Development of Nb2O5-based semiconductors decorated with Cu for CO2 photoconversion

• Grant number: 23/03605-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2023
• End date: March 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Francisco Guilherme Esteves Nogueira
• Grantee: Gabriela Mamede Laurino
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/02980-1 - Development of semiconductors for photoconversion of CO2 into solar fuels and products for the chemical industry, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

One of the major challenges facing modern society is the reduction or conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the burning of fossil fuels or industrial processes, such as cement production, which is responsible for approximately 8% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Therefore, the development of economically viable and energetically favorable new technologies for converting CO2 into value-added products is fundamental, as this gas is one of the main contributors to the greenhouse effect. In this scenario, photocatalytic processes for CO2 conversion can be a viable alternative, given that solar radiation can be used as a light source for the process. The main goal of this project is to develop robust, efficient, and low-cost photocatalysts based on niobium oxide (Nb2O5) decorated with varying copper loading levels using the DC-magnetron sputtering and impregnation methods. The developed materials will be applied for CO2 photoreduction, where photocatalytic tests will be performed using two reactor configurations in different phases (solid-liquid and solid-gas), aiming to increase process efficiency. This project will build upon the research group's previously published work in the Journal of CO2 Utilization entitled "Enhancing Nb2O5 activity for CO2 photoreduction through Cu nanoparticles cocatalyst deposited by DC-magnetron sputtering."