18464267. SEMICONDUCTOR PARTICLES USED IN WATER DECOMPOSITION PHOTOCATALYST, PHOTOCATALYST USING THE SAME, AND METHODS OF SYNTHESIZING THEM simplified abstract (TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

SEMICONDUCTOR PARTICLES USED IN WATER DECOMPOSITION PHOTOCATALYST, PHOTOCATALYST USING THE SAME, AND METHODS OF SYNTHESIZING THEM

Organization Name

TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

Taizo Masuda of Yokohama-shi (JP)

Ryota Tomizawa of Mishima-shi (JP)

Kenichi Okumura of Gotemba-shi (JP)

Tatsuya Hasegawa of Kiyosu-shi (JP)

Shigeru Ikeda of Takarazuka-shi (JP)

SEMICONDUCTOR PARTICLES USED IN WATER DECOMPOSITION PHOTOCATALYST, PHOTOCATALYST USING THE SAME, AND METHODS OF SYNTHESIZING THEM - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18464267 titled 'SEMICONDUCTOR PARTICLES USED IN WATER DECOMPOSITION PHOTOCATALYST, PHOTOCATALYST USING THE SAME, AND METHODS OF SYNTHESIZING THEM

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a photocatalyst made by adding a co-catalyst to semiconductor particles containing strontium titanate, which can decompose water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen using light emission. The semiconductor particles are doped with barium or scandium to enhance their performance.

• Strontium titanate semiconductor particles are doped with barium or scandium to improve photocatalytic activity.
• The method of synthesizing the semiconductor involves mixing barium titanate or scandium oxide with strontium chloride or a combination of strontium chloride and barium chloride, followed by firing.

Potential Applications

The technology can be used in:

• Water purification systems
• Hydrogen production for fuel cells

Problems Solved

• Efficient water decomposition using light
• Enhanced photocatalytic activity

Benefits

• Clean and sustainable energy production
• Improved water treatment processes

Potential Commercial Applications

• Environmental engineering firms
• Renewable energy companies

Possible Prior Art

There may be prior art related to:

• Semiconductor photocatalysts for water splitting
• Doping of semiconductor particles for enhanced catalytic activity

Unanswered Questions

How does the doping with barium or scandium affect the photocatalytic activity of the semiconductor particles?

The addition of barium or scandium is known to enhance the performance of the semiconductor particles, but the specific mechanisms behind this improvement may require further research and analysis.

Are there any limitations or drawbacks to using this photocatalyst in practical applications?

While the technology shows promise for water decomposition and hydrogen production, there may be challenges such as cost, scalability, or stability that need to be addressed before widespread adoption.

Original Abstract Submitted

In a photocatalyst which is obtained by adding a co-catalyst to semiconductor particles containing strontium titanate and which causes a water decomposition reaction in which water molecules are decomposed into oxygen molecules and hydrogen molecules according to light emission, the semiconductor particles are doped with barium or additionally with scandium. A method of synthesizing a semiconductor for the photocatalyst includes a process of synthesizing semiconductor particles containing strontium titanate doped with barium by mixing barium titanate or additionally with scandium oxide into strontium chloride or mixing strontium titanate or additionally scandium oxide into strontium chloride and barium chloride and performing firing.