Development of photocatalysts based on heterojunction of BiVO4/WO3 and persistent luminescent materials Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+

• Grant number: 23/06812-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Juliana dos Santos de Souza Silva
• Grantee: Marcos Roberto da Silva Vicente
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The contamination of water by sewage and industrial effluents is a global problem, and conventional treatments are insufficient to remove emerging contaminants. The use of semiconducting metal oxides for the photocatalytic degradation of this type of contaminant is a promising solution. In this regard, BiVO4 is an interesting photocatalyst due to its ability to degrade organic compounds using visible light. However, it presents limitations, such as the recombination of photogenerated charges. The formation of heterojunctions with WO3 can improve its performance. Furthermore, incorporation of Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+, Dy3+ (SMSO), into the BiVO4/WO3 heterostructure can promote radiative energy transfer and efficient charge migration. SMSO has an emission centered at 470 nm, compatible with the band gap of BiVO4, and proper alignment of the conduction bands. Thus, it is possible to develop a system that operates in the dark, allowing obtaining a photocatalyst that operates 24h or under low irradiation conditions, as in the case of real effluents.In this context, the present project proposes the use of a multifunctional heterostructure composed of a persistent luminescent material (SMSO) and a heterojunction composed of tungsten-doped bismuth vanadate (BiVO4/WO3), for the degradation of organic compounds in water. The synthesis of the nanostructures will be performed by microwave-assisted routes, which offer reactional control and high efficiency. This approach promises to improve the efficiency and functionality of the materials, opening new research and application perspectives for contaminated water treatment.