This IREP project is suited for students interested in synthetic chemistry and innovative materials research. The successful IREP student will synthesize vertical aligned carbon nanotubes via gas phase routes. He/she will also synthesize solvated metal atom dispersed (SMAD) catalysts by metal vapor routes and will study those towards their application in single metal catalysts sites in various carbon materials. He/she will also get an insight into the physico-chemical characterization of these heterogeneous catalysts. Last but not least, the prepared catalysts will be studied in CO₂ activation as well as in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), two fundamentally important reactions for the sustainable energy transformation of our society. All studies will be performed with an experienced second/third year PhD student. With his/her work the IREP student will support our research activities in the field of sustainable nanomaterials.