Nano-engineering of metal oxides
Developments over the last three decades have led to an exponential growth in research concerning applications of semiconductor metal oxides [1] which include photocatalysis, photo-splitting of water to yield H2 and O2, sensors and biosensors, lithium ion batteries, dyes sensitised solar cells etc. Nano-scale engineering to produce metal oxide coatings and architectures has a profound effect on physical properties. In this work chemical and physical routes will be used to produce metal oxide nano-structures, and these will be characterised using a wide range of surface analytical techniques. Possible applications which could be investigated (depending on physical properties of films) include lithium ion batteries, dye sensitised solar cells, magnetic storage, conducting nanowire growth. Work Plan: Carry out detail literature survey of publications in the field. Undertake training in photoelectrochemical techniques and advanced surface analytical techniques including Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Probe Microscopy e.g. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-rays (EDAX), and X-ray Diffraction. Prepare a protocol for the preparation of nano-structure metal oxide materials based on the knowledge of physicochemical properties of the materials required. Characterise materials and based on the results define the most suitable application/s and test. Write up and submit Ph.D. thesis. 1. D A Tryk, A Fujishima, K Honda, \"Recent topics in photoelectrochemistry: achievements and future prospects.\" Electrochimica Acta, 2000, 45, 2363-2376
Personnel Involved
First Supervisor: Byrne, J Dr
Second Supervisor: Lemoine, P Dr
Collaboration: This project does not involve collaboration with another establishment
Synopsis:
Developments over the last three decades have led to an exponential growth in research concerning applications of semiconductor metal oxides which include photocatalysis, photo-splitting of water to yield H2 and O2, sensors and biosensors, lithium ion batteries, dyes sensitised solar cells etc. Nano-scale engineering to produce metal oxide coatings and architectures has a profound effect on physico-chemcial properties. In this work chemical and physical routes will be used to produce metal oxide nano-structures, and these will be characterised using advanced analytical techniques available within NIBEC.