Nanostructures, systems, and methods for photocatalysis
US9205420B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2012 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P20/133
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to nanostructures and compositions comprising nanostructures, methods of making and using the nanostructures, and related systems. In some embodiments, a nanostructure comprises a first region and a second region, wherein a first photocatalytic reaction (e.g., an oxidation reaction) can be carried out at the first region and a second photocatalytic reaction (e.g., a reduction reaction) can be carried out at the second region. In some cases, the first photocatalytic reaction is the formation of oxygen gas from water and the second photocatalytic reaction is the formation of hydrogen gas from water. In some embodiments, a nanostructure comprises at least one semiconductor material, and, in some cases, at least one catalytic material and/or at least one photosensitizing agent.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.