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New Materials for Photocatalysis

New Materials for PhotocatalysisSolar energy conversion represents the most viable means of sustainably producing 13 TW (consistent with global human demand). Photocatalytic water-splitting represents one way of using solar energy to convert a low value substance (water) into a useable fuel (hydrogen), with minimized environmental and political consequences. Spray pyrolysis provides access to the compositionally-complex materials that typify most modern photocatalysts.

We are currently using this synthetic technique to enhance the photocatalytic performance of valence band modified metal oxides and to study the shape-dependent photocatalytic properties of metal oxides. Advances in photocatalytic materials for solar water splitting can be directly applied to environmental remediation projects.

Funding provided by NSF-DMR (2016-2019) for "Spray Synthesis of Shape-Defined Nanocrystals", NSF-DMR CAREER Award (2010-2015) for "Advanced Aerosol Synthesis of Metal Oxides for Photocatalytic Applications" and by ACS-PRF (2009-2011) for "Electrospray Synthesis of Composite Photocatalysts with Controlled Architectures".

For a representative manuscript, please see:

Aerosol Synthesis of Shape-Controlled Template Particles: a Route to Ta3N5 Nanoplates and Octahedra as Photocatalysts

ARTICLE LINK Fu, J.; Skrabalak, S. E.* "Aerosol Synthesis of Shape-Controlled Template Particles: a Route to Ta3N5 Nanoplates and Octahedra as Photocatalysts" Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2016, 4, 8451.

Prospective Graduate Students

We seek 1-3 graduate students per year. All prospective students must apply directly to the program (link). Upon arrival at IU, students rotate in research groups and advisors are finalized then. Given the number of emails received, individual inquiries will likely go unanswered but you are encouraged to learn more through our website.

Undergraduate Research

Research opportunities available for undergraduates! Inquire via email. Include your resume, list of science courses completed, and gpa. Also, check out our Science Ambassadors' Program.

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