The effect of photonic band gap on the photo-catalytic activity of nc-TiO2/SnO2 photonic crystal composite membranes

Sheng Li Chen, Ai Jun Wang, Chao Dai, Jay Burton Benziger, Xue Cheng Liu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

47 Scopus citations

Abstract

nc-TiO2/SnO2 photonic crystal composite membranes were prepared by depositing nanocrystalline TiO2 layers on top of inverse opal SnO2 photonic crystals films. The photonic band gap of the SnO2 photonic crystals layer was tuned by changing the particles size of polystyrene microspheres. Photons trapped in the SnO2 photonic crystal layer are more effectively absorbed by TiO2 at the TiO2/SnO2 interface creating photoelectrons that assist in oxidation reactions. It was shown that the closer the photonic band gap of the phonic crystals layers matches the electronic band gap of TiO2 catalyst layer, the higher the photocatalytic activity of the composite membranes. The photo-activity of TiO2 can be enhanced by the synergistic effect of photonic crystal light localization at the SnO2/TiO2 interface.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)48-53
Number of pages6
JournalChemical Engineering Journal
Volume249
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Keywords

  • Photo-catalyst
  • Photonic crystals
  • Stop-band reflection

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The effect of photonic band gap on the photo-catalytic activity of nc-TiO2/SnO2 photonic crystal composite membranes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this