Two different methods of synthesis of TiO2/WO3 heterostructures were carried out with the aim to increase photocatalytic activity. In this study, anodic TiO2 nanotube films were synthesized by electrochemical anodization of titanium foil. WO3 particles were applied to anodic Ti/TiO2 samples in two different ways – by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) and insertion during the anodization process. Structural and photocatalytic properties were compared between pristine TiO2 and TiO2 with incorporated WO3 particles. Raman mapping was used to character-ise the uniformity of EPD WO3 coating and to determine the structural composition. The study showed that deposition of WO3 onto TiO2 nanotube layer lowered the band gap of the binary system compared to pristine TiO2 and WO3 influence on photo-electrochemical properties of titania. The addition of WO3 increased charge carrier dynamics but did not increase the measured photo-current response. As the WO3 undergoes a phase transition from monoclinic to orthorhombic at approximately 320 ℃ proper sequence WO3 deposition could be beneficial. It was observed that secondary heat treatment of WO3 lowers the photocurrent.

GDE development as well as Catalyst investigations are driving force for electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions and new electrochemical systems. In this work, we provide our observations during experiments that catalyze CO2 into more complex products.

As EU is steadily moving in the direction of emission reduction, each country must develop plans to decarbonise the transport and energy sectors. In Latvia, transport sector is one of the biggest emission sources. The heating applications come next. Both require carbon containing fuels and a transfer to carbon neutral fuel is necessary; therefore, hydrogen may be the answer to achieve the overall EU targets. As Latvia has renewable energy sources, some production, storage and use of hydrogen are possible. Currently clear guidelines for Latvia have been investigated. The existing natural gas network may be used for two tasks: large-scale hydrogen transportation and decarbonisation of natural gas network. To open the natural gas networks for hydrogen, the first evaluations are made and a possible scenario for hydrogen implementation in network supplying consumers in the household sector is analysed to evaluate decarbonisation with an overarching goal of carbon neutrality.

Graphene was discovered in the early 21st century, but has already proven itself in many applications – energy, medicine, electronics, food and sports, and more. Functionalization of nanostructured carbon materials with both non-metallic and metallic atoms is possible in various ways, imparting enhanced or new properties to the starting material, even catalytic activity. A method of electrochemical exfoliation was used to obtain the graphene sheets and simultaneously functionalize them with nitrogen. To ensure N-doping the process is done in a NaN3 electrolyte solution which provides less quantity of oxygen groups that tend to block defect sites on the graphene, compared with such solvents as NaNO2. Two graphite electrodes are inserted into the electrolyte and a pulse power of 0–10V is applied. The solution containing the obtained material is filtered through a 0.1 µm filter and dried. The material is characterized using SEM, XRD and XPS. In the XPS characterization graphene oxide is used as a reference material.