Mentor: Catherine Almquist, Ph.D.

The purpose of this project is to investigate the role of Pt loading and Pt oxidation state on Pt/TiO2 photocatalysts for the photocatalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO). CO is toxic, and high concentrations can be fatal. In confined spaces, such as in mobile vehicles and vessels (e.g. submarines, airplanes, RVs, etc.), CO can accumulate and must be mitigated so that it does not build up to toxic levels. To help address these issues, this project aims to explore the mechanism of photocatalysis through characterization of both oxidized and reduced Pt/TiO2 catalysts in an effort to link catalyst properties to overall effectiveness as measured by conversion of CO to less dangerous CO2.

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