Rice Husk Derived Carbon Quantum Dots-Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposite: A Promising Photocatalyst for H2 Production

Myriam Chems^a, Costanza Tedesco^a, Lorenzo Malavasi^a

^aDepartment of Chemistry, University of Pavia, via Taramelli 16, Pavia, 27100, Italy

Materials for Sustainable Development Conference (MATSUS)
Proceedings of MATSUS Spring 2025 Conference (MATSUSSpring25)

Advances in Nanocrystals: Fundamental approaches and technological perspectives - #NCAdv

Sevilla, Spain, 2025 March 3rd - 7th

Organizers: Carmelita Rodà and Matteo Zaffalon

Poster, Myriam Chems, 617
Publication date: 16th December 2024

Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) are nanoscale carbon-based materials renowned for their unique optical, electronic, and surface properties, including high photoluminescence and excellent charge transfer capabilities, which establish them as outstanding photosensitizers when combined with catalysts for solar light-driven hydrogen production in aqueous solutions [1], [2]. This study used a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to synthesize CQDs, which were prepared via a one-step hydrothermal process from rice husk [3], an abundant waste material. And its combination with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) results in an efficient photocatalyst. Comprehensive characterization techniques on CQDs, TiO₂, and its composite CQDs-TiO₂were established to reveal the modifications in the structural and optical properties of CQDs-TiO₂composite. The photocatalytic hydrogen production experiments showed that the CQDs-TiO₂ composite produced over five times more hydrogen than pure TiO₂ without the presence of platinum under solar irradiation. This enhancement in production highlights the potential of biomass-derived CQDs to advance the development of efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable photocatalysts for green energy applications.

References:

[1] Martindale, B. C. M., Hutton, G. A. M., Caputo, C. A., & Reisner, E. Solar Hydrogen Production Using Carbon Quantum Dots and a Molecular Nickel Catalyst. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 6018–6025.

[2] Thongsai, N., Tanawannapong, N., Praneerad, J., Kladsomboon, S., Jaiyong, P., & Paoprasert, P. Real-time detection of alcohol vapors and volatile organic compounds via optical electronic nose using carbon dots prepared from rice husk and density functional theory calculation. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 2019, 560, 278–287.

[3] Yang, H. L., Bai, L. F., Geng, Z. R., Chen, H., Xu, L. T., Xie, Y. C., Wang, D. J., Gu, H. W., & Wang, X. M. Carbon quantum dots: Preparation, optical properties, and biomedical applications. Materials Today Advances. 2023, 18, 100376.

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