Earth, Atmosphere & Environment Sciences
Title : | Design and development of LED/Solar light reaction chamber based Photocatalytic Fuel Cell for wastewater treatment and simultaneous energy production using novel brownmillerite heterostructures |
Area of research : | Earth, Atmosphere & Environment Sciences |
Principal Investigator : | Dr. Shubra Singh, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
Timeline Start Year : | 2022 |
Timeline End Year : | 2025 |
Contact info : | shubra6@gmail.com |
Equipments : | Computer (Desktop) |
Details
Executive Summary : | Photocatalytic Fuel Cells (PFCs) are a promising renewable energy source that can produce electric power and simultaneously degrade pollutants on exposure to light. The design of PFCs and the properties of electrode materials play a crucial role in their efficacy. TiO2, a widely used material for photocatalytic applications, has been optimized for its high reactivity, non-toxicity, low cost, chemical stability, and resistance to photo-corrosion. Techniques such as substitution, oxygen vacancies introduction, co-doping, dye sensitization, and coupling with semiconductors have been employed to improve charge separation and transport, enhancing the efficiency of the system. Compounds like Brownmillerites offer advantages over conventional photocatalysts due to their narrow bandgap, higher stability, and low cost of synthesis. By carefully choosing a visible light active material like CaFeO2.5 or BaInO2.5, an efficient HAOP system can be developed, where TiO2 plays the UV activated photocatalytic part and BaInO2.5 acts as both a visible-light activated photocatalyst and a photo Fenton reagent. The proposal incorporates LED-based reaction chambers for PFCs and extends studies under natural solar irradiation, reducing overall system costs and power consumption. This approach enhances the lifespan and provides an environmentally friendly side to the total system. An efficient PFC system can be utilized for various applications with variations in materials employed. |
Total Budget (INR): | 23,79,696 |
Organizations involved