UAIPD 12-0036

Dr. Nitin Chopra

Oxide-based nanostructures: Methods of fabrication and applications

Current Problems• Nanophotocatalysts– Energy applications– Fuel catalysts

• Current nanophotocatalyst systems use precious metals – Expensive – Rare – Non-recyclable

• Demand for a simple and cheap photocatalyst– Reduces reliability on precious metals– Reduces reliability on complex chemistry

• Oxide-based nanostructures– CuO-Co3O4-based nanowire

heterostructures are used to catalyze reactions with light

– Controlled morphology, interface and phase-purity• Treated by sputtering and

subsequent air annealing– Visible/UV light activation of

ceramic oxide nanowire heterostructures

Technology

Figure 1: Schematic of nanowire structures

• Well-controlled architecture• Universal fabrication technique that

occurs in dry environment• Substrate can be reused– Reduces cost of production

• Oxides are active in a broad range of wavelengths– Large band gap allows for various applications

• Degrade organic applications

Advantages

• Dr. Nitin Chopra– Associate Professor– 40+ publications– 1 patent application

• Departments– Metallurgical and

Materials Engineering– Center for Materials for

Information Technologies

Inventor

nchopra@eng.ua.edu

Office for Technology Transfer720 2nd Ct E

Tuscaloosa, AL 35401UAIPD 12-0036OTT@UA.edu

www.OTT.UA.edu