Core-crown quantum-well nanoplatelet functionalized TIO2 for photocatalytic NOx abatement

Oleic acid capped core/crown CdSe/CdSeTe quantum-well nanoplatelets (NPL) were used in the surface functionalization of TiO2. Structural characterization of the synthesized photocatalytic architecture was carried out to shed light on its surface chemistry, electronic, and crystallographic structure. NPL/TiO2 composites were tested in NO photo-oxidation under ultraviolet-A (UVA) and visible (VIS) light, showing a remarkable activity in NOx abatement and high selectivity for nitrate storage as compared to standard benchmark TiO2 photocatalyst (i.e. P25). Improved photocatalytic behavior can be attributed to the decrease in the bandgap and enhanced photogenerated electron-hole pair separation as a result of the incorporation of CdSe/CdSeTe NPL onto TiO2. Stability of composites was also investigated in durability tests. Even though some decrease in photocatalytic activity and selectivity of NPL/TiO2 composites was observed, performance of the NPL/TiO2 composites was found to be significantly better than pure TiO2.