[nanoPost] Photocatalytic coatings

The photocatalysis group has been working on the use of nanostructured metal oxides for photocatalytic treatment of water, self cleaning/sterilising surfaces, and photo-electrode materials for solar energy applications e.g. splitting of water to yield H2. The NRI is a purpose built facility with state of the art nano fabrication and characterisation equipment.

This group has established internationally recognised research programmes on the structure, characterisation, application and degradation of semiconductor and biosensor materials and the use of nanoscale photocatalytic TiO2 in environmental and industrial pollution control context. The photocatalysis research group works on the development of semiconductor materials, which will convert light energy into electrochemical energy for the oxidation (or reduction) of chemicals such as environmental pollutants. Examples include the mineralisation of oestrogens or the conversion of carbon dioxide into fuels. Methods used to immobilise the catalysts include electrophoresis, CVD, and plasma methods. The group also develops sensors and biosensors for detecting environmental pollutants.

The inactivation of chlorine resistant pathogens in water and the use of photocatalytic films for self-cleaning/self-decontaminating coatings on medical devices is one application currently under investigation. The Institute is a purpose built facility with state of the art nano fabrication and characterisation equipment.

They could participate in R&D studies on photocatalysts (including visible light-sensitive ones) and coatings made with them, utilizable for water purification, pollutant elimination or self-sterilisation applications; and on highly dispersed redox-active metal-semiconductor oxide combinations able to react against gases in applications such as chemical sensors and elimination of CO and/or NO in hydrogen gas or in automotive emissions.