Combining molten salts and high pressure synthesis for Cu-B-S catalysts

We propose a development of a synthesis method for new materials, combining liquid-phase syntheses with high pressure, by performing chemical reactions in molten salts within a large volume press: Paris-Edinburg to reach HP (3-9 GPa) and HT (500-2000 °C). In situ X-Ray Diffraction will enable us to monitor reaction pathways as a function of PT, to identify reaction mechanisms, intermediate states, phase transition and final synthesis products. Coupling molten salt media with large volume high-pressure devices for the recovery of new materials has not been reported. We will focus on the Cu-B-S ternary system as the state-of-the-art reports suggests that new selective electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction might emerge from this system and high pressure is the only way to combine Cu and B into compounds. Only one compound has been reported: CuBS2, formed at HP and HT. We want to understand the formation mechanisms of such compounds and to probe phase diagram of Cu-B-S ternary diagram.