Preparation and photocatalytic applications of plasmonic metal nanostructures

In this project, I have produced silver solution using a seed-mediated method. This is followed by photosynthesizing the silver nanoparticles with high intensity illuminator to obtain silver nanoprisms. Subsequently, I coated a layer of gold as its shell (Ag@Au) to preserve the nanoprism shape considering that gold is highly stable and unreactive. Then, the Ag@Au core-shell nanostructure is further coated with titanium dioxide (Ag@Au@TiO2). The purpose of titanium oxide coating allows photocatalytic reaction to take place. Titanium coating allows hot electrons generated from silver to have a longer life span by trapping them within its metallic portion. This study will mainly focus on the photocatalytic reaction of the hot electrons entering the conduction band of TiO2, to reduce the adsorbed O2 into reactive species that can eventually oxidise methylene blue (MB) dye. The effectiveness will be highlighted through the UV spectrum to determine the successful oxidation of the dye (MB) known to be present in wastewater, by showing a less colour concentrated solution and a descending peak intensity. The catalyst will also be compared with other variables such as a control MB, Ag nanoprism and Ag@Au core-shell nanostructure.Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Engineering