Iron (III) oxide, Fe2O3, is an abundant and stable semiconductor found in rust. Fe2O3 has become increasingly studied over the years for its potential use in photoelectrochemical cells because of its abilities to convert energy in the visible electromagnetic spectrum and split water to produce hydrogen gas. The hydrolysis reaction of iron (III) ions from both lab grade and recycled rust materials was used to prepare nanoparticulate solutions of Fe2O3. Solutions were concentrated and applied onto conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) films using a dip coating method. To increase the photocurrent production and improve the fast recombination rates of Fe2O3, the nanoparticulate films were further modified with small molecules such as dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. The films were characterized and compared using spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. Optimization is ongoing since recycled rust films yielded photocurrent signals lower than the lab grade films. The recycled rust films most likely had a lower concentration of the nanoparticle solution.

Recycling of iron (III) oxide for use in photoelectrochemical cells

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.