Microwave-assisted synthesis of WO3/Bi2WO6 heterojunction hybrid photocatalysts and highly entropic nanoparticles

• Grant number: 24/22426-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Juliana dos Santos de Souza Silva
• Grantee: Caroline Maria Vasconcelos Paz Ramos
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The growing demand for energy and the environmental impact caused by the use of fossil fuels drives the search for sustainable alternatives, such as green hydrogen production through photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic processes. In this context, the use of semiconductors such as WO3 and Bi2WO6 as photo(electro)catalysts is a promising alternative, standing out for their ability to absorb visible light. However, these materials face limitations, notably the high recombination rate of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. To mitigate this effect and optimize charge separation, the project explores the formation of WO3/Bi2WO6 heterojunctions, resulting in a favorable alignment of valence (VB) and conduction (CB) bands, which enhances charge separation. Additionally, high-entropy alloy (HEA) metallic nanoparticles will be incorporated as co-catalysts, increasing the efficiency of the H2 generation process. The investigated semiconductors will be prepared via a microwave-assisted route. The synthesis reactions will be monitored in situ by Raman spectroscopy, enabling the study of the structural evolution of the prepared materials and pioneering the investigation of the formation mechanism of semiconductor metal oxides via microwave-assisted methods. The resulting systems will be applied in photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic processes for H2 generation.