Preparation and characterization of nanostructured modified titanates into a TiO2 nanotube array by electrophoretic deposition

• Grant number: 15/08815-9
• Support type: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): November 01, 2015
• Effective date (End): August 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos Lanza
• Grantee: Alysson Stefan Martins
• Supervisor abroad: Dmitry Bavykin
• Home Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Local de pesquisa : University of Southampton, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 13/08543-3 - Development of modified TiO2 nanotubes for electrochemical treatment of endocrine disruptors: bisphenol a and n-propylparaben, BP.DR

Abstract

TiO2-based compounds are extensively studied due to their semiconducting properties. In addition, TiO2 has other important features, such as commercial availability, water insolubility and low toxicity. These features allow its use in photoelectrocatalytic applications for the treatment of organic pollutants in aqueous environments. However, there are still many gaps in terms of oxidation efficiency of these compounds. The main disadvantage is related to weak absorption on TiO2 in the visible region of the spectrum (only 7% of the solar energy is absorbed), compromising its use in solar plants. In order to improve the efficiency of the TiO2 semiconductor, this project aims at incorporating titanate nanotubes into pores of TiO2 nanotubes via electrophoretic deposition-EPD. The initial procedure will be the synthesis of TiO2 nanotubes by electrochemical anodization and the synthesis of titanate nanotubes by hydrothermal reaction. Subsequently, the titanates will be deposited in the pores of TiO2 nanotubes by EPD. As a result, the expectation is to open channels with high specific surface area for rapid transport of charges. This effect may be translated into a greater photocurrent, which can improve the efficiency of the catalytic materials. The pores also may be modified with conductive polymers impregnated in the matrix. This will allow use of these materials in other applications such as semiconductors and batteries. All materials will be characterized morphologically and electrochemically. The results of this project will be compared to those currently studied in the doctoral program conducted at IQSC/USP - GPEA (Grupo de Processos Eletroquímicos e Ambientais). (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)

MARTINS, ALYSSON S.; HARITO, CHRISTIAN; BAVYKIN, DMITRY V.; WALSH, FRANK C.; LANZA, MARCOS R. V. Insertion of nanostructured titanates into the pores of an anodised TiO2 nanotube array by mechanically stimulated electrophoretic deposition. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C, v. 5, n. 16, p. 3955-3961, APR 28 2017. Web of Science Citations: 3.

MARTINS, ALYSSON STEFAN; MARQUES CORDEIRO-JUNIOR, PAULO JORGE; NUNEZ, LUCIANA; DE VASCONCELOS LANZA, MARCOS ROBERTO. A Simple Method for the Electrodeposition of WO3 in TiO2 Nanotubes: Influence of the Amount of Tungsten on Photoelectrocatalytic Activity. ELECTROCATALYSIS, v. 8, n. 2, p. 115-121, MAR 2017. Web of Science Citations: 6.