Synthesis of nanoporous WO3/MVO4 heterojunction photoelectrodes

• Grant number: 25/01377-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Agreement: Serrapilheira Institute
• Principal Investigator: Juliana Ferreira de Brito
• Grantee: Julia Aparecida Silva Dias
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/10027-5 - Reduction of species such as H+, CO2, and N2 for Energy Generation Concomitantly with Oxidation of Organic Contaminants., AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

Technological and industrial growth has intensified the exploitation of finite natural resources, making the adoption of sustainable strategies urgent. The linear economy, characterized by extraction, production, consumption, and disposal, has proven unsustainable, driving the transition to a circular economy, which aims at the efficient reuse of resources such as water. In this context, photoelectrocatalysis emerges as a promising alternative for wastewater treatment, using semiconductors such as tungsten trioxide (WO¿) and bismuth vanadate (BiVO¿). However, the rapid charge recombination limits the efficiency of the process, requiring strategies such as heterojunction formation and the synthesis of nanostructured materials. Additionally, metal oxides such as iron and nickel vanadates show potential for forming heterojunctions with WO¿, enhancing the system's efficiency. This study will compare different materials with the goal of optimizing photoelectrocatalysis technology for wastewater treatment.