| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T24: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
2024 Undergraduate Student Poster Contest
|
| Presentation Title |
SPU-16: Photochemical Properties of WO3-TiO2 Eutectic Composites |
| Author(s) |
Katherine Eisenman, Elizabeth Dickey, Gregory Rohrer |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Katherine Eisenman |
| Abstract Scope |
WO3-TiO2 eutectic composites were investigated as potential heterogeneous photocatalysts. The band offsets between the two phases can promote charge separation, reduce electron hole recombination, and thus increase efficiency for applications like hydrogen production from water splitting. The composite was synthesized by melting mixtures in a Pt crucible and cooling in air. The resulting microstructure of the composite was investigated using SEM and XRD. SEM images showed a lamellar eutectic microstructure. When the sample was immersed in a silver bearing solution and illuminated with UV light, silver was photochemically reduced on the surface, but only the WO3 surfaces. The absence of silver on the TiO2 surface suggests that photogenerated electrons are transferred from TiO2 to the lower energy conduction band of WO3, where they can reduce silver cations on the surface. |