Synthesis of CuAlS2/ZnS Quantum Dots for Photocatalysis
Research Mentor(s)
Michael Enright
Description
This project aims to explore the development and utilization of anisotropic heterostructure nanoparticles to optimize artificial photosynthetic processes with the goal of converting solar energy into other advantageous forms of energy. CuAlS2/ZnS quantum dots are considerable for large scale sustainable energy systems due to their earth-abundant composition and their potential for high efficiency photocatalytic performance. The potential for high efficiency photocatalytic performance is theorized due to their type-II band alignment, an electronic structure ideal for photocatalysis. However, the synthesis of these nanoparticles has been met with obstacles due to limited precursor options and challenges with reagent handling. This work demonstrates improved synthetic protocols for CuAlS2/ZnS quantum dots with higher yields of monodisperse samples. CuAlS2/ZnS is notoriously difficulty to handle and purify without decomposing the particles, however, the described work highlights a new, robust purification procedure to isolate monodisperse quantum dots. With these improvements, future work will explore the photocatalytic capabilities of CuAlS2/ZnS quantum dots through the development of new photoredox reactions, such as bond cleavage, hydrogen evolution, and alkyl cross coupling.
Document Type
Event
Start Date
May 2022
End Date
May 2022
Location
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Department
CSE - Materials Science
Genre/Form
student projects; posters
Type
Image
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Synthesis of CuAlS2/ZnS Quantum Dots for Photocatalysis
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
This project aims to explore the development and utilization of anisotropic heterostructure nanoparticles to optimize artificial photosynthetic processes with the goal of converting solar energy into other advantageous forms of energy. CuAlS2/ZnS quantum dots are considerable for large scale sustainable energy systems due to their earth-abundant composition and their potential for high efficiency photocatalytic performance. The potential for high efficiency photocatalytic performance is theorized due to their type-II band alignment, an electronic structure ideal for photocatalysis. However, the synthesis of these nanoparticles has been met with obstacles due to limited precursor options and challenges with reagent handling. This work demonstrates improved synthetic protocols for CuAlS2/ZnS quantum dots with higher yields of monodisperse samples. CuAlS2/ZnS is notoriously difficulty to handle and purify without decomposing the particles, however, the described work highlights a new, robust purification procedure to isolate monodisperse quantum dots. With these improvements, future work will explore the photocatalytic capabilities of CuAlS2/ZnS quantum dots through the development of new photoredox reactions, such as bond cleavage, hydrogen evolution, and alkyl cross coupling.