SGER: Novel Photocatalysts for the Degradation of Toxic Organics utilizing Visible Radiation

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus, Cincinnati OH

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract Proposal Title: SGER: Novel Photocatalysts for the Degradation of Toxic Organics Utilizing Visible Radiation Proposal Number: CTS-0097347 Principal Investigator: Panagiotis Smirniotis Institution: University of Cincinnati The objective of this proposal is to determine the feasibility of using doped titanium dioxide photocatalysts for the degradation of toxic organics with visible radiation. Although titanium dioxide is a photocatalyst when illuminated with ultraviolet radiation, preliminary experiments by the PI have shown that doping of titanium dioxide with transition metals provides photocatalytic activity with light from the visible part of the spectrum. This phenomenon may result from the creation of a narrow energy band within the original bandgap of the semiconductor, thus facilitating the generation of electrons and holes. This two-stage excitation process can form electrons and holes utilizing lower energy quanta. The proposed research will be an interdisciplinary program focusing on the synthesis and characterization of selected combinations of transition metals on different types of supports including three-dimensional mesoporous molecular sieves, large pore zeolites, and high surface-area titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide. These catalysts will be tested with selected probe molecules to simulate different categories of toxic organics. If the proposed materials are proven to be successful photocatalysts, they will offer a potentially economic alternative for the destruction of toxic organics from aqueous and gaseous systems utilizing solar radiation.