Photocatalytic degradation of Phenol
using composite TiO2-SiO2 photocatalysts

Andi Gonshorowski - University of South Dakota

Research in the group of Dr. Koodali at the University of South Dakota is aimed at developing new materials that can absorb solar radiation and degrade air and water borne pollutants. The goal of this project is to evaluate the feasibility if alternate physico-chemical methods of treating pollutants such as photocatalysis can compete with or replace current decontamination technologies that is energy intensive and often lead to the formation of degradation product(s) that are more toxic than the original pollutant themselves.

This research was enabled by EPSCoR RII award to South Dakota as part of the Photo Activated Nanoscale Systems (PANS). The project will enable the development of nanostructured materials that will have the capability to harness solar radiation efficiently and also either: i) degrade air and water borne pollutants to benign chemicals; ii) split water to generate hydrogen or iii) transport charge efficiently in a dye sensitized solar cell configuration. The results of this project are expected to generate fundamental data that will impact several interdisciplinary fields. The project involves participation by undergraduate and graduate students.