Light Assisted CO2 Conversion Using Nanostructured Model Catalysts

Abstract

Modern society is built on energy, figuratively speaking. Given the consequences of increased CO2-emissions, due to combustion of fossil fuels and accidents in for example nuclear power, it is clear that new ways of producing this energy is needed to satisfy our future energy needs. One possible energy source is the storing of solar energy in the form of chemical fuels, to overcome its otherwise intermittent nature. The light assisted conversion of CO2 and water into short hydrocarbons has been proposed as a viable candidate. In this project we investigate whether a more well defined sample structure can be utilized to scrutinize the specifics of light assisted CO2-conversion. Two type types of sample structured were fabricated utili-zing nanofabrication techniques. Both consisted of a at TiO2 surface, in anatase configuration, with catalyst metal particles deposited on it. The first utilized cluster formation and material growth properties when depositing film with thickness of 1nm. The second type was fabricated using Hole mask colloidal mithography and shadow evaporation techniques to define dual metal catalyst particles on the TiO2 surface. While the first type of samples showed no visible sign toward hydrocarbon production, the second type showed tendencies towards methane production albeit with levels too small to be considered conclusive evidence.