Photo-assisted sequential assembling of uniform metal nanoclusters on semiconductor support

SnO2/Au Microelectromechanical Systems Modified by Oxygen Vacancies for Enhanced Sensing of Dioctyl Phthalate

Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) serves as a characteristic gas utilized in early electrical fire detection, its detection offers promising prospects for the prevention of electrical fires. In this study, we employed a modified photodeposition method to prepare Tin dioxide (SnO2) materials co-modified with Au and oxygen vacancies. Subsequently, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) gas sensor for DOP detection were fabricated, utilizing 0.5 %Au/SnO2-I as the sensing material. Characterization results reveal the presence of abundant oxygen vacancies in 0.5 %Au/SnO2-I. The synergistic interplay of Au and oxygen vacancies resulted in a remarkable response of 9.98 to 20 ppm of DOP at operational temperature of 250 °C. This represents a significant 96 % enhancement in comparison to the response value of 4.50 exhibited by pure SnO2 at 300 °C. Notably, this gas sensor boasts low power consumption and demonstrates a quick response in the detection of overheating polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cables under simulated conditions.

Advances in photochemical deposition for controllable synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts

Photochemical deposition has been attracting increasing attention for preparing nano-catalysts due to its mild reaction conditions, simplicity, green and safe characteristics, and potential for various applications in photocatalysis, thermal catalysis, and electrocatalysis. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in photochemical deposition methods for fabricating heterogeneous catalysts, and summarize the factors that influence the nucleation and growth of metal nanoparticles during the photochemical process. Specifically, we focus on the various factors including surface defects, crystal facets, surface properties and the surface plasmon effect on the size, morphology and distribution control of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles on semiconductors. The control of the photogenerated charges and the triggered photochemical reactions have been proved to be significant in the photochemical deposition process. Besides, the applications of the obtained catalytic materials in thermal catalysis and electrocatalysis is highlighted, considering that many reviews have covered photocatalysis applications. We first introduce the principle of photodeposition, nucleation and growth theory, and factors affecting photodeposition. Then, we introduce photodeposition methods that can achieve "controlled" photodeposition from a strategic perspective. Finally, we summarize the fruitful results of controlled photodeposition and provide future prospects for the development of controlled photodeposition technologies and methods, as well as the deepening and expansion of applications.

Well-dispersed Au co-catalyst deposited on a rutile TiO2 photocatalyst via electron traps

We deposited Au nanoparticles as a co-catalyst onto a TiO₂ photocatalyst by reducing [AuCl₄]^- using electrons trapped in the oxygen vacancies of TiO₂. The dispersibility and hydrogen production ability of the Au co-catalyst are higher than those prepared using the conventional photodeposition method.

Protocol on irradiation-dark photochemical deposition and characterization of metal nanoclusters on semiconductor support

Controlling the size and uniform dispersion of noble metal nanoclusters on the metal oxide based semiconductor are difficult due to the natural tendency for metal atoms to agglomerate. Here, we present the protocol for an “irradiation-dark” photochemical deposition to obtain uniform metal nanoclusters on semiconductor support, and the protocol for measuring the size and size distribution of metal nanoclusters.

For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Wu et al. (2022).

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Detailed protocol for the“irradiation-dark” photochemical deposition

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Optimized approach for high loading amount

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Characterization protocol of the size and size distribution of metal nanoclusters

Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.