Visible-light photoresponsive heterojunctions of (Nb–Ti–Si) and (Bi/Bi-O) nanoparticles

The increasing motivation to seek alternative sources of clean and sustainable energy has intensified, due to a growing awareness that fossil fuels are finite in quantity, and that the combustion products of such fuels contribute to global warming. Solar energy is considered one of the most readily available alternatives, but materials which are able to harness this form of energy need to be developed. This study details the development of a novel composite material, of the form of Bi/Bi-O nanoparticles supported on a (Nb–Ti–Si) oxide. Characterized using electrochemical and other methods, this material generates a photocurrent, and is capable of photo-oxidizing airborne-styrene in a fluidized-bed photoreactor when exposed to visible-light.