Modification of Semiconductor Photocatalysts via Metal Ion Doping

Tufts University, Medford MA

Investigators

Abstract

Professor Mary Jane Shultz of Tufts University is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program in the Division of Chemistry to develop synthetic procedures designed to generate reproducible, nanostructured titanium dioxide substrates, and controlled modification of the substrates with a well-characterized distribution of metal ions. The resulting materials will be characterized using x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transient absorption, sum frequency generation, and in situ oxidation kinetics. The goals are to probe charge transfer at the atomic-molecular level and to understand how metal ion doping alters the steps of the oxidation process. Titanium dioxide has received considerable interest for water treatment since it is known to completely mineralize a variety of pollutants including pesticides, biomolecules, and hydrocarbon contaminants using readily available sunlight. In addition to the broader impacts that this work would have on water treatment technologies, an understanding of the metal doped titanium dioxide nanoparticle interface would be useful in fuel cell technology, corrosion processes, and solar energy conversion.