Advancement of Metal Oxide Materials for Photocatalytic Application: Selected Strategies to Achieve Higher Efficiency

This book investigates strategies to improve metal oxide materials' photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical performances, such as introducing intrinsic and extrinsic deficiencies, fabricating heterojunctions, and utilizing metal nanoparticles. It also discusses methods and experimental protocols used to realize these strategies and the changes they induce in electronic and geometrical configurations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 225 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book delves into the exploration of diverse emerging strategies aimed at enhancing the crucial properties and features of metal oxide materials, with the ultimate goal of improving their photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical performances. The range of strategies discussed encompasses the introduction of intrinsic and extrinsic deficiencies, the fabrication of heterojunctions, and the utilization of metal nanoparticles in either deposited or embedded formations. Each strategy is treated as a distinct case to provide a thorough and comprehensive assessment of its fundamental principles, basics, advantages, and disadvantages. Furthermore, an additional discussion is dedicated to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods and experimental protocols employed to realize these strategies, as well as exploring the changes they induce in the electronic and geometrical configurations of metal oxide materials. It is anticipated that this book will serve as a valuable resource in expanding our current knowledge of photocatalysis and material processing.

Introduction:
Metal oxide materials have gained significant attention in recent years due to their promising applications in various fields, including photocatalysis, photoelectrochemistry, and energy storage. However, there is still a need to improve their properties and features to enhance their performance in these applications. This book aims to investigate the applicability of various emerging strategies to enhance the photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical performances of metal oxide materials.

Strategies:
The book discusses a range of strategies that can be employed to improve the properties and features of metal oxide materials. These strategies include the introduction of intrinsic and extrinsic deficiencies, the fabrication of heterojunctions, and the utilization of metal nanoparticles in the form of deposited or embedded formations.

Intrinsic Deficiencies:
Intrinsic deficiencies refer to the inherent properties of the metal oxide material that limit its photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical performance. These deficiencies can be addressed by modifying the chemical composition, structure, and surface properties of the material. For example, adding a second metal element to the metal oxide material can introduce new electronic states that enhance its photocatalytic activity.

Extrinsic Deficiencies:
Extrinsic deficiencies arise from the surrounding environment or the interface between the metal oxide material and the reactants. These deficiencies can be addressed by modifying the surface properties of the material, such as by grafting or decorating it with suitable molecules or nanoparticles. For example, decorating the surface of the metal oxide material with a photosensitizer can enhance its photocatalytic activity.

Heterojunction:
A heterojunction is a structure that consists of two or more different materials that have different electronic properties. By creating a heterojunction between a metal oxide material and another material, such as a semiconductor, it is possible to enhance the photocatalytic activity of the metal oxide material. The different electronic properties of the materials can facilitate the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, which leads to increased photocatalytic activity.

Metal Nanoparticles:
Metal nanoparticles, such as gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, and copper nanoparticles, have been shown to enhance the photocatalytic activity of metal oxide materials. These nanoparticles can absorb light and generate electrons or holes, which can then be used to initiate photocatalytic reactions. The size, shape, and surface properties of the metal nanoparticles can affect their photocatalytic activity.

Experimental Protocols:
To realize these strategies, various experimental protocols are used, such as synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic testing. These protocols are designed to understand the fundamental principles and basics of the strategies, as well as to evaluate their performance in real-world applications.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive exploration of the applicability of various emerging strategies to improve the photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical performances of metal oxide materials. The strategies discussed include the introduction of intrinsic and extrinsic deficiencies, the fabrication of heterojunctions, and the utilization of metal nanoparticles in the form of deposited or embedded formations. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of these strategies, it is possible to develop new and improved metal oxide materials that can have a significant impact on various fields, including environmental science, energy, and medicine.

Weight: 535g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031205521
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022