Bi-Based nanOmaterials for Photocatalysis – BiBOP

Discovering new materials is still the most pivotal topics in production of solar fuels or chemical products from CO2 photoconversion. Bismuth oxyfluorides seem attractive photocatalysts since we can adapt their composition for band engineering. At ICCF, it was demonstrated, that this control is achieved by sputtering a Bismuth target in various Ar/O2/CF4 atmospheres. Moreover, by tuning the reactive gas flow rates, we are able to form in one-pot Bi/ BiOxFy heterojunctions, where the controlled content of Bi leads to enhanced photocatalytic activity. First tests at IFPEN showed that they present a promising photoconversion efficiency and a good selectivity for CO, a solar fuel. To improve these performances, the BiBOP project proposes to use Oblique Angle Deposition (OAD) and “sputtering onto ionic liquid” techniques, compatible with PVD one, to control the nano-hierarchization of these photocatalytic heterojunctions and to investigate its influence on CO2 photo-conversion.
ICCF, which possesses an expertise in reactive sputtering, will be in charge of the Bi-based material nano-structuration by these innovative techniques. The project will also benefit from expertise in materials characterization of IMN, which will perform its advanced local techniques, such as their S/TEM “Nant’Themis”, and will develop in situ analyses under stimuli. This experimental data will be confronted to simulation of electromagnetic properties, thanks to the IP’s skills. The BiBOP project will also gather a major French actor in catalysis, IFPEN, which will evaluate the CO2 photo-conversion performance of Bi-based nanostructures and bring its knowledge on photo-catalytic phenomena.
Finally, the BiBOP project will use innovative synthesis processes but is mainly focused on the development of new Bi-based functional materials in a characterization / simulation approach and aims to address societal issue about the production of safe and clean energy.