Research Projects

Photocatalytic visible active materials are crucial for environmental remediation, especially with the abundant solar energy. Composites with p-n heterojunctions are more effective than single phase composites for maximum photocatalytic activity (PCA). The study aims to explore the performance of p-n heterojunctions for various dyes and gas sensing responses at different temperatures. The research will involve 12 series of p-n heterojunctions synthesized using the hydrothermal method. Experiments will be conducted to identify phases, micro-structures, nano-structure, elemental analysis, oxidation states, optical band gap estimation, partial density of states (PDOs), functional groups, surface area measurement, photo-degradation studies, photoluminescence recording, scanning electron microscopy, mott-schottky and Nyquist plots, and gas sensing studies of thin film-coated samples. Various techniques will be used to analyze the phases, micro-structures, and nano-structure of the composites. XRD, FEsEM, TEM, EDX, XPs, UV-Vis-DRs analysis, DFT, FTIR, Raman spectroscopies, and BET techniques will be used to analyze the samples. Photo-degradation studies will be conducted under sun-light/visible light, photoluminescence will be recorded, and scavenger tests will be conducted to confirm the roles of various radicals in dye degradation. Mott-schottky and Nyquist plots will be measured to study p-n junction characteristics, and gas sensing studies will be conducted on thin film-coated samples. The studies conducted on these series may provide a scientific advancement in terms of plausible mechanisms for gas sensing and PCA.