SPINEL CATALYSTS FOR WATER AND HYDROCARBON OXIDATION

摘要

A catalyst for the electrolysis of water molecules and hydrocarbons, the catalyst including catalytic groups comprising A1-xB2-yB'yO4 spinels having a cubical M4O4 core, wherein A is Li or Na, B and B' are independently any transition metal or main group metal, M is B, B', or both, x is a number from 0 to 1, and y is a number from 0 to 2. In photo-electrolytic applications, a plurality of catalytic groups are supported on a conductive support substrate capable of incorporating water molecules. At least some of the catalytic groups, supported by the support substrate, are able to catalytically interact with water molecules incorporated into the support substrate. The catalyst can also be used as part of a photo-electrochemical cell for the generation of electrical energy.