Structural and photocatalytic properties of silicon carbide powder and nanowires modified by gold nanoparticles

Commercial bulk powder of SiC and SHS-synthesized SiC nanowires were studied. Gold nanoparticles were deposited onto a surface of both samples. Basic properties, such as crystalline structure, phase composition, morphology and photocatalytic activity with the chromatographic analysis of the reaction products, were determined. Obtained silicon carbides are crystalline materials of hexagonal (commercial SiC) and cubic (synthesized SiC nanowires) structures. The presence of gold nanoparticles was proven through Raman spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy. No gold phase was detected as a separate crystalline component in both Au-modified samples. The neat nanowires were indicated as a catalyst rather accumulating intermediate organic substances than commercial SiC which enables shifting equilibrium to the generation of gaseous products (CO and CH4). The gold-containing SiC nanowires demonstrated an essential enhancement of photocatalytic activity keeping Au nanoparticles on the surface after the reaction.