New-Generation Oxide Semiconductors for Solar Energy Conversion and Environmental Remediation

Abstract:

Two Oxide Semiconductors, Namely, Bismuth Vanadate (BiVO4) and Silver Bismuth Tungstate (AgBiW2O8) Were Prepared by Solution Combustion Synthesis and their Attributes as Photocatalysts Were Comparatively Evaluated. A Key Conclusion of this Study Is that the Optical Characteristics Alone Provide only a Partial Glimpse into the Applicability of a Given Semiconductor for Solar Energy Conversion and Environmental Remediation. Thus while the Optical Bandgap of Bivo4 Is Lower than Agbiw2o8 (and Thus Is Able to Harness a Greater Portion of the Solar Spectrum), its Photocatalytic Activity for the Degradation of a Dye Is Inferior. this Finding Underlines the Fact that other Characteristics of the Semiconductor (band-Edge Alignment, Surface Quality Etc) Also Play as Critical a Role as the Optical Properties.

• Periodical: Journal of Nano Research (Volume 17)
• Pages: 185-191
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/JNanoR.17.185
• Online since: February 2012
• Authors: Krishnan Rajeshwar, Norma R. de Tacconi, Hari K. Timmaji
• Keywords: Energy- and Time-Efficient Synthesis, Mild Synthesis, Solar Water Splitting

References

[1] W. Sun, C. R. Chenthamarakshan and K. Rajeshwar, Chronopotentiometry of titania film electrodes in aqueous media, J. Phys. Chem. B 106 (2002) 11531-11538.

DOI: 10.1021/jp020935x

[2] K. Rajeshwar and N. R. de Tacconi, Combustion Synthesis of Oxide Semiconductors for Solar Energy Conversion and Environmental Remediation, Chem. Soc. Rev. 38 (2009) 1984-(1998).

DOI: 10.1039/b811238j

[3] E. Nieuwlaar, E. Alsema, eds., Energy pay-back time (EPBT) and CO2 mitigation potential, Paper presented at: Environmental Aspects of PV Power Systems, IEA PVPS Task 1 Workshop, Utrecht, The Netherlands, June 25-27, (1997).

[4] L. H. Dall'Antonia, N. R. de Tacconi, W. Chanmanee, H. Timmaji, N. Myung and K. Rajeshwar, Electrosynthesis of bismuth vanadate photoelectrodes, Electrochem. Solid-State Lett. 13 (2010) D29-D32.

DOI: 10.1149/1.3322641

[5] N. Myung, S. Ham, S. Choi, Y. Chae, W-G. Kim, Y. J. Jeon, K. J. Paeng, W. Chanmanee, N. R. de Tacconi and K. Rajeshwar, Tailoring interfaces for electrochemical synthesis of semiconductor films: BiVO4, Bi2O3, or composites, J. Phys. Chem. C 115 (2011).

DOI: 10.1021/jp200632f

[6] H. K. Timmaji, W. Chanmanee, N. R. de Tacconi, and K. Rajeshwar, Solution combustion synthesis of BiVO4 nanoparticles: Effect of combustion precursors on the photocatalytic activity, J. Adv. Oxid. Technol. 14 (2011) 93.

DOI: 10.1515/jaots-2011-0112

[7] N. R. de Tacconi, H. K. Timmaji, W. Chanmanee, M. N. Huda, P. Sarker and K. Rajeshwar, Silver bismuth tungstate: Combustion synthesis, characterization, and use in the photocatalytic generation of syngas, submitted.

DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201200046

[8] K. Rajeshwar, Hydrogen generation at irradiated oxide semiconductor-solution interfaces, J. Appl. Electrochem. 37 (2007) 765-787.

DOI: 10.1007/s10800-007-9333-1

[9] K. Rajeshwar, Photoelectrochemistry and the environment, J. Appl. Electrochem. 25 (1995) 1067-1082.

[10] A. Walsh, Y. Yan, M. N. Huda, M. M. Al-Jassim and S. H. Wei, Band edge electronic structure of BiVO4: Elucidating the role of the Bi s and V d orbitals, Chemistry of Materials 21 (2009) 547-551.

DOI: 10.1021/cm802894z

[11] A. P. Finlayson, V. N. Tsaneva, L. Lyons, M. Clark and B. A. Glowacki, Evaluation of Bi–W-oxides for visible light photocatalysis, Phys. Stat. Solidi A 203 (2006) 327-335.

DOI: 10.1002/pssa.200521129

[12] D. A. Palmer and R. Van Eldik, The chemistry of metal carbonato and carbon dioxide complexes, Chemical Reviews 83 (1983) 651-731.

DOI: 10.1021/cr00058a004

[13] CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics; 82nd ed.; CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, 2001-(2002).

[14] C. R. Chenthamarakshan and K. Rajeshwar, Photocatalytic reduction of divalent zinc and cadmium ions in aqueous TiO2 suspensions: An interfacial induced adsorption-reduction pathway mediated by formate ions, Electrochem. Commun. 2 (2000) 527-530.

DOI: 10.1016/s1388-2481(00)00078-3