Synthesis of visible light active nanocrystalline bismuth oxide based photocatalysts

	Clean Technology 2007 Chapter 7: Photovoltaics and Fuel Cells
	Synthesis of visible light active nanocrystalline bismuth oxide based photocatalysts
Authors:	K.K. Akurati, A. Vital, F. Reifler, A. Ritter and T. Graule
Affilation:	Swiss federal laboratories for materials science & technology, EMPA, CH
Pages:	219 - 222
Keywords:	photocatalysis, visible light, nanoparticles, flame spray, aerosol
Abstract:	Photocatalysis phenomenon has attracted considerable interest in recent years because of its usage in water purification, environmental cleaning, solar energy conversion and generation of alternative energy resources. To date, TiO2 has undoubtedly proven to be the most effective photocatalyst. However, owing to the large band gap of TiO2, it is not suitable for the usage as visible light active photocatalyst. Since photocatalysis is a surface phenomenon, less surface area of the large particles hinders the number of active sites where the photocatalytic reaction can take place. Hence there is a need to synthesize the visible light absorbing photocatalysts with high specific surface area. In the present study, flame spray pyrolysis has been employed to synthesize Ca-Bi-O and W-Bi-O nanoparticles. Influence of the process parameters (flow rate of the precursor solution, nature of the solvent and precursor) on the nanoparticle characteristics have been studied by nitrogen physisorption (measuring specific surface area), x-ray diffraction (phase composition), transmission electron microscopy (size, shape and morphology of the particles), whilst UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analyzed with the Kubelka-Munk function has been used to study the visible light absorption of the photocatalyst and the optical band gaps. Rate of degradation of ethylene glycol, dodecanol, C17 alkane under visible light illumination (>400 nm) has been used as the measure of the photocatalytic activity (PCA) of the particles whose specific surface area ranges from 30 to 100 m2/g. Clear dependence of the specific surface area and crystallinity of the particles on the PCA has been observed which signifies the advantages of nanoparticles. Moreover, the ability of the synthesis of Ca-Bi-O and W-Bi-O nanoparticles by flame spray pyrolysis at high production rates has been shown.
ISBN:	1-4200-6382-0
Pages:	338
Order:	Online/Mail/Fax Ordering Options
Indexes:	Keywords, Authors, Affiliations
Up

Join Us

Featured Events

ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit
Washington DC, Feb. 27-29, 2012

Cleantech 2012
(joint with TechConnect World)
Santa Clara CA, June 19-21, 2012

"We've very much enjoyed being a member of CTSI. In addition to the many networking and conference opportunities, we've found the monthly newsletters to be the best consolidated source of clean technology industry information and updates on policy, grants and market intelligence."

- Patrick J. Piper, QM Power, Inc.

"Ener-G-Rotors is pleased to be a member of CTSI. CTSI has been very supportive of our efforts in clean technology, helping to connect us with key legislators, introducing us to contacts at the DOE, and providing opportunities to network with other clean technology companies."

- Michael Newell, Ener-G-Rotors, Inc.

"The Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Organization brings together the world's most innovative companies to provide critical thinking and technology solutions to real-world challenges."

- Dr. Ray O Johnson, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Lockheed Martin

Clean Technology 2007

Chapter 7: Photovoltaics and Fuel Cells

Synthesis of visible light active nanocrystalline bismuth oxide based photocatalysts