Effects of gallium on the selectivity of bimetallic catalysts supported on carbon nitride for CO2 hydrogenation

• Grant number: 25/15181-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Liane Marcia Rossi
• Grantee: Artur Hosoi Kimura
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/00675-4 - Tying up materials for electrochemical energy storage and catalysis, AP.TEM

Abstract

The continuous increase in carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) and the adverse climatic impacts that arise from them urgently demand technological developments for the efficient catalytic conversion of CO2 gas into value-added products. Among them, particular interest has been demonstrated for methanol (CH3OH). Since Brazil completely depends on the importation of this strategic chemical, this project proposes the development of an innovative heterogeneous catalyst based on bimetallic Cu-Co nanoparticles promoted by Ga and supported on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), aiming towards the selective hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol while minimizing the formation of undesired byproducts, such as methane (CH4). The synergistic effects of combining Cu, Co, and Ga will be thoroughly investigated, as well as the influence of the g-C3N4 support on active site dispersion, the hydrogen spillover effect, and catalytic stability. Advanced characterization techniques will be employed to investigate the materials, combined with catalytic tests in high-pressure reactors and in situ mechanistic studies to understand the structure-activity interactions. The results will not only advance fundamental knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis, particularly regarding the combined effects of composition, dispersion, and particle size, but also support the development of new sustainable technologies for CO2 conversion, thereby aiding national needs for renewable fuel production and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.