Hydrogenated diamond is nowadays intensively studied after several reports showing its potential as a source of solvated electrons for photocatalysis [1]. In this context, this PhD aims to elaborate nanostructured diamond materials with a high porosity for photocatalysis. Different elaboration techniques will be carried out, especially diamond growth by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on porous substrates [2] or by self-assembly of nanoparticles. The porosity and the morphology of films will be controlled by an extended characterization (surface specific area, size of pores,…). Conductive diamond films will be also synthetized by boron doping. Photoemission properties are closely related to surface electronic properties. Surface terminations of diamond porous materials will be optimized and accurately controlled. In particular, a surface hydrogenation by microwave plasma will confer a negative electron affinity essential for generation of solvated electrons. Other surface terminations will be considered like fluorination. Performances for photocatalysis will be evaluated in collaboration with partner laboratories. Electronic properties of porous membranes will be compared to those of diamond films to quantify the effect of specific surface. Catalysis applications of these materials will be studied in the framework of the European consortium DIACAT (FET OPEN 2015-2019) which associate CEA LIST with six European partners. References [1] D. Zhu, L. Zhang, R. E. Ruther, and R. J. Hamers, ?Photo-illuminated diamond as a solid-state source of solvated electrons in water for nitrogen reduction?, Nature Materials 12 (2013) 836. [2] S. Ruffinatto et al., “Diamond porous conductive membranes: a new material toward analytical chemistry”, Diam. Relat. Mater. 55 (2015) 123-130.

This position is open until it is filled.

Département: DM2I (LIST)
Laboratory: Laboratoire Capteurs Diamants
Start Date: 01-10-2015
ECA Code: SL-DRT-15-1065
Contact: hugues.girard<στο>cea.fr