From Hydrogen Pressure to Electrode Potential: An Electrochemical Approach to Organometallic Nanoparticle Synthesis

The organometallic approach is a well-established technique for synthesising well-defined nanoparticles. In this process, an organometallic precursor is subjected to controlled decomposition under a low partial pressure of hydrogen, resulting in the production of nanoparticles with narrow size distributions and high reproducibility. Despite its clear advantages, this methodology faces important challenges: the requirement of hydrogen gas introduces safety risks related to flammability and handling, while the process’s intrinsic design restricts scalability, typically providing only very small amounts of material. These limitations hinder its broader application and practical implementation.

In this project, we are proposing an alternative strategy in which hydrogen is replaced by an electrochemical driving force. The application of a controlled potential using a potentiostat directly at the electrode surface can trigger the decomposition of the organometallic precursor. This approach eliminates the hazards associated with hydrogen and offers a highly versatile platform, since the applied potential can be tuned to influence nucleation and growth processes. In addition, when the decomposition is performed on an electrode, the electrode itself can be used as a support for nanoparticle growth, which provides a natural pathway for scaling up production.

The nanoparticles obtained through this electrochemical organometallic route will be employed as catalysts in artificial photosynthesis reactions, including the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and / or the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ (CO₂RR). This approach combines safety, scalability, and electrochemical tunability to establish a new route for designing catalysts for energy conversion. By enabling efficient electrocatalysts for these key reactions in artificial photosynthesis, this work contributes to sustainable energy conversion strategies that address global challenges such as climate change by promoting carbon-neutral fuel production and renewable energy storage.

Candidates should have:

• Bachelor / Master in Chemistry, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Materials Science or related fields.
• Analytical thinking & problem-solving, ability to interpret experimental data critically.
• Scientific writing and communication skills in English.
• Teamwork and interdisciplinary mindset (chemistry, physical chemistry, materials science, energy research).
• Knowledge in the Synthesis of Nanomaterials, Nanomaterials Characterization and Electrochemistry is desirable.

The SelOxCat group (Selective Redox Catalysis), where Prof. Jordi García-Antón develops his research at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona since 2011, focuses on artificial photosynthesis and the development of nanocatalysts for the production of renewable fuels such as hydrogen (H₂) and carbon-neutral fuels derived from CO₂. Their research focused on the design of hybrid (photo) electrocatalysts at the nanoscale, optimised for selectivity, stability, and efficiency in energy related catalytic processes. The group applies a wide range of methodologies, including spectroscopy, electrochemistry, electron microscopy, and crystallography, to gain insight into catalytic processes at the molecular and atomic level. Their scientific mission is to address key societal and environmental challenges, providing the catalytic foundations for sustainable energy technologies. More info can be found at the research group website: https://seloxcat.com/research/

The Gnm³ group focuses part of its research on the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced materials with tailored properties for cutting-edge engineering applications. We use electrochemical methods to produce advanced material architectures with high surface-area-to-volume-ratios and compositions with reduced amounts of noble metals. These materials are tested as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and, more recently, implemented in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Sustainability and energy efficiency are guiding principles of our work, shaping both the development of materials and their envisioned applications. More info can be found at the research group website: https://jsort-icrea.uab.cat/research