PROjECT

The project "Multifunctional 3D photocatalytic systems for environmentally friendly sustainable technologies" (Acronym 3D-PHOTOCAT) aims to develop 3D heterojunctions based on carbonaceous@TiO2 materials with enhanced photocatalytic performance. High-surface-area activated carbon materials, modified with graphene (or graphene derivatives), will be used as 3D platforms to grow thin layers of TiO2, resulting in a final composite with optimal photocatalytic performance based on the Z-type heterojunction model. These composites will be designed to exhibit excellent photocatalytic performance from TiO2 and graphene and superior light conversion capability from activated carbon. The development of a well-defined porous network (including TiO2 nano-layers) will provide a bifunctional system capable of both adsorbing and converting CO2 into fuels, as well as degrading pollutants in air and water, either individually or simultaneously.

The main objective of the project is the synthesis and characterization of new 3D carbonaceous@TiO2 photocatalytic materials, including high-surface-area activated carbon modified with graphene (or graphene derivatives) and thin layers of TiO2 configured in a Z-type heterojunction, enabling solar radiation to reduce carbon dioxide to organic fuels and for the photocatalytic remediation of wastewater. We expect the Z-type photocatalytic systems to possess dual functionalities and applications. Unfortunately, it is often challenging for a single-component photocatalyst to simultaneously meet the following requirements: broad absorption spectrum, long-term stability, high efficiency in charge separation of holes and electrons in photocatalytic processes, and strong redox capacity.

The key results of the project and the innovation potential are as follows:

Results in synthesizing high-surface-area carbonaceous materials and functionalizing their electronic properties through the incorporation of graphene or graphene derivatives as electron mediators.
Results in the assembly of Z-type photocatalytic systems with appropriate surface architecture, obtained through deposition methods that could lead to the identification of ways to control material properties and the development of scalable synthesis methods.
Discovery of new properties and applications of the materials through systematic characterization.
Evaluation of the potential applications of photocatalysis for the reduction of CO2 into organic fuels and water remediation.
Environmental management tools provide ecological solutions for technologies as well as materials.

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