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Zeynep Kalaycıoğlu | Dec 05, 2024
Prof. Dr. Ayfer Kalkan Burat conducted research in collaboration with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) under the TÜBİTAK 2502 Bilateral Cooperation Program, aiming to develop innovative solutions for the electrochemical conversion of H₂S, thereby contributing to both environmental preservation and industrial applications.
Prof. Dr. Ayfer Kalkan Burat conducted research in collaboration with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) under the TÜBİTAK 2502 Bilateral Cooperation Program, aiming to develop innovative solutions for the electrochemical conversion of H₂S, thereby contributing to both environmental preservation and industrial applications.
Hydrogen sulfide from fossil fuels is an environmental concern as sulfur species in the atmosphere can lead to acid rains and further complicates aquatic ecosystems and climate. Similar impact is greatly observed in Black Sea where 120 -140 m below the surface, the sea is poisoned (anoxic-no life) by presence of H₂S. Conversion of H₂S with a process suitable for industrial adaptation is great interest so that hydrogen and polysulfide products can be produced cost competitively while gaining environmental benefits.
Pushing of hydrogen as fuel for industry, energy and transportation under Green Deal to tackle climate change issues, H₂S conversion for production of hydrogen can provide both economic and environmental benefits. As new energy technologies based on hydrogen as an energy carrier are emerging, both economic and environmental benefits may be realized by developing this electrochemical conversion technology. Therefore, this project will contribute understanding of electro-conversion to develop new porous electrodes, flow-through cells for the electrolysis increasing possibility of industrial adaptation for large scale conversion of H₂S. Electrochemical conversion of H₂S presents opportunity for large scale conversion not only for Black Sea but also for H₂S produced by oil, gas industries and geothermal resources. The formation of H₂S poses a fundamental threat to marine life in the region. Therefore, if the resulting H₂S can be converted into hydrogen, the ecosystem can be protected and become a natural energy source.
A broad π-system in Pcs enables light trapping, hence expanding the sensitizer applications of these materials. In the meantime, large numbers of electrons in the π-system facilitate electron exchange between Pc and substrates. For the photo- and electrocatalytic H₂ formation reactions of Pc-based catalysts, there are a number of key factors that are determinative for the overall H₂ production rate, including the type of the metal center, substitution, support and aggregation of Pcs. Within the scope of this project, the aim of the research is to develop a flow-through continuous anion exchange membrane electrolyzer (AEM) cell that can convert H₂S containing water into hydrogen and polysulfides. The synthesis of graphene-supported metallo phthalocyanines as anode catalysts for AEM electrolysis will be developed.
