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Title
Cellulose-based synthesis of photocatalytic cadmium sulfide semiconductor nanocrystals within microporous fibers for generation of hydrogen from water and sunlight
Authors
G. GRAHAM ALLAN DANIEL L. BAUER and WENJUN HUANG
Received
June 25, 2012
Published
Volume 47 Issue 1-2 January-February
Keywords
cellulosic nonwovens, microporous fibers, paper, semiconductors, nanocrystals, photocatalysis
Abstract
A simple general procedure for the cellulose-based creation of non-agglomerating nanocrystals ranging in size up to 30
nanometers is described. The nanocrystals are located within the micropores of a low-cost, commercially available,
hydrophilic cellulosic matrix and are separated by the water-permeable walls of the pores. The successful application of
the procedure to the formation of the water-splitting semiconductor cadmium sulfide within the fibers of a commercial
pulp derived from Western Red alder (Alnus rubra Bong) wood is evidenced by the bright yellow color of the fibers
and is confirmed by gravimetric analysis, X-ray mapping, as well as by atomic force and scanning electron microscopy.
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