• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.57-67
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• 2021

Photocatalytic green energy H2 production utilizing inexhaustible solar energy has been considered as a potential solution to problems of energy scarcity and environmental contamination. However, the design of a cost-effective photocatalyst using simple synthesis methodology is still a grand challenge. Herein, a low-cost transition metal, Cu-loaded one-dimensional TiO2 nanorods (Cu/TNR) were fabricated using an easy-to-use synthesis methodology for significant H2 production under simulated solar light. X-ray photoelectron spectral studies and electron microscopy measurements provide evidence to support the successful formation of the Cu/TNR catalyst under our experimental conditions. UV-vis DRS studies further demonstrate that introducing Cu on the surface of TNR substantially increases light absorption in the visible range. Notably, the Cu/TNR catalyst with optimum Cu content, achieved a remarkable H2 production with a yield of 39,239 µmol/g after 3 h of solar light illumination, representing 7.4- and 27.7-fold enhancements against TNR and commercial P25, respectively. The notably improved H2 evolution activity of the target Cu/TNR catalyst was primarily attributed to its excellent separation and efficiently hampered recombination of photoexcited electron-hole pairs. The Cu/TNR catalyst is, therefore, a potential candidate for photocatalytic green energy applications.

• Ceramist
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.55-73
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• 2017

As one of the most versatile semiconductors, zinc oxide (ZnO) with one-dimensional (1-D) nanostructures has been significantly developed for the application of ultraviolet (UV) lasers, photochemical sensors, photocatalysts, and so on. Such 1-D nanowires could be easily achieved due to the anisotropic growth rate along the [0001] direction. However, such typical growth habit leads to decrease the surface area of the (0001) plane, which plays a central role in not only UV lasing action but also photocatalytic reaction. This fact lead us to develop ZnO crystal with enhanced polar surface area through crystal growth control. The purpose of this review is to provide readers a simple route to plate-type ZnO crystal with highly enhanced polar surfaces and their applications for UV-laser, photocatalyst, and antibacterial agents. In addition, we will highlight the recent study on pilot-scale synthesis of plate-type ZnO crystal for industrial applications.

• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.167-183
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• 2017

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is one of the most versatile semiconductors, and one-dimensional (1D) ZnO nanostructures have attracted significant interest for use in ultraviolet (UV) lasers, photochemical sensors, and photocatalysts, among other applications. It is known that 1D ZnO nanowires can be fabricated readily owing to the anisotropic growth of ZnO along the [0001] direction. However, this type of growth results in a decrease in the surface area of the (0001) plane, which plays a vital role not only in UV lasing but also in the photocatalytic process. Thus, we attempted to synthesize ZnO crystals with an increased polar surface area by controlling the crystal growth process. The purpose of this review is to propose a simple route for the synthesis of plate-like ZnO crystals with highly enhanced polar surfaces and to explore their feasibility for use in UV lasers as well as as a photocatalyst and antibacterial agent. In addition, we highlight the recent progress made in the pilot-scale synthesis of plate-like ZnO crystals for industrial applications.

• Journal of the Korean Vacuum Society
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.105-113
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• 2010

One-dimensional nanostructures have been researched widely because of its unique physical properties such as optical, electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties in comparison with bulk structures. Especially nanotubular structures are able to provide larger surface area, capability to load purposeful materials, and unique mechanical modulus. We reviewed the oxide nanotube technology with focusing on the method of template-directed fabrication. We can easily control of physical dimensions of nanotubes by control of nanotemplate and fabrication condition. and template-directed fabrication is ideal tool to fabricate the amount of monodisperse nanotubes. They have potentials for application in solar cell, drug-delivery, Li-ion batteries and photocatalyst. We discussed these potential applications and research trends.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2012

In this article, I will introduce recent developments of environmental-friendly materials fabricated using atomic layer deposition (ALD). Advantages of ALD include fine control of the thin film thickness and formation of a homogeneous thin fim on complex-structured three-dimensional substrates. Such advantages of ALD can be exploited for fabricating environmental-friendly materials. Porous membranes such as anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) can be used as a substrate for $TiO_2$ coating with a thickness of about 10 nm, and the $TiO_2$-coated AAO can be used as filter of volatile organic compound such as toluene. The unique structural property of AAO in combination with a high adsorption capacity of amorphous $TiO_2$ can be exploited in this case. $TiO_2$ can be also deposited on nanodiamonds and Ni powder, which can be used as photocatalyst for degradation of toluene, and $CO_2$ reforming of methane catalyst, respectively. One can produce structures, in which the substrates are only partially covered by $TiO_2$ domains, and these structures turns out to be catalytically more active than bare substrates, or complete core-shell structures. We show that the ALD can be widely used not only in the semiconductor industry, but also environmental science.