Coupling of One-Dimensional TiO2 with Hydrogenase: Simultaneous Visible-Light Driven H2 Production and Treatment of an Organic Pollutant

Project Information

1DH2OP

Grant agreement ID: 625034

Project closed

Start date 1 March 2014

End date 31 August 2015

Funded under

• Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Total cost € 231 926,40

EU contribution € 231 926,40

Coordinated by

THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom

Objective

Sunlight is a vastly abundant energy form and provides an attractive possible energy-input to produce hydrogen through the splitting of water into its elements via the process of artificial photosynthesis. Within this theme, the proposal defines a new approach of coupling semiconductor nanomaterials with catalytically active biological enzymes to reduce protons to hydrogen in an aqueous electrolyte under visible light irradiation.

Building upon current state-of-the-art systems involving enzymes attached to dye-sensitized titanium dioxide nanoparticulates, herein we propose the use of one-dimensional titanium dioxide nanostructures. Benefitting from the intrinsic property of efficient directional electron transport, these structures will reduce charge recombination and hence could lead to improved performance. The visible light driven response via anion doping will eliminate the need for a ruthenium dye as photosensitizer, offering promise of a low cost and greatly simplified hybrid design. Moreover, upon suitable valence band position engineering, the addition of an organic pollutant could act as electron donor to enhance hydrogen production, while simultaneously being photodegraded.

This project brings innovation and advancement to the concept and design of more efficient and cost effective biomimetic artificial photosynthesis increasing the competitiveness of the European Research Area in renewable energy research. In line with action 2 of the FP7 Work Program-PEOPLE, this multidisciplinary project (4 major thematic areas: energy, nanoscience, biotechnology, and environmental) intends to train and develop Dr. Lee personally and professionally, reinforcing his career development.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › chemical sciences › inorganic chemistry › transition metals
• engineering and technology › nanotechnology › nano-materials
• natural sciences › biological sciences › biochemistry › biomolecules › proteins › enzymes
• engineering and technology › environmental engineering › energy and fuels › renewable energy › hydrogen energy
• natural sciences › biological sciences › botany

Programme(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Topic(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development"

Call for proposal

FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF)

Coordinator

THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

• EU contribution: € 231 926,40
• Address: TRINITY LANE THE OLD SCHOOLS ; CB2 1TN Cambridge ; United Kingdom
• Region: East of England › East Anglia › Cambridgeshire CC
• Activity type: Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
• Administrative Contact: Renata Schaeffer (Ms.)
• Total cost: No data