Nanostructured Catalysts for Environmental Applications

S. Ismat Shah, Physics and Astronomy, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware

Several environment related applications of nanoparticles are being studied. In this two part talk, I will discuss the synthesis and characterizations of semiconducting metal oxide nanoparticles and transition metal carbide nanoparticles. TiO2 is a much studied material for photocatalysis applications. Its large band gap makes it useful only with UV radiations. For much desired activation in the visible range, the band gap has to be tailored. Various schemes to accomplish visible light photocatalysis will be described along with the general synthesis issues, characterizations, and applications. Tungsten compounds are becoming increasingly popular as environmental catalysts, e.g., for electrocatalysis in fuel cells and catalyst for the reduction of NOx. In the second part of the talk, I will present the latest results in the synthesis of WC nanoparticles and its application as a potential replacement for precious metals in catalytic converter.

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