Synthesis of Mixed Metal Oxides for Electrocatalysis of Water and Organic Molecules Oxidation Reactions in Acidic Medium

• Grant number: 24/16986-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Elton Fabiano Sitta
• Grantee: Lauren dos Santos Moreti
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Company: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Química (IQ)
• Associated research grant: 17/11986-5 - Generation and storage of New Energy: bringing technological development for the country, AP.PCPE

Abstract

With the global energy crisis, new sustainable and renewable technologies are necessary, and green H2 is a strong candidate to replace derivatives fossil fuels. Its production can be achieved through water splitting - the catalytic breakdown of the water molecule. However, although the reaction at the cathode occurs without many obstacles, the oxidation semi-reaction has slow kinetics and high overpotential. Thus, this project aims the study of two alternatives to improve the electrochemical H2 production. One of them is the development of new catalysts based on mixed metal oxides (Sn, W and Ru) from various syntheses routes, such as the Pechini method and electrodeposition, for water oxidation, in addition to extensive characterizations of the materials obtained. The variation of the synthesis parameters directly influences both the morphology and chemical elements distribution on electrocatalyst. The second alternative is to replace the water oxidation reaction by the electrooxidation of organic molecules derived from biomass such as glycerol and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, since these act as sacrificial agents and can provide electrons and protons for water reduction. In addition, the oxidation of these molecules can provide high value-added products for the industry.