Abstract
The photocatalytic conversion of an organic compound on rutile nanoparticles dispersed in aqueous solutions was characterized by infrared absorption spectroscopy. A diamond prism for total reflection of infrared light provided convenient and reliable access to the absorption spectrum of adsorbed chemical species photocatalytically converted under ultraviolet light irradiation. Pivalic acid, a reactant to be decarboxylated by hole capture, was dissolved in water at concentrations of 100-3 mmol L-1 and exhibited vibrational bands of 0.01-0.001 absorbance in the 1500-1100 cm-1 wave number region. When rutile particles were suspended in the solutions, dissociative adsorption leading to the formation of pivalate anions on the particles was detected in vibrational spectra. The adsorbed pivalate anions decomposed by ultraviolet light irradiation through the prism, releasing CO2. In an anaerobic atmosphere, the excited electrons were accommodated in the particles as small polarons, resulting in an optical absorption centered at 7000 cm-1. Conversely, in an aerobic atmosphere, the electrons were transferred to the surrounding atmosphere, eliminating the polaron-induced absorption. This study demonstrates the feasibility of infrared absorption spectroscopy for operando monitoring of vibrational and electronic transitions, enabling the tracking of photochemical reactions at liquid-solid interfaces.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
