Outstanding cooperation of all-inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite with TiO2 forming composites and heterostructures for photodegradation

Author(s)

Ganharul, Grace Kelly Q. ; Tofanello, Aryane ; Bonadio, Ariany ; Freitas, Andre L. M. ; Escote, Marcia T. ; Polo, Andre S. ; Nantes-Cardoso, Iseli L. ; Souza, Jose Antonio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Materials Science; v. 57, n. 36, p. 17-pg., 2022-09-22.

Abstract

Semiconductor materials have a great potential to be used as a photocatalyst in several applications from dye degradation and water treatment up to solar cells. All-inorganic halide perovskite CsPbI3 and TiO2 with anatase structure were synthesized, studied, and compared as single samples and also forming heterostructures and composites. Structural, morphological, and optical characterizations reveal the successful synthesis of CsPbI3 and TiO2 compounds and the formation of both composites and heterostructures CsPbI3/TiO2. Methylene blue organic dye was used as a model for the study and evaluation of the photocatalytic activity exhibited by the produced semiconducting samples. The photocatalytic activity for MB degradation in methanol was investigated separately for TiO2 and CsPbI3 and their formation as composites and heterostructures. We have observed that when CsPbI3 perovskite is combined with TiO2, a cooperative mechanism involving the formation of intermediate phases promotes photobleaching with a kinetic constant rate much higher than both compounds separated or forming heterostructures. The CsPbI3/TiO2 causes MB mineralization by an oxygen-dependent mechanism. On the other hand, very high constant rate of the MB photodegradation can be observed by CsPbI3 perovskite even in a solution without the presence of dissolved oxygen. The presence of structural defects interstitials, vacancies, and under-coordinated Pb2+ ions on the surface of the perovskite particles may be formed during light irradiation and act as catalytic centers. The kinetic constant rate and the mechanism of MB photobleaching and the occurrence of dye mineralization can be tuned in feasible by simple strategies involving the formation of heterostructure and composites. [GRAPHICS] . (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/02317-2 - Interfaces in materials: electronic, magnetic, structural and transport properties
• Grantee: Adalberto Fazzio
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/09563-1 - Synthesis and characterization of CH3NH3PbX3 perovskite films
• Grantee: André Luiz Martins de Freitas
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/23277-4 - Investigation on electron transfer processes in photoactive devices
• Grantee: André Sarto Polo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/15682-3 - Synthesis and Physical Properties Characterization of Micro/Nanostructured Semiconducting Materials
• Grantee: José Antonio Souza
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants