Proton transfer between titania surface and dye observed for photocatalysis evaluation
A temporal change in the titania surface chemical state during the UV light irradiation is not observable through conventional methods such as regular FTIR or Raman spectroscopy. Therefore, a team led by Professor Hiromasa Nishikiori of Shinshu University’s RISM observed this reaction through time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The team noted the monoanion transformation to the dianion (deprotonated species) of fluorescein “in the excited states” where the proton transfers from the fluorescein dye to the titania surface during the UV irradiation, which was not previously established by transient absorption spectroscopy.
Fluorescein, an organic dye sensitive to light and acidity/basicity was adsorbed on the surface of the titania as a probe molecule. The group used a time-resolved surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy with a femtosecond pulsed laser. By using femtosecond pulsed laser SPR spectroscopy, the group was able to indirectly observe the proton transfer process from the dye to the titania surface and proved the formation of basic hydroxyl groups.
Observation through the UV irradiation time showed that the surface became more basic with OH groups on the surface of the titania which accepts the protons from the fluorescein monoanion. Time-resolved fluorescence probe observation using organic dyes that are sensitive to light and acidity/basicity is a very effective method for observing small light-induced behaviors (proton transfer processes) that occur on solid surfaces in a very short time.
The researchers were successful in observing the dianion and monoanion ratio of the fluorescein through the establishment of the SPR spectroscopy method. Professor Nishikiori hopes to continue to contribute to advances in hydrogen production with photocatalytic water splitting with the establishment of this simple method that enables researchers to observe and evaluate the activity of the photocatalysis.
For more information please read:
Observation of Excited State Proton Transfer between the Titania Surface and Dye Molecule by Time-Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c05843?ref=pdf
Journal: The Journal of Physical Chemistry C
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c05843
Method of Research: Experimental study
Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: Observation of Excited State Proton Transfer between the Titania Surface and Dye Molecule by Time-Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Article Publication Date: 30-Sep-2021
Media Contact
Hitomi Thompson
Shinshu University
intl_ac@shinshu-u.ac.jp
Office: 81-263-373-529
All latest news from the category: Physics and Astronomy
This area deals with the fundamental laws and building blocks of nature and how they interact, the properties and the behavior of matter, and research into space and time and their structures.
innovations-report provides in-depth reports and articles on subjects such as astrophysics, laser technologies, nuclear, quantum, particle and solid-state physics, nanotechnologies, planetary research and findings (Mars, Venus) and developments related to the Hubble Telescope.
Newest articles
Sea slugs inspire highly stretchable biomedical sensor
USC Viterbi School of Engineering researcher Hangbo Zhao presents findings on highly stretchable and customizable microneedles for application in fields including neuroscience, tissue engineering, and wearable bioelectronics. The revolution in…
Twisting and binding matter waves with photons in a cavity
Precisely measuring the energy states of individual atoms has been a historical challenge for physicists due to atomic recoil. When an atom interacts with a photon, the atom “recoils” in…
Nanotubes, nanoparticles, and antibodies detect tiny amounts of fentanyl
New sensor is six orders of magnitude more sensitive than the next best thing. A research team at Pitt led by Alexander Star, a chemistry professor in the Kenneth P. Dietrich…