PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POROUS CARBON MATERIALS FOR APPLICATIONS IN ADSORPTION, CATALYSIS AND ENERGY

• Grant number: 25/03761-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Liane Marcia Rossi
• Grantee: Mattheus Henrique Morais Mendes
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/00675-4 - Tying up materials for electrochemical energy storage and catalysis, AP.TEM

Abstract

Since the Industrial Revolution, the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, especially CO2, has increased alarmingly, adversely impacting the maintenance of life and the balance of the planet. To mitigate the effects of climate change and meet the goals established by multilateral agreements, CO2 capture processes, preventing it from being released indiscriminately into the atmosphere, have gained increasing attention. However, simply reducing emissions is no longer enough to reverse the problem, requiring more rigorous and innovative actions. In this context, the concept of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) has been gaining ground. This technology aims to convert CO2, through catalysis, into fuels and chemical products and can enable a circular carbon economy, promoting the development of new markets and creating value for these emissions. Among the challenges, the development of new catalysts and efficient processes for the hydrogenation of the CO2 molecule into products such as CO, CH4, CH3OH, olefins, aromatics, hydrocarbons and higher alcohols, which are classified as fuels or precursors in the chemical industry, stands out. The present project aims to explore, improve and develop catalytic systems for the efficient conversion of CO2, mainly into methanol, contributing to technological advances in this strategic field. This PhD project will focus on carbon capture and conversion (CCU) via adsorbents and catalysts, as a strategy to mitigate CO2 emissions. Moreover, there will be an interaction in the thematic project with the group working on new materials for energy applications.