New Insights in Photocatalysis for Environmental Applications (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)

This book explains the basic and fundamental aspects of nanotechnology and the potential use of nanostructured photocatalysts in various applications, especially in the context of the environment and energy harvesting. It describes the preparation and characterization of unique nanostructured photocatalysts and provides details of their catalytic action, and also discusses the design of new types of photocatalysts with controlled nanostructures. Given its broad scope, the book will appeal to academic and industrial researchers interested in heterogeneous photocatalysis, sustainable chemistry, energy conversion and storage, nanotechnology, chemical engineering, environmental protection, optoelectronics, sensors and surface and interface science. Contents 1 A Fundamental Overview 1.1 Nanomaterials Chronology; From Bulk to 0D 1.1.1 Terminologies 1.2 History and Background of Photocatalysis 1.2.1 Photocatalysis for Environmental Pollution 1.2.2 Photocatalysis for Metals Reduction 1.2.3 Photocatalysis for Energy Harvesting 1.3 Properties Affecting Catalytic Performance 1.4 Impact of Incorporation of Other Materials 1.4.1 Effect of Doping, Composite, and Heterostructures of Semiconductors 1.4.2 Effect of Metal Loading on Enhanced Activity 1.5 Conclusion References 2 Nanostructures Fabricated by Physical Techniques 2.1 Introduction 2.1.1 The Polyol Method 2.1.2 Microemulsions 2.1.3 Coprecipitation 2.1.4 Sol–Gel Method 2.1.5 Thermal Condensation 2.1.6 Solvothermal 2.1.7 Etching Technique 2.2 Physical Synthesis of Nanomaterials 2.2.1 Bottom-Up 2.2.2 Top-Down 2.3 Conclusion References 3 Nanomaterials for Safe and Sustainable Environment: Realm of Wonders 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Insight in “The Room at Bottom” and Its Realm 3.2.1 3D Nanomaterials for Environmental Applications 3.2.2 2D Nanomaterials as the Star of Photocatalytic Applications 3.2.3 1D Nanomaterials for the Survival of Environment 3.2.4 Perspective of 0D Nanomaterials in Photocatalysis 3.3 Future Perspective in the Field of Nanotechnology 3.4 Conclusion References 4 Understanding the Physics of Photocatalytic Phenomenon 4.1 Introduction 4.2 The Basic Mechanism of Photocatalysis 4.3 Heterogeneous Photocatalysis 4.4 Homogeneous Photocatalysis 4.5 Impact of Different Parameters on Photocatalytic Activity 4.5.1 pH of Semiconductor 4.5.2 Size of Semiconductor 4.5.3 Synthesis Techniques 4.5.4 Band gap 4.6 Conclusion References 5 Role of Metal Oxide/Sulphide/Carbon-Based Nanomaterials in Photocatalysis 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Metal Oxide-Based Nano Photocatalysts 5.2.1 Oxides of Group-IV-Based Photocatalyst 5.2.2 Oxides of Group-V-Based Photocatalyst 5.2.3 Oxides of Group-VI-Based Photocatalyst 5.2.4 Oxides of Group-VII A-Based Photocatalyst 5.2.5 Oxides of Copper and Zinc 5.3 Metal Sulphides as Nanophotocatalyst 5.3.1 CuS as Nanophotocatalyst 5.3.2 MoS2 as Nanophotocatalyst 5.3.3 ZnS-Based Photocatalysts 5.3.4 Carbon Nanotubes as Cocatalysts 5.3.5 Carbon-Based 2D Materials 5.4 Conclusion References 6 Plasmonic Photocatalysts and Their Applications 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Functional Mechanism of Enhanced Plasmonic 6.2.1 Plasmonic Enhancement to Absorb Light 6.2.2 Plasmonic Sensitization 6.2.3 Pure-Metal Plasmonic for Photocatalysis 6.3 Background of Plasmonic Photocatalysts 6.4 Applications of Plasmonic Photocatalysis 6.4.1 Solar Water Splitting 6.4.2 Environmental Applications 6.4.3 CO2 Reduction Under Sunlight 6.5 Conclusion References 7 Challenges and Future Prospects