Single-material multilayer with enhanced photoactivity
Molybdenum trioxide (MoO{sub 3}) patterned at the nanometer scale is combined with the same material in its bulk form to produce Bragg mirrors with enhanced photoactive properties. MoO{sub 3} undergoes coloration with exposure to UV light but a multilayer structure which alternates between nanostructured and bulk MoO{sub 3} is 2.5 times more effective. Measurements with various multilayer arrangements suggest the proximity of bulk and nanostructured MoO{sub 3} favors the photoreaction with structural water. A possible minor contribution from electronic band shifting is also discussed.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗