Ian Wark Research Institute
ARC Special Research Centre
ARC Special Research Centre
Research Area: Chemistry, colloid and interface science, materials science and nanotechnology
Degree: Honours
Supervisors: Prof Thomas Nann and Prof Bill Skinner
Description: Artificial photosynthesis constitutes non-natural (technical) approaches, where solar energy is converted to chemical energy by following the blueprint of natural photosynthesis. This does basically mean that photons are absorbed by an antenna or antenna system and the excited energy is then transferred to a catalyst for water oxidation, reduction respectively. The reduction product is typically a fuel such as hydrogen [1].
Semiconductor nanocrystals or quantum dots (QDs) have unique and
scalable optical properties where photoluminescence and absorption of
the QDs shift to the blue with decreasing particle size. This makes QDs
ideal light "antennas" for artificial photosynthesis systems. There is a
range of commercially available QDs, including CdS, CdSe, CdTe and other
class A and B element containing semiconductors. Even though having the
above, advantageous optical properties, these particles are unacceptable
for most applications due to their intrinsic toxicity. This project aims
to find new and innovative synthesis methods for non-toxic QDs. This
includes the comprehensive optical, electronic and surface
characterisation with the aim to optimise the new QDs for light
harvesting.
Approach: CuInX2 and AgInX2 (with X=S, Se) are semiconducting
materials with suitable properties for visible light harvesting. We will
investigate new synthesis methods for the preparation of QDs from these
materials. Characterisation results of the products will be fed back to
optimise the synthesis procedures. The following methods will be used:
- Wet-chemical synthesis of reactive precursors.
- Microwave-assisted synthesis of QDs.
- Continuous flow synthesis of QDs.
- Different X-Ray characterisation methods (including XPS, XRD, EDXS).
- Various spectrocopies.
- High-resolution transmission electron microscopy.
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be addressed to Thomas Nann or
Bill Skinner.
References
[1] Nann, T. et al. Water Splitting by Visible Light: A Nanophotocathode
for Hydrogen Production. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 49, 1574-1577 (2010).
