Sustainable Hydrogen and CO2: Valorization: Carbon-Based Nanometallic Catalysts for a Circular Economy

• Grant number: 24/23144-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos Lanza
• Grantee: Eduardo dos Santos Freitas Cardoso
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/12895-1 - Advanced processes for the degradation of emerging pollutants: catalytic materials, electroanalytical sensors and scientific dissemination, AP.TEM

Abstract

Carbon emissions significantly impact life on the planet, highlighting the urgent need for solutions and actions to mitigate the issues associated with greenhouse gases. In this context, the development of nanostructured electrocatalysts capable of producing hydrogen in alkaline media and/or converting CO¿ into high-value-added products emerges as a scientific challenge and a promising innovation opportunity. The growing global energy demand necessitates carbon-free energy sources. Products derived from CO¿ conversion are particularly attractive as they contribute to a circular and sustainable economy. This project aims to develop nanostructured electrocatalysts, including nanocomposites based on graphene nanoribbons and Printex carbon combined with transition metals, followed by the incorporation of atomically dispersed noble metals. These materials will be applied to the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and CO¿ reduction reaction (RRCO¿) to produce economically relevant compounds, such as alcohols and organic acids. Conventional hydrogen production methods, still reliant on fossil fuels, face significant technical and environmental challenges. Electrochemical hydrogen production, coupled with low-cost and highly efficient electrocatalysts, emerges as a sustainable alternative. Additionally, the valorization of CO¿ as a feedstock transforms an environmental problem into a technological solution. Thus, the development of efficient electrocatalysts, with the potential to generate patents and advanced applications, will contribute to positioning the state of São Paulo as an innovation hub on both national and international levels. (AU)