Preparation, characterization and application of electrodes modified with polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM) in the capture and reduction of CO2 by triphasic photo(electro)catalytic processes

• Grant number: 19/07020-3
• Support type: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Effective date (Start): June 01, 2019
• Effective date (End): May 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal researcher: Maria Valnice Boldrin
• Grantee: Kallyni Irikura
• Supervisor abroad: Frank Marken
• Home Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Research place: University of Bath, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 17/12790-7 - Preparation and characterization of TiO2 nanostructured electrodes modified with metal organic frameworks (MOFs) for application in the preconcentration and reduction of CO2, BP.PD

Abstract

Currently, there is great concern worldwide about climate change caused by the greenhouse effect. This phenomenon mainly occurs because of the high emission of CO2 into the environment. In this context, the use of efficient processes to conversion CO2 to high value added compounds as such as CO, CH4, CH3OH, HCHO and HCOOH, among others is a good alternative to decrease the concentration and effects caused by this gas in the atmosphere. Thus, the great goal of this project will be to produce electrodes with good stability and efficiency to reduce CO2 using processes such as photocatalysis (PC), photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) and electrocatalysis (EC). Our postdoctoral proposal aims (i) to develop of new materials p-Cu/Cu2O, n-Ti/TiO2 and carbon fiber modified with polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM) for application in CO2 conversion (ii) to evaluate the performance of electrodes in selectivity, capture, storage and catalysis of CO2 molecules and (iii) to identify and quantify the possible products generated as well as elucidating the mechanism of the CO2 reduction on the different electrodes. The production of these materials will be performed in the laboratory facilities of the Prof. Frank Marken group that has extensive knowledge and great skill in the area. These electrodes' performance will be evaluated using reactors with irradiation source (PC), irradiation source and bias potential (PEC) and only bias potential (EC). The characterization of the electrodes will be performed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and other physical parameters. This collaborative project will consolidate a new line of research started in our group in Brazil comprising the study of electrodes modified with materials capable of increase the adsorption and catalysis of CO2 on their surface improving the conversion of CO2 to high added value compound by PC, PEC and EC process. (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)

IRIKURA, KALLYNI; MARKEN, FRANK; FLETCHER, PHILIP J.; KOCIOK-KOHN, GABRIELE; BOLDRIN ZANONI, MARIA VALNICE. Direct and indirect light energy harvesting with films of ambiently deposited ZnO nanoparticles. Applied Surface Science, v. 527, OCT 15 2020. Web of Science Citations: 2.