About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T25: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Controlled Synthesis, Processing, and Applications of Structural and Functional Nanomaterials
|
| Presentation Title |
Engineering of Carbon Defects in TiO2 Nanoparticle Architectures |
| Author(s) |
Guillem Vives Olle, Thomas Berger, Gilles Bourret, Oliver Diwald |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Guillem Vives Olle |
| Abstract Scope |
Particle-based titanium dioxide (TiO2) systems are established UV-active photocatalysts. However, practical applications require the immobilization of nanoparticles into thin films. This nanoparticle processing can introduce unintended trapping sites that reduce charge carrier lifetimes. In this context, defect engineering constitutes a powerful strategy to enhance charge generation and separation in photocatalysts.In this work, we present strategies to engineer carbon impurity-based electron trapping sites, termed Carbonecks, in different nanoparticle architectures. These Carboneck centers are localized at the TiO2/TiO2 interface following particle assembly during colloidal processing and at the TiO2/Si interface when TiO2 nanoparticle films are deposited on silicon substrates. Importantly, the formation of Carboneck centers can be effectively prevented by depositing a dense sputtered TiO2 film as a protective layer prior to the casting process.This contribution highlights the significant implications of our findings for transforming particle powders into high-performance functional materials, including photocatalytic layers and electrodes. |