NU 2008-134
Inventors
Le Chen
Michael Graham
Kimberly Gray*
Abstract
Northwestern scientists have designed, synthesized and tested a mixed-phase nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO2) composite photocatalyst that exhibits enhanced photoactivity compared to conventional anatase films and commercially available Degussa P25, one of the industry's gold standard photocatalysts. The scientists capitalized on particular characteristics of reactive DC sputtering techniques, such as the optimized phase composition, nanostructure, interfacial area, oxygen vacancy concentration, and other lattice defects, to enhance the reactivity and efficiency of their novel photocatalyst. This material oxidizes acetaldehyde in gas phase reactions more efficiently and more vigorously than other conventional material. Furthermore, it reduces CO2 under UV and visible wavelengths without the addition of a hole scavenger other than water, whereas Degussa P25 is non-responsive in visible light and requires a hole scavenger such as isopropanol for reduction.
Applications
Advantages
IP Status
Issued US Patent No. 8,202,820