Cathodic corrosion is a relatively unknown phenomenon that can severely etch metallic electrodes at cathodic (negative) potentials.

Promotor: Prof.dr. E. Bouwman, Co-promotor: S. Bonnet

Before the large scale use of renewable energy sources can be implemented in our society, the storage of electrical energy needs to be tackled. Storage the energy as hydrogen via the reduction of protons is a good option.

This thesis advance our understanding and the application of molecular catalysts relevant to the reduction of oxygen as well as reduction of nitrite.

Bicarbonate buffer is largely found in nature due to its ability to regulate pH variations around neutral values. As the pH changes, so does the speciation of the buffer.

Like a mixture of oil and water, lipid membranes separate into two liquid phases.

The goal of this thesis is to understand how interfacial parameters, such as the addition of organic additives, bulk pH or metal cations of the electrolyte, affect the relevant electrocatalytic reactions, i.e. electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction or hydrogen evolution reaction.

This dissertation focused on computational methods based on first principles calculations using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) framework. Emphasis was laid on affordable methods that can provide a tradeoff between computational expense and accuracy.

This thesis comprises the development of reproducible synthesis procedures for two-dimensional materials (composed of boron, nitrogen and carbon) on different metallic surfaces.

This thesis focuses on developing wafer-scale two-dimensional (2D) materials by combining synthesis, transfer, characterization, and device integration of graphene, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), and BN-doped amorphous carbon.

M.T.M. Koper, Co-promotor: D.G.H. Hetterscheid

Promotor: M.T.M. Koper, Co-Promotor: L.B.F. Juurlink

From surface science towards industrial practice using high-pressure scanning tunneling microscopy.

In eight chapters, the thesis of Rafaël Vos covers the effect of temperature and pressure on the electrochemical CO2 reduction.

Hydrodesulfurization (HDS) is an ubiquitous part of oil refining that ensures that fuels are cleaned of impurities and environment release of pollutants such as SOx and NOx gasses are minimized.

With the energy transition toward a renewable energy supply and a CO2-neutral economy, electrification of the energy system is rising in importance, which leads to the challenge of long-term storage of renewable electricity.

This work describes several studies into the electroreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR), both regarding mechanistical aspects and catalyst stability considerations. Mechanistic insights into carbon-carbon bond formation on a silver catalyst are described in Ch 2, were we find an acetaldehyde-like surface…

In this thesis we have discussed several parameters that affect the electrochemical conversion of enviromentaly harmful molecules such as nitrates and carbon dioxide to more valuable and less deleterious compounds, in order to cast light onto the mechanism of the reaction to achieve an efficient and…

The role of the interfacial environment during electrochemical reactions has been increasingly valued, especially for those reactions involving protons or hydroxyl ions.

The electrochemical hydrogenation reaction is an alternative approach for the transformation of unsaturated bonds without the use of flammable dihydrogen gas.

Voltammetry plays a crucial role in modern scientific research by offering valuable insights into the electrochemical properties of materials, with wide-ranging applications in fields such as materials science, energy storage, corrosion studies, and sensor development.

Electrocatalysis allows for storing electricity or converting it into chemical bonds, producing chemical building blocks and fuels using renewable resources.

Promotor: M.T.M. Koper, Co-promotor: L. Juurlink

Carbon dioxide capture and utilization technologies are necessary to create a truly circular economy. The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to formate is an appealing carbon utilization method as it can be performed at room temperature and pressure, it only requires two electrons, and it has…

Green hydrogen is produced via a process called water electrolysis. During electrolysis water is split into oxygen and hydrogen.

The overall theme of this thesis is to complement the electrochemical data acquired in fuel cell research with in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS).

Humanity stands at a pivotal juncture, facing the dual challenge of environmental sustainability and rapid population growth, projected to exceed 11 billion by century’s end.

The electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is an essential half-reaction for the utilization of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel, via the conversion of hydrogen to electrons and protons facilitated by the ORR. In the most common fuel cells, the ORR is requires high loadings of non-abundant platinum…

The dissertation describes TEM experiments on heterogeneous catalysts.

Hydrocarbonylation of alkenes with carboxylic acids in synthesis of carboxylic acid anhydrides is relatively less explored. We herein present a study and optimization of a palladium-catalyzed hydrocarbonylation reaction of alkenes using carboxylic acids as the nucleophile, by which acid anhydrides can…

Met de NMR faciliteit doen we onderzoek naar de synthese van paramagnetische moleculen om kennis te vergaren over de structuur en dynamiek van eiwitten. Deze kennis kan dienen als basis voor een medicijn dat zich hecht aan een eiwit of voor de ontwikkeling van vaccins. Medicijnontwikkeling is één van…

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important bulk chemical that is used in various industrial processes. More than 95% of the H2O2 used in industry is made via the anthraquinone process during which a large amount of energy is going to waste.

The confinement of molecular catalysts in metal-organic frameworks has the potential to lead to significant improvements in selectivity, long term activity and catalyst stability.

Promotores: Bas Edixhoven, Jean-Benoit Bost, Co-promotor: Robin de Jong

Promotor: Huub J.M. de Groot, Co-promotor: Francesco Buda

Promotors: Prof.dr. E. Bouwman, Prof.dr. E. Drent

Chemicus prof.dr. Marc Koper heeft de Carl Wagner Memorial Award van de Electrochemical Society gewonnen. Het is de meest prestigueuze mid-career award voor elektrochemici. De prijs, een levenslang lidmaatschap van de Electrochemical Society en een zilveren penning, wordt dit najaar uitgereikt tijdens…

Organic molecules in interstellar space are important as they influence the structure of galaxies and star formations. Studying catalytic processes in space allows us to understand how molecular species are formed and chemically evolved in the interstellar medium and solar system objects.

Chemici Marc Koper en Lies Bouwman worden geinterviewd door Mare Online over de overstap naar een duurzame economie.

Promotor: Prof.dr. E. Bouwman, Co-promotor: S. Bonnet

Dit proefschrift gaat over theoretische oppervlakte chemie binnen het veld van de heterogene katalyse.

To design the ideal water oxidation catalyst, understanding of the catalytic mechanism and decomposition pathways is essential.

Chemicus Irene Groot krijgt een TA-subsidie toegekend. Groot gaat samenwerken met Shell, Leiden Probe Microscopy, DSM Resolve en Universiteit Utrecht en onderzoek doen naar katalysatoren voor de productie van grondstoffen en brandstoffen.

Promotor: Prof.dr. E. Bouwman, Co-Promotor: S. Bonnet