Abstract

The main aim of this doctoral dissertation was to explain the role of ionic liquids in shaping the morphology of selected semiconductors, thereby enhancing the photocatalytic activity. In order to achieve this goal, the following research steps were taken: (i) developing synthesis methods of selected semiconductors, with particular emphasis on the electrochemical oxidation method; (ii) understanding the influence of the selected ionic liquids introduced into the reaction environment on the surface and photocatalytic properties of selected photocatalysts; (iii) explaining the role of ionic liquids in the mechanism of the photocatalytic reaction; (iv) correlating the morphological parameters and structural/surface properties with the photocatalytic activity of the obtained nanomaterials. The doctoral dissertation discusses the results of two research areas: (i) TiO2 nanotubes obtained in the presence of [EAN][NO3] or [BPy][Cl] with added traditional organic electrolyte; (ii) thin film BiOBr/Bi2WO6 heterojunction prepared via a two-step approach involving electrochemical oxidation and hydrothermal transformation in the presence of [BPy][Br]. The experimental results show that by using ionic liquids during the synthesis of semiconductors, it is possible to control their surfaces, and thus, photocatalytic properties.

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