In situ surface science investigation of biochar/iron-based layered double hydroxides as catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation.

• Grant number: 23/14345-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• End date: January 29, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Elisabete Moreira Assaf
• Grantee: Rosembergue Gabriel Lima Goncalves
• Supervisor: Jose Antonio Rodriguez
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Brookhaven National Laboratory, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/14230-4 - Iron-based layered double hydroxides as multifunctional catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to light olefins (C2-C4): evaluation the effect of chemical composition and porosity on catalytic performance, BP.PD

Abstract

This international collaboration proposal aims to advance the development of catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to olefins. In this context, the experience and accessibility of Prof. Dr. Rodriguez's group in various in situ characterization techniques will be essential in evaluating the formation of iron carbide species in catalysts derived from the structure of layered double hydroxides (LDH) of the ZnMgFe type, using an alternative and cost-effective method that utilizes biochar as a support and bioreducer. Additionally, this collaboration will contribute to a better understanding of surface interactions on reactant-active sites in the CO2 conversion process and olefin synthesis over iron-based LDH catalysts under realistic conditions. Through the information obtained by characterizing the catalysts in operando and in situ facilities at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, we will establish the ideal conditions for the preparation of catalysts derived from the biochar/LDH composite with the aim of improving catalytic activity and accelerating the formation of iron carbide species. To achieve this, we will employ ambient pressure techniques such as AP-XPS and Infrared Spectroscopy in operando conditions to determine the type of iron species, assess the adsorption strength and configurations of CO2 and key intermediates. Furthermore, in situ techniques, including STEM, synchrotron-based XRD, and X-ray absorption methods, will be used to analyze the morphological effects, electronic properties, and structural characteristics of the catalysts.