Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of TiO2-Based Metal Oxide Heterojunctions with Potential Applications in Photocatalytic Systems

• Grant number: 21/11590-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): November 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): October 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Carlos Silva Costa Teixeira
• Grantee: Geovânia Cordeiro de Assis
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Heterogeneous photocatalysis is an oxidative process and a potential candidate to mitigate problems associated with environmental pollution. In recent years, the synthesis and photocatalytic properties of several semiconductors have been described in the literature. Many factors influence the efficiency of these materials, such as surface, structural, morphological and electronic properties. Obtaining heterojunctions between oxides is considered an effective way to increase the photocatalytic efficiency in relation to individual oxides, improving absorption in the visible region, reducing the recombination of photogenerated charges, and promoting the generation of surface active species. In this context, this project aims to synthesize TiO2-based heterojunctions modified with ruthenium oxide (RuO2) or graphene oxide (rGO), seeking to understand the interfacial chemical and physical interactions of these heterojunctions and their performance on the photodegradation of a model pharmaceutical contaminant (acetaminophen) in aqueous medium. The TiO2/RuO2 and TiO2/rGO heterojunctions will be studied in the form of powder and thin films immobilized on soda-lime glass substrates (microspheres and slides). The materials will be fully characterized and their photocatalytic activity will be investigated preliminarily in aqueous suspension and later in continuous microstructured flat plate photochemical reactors irradiated by simulated sunlight and LEDs.