SCHiMAT · Silicon Cluster based Hierarchical photocatalysts produced by MATrix assembly cluster source

Silicon Cluster based Hierarchical photocatalysts produced by MATrix assembly cluster source

Photocatalysis is important for solving the worldwide energy shortage and environmental pollution issues. Recently, nano-size materials are considered to be promising catalysts. In particular, size controlled clusters/nanoparticles/QDs show tunable emissions/absorption from near infrared to blue wavelength, making them promising candidates as photocatalysts. However, the research on the metal/dielectric clusters based photocatalysts is still slow progress due to lacking of methods of fabrication of nano-size clusters with precision and in large quantities. In SCHiMAT, the luminescent, photoelectric and photocatalytic properties of metal/dielectric clusters with precisely controllable size and high production, which produced by “Matrix Assembly Cluster Source” (MACS), have been systemically studied. Based on that, this project have entailed the design of a novel kind of hierarchical structure, which involves the choice of large size semiconductor nanoparticles (SiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, TiO2 CeO2 and ZnO NPs) and distribution modulation of the small clusters on the large size support, to largely enhance the optical response and photocatalytic efficiency of the small size QDs. This project could open a promising new route to using cluster/QDs as visible-light absorber for solar energy conversion. The project combined ER and host supervisor’s expertise in nanocluster, photonics, catalysis research, and equiped the ER to carry out cutting edge research in cluster-based nanomaterials and photocatalysis. The overarching aim of this project is to apply a new type of cluster source, the “Matrix Assembly Cluster Source” (MACS) (which has been recently developed by Prof. Richard Palmer at the University of Birmingham), to perform high-flux deposition of metal/dielectric clusters with controllable size. Based on that, we further aim to design and prepare cluster based hierarchical structures for highly efficient photocatalysis. Not limited to the proposed research objectives, during the project we further enriched the research content, which including: (1) develop novel hierarchical nanostructures based on gas-phase cluster beam deposition for highly sensitive surface enhenced Raman scattering (SERS) detection. (2) hydrogen sensor based on Pd nanoparticle arrays. (3) solar energy harvesting nanostructures.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз