Grants and Contributions:

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Title:

Solar Fuels for Carbon Neutral Transportation

Agreement Number:

954631

Agreement Value:

$160,600.00

Agreement Date:

Jul 23, 2020 - Jul 1, 2022

Description:

Photocatalytic and electrocatalytic CO2 reduction technologies have been developed and exhibit a great potential to transform CO2 into liquid fuels such as methanol (a single carbon compound). As a result, carbon neutral transportation is possible by extracting CO2 from the atmosphere and transforming it into a fuel. To commercialize these technologies will require overcoming technological barriers that include low selectivity and low productivity of multi-carbon compounds. The proposed project will attempt to overcome these barriers by developing new semiconductor/electrocatalyst heterostructures and plasmonic electrocatalysts. These electrocatalysts are expected to improve both selectivity and the production rate of C2 (e.g. acetate) and C2+ products. Improved selectivity and production rates using the new electrocatalysts will also be achieved at low current density and overpotential. The resulting technology will be demonstrated over multiple operating days using a continuous flow cell. Combustion and emission properties of the derived methanol and C2+ liquid solar fuels will be investigated and characterized in laboratory flames at the NRC at conditions found in practical engines.

Organization:

National Research Council Canada

Expected Results:

In the short term, anticipated outcomes will be strengthened collaborations across industry, academia, and government to support research excellence. In the medium term, anticipated outcomes will be the development of new and potentially disruptive technologies with collaborators. In the long term, find collaborative solutions to public policy challenges and create stronger innovation systems.

Location:

Waterloo, Ontario, CA N2L 3G1

Reference Number:

172-2020-2021-Q2-954631

Agreement Type:

Grant

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Recipient Business Number:

119260685

Recipient Type:

Academia

Recipient's Legal Name:

University of Waterloo

Federal Riding Name:

Waterloo

Federal Riding Number:

35112

Program:

Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives

Program Purpose:

Collaborate on multiparty research and development programs to catalyze transformative, high-risk, high-reward research with the potential for game-changing scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs in priority areas.

NAICS Code:

541710