Synthesis and Application of TiO2 and Fe2O3 for Green Ammonia Production

• Grant number: 25/03489-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Andre Luiz da Silva
• Grantee: André Bessa da Franca Saliba
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project proposes the production of TiO2 and Fe2O3 nanoparticles for the sustainable synthesis of ammonia via photocatalysis. TiO2 nanoparticles will be doped with Fe, while Fe2O3 nanoparticles will be doped with Ti, aiming to maximize the photocatalytic conversion of ammonia. The synthesis will be carried out using the polymeric precursor method, followed by characterization through XRD, BET, XRF, XPS, FTIR, UV-VIS, and SEM. The objective is to identify which catalyst exhibits the highest photocatalytic efficiency and to determine the optimal dopant concentration to optimize the conversion of N2 into NH3. The photocatalytic reactions will be conducted in a tubular photochemical reactor, operating in a fed-batch mode. It is expected that the interaction between the nanoparticles will generate a synergistic effect, increasing photocatalytic activity and contributing to the development of a sustainable and energy-efficient route for green ammonia production.