Potter, Matthew E., Stewart, Daniel J., Oakley, Alice Elizabeth, Boardman, Richard P., Bradley, Tom, Sazio, Pier J.A. and Raja, Robert (2020) Combining photocatalysis and optical fibre technology towards improved microreactor design for hydrogen generation with metallic nanoparticles. ACS Photonics, 7 (3), 714-722. (doi:10.1021/acsphotonics.9b01577).
Abstract
The use of solar energy to activate chemical pathways in a sustainable manner drives the development in photocatalysis. While catalyst optimization is a major theme in this pursuit, the development of novel photocatalytic reactors to enhance productivity is also imperative. In this work we combine, for the first time, microstructured optical fiber technology with photocatalysis, creating a photocatalytic microreactor coated with TiO 2, decorated with palladium nanoparticles. In doing so, we create a system capable of effectively combining photons, liquids, and gases within a monolithic, highly confined, transparent silica geometry. We utilize a range of characterization techniques to selectively focus on the photocatalyst, that resides exclusively within the internal capillaries of this system. In doing so, we validate our design approach and demonstrate the ability to simultaneously control both nanoparticle size and metal content. Further, we justify our unique design, showing its activity in photocatalytic hydrogen generation from water. In doing so highlights the importance in developing light propagation properties from optical fibers and the significant potential of this technology in the expansive photocatalysis landscape.
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- Current Faculties > Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences > Zepler Institute for Photonics and Nanoelectronics > Nanophotonics Group
Zepler Institute for Photonics and Nanoelectronics > Nanophotonics Group - Current Faculties > Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences > Zepler Institute for Photonics and Nanoelectronics > Fibre and Systems Group
Zepler Institute for Photonics and Nanoelectronics > Fibre and Systems Group - Current Faculties > Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences > School of Chemistry
School of Chemistry - Faculties (pre 2018 reorg) > Faculty of Engineering and the Environment (pre 2018 reorg) > Southampton Marine & Maritime Institute (pre 2018 reorg)
- Current Faculties > Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences > School of Engineering > Mechanical Engineering > Engineering Materials and Surface Engineering Group
Mechanical Engineering > Engineering Materials and Surface Engineering Group - Current Faculties > Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences > School of Chemistry > Functional Inorganic, Materials and Supramolecular Chemistry
School of Chemistry > Functional Inorganic, Materials and Supramolecular Chemistry
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