ElectroPeps: Metallopeptide-based Electrocatalysts for Fuel Synthesis // ElectroPeps: Metallopeptide-based Electrocatalysts for Fuel Synthesis

Hydrogen (H₂) is a promising clean energy vector, but its industrial production is primarily
based on fossil fuels, leading to high CO₂ emissions. Only a small fraction is 'green hydrogen,'
produced through water electrolysis using renewable energy. Similarly, ammonia (NH₃), crucial for
fertilizers and industrial applications, has potential as a carbon-free energy carrier but relies on the
energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. The electrochemical reduction of nitrite (NO₂⁻) to ammonium
(NH₄⁺) offers a sustainable alternative but faces challenges in achieving high selectivity and efficiency.
Metal complexes based on the ATCUN (Amino-Terminal Copper and Nickel binding) motif have shown
potential for H2 and NH3 production. In this context, our project aims to investigate the potential of
series of ATCUN-based metal complexes (M-ATCUN) as homogeneous electrocatalysts for H2 and NH3
production.
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Hydrogen (H₂) is a promising clean energy vector, but its industrial production is primarily
based on fossil fuels, leading to high CO₂ emissions. Only a small fraction is 'green hydrogen,'
produced through water electrolysis using renewable energy. Similarly, ammonia (NH₃), crucial for
fertilizers and industrial applications, has potential as a carbon-free energy carrier but relies on the
energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. The electrochemical reduction of nitrite (NO₂⁻) to ammonium
(NH₄⁺) offers a sustainable alternative but faces challenges in achieving high selectivity and efficiency.
Metal complexes based on the ATCUN (Amino-Terminal Copper and Nickel binding) motif have shown
potential for H2 and NH3 production. In this context, our project aims to investigate the potential of
series of ATCUN-based metal complexes (M-ATCUN) as homogeneous electrocatalysts for H2 and NH3
production.
The PhD candidate will design and synthesize series of water-soluble (pseudo)peptide ligands,
characterize the corresponding metal-complexes and their catalytic properties. By tuning the
(pseudo)peptide sequence, we will be able to modulate the catalytic properties of the
metallopeptides. From this structure/activity relationship study, combined with mechanistic
investigation, we aim to rationalize the key parameters for optimal activity.
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Début de la thèse : 01/10/2025

Autre financement

Université Grenoble Alpes

218 CSV- Chimie et Sciences du Vivant

The candidate should have a Master's degree in Chemistry at the beginning of the PhD. Experience in organic/peptide synthesis, inorganic chemistry or electrochemistry is recommended.
The candidate should have a Master's degree in Chemistry at the beginning of the PhD. Experience in organic/peptide synthesis, inorganic chemistry or electrochemistry is recommended.