialien)
Duration
Term: 01.01.2020 - 31.12.2022
Weidinger group@UniSysCat
Website UniSysCat
Description of work
This project aims to develop a mechanistic understanding of surface confined catalytic reactions via advanced surface enhanced Raman (SER) spectro-electrochemistry. For this purpose photocatalytic/plasmonic hybrid electrodes will be developed that act as catalysts and light harvesting antennas. The resulting local light enhancement not only enables application of surface enhanced spectroscopy but also can improve the photoconversion efficiency of the system itself. Molecular catalysts specifically designed by groups from UniSysCat in area A.1. will be attached to theses electrodes and their reaction mechanism will be analysed via potential and time dependent SER spectroscopy. Using isotopically labelled species, key reaction intermediates shall be identified. The same techniques will be applied to study light activated reaction intermediates of photocathodes developed in area D.1. Finally, coupled photo-and electrocatalytic systems that combine the research activities from A and D will be investigated.
