The adverse effects of NO
x
(NO + NO2) gases on the environment
and human health have triggered
the development of sustainable photocatalysts for their efficient
removal (De-NO
x
). In this regard, the
present work focuses on supported Co3O4-based
nanomaterials fabricated via chemical vapor deposition (CVD), assessed
for the first time as photocatalysts for sunlight-activated NO oxidation.
A proof-of-principle investigation on the possibility of tailoring
material performances by heterostructure formation is explored through
deposition of SnO2 or Fe2O3 onto
Co3O4 by radio frequency (RF) sputtering. A
comprehensive characterization by complementary analytical tools evidences
the formation of high-purity columnar Co3O4 arrays
with faceted pyramidal tips, conformally covered by very thin SnO2 and Fe2O3 overlayers. Photocatalytic
functional tests highlight an appreciable activity for bare Co3O4 systems, accompanied by a high selectivity in
NO
x
conversion to harmless nitrate species.
A preliminary evaluation of De-NO
x
performances
for functionalized systems revealed a direct dependence of the system
behavior on the chemical composition, SnO2/Fe2O3 overlayer morphology, and charge transfer events between
the single oxide constituents. Taken together, the present results
can provide valuable guidelines for the eventual implementation of
improved photocatalysts for air purification.
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