Near infrared photocatalyst based on TiO2-coated gold nanoparticles

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Invention Summary:

Nanoparticles such as gold nanospheres, nanorods and nanostars are a promising additive to titanium dioxide (TiO2) to increase photocatalytic efficiency. Conventional TiO2-nanoparticles are promising materials to drive photocatalytic reactions using light. However, they can only use UV wavelengths to promote reaction. There is a need for materials with enhanced photocatalytic capacity under visible or infrared light in addition to UV.

Rutgers researchers have developed a solution method to synthesize crystalline TiO2-coated gold nanostars at low-temperature, with the preservation of the nanostars delicate morphology.  Under visible-near infrared illumination, TiO2-coated gold nanostars exhibited a significant increase in hydrogen production from water reduction compared to standard TiO2-coated nanoparticles and uncoated nanostars. This optimized TiO2-coated gold nanostar, when photoexcited with broad spectrum radiation, was capable of evolving >2500 μmol H2 per gram of catalyst in 20 min, which is 4x more efficient than commercially available TiO2 catalyts.

Advantages:

  • High photocatalytic efficiency
  • Low temperature synthesis
  • Readily available materials for synthesis

Market Applications:   

  • Photocatalyst
  • Solar and renewable energy
  • Optical Antennas
  • Water splitting
  • Biosensor

Publications: Atta et al. Chem, 2018,4,2140-2153; Atta et al.  Faraday Discuss., 2019,214,341-351

Intellectual Property & Development Status: US Patent number 62/836,805; 16/855,128. Available for licensing and/or search collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships contact marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu

Patent Information:
Licensing Manager:
Donghyun Lim
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
dl1298@research.rutgers.edu
Business Development:
Eusebio Pires
Senior Manager, Technology Marketing & Business Development
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
ep620@research.rutgers.edu
Keywords:
Catalysts
Photonics and photovoltaics