Nanostructured Materials For Visible Light Photocatalysis

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

Nanostructured materials for visible light driven photo-processes such as photodegradation of organic pollutants and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation for hydrogen production are very attractive because of the positive impact on the environment. Metal oxides-based nanostructures are widely used in these photoprocesses due to their unique properties. But single nanostructured metal oxide material might suffer from low efficiency and instability in aqueous solutions under visible light. These facts make it important to have an efficient and reliable nanocomposite for the photo-processes. The combination of different nanomaterials to form a composite configuration can produce a material with new properties. The new properties which are due to the synergetic effect, are a combination of the properties of all the counterparts of the nanocomposite. Zinc oxides (ZnO) have unique optical and electrical properties which grant it to be used in optoelectronics, sensors, solar cells, nanogenerators, and photocatalysis activities. Although ZnO absorbs visible light from the sun due to the deep level band, it mainly absorbs ultraviolet wavelengths which constitute a small portion of the whole solar spectrum range. Also, ZnO has a problem with the high recombination rate of the photogenerated electrons. These problems might reduce its applicability to the photo-process. Therefore, our aim is to develop and investigate different nanocomposites materials based on the ZnO nanostructures for the enhancement of photocatalysis processes using the visible solar light as a green source of energy. Two photo-processes were applied to examine the developed nanocomposites through photocatalysis: (1) the photodegradation of organic dyes, (2) PEC water splitting. In the first photo-process, we used the ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), Magnesium (Mg)-doped ZnO NPs, and plasmonic ZnO/graphene-based nanocomposite for the decomposition of some organic dyes that have been used in industries. For the second photo-process, ZnO photoelectrode composite with different silver-based semiconductors to enhance the performance of the ZnO photoelectrode was used for PEC reaction analysis to perform water splitting. The characterization and photocatalysis experiment results showed remarkable enhancement in the photocatalysis efficiency of the synthesized nanocomposites. The observed improved properties of the ZnO are due to the synergetic effects are caused by the addition of the other nanomaterials. Hence, the present thesis attends to the synthesis and characterization of some nanostructured materials composite with ZnO that are promising candidates for visible light-driven photo-processes.

A comprehensive and timely overview of this important and hot topic, with special emphasis placed on environmental applications and the potential for solar light harvesting. Following introductory chapters on environmental photocatalysis, water splitting, and applications in synthetic chemistry, further chapters focus on the synthesis and design of photocatalysts, solar energy conversion, and such environmental aspects as the removal of water pollutants, photocatalytic conversion of CO2. Besides metal oxide-based photocatalysts, the authors cover other relevant material classes including carbon-based nanomaterials and novel hybrid materials. Chapters on mechanistic aspects, computational modeling of photocatalysis and Challenges and perspectives of solar reactor design for industrial applications complete this unique survey of the subject. With its in-depth discussions ranging from a comprehensive understanding to the engineering of materials and applied devices, this is an invaluable resource for a range of disciplines.

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

This book demonstrates the basic and fundamental aspects of nanotechnology and potential application as a photocatalysis in multiple application especially in environment and energy harvesting. This book also contains methods of preparation and characterization of unique nanostructured photocatalysts, and details about their catalytic action. The book consists of seven chapters, including the principles and fundamentals of heterogeneous photocatalysis; the mechanisms and dynamics of surface photocatalysis; research on pure and composites based materials with unique nanostructures; the latest developments and advances in exploiting photocatalyst alternatives to WO3; and photocatalytic materials for applications other than the traditional degradation of pollutants, such as carbon dioxide reduction, water oxidation, a complete spectrum of selective organic transformations and water splitting by photocatalytic reduction. This book will appeal to a wide readership of the academic and industrial researchers and it can also be used in the classroom for undergraduate and graduate students focusing on heterogeneous photocatalysis, sustainable chemistry, energy conversion and storage, nanotechnology, chemical engineering, environmental protection, optoelectronics, sensors, and surface and interface science.

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

This book discusses how nanostructured materials play a key role in helping address environmental challenges. Employing nanostructured materials in catalysis can increase the efficient decomposition of toxic pollutants in air, water, and soil. This multidisciplinary book discusses the most promising nanostructured materials made-up of metals, metal oxides, metal chalcogenides, multi-metal oxides, carbon nanostructures, and hybrid materials that can address environmental remediation. It provides a well-referenced introduction to newcomers from allied disciplines and will be valuable to researchers in academia, industry, and government working on solutions to environmental problems.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has drawn considerable attention as an attractive inorganic raw material for various applications due to its inexpensiveness, nontoxic nature, stability, and excellent photocatalytic activity. Photocatalysis is one of the most promising route for sustainable chemistry of the 21st century. It can contribute to solving environmental, global energy, and chemical problems, as well as to the sustainable production of commodities in the near future. This book presents the fundamentals of photocatalysis in nanostructured TiO2 and describes the factors affecting the photocatalytic activity, design, and synthesis of various forms of nanostructured TiO2. It highlights the use of ion-doping and inert-atmosphere annealing to extend the light-absorption range of photocatalysts and reduce recombination between electrons and holes. It discusses numerous applications in the fields of energy and environment, such as water purification, gas sensing, storage and delivery, and energy generation. The book is an invaluable resource and useful guide for a broad readership in various fields of catalysis, materials science, environment, and energy.