Semiconductor metal oxides have been studied for many years for solar energy harvesting due to their abundance and activity. Among these photocatalysts, cobalt oxides (Co3O4) and manganese oxides (Mn3O4) have recently drawn attention because of their high catalytic reactivity, low toxicity and abundance. We synthesized Co3O4 and Mn3O4 porous silica nanocomposites based on the St�ber method. By changing the amount of silica precursor, we are able to vary the thickness of silica shell, and by using surface grafting, we are able to modify the dielectric environment of the metal oxide. The utilization of highly porous silica material provides the nanocomposites with a high surface area. The Co3O4 and Mn3O4 porous silica nanocomposites have been characterized using structural (XRD, TEM) and spectroscopic (UV-Vis) methods. By tuning the thickness of silica shell, porosity and dielectric environment, the porous silica nanocomposites have better reactivity towards water oxidation compared to non-silica-coated Co3O4 and Mn3O4.

Photocatalytic water oxidation activity of Co3O4 and Mn3O4 coated with porous silica

245th National Meeting (2013)

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