Design, synthesis, and characterization of medium band gap semiconductors for photocatalytic wastewater remediation

Using TiO2 as a standard of comparison, the synthesis and characterization of novel photocatalysts are discussed. An introduction to photocatalysts is given, followed by solid-state synthesis theory and methodology. TiO2-assisted photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue (a wastewater contaminant) was investigated using a solar simulator. The degradation as a function of time was monitored by samples being taken at different times throughout the exposure within the solar simulator. The absorbance of each solution was quantified employing a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. In addition, the role of particle size, suspension, electron doping, and light intensity in photocatalytic performance of TiO2 was investigated. Furthermore, solid-state theory was used to create a novel synthetic route for transition metal oxynitride phases.;Methods of characterization and respective data discussed include Powder X-ray Diffraction, Diffuse Reflectance, Particle Sizing, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry.