New directions for the Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2: Biphasic Liquid-scCO2 system

• Grant number: 24/20216-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Cauê Ribeiro de Oliveira
• Grantee: Allef Leite dos Santos
• Supervisor: Jonas Baltrusaitis
• Host Institution: Embrapa Instrumentação Agropecuária. Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA). Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (Brasil). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Lehigh University, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/08424-6 - Development of photocatalytic routes for the reduction of CO2 in supercritical media., BP.DR

Abstract

The increasing reliance on non-renewable energy sources has led to heightened atmospheric CO2 levels, contributing to climate change and ocean acidification. This project aims to develop a highly efficient and sustainable biphasic supercritical CO2-water system for the photocatalytic reduction of CO2, leveraging the unique properties of supercritical CO2 and water to enhance solubility and reactivity. The proposed methodology includes the selection and synthesis of photocatalysts, optimization of reaction conditions, and analysis of interactions at the scCO2-H2O interface. By focusing on copper oxide-based photocatalysts and systematically investigating the biphasic system, this research seeks to improve CO2 conversion efficiency and selectivity for valuable products, ultimately contributing to efforts in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The project will be conducted under the supervision of Professor Jonas Baltrusaitis, a renowned expert in catalytic processes, ensuring rigorous scientific inquiry and innovative outcomes.