Photocatalyst for H2 productions: in operando atomic studies

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Titanium dioxide (TiO2) plays a critical role in advanced technologies for green energy and a clean environment. As a photocatalyst TiO2 is used in several applications, including gas pollutant removal ie NOx and CO2, wastewater remediation, and recently as an antiviral and antibacterial agent. TiO2 satisfies all the main criteria for use at large-scale; it is cheap, non-toxic and environmentally friendly, as well as structurally stable and abundant. Besides these advantages, the main challenge of TiO2 as a photocatalyst for H2 production is the low efficiency due to limited light absorption and rapid e-/h+ recombination. This project aims to address these challenges of using TiO2 for H2 production (1) control of nanoparticle size and crystallinity, (2) surface and morphology modifications by addition of cocatalysts.The transformative potential of this project consists of the combination of synthesis /growth of TiO2 nanoparticles and films, modelling of electronic and optical properties, and state-of-the-art in- operando and in-situ atomic level characterisation that would be performed by utilising the environmental aberration-corrected TEM capability at the York-JEOL Nanocentre, which is a novelty. The latter supports the introduction of gas and/or light allowing nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy. This highly innovative approach, and will be undertaken for the first time, with the objectives of (1) enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO2-cocatalyst systems by improving light absorption and (2) understanding the mechanisms/structures that lead to improved catalyst/cocatalyst systems.The prospective student will be trained and take an integral part in synthesis, atomic-level characterisation as well as modelling. This will allow the student to be involved in all aspects of the project, from designing experiments to sophisticated data analysis supported by quantum mechanical calculations. This approach will produce a well-rounded researcher in the field of H2 production, an important venue for meeting Net Zero targets.