Dr. Sonja Pullen, leading the research group for Homogeneous, Supramolecular, and Bio-Inspired Catalysis at the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, has secured €105,000 in PPS allowance from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. The funding aims to propel research into the photochemical recycling of CO2 to create formic acid, a liquid hydrogen carrier. The collaboration with DENS, a company based in Helmond, the Netherlands, will see the development of a circular solar fuel for sustainable energy storage.
Innovative Photochemical Recycling
The Pullen lab is pioneering the development of homogeneous photocatalysts designed to selectively produce formic acid directly from water, carbon dioxide, and light. This breakthrough aligns seamlessly with DENS’s pursuit of Hydrozine, a sustainable fuel akin to formic acid. The innovative process mirrors nature’s photosynthesis, where plants produce sugar using water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight.
Hydrozine: A Green Fuel
Hydrozine, essentially liquid formic acid, presents an eco-friendly avenue for storing solar energy without reliance on actual plants. The DENS Hydrozine power generator harnesses this ‘solar fuel’ to generate electricity or clean hydrogen gas on demand. Importantly, the process captures and recycles CO2 as a raw material for producing new formic acid, creating a closed-loop, sustainable energy cycle.
Optimizing Photocatalysts for Compatibility
The collaborative project aims to optimize Amsterdam photocatalysts for formic acid production, ensuring seamless compatibility with DENS’s technology. This synergy is critical for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the circular solar fuel system.
Postdoctoral Researcher Appointment
The grant will facilitate the appointment of a postdoctoral researcher for one year, further enhancing the research capabilities and outcomes of this pioneering initiative.
Dr. Sonja Pullen expressed excitement about the potential of formic acid as a liquid hydrogen carrier and emphasized the project’s contribution to advancing sustainable energy storage solutions.
Source: https://www.uva.nl/
