Award Abstract #0210284
NIRT: Semiconductor Metal Oxide Nanoparticles for Visible Light Photocatalysis

NSF Org:	DMR Division of Materials Research
Initial Amendment Date:	July 31, 2002
Latest Amendment Date:	June 16, 2005
Award Number:	0210284
Award Instrument:	Continuing grant
Program Manager:	Dr. Lynnette D. Madsen DMR Division of Materials Research MPS Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Start Date:	August 1, 2002
Expires:	July 31, 2007 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$1123954
Investigator(s):	S. Ismat Shah ismat@udel.edu (Principal Investigator) Chin-Pao Huang (Co-Principal Investigator) Mark Barteau (Co-Principal Investigator) Douglas Doren (Co-Principal Investigator) Jingguang Chen (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	University of Delaware 210 Hullihen Hall Newark, DE 19716 302/831-2136
NSF Program(s):	CERAMICS, DMR SHORT TERM SUPPORT, CATALYSIS AND BIOCATALYSIS
Field Application(s):	0106000 Materials Research
Program Reference Code(s):	AMPP, 9251, 9161, 1674, 1589
Program Element Code(s):	1774, 1712, 1401

ABSTRACT

This proposal describes a systematic study of the synthesis, characterization, and application of TiO2 nanoparticles as photocatalyst. The potential of the nanoparticles to absorb in the visible range by tailoring the surface, structural and compositional properties will be studied. Specifically, the multifold objectives of this proposal include the utilization of a unique physical vapor deposition process to obtain TiO2 nanoparticles with particle sizes ranging between 1 and 20 nm, and to reproducibly dope the nanoparticles with various dopants. These nanoparticles will be characterized for structural, chemical and optoelectronic properties. Of particular interest is the characterization of the valence band and conduction band structure by XPS, UPS, and EXAFS. We will also utilize first-principles calculations to acquire an atomistic understanding of nanoparticle properties. The theoretical models will be used to develop an understanding of the chemical and photochemical properties of pure and modified TiO2 nanoparticles. Modification involves the selective decoration of nanoparticle surfaces with noble metal particles including Ag, Au, Pt, etc.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is used as a photocatalyst for environmental cleanup. Upon absorption of light, it helps break down toxic chemicals in air and in water. TiO2, however absorbs only UV light. It would be more useful if its absorption of the visible light can be enhanced since most of the sunlight is in the visible range. This proposal describes a systematic methodology to increase visible range absorption by changing the particle size, composition and surface chemistry.

This proposal was submitted in response to the solicitation "Nanoscale Science and Engineering" (NSF 01-157). The award is jointly supported through two directorates at NSF: (i) Mathematical and Physical Sciences (Division of Materials Research in the Ceramics program) and (ii) Engineering (Division of Chemical & Transport Systems).

PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH

B. Zhao, K. Uchikawa, C. Ni, J.R. McCormick, J.G. Chen and H. Wang. "Ultrafine Anatase TiO2 Nanoparticles Produced in Premixed Ethylene Stagnation Flames," Proceedings of the Combustion Institute, v.30, 2005, p. 2569.

J.R. McCormick, B. Zhao, S.A. Rykov, H. Wang and J.G. Chen. "Thermal Stability of Flame-Synthesized TiO2 Nanoparticles," Journal of Physical Chemistry, v.B 108, 2004, p. 17398.

Jung, Oh-Jin; Kim, Sam-Hyeok; Cheong, Kyung-Hoon; Li, W. Shah, S. Ismat.. "Metallorganic chemical vapor deposition and characterization of TiO2 nanoparticles.," Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society, v.24, 2003, p. 49.

M. A. Barakat, G. Hayes, and S. Ismat Shah.. "Effect of Cobalt doping on the phase transformation of TiO2 nanoparticles,," Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, v.10, 2005, p. 1.

M.A. Barakat, H. Schaeffer, G. Hayes, S. Ismat Shah. "Photocatalytic degradation of 2-chlorophenol by Co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles ," Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, v.57, 2004, p. 23.

Sze Chi Chan and Mark A. Barteau. "Preparation of Highly Uniform Ag/TiO2 and Au/TiO2 Supported Nanoparticle Catalysts by Photodeposition, , Accepted for publication,," Langmuir, v.21, 2005, p. 5588.

W. Li, A. I. Frenkel, J. C. Woicik, C. Ni, S. Ismat Shah. "Dopant Location Identification in Nd3+-Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles,," Phy. Rev., v.B 72, 2005, p. 155315.

W. Li, Y. Wang, H. Lin, Sergey A. Rykov, S. Ismat Shah, C. P. Huang, D. J. Doren, J. G. Chen, and M.A. Barteau. "Band Gap Tailoring of Nd3+ Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles," Applied Physics Letters, v.83, 2003, p. 4144.

Y. Wang and D.J. Doren. "Electronic structure of V-doped anatase TiO2," Sol. St. Comm., v.136, 2005, p. 142.

Y. Wang and D.J. Doren. "First-principles calculations of TiO2 doped by N, Nd, and vacancy," Sol. St. Comm., v.136, 2005, p. 186.

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