Development, evaluation, application and theoretical study of materials for the electrochemical degradation of emerging pollutants

• Grant number: 24/11134-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Mauro Coelho dos Santos
• Grantee: Juliana Mendonça Silva de Jesus
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/12895-1 - Advanced processes for the degradation of emerging pollutants: catalytic materials, electroanalytical sensors and scientific dissemination, AP.TEM

Abstract

This study focuses on synthesizing advanced, low-cost nanostructured materials, including those containing niobium, cerium, nickel, iron, and cobalt, for the electro-generation of H2O2. The preparation of these materials will employ methods such as hydrothermal, sol-gel, polymer precursor, solvothermal, and thermal decomposition. The physicochemical characterization will be conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. Electrochemical characterization will involve cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry in rotating disc-ring systems to measure the percentage of hydrogen peroxide generated and the number of electrons transferred.Simultaneously, this study will take a comprehensive approach, conducting both experimental and theoretical research. The theoretical part will use density functional theory (DFT) methodology with a standard hydrogen electrode to analyze the oxygen reduction reaction via a two-electron pathway on various surfaces, including the materials. Additionally, the study focuses on identifying the surfaces most suitable for electro-generation hydrogen peroxide, considering the thermodynamic stability of intermediates and the interaction between adsorbate and surface.Modified gaseous diffusion cathodes (GDCs) using boron-doped diamond anodes, platinum, or photo electrocatalytic electrodes will be applied in advanced electrochemical oxidative processes for degrading organic compounds, particularly emerging pollutants. The efficiency of these processes will be evaluated, and the degradation by-products will be identified. Finally, scientific reports, journal articles for submission to selective editorial policy journals, and papers for presentation at national and international conferences will be prepared. (AU)