Krzysztof Mech

Catalytic Properties of Platinum Nanoparticles Obtained in a Single Step Simultaneous Reduction of Pt(IV) Ions and Graphene Oxide

A composite material consisting of metallic platinum nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide was successfully obtained in microflow reactor. Moreover, subnanometric platinum particles were observed. Reduced graphene oxide plays an important role as a stabilizing agent for platinum nanoparticles. Reduced graphene oxide coverage and platinum particle size as well as size distribution depend mainly on initial concentration of platinum(IV) ions. High level of reduced graphene oxide coverage by platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) was obtained and is equal to 71%. This in turn effects significantly the mass ratio of reduced graphene oxide to PtNPs which is equal to 49% (w/w). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the obtained materials were performed. Also, catalytic properties of the obtained composite material consisting of PtNPs at reduced graphene oxide surface, towards electrochemical glucose oxidation, were investigated. It was found that the studied materials exhibit high catalytic activity for glucose electro-oxidation process.

Organotitania-based nanostructures as a suitable platform for the implementation of binary, ternary and fuzzy logic systems

Titanium dioxide nanocomposites were synthesized in hierarchical architectures through the use of a 1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinone photosensitizer. In the first step, the dye was either incorporated into the TiO2 core or adsorbed on its surface. In the subsequent phase, both structures were covered with an outer layer of titanium dioxide. The structure, morphology, aggregation, spectroscopic, and electrochemical properties of the synthesized TiO2 -based materials are presented with emphasis on the photosensitization and the photocurrent switching phenomena, which are also discussed within the context of the optical logic gates implementation and fuzzy logic systems operation. We present three different interpretations of the photocurrent action spectra yielding binary, ternary, or fuzzy logic circuits.

TiO2–anthraquinone hybrids: from quantum-chemical design to functional materials

A series of materials based on titanium dioxide nanoparticles and anthraquinone dyes have been modelled using the quantum mechanical minimalistic model. Based on the computational results some spectral and photoelectrochemical properties of these materials have been predicted. Experimental studies indicate that the quantum-chemical predictions are correct. New materials exhibit interesting switching properties and moderate photosensitization towards visible light. Furthermore, based on excited state properties of dye–semiconductor hybrids diverse photocatalytic properties, including the activation of molecular oxygen, can be predicted.

Kinetic Studies of Gold Recovery from Diluted Chloride Aqueous Solutions Using Activated Carbon Organosorb 10 CO

The kinetic studies of gold(iii) chloride complex ions recovery from acidic solution using activated carbon (AC) were carried out using spectrophotometry. AC samples were characterized in terms of surface area, porosity, and zeta potential. The surface functional groups were also identified. It was found that adsorption of AuCl4– onto AC was followed by reduction of the ions to the metallic form. The process obeyed the first order reaction model, but the reaction was controlled by diffusion. Arrhenius and Eyring–Polanyi equations were used for determination of the activation parameters. Distribution of gold across the AC pellets was also determined and discussed according to the porous material theory.

Electrochemical Deposition of Selenium on Copper

The present work concerns studies aiming at determination of optimal parameters of obtaining selenium coatings on a copper substrate through the cathodic reduction from sulphate and citrate solutions. The voltammetric analysis was performed in selected solutions to define electrode reactions within the examined range of potentials as well as an influence of pH on their kinetics. The range of potentials in which selenium is reduced to Se0, and then to Se2- was determined. The next stage was performing several electrolysis, where the working electrode was copper. It was to define an influence of citric acid, sodium sulphate, electrolyte pH and the electrolysis potential on the quality of the obtained coatings. The coatings were analysed with the use of X-ray spectrofluorimetry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.

Heavy pnictogen chalcohalides: the synthesis, structure and properties of these rediscovered semiconductors

This review focuses on the synthesis, properties and selected applications of heavy pnictogen chalcohalides, i.e. compounds of the MQX stoichiometry, where M = As, Sb, and Bi; Q = O, S, Se, and Te; and X = F, Cl, Br and I. The first section focuses on their synthesis and crystal structures, and the second section discusses the electronic structure on the basis of quantum chemical modelling and selected experimental data. Finally, the third section discusses their electrical, photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties and applications. In contrast to perovskites, chalcopyrites and kesterites, chalcohalides have attracted relatively less attention, but their structure and properties are well suited for numerous applications.

Charge transfer tuning in TiO2 hybrid nanostructures with acceptor–acceptor systems

An interesting interplay between two different modifiers and the surface of titanium dioxide leads to a significant change in the photoelectrochemical properties of the designed hybrid materials. The semiconductor is photosensitized by one of the counterparts and exhibits the photoelectrochemical photocurrent switching effect due to interactions with graphene oxide – the second modifier mediates charge transfer processes in the system, allowing us to design the materials response at the molecular level. Based on the selection of molecular counterpart we may affect the behaviour of hybrids upon light irradiation in a different manner, which may be useful for the applications in photovoltaics, optoelectronics and photocatalysis. Here we focus particularly on the nanocomposites made of titanium dioxide with graphene oxide combined with either 2,3,5,6-tetrachlorobenzoquinone or 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dihydroxybenzoquinone – for these two materials we observed a major change in the charge transfer processes occurring in the system.