Multifunctional 3D photocatalytic systems for environmentally friendly sustainable technologies - 3D-Photocat

Project summary

The main goal of 3D-Photocat is the development of highly extended 3D carbonaceous@TiO2 heterojunctions with improved photocatalytic performance for environmentally friendly reactions. High-surface area activated carbons modified with graphene (or graphene derivatives) will be used as 3D platforms to grow a thin TiO2 nanofilm so that the final composite will give rise to an optimal photocatalytic performance based on the Z-scheme heterojunction model. These composites will be designed to take advantage of the excellent photocatalytic performance of TiO2 and graphene, and the superior conversion of light in the confined nanospace of activated carbon materials. The development of a controlled porous network and a well-defined surface chemistry (including a well-dispersed TiO2 nanofilm) will provide a bifunctional system able to adsorb and convert simultaneously or in pulsed-mode i) CO2 into value-added chemicals, and ii) water pollutants into harmless compounds.