Cobalt Doped Ag-TiO2 Hybrid Nanocrystal Photocatalysis: Application as a Renewable Solar Fuel — 107p — DaGyn Williams, Nurul Muttakin, Mahfuz Ahammed, Lara Haack

Understanding the global energy landscape and the urgent need for more efficient renewable energy sources is crucial for addressing the global climate crisis. By 2050, global energy consumption from fossil fuels alone is projected to exceed 700 quads. Despite a projected tripling of renewable energy sources, we are expected to fall short of achieving net-zero carbon emissions. A promising solution to this problem is semiconductor photocatalysis, which converts light energy into chemical energy through water splitting to produce hydrogen and oxygen gas, or hydrogen peroxide via surface redox reactions. Specifically, we focus on metal-ion-doped TiO₂ heteronanocrystals. Our methodology involves interstitial doping of high-aspect-ratio anatase TiO₂ with cobalt ions to enhance visible light absorption, followed by the deposition of silver metal on the surface of TiO₂ to mitigate electron-hole pair recombination. We propose that this combination increases photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. We have synthesized various concentrations of Co²⁺-doped TiO₂ to compare the photocatalytic effect of cobalt doping on Ag-TiO₂ hybrid nanocrystals. These samples are characterized through UV/Vis spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. We perform photocatalysis reactions and quantify H₂ evolution with gas chromatography. The long-term goal is to create a doped hybrid nanocrystal system with enhanced visible light absorption and increased charge carrier separation lifetime for efficient hydrogen evolution.

South Dakota State University
Waynesburg University
Dr. James Hoefelmeyer