Optically-Responsive Nanoparticles for Enhanced Solar-to-Fuel Photocatalytic Conversion
Abstract
The proposed research seeks to generate new nanometer-sized metal particles for use in the production of clean and on-demand energy. We wish to build upon our ongoing work to develop efficient systems for harvesting solar energy for the generation of both hydrogen and methane as alternative fuels. Our recently published work has demonstrated the effectiveness of using tiny light-absorbing metal particles to boost the conversion of water to hydrogen. However, we now seek to use this process concomitantly to generate commercially relevant chemical products from the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide. The specific goal is to develop unique solar light-absorbing metal particles that will be coated with selected oxide layers and custom-designed organic materials to optimize the overall reactivity of the system. Specific areas that we wish to investigate include:(1) Development of Light-Absorbing Metal Particles for Clean and On-Demand Energy.(2) Tuning the Chemical Environment of the Particles to Enhance Performance.(3) Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Produce Commercially Relevant Chemical Products.A targeted impact of the proposed work lies in the ability to harvest and convert solar energy to an economically affordable and readily available fuel without resorting to traditional strategies based on fossil fuels. These systematic studies on nanoscale materials will provide an enhanced and effective means for on-demand fuel generation. Notably, the outcomes of this work offer a means of addressing the obstacles associated with installing energy systems in remote areas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810094
Entities
People
- T. Randall Lee
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Houston System