Composite materials with tunable properties for dual applications in photocatalysis and supercapacitors (MatPhotScs)

This project addresses an issue of major scientific interest, namely long-term solutions to energy crisis and environmental challenges. The overall objective of the project is to develop new composite materials based on carbon structures (CS) (AC and g-C3N4) and TiO₂ nanotubes (TNs) with tunable properties by controlling their shape, defects, and interface processes for dual applications in photocatalysis and supercapacitors. The scientific objectives are: SO.1 Developing novel nanocomposites based on carbon structures CS and TNs with specific features for photocatalytic and supercapacitive applications; SO.2 Testing of the produced nanocomposites in photocatalytic applications for degradation of organic molecules (antibiotics or dyes) and supercapacitor applications.S.O.3 Increasing international visibility by applying for European projects, enhancing connections and research networks with the Republic of Moldova, promoting Moldovan researchers into international networks, connecting academic partners with industrial research, and training young researchers. The primary goal of the project is to develop and evaluate the electrochemical and photocatalytic performance of such composite materials in order to achieve enhanced photocatalytic response (20% higher) and high-performance SCs devices with high energy density (15 wh/kg), high power density (more than 100 kw/kg), and long cycle life (20% higher) that are competitive with those already on the market.