Sustainable Approach to Cost-Effective Bimetallic Nanostructures for Photocatalytic Applications

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Salih Veziroglu
• Subject Area: Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 575166705

Recent advancements in nanostructured materials, especially metal-based nanostructures, have shown great promise in addressing key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including good health and well-being (SDG 3), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). Among these, bimetallic nanostructures stand out due to their superior optical and catalytic properties compared to monometallic systems. Their performance can be fine-tuned by controlling composition, morphology, and synthesis conditions, though optimized design strategies remain largely unexplored. Traditional chemical synthesis methods, while effective, often rely on hazardous reducing agents like sodium borohydride (NaBH₄), raising health and environmental concerns. In response, green nanotechnology seeks safer, environmentally friendly approaches. Photodeposition emerges as a promising alternative, enabling the synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles on semiconductor surfaces such as TiO₂ using light-driven reactions under mild conditions, without toxic chemicals. This method offers precise control over nanoparticle structure and composition and has demonstrated enhanced photocatalytic activity through synergistic effects and improved light absorption from surface plasmon resonance. Building on these advantages, the proposed project aims to develop a comprehensive concept for the in-situ fabrication and analysis of bimetallic nanostructures on highly active TiO₂ thin films. By integrating photodeposition with a stop-flow mixer system and real-time characterization tools like UV-Vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, the project seeks to understand and control the growth dynamics, composition, and morphology of these nanostructures. Specific goals include developing noble and non-noble metal bimetallic systems with tailored size, shape, and distribution; engineering high-efficiency photocatalytic nanocomposites; and gaining insight into atomic-scale structure and interface properties. The resulting materials aim to maximize photocatalytic efficiency through electric field enhancement from both plasmonic and catalytic components, contributing to sustainable technologies for environmental remediation, solar energy conversion, and pollution control.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants