Synthesis and Photoelectrochemical Characterization of Tantalum Oxide Nanoparticles and their Nitrogen Derivatives
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Authors
Khanal, Vijay
Issue Date
2019
Type
Dissertation
Language
Keywords
Methelene Blue Photodegradation , NOx Removal , Photocatalysis , Tantalum Nitride , Tantalum Oxide , Tantalum Oxynitride
Alternative Title
Abstract
This work presents a surfactant-mediated approach for the synthesis of Ta2O5 nanoparticles with a very high surface area (41 meter squared per gram vs. 1.6 meter squared per gram for commercial equivalent), and their subsequent nitridation to yield two distinct nitrogen derivatives: TaON and Ta3N5. Excellent photocatalytic efficiency of Ta2O5 toward photodegradation of methylene blue and NOx removal is reported. Ta3N5 shows significant photoconversion of methylene blue attributable to its lowered bandgap and high adsorption capability of MB molecules on its surface. A new method for simplifying the existing synthesis protocols of single-phase Tantalum oxynitride (TaON) was devised. Series of photoelectrochemical characterization shows that the newly synthesized TaON can significantly enhance thephotoassisted charge generation, separation, and transportation compared to the parent oxide (Ta2O5)