Cu-based SnO2 nanowires and their application in a photothermal CO2 hydrogenation reaction.

• Grant number: 24/03871-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Cauê Ribeiro de Oliveira
• Grantee: Gustavo Duran Iga
• Supervisor: Sanjay Mathur
• Host Institution: Embrapa Instrumentação Agropecuária. Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA). Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (Brasil). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Cologne (UoC), Germany
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/07347-5 - STUDY OF REDOX REVERSIBILITY OF COPPER-BASED CATALYSTS FOR APPLICATION IN A PHOTO-THERMOCATALYTIC SYSTEM FOR "DAY-AND-NIGHT" CO2 HYDROGENATION., BP.DR

Abstract

The utilization of CO2 as a means to mitigate greenhouse gas concentrations is a viable strategy, prompting exploration into nanotechnologies and their applications in CO2 reduction reactions. In this context, this proposal abroad aims to develop Cu-based SnO2 nanowires (NWs) and implement them in a simulated "day-and-night" uninterrupted system for CO2 hydrogenation. Previous results indicated the instability of nanoparticles under varying temperature and pressure conditions. Thus, employing copper-decorated single crystalline SnO2 nanowires emerges as an intriguing option to ensure stability. The single exposed facet of SnO2 should act only as an n-type semiconductor in an expected heterojunction, enabling ballistic electron transport towards the thin NWs. These properties should enhance the catalytic activity for photo, thermal, and photothermal CO2 hydrogenation. Upon establishing stability, a comprehensive study on copper redox reversibility can be conducted, involving thorough characterization of the materials and obtained products. This transition of copper species may enable the reactor to operate continuously, functioning as a photoreactor under sunlight and a thermoreactor during the night.