Maurits de Roo – Chemical reactions using electricity instead of chemicals

Maurits de Roo is a doctoral candidate at the University of Groningen, where he researches electrochemistry. It is fundamental research, in which he focuses primarily on studying the thin layer on electrodes.

What was your pitch about?

‘I start by explaining why the research is important. To convert one chemical substance into another — for example, to manufacture medicines or shampoo — you need chemicals. I look at oxidation reactions, for which you need oxidants. They are often polluting, because they are made from fossil raw materials and are therefore not sustainable. We are investigating whether we can eliminate this step by drawing the energy directly from electricity.’

How do you do that?

‘We look at the molecular level to see exactly what happens to a molecule when you apply a potential to it. One method is a form of Raman spectroscopy, known as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, or SERS. If you choose the electrodes cleverly — gold, for instance — the metal can serve both as an electrode and as an amplifier of the Raman signal. Raman gives you a molecular fingerprint. Normally, it can only be used to measure relatively high concentrations in solution. With this technique, you can measure down to millimolar concentrations. Those are the same concentrations you encounter in electrochemistry. The major drawback is that it is extremely sensitive. You almost need to work in a cleanroom to do it. Any contamination on the gold electrode generates so much noise that you can no longer see anything.’

Why did you choose this specialisation?

‘I studied both chemistry and chemical engineering. With electrochemistry, on the one hand you are genuinely engaged in sustainable research, and on the other hand both the chemistry and the technological phenomena are important. What appeals to me most is that through fundamental research you are still working towards a goal that is relevant to society.’