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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Enhancement of photocurrent response for self-ordered Nb2O5 nanotubes synthesized at room temperature

Full text
Author(s):
de Brito, Juliana Ferreira [1] ; Mascaro, Lucia Helena [1]
Total Authors: 2
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Chem, Rod Washington Luiz, Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: Journal of Materials Science; v. 56, n. 3, p. 2088-2102, JAN 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

The major challenge regarding new photocatalysts is to obtain a semiconductor with high and stable photocurrent from inexpensive and abundant materials. Niobium oxide meets some of these requirements, but its photocurrent is usually very low. Therefore, this study introduces the synthesis and characterization of self-organized Nb(2)O(5)nanotubes (Nb(2)O(5)Nt) presenting a high photocurrent density of 0.04 mA cm(-2)under incidence of artificial sunlight, of 100 mW cm(-2), and potential of 1.5 V without further surface modification. The best catalyst was obtained through anodization of a Nb foil at 90 V for 2 h in a one-compartment and two-electrodes cell at room temperature, using glycerol, H2O, and NH4F as the electrolyte, followed by annealing at 450 degrees C for 60 min. The water concentration was the most important factor to obtain the desired morphology with a good distribution of nanotube diameters, high UV absorption, low bang gap (3.2 eV) compared to the observed for the Nb2O5 semiconductor (3.4 eV), and great photocurrent density. Such properties turn the Nb(2)O(5)Nt into a promising catalyst for direct use in photochemical reactions or as a good platform yet to be combined in heterojunctions or applied for doping and decoration. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 14/50249-8 - Green chemistry: sustainable synthetic methods employing benign solvents, safer reagents, and bio-renewable feedstock
Grantee:Arlene Gonçalves Corrêa
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program
FAPESP's process: 18/02950-0 - Photoelectrocatalytic reduction of N2 to NH3 in a photoelectrochemistry reactor with a photoanode-driven of Nb2O5/Pt and cathode of GDL decorated with Fe, Co and Sb2Se3
Grantee:Juliana Ferreira de Brito
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
FAPESP's process: 17/11986-5 - Generation and storage of New Energy: bringing technological development for the country
Grantee:Ana Flávia Nogueira
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program
FAPESP's process: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials
Grantee:Elson Longo da Silva
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
FAPESP's process: 18/16401-8 - Photocatalysts and photoelectrodes for obtaining renewable fuels
Grantee:Lucia Helena Mascaro Sales
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants