The extraordinary and ultrafast electro-optical response of graphene nanostructures has enabled order-unity changes in absorption due to the switching on and off of plasmons via electrical gating, thus suggesting application to ultrafast light modulation. Unfortunately, graphene plasmons have so far been observed at mid-infrared and longer wavelengths, therefore limiting their use as optoelectronic devices in the visible and near-infrared (vis-NIR) spectral range. Reaching this energy regime requires an efficient doping of graphene by confining the lateral dimension below 5 nm, which is beyond the state-of-art top-down lithography resolution. Alternatively, this project will use a bottom-up chemical route recently developed by the host organization to synthesize atomically precise, 1nm wide, graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) that can couple laterally to give rise to either nanoporous graphene structures or laterally interconnected GNRs arrays, for efficient gate-doping. The project aims to explore the feasibility of fabricating optoelectronic devices based on the plasmonic properties of atomically precise graphene nanostructures. The nature of the project is highly multidisciplinary, involving a combination of well-developed chemistry, physics, electronics and photonics that will focus at three different levels: chemical synthesis of atomic-size GNRs and characterization, nanostructure transfer and device fabrication, and electro-optical characterization. This proposal promotes both the transfer of knowledge to the host institution and the training of the candidate in new advanced techniques. The proof-of-concept of such device will pave the way for ultra-high speed photodetectors that are capable of handling record data transmission at vis-NIR range, thus providing key solutions for next generation data communications. This project lines up perfectly with the EU strategy, “Graphene Flagship”, in fostering the emergence of foundational breakthroughs in graphene science.

This proposal, titled "Green Fuel Production, via direct and low-energy Methane Oxidation" (METtoFUEL), will tackle the urgent and large-scale environmental problem of methane emissions, by converting methane to methanol, electrochemically and locally; simultaneously reducing GHG emission and obtaining a green liquid fuel. High selectivity for methanol and fast reaction rates will be achieved with 4 steps: 1) elucidation of the reaction mechanism, 2) development of dual-site catalysts, 3) electrolyte engineering and 4) achievement of industrially relevant currents with gas diffusion electrodes. This project will combine the applicant's (Dr. Silvia Favero) expertise in engineering the electrode-electrolyte interface, study of reaction mechanisms and some operando characterization techniques (SEIRAS and XAS), with the supervisor's (Prof. Maria Escudero Escribano) competence in methane electrochemical oxidation, her knowledge in operando characterization of electrocatalysts (Raman, ECMS, SEIRAS, SECS), and her experience in gas diffusion electrodes. Prof. Escudero-Escribano is an ICREA Professor at the ICN2, and has recently received an ERC-consolidator grant for the study of methane electrochemical activation and coversion into valuable chemicals, such as methanol. She has developed a laboratory with a unique combination of electrochemical expertise and operando characterization techniques; and is ideally positioned at ICN2, a Severo Ocha centre of excellence, with access to advanced material synthesis and characterization facilities, as well as extensive career support, ensuring the project's success. METtoFUEL will target >80% methanol selectivity, with >5% single-pass conversion and >100 mAcm-2 current density, which will ensure competitiveness against traditional methanol production approaches. If sucessful, this project will be spinned out, exploiting Prof. Escudero-Escribano IP experience, and ICN2 "Business and Innovation Department".

This proposal titled "Converting methane into green fuels using electrochemical devices (COMFUELS)"will achieve efficient electrochemical methane conversion in a gas diffusion methane conversion cell through few-layer 2D materials-supported, transition metal oxide catalysts. We will exploit our expertise in the preparation of metal nanostructures by electrodeposition, preparation and modification of few-layer 2D materials, and electrocatalysis. This will provide a new generation of high-performing catalysts for sustainable methane conversion into value-added fuels, enabling the scientific community to exploit the potential of gas diffusion methane electrolyzers. The fellow, Manila Ozhukil Valappil, is an expert on 2D nanostructures and electrocatalysis. The supervisor, Prof. Maria Escudero Escribano at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, ICN2 in Barcelona, has long-standing expertise in (spectro)electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, materials science and surface nanostructuring for various electrochemical applications, and has secured an ERC-Consolidator Grant (June,2023-present) on tailored materials for electrochemical methane activation and conversion into valuable chemicals such as methanol. Well-established advanced materials and electrochemical characterization facilities at ICN2 ensure the project’s success and will provide a unique environment for the development of MOV.