Conversion of microplastics into value-added products through photoelectrocatalysis

• Grant number: 25/01638-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Juliana Ferreira de Brito
• Grantee: Thays Andréa Nogueira Lopes
• 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

Microplastics are one of the major environmental challenges of our time, requiring sustainable solutions that minimize their impacts and transform these wastes into usable resources. To address this issue, this project proposes the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics through oxidation reactions via photoelectro-catalysis, using titanium dioxide (TiO¿) based semiconductors as photoanodes. This catalyst will be developed by a low-cost and high-efficiency method, prepared by environmentally friendly syntheses. Parameters such as pH, electrolyte concentration, reaction time and applied potential will be optimized to maximize the efficiency of the microplastic degradation process. In addition, the performance of TiO¿ nanotube (TNTs) electrodes will be compared with that of self-doped TNTs in the degradation of microplastics and in the generation of compounds of interest. Control reactions (without light, without potential and only photolysis) will also be carried out to validate the effectiveness of the process. Efficient conversion of PET microplastics into high value-added products, such as terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol monomers, is expected, allowing their reuse in new PET syntheses, in line with the principles of circular economy. Other products, such as carboxylic acids of varying chains and volatile compounds, may also be obtained. The project aims to promote the reduction of environmental impacts caused by microplastics, offering sustainable and economically viable solutions. (AU)