Fundamental Electrocatalytic Studies of High-Entropy Alloy Catalysts for Biomass-Derived Polyol Oxidation

Descrição

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have recently emerged as a versatile platform for electrocatalysis, offering diverse active sites, enhanced stability, and compositional flexibility. This project seeks to establish fundamental design principles for HEA electrocatalysts applied to the selective electrooxidation of biomass-derived molecules. By systematically linking synthesis–structure–property–activity relationships, the work will advance both fundamental understanding and practical applications of HEAs. The research is structured into four phases over 36 months: (i) development and optimization of synthesis protocols for nanoscale HEAs; (ii) comprehensive structural and chemical characterization, including operando XAS and XPS at the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS); (iii) advanced electrochemical evaluation, durability testing, and mechanistic studies of HEAs during the oxidation of glycerol, ethylene glycol, polyols, and furanics; and (iv) integration of results into predictive design models, with validation through electrolyzer testing. Expected outcomes include the identification of active-site ensembles that govern C–C cleavage versus selective dehydrogenation, design rules for tailoring HEA compositions, and proof-of-concept demonstrations of HEAs in biomass valorization coupled with hydrogen production. Beyond technological relevance, the project will contribute to the training of graduate and undergraduate students at UFABC and disseminate results both to the scientific community and to the general public through accessible science communication platforms.