Thesis

Novel semiconductor photocatalysis : new indicator inks and standardisation testing

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2012
Thesis identifier
  • T13036
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Since its emergence in the literature nearly 40 years ago, the field of semiconductor photocatalysis, in particular using titanium dioxide, has grown rapidly. Indeed, owing to its self-cleaning and anti-microbial action, to name but two, the technology has now started to find its way into commercial products, including self-cleaning tiles and glasses. In order to test the efficiency of such products, many potential pollutants have been assessed in the research laboratories, ranging from organic to inorganic, solid to gaseous, and even microorganisms. However, such tests are usually highly scientific and very slow, and thus not suitable for use in the field for demonstrations to potential customers. What is needed is a simple, rapid method of assessing the photocatalytic activity which can be accessed by the greater, non-scientific community. This thesis details the development of photocatalyst indicator inks, which work via a novel photoreduction mechanism, and attempts to correlate their performance with other 'standard' tests. In chapter 3, an indicator ink based on the dye 2,6-dichloroindopehnol (DCIP) is introduced, and its kinetic performance is examined as a function of the ink components and reaction conditions. The ink's performance is then compared to that of other indicator inks in chapter 4, including that with resazurin as its dye, which is the pioneering technology in this field. In chapter 5, the indicator ink is then assessed alongside the stearic acid and methylene blue tests using films of varying activity produced in-house. The existence of any correlation between them could theoretically allow them to be marketed as a set of standard tests. Finally, in chapter 6, a new series of indicator inks utilising an acidic formulation are introduced. Such formulations allow dyes such as methylene blue, an O₂-sensitive material, to be used, opening the door to a new generation of acidic indicator inks.
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2012
Former identifier
  • 941945

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