Inorganic Metal Oxide Nanocrystal Photocatalysts for Solar Fuel Generation from Water

Inorganic Metal Oxide Nanocrystal Photocatalysts for Solar Fuel Generation from Water PDF Author: Troy K. Townsend
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 331905242X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 80

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Book Description
Troy Townsend's thesis explores the structure, energetics and activity of three inorganic nanocrystal photocatalysts. The goal of this work is to investigate the potential of metal oxide nanocrystals for application in photocatalytic water splitting, which could one day provide us with clean hydrogen fuel derived from water and solar energy. Specifically, Townsend's work addresses the effects of co-catalyst addition to niobium oxide nanotubes for photocatalytic water reduction to hydrogen, and the first use of iron oxide 'rust' in nanocrystal suspensions for oxygen production. In addition, Townsend studies a nickel/oxide-strontium titanate nanocomposite which can be described as one of only four nanoscale water splitting photocatalysts. He also examines the charge transport for this system. Overall, this collection of studies brings relevance to the design of inorganic nanomaterials for photocatalytic water splitting while introducing new directions for solar energy conversion.

Inorganic Metal Oxide Nanocrystal Photocatalysts for Solar Fuel Generation from Water

Inorganic Metal Oxide Nanocrystal Photocatalysts for Solar Fuel Generation from Water PDF Author: Troy K. Townsend
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 331905242X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 80

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Book Description
Troy Townsend's thesis explores the structure, energetics and activity of three inorganic nanocrystal photocatalysts. The goal of this work is to investigate the potential of metal oxide nanocrystals for application in photocatalytic water splitting, which could one day provide us with clean hydrogen fuel derived from water and solar energy. Specifically, Townsend's work addresses the effects of co-catalyst addition to niobium oxide nanotubes for photocatalytic water reduction to hydrogen, and the first use of iron oxide 'rust' in nanocrystal suspensions for oxygen production. In addition, Townsend studies a nickel/oxide-strontium titanate nanocomposite which can be described as one of only four nanoscale water splitting photocatalysts. He also examines the charge transport for this system. Overall, this collection of studies brings relevance to the design of inorganic nanomaterials for photocatalytic water splitting while introducing new directions for solar energy conversion.

Solar Hydrogen Generation: Transition Metal Oxides in Water Photoelectrolysis

Solar Hydrogen Generation: Transition Metal Oxides in Water Photoelectrolysis PDF Author: Jinghua Guo
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071701273
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 207

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Book Description
State-of-the-art renewable energy science research and applications Solar Hydrogen Generation: Transition Metal Oxides in Water Photoelectrolysis provides expert techniques for extracting hydrogen from water using transition metal oxides as catalysts. The basic processes of electrochemistry and photocatalysis for hydrogen production are described along with photocatalytic reactions and semiconductor photocatalysts, particularly metal oxides. This in-depth guide illustrates the corresponding crystal structure vs. electronic structure and optical properties vs. light absorption of transition metal oxides. Impurity and doped photocatalysts, integrated organic and inorganic systems, surface and interface chemistry, and nanostructure and morphology in photocatalysis applications are all addressed. This comprehensive resource introduces soft x-ray absorption (XAS), soft x-ray emission spectroscopy (XES), and resonant inelastic soft x-ray scattering (RIXS), followed by a description of instrumentation. COVERAGE INCLUDES: * Hydrogen generation: electrochemistry and photoelectrolysis * Photocatalytic reactions, oxidation, and reduction * Transition metal oxides * Crystal structure and electronic structure * Optical properties and light absorption * Impurity, dopants, and defects * Surface and morphology * Soft x-ray spectroscopy and electronic structure

Inorganic Nanocrystal Photocatalysts for Solar Energy Conversion

Inorganic Nanocrystal Photocatalysts for Solar Energy Conversion PDF Author: Jing Zhao
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781321610314
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Solar energy conversion is considered one of the most promising renewable energy solutions for replacing fossil fuels and easing global climate change. Developing a cost-effective technology for solar energy utilization to compete with market grid price is among the top priorities of our scientific society. Photocatalytic water splitting, which utilizes solar energy to produce carbon-zero hydrogen fuels from water, holds great potential towards achieving this challenging mission. Photovoltaic (PV) devices, for converting solar energy to electricity, continue to witness technological advances in the 21st century. This dissertation is dedicated to the advancement of photocatalytic water splitting and photovoltaic technologies, including the search for inexpensive photocatalysts with high efficiency, the fundamental understanding of photo-induced charge separation processes and the advanced instrumentation for probing photovoltage generation on the nanoscale. Chapter 2 starts off with the effect of quantum size confinement on the photocatalytic hydrogen production by CdSe nanocrystals. The particle size of a well-defined CdSe nanocrystal series is systematically varied, and their size-dependent conduction/valence band energetics as well as their photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rates are characterized in details. This allows the construction of a quantitative correlation between particle size, energy level and photocatalytic activity for CdSe nanocrystals, following Butler-Volmer electron-transfer theory. Chapter 3 transitions into the study on WO3 photoanodes for photocatalytic oxygen evolution. The activity of WO3 photoanodes is greatly enhanced via an in-situ doping by electrochemical reduction. Investigations show that the moderate reduction boosts carrier concentration and conductivity in WO3, consequently an improved charge collection and an increased photocurrent response. This activation strategy is also proven to be applicable to other WO3 systems with a wide range of particle sizes. Chapter 4 introduces surface photovoltage spectroscopy (SPS) as a powerful sensitive technique for probing photon-induced charge separation processes in photocatalysts and PV systems. Calcium niobium oxide, a wide bandgap hydrogen evolution photocatalyst with a well-defined surface morphology, is selected as a model material for understanding the photovoltage generation and charge separation in photocatalyst system via SPS. Systematic studies reveal the dependence of photovoltage on photon wavelength, light intensity, defect density, film thickness, ambient environment, substrate property, and the relative Fermi-level difference at the interface. Chapter 5 continues the application of SPS technique for understanding charge separation in CdSe nanocrystalline films for inorganic-/organic- hybrid solar cells. Surface ligands on CdSe nanocrystals are found to have a dramatic impact on the photovoltage responses from CdSe films. The replacement of native ligands by halides and amines leads to electron traps at the particle surface. Chloride, among all halide ligands, is indicated as a promising short surface ligand for good photovoltage response, whereas bromide and iodide are found as detrimental hole traps.

Chalcogenide-Based Nanomaterials as Photocatalysts

Chalcogenide-Based Nanomaterials as Photocatalysts PDF Author: Mohammad Mansoob Khan
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0128209178
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 378

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Book Description
Chalcogenide-Based Nanomaterials as Photocatalysts deals with the different types of chalcogenide-based photocatalytic reactions, covering the fundamental concepts of photocatalytic reactions involving chalcogenides for a range of energy and environmental applications. Sections focus on nanostructure control, synthesis methods, activity enhancement strategies, environmental applications, and perspectives of chalcogenide-based nanomaterials. The book offers guidelines for designing new chalcogenide-based nanoscale photocatalysts at low cost and high efficiency for efficient utilization of solar energy in the areas of energy production and environment remediation. - Provides information on the development of novel chalcogenide-based nanomaterials - Outlines the fundamentals of chalcogenides-based photocatalysis - Includes techniques for heterogeneous catalysis based on chalcogenide-based nanomaterials

Nanostructured Materials for Visible Light Photocatalysis

Nanostructured Materials for Visible Light Photocatalysis PDF Author: Arpan Kumar Nayak
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0128230509
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 638

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Book Description
Nanostructured Materials for Visible Light Photocatalysis describes the various methods of synthesizing different classes of nanostructured materials that are used as photocatalysts for the degradation of organic hazardous dyes under visible light irradiation. The first three chapters include a general introduction, basic principles, mechanisms, and synthesis methods of nanomaterials for visible light photocatalysis. Recent advances in carbon, bismuth series, transition metal oxide and chalcogenides-based nanostructured materials for visible light photocatalysis are discussed. Later chapters describe the role of phosphides, nitrides, and rare earth-based nanostructured-based materials in visible light photocatalysis, as well as the characteristics, synthesis, and fabrication of photocatalysts. The role of doping, composites, defects, different facets, morphology of nanostructured materials and green technology for efficient dye removal under visible-light irradiation are also explored. Other topics covered include large-scale production of nanostructured materials, the challenges in present photocatalytic research, the future scope of nanostructured materials regarding environmental hazard remediation under visible light, and solar light harvesting. This book is a valuable reference to researchers and enables them to learn more about designing advanced nanostructured materials for wastewater treatment and visible-light irradiation. Covers all the recent developments of nanostructured photocatalytic materials Provides a clear overview of the mechanism of visible light photocatalysis and the controlled synthesis of nanostructured materials Assesses the major challenges of creating visible light photocatalysis systems at the nanoscale

Visible Light Active, Nano-architectured Metal Oxide Photo-catalysts for Solar Fuel Applications

Visible Light Active, Nano-architectured Metal Oxide Photo-catalysts for Solar Fuel Applications PDF Author: Thomas Joseph LaTempa
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 198

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Book Description


Photoelectrochemical Engineering for Solar Harvesting

Photoelectrochemical Engineering for Solar Harvesting PDF Author: Samrana Kazim
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323954952
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 504

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Book Description
Photoelectrochemical Engineering for Solar Harvesting provides an up-to-date appraisal of the photon engineering of innovative catalysts for solar energy harvesting.Sunlight-driven fuel synthesis is the most sustainable and potentially economical option for producing energy vectors through water splitting. Thus this book focuses on the design of photocatalysts and water oxidation catalysts, as artificial photosynthesis and hydrogen fuel production via water oxidation (in place of fossil fuels) are two promising approaches towards renewable energy.The book critically analyzes the overall progress, potential challenges, and the possibility of industrialization of new catalysts in the near future. The primary emphasis of the discussion is on experimental approaches from materials synthesis to device applications, however, there will also be some introduction to relevant photochemistry concepts.Photoelectrochemical Engineering for Solar Harvesting is suitable for materials scientists and chemists who through the use of photonics are in continuous pursuit of improving the efficiencies of different devices used to capture solar energy for the generation of sustainable fuel. - Covers design of innovative energy materials such as photocatalysts and water oxidation catalysts for solar energy harvesting - Reviews briefly computational and theoretical approaches before providing comprehensive overview of experimental directions - Provides information to guide photon and photoelectrochemical engineering of catalysts for solar application

Multifunctional Photocatalytic Materials for Energy

Multifunctional Photocatalytic Materials for Energy PDF Author: Zhiqun Lin
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing
ISBN: 0081019785
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 346

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Book Description
Multifunctional Photocatalytic Materials for Energy discusses recent developments in multifunctional photocatalytic materials, such as semiconductors, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes and graphene, with an emphasis on their novel properties and synthesis strategies and discussions of their fundamental principles and applicational achievements in energy fields, for example, hydrogen generation from water splitting, CO2 reduction to hydrocarbon fuels, degradation of organic pollutions and solar cells. This book serves as a valuable reference book for researchers, but is also an instructive text for undergraduate and postgraduate students who want to learn about multifunctional photocatalytic materials to stimulate their interests in designing and creating advanced materials. - Covers all aspects of recent developments in multifunctional photocatalytic materials - Provides fundamental understanding of the structure, properties and energy applications of these materials - Contains contributions from leading international experts in the field working in multidisciplinary subject areas - Focuses on advanced applications and future research advancements, such as graphene-based nanomaterials and multi-hybrid nanocomposites - Presents a valuable reference for researchers and students that stimulates interest in designing advanced materials for renewable energy resources

Surface Photovoltage Spectroscopy on Nanostructured Photocatalysts and Photovoltaic Thin-films for Solar Energy Conversion

Surface Photovoltage Spectroscopy on Nanostructured Photocatalysts and Photovoltaic Thin-films for Solar Energy Conversion PDF Author: Benjamin Nail
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780355969412
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Solar energy conversion has the potential to reduce society’s dependence on fossil fuels and to diminish the harmful effects of climate change by generating clean power from the sun. The process of solar hydrogen production by photocatalytic water splitting uses solar energy to generate hydrogen fuels from water and has been explored extensively in recent years as hydrogen is considered a very promising candidate for a clean and renewable solar fuel. However, only a limited number of earth-abundant photocatalysts have been shown to be active for visible-light driven H2 evolution. New advances also continue in photovoltaic (PV) technologies such as hybrid solar cells, devices composed of inorganic semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) mixed with organic conducting polymers. This dissertation will focus on the application of Surface Photovoltage Spectroscopy (SPS) to study photochemical charge transfer processes in nanoscale photocatalysts and on the characterization of charge transfer dynamics occurring in inorganic-organic hybrid solar cell films. Chapter 2 explores a photocatalytic nickel oxide nanoparticle system modified with platinum co-catalyst for photochemical hydrogen generation. Nanocrystals of NiO have increased p-type character and improved photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution from water in the presence of methanol as sacrificial electron donor. Surface photovoltage spectroscopy of NiO and NiO–Pt films on Au substrates indicate a metal Pt-NiO junction with 30 mV photovoltage that promotes carrier separation. The increased photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical performance of nano-NiO is due to improved minority carrier extraction and increased p-type character, as deduced from Mott–Schottky plots, optical absorbance, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data. These results are relevant to the understanding of NiO-containing photocatalysts and to the electronic properties of nanoscale metal oxides and junctions. In Chapter 3, surface photovoltage spectroscopy (SPS) was used to study the intrinsic charge transfer properties and surface states of thin films of thiol, amine, carboxylic acid supported CdSe QDs on indium tin oxide (ITO) in the absence of an external bias or electrolyte. On ITO, the QD films give positive or negative photovoltage signals (-120 to +350 mV) under sub band gap and super band gap excitation (0.1 - 0.3 mW cm−2), depending on the ligand type present at the QD surface. Experimental photovoltage values are found to correlate with the LUMO energies of the CdSe QDs, obtained from the electrochemical reduction potential in tetra-n-butylammonium hexafluorophosphate electrolyte at unadjusted pH. This suggests the possibility that the built-in potential of the ITO-QD Schottky contacts is controlled by the electronic properties of the ligands. The findings shed new light on factors controlling photochemical charge separation in films of ligand-stabilized CdSe QDs. Chapter 4 presents a study of a nanoscale doped perovskite photocatalyst, chromium-doped strontium titanate (Cr:SrTiO3). The Cr:SrTiO3 nanoparticles form as well defined cubic-shaped nanocrystals with a mean diameter of 43.5 nm (±18.8 nm) and have homogeneous composition. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analysis shows that Cr:SrTiO3 particles synthesized at high temperature contain high concentrations of Cr6+ trap sites while hydrothermally synthesized particles contain only Cr3+. SPS data shows that photogenerated charge carriers from Cr3+ donor states can drive photochemical reactions (e.g methanol oxidation) at the particle surface and that those reaction rates are increased by previous light excitation of the film. SPS also shows a dependence of photovoltage magnitude on substrate work function that is explained by the built-in potential (V[subscript bi]) at the film-substrate interface. Photochemical hydrogen evolution experiments show rates of up to 85 [mu]mol/hr (1.56% AQE at 435 nm). Rates are strongly dependent on solution pH, Cr doping %, and particle synthesis method. A mild NaBH4 reduction treatment was shown to increase photocatalytic activity in Cr:SrTiO3 and decrease its Cr6+ concentration. Surface photovoltage spectroscopy (SPS) also reveals an anomalously increasing photovoltage with magnitude greater than the band gap of SrTiO3. A model is proposed to show that the unusually large photovoltage, as well as charge separation in Cr:SrTiO3 in general, can be explained by a light-activated ferroelectric effect that causes ordering of electric dipoles in the non-centrosymmetric Cr:SrTiO3 unit cells.

Nanostructured Photocatalysts

Nanostructured Photocatalysts PDF Author: Rabah Boukherroub
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 012817837X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 301

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Book Description
Nanostructured Photocatalysts: From Materials to Applications in Solar Fuels and Environmental Remediation addresses the different properties of nanomaterials-based heterogeneous photocatalysis. Heterogeneous nanostructured photocatalysis represents an interesting and viable technique to address issues of climate change and global energy supply. Sustainable hydrogen (H2) fuel production from water via semiconductor photocatalysis, driven by solar energy, is regarded as a viable and sustainable solution to address increasing energy and environmental issues. Similarly, photocatalytic reduction of CO2 with water for the production of hydrocarbons could also be a viable solution. Sections cover band gap tuning, high surface area, the short diffusion path of carriers, and more. - Introduces the utilization of nanostructured materials in heterogeneous photocatalysis for hydrogen fuel production via water splitting - Explains preparation techniques for different nanomaterials and hybrid nanocomposites, enabling improved sunlight absorption efficiency and enhanced charge separation - Assesses the challenges that need to be addressed before this technology can be practically implemented, particularly of identifying cost-effective nanophotocatalysts