Nobel metal nanoparticles (NPs) deposited on metal oxide catalysts may greatly enhance the photocatalytic oxidation reactions. The size and shape of the NPs are the two critical parameters affecting the overall photo-oxidation rate. We have developed novel catalysts based on noble metal-semiconductor systems, as a new approach to improving the photocatalytic activity. Both gas phase and liquid phase oxidation reactions were studied to assess the photoactivity enhancement by noble metal NPs. In particular, the sub-nm range of noble metal NPs (e.g., Au and Pt) was explored. The structure of the deposited NPs was characterized by combining microscopy (TEM, STEM, STM) and first-principles electronic structures calculations. We have also explored a correlation between the photocatalytic activity enhancement and the size and shape of the NPs.

Influence of size, composition, and shape of noble metal nanoparticles on photocatalytic oxidation reactions

245th National Meeting (2013)

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