Photocatalytic methane oxidation over a TiO<sub>2</sub>/SiNWs p–n junction catalyst at room temperature
Rapid recombination of charge carriers in semiconductors is a main drawback for photocatalytic oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reactions. Herein, we propose a novel catalyst by developing a p-n junction titania-silicon nanowires (TiO<sub>2</sub>/SiNWs) heterostructure. The structure is fabricated by atomic layer deposition of TiO<sub>2</sub> on p-type SiNWs. The TiO<sub>2</sub>/SiNWs heterostructure exhibited an outstanding OCM performance under simulated solar light irradiation compared to the single components. This enhanced efficiency was attributed to the intrinsic electrical field formed between n-type TiO<sub>2</sub> and p-type SiNWs, which forces generated charge carriers to move in opposite directions and suppresses charge recombination. Besides, surface morphology and optical properties of the the p-n TiO<sub>2</sub>/SiNWs catalyst are also beneficial for the photocatalytic activity. It is expected that the results of this study will provide massive guidance in synthesizing an efficient photocatalyst for CH<sub>4</sub> conversion under mild conditions.
Authors
- Phan Khanh Thinh Nguyen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8204-6701)
- Dai Hai Nguyen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3501-7390)
- Qui Thanh Hoai Ta (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0387-6281)
- Ngoc Hoi Nguyen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9227-8496)
- Luan Minh Nguyen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3981-2084)
Institutions
- Gachon University (KR)
- Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology
- Published
- 2024-09-02
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3762/bjnano.15.92
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.31
Funders
- Tập đoàn Vingroup - Công ty CP
- Quỹ Đổi mới sáng tạo Vingroup