Synthesis and structural characterization of CuO nanoparticles for heterogeneous photocatalysis application

• Grant number: 18/21388-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2019
• End date: December 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Higor Rogerio Favarim
• Grantee: Rafael Fabri Chimidt
• Host Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus Experimental de Itapeva. Itapeva , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention because it narrow bandgap (1.2 - 1.5 eV), and can be synthesized in different morphologies and sizes which allows its application in several systems like solar cells, sensors, optical applications and catalytic properties, being only some of the numerous applications. Recent research show the correlation between particle size and morphology for photocatalysis properties. This process allow the degradation of biological and chemically stable structures, however, in many studies nanoparticles have a high production cost or makes use of non-environmental friendly products. In order to contribute to the development of a low cost synthesis, this project has as main objective the synthesis and characterization of CuO nanoparticles obtained from a proteic sol-gel method, and the photocatalitc degradation process of dyes and industrial waste. Parameters such as calcination temperature, pH synthesis, concentration of nanoparticle/degraded material and the radiation used (UV and visible) will be studied. The nanoparticles will be characterized by XRD and SEM for their structure and morphology respectively, and the degradation process will be monitored by optical absorption (UV-Vis).