Catalytic Metal Organic Frameworks-Functionalized Photoelectrodes for Efficient Solar-Driven Plastics and CO2 Valorization

Increasing plastic waste poses significant environmental and health risks through pollution, toxic chemical release, and CO2 emissions. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), used in bottles, is especially challenging to recycle effectively and often ends up in landfills. This proposal aims to develop an innovative solar-driven technology that efficiently combines two waste streams (PET and CO2) to produce useful fuels and chemicals, contributing to a more circular and eco-friendly future. Based on the applicant’s expertise in the synthesis and characterization of MOFs, we aim to harness this knowledge to further develop MOF-based photoelectrodes. Additionally, by leveraging the host institution’s research on silicon-based photoanodes and photocathodes for solar photoelectrochemical (PEC) processes, we have identified three key objectives. The first is to create a new and simple method for engineering defects into MOF-based silicon for efficient PEC applications by incorporating monocarboxylic acids during synthesis. The second objective is to study the role that defects and imperfections play in controlling the efficiency and selectivity of PEC reactions. The third objective is to apply the developed catalysts for the first time in the solar driven PEC oxidation of pretreated real-world PET into glycolic acid (used as a feedstock in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries) while coupling it with PEC CO2 reduction reaction to concurrently produce value-added products at both electrodes, demonstrating the advantages of PEC devices for scalable commercial applications. The success of this proposal relies on the applicant’s expertise in MOF synthesis and defect engineering, along with the host institution’s proficiency in electrode modification and development of functionalized semiconductors for PEC applications. The fellowship will provide the candidate with new research competencies, networking opportunities, and experience in teaching and outreach programming.