Development of semiconductors for photoconversion of CO2 into solar fuels and products for the chemical industry

• Grant number: 22/02980-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Initial Project
• Start date: February 01, 2023
• End date: January 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Francisco Guilherme Esteves Nogueira
• Grantee: Francisco Guilherme Esteves Nogueira
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: André Esteves Nogueira ; Eder Joao Lenardao ; Filipe Vinícius Penteado Scaranaro ; Luis Augusto Martins Ruotolo ; Márcio César Pereira ; Maria Cristina Silva ; Tatiana Santos Andrade
• Associated research grant(s): 23/06775-6 - Multi-user equipment approved in grant 2022/02980-1: gas chromatograph, AP.EMU
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/03456-0 - Development of g-C3N4-based photoactive materials decorated with Cu or Zn Nanoparticles for CO2 photoconversion, BP.MS; 23/10761-0 - Development of Nb2O5-based Zn-decorated semiconductors for CO2 photoconversion., BP.IC; 23/02814-7 - Development of Nb2O5/g-C3N4 heterostructures decorated with Cu and Zn nanoparticles for CO2 photoconversion into chemical industry products., BP.DR; 23/03605-2 - Development of Nb2O5-based semiconductors decorated with Cu for CO2 photoconversion, BP.IC

Abstract

One of the great challenges of modern society is the reduction or conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the burning of fossil fuels or industrial processes. Thus, the development of new technologies for converting CO2 into value-added products becomes fundamental, given this gas is one of the main responsible for the greenhouse effect. In this scenario, CO2 photoconversion can be a viable alternative, both from an environmental and economic point of view, since solar radiation can be used as a light source for the process. Photocatalytic processes involve the irradiation and absorption of light by a semiconductor using a light source with energy equal to or greater than the bandgap energy of the materials. Within this context, this project aims to develop heterostructured semiconductors based on niobium oxide (Nb2O5) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), modified with Cu or Zn using different synthesis methods, in order to improve the efficient separation rate of the chargers photogenerated, enhance light-visible absorption, and increase CO2 adsorption capacity on the surface of the materials. The photocatalysts obtained will be applied for the photoconversion of CO2 into products with added value such as carbon monoxide (synthesis gas), methane, methanol, formic acid, among others. A detailed study of the structural, morphological, and electronic properties of the developed materials and of the reaction products formed will also be carried out using various analytical techniques that will enable the understanding of the reaction mechanisms involved in the process. In addition, two photoreactor configurations will be tested in different phases (solid-liquid and solid-gas), aiming to increase in the efficiency of the process. Thus, the aim is to develop a robust, efficient and low-cost photocatalyst, as well as to obtain data that will allow, in the future, a scale-up of this technology. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

SILVA, ROBERTA R. M.; RUOTOLO, LUIS A. M.; NOGUEIRA, FRANCISCO G. E.. Peroxymonosulfate activation by magnetic NiFe₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ for tetracycline hydrochloride degradation under visible light. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL, v. 476, p. 9-pg., 2023-10-19. (15/13771-0, 14/07375-2, 22/02980-1)