Soaking it up: Nanoparticle sponge boosts photocatalysis

(Nanowerk News) Exciton Science researchers have created a new type of highly absorbent material that could help to increase the efficiency of photocatalysis for hydrogen production and water purification. Based at RMIT University, the team combined silver nanoparticles with molecular organic cages to develop a new material that acts like a sponge, soaking up both sunlight and chemical reactants in a favourable manner. When tested, this combination led to a two-fold increase in the efficiency of water splitting using the power of the sun, which is a necessary…