Research

Chemical Sciences

Title :

Bio-mediated synthesis of TMNP or TMCQD or TMNP or TMsCQD composites for enhanced photo- and electro-catalytic activity

Area of research :

Chemical Sciences

Focus area :

Nanotechnology

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Mihir Manna, saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, West Bengal

Timeline Start Year :

2024

Timeline End Year :

2026

Contact info :

Details

Executive Summary :

Transition metal-based chalcogenide quantum dots (TMCQDs), semiconductor quantum dots (TMsCQDs), and nanoparticles (TMNPs) are promising materials in various fields, including photo- and electro-catalysis, ions and molecular sensing, white light generation, and fuel cells. ZnO, Mos2, and AgNPs or AuNPs are the most used nanomaterials in toxin degradation reactions (TDRs), hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs), and direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) due to their excellent catalytic efficiency and enhanced stability. However, heterojunction-based nanocomposites of ZnO or Mos2 QDs and highly anisotropic Ag or Au NPs (branched, layered, and polarized nanoparticles) are not well studied. To make these nanocomposites environment-friendly, bio-mediated synthetic protocols will be used, with L-cysteine, extract of Catharanthus roseus, and extract of Murraya Koenigii spreng as stabilizers. The synthesized QDs and NPs will be coupled via heterojunctions to form new nanocomposites, and their structural, chemical, and electronic properties will be characterized. The research aims to find simple, effective bio-friendly synthetic strategies to fabricate new QD-NP-based heterojunction-based nanocomposites with better catalytic efficiency, stability, and durability in energy and environmental science to support India's energy security and environmental sustainability.

Total Budget (INR):

Organizations involved