Dr. Sergio Gonell

The Fe-RedOx-Cat project aims to introduce a new family of efficient, robust and selective iron-based electro-catalysts for
both, CO2 reduction and H2O oxidation. Taking into account the detrimental environmental effect of CO2 (global warming),
the development of new technologies for its valorization (for instance conversion to fuels) is becoming mandatory for our
society. The target catalysts prosposed in the Fe-RedOx-Cat project are based on N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as
ligands, which matches perfectly with the research background of the candidate. During the first part of the project at the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (USA), the researcher will learn a wide range of electro-analytical techniques for
the characterization/optimization of the new catalysts and also for its mechanism elucidation. Later, the new acquired skills
will be transferred to the host group in Europe at ICIQ (Spain). This group will also provide his expertise in the development
of catalysts based on first row transition metals and mechanism elucidation by means of experimental techniques and
computational methods. The afore-mentioned features of the applicant and the host groups will provide an outstanding
synergy between all the participants. Hence the researcher will embark on a challenging work plan, learning new concepts in
electro-catalysis and first row transition metal catalyst design, essential for the development of the project. Moreover, the FeRedOx-Cat project will provide to the applicant an excellent training in the multidisciplinary research area of CO2
valorization. Altogether, the Fe-RedOx-Cat project will enhance multiple competences of the researcher on scientific and
transferable skills, thus stimulating his evolution as a scientist and contributing to the growth of the European research
excellence.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement 794119