Modification of g-C3N4 with a femtosecond laser to develop new catalysts

• Grant number: 23/02367-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 05, 2024
• End date: July 03, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Elson Longo da Silva
• Grantee: Mayra Luiza Gonçalves Rodrigues
• Supervisor: Juan Manoel Andres Bort
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universitat Jaume I, Spain
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/09717-4 - Photocatalysis of organic pollutants using g-C3N4/CoMoO4 composites, BP.IC

Abstract

The interaction of light with semiconductor materials forms the foundation of various technologies, with photocatalysis being a notable example. This technology has garnered increasing attention for its potential applications in green energy and environmental remediation. Understanding the electronic structure of semiconductors is crucial for a comprehensive grasp of the photocatalytic process, as it significantly influences and governs photocatalytic activity through the creation of reactive radical species. Among promising semiconductors for photocatalytic processes, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) stands out due to its high stability, excellent visible light absorption capacity, substantial surface area, and metal-free composition. However, its usage is hindered by low stability and high charge carrier recombination rates. This project is centered on modifying g-C3N4 through femtosecond laser irradiation at various power levels to enhance its photocatalytic performance. The primary goals are to optimize the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improve catalyst stability during the photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB), a standard molecule in photocatalysis. Femtosecond laser irradiation provides a precise and controlled method for inducing modifications in g-C3N4, targeting its electronic structure and surface characteristics. Through systematic variation of laser power levels, the project aims to customize the material's properties for an optimal balance between ROS production and catalyst stability. The results anticipated from this project are poised to offer valuable insights into the tailored modification of semiconductor materials, advancing their efficacy in photocatalytic applications.