1 research outputs found
Directional Heat Dissipation across the Interface in Anatase–Rutile Nanocomposites
Understanding the structures and
properties of interfaces in (nano-)Âcomposites helps to reveal their
important influence on reactivity and overall performance. TiO<sub>2</sub> is a technologically important material, and anatase/rutile
TiO<sub>2</sub> composites have been shown to display enhanced photocatalytic
performance over pure anatase or rutile TiO<sub>2</sub>. This has
been attributed to a synergistic effect between the two phases, but
the origin of this effect as well as the structure of the interface
has not been established. Using Raman spectroscopy, here we provide
evidence of distinct differences in the thermal properties of the
anatase and rutile moieties in the composite, with anatase becoming
effectively much warmer than the rutile phase under laser irradiation.
With the help of first-principles calculations, we analyze the atomic
structure and unique electronic properties of the composite and infer
possible reasons for the directional heat dissipation across the interface