| AVS 62nd International Symposium & Exhibition | |
| Nanometer-scale Science and Technology | Tuesday Sessions |
| Session NS-TuP |
| Session: | Nanometer-scale Science and Technology Poster Session |
| Presenter: | Sowbaranigha Chinnusamy Jayanthi, San Jose State University |
| Authors: | S. Chinnusamy Jayanthi, San Jose State University R. Kaur, San Jose State University F. Erogbogbo, San Jose State University |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
A composite material is synthesized using graphene quantum dots (GQDs), titania nanoparticles (TiO2) and Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the binder. A thin film of the hybrid paste is spin coated on an ITO substrate. The GQDs are synthesized by wet chemical method using bird charcoal and are non-toxic and inexpensive. The effect of concentration, pH, and size of the GQDs on the photo catalytic properties of titania are studied. GQDs exhibit optical absorptivity; photoluminescence and band gap tunability depending on the size and have the potential to enhance the photocatalytic properties of titania. In particular the hybrid combination is expected to decreases the recombination of charge carriers, increases mobility of the charge carriers and helps to improve the overall photo-conversion efficiency. The size and structure of the composite material are studied using analytical characterizations techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image, Atomic force microscope (AFM) and X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD). Electrical/electronic performance of the composite photocatalyst is studied using photocurrent density measurements that are obtained from Photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) experiment. Photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, and UV-vis transmission spectrum results aid in understanding the optical-electrical properties. The use of this combination of materials is novel in photo electrochemical (PEC) water splitting application and has implications for efficient and cost effective solar fuel cells.