Activities 2023

In 2023, UTBV synthesized new photocatalytic materials with a Z-type structure to evaluate the life cycle of scalable photocatalyst synthesis technology. Two synthesis technologies for photocatalytic layers were identified, incorporating materials such as activated carbon, graphene oxide, titanium dioxide, and silver plasmonic nanoparticles. The materials were entirely synthesized starting from the raw material, UTBV obtaining successive layers by spraying dispersions onto a glass substrate, while EPI achieved 2D printing, layer-by-layer method. 

The characterization of the materials was carried out by UA using techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-VIS spectroscopy. 

Another objective was to design, model, and fabricate a photocatalytic reactor capable of operating under continuous flow conditions in solid-gas or solid-liquid phase reactions. 

A secondary objective was to disseminate the project's results through participation in project meetings, publishing scientific articles, presenting results at conferences, and proposing thesis and dissertation topics based on the project's activities.

The results:

• Photocatalytic Reactor: Completion of the reactor's fabrication, including its modeling and testing to verify its efficiency and functionality in various operating conditions (liquid or gas).

• Environmental Impact Assessment: Conducting an ecological impact assessment of the developed photocatalytic materials and technologies, considering factors such as carbon footprint, resource consumption, and effects on biodiversity.

• Dissemination of Results: Publishing research results in scientific journals, presenting project rezults at relevant conferences in the field, and promoting results within the academic and industrial communities.

• Project Meeting: Organizing and participating in project meetings, which allow for detailed discussions about the project's progress, exchange of ideas, and planning of next steps for research and development.