Inelastic neutron scattering studies of bismuth oxyhalide photocatalysts

The material Bi24O31Br10(OH)x; is a novel highly efficient photocatalyst for organic redox reactions, and we are currently investigating structurally similar bismuth oxyhalides for their photocatalytic properties. Herein we propose to perform combined inelastic neutron scattering and Raman spectroscopy studies at MAPS to elucidate the hydrogen transfer step of an alcohol oxidation reaction. We aim to correlate the role of the hydrogen-to-catalyst interaction with the catalyst performance. Such knowledge may contribute to rational design of future photocatalysts.