V. Kavaliūnas “The formation and investigation of titanium dioxide structures for photocatalytic applications” doctoral dissertation defense

Author, Institution: Vytautas Kavaliūnas, Kaunas University of Technology

Science area, field of science: Technological Sciences, Materials Engineering, T008

Scientific Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Giedrius Laukaitis (Kaunas University of Technology, Technological Sciences, Materials Engineering, T008)

Dissertation Defence Board of Materials Engineering Science Field:|
Prof. Hab. Dr. Sigitas Tamulevičius (Kaunas University of Technology, Technological Sciences, Materials Engineering, T008) – chairperson
Prof. Dr. Liutauras Marcinauskas (Kaunas University of Technology, Technological Sciences, Materials Engineering, T008)
Chief Researcher Dr. Šarūnas Meškinis (Kaunas University of Technology, Technological Sciences, Materials Engineering, T008)
Dr. Pavels Onufrijevs (Riga Technical University, Latvia, Technological Sciences, Materials Engineering, T008)
Chief Researcher Dr. Gediminas Račiukaitis (Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Technological Sciences, Materials Engineering, T008)

Dissertation defence meeting will be at M7 Hall at The Campus Library of Kaunas University of Technology (Studentų 48–M7, Kaunas)

The doctoral dissertation is available on the internet and at the library of Kaunas University of Technology (K. Donelaičio g. 20, Kaunas)

Annotation: The dissertation is focused on TiO2 as a photocatalyst and its modifications to increase the photocatalytic efficiency. The study was carried out by trying to keep as similar conditions as possible when applying the different measurement techniques. Deep analysis was done on the TiO2 crystallization and morphology dependence on the deposition parameters and techniques. Additionally, several different approaches to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency were done by manufacturing a doped TiO2 (in bulk and on the surface) and TiO2 hybrid photoelectrode. Nevertheless, a design for an alternative platinum-free counter was proposed and analyzed. The photocatalytic efficiency (photodegradation, photoconductivity) was measured for pure the TiO2 crystal phases, doped TiO2, and TiO2 hybrid photoelectrode. The analysis was carried out by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, current-voltage characteristics and photoconductivity, and photodegradation in the dark and under UV irradiation.