Photochemical formation of semiconducting nanostructures

Photochemical synthesis of size-tailored hexagonal ZnS quantum dots

ZnS quantum dots were synthetized at room temperature using a simple photochemical process involving ketyl radicals. Through the simple adjustment of reagent concentration, the method allows the control of nanoparticle size. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the nanomaterial adopts the hexagonal structure.

Photoassisted formation of CuxS-based cathodes for CdS-sensitized solar cells with S2−/Sx2− electrolyte

The sulfidation of copper nanoparticles deposited onto ZnO surface by the photocatalytic reduction of Cu(ii) results in the formation of ZnO/Cu_xS films that can be used as efficient counter electrodes in solar cells based on sulfide/polysulfide electrolytes.

PHOTOCHEMICAL FABRICATION OF TRANSITION METAL NANOPARTICLES USING CdS TEMPLATE AND THEIR CO-CATALYSIS EFFECTS FOR TiO2 PHOTOCATALYSIS

Transition metal nanoparticles were prepared by chemical dissolution of CdS template from metal photodeposited CdS nanorod (length = 70–85 nm and width = 5–6 nm) heterocomposites. Size (9–10 nm) of metal nanoparticles obtained after CdS removal was larger than the size (4–6 nm) of metal nanodeposits over CdS template. The obtained Au nanoparticles displayed a broad red shifted absorption band at 660 nm, whereas Pt , Pd and Rh nanoparticles exhibit featureless absorption spectra. Elemental analysis confirms the complete removal of CdS template from Au – CdS ( Au — 2.65 at.%) and Ag – CdS ( Ag — 2.06 at.%) composites showing no Cd peak. These metal nanoparticles imparted dissimilar co-catalytic activity of TiO 2 for photocatalytic degradation of salicylic acid in the order Au > Pt > Pd > Ag > Rh as a function of their nature, electronegativity, redox potential and work function.

Nanoparticles in liquid crystals and liquid crystalline nanoparticles

Combinations of liquid crystals and materials with unique features as well as properties at the nanoscale are reviewed. Particular attention is paid to recent developments, i.e., since 2007, in areas ranging from liquid crystal-nanoparticle dispersions to nanomaterials forming liquid crystalline phases after surface modification with mesogenic or promesogenic moieties. Experimental and synthetic approaches are summarized, design strategies compared, and potential as well as existing applications discussed. Finally, a critical outlook into the future of this fascinating field of liquid crystal research is provided.