Full exploitation of photocatalysts for water remediation and splitting
Photocatalysis – the photoinduced catalysation of a chemical reaction - has attracted increasing attention for applications in environmental remediation and renewable energy. Metal oxide nanoparticles are among the most promising materials for photocatalysts, thanks to their properties and cost-effectiveness. To fully exploit the potential of such nanomaterials, the EU-funded project PHOCSCLEEN (Photocatalytic systems for clean energy and environment applications) implemented an international research staff exchange among Canadian, European and Mexican partners. The team members collaborated to develop and test new photocatalytic materials. PHOCSCLEEN targeted the development of improved photocatalytic materials and structures with higher efficiencies exploiting a wider portion of sunlight. The project specifically addressed two challenges of critical importance towards sustainable development. On one hand huge amounts of dyes end up annually in water supplies leading to environmental pollution and health risks. On the other hand production of hydrogen by water splitting will reduce and eventually remove the need for fossil fuels. The PHOCSCLEEN team developed bismuth-based photocatalytic nano and microstructures that decolorate dyes and degrade phenols faster than conventional titanium oxide nanoparticles under sunlight. In addition, new oxide-oxide composites that better exploit the spectrum of sunlight leading to improved photocatalysis efficiency have been generated. A specific nanostructured oxide proved to be highly efficient in splitting water in the presence of both sunlight and ultraviolet light. In other words, this offers the possibility of operation even with no dedicated artificial input, i.e. energy-consuming light source. Additional improvements to the photocatalytic reactor further increased the rate of water molecule splitting. The main project achievements in improving photocatalysis efficiency using bismuth based oxides nanomaterials have been presented in 12 papers published in peer-reviewed journals while additional ones are currently under preparation.
Keywords
Photocatalysts, wastewater remediation, hydrogen generation, metal oxide nanoparticles, PHOCSCLEEN
