Hybrid systems between titanium dioxide and carbon nanotubes in photocatalytic processes

• Grant number: 13/19949-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2013
• End date: August 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Paola Corio
• Grantee: Natália Augusto Soares
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 12/13119-3 - Vibrational spectroscopy in condensed phases, AP.TEM

Abstract

This project aims to study photocatalytic degradation processes of environmentally relevant chemical species. The focus will be directed to the study of properties of hybrid systems formed between semiconductor materials (mainly TiO2) and carbon nanotubes as photocatalysts. We will investigate synthesis methodologies of composites between semiconductor TiO2 and two types of carbon nanotubes: single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT). The composites will be characterized by vibrational spectroscopy (Raman and infrared) and electron microscopy techniques, and their performance in heterogeneous photocatalysis processes will be evaluated through the degradation of textile dyes. Considering the use of such hybrid systems as catalysts in heterogeneous photocatalysis processes, carbon nanotubes can act as an extraction phase associated with titanium dioxide, thus favoring the interaction between the target substances and the organic semiconductor. This approach seeks to contribute to the development of more efficient catalysts and to the understanding of the effect of carbon nanotubes in processes of heterogeneous photocatalysis.