Modified titanium dioxide for improved photocatalysis

INOR 250

Brittany L. Oliva, boliva@uno.edu1, Madeleine Leefe1, and Matthew A. Tarr, mtarr@uno.edu2. (1) Advanced Materials Research Institute and Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148, (2) Department of Chemistry, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148
Titanium dioxide is a photocatalyst that requires UV excitation. Doping of titanium dioxide with elements such as carbon, sulfur, or nitrogen shifts the absorption into the visible range. In this study, unmodified or N-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles have been tested for their ability to destroy organic pollutants. Further modification of these particles includes deposition of metal nanoparticles onto the surface of the semi-conductor in order to improve electron-hole separation and enhance electron transfer. Metals used include gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. In addition to their application for pollutant destruction, metal loaded titanium dioxide nanoparticles can also be used for selective killing of disease cells (e.g. cancer) or disinfection of bacteria. Antibodies can be readily attached to the metal nanoparticles, causing the aggregate particle to target disease or germ cells. This project focuses on the effects of titanium dioxide doping and metal deposition on the destruction of pollutants and targeted cells.
 

Environmental Aspects of Inorganic Chemistry
7:00 PM-9:00 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Division of Inorganic Chemistry

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008