Energy harvesting from neutralization reaction couple with artificial photosynthesis

• Grant number: 16/10624-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2016
• End date: August 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Fritz Cavalcante Huguenin
• Grantee: Vania Martins Ramos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Unlike other energy sources, neutralization batteries contribute to sustainable development because treatment of acid effluents generates electrical work. This practice can be profitable for the industry while promoting to environmental preservation. This design involves the development of an electrochemical system capable of performing work when operated between an acid reservoir and a basic reservoir under sunlight. The water splitting process will be introduced based on the principle of neutralization batteries, producing electrical work from artificial photosynthesis along with the entropy prompted by changes in the pH of the electrolyte solutions. Selective spontaneous electro-insertion of protons will replace hydrogen evolution during water splitting in a step previous to the neutralization process, thereby increasing the energy captured by the acid-base machine.Electrodes based on polyoxometalates, titanium oxide nanoparticles, and electrodes for hydrogen evolution (or oxygen reduction reaction) will be prepared, and their application in these batteries will be investigated. The electrochemical reactions will be evaluated by electrochemical techniques to determine the optimum pH range of the acid reservoir, aiming to increase energy harvesting at low cost.