Visible light driven wo3-metal nanoparticle-g-c3n4 photocatalytic films
A Z-scheme photocatalytic film technology combining tungsten oxide, noble metal nanoparticles, and graphitic carbon nitride for efficient visible-light-driven degradation of organic pollutants and antimicrobial applications. The triple hybrid design enables effective electron-hole separation, delivering enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation.
Overview
This research develops a triple hybrid photocatalytic film technology that harnesses visible light to drive degradation of organic pollutants and provide antimicrobial action. By combining electrochemically synthesized tungsten oxide (WO3) with noble metal nanoparticles and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), the technology creates a Z-scheme photocatalytic system with properly aligned Fermi levels across all three components. This architecture enables effective separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, a key challenge in conventional photocatalysts, while utilizing the visible portion of the solar spectrum that most photocatalysts cannot efficiently exploit. Potential applications include water treatment, air purification, self-cleaning surfaces, and antimicrobial coatings.
Technical specifications
Core technology:
- WO3 base film synthesized via electrochemical deposition
- Noble metal nanoparticles (such as gold) integrated to leverage plasmonic effects
- g-C3N4 layered on top to complete the Z-scheme heterojunction
- Aligned Fermi levels across the three components enable Z-scheme charge transfer
Key performance features:
- Effective visible light harvesting for photocatalytic reactions
- Improved electron-hole separation compared to single-component and binary hybrid systems
- First-order rate constant of 1.22 × 10⁻³ min⁻¹ demonstrated for WO3-g-C3N4 and WO3-Au hybrids under visible light
- Degradation pathway confirmed via hydroxyl radical formation, validated using methanol as a hole scavenger
- Demonstrated methyl orange dye degradation under 400 nm diode irradiation
Characterization methods:
- Reflectance spectroscopy for bandgap determination
- Spectroscopic, electrochemical, and microscopic techniques for hybrid film analysis
- Photocatalytic performance assessed through methyl orange degradation under visible light
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development (TRL 2–3). Preliminary validation has confirmed improved photocatalytic performance of WO3-g-C3N4 hybrids compared to pure WO3 films, and the WO3-Au hybrid has demonstrated strong visible light photocatalytic ability attributed to plasmonic effects and enhanced electron-hole separation. Ongoing and planned validation includes testing various noble metal nanoparticle variants, comprehensive characterization of hybrid films, confirmation of antimicrobial properties, and elucidation of the degradation mechanism. A 9-month experimental campaign is planned in collaboration with Warsaw University in Poland to advance the technology toward broader application readiness.
About Adelphi University
Adelphi is a midsized private doctoral university enrolling about 7,400 students, with a personalized, student-centered character and a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral education. Its Garden City campus lies within the Long Island–New York City corridor, supporting relationships with employers, healthcare and community organizations, and regional partners. Corporate engagement includes sponsored research, internships, co-ops, capstones, micro-internships, mentoring, and recruitment, while the Innovation Center brings faculty, students, and industry professionals together for hands-on collaboration. Research administration supports proposal development, award management, compliance, and external partnerships, with funding from NSF, NIH, and the U.S. Department of Education. Patent policy provides a framework for disclosure, licensing, and commercialization.
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