Elucidação de Mecanismos de Bioeletrocatálise Molecular por Espectroeletroquímica de Fluorescência in situ

The bioelectrocatalysis of small molecules has emerged as a prominent field, driven by the growing demand for more sustainable systems. However, most of the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored, highlighting the need for significant improvements in the development of advanced instrumental techniques. These tools are essential for studying reactions, with a particular focus on electron transfer processes during bioelectrochemical process. The scope of this research concerns on the bioelectrosynthesis of small molecules, with the purpose of building a new and promising line of research in the Research in Operando Characterization and Kinetics (ROCKET) Laboratory, with the support of the Chemistry Department of the Faculty of Sciences of Unesp Bauru. The initial objective is to convert small molecules, such as N2, N2O and CO2, into products with greater added value, using biocatalysts immobilized on electrodes and perform in situ monitoring using fluorescence spectroelectrochemistry. Thus, the redox processes will be strictly potential-controlled, aiming to obtain alcohols and ammonia, both of which can be used as fuels and fertilizers, respectively. The scope of the study, therefore, includes the identification of general activity trends of biocatalysts, as well as the challenges and opportunities surrounding the design of enzyme/electrode biointerfaces, with the aim of achieving the desired electroreduction reactions. Therefore, the immobilization of formate dehydrogenase, nitrogenase and nitrous oxide reductase enzymes on carbon electrode surfaces, in the different forms as fabrics, fibers, paper, and ITO electrode will be investigated in order to focus efforts on improving the electrochemical performance, stability and reproducibility. In this sense, microscopic and spectroscopic techniques will be used for the characterization of the bioelectrodes. Moreover, to elucidate the bioelectrochemical mechanisms underlying the process, it is essential to use spectrofluorometric technique, which will allow the investigation of processes involving energy transfer and dissipation. It is important to emphasize that there is still no line dedicated to this technique in Brazil, especially focused on studies of bioelectrocatalysis, which provides a fertile field for the creation of new collaborations with other institutions, thus consolidating the state-of-the-art art in the field of Bioelectrochemistry. In this way, it is expected to contribute to the formation of highly qualified human resources and to the production of results with a significant impact on society.