Single Atoms Coordinated on Graphitic Carbon Nitrides for the Photocatalytic Conversion of Methane

• Grant number: 24/16292-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: January 05, 2025
• End date: December 25, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Ivo Freitas Teixeira
• Grantee: Marcos Augusto Ribeiro da Silva
• Supervisor: Katherine Villa Gomez
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Institut Català D'Investigació Química, Spain
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/13271-9 - Single atoms coordinated on graphitic carbon nitrides to photocatalytic conversion of methane, BP.DR

Abstract

The quest for alternative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere has emerged as a central focus of contemporary scientific research. Methane (CH4), the simplest hydrocarbon, exhibits high stability and possesses a global warming potential 25 times greater than that of CO2. Methane is commonly found in natural gas, extensively used for power generation and domestic heating. Vast reserves of natural gas, particularly in the form of methane hydrates, exist in nature, and the release of methane into the atmosphere poses a significant environmental challenge. Thus, the conversion of CH4 molecules into valuable compounds is crucial for a sustainable future. Photocatalysis stands out as one of the most promising approaches for converting methane into valuable products. This innovative process employs electromagnetic radiation, including UV and visible light, to drive chemical reactions under mild conditions. Therefore, it offers a mild pathway for methane oxidation, which could minimize the formation of CO and CO2 and enhance the selectivity for valuable oxygenated compounds, such as methanol and ethanol. Currently, my PhD research has explored the application of poly(heptazine imide) materials (PHI), a type of carbon nitride structure, in conjunction with isolated metal atoms for a range of chemical reactions. This investigation has revealed remarkable efficacy in C-H oxidation, paving the way for methane activation. Therefore, the objective of this internship project is to conduct controlled experiments of photocatalytic CH4 oxidation in a gas phase using highly crystalline carbon nitrides based on PHI structures in collaboration with Dr. Katherine Villa at the ICIQ.