Electrocatalytic Routes to Carbon-X Bonds for a Sustainable Chemical Future (ElectraX)

Many essential chemicals, such as fertilizers, medicines, and materials, are still produced using fossil-based processes that contribute to climate change. This project aims to develop a sustainable alternative by using renewable electricity to electrochemically convert simple molecules like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, sulfur, and other abundant elements into valuable products. We will design and test new catalysts that enable the formation of key bonds between carbon and these elements. Fast screening methods and real-time (operando) analysis will accelerate the discovery of efficient catalysts and deepen our understanding of how they work. The grant will support two PhD students and one postdoctoral researcher.