Fabrication of Transition Metal Doped TiO2 Photocatlyst for Artificial Photosynthesis Applications

Elimination of greenhouse gases from atmosphere became an ultimate problem recently. Previously we reported of formic acid photosynthesis using Iron doped TiO₂ [1]. In this paper we discuss various transition metal doped TiO₂ for artificial photosynthesis application. Powder TiO₂ was doped using transition metal. Photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffractometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope. Prepared photocatalyst was used for photosynthesizing of carbonyl and amino compounds from CO₂ gas and nitric acid. Prepared samples were examined using UV-visible spectroscopy, Infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography. Selectivity of prepared catalyst to alcohols, formates and ureas was compared and discussed.   It was found that transition metal doped TiO₂ is much more efficient for photosynthesis purpose than bare one. 

References:

[1] Amir Abidov et al., 2013, Applied Mechanics and Materials, 479-480, 100