Hybridizing inorganic materials with bacteria to produce efficient catalysts is a challenge. For instance, bacterial production of metallic nanoparticles results in big particles, with lack of defined shape and uncontrolled size, thus making them inefficient catalysts. However, by exploiting the extracellular electron transfer capabilities of Geobacter sulfurreducens we have been able to produce nanoclusters by controlling the size and shape of the particles, making them suitable for catalysis.

Bio:
Rodrigo Jimenez Sandoval is a PhD candidate at KAUST under the supervision of Professor Pascal Saikaly. He is currently working in the field of bioinorganic hybrid catalysis and is developing noble metal nanoclusters by using electroactive bacteria such as Geobacter sulfurreducens. There are many applications for this type of materials; however, Rodrigo is testing these noble metal nanoclusters in the water splitting reactions: oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction. Rodrigo has also experience in the fields of bioplastic production, biological wastewater treatment, and clinical research management.