Bioelectrocatalytic Conversion of Small Molecules

• Grant number: 23/14671-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: April 01, 2024
• End date: March 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: João Carlos Perbone de Souza
• Grantee: João Carlos Perbone de Souza
• Host Investigator: Shelley Dawn Minteer
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), United States

Abstract

The scope of this research concerns on the bioelectrosynthesis of small molecules, with the purpose of seeking new strategies through bioelectrochemical systems activated by redox enzymes or microorganisms. The initial objective is to convert small molecules, such as N2, CO and CO2, into products with greater added value, using biocatalysts immobilized on electrodes. In this way, the redox processes will be strictly controlled by potential, aiming to obtain alcohols and ammonia, both of which can be used as fuels and fertilizers, respectively. The scope of the study, therefore, includes the identification of general activity trends of biocatalysts, as well as the challenges and opportunities surrounding the design of enzyme/electrode biointerfaces, with the aim of achieving the desired electroreduction reactions. Therefore, the immobilization of the enzymes formate dehydrogenase, nitrogenase and nitrous oxide reductase on carbon electrode surfaces, in the form of fabrics, fibers and paper, will be investigated in order to focus efforts on improving electrochemical performance, stability and reproducibility. In this sense, microscopic and spectroscopic techniques will be used to characterize the bioelectrodes. Furthermore, the bioelectrochemical mechanisms underlying the process can be elucidated by spectroelectrochemical techniques. It is important to highlight that this is an incipient field of research, especially focused on bioelectrocatalysis studies, which provides a fertile field for the creation of a new collaboration with the Missouri University of Science and Technology, thus consolidating the state-of-the-art in field of Bioelectrochemistry. In this way, it is expected to contribute in the future to the training of highly qualified human resources and to the production of results with a significant impact on society.