PhotoSun Group

PhotoSun Science and Research Group:

The PhotoSun Science and Research Group at Sharif University of Technology was established in 2011. The Research Group is led by Prof. Manouchehr Vosoughi and covers various aspects of photocatalysis, from synthesis of efficient photocatalysts to their applications in water treatment. The main focus of the group is the development of  novel, green, and cost-effective systems for removal of contaminants from the environment.

Currently, the research group is synthesizing highly efficient TiO2 photocatalyst by doping with various metals and nonmetals, in order to reach the visible-light-driven photocatalyst. PhotoSun Research Group aims to develop highly efficient photocatalytic systems by understanding and optimizing the main parameters that control performance of the process. Additionally, environmental applications of synthesized photocatalysts such as organic pollution degradation and water disinfection are being investigated.

As one of the few undergraduate student members of the group, I have been involved in various projects of the group as listed below:

  • Effect of synthesis parameters on the photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants, September 2011-December 2011.
  • Design of laboratory scale photoreactor for photocatalytic reaction using Osram 400W as a light source, February 2011.
  • Comparative study of the photocatalytic performance of various transition-metal-doped TiO2 (transition metals: Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ag), February 2011-March 2012.
  • Design of photoreactor systems by providing a unique blade mixer and using low voltage LED lamp as a visible light source, July 2012.
  • Photocatalytic degradation of paraquat agricultural contaminant from aqueous solution using lanthanum-sulfur co-doped TiO2 under visible light irradiation, July 2012-September 2012.
  • Photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes (Acid Orange 7, Methylene Orange and Methylene Blue) under visible light using Ag-S/PEG/TiO2 photocatalysis: Optimization by response surface methodology (RSM), July 2012-September 2012.
  • Photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutants under solar radiation, October 2013-January 2014.