Inorganic Electrosynthesis via the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Promovendus/a: Rafael Alberto Prato Modestino

Promotor(en): Prof. dr. ir. Jan Fransaer, Ph.D. Xochitl Dominguez-Benetton

The objective of this PhD work is to develop, study, and optimize a new electrochemical technology for the recovery of critical elements from waste waters and to study its potential for the synthesis of nanomaterials. Gas Diffusion Electrocrystallization (GDEx) has been under developement since 2014 at VITO as a way to precipitate minute amounts (ppm) of critical metals in a rapid and efficient manner by using a gas diffusion electrode. This can exploited in two different ways. To remove critical elements from industrial streams that otherwise would be lost. And to synthesize functional materials from synthetic matrices contaning any number of interesting elements. The materials synthesized by GDEx in many conditions have been shown to be on the nanoscale. Thus opening the door to a new synthesis platform for nanoparticles of metal oxides, hydroxides and carbonates (or more) that can be quickly synthesized with a low energy input, and simple starting materials.

The work will be carried out with two main objectives:

To elucidate the fundamental processes ocurring in GDEx in terms of electrochemical reactions, charge transfer, kinetics, thermodynamics and particle formation and growth.

To explore a large range of possible applications for this technology, and tackle scientifically and industrially interesting materials.


The objective of this PhD work is to develop, study, and optimize a new electrochemical technology for the recovery of critical elements from waste waters and to study its potential for the synthesis of nanomaterials. Gas Diffusion Electrocrystallization (GDEx) has been under developement since 2014 at VITO as a way to precipitate minute amounts (ppm) of critical metals in a rapid and efficient manner by using a gas diffusion electrode. This can exploited in two different ways. To remove critical elements from industrial streams that otherwise would be lost. And to synthesize functional materials from synthetic matrices contaning any number of interesting elements. The materials synthesized by GDEx in many conditions have been shown to be on the nanoscale. Thus opening the door to a new synthesis platform for nanoparticles of metal oxides, hydroxides and carbonates (or more) that can be quickly synthesized with a low energy input, and simple starting materials.

The work will be carried out with two main objectives:

To elucidate the fundamental processes ocurring in GDEx in terms of electrochemical reactions, charge transfer, kinetics, thermodynamics and particle formation and growth.

To explore a large range of possible applications for this technology, and tackle scientifically and industrially interesting materials.