Au-TiO2-Loaded Cubic g-C3N4 Nanohybrids for Photocatalytic and Volatile Organic Amine Sensing Applications

Author(s)

Malik, Ritu ^[1] ; Tomer, Vijay K. ^[2] ; Joshi, Nirav ^[2] ; Dankwort, Torben ^[1] ; Lin, Liwei ^[2] ; Kienle, Lorenz ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Kiel, Inst Mat Sci, Synth & Real Struct Grp, D-24143 Kiel - Germany

^[2] Univ Calif Berkeley, BSAC, Berkeley, CA 94720 - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES; v. 10, n. 40, p. 34087-34097, OCT 10 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 23

Abstract

A green and efficient approach for efficient nanohybrid photocatalysts in extending the light response to the visible spectrum is a hot research topic in sustainable energy technologies. In this work, novel Au-TiO2@m-CN nanocomposite was synthesized using hard template of cubic ordered mesoporous KIT-6 via the nanocasting process. The as-prepared Au-TiO2@m-CN nanohybrids exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activities with improved stability and reusability using methyl orange dye. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is a result of the conjugated effect of catalytic active Au and TiO2 nanoparticles supported on highly efficient visible light sensitizer, graphitic carbon nitride (m-CN or g-C3N4), and ordered mesoporous morphology. Besides, the sensing performance of Au-TiO2@m-CN nanohybrids was also tested for the detection of amine gases, wherein a significant response was reported for triethylamine at low operating temperatures. This study reveals a simple and scalable methodology to design and develop next generation of layered mesoporous materials for multifunctional applications. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/23474-6 - Nanomaterial-based heterostructures: synthesis and their gas sensing properties
• Grantee: Niravkumar Jitendrabhai Joshi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor