Development of photocatalysts based on zeolite A with copper oxide (CuO) for application in the artificial photosynthesis process

Author(s)

Sousa, Joelma R. C. ; Torres, Juliana A. ; Giroto, Amanda S. ; Oliveira, Anna V. P. S. ; Silva, Pedro H. M. ; Santos, Fabiana L. ; Iga, Gustavo D. ; Ribeiro, Caue ; Nogueira, Andre E.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING; v. 11, n. 5, p. 10-pg., 2023-10-01.

Abstract

This study explores the CO2 photoreduction process and its importance as a potential solution to mitigate carbon emissions. The co-precipitation method was used to produce composites formed between zeolite A and varying mass percentages of CuO, which demonstrated good activity and selectivity in CO2 photoreduction. The selectivity of the composites was linked to the presence of Lewis acid and base sites, with the predominance of Lewis base sites favoring the conversion of CO2 to CH4. Increased CuO content in the composite structure led to enhanced selectivity, reaching 100 % with ZE/CuO10 %. The presence of both Lewis acid and base sites facilitated the formation of two-carbon compounds such as ethylene, making the process of dimerization more accessible. Additionally, the study suggests that methanol and acetic acid can also be produced alongside other gaseous products such as CO, C2H4, and CH4. These findings highlight the potential of zeolite-based composites containing different active sites important during CO2 photoreduction for the production of valuable chemicals. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/10104-1 - Nanocomposites Preparation from Urea modified with Glycerol for optimization of Process of Controlled Release of Nutrients
• Grantee: Amanda Soares Giroto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral