This project aims to produce new catalysts composed of anodized titanium dioxide films covered by TiO₂ and carbon nitride, to be used to crack heavy fractions or petroleum. The proposed architectures result in a catalyst capable of absorbing sunlight and using it to generate radical species capable of degrading asphaltene molecules.  Synthesis and characterization of the catalysts were performed by the Photoactive Nanomaterials group, whereas advanced electrochemical characterization was performed in Prof. Rodriguez-Lopez’s laboratory at UIUC. Alloys and Compounds.

 Funding: Lemann Center for Brazilian Studies (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – USA) https://lemann.illinois.edu/ 

 Scientific leader (Brazil): Dr. Juliana dos Santos de Souza 

Scientific leader (USA): Dr. Joaquín Rodríguez López (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – USA) 

Collaborators: Dr. Kátia Franklin Albertin Torres (Universidade Federal do ABC – BR), João Francisco Almeida (Universidade Federal do ABC – BR.