Synthesis and characterization of quantum dot-modified covalent organic frameworks for photocatalytic applications

University of Gdańsk
3-6 months
35h / week
English (spoken, written)
Nowadays, the energy crisis and environmental pollution have become worldwide concerns. Photocatalysis, as a green and sustainable technology that uses solar energy for either hydrogen production via water splitting or environmental degradation of pollutants, is considered to be a promising strategy to overcome these issues [1,2]. However, searching for highly efficient, low-cost, stable, visible-light-responsive photocatalysts is still a challenge in photocatalysis field [3,4]. Among various organic materials, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) show the highest potential for photocatalysis owing to their excellent properties: tunability, crystallinity, stability, large surface area and high porosity, low density [5-7]. Nevertheless, until now, only a small number of COF-based photocatalysts have been explored and development of new modification method (including pore engineering and proper functionalization) of COFs to obtain visible-light-active photocatalytic system is highly desired. The integration of functional materials such as quantum dots (QDs) with COFs can be a novel and promising strategy to extend their absorption edge into the visible light region, improve charge carriers separation and transfer and thus enhance their photocatalytic performances [8]. Therefore, the aims of this project are: (1) to develop a new class of porous organic framework-based photocatalysts by combining COFs with heavy metal free quantum dots into a hybrid system exhibiting enhanced photocatalytic activity; (2) to investigate the influence of QDs size, amount and attachment method to the surface of COF materials on the optical, surface and photocatalytic properties; and (3) to measure the efficiency of covalent organic frameworkbased hybrids in hydrogen photogeneration and pollutants photodegradation reactions.
Tasks and duties entrusted to the student:
The intern will synthesize quantum dots with different sizes, porous organic frameworsks with appropriate functional groups and COFs/QDs hybrid materials using a postsynthetic approach. Photocatalytic activity of the obtained samples will be studied in hydrogen production via water splitting and toluene degradation in the gas phase. All obtained nanostructures will be characterized to estimate morphology (SEM microscopy), optical properties (DRS UV-Vis and PL spectroscopy), surface area and porosity (BET method).
Skills to be acquired or developed:
Skills in synthesis of photocatalysts, nanomaterials characterization, measurement of photocatalytic activity.

Compensation:

Erasmus + grant available depending on eligibility criteria of your home university

Beata Bajorowicz (PhD), Adriana Zaleska-Medynska (Prof.), beata.bajorowicz@ug.edu.pl