Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/S25586/01
Title:	Light driven oxygen scavenging by polymer/titania nanocomposite films
Principal Investigator:	Mills, Professor A
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:	Professor J Durrant
Project Partners:	Crown Cork & Seal Co INC
Department:	Pure and Applied Chemistry
Organisation:	University of Strathclyde
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 July 2003	Ends:	31 December 2004	Value (£):	72,857
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Materials Characterisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Chemicals
Related Grants:	GR/S25579/01
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
This project aims to investigate the use of semiconductor photocatalyisis as a method of oxygen scavenging in closed environments. The approach is based upon the ultraviolet illumination of a nanocrystalline metal oxide film in the presence of excess of a sacrificial organic hole scavenger. Our initial studies have already demonstrated the feasibility of this approach, employing nanocomposite titan ia/polyethylene oxide films deposited on both glass and plastic substrates to achieve the light driven deoxygenation of a closed environment. The experiments we detail in this proposal are designed to identify the key issues controlling the efficiency of oxygen scavenging by such nanocomposite films by combining steady state quantum yield and electrochemical studies with transient optical studies of non-scattering composite films. This will not only elucidate the mechanism of oxygen uptake, a fundamental, but poorly understood, process in semiconductor photocatalysis, but also allow a systematic optimisation of this process and evaluation its viability for technological applications. We have already identified two specific areas of potential techniogical application organic optoelectronics and modified atmosphere packaging of food stuffs; model system studies will be conducted to evaluate the potential for both applications in conjuction with interested commercial partners.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.strath.ac.uk