Document
Designing Cost-effective Binary and Ternary Nanocomposites: Applications as Catalytic Materials and Humidity Sensors
Linked Agent
Iqbal, Javed, Thesis advisor
Date Issued
2024
Language
English
Extent
[1], 7, 67, [1] pages
Place of institution
Sakhir, Bahrain
Thesis Type
Thesis (Master)
English Abstract
Abstract:
Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) emerges as a promising eco-friendly material
for catalysis and sensing applications due to its unique properties. However, limitations
like low specific surface area, insufficient light absorption, and poor conductivity
hinder their broader usability. Elemental doping is established as an effective approach
to modify the electronic structure and bandgap of g-C3N4 thus significantly expanding
its light-responsive range for enhanced charge separation. This research involves the
synthesis and validation of several materials and composites, employing
characterization techniques to confirm the success of the synthesis methods. The
selection of suitable materials for applications in humidity sensing and water splitting
reaction prioritizes facile synthesis, good electrical conductivity, efficiency, water
sensitivity, and chemical stability. The work reports on the fabrication of cost-effective
and stable g-C3N4, cobalt-doped g-C3N4 (Co@g-C3N4), tungsten oxide embedded g-
C3N4 (WO3@g-C3N4), and silver-doped WO3@g-C3N4 (Ag/WO3@g-C3N4) via two
simple synthesis routes: one-step calcination process, and hydrothermal treatment. The
humidity sensing performance of the four sensors (g-C3N4, Co@g-C3N4, WO3@g-
C3N4, Ag/WO3@g-C3N4) is evaluated across a broad relative humidity range (7% - 94%
RH) at various testing frequencies. The doped sensors demonstrate superior humidity
sensing and good reversibility compared to pristine g-C3N4. The Ag/WO3@g-C3N4
outstand the other sensors in the humidity sensing performance. Furthermore, the g-
C3N4 and Co@g-C3N4 are assessed for their suitability as electrochemical water
splitting catalysts for hydrogen production, representing a step towards energy-efficient
fuel cells. Notably, Co@g-C3N4 display enhanced performance with a lower onset
potential (420 mV) and a lower Tafel slope (65.4 mV dec-1) for the hydrogen evolution
reaction compared to undoped counterparts. Additionally, Co@g-C3N4 nanorods
exhibit remarkable performance for the oxygen evolution reaction, showcasing a lower
onset potential (1.505 V) and a considerably low overpotential (270 mV), surpassing
numerous reported electrocatalysts and even rivaling precious-metal-based ones.
Member of
Identifier
https://digitalrepository.uob.edu.bh/id/c75855eb-79e7-42a9-b37d-c084219a44b8