The potential of the acoustic cavitation phenomenon for formation of semiconductor heterojunctions in nanodispersions from initial single semiconducto

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This PhD program aspires to bring together recent achievements in the fields ofnanotechnology, sonochemistry and nanostructured semiconductor synthesis to developleading edge technologies for light-driven hydrogen production. We propose to explore thepotential of the acoustic cavitation phenomenon for formation of semiconductorheterojunctions in nanodispersions from initial single semiconductor nanoparticles. The rapid collapse (10-8 s) of the cavitation microbubble results in the conversion of the surface energy, kinetic energy of liquid motion into heat and chemical energy leading to the development of high temperatures (>3000 C) and pressures (>500 atm) locally inside these microbubbles. Due to the high speed of cavitation, the initial semiconductor nanoparticles are ordered at the cavitation interfaces as ultra-highly compressed layer subjected to the rapid high-temperature heating with subsequent cooling. The proposal will lead directly to new materials and, more critically, provide a new widely applicable facile method of the synthesis photoactive semiconductor heterojunctions.During the work on the project, the candidate will acquire knowledge in sonochemicalsynthesis, chemistry and physics of complex semiconductor nanomaterials and core-shellstructures. Additional training will be provided in transient laser spectroscopy andphotochemistry. The studentship will also establish the multidisciplinary collaboration withProf. Timothy Mason, Head of European Sonochemical Society, director of SonochemistryCentre, Coventry University. The knowledge and skills developed will provide the candidate with a solid foundation for his/her future academic or industrial career in materials and renewable energy.