studies on 2 dimensional ceria based nano structured materials for energy and environmental applications

Abstract

newline Current world is dealing with two major problems, i.e. energy crisis and environmental newlinepollution that challenge the development and growth of the living society. In this regard newlinesemiconductor oriented heterogeneous photocatalysis as a green and sustainable technology, newlineproves to be the lime light for the scientific community to tackle these two issues. Further, newlinedimensionally controlled nanostructured materials owing to quantum confinement effect newlineat nanoscale, modifies the electronic and optical properties, ability to utilise sunlight newlineeffectively in performing various photocatalytic reactions are becoming promising newlinematerials for solving energy and environmental issues. To covenant with this novel newlinereasons, the present investigation included the varieties of synthetic strategy for newlineconstruction of different CeO2 based heterostructured materials and their utilization newlinetowards energy and environmental applications. Especially in the thesis, I have newlinespecifically prepared 2-dimensional CeO2 based heterostructured materials (2D-0D, 2D- newline1D, 2D-2D and 2D-3D) with some visible light active earth abundant low cost secondary newlinesemiconductors, towards the different photocatalytic reactions such as water splitting, N2 newlinefixation, organic and inorganic pollutant degradation. A thorough morphological, newlinestructural, optical characterization was performed and ensures their extraordinary newlinephotocatalytic activity. The enhancement in the photoactivty is mainly due to their newlineheterostructural nature, better interfacial contact, high surface defects, improved light