Preparation of a novel TiO2-based p-n junction nanotube photocatalyst.
TiO2 nanotube semiconductors contain free spaces in their interior that can be filled with active materials such as chemical compounds, enzymes, and noble metals, giving them a fundamental advantage over colloids. Although the unique shape of semiconductor nanotubes makes them promising for a range of potential applications, significant developmental research is required. In this research, a novel TiO2 nanotube photocatalyst was prepared that has a p-n junction. The photocatalyst particle surface is physically divided into reduction and oxidation surfaces, which poses a potential driving force for the transport of photogenerated charge carriers. The structure of this nanotube catalyst was characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The catalyst activity was evaluated by coating the catalyst on HEPA filters and determining the destruction rate of toluene in air. The p-n junction nanotube catalyst was shown to have a much higher photocatalytic destruction rate than that of commercially available, nonnanotube structured material, and a higher destruction rate for nanotube catalysts that did not contain a p-n junction.
Chen
Yongsheng
Y
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA.
Crittenden
John C
JC
Hackney
Stephen
S
Sutter
Larry
L
Hand
David W
DW
D002384:Catalysis; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D008420:Manufactured Materials; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D010777:Photochemistry; D012666:Semiconductors; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*
D004396:Coloring Agents; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium