During his studies Jens Jakob Gammelgaard investigated novel materials composed of abundant elements including carbon, nitrogen and transition metals. Development of effective catalytic materials without the use of scarce noble metals such as platinum is a requirement for finding a solution to the ongoing climate crisis. To that end, an increased understanding of the relationship between the structure of a catalyst and its activity has been pursued during the studies. This has been achieved using a model system under ultra-high vacuum conditions, allowing for the use of powerful microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. These methods have been used to study a novel catalyst composed of cobalt, carbon and nitrogen. The catalyst was studied for its properties within oxygen reduction, an important reaction for the development of fuel cells.

The PhD degree was completed at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Wednesday 6 December 2023 at 13.15
Place: Building 1531, room 119, Auditorium D2, Department of Mathematics, Ny Munkegade 120, Aarhus University, 800 Aarhus C.
Title of dissertation: A Surface Science Investigation of Transition Metal Doped Carbon Nitrides for the Oxygen Evolution and Reduction Reactions.
Contact information: Jens Jakob Gammelgaard, e-mail: jj@inano.au.dk , tel.: +45 24 64 29 89

Members of the assessment committee:
Professor Gareth Parkinson, Institut für Angewandte Physik, Technische Universität Wien, Austria

Professor Jakob Kibsgaard, Department of Physics, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Danmark

Professor Torben R. Jensen (chair), iNANO, Aarhus University

Main supervisor:
Professor Jeppe V. Lauritsen, iNANO, Aarhus University

Co-supervisor:
Professor Nina Lock, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University

Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Natural Sciences/GSNS, Jens Baggesens Vej 53, building 5221, 8200 Aarhus N.