Synthesis and application of zinc cobalt oxide/sulfide nanorods for photocatalytic water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction
US12172152B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 10, 2024 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 10, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/36
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
There is disclosed photoactive, one-dimensional zinc and cobalt-based bimetallic oxide and sulfide nanorods (ZnCo2O4 NRs, ZnCo2S4 NRs) and their heterojunction composites (1D/1D ZnCo2O4/ZnCo2S4) to be used as photocatalysts for hydrogen production and carbon dioxide reduction using solar energy. Also disclosed herein, is a method of synthesizing these compounds via hydrothermal processes and a self-assembly approach. 1D/1D heterojunctions of ZnCo2O4/ZnCo2S4 composites exhibit favourable interface interactions. The photocatalytic performance of both pure and composite materials is evaluated through water splitting to produce hydrogen and CO2 reduction to yield CO and CH4 using slurry phase and fixed bed photoreactor systems. ZnCo2S4 NRs demonstrate superior hydrogen production whereas CO2 reduction is more pronounced with ZnCo2O4. The highest photocatalytic efficiency is achieved using the heterojunction composites attributed to efficient charge carrier separation facilitated by a suitable band structure. The invention underscores the successful synthesis of highly efficient 1D structured materials for photocatalytic applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.