Titania nanotubular arrays （TNA） synthesized via electrochemical anodization is a stable and versatile material, widely studied for photocatalytic and sensing applications, whereas nano-sized gold particles are a kn...Titania nanotubular arrays （TNA） synthesized via electrochemical anodization is a stable and versatile material, widely studied for photocatalytic and sensing applications, whereas nano-sized gold particles are a known plasmonic material. Semiconductor-metal nanocomposites in isolated, embedded, or encapsulated form, when irradiated with proper light frequency can exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance （LSPR） effect. This effect can result in improved light adsorption and electrical properties of a material. In this study, we report the enhanced visible light photo-response of LSPR induced volatile organic biomarker vapor sensing at room temperature using a Au-embedded TNA electrochemical sensor. Two mechanisms are proposed. One based on classical physics （band theory）, which explains operation under non-irradiated conditions. The second mechanism is based on the coupling of classical and quantum physics （molecular orbitals）, and explains sensor operation under irradiated conditions.展开更多
A field enhanced flow reactor using bias assisted photocatalysis was developed for bacterial disinfection in lab-synthesized and natural waters. The reactor provided complete inactivation of contaminated waters with f...A field enhanced flow reactor using bias assisted photocatalysis was developed for bacterial disinfection in lab-synthesized and natural waters. The reactor provided complete inactivation of contaminated waters with flow rates of 50 mL/min. The device consisted of titanium dioxide nanotube arrays, with an externally applied bias of up to 6 V. Light intensity, applied voltage, background electrolytes and bacteria concentration were all found to impact the device performance. Complete inactivation of Escherichia coli W3110（- 8 × 10^3CFU/mL） occurred in 15 sec in the reactor irradiated at 25 mW/cm^2 with an applied voltage of 4 V in a 100 ppm NaCl solution. Real world testing was conducted using source water from Emigration Creek in Salt Lake City, Utah. Disinfection of natural creek water proved more challenging, providing complete bacterial inactivation after 25 sec at 6 V. A reduction in bactericidal efficacy was attributed to the presence of inorganic and organic species, as well as the increase in robustness of natural bacteria.展开更多
基金supported in part by NSF-STTR Award#IIP-13211530 subcontracted from Nano Synth Materials and Sensors LLC and Utah Government of Economic Development fundsSupport and facilities provided by the Dawn and Roger Crus Renewable Energy Center
文摘Titania nanotubular arrays （TNA） synthesized via electrochemical anodization is a stable and versatile material, widely studied for photocatalytic and sensing applications, whereas nano-sized gold particles are a known plasmonic material. Semiconductor-metal nanocomposites in isolated, embedded, or encapsulated form, when irradiated with proper light frequency can exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance （LSPR） effect. This effect can result in improved light adsorption and electrical properties of a material. In this study, we report the enhanced visible light photo-response of LSPR induced volatile organic biomarker vapor sensing at room temperature using a Au-embedded TNA electrochemical sensor. Two mechanisms are proposed. One based on classical physics （band theory）, which explains operation under non-irradiated conditions. The second mechanism is based on the coupling of classical and quantum physics （molecular orbitals）, and explains sensor operation under irradiated conditions.
基金financial support from the Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiativethe State of Utah Governor's Office for Economic Development's (GOED) Technology Commercialization & Innovation Program (TCIP)the Technology & Venture Commercialization (TVC) at the University of Utah
文摘A field enhanced flow reactor using bias assisted photocatalysis was developed for bacterial disinfection in lab-synthesized and natural waters. The reactor provided complete inactivation of contaminated waters with flow rates of 50 mL/min. The device consisted of titanium dioxide nanotube arrays, with an externally applied bias of up to 6 V. Light intensity, applied voltage, background electrolytes and bacteria concentration were all found to impact the device performance. Complete inactivation of Escherichia coli W3110（- 8 × 10^3CFU/mL） occurred in 15 sec in the reactor irradiated at 25 mW/cm^2 with an applied voltage of 4 V in a 100 ppm NaCl solution. Real world testing was conducted using source water from Emigration Creek in Salt Lake City, Utah. Disinfection of natural creek water proved more challenging, providing complete bacterial inactivation after 25 sec at 6 V. A reduction in bactericidal efficacy was attributed to the presence of inorganic and organic species, as well as the increase in robustness of natural bacteria.
