Last update: April 2024
About
The Research Group
At the heart of every scientific breakthrough lie curiosity, dedication, and collaboration. Here, at the Research Group in Microfluidic & Photoelectrocatalytic Engineering, we embody these principles to contribute with meaningful insights into the fields of photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and microfluidics, with a special interest in developing sustainable decarbonization technologies.
As a research group rooted within a Jesuit institution and aligned with its ethos, we believe that scientific inquiry is not just a pursuit of knowledge but also a profound reflection of our commitment to the greater good. Inspired by Jesuit ideals, we aim not only for answers but for understanding and purpose, viewing each challenge as an opportunity to engage deeply with the world and harness science in the service of humanity.
With this mission, our team aspires to form a diverse ensemble of researchers, scholars, and innovators. Together, we explore complex challenges of nano-scale catalysis and how these innovative processes can be intensified using microstructured reaction spaces. We do so using an ab-initio approach, with computational chemical and fluid dynamics modeling, combined with practical, hands-on experimental developments, including new equipment design. We believe that the multidisciplinary arrangement between chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering is key to making future technologies a reality for sustainable development.
Beyond research, we're dedicated to creating a learning and mentorship environment. Our group is proactive in integrating sustainability and innovation into our teaching assignments, using transdisciplinary and active learning methodologies that stimulate the development of important soft skills that help shaping individuals into not just outstanding professionals, but also compassionate human beings. We're also eager to expand our collaborations with institutions worldwide, host workshops, and offer research opportunities.
We invite you to explore our page, learn more about our current projects, and perhaps discover ways to collaborate or engage with us! Science is made of collective efforts, and every question, idea, or insight brings us one step closer to understanding the ever-evolving world of Chemical Engineering.
Welcome aboard, get in touch, and thank you for your interest in our research! :)
Research
Research lines
Here are the primary areas of research explored in our lab:
Photocatalysis for environmental & energy applications
Harnessing the full potential of sunlight!
Advanced Oxidation Processes
Developing new reactors and processes for sustainable water treatment
Microreactor design & fabrication
Exploring the world of microfluidics and manufacturing
Computational chemistry for Chemical Engineering
Bringing in theoretical chemistry to solve real-world problems
Laboratory Equipment
Here are the equipment directly managed by our lab:- One Robocasting 3D printer with two extrusion slots (DuraCer C-01);
- One Razor Prodigy workstation with software for 3D modeling and simulation, and quantum chemical calculations;
- Anular photochemical reactors for photocatalyst testing in liquid-phase systems. Some equipment are available for booking (upon consultation) through the National Research Infrastructure Platform here.
Research Projects
Here are the most recent (5 yrs) research projects in which I have had the opportunity to participate or coordinate:2024-2026: Development of structured catalysts for the photocatalytic synthesis of ammonia.
Coordinator: Dr. Bruno Ramos (FEI)
Sponsored by: FAPESP - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
2021-2024: Band structure engineering of dual absorber semiconductors applied to produce green hydrogen and conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable chemical products.
Coordinator: Dr. Renato Vitalino Gonçalves (IFSC/USP)
Sponsored by: RCGI - Research Center for Greenhouse Gas Innovation
2018-2022: Production of organic molecules from CO2 and H2O by photocatalysis in nano-oxides.
Coordinator: Dr. Douglas Gouvea (EP/USP)
Sponsored by: RCGI - Research Center for Greenhouse Gas Innovation
2020-2022: Environmental fate of emerging pollutants in surface waters and sustainable alternatives for their mitigation: a hybrid experimental & theoretical approach.
Coordinator: Dr. Antonio Carlos Silva Costa Teixeira (EP/USP)
Sponsored by: FAPESP - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
2019-2021: Solar degradation of pollutants of emerging concern: photoreactors and innovative treatments.
Coordinator: Dr. Antonio Carlos Silva Costa Teixeira (EP/USP)
Sponsored by: FAPESP - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Most recent publications
Latest research papers (2024):
1. CA Gusmão, PH Palharim, B. Ramos, D. Gouvêa, O. Rodrigues Jr., and ACSC Teixeira. "Enhanced visible light photocatalytic VOC oxidation via Ag-loaded TiO2/SiO2 materials". Journal of Materials Science, v. 59, pp. 1215-1234, January 2024. DOI: 10.1007/s10853-023-09285-7
2. B. Ramos, RB Torres. "Integrando el Paradigma Pedagógico Ignaciano en la educación en Ingeniería Química en Brasil". Boletín del CVPI Febrero 2024: Centro Virtual de Pedagogía Ignaciana - CPAL, February 2024. ID. 4085.
3. PH Palharim, MCA Caira, CA Gusmão, B. Ramos, AG da Câmara, JGA Pacheco, O. Rodrigues Jr., and ACSC Teixeira. "Enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability of WO3-AgCl/Ag composites: Surface modulation by structure-directing agents for effective sunlight treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater". Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry, v. 450, p. 115433, May 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2023.115433
4. AOS Dantas, ML Portiolli, LP de Souza, JMS de Jesus, JGM Carneiro, B. Ramos, AM Lastre-Acosta, and ACSC Teixeira. "Environmental fate of methomyl pesticide in river water: Kinetic study, mathematical simulations and risk assessment". Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, v. 12, p. 112157, April 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2024.112157
5. CP Gomes, AGC Martins, SE Nunes, B. Ramos, HR Wisinewski, JLMS Reis, AP Lima, TY Aoyagi, I. Gonçales, DS Maia, AS Tunussi, MS Menossi, SM Pereira-Jr, PCG Turrini, JHDB Gervasio, BM Verona and NNP Cerize. "Coding, Decoding and Retrieving a Message Using DNA: An Experience from a Brazilian Center Research on DNA Data Storage". Micromachines, v. 15, p. 474, March 2024. DOI: 10.3390/mi15040474
A comprehensive list with all our publications can be found at my google scholar page.
Team
The algorithm behind the data!
Douglas Gouvêa
Full Professor
Materials Engineering, EP-USP
Advanced ceramics and interface engineering
Antonio Carlos S.C. Teixeira
Associate Professor
Chemical Engineering, EP-USP
Advanced Oxidation Processes
Valter H. Carvalho-Silva
Associate Professor
Chemistry, UEG
Theoretical chemistry and chemical kinetics
Andre Luiz da Silva
Assistant Professor
Materials Engineering, EP-USP
Materials for sustainable energy
Geovânia Cordeiro
Post-doc Associate
Chemical Engineering, EP-USP
Photocatalysis engineering with Lewis acids
Larissa Pinheiro de Souza
DSc in Chemical Engineering, EP-USP
Design and evaluation of electrochemical reactors for AOPs
Renata de Toledo Cintra
MSc in Materials Engineering, EP-USP
Design of mesoscale reactors for artificial photosynthesis
Bianca Ribeiro Binelli
Chemical Engineering, FEI
Production and uses of biocharcoal from textile waste
Eng. Thesis Group
Chemical Engineering, FEI
Simulation of a photocatalytic H2 plant FL Brito, GTE de Souza, MGS Ramos, MP VieiraTeaching
List of undergraduate and graduate courses associated with the lab activities
Undergraduate courses
Unit Operations IV (QCO-050)
Chemical Engineering Program (FEI)
Integrated Chemical Engineering II (QCI-040)
Chemical Engineering Program (FEI)
Graduate Courses
Fundamentals of Colloids and Interfaces (PEQ-407)
Master Program in Chemical Engineering (FEI)
Advanced Water Treatment Technologies (MOL-616)
Master Program in Molecular Sciences (UEG)
Partner Labs
Explore the pages of our partner labs:
Brazilian research groups
Research Group in Advanced Oxidation Processes
Department of Chemical Engineering, Escola Politécnica, USP
Laboratory of Ceramics Processes
Department of Metallurgical & Materials Engineering, Escola Politécnica, USP
Laboratory of Physical and Chemical Transformations Modelling
Goias State University
Micromanufacturing Laboratory
Bionanomanufacturing Center, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas do Estado de São Paulo
Overseas partnerships
Ookawara Lab
Department of Chemical Science & Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Dr. Ramos
About
Dr. Ramos, the head of the Group, is an Industrial Chemist whose research focuses on photocatalysis, computational chemistry and microfluidics. During his studies towards a Bachelor's degree from Goias State University in 2007, he explored Density Functional Theory (DFT) and molecular modeling for his thesis project at the QTEA research group. For his Master's degree, completed at Escola Politécnica (Universidade de São Paulo) in 2009, Dr. Ramos researched the applications of DFT in predicting reaction rates and their uses in designing chemical reactors for Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs). In 2014, he received his Doctorate of Engineering (D.Eng.) from the Tokyo Institute of Technology. His doctoral research centered on the application of microfluidics to intensify AOP equipment, at Ookawara Laboratory. Upon returning to Brazil, Dr. Ramos received a FAPESP Post-Doctoral scholarship, allowing him to investigate novel reactors for photocatalysis. During this period, he spent time as a visiting scholar at Università degli Studi di Palermo, working under Prof. Alberto Brucato on the modeling of photocatalytic reactors. Afterwards, he collaborated with the Research Center for Greenhouse Gas Innovation (RCGI), where he was involved in photocatalytic CO2 reduction and reactor development projects. Before his current role as an Assistant Professor at FEI, Dr. Ramos was a part of the research team at the Bionanomanufacturing Center of the São Paulo State Institute of Technological Research. There, he concentrated on the use of microfluidics for Process Intensification. Dr. Ramos values the collaborative aspects of both academic and industrial research and is committed to contributing further to the field of sustainable chemical engineering.Current positions:
- Assistant professor of the Chemical Engineering Department at Centro Universitário FEI, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil.
- Collaborating researcher at the Research Group on Advanced Oxidation Processes at the University of Sao Paulo.
- Collaborating researcher at the Laboratory of Ceramics Processes at the University of Sao Paulo.
- Director of the Brazilian Association of Former Exchange Students in Japan (ASEBEX).
- Member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), in the technical divisions of Catalysis Science and Technology, Chemical Education, and Industrial & Engineering Chemistry.
- Member of the Brazilian Scientific Committee of the Iberoamerican Congress of Advanced Oxidation Processes (CIPOA).
- Member of the Brazilian Association of Advanced Oxidation Processes (ABPOA).
- Member of the Brazilian Association of Engineering Education (ABENGE).
- Member of the Brazilian Association of Chemical Engineering (ABEQ).
- Member of the Editorial Board of Frontiers in Chemistry.
- Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Fronteiras: Journal of Social, Technological and Environmental Science.