high photocatalytic h2-production: Topics by WorldWideScience.org

Sample records for high photocatalytic h2-production

Non-noble metal Cu-loaded TiO2 for enhanced photocatalytic H2 production.

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Foo, Wei Jian; Zhang, Chun; Ho, Ghim Wei

2013-01-21

Here we have demonstrated the preparation of high-quality, monodispersed and tunable phases of Cu nanoparticles. Structural and chemical composition studies depict the evolution of Cu-Cu(2)O-CuO nanoparticles at various process stages. The loading of Cu and Cu oxide nanoparticles on TiO(2) catalyst has enhanced the photocatalytic H(2) production. Comparatively, H(2) treatment produces well-dispersed Cu nanoparticles with thin oxide shells that show the highest H(2) production amongst the samples. The relatively higher photocatalytic performance is deemed to result from reduced structural defects, higher surface area and dispersivity as well as favorable charge transfer, which inhibits recombination. The Cu nanoparticles are shown to be a promising alternative to noble metal-loaded TiO(2) catalyst systems due to their low cost and high performance in photocatalytic applications.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of NiS2 nanostructures for supercapacitors and cocatalytic enhancing photocatalytic H2 production

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Pang, Huan; Wei, Chengzhen; Li, Xuexue; Li, Guochang; Ma, Yahui; Li, Sujuan; Chen, Jing; Zhang, Jiangshan

2014-01-01

Uniform NiS2 nanocubes are successfully synthesized with a microwave-assisted method. Interestingly, NiS2 nanocubes, nanospheres and nanoparticles are obtained by controlling microwave reaction time. NiS2 nanomaterials are primarily applied to supercapacitors and cocatalytic enhancing photocatalytic H2 production. Different morphologies of NiS2 nanostructures show different electrochemical and cocatalytic enhancing H2 production activities. Benefited novel nanostructures, NiS2 nanocube electrodes show a large specific capacitance (695 F g-1 at 1.25 A g-1) and excellent cycling performance (the retention 93.4% of initial specific capacitance after 3000 cycles). More importantly, NiS2 nanospheres show highly cocatalytic enhancing photocatalytic for H2 evolution, in which the photocatalytic H2 production is up to 3400 μmol during 12 hours under irradiation of visible light (λ>420 nm) with an average H2 production rate of 283 μmol h-1.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of NiS2 nanostructures for supercapacitors and cocatalytic enhancing photocatalytic H2 production

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Pang, Huan; Wei, Chengzhen; Li, Xuexue; Li, Guochang; Ma, Yahui; Li, Sujuan; Chen, Jing; Zhang, Jiangshan

2014-01-01

Uniform NiS2 nanocubes are successfully synthesized with a microwave-assisted method. Interestingly, NiS2 nanocubes, nanospheres and nanoparticles are obtained by controlling microwave reaction time. NiS2 nanomaterials are primarily applied to supercapacitors and cocatalytic enhancing photocatalytic H2 production. Different morphologies of NiS2 nanostructures show different electrochemical and cocatalytic enhancing H2 production activities. Benefited novel nanostructures, NiS2 nanocube electrodes show a large specific capacitance (695 F g−1 at 1.25 A g−1) and excellent cycling performance (the retention 93.4% of initial specific capacitance after 3000 cycles). More importantly, NiS2 nanospheres show highly cocatalytic enhancing photocatalytic for H2 evolution, in which the photocatalytic H2 production is up to 3400 μmol during 12 hours under irradiation of visible light (λ>420 nm) with an average H2 production rate of 283 μmol h−1. PMID:24389929
Direct Z-scheme TiO2/CdS hierarchical photocatalyst for enhanced photocatalytic H2-production activity

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Meng, Aiyun; Zhu, Bicheng; Zhong, Bo; Zhang, Liuyang; Cheng, Bei

2017-11-01

Photocatalytic H2 evolution, which utilizes solar energy via water splitting, is a promising route to deal with concerns about energy and environment. Herein, a direct Z-scheme TiO2/CdS binary hierarchical photocatalyst was fabricated via a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique, and photocatalytic H2 production was measured afterwards. The as-prepared TiO2/CdS hybrid photocatalyst exhibited noticeably promoted photocatalytic H2-production activity of 51.4 μmol h-1. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity was ascribed to the hierarchical structure, as well as the efficient charge separation and migration from TiO2 nanosheets to CdS nanoparticles (NPs) at their tight contact interfaces. Moreover, the direct Z-scheme photocatalytic reaction mechanism was demonstrated to elucidate the improved photocatalytic performance of TiO2/CdS composite photocatalyst. The photoluminescence (PL) analysis of hydroxyl radicals were conducted to provide clues for the direct Z-scheme mechanism. This work provides a facile route for the construction of redox mediator-free Z-scheme photocatalytic system for photocatalytic water splitting.
Noble metal-free RGO/TiO2 composite nanofiber with enhanced photocatalytic H2-production performance

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Xu, Difa; Li, Lingling; He, Rongan; Qi, Lifang; Zhang, Liuyang; Cheng, Bei

2018-03-01

1D reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/TiO2 nanocomposite fibers were fabricated by a facile two-step method. These samples demonstrated high photocatalytic H2-production activity from methanol aqueous solution, even without the aid of noble metal. When the ratio of RGO is 0.25 wt%, the highest H2-production rate was achieved. It increased by 10 fold than bare TiO2, reaching 149 μmol h-1 g-1 with quantum efficiency (QE) of 0.75%. The reasons were as follows. Firstly, the RGO nanosheets acted as electron acceptors. Secondly, some shallow trap states at the surface or interface of TiO2 were created by the reduction of GO during calcination. Thirdly, the redox potential position of graphene/graphene- was suitable. Fourthly, RGO could efficiently promote the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and significantly enhance the photocatalytic H2-production activity. This interpretation was corroborated by transient photocurrent response. The aforementioned marvelous results provided a probable solution to replace noble metals (such as Pt) by graphene as an effective cocatalyst.
Enhanced photocatalytic H{sub 2} production on CdS nanorod using cobalt-phosphate as oxidation cocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Di, Tingmin; Zhu, Bicheng; Zhang, Jun; Cheng, Bei [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070 (China); Yu, Jiaguo, E-mail: jiaguoyu@yahoo.com [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070 (China); Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589 (Saudi Arabia)

2016-12-15

Highlights: • Co-Pi/CdS composites were synthesized by a simple photodeposition method. • The composites showed superior photocatalytic H{sub 2} production activity. • The optimal H{sub 2} production rate of Co-Pi/CdS was even higher than that of Pt-CdS. • Co-Pi is a good oxidation cocatalyst used for capture of photogenerated hole. - Abstract: Employing visible light responsive semiconductor for photocatalytic hydrogen production by water splitting is an efficient way for utilizing renewable solar energy to solve the depletion of fossil fuel and environmental contamination. Herein, we report enhanced photocatalytic H{sub 2}-production performance over CdS nanorod using cobalt-phosphate (Co-Pi) as a water oxdation cocatalyst. The optimal Co-Pi modified CdS nanocomposite photocatalyst with the Co-Pi content of 8.4 mol% has a superior visible light H{sub 2}-production rate of 13.3 mmol h{sup −1} g{sup −1} with an apparent quantum efficiency of 24.3% at 420 nm, which is even higher than that of 1 wt% Pt-CdS (11.3 mmol h{sup −1} g{sup −1}) under the same conditions. The enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H{sub 2} production activity was attributed to the hole trapping and collecting ability of Co-Pi cocatalyst, which could effectively suppress the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and increase the electron density for hydrogen production. This work shows a possibility of using earth-abundant Co-Pi as cocatalyst for enhancing photocatalytic H{sub 2} production.
Preparation of ZnO Nanoparticles and Photocatalytic H2 Production Activity from Different Sacrificial Reagent Solutions

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Peng, Tian-you; Lv, Hong-jin; Zeng, Peng; Zhang, Xiao-hu

2011-08-01

ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized via a direct precipitation method followed by a heterogeneous azeotropic distillation and calcination processes, and then characterized by X-ray power diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurement. The effects of Pt-loading amount, calcination temperature, and sacrificial reagents on the photocatalytic H2 evolution efficiency from the present ZnO suspension were investigated. The experimental results indicate that ZnO nanoparticles calcined at 400 °C exhibit the best photoactivity for the H2 production in comparison with the samples calcined at 300 and 500 °C, and the photocatalytic H2 production efficiency from a methanol solution is much higher than that from a triethanolamine solution. It can be ascribed to the oxidization of methanol also contributes to the H2 production during the photochemical reaction process. Moreover, the photocatalytic mechanism for the H2 production from the present ZnO suspension system containing methanol solution is also discussed in detail.
Hierarchical Honeycomb Br-, N-Codoped TiO2 with Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic H2 Production.

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Zhang, Chao; Zhou, Yuming; Bao, Jiehua; Sheng, Xiaoli; Fang, Jiasheng; Zhao, Shuo; Zhang, Yiwei; Chen, Wenxia

2018-06-06

The halogen elements modification strategy of TiO 2 encounters a bottleneck in visible-light H 2 production. Herein, we have for the first time reported a hierarchical honeycomb Br-, N-codoped anatase TiO 2 catalyst (HM-Br,N/TiO 2 ) with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H 2 production. During the synthesizing process, large amounts of meso-macroporous channels and TiO 2 nanosheets were fabricated in massive TiO 2 automatically, constructing the hierarchical honeycomb structure with large specific surface area (464 m 2 g -1 ). cetyl trimethylammonium bromide and melamine played a key role in constructing the meso-macroporous channels. Additionally, HM-Br,N/TiO 2 showed a high visible-light H 2 production rate of 2247 μmol h -1 g -1 , which is far more higher than single Br- or N-doped TiO 2 (0 or 63 μmol h -1 g -1 , respectively), thereby demonstrating the excellent synergistic effects of Br and N elements in H 2 evolution. In HM-Br,N/TiO 2 catalytic system, the codoped Br-N atoms could reduce the band gap of TiO 2 to 2.88 eV and the holes on acceptor levels (N acceptor) can passivate the electrons on donor levels (Br donor), thereby preventing charge carriers recombination significantly. Furthermore, the proposed HM-Br,N/TiO 2 fabrication strategy had a wide range of choices for N source (e.g., melamine, urea, and dicyandiamide) and it can be applied to other TiO 2 materials (e.g., P25) as well, thereby implying its great potential application in visible-light H 2 production. Finally, on the basis of experimental results, a possible photocatalytic H 2 production mechanism for HM-Br,N/TiO 2 was proposed.
Metal-Free 2D/2D Phosphorene/g-C3 N4 Van der Waals Heterojunction for Highly Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic H2 Production.

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Ran, Jingrun; Guo, Weiwei; Wang, Hailong; Zhu, Bicheng; Yu, Jiaguo; Qiao, Shi-Zhang

2018-04-30

The generation of green hydrogen (H 2 ) energy using sunlight is of great significance to solve the worldwide energy and environmental issues. Particularly, photocatalytic H 2 production is a highly promising strategy for solar-to-H 2 conversion. Recently, various heterostructured photocatalysts with high efficiency and good stability have been fabricated. Among them, 2D/2D van der Waals (VDW) heterojunctions have received tremendous attention, since this architecture can promote the interfacial charge separation and transfer and provide massive reactive centers. On the other hand, currently, most photocatalysts are composed of metal elements with high cost, limited reserves, and hazardous environmental impact. Hence, the development of metal-free photocatalysts is desirable. Here, a novel 2D/2D VDW heterostructure of metal-free phosphorene/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) is fabricated. The phosphorene/g-C 3 N 4 nanocomposite shows an enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H 2 production activity of 571 µmol h -1 g -1 in 18 v% lactic acid aqueous solution. This improved performance arises from the intimate electronic coupling at the 2D/2D interface, corroborated by the advanced characterizations techniques, e.g., synchrotron-based X-ray absorption near-edge structure, and theoretical calculations. This work not only reports a new metal-free phosphorene/g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst but also sheds lights on the design and fabrication of 2D/2D VDW heterojunction for applications in catalysis, electronics, and optoelectronics. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Low-temperature solid-state preparation of ternary CdS/g-C_3N_4/CuS nanocomposites for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H_2-production activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cheng, Feiyue; Yin, Hui; Xiang, Quanjun

2017-01-01

Highlights: • CdS/g-C_3N_4/CuS composite were synthesized by low-temperature solid-state method. • CdS/g-C_3N_4/CuS show enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H_2 evolution activity. • The enhanced photocatalytic H_2 production activity is due to the heterojunction. • Heterojunction between the components promote charge separation/transfer property. - Abstract: Low-temperature solid-state method were gradually demonstrated as a high efficiency, energy saving and environmental protection strategy to fabricate composite semiconductor materials. CdS-based multiple composite photocatalytic materials have attracted increasing concern owning to the heterostructure constituents with tunable band gaps. In this study, the ternary CdS/g-C_3N_4/CuS composite photocatalysts were prepared by a facile and novel low-temperature solid-state strategy. The optimal ternary CdS/g-C_3N_4/CuS composite exhibits a high visible-light photocatalytic H_2-production rate of 57.56 μmol h"−"1 with the corresponding apparent quantum efficiency reaches 16.5% at 420 nm with Na_2S/Na_2SO_3 mixed aqueous solution as sacrificial agent. The ternary CdS/g-C_3N_4/CuS composites show the enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H_2-evolution activity comparing with the binary CdS-based composites or simplex CdS. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is ascribed to the heterojunctions and the synergistic effect of CuS and g-C_3N_4 in promotion of the charge separation and charge mobility. This work shows that the low-temperature solid-state method is efficient and environmentally benign for the preparation of CdS-based multiple composite photocatalytic materials with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H_2-production activity.
Facile synthesis of flake-like TiO{sub 2}/C nano-composites for photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution under visible-light irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yan, Baolin; Zhou, Juan; Liang, Xiaoyu; Song, Kainan; Su, Xintai, E-mail: suxintai827@163.com

2017-01-15

Highlights: • TiO{sub 2}/C nano-flakes were prepared by a facile phase-transfer strategy combined with salt-template calcination method. • The sub–10 nm of TiO{sub 2} NPs were uniformly dispersed on the carbon flakes. • The TiO{sub 2}/C nano-flakes showed a superior visible-light photocatalytic activity for H{sub 2} production. - Abstract: The production of H{sub 2} by photocatalytic water splitting has become a promising approach for clean, economical, and renewable evolution of H{sub 2} by using solar energy. In spite of tremendous efforts, the present challenge for materials scientists is to build a highly active photocatalytic system with high efficiency and low cost. Here we report a facile method for the preparation of TiO{sub 2}/C nano-flakes, which was used as an efficient visible-light photocatalyst for H{sub 2} evolution. This composite material was prepared by using a phase-transfer strategy combined with salt-template calcination treatment. The results showed that anatase TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles with the diameter of ∼10 nm were uniformly dispersed on the carbon nano-flakes. In addition, the samples prepared at 600 °C (denoted as T600) endowed a larger surface area of 196 m{sup 2} g{sup −1} and higher light absorption, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic activity. Further, the T600 product reached a high H{sub 2} production rate of 57.2 μmol h{sup −1} under visible-light irradiation. This unusual photocatalytic activity arose from the positive synergetic effect between the TiO{sub 2} and carbon in this hybrid catalyst. This work highlights the potential of TiO{sub 2}/C nano-flakes in the field of photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution under visible-light irradiation.
Low-temperature solid-state preparation of ternary CdS/g-C3N4/CuS nanocomposites for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H2-production activity

Science.gov (United States)

Cheng, Feiyue; Yin, Hui; Xiang, Quanjun

2017-01-01

Low-temperature solid-state method were gradually demonstrated as a high efficiency, energy saving and environmental protection strategy to fabricate composite semiconductor materials. CdS-based multiple composite photocatalytic materials have attracted increasing concern owning to the heterostructure constituents with tunable band gaps. In this study, the ternary CdS/g-C3N4/CuS composite photocatalysts were prepared by a facile and novel low-temperature solid-state strategy. The optimal ternary CdS/g-C3N4/CuS composite exhibits a high visible-light photocatalytic H2-production rate of 57.56 μmol h-1 with the corresponding apparent quantum efficiency reaches 16.5% at 420 nm with Na2S/Na2SO3 mixed aqueous solution as sacrificial agent. The ternary CdS/g-C3N4/CuS composites show the enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H2-evolution activity comparing with the binary CdS-based composites or simplex CdS. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is ascribed to the heterojunctions and the synergistic effect of CuS and g-C3N4 in promotion of the charge separation and charge mobility. This work shows that the low-temperature solid-state method is efficient and environmentally benign for the preparation of CdS-based multiple composite photocatalytic materials with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H2-production activity.
Engineering the TiO2 -graphene interface to enhance photocatalytic H2 production.

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Liu, Lichen; Liu, Zhe; Liu, Annai; Gu, Xianrui; Ge, Chengyan; Gao, Fei; Dong, Lin

2014-02-01

In this work, TiO2 -graphene nanocomposites are synthesized with tunable TiO2 crystal facets ({100}, {101}, and {001} facets) through an anion-assisted method. These three TiO2 -graphene nanocomposites have similar particle sizes and surface areas; the only difference between them is the crystal facet exposed in TiO2 nanocrystals. UV/Vis spectra show that band structures of TiO2 nanocrystals and TiO2 -graphene nanocomposites are dependent on the crystal facets. Time-resolved photoluminescence spectra suggest that the charge-transfer rate between {100} facets and graphene is approximately 1.4 times of that between {001} facets and graphene. Photoelectrochemical measurements also confirm that the charge-separation efficiency between TiO2 and graphene is greatly dependent on the crystal facets. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that Ti-C bonds are formed between {100} facets and graphene, while {101} facets and {001} facets are connected with graphene mainly through Ti-O-C bonds. With Ti-C bonds between TiO2 and graphene, TiO2 -100-G shows the fastest charge-transfer rate, leading to higher activity in photocatalytic H2 production from methanol solution. TiO2 -101-G with more reductive electrons and medium interfacial charge-transfer rate also shows good H2 evolution rate. As a result of its disadvantageous electronic structure and interfacial connections, TiO2 -001-G shows the lowest H2 evolution rate. These results suggest that engineering the structures of the TiO2 -graphene interface can be an effective strategy to achieve excellent photocatalytic performances. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Low-temperature solid-state preparation of ternary CdS/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/CuS nanocomposites for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H{sub 2}-production activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cheng, Feiyue; Yin, Hui; Xiang, Quanjun, E-mail: xiangqj@mail.hzau.edu.cn

2017-01-01

Highlights: • CdS/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/CuS composite were synthesized by low-temperature solid-state method. • CdS/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/CuS show enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution activity. • The enhanced photocatalytic H{sub 2} production activity is due to the heterojunction. • Heterojunction between the components promote charge separation/transfer property. - Abstract: Low-temperature solid-state method were gradually demonstrated as a high efficiency, energy saving and environmental protection strategy to fabricate composite semiconductor materials. CdS-based multiple composite photocatalytic materials have attracted increasing concern owning to the heterostructure constituents with tunable band gaps. In this study, the ternary CdS/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/CuS composite photocatalysts were prepared by a facile and novel low-temperature solid-state strategy. The optimal ternary CdS/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/CuS composite exhibits a high visible-light photocatalytic H{sub 2}-production rate of 57.56 μmol h{sup −1} with the corresponding apparent quantum efficiency reaches 16.5% at 420 nm with Na{sub 2}S/Na{sub 2}SO{sub 3} mixed aqueous solution as sacrificial agent. The ternary CdS/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/CuS composites show the enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H{sub 2}-evolution activity comparing with the binary CdS-based composites or simplex CdS. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is ascribed to the heterojunctions and the synergistic effect of CuS and g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} in promotion of the charge separation and charge mobility. This work shows that the low-temperature solid-state method is efficient and environmentally benign for the preparation of CdS-based multiple composite photocatalytic materials with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H{sub 2}-production activity.
Highly efficient direct Z-scheme WO3/CdS-diethylenetriamine photocatalyst and its enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible light irradiation

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Hu, Taiping; Li, Pengfei; Zhang, Jinfeng; Liang, Changhao; Dai, Kai

2018-06-01

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) has demonstrated great promise in artificial photocataytic hydrogen (H2) production. However, the serious photocorrosion hinders its effective interaction and real-life application. In this work, a typical direct Z-scheme WO3/CdS-diethylenetriamine (CdS-DETA) composite has been designed via facile in-situ solvothermal method, which exhibits excellent H2 production properties in visible light region. In this system, the inorganic-organic CdS-DETA nanobelts (NBs) possess enough active sites and large surface area for the encouraging nanojunction structure information. Furthermore, we also systematically calculated energy band structure and investigated charge transfer of the WO3/CdS-DETA by PL and photocurrent test, the results demonstrated that the suitable band gap matching between CdS-DETA and WO3 and high redox potential improve the separation of photogenerated holes and electrons, restraining intrinsic photocorrosion of CdS as well as improving the photocatalytic activity. 5%WO3/CdS-DETA presented the most outstanding H2 evolution rate (15522 μmol g-1 h-1), which is twice higher than that of pure CdS-DETA. WO3/CdS-DETA composites also presented high stability after three recycle H2 production experiment. Finally, direct Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism is calculated.
Unravelling the pH-dependence of a molecular photocatalytic system for hydrogen production.

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Reynal, Anna; Pastor, Ernest; Gross, Manuela A; Selim, Shababa; Reisner, Erwin; Durrant, James R

2015-08-01

Photocatalytic systems for the reduction of aqueous protons are strongly pH-dependent, but the origin of this dependency is still not fully understood. We have studied the effect of different degrees of acidity on the electron transfer dynamics and catalysis taking place in a homogeneous photocatalytic system composed of a phosphonated ruthenium tris(bipyridine) dye ( RuP ) and a nickel bis(diphosphine) electrocatalyst ( NiP ) in an aqueous ascorbic acid solution. Our approach is based on transient absorption spectroscopy studies of the efficiency of photo-reduction of RuP and NiP correlated with pH-dependent photocatalytic H 2 production and the degree of catalyst protonation. The influence of these factors results in an observed optimum photoactivity at pH 4.5 for the RuP - NiP system. The electron transfer from photo-reduced RuP to NiP is efficient and independent of the pH value of the medium. At pH RuP photo-reduction by the sacrificial electron donor, ascorbic acid. At pH >4.5, the efficiency of the system is limited by the poor protonation of NiP , which inhibits its ability to reduce protons to hydrogen. We have therefore developed a rational strategy utilising transient absorption spectroscopy combined with bulk pH titration, electrocatalytic and photocatalytic experiments to disentangle the complex pH-dependent activity of the homogenous RuP - NiP photocatalytic system, which can be widely applied to other photocatalytic systems.
Remarkably high apparent quantum yield of the overall photocatalytic H2O splitting achieved by utilizing Zn ion added Ga2O3 prepared using dilute CaCl2 solution.

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Sakata, Yoshihisa; Hayashi, Takuya; Yasunaga, Ryō; Yanaga, Nobuyuki; Imamura, Hayao

2015-08-21

Remarkably high photocatalytic activity for the overall H2O splitting, where the activity was 32 mmol h(-1) for H2 production and 16 mmol h(-1) for O2 production under irradiation from a 450 W high-pressure Hg lamp and the apparent quantum yield (AQY) was 71% under irradiation at 254 nm, was achieved by utilizing a Rh(0.5)Cr(1.5)O3(Rh; 0.5 wt%)/Zn(3 mol%)-Ga2O3 photocatalyst when Ga2O3 was prepared using dilute CaCl2 aqueous solution having a concentration of 0.001 mol l(-1).
Photocatalytic H 2 production from water splitting under visible light irradiation using Eosin Y-sensitized mesoporous-assembled Pt/TiO 2 nanocrystal photocatalyst

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Sreethawong, Thammanoon; Junbua, Chompoonuch; Chavadej, Sumaeth

Sensitized photocatalytic production of hydrogen from water splitting is investigated under visible light irradiation over mesoporous-assembled titanium dioxide (TiO 2) nanocrystal photocatalysts, without and with Pt loading. The photocatalysts are synthesized by a sol-gel process with the aid of a structure-directing surfactant and are characterized by N 2 adsorption-desorption analysis, X-ray diffraction, UV-vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The dependence of hydrogen production on the type of TiO 2 photocatalyst (synthesized mesoporous-assembled and commercial non-mesoporous-assembled TiO 2 without and with Pt loading), the calcination temperature of the synthesized photocatalyst, the sensitizer (Eosin Y) concentration, the electron donor (diethanolamine) concentration, the photocatalyst dosage and the initial solution pH is systematically studied. The results show that in the presence of the Eosin Y sensitizer, the Pt-loaded mesoporous-assembled TiO 2 synthesized by a single-step sol-gel process and calcined at 500 °C exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production from a 30 vol.% diethanolamine aqueous solution with dissolved 2 mM Eosin Y. Moreover, the optimum photocatalyst dosage and initial solution pH for the maximum photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production are 3.33 g dm -3 and 11.5, respectively.
Facile synthesis of core-shell Cu2O@ ZnO structure with enhanced photocatalytic H2 production

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Zhang, Yong-Hui; Jiu, Bei-Bei; Gong, Fei-Long; Lu, Kuan; Jiang, Nan; Zhang, Hao-Li; Chen, Jun-Li

2018-05-01

Core-shell Cu2O@ZnO composites were synthesized successfully based on a one-pot hydrothermal method in the presence of dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT) surfactant. The Cu2O can be converted to rough core-shell Cu2O@ZnO structure by adjusting the amount of zinc powder added. The as-synthesized Cu2O@ZnO composites exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity and the amount of H2 generated using these composites was 4.5-fold more than that produced with Cu2O cubes. A possible photocatalytic mechanism for the Cu2O@ZnO composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity could be the separation by ZnO of the effective charge carriers.
Dependence of transformation product formation on pH during photolytic and photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Salma, Alaa; Thoröe-Boveleth, Sven; Schmidt, Torsten C.; Tuerk, Jochen

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Identification of transformation products using an isotopically labeled surrogate. • 4 of 18 detected transformation products have been identified for the first time. • Revision of 2 molecular structures of previously reported transformation products. • PH dependence of photolytic and photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin. - Abstract: Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with five pH dependent species in aqueous medium, which makes its degradation behavior difficult to predict. For the identification of transformation products and prediction of degradation mechanisms, a new experimental concept making use of isotopically labeled compounds together with high resolution mass spectrometry was successfully established. The utilization of deuterated ciprofloxacin (CIP-d8) facilitated the prediction of three different degradation pathways and the corresponding degradation products, four of which were identified for the first time. Moreover, two molecular structures of previously reported transformation products were revised according to the mass spectra and product ion spectra of the deuterated transformation products. Altogether, 18 transformation products have been identified during the photolytic and photocatalytic reactions at different pH values (3, 5, 7 and 9). In this work the influence of pH on both reaction kinetics and degradation mechanism was investigated for direct ultraviolet photolysis (UV-C irradiation) and photocatalysis (TiO_2/UV-C). It could be shown that the removal rates strongly depended on pH with highest removal rates at pH 9. A comparison with those at pH 3 clearly indicated that under acidic conditions ciprofloxacin cannot be easily excited by UV irradiation. We could confirm that the first reaction step for both oxidative treatment processes is mainly defluorination, followed by degradation at the piperazine ring of CIP.

Dependence of transformation product formation on pH during photolytic and photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Salma, Alaa [Institut für Energie- und Umwelttechnik e. V. (IUTA, Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology), Bliersheimer Straße 58-60, 47229 Duisburg (Germany); Thoröe-Boveleth, Sven [University Hospital Aachen, Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen (Germany); Schmidt, Torsten C. [University Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Chemistry, Instrumental Analytical Chemistry, Universitätsstraße 5, 45141 Essen (Germany); Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 2, 45141 Essen (Germany); Tuerk, Jochen, E-mail: tuerk@iuta.de [Institut für Energie- und Umwelttechnik e. V. (IUTA, Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology), Bliersheimer Straße 58-60, 47229 Duisburg (Germany); Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 2, 45141 Essen (Germany)

2016-08-05

Highlights: • Identification of transformation products using an isotopically labeled surrogate. • 4 of 18 detected transformation products have been identified for the first time. • Revision of 2 molecular structures of previously reported transformation products. • PH dependence of photolytic and photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin. - Abstract: Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with five pH dependent species in aqueous medium, which makes its degradation behavior difficult to predict. For the identification of transformation products and prediction of degradation mechanisms, a new experimental concept making use of isotopically labeled compounds together with high resolution mass spectrometry was successfully established. The utilization of deuterated ciprofloxacin (CIP-d8) facilitated the prediction of three different degradation pathways and the corresponding degradation products, four of which were identified for the first time. Moreover, two molecular structures of previously reported transformation products were revised according to the mass spectra and product ion spectra of the deuterated transformation products. Altogether, 18 transformation products have been identified during the photolytic and photocatalytic reactions at different pH values (3, 5, 7 and 9). In this work the influence of pH on both reaction kinetics and degradation mechanism was investigated for direct ultraviolet photolysis (UV-C irradiation) and photocatalysis (TiO{sub 2}/UV-C). It could be shown that the removal rates strongly depended on pH with highest removal rates at pH 9. A comparison with those at pH 3 clearly indicated that under acidic conditions ciprofloxacin cannot be easily excited by UV irradiation. We could confirm that the first reaction step for both oxidative treatment processes is mainly defluorination, followed by degradation at the piperazine ring of CIP.
Photocatalytic H{sub 2} production from water splitting under visible light irradiation using Eosin Y-sensitized mesoporous-assembled Pt/TiO{sub 2} nanocrystal photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sreethawong, Thammanoon; Chavadej, Sumaeth [The Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University, Soi Chula 12, Phyathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 (Thailand); Center for Petroleum, Petrochemicals, and Advanced Materials, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330 (Thailand); Junbua, Chompoonuch [The Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University, Soi Chula 12, Phyathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 (Thailand)

2009-05-15

Sensitized photocatalytic production of hydrogen from water splitting is investigated under visible light irradiation over mesoporous-assembled titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) nanocrystal photocatalysts, without and with Pt loading. The photocatalysts are synthesized by a sol-gel process with the aid of a structure-directing surfactant and are characterized by N{sub 2} adsorption-desorption analysis, X-ray diffraction, UV-vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The dependence of hydrogen production on the type of TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst (synthesized mesoporous-assembled and commercial non-mesoporous-assembled TiO{sub 2} without and with Pt loading), the calcination temperature of the synthesized photocatalyst, the sensitizer (Eosin Y) concentration, the electron donor (diethanolamine) concentration, the photocatalyst dosage and the initial solution pH is systematically studied. The results show that in the presence of the Eosin Y sensitizer, the Pt-loaded mesoporous-assembled TiO{sub 2} synthesized by a single-step sol-gel process and calcined at 500 C exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production from a 30 vol.% diethanolamine aqueous solution with dissolved 2 mM Eosin Y. Moreover, the optimum photocatalyst dosage and initial solution pH for the maximum photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production are 3.33 g dm{sup -3} and 11.5, respectively. (author)
CdS nanoparticles/CeO_2 nanorods composite with high-efficiency visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

You, Daotong; Pan, Bao; Jiang, Fan; Zhou, Yangen; Su, Wenyue

2016-01-01

Graphical abstract: Coupling CdS with CeO_2 can effectively improve the light-harvesting ability of wide-band gap CeO_2 NRs as the photoinduced electrons on the conduction band of CdS are transfered to the conduction band of CeO_2. - Highlights: • Coupling CdS can effectively improve the light-harvesting ability of wide-band gap CeO_2. • CdS/CeO_2 composites show high photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. • The mechanism of photocatalytic H_2 evolution over CdS/CeO_2 was proposed. - Abstract: Different mole ratios of CdS nanoparticles (NPs)/CeO_2 nanorods (NRs) composites with effective contacts were synthesized through a two-step hydrothermal method. The crystal phase, microstructure, optical absorption properties, electrochemical properties and photocatalytic H_2 production activity of these composites were investigated. It was concluded that the photogenerated charge carriers in the CdS NPs/CeO_2 NRs composite with a proper mole ratio (1:1) exhibited the longest lifetime and highest separation efficiency, which was responsible for the highest H_2-production rate of 8.4 mmol h"−"1 g"−"1 under visible-light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). The superior photocatalytic H_2 evolution properties are attributed to the transfer of visible-excited electrons of CdS NPs to CeO_2 NRs, which can effectively extend the light absorption range of wide-band gap CeO_2 NRs. This work provides feasible routes to develop visible-light responsive CeO_2-based nanomaterial for efficient solar utilization.
Facile preparation and improved photocatalytic H{sub 2}-production of Pt-decorated CdS/TiO{sub 2} nanorods

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yu, Qi [State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructures, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1295 Dingxi Road, Shanghai 200050 (China); Xu, Jie [State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructures, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1295 Dingxi Road, Shanghai 200050 (China); Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, SA 5095 (Australia); Wang, Wenzhong, E-mail: wzwang@mail.sic.ac.cn [State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructures, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1295 Dingxi Road, Shanghai 200050 (China); Lu, Chunli [State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructures, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1295 Dingxi Road, Shanghai 200050 (China)

2014-03-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Pt-CdS/TiO{sub 2} nanorods were firstly realized by electrospinning. • They exhibited high photocatalytic H{sub 2} production activity. • The mechanism of the high performance was discussed. - Abstract: Pt-CdS/TiO{sub 2} nanorods with different molar ratios of Cd:Ti were prepared through an electrospinning method followed by sulfidation treatment and photodeposition. The nanorod-like samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence spectra (PL), and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results indicated that the as-prepared samples exhibited wider light absorption range and lower recombination rate of photogenerated electron–hole pairs after the introduction of Pt and CdS. The photocatalysis experiments showed that Pt-modified CdS/TiO{sub 2} nanorods exhibited much higher activities than pure TiO{sub 2} in the evolution of hydrogen under simulated solar light irradiation.
Eosin Y-sensitized nanosheet-stacked hollow-sphere TiO2 for efficient photocatalytic H2 production under visible-light irradiation

Science.gov (United States)

Shi, Jinwen; Guan, Xiangjiu; Zhou, Zhaohui; Liu, Haipei; Guo, Liejin

2015-06-01

Nanosheet (with around 20 nm in thickness)-stacked hollow-sphere TiO2 was synthesized via a modified solvothermal reaction for different times followed by calcination treatment at different temperatures. After surface modification by different cations (H+ or Fe3+) and further sensitization by Eosin Y, the obtained photocatalysts achieved remarkably enhanced H2-production activity (about 4.2 times of that for Eosin Y-sensitized P25) and stability under visible-light irradiation. The improved photocatalytic performance was synergistically caused by the enhanced Eosin Y sensitization (due to the enlarged surface area and electropositively modified surface), the optimized crystal structure (well-crystallized anatase phase), and the unique micro/nanostructure (nanosheet-stacked hollow spheres). This work presented an effective route to explore new visible-light-driven H2-production photocatalysts by coupling nanomaterials with special morphologies and metal-free dyes with visible-light absorption.
Eosin Y-sensitized nanosheet-stacked hollow-sphere TiO2 for efficient photocatalytic H2 production under visible-light irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shi, Jinwen; Guan, Xiangjiu; Zhou, Zhaohui; Liu, Haipei; Guo, Liejin

2015-01-01

Nanosheet (with around 20 nm in thickness)-stacked hollow-sphere TiO 2 was synthesized via a modified solvothermal reaction for different times followed by calcination treatment at different temperatures. After surface modification by different cations (H + or Fe 3+ ) and further sensitization by Eosin Y, the obtained photocatalysts achieved remarkably enhanced H 2 -production activity (about 4.2 times of that for Eosin Y-sensitized P25) and stability under visible-light irradiation. The improved photocatalytic performance was synergistically caused by the enhanced Eosin Y sensitization (due to the enlarged surface area and electropositively modified surface), the optimized crystal structure (well-crystallized anatase phase), and the unique micro/nanostructure (nanosheet-stacked hollow spheres). This work presented an effective route to explore new visible-light-driven H 2 -production photocatalysts by coupling nanomaterials with special morphologies and metal-free dyes with visible-light absorption
Efficient Photocatalytic H2 Evolution: Controlled Dewetting-Dealloying to Fabricate Site-Selective High-Activity Nanoporous Au Particles on Highly Ordered TiO2 Nanotube Arrays.

Science.gov (United States)

Nguyen, Nhat Truong; Altomare, Marco; Yoo, JeongEun; Schmuki, Patrik

2015-05-27

Anodic self-organized TiO2 nanostumps are formed and exploited for self-ordering dewetting of Au-Ag sputtered films. This forms ordered particle configurations at the tube top (crown position) or bottom (ground position). By dealloying from a minimal amount of noble metal, porous Au nanoparticles are then formed, which, when in the crown position, allow for a drastically improved photocatalytic H2 production compared with nanoparticles produced by conventional dewetting processes. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
CdS nanoparticles/CeO{sub 2} nanorods composite with high-efficiency visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

You, Daotong; Pan, Bao; Jiang, Fan; Zhou, Yangen; Su, Wenyue, E-mail: suweny@fzu.edu.cn

2016-02-15

Graphical abstract: Coupling CdS with CeO{sub 2} can effectively improve the light-harvesting ability of wide-band gap CeO{sub 2} NRs as the photoinduced electrons on the conduction band of CdS are transfered to the conduction band of CeO{sub 2}. - Highlights: • Coupling CdS can effectively improve the light-harvesting ability of wide-band gap CeO{sub 2}. • CdS/CeO{sub 2} composites show high photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. • The mechanism of photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution over CdS/CeO{sub 2} was proposed. - Abstract: Different mole ratios of CdS nanoparticles (NPs)/CeO{sub 2} nanorods (NRs) composites with effective contacts were synthesized through a two-step hydrothermal method. The crystal phase, microstructure, optical absorption properties, electrochemical properties and photocatalytic H{sub 2} production activity of these composites were investigated. It was concluded that the photogenerated charge carriers in the CdS NPs/CeO{sub 2} NRs composite with a proper mole ratio (1:1) exhibited the longest lifetime and highest separation efficiency, which was responsible for the highest H{sub 2}-production rate of 8.4 mmol h{sup −1} g{sup −1} under visible-light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). The superior photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution properties are attributed to the transfer of visible-excited electrons of CdS NPs to CeO{sub 2} NRs, which can effectively extend the light absorption range of wide-band gap CeO{sub 2} NRs. This work provides feasible routes to develop visible-light responsive CeO{sub 2}-based nanomaterial for efficient solar utilization.
Phosphorene Co-catalyst Advancing Highly Efficient Visible-Light Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production.

Science.gov (United States)

Ran, Jingrun; Zhu, Bicheng; Qiao, Shi-Zhang

2017-08-21

Transitional metals are widely used as co-catalysts boosting photocatalytic H 2 production. However, metal-based co-catalysts suffer from high cost, limited abundance and detrimental environment impact. To date, metal-free co-catalyst is rarely reported. Here we for the first time utilized density functional calculations to guide the application of phosphorene as a high-efficiency metal-free co-catalyst for CdS, Zn 0.8 Cd 0.2 S or ZnS. Particularly, phosphorene modified CdS shows a high apparent quantum yield of 34.7 % at 420 nm. This outstanding activity arises from the strong electronic coupling between phosphorene and CdS, as well as the favorable band structure, high charge mobility and massive active sites of phosphorene, supported by computations and advanced characterizations, for example, synchrotron-based X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy. This work brings new opportunities to prepare highly-active, cheap and green photocatalysts. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
TiO2 promoted by two different non-noble metal cocatalysts for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lin, Jing-Dong; Yan, Shi; Huang, Qin-Dong; Fan, Mei-Ting; Yuan, You-Zhu; Tan, Timothy Thatt-Yang; Liao, Dai-Wei

2014-01-01

TiO 2 photocatalysts modified by cobalt and nickel cocatalysts were prepared via polymerized complex method (PCM) and evaluated by photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Hydrogen generation in 6 h for the TiO 2 promoted by cobalt and nickel (0.1%Co + 0.2%Ni/TiO 2 ) is about two times (2456 μmol H 2 ) compared to that of TiO 2 promoted only by cobalt (1180 μmol H 2 for 0.1%Co/TiO 2 ) or nickel (1127 μmol H 2 for 0.2%Ni/TiO 2 ), and mechanically mixed TiO 2 promoted by cobalt and TiO 2 promoted by nickel (0.1%Co/TiO 2 :0.2%Ni/TiO 2 = 1:1 (m/m), 1282 μmol H 2 ). The high photocatalytic H 2 evolution activity over TiO 2 promoted by cobalt and nickel is ascribed to enhanced photo response due to the presence of cobalt and nickel impurity level, and effective separation of photogenerated electrons and holes due to the synergistic effect of cobalt and nickel, which serve as active sites for H 2 evolution reaction (HER) and oxidation reaction (OR) respectively. This study demonstrates a viable strategy to design more active photocatalysts for photocatalytic H 2 evolution by substituting noble metals with more abundant elements using as HER and OR cocatalysts, respectively.
Hierarchical Layered WS2 /Graphene-Modified CdS Nanorods for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

Science.gov (United States)

Xiang, Quanjun; Cheng, Feiyue; Lang, Di

2016-05-10

Graphene-based ternary composite photocatalysts with genuine heterostructure constituents have attracted extensive attention in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Here we report a new graphene-based ternary composite consisting of CdS nanorods grown on hierarchical layered WS2 /graphene hybrid (WG) as a high-performance photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation. The optimal content of layered WG as a co-catalyst in the ternary CdS/WS2 /graphene composites was found to be 4.2 wt %, giving a visible light photocatalytic H2 -production rate of 1842 μmol h(-1) g(-1) with an apparent quantum eﬃciency of 21.2 % at 420 nm. This high photocatalytic H2 -production activity is due to the deposition of CdS nanorods on layered WS2 /graphene sheets, which can efficiently suppress charge recombination, improve interfacial charge transfer, and provide reduction active sites. The proposed mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of CdS nanorods modified with hierarchical layered WG was further confirmed by transient photocurrent response. This work shows that a noble-metal-free hierarchical layered WS2 /graphene nanosheets hybrid can be used as an effective co-catalyst for photocatalytic water splitting. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Eosin Y-sensitized nanosheet-stacked hollow-sphere TiO{sub 2} for efficient photocatalytic H{sub 2} production under visible-light irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shi, Jinwen, E-mail: jinwen-shi@mail.xjtu.edu.cn; Guan, Xiangjiu; Zhou, Zhaohui; Liu, Haipei; Guo, Liejin [Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering (MFPE), International Research Center for Renewable Energy IRCRE (China)

2015-06-15

Nanosheet (with around 20 nm in thickness)-stacked hollow-sphere TiO{sub 2} was synthesized via a modified solvothermal reaction for different times followed by calcination treatment at different temperatures. After surface modification by different cations (H{sup +} or Fe{sup 3+}) and further sensitization by Eosin Y, the obtained photocatalysts achieved remarkably enhanced H{sub 2}-production activity (about 4.2 times of that for Eosin Y-sensitized P25) and stability under visible-light irradiation. The improved photocatalytic performance was synergistically caused by the enhanced Eosin Y sensitization (due to the enlarged surface area and electropositively modified surface), the optimized crystal structure (well-crystallized anatase phase), and the unique micro/nanostructure (nanosheet-stacked hollow spheres). This work presented an effective route to explore new visible-light-driven H{sub 2}-production photocatalysts by coupling nanomaterials with special morphologies and metal-free dyes with visible-light absorption.
Three-dimensional Ag{sub 2}O/WO{sub 3}·0.33H{sub 2}O heterostructures for improving photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

He, Xiaoyu [Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044 (China); Department of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Yangtze Normal University, Chongqing 408100 (China); Hu, Chenguo, E-mail: hucg@cqu.edu.cn [Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044 (China); Xi, Yi; Zhang, Kaiyou; Hua, Hao [Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044 (China)

2014-02-01

Highlights: • Ag{sub 2}O/WO{sub 3}·0.33H{sub 2}O 3D network heterostructures are prepared via a simple precipitatation method. • Ag{sub 2}O/WO{sub 3}·0.33H{sub 2}O networks exhibit much enhanced photocatalytic activity. • High photocatalytic activity is attributed to its heterostructure and 3D architectures. - Abstract: Three-dimensional Ag{sub 2}O/WO{sub 3}·0.33H{sub 2}O heterostructures were fabricated by loading Ag{sub 2}O nanoparticles on WO{sub 3}·0.33H{sub 2}O 3D networks via a simple chemical precipitation method. The Ag{sub 2}O/WO{sub 3}·0.33H{sub 2}O heterostructures exhibited much enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under simulated solar light irradiation. The optimal molar ratio of Ag{sub 2}O and WO{sub 3}·0.33H{sub 2}O is 1:2. The outstanding photocatalytic activity of the Ag{sub 2}O/WO{sub 3}·0.33H{sub 2}O can be attributed to its large surface area of the three-dimensional networks, the enhanced sunlight absorption and the prevention of electrons–holes combination from the heterostructures. The experiment result demonstrates that wide band gap semiconductor (WO{sub 3}·0.33H{sub 2}O) modified by narrow band gap metal oxide (Ag{sub 2}O) with 3D architecture will be an effective route to enhance its photocatalytic activity.
Hydrogenated TiO{sub 2} nanobelts as highly efficient photocatalytic organic dye degradation and hydrogen evolution photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tian, Jian [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590 (China); State key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100 (China); Leng, Yanhua [State key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100 (China); Cui, Hongzhi, E-mail: cuihongzhi1965@163.com [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590 (China); Liu, Hong, E-mail: hongliu@sdu.edu.cn [State key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100 (China)

2015-12-15

Highlights: • A facile synthesis of hydrogenated TiO{sub 2} nanobelts is reported. • Utilizing UV and visible light in photocatalytic degradation and H{sub 2} production. • The improved photocatalytic property is owe to Ti{sup 3+} ions and oxygen vacancies. - Abstract: TiO{sub 2} nanobelts have gained increasing interest because of its outstanding properties and promising applications in a wide range of fields. Here we report the facile synthesis of hydrogenated TiO{sub 2} (H-TiO{sub 2}) nanobelts, which exhibit excellent UV and visible photocatalytic decomposing of methyl orange (MO) and water splitting for hydrogen production. The improved photocatalytic property can be attributed to the Ti{sup 3+} ions and oxygen vacancies in TiO{sub 2} nanobelts created by hydrogenation. Ti{sup 3+} ions and oxygen vacancies can enhance visible light absorption, promote charge carrier trapping, and hinder the photogenerated electron–hole recombination. This work offers a simple strategy for the fabrication of a wide solar spectrum of active photocatalysts, which possesses significant potential for more efficient photodegradation, photocatalytic water splitting, and enhanced solar cells using sunlight as light source.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution under irradiation of UV-vis light by Au-modified nitrogen-doped TiO2.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Weirong; Ai, Zhuyu; Dai, Jiusong; Zhang, Meng

2014-01-01

Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen evolution is a potential way to solve many energy and environmental issues. Developing visible-light-active photocatalysts to efficiently utilize sunlight and finding proper ways to improve photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution have always been hot topics for research. This study attempts to expand the use of sunlight and to enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 by N doping and Au loading. Au/N-doped TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized and successfully used for photocatalytic water splitting for H2 evolution under irradiation of UV and UV-vis light, respectively. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and photoelectrochemical characterizations. DRS displayed an extension of light absorption into the visible region by doping of N and depositing with Au, respectively. PL analysis indicated electron-hole recombination due to N doping and an efficient inhibition of electron-hole recombination due to the loaded Au particles. Under the irradiation of UV light, the photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of the as-synthesized samples followed the order Au/TiO2 > Au/N-doped TiO2 > TiO2 > N-doped TiO2. While under irradiation of UV-vis light, the N-TiO2 and Au/N-TiO2 samples show higher H2 evolution than their corresponding nitrogen-free samples (TiO2 and Au/TiO2). This inconsistent result could be attributed to the doping of N and the surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) effect of Au particles extending the visible light absorption. The photoelectrochemical characterizations further indicated the enhancement of the visible light response of Au/N-doped TiO2. Comparative studies have shown that a combination of nitrogen doping and Au loading enhanced the visible light response of TiO2 and increased the utilization of solar energy, greatly
Enhanced photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution under irradiation of UV-vis light by Au-modified nitrogen-doped TiO2.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Weirong Zhao

Full Text Available BACKGROUND PURPOSE: Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen evolution is a potential way to solve many energy and environmental issues. Developing visible-light-active photocatalysts to efficiently utilize sunlight and finding proper ways to improve photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution have always been hot topics for research. This study attempts to expand the use of sunlight and to enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 by N doping and Au loading. METHODS: Au/N-doped TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized and successfully used for photocatalytic water splitting for H2 evolution under irradiation of UV and UV-vis light, respectively. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD, transmission electron microscopy (TEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS, photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL, and photoelectrochemical characterizations. RESULTS: DRS displayed an extension of light absorption into the visible region by doping of N and depositing with Au, respectively. PL analysis indicated electron-hole recombination due to N doping and an efficient inhibition of electron-hole recombination due to the loaded Au particles. Under the irradiation of UV light, the photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of the as-synthesized samples followed the order Au/TiO2 > Au/N-doped TiO2 > TiO2 > N-doped TiO2. While under irradiation of UV-vis light, the N-TiO2 and Au/N-TiO2 samples show higher H2 evolution than their corresponding nitrogen-free samples (TiO2 and Au/TiO2. This inconsistent result could be attributed to the doping of N and the surface plasmonic resonance (SPR effect of Au particles extending the visible light absorption. The photoelectrochemical characterizations further indicated the enhancement of the visible light response of Au/N-doped TiO2. CONCLUSION: Comparative studies have shown that a combination of nitrogen doping and Au loading enhanced the visible light response of
Hydrothermal growth of two dimensional hierarchical MoS2 nanospheres on one dimensional CdS nanorods for high performance and stable visible photocatalytic H2 evolution

Science.gov (United States)

Chava, Rama Krishna; Do, Jeong Yeon; Kang, Misook

2018-03-01

The visible photocatalytic H2 production from water splitting considered as a clean and renewable energy source could solve the problem of greenhouse gas emission from fossil fuels. Despite tremendous efforts, the development of cost effective, highly efficient and more stable visible photocatalysts for splitting of water remains a great challenge. Here, we report the heteronanostructures consisting of hierarchical MoS2 nanospheres grown on 1D CdS nanorods referred to as CdS-MoS2 HNSs as a high performance visible photocatalyst for H2 evolution. The as-synthesized CdS-MoS2 HNSs exhibited ∼11 fold increment of H2 evolution rate when compared to pure CdS nanorods. This remarkable enhanced hydrogen evolution performance can be assigned to the positive synergetic effect from heteronanostructures formed between the CdS and MoS2 components which assist as an electron sink and source for abundant active edge sites and in turn increases the charge separation. This study presents a low-cost visible photocatalyst for solar energy conversion to achieve efficient H2.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Chlorobenzene by TiO2 in High-Temperature and High-Pressure Water

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

N. Kometani

2008-01-01

Full Text Available A fluidized-bed-type flow reactor available for the photocatalytic treatment of the suspension of model soil under high-temperature, high-pressure conditions was designed. An aqueous suspension containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 as an oxidizer and inorganic oxides as a model soil, titania (TiO2, silica (SiO2, or kaoline (Al2Si2O5(OH4 was continuously fed into the reactor with the temperature and the pressure controlled to be T=20–400∘C and P = 30 MPa, respectively. The degradation of chlorobenzene (CB in water was chosen as a model oxidation reaction. It appeared that most of the model soils are not so harmful to the SCWO treatment of CB in solutions. When the TiO2 suspension containing H2O2 was irradiated with near-UV light, the promotion of the degradation caused by photocatalytic actions of TiO2 was observed at all temperatures. Persistence of the photocatalytic activity in the oxidation reaction in high-temperature, high-pressure water would open up a possibility of the development of the hybrid process based on the combination of SCWO process and TiO2 photocatalysis for the treatment of environmental pollutants in soil and water, which are difficult to handle by conventional SCWO process or catalytic SCWO process alone.
Double Z-scheme ZnO/ZnS/g-C3N4 ternary structure for efficient photocatalytic H2 production

Science.gov (United States)

Dong, Zhifang; Wu, Yan; Thirugnanam, Natarajan; Li, Gonglin

2018-02-01

In the present work, a novel ZnO/ZnS/g-C3N4 ternary nanocomposite with double Z-scheme heterojunction has been designed via a two-step facile chemical conversion route. The spherical ZnS nanoparticles were uniformly loaded onto ZnO nanoflowers surface. And then the ZnO/ZnS nanocomposite was further hybridized with g-C3N4 nanosheets. Ternary ZnO/ZnS/g-C3N4 nanocomposite displays the largest specific surface area (about 76.2 m2/g), which provides plentiful activated sites for photocatalytic reaction. Furthermore, the ternary material exhibits the highest methylene blue photodegradation rate of about 0.0218 min-1 and the optimum photocatalytic H2 production (1205 μmol/g) over water splitting at 4 h under solar light irradiation. Moreover, it showed the highest photocurrent effect and the minimum charge-transfer resistance. These results implied that the higher photoactivity of ZnO/ZnS/g-C3N4 nanocomposite could be attributed to the multi-steps charge transfer and effective electron-hole separation in the double Z-scheme system.
Novel-structured electrospun TiO2/CuO composite nanofibers for high efficient photocatalytic cogeneration of clean water and energy from dye wastewater.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Siew Siang; Bai, Hongwei; Liu, Zhaoyang; Sun, Darren Delai

2013-08-01

It is still a challenge to photocatalytically cogenerate clean water and energy from dye wastewater owing to the relatively low photocatalytic efficiency of photocatalysts. In this study, novel-structured TiO2/CuO composite nanofibers were successfully fabricated via facile electrospinning. For the first time, the TiO2/CuO composite nanofibers demonstrated multifunctional ability for concurrent photocatalytic organic degradation and H2 generation from dye wastewater. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO2/CuO composite nanofibers was ascribed to its excellent synergy of physicochemical properties: 1) mesoporosity and large specific surface area for efficient substrate adsorption, mass transfer and light harvesting; 2) red-shift of the absorbance spectra for enhanced light utilization; 3) long nanofibrous structure for efficient charge transfer and ease of recovery, 4) TiO2/CuO heterojunctions which enhance the separation of electrons and holes and 5) presence of CuO which serve as co-catalyst for the H2 production. The TiO2/CuO composite nanofibers also exhibited rapid settleability by gravity and uncompromised reusability. Thus, the as-synthesized TiO2/CuO composite nanofibers represent a promising candidate for highly efficient concurrent photocatalytic organic degradation and clean energy production from dye wastewater. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Formation of combustible hydrocarbons and H2 during photocatalytic decomposition of various organic compounds under aerated and deaerated conditions.

Science.gov (United States)

Mozia, Sylwia; Kułagowska, Aleksandra; Morawski, Antoni W

2014-11-26

A possibility of photocatalytic production of useful aliphatic hydrocarbons and H2 from various organic compounds, including acetic acid, methanol, ethanol and glucose, over Fe-modified TiO2 is discussed. In particular, the influence of the reaction atmosphere (N2, air) was investigated. Different gases were identified in the headspace volume of the reactor depending on the substrate. In general, the evolution of the gases was more effective in air compared to a N2 atmosphere. In the presence of air, the gaseous phase contained CO2, CH4 and H2, regardless of the substrate used. Moreover, formation of C2H6 and C3H8 in the case of acetic acid and C2H6 in the case of ethanol was observed. In case of acetic acid and methanol an increase in H2 evolution under aerated conditions was observed. It was concluded that the photocatalytic decomposition of organic compounds with simultaneous generation of combustible hydrocarbons and hydrogen could be a promising method of "green energy" production.
Tuning Cu dopant of Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S nanocrystals enables high-performance photocatalytic H 2 evolution from water splitting under visible-light irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mei, Zongwei; Zhang, Bingkai; Zheng, Jiaxin; Yuan, Sheng; Zhuo, Zengqing; Meng, Xianguang; Chen, Zonghai; Amine, Khalil; Yang, Wanli; Wang, Lin. -Wang; Wang, Wei; Wang, Shufeng; Gong, Qihuang; Li, Jun; Liu, Fu. -Sheng; Pan, Feng

2016-08-01

Cu-doping into Zn1-xCdxS can greatly enhance the photocatalytic H2 evolution from water splitting under visible-light irradiation. However, it is still controversial for how the Cu-dopant improves this performance. Here, we report that appropriate Cu-doped Zn0.5Cd0.5S nanocrystals reach 21.4 mmol/h/g of H2 evolution rate without cocatalyst in the visible-light region, which is also 2.8 times as high as that of the undoped counterpart, and the corresponding apparent quantum efficiency is 18.8% at 428 nm. It is firstly confirmed that the Cu2+ changes into Cu+ after being doped by soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (sXAS). We theoretically propose that the transformation of 2Cu2+ to 2Cu+ results in one adjacent S2- vacancy (VS) in host during the doping process, while the Cu+-dopant and VS attract the photoexcited holes and electrons, respectively. Accordingly, the photocatalytic activity is improved due to the enhanced separation of photoexcited carriers accompanied with the enhanced light absorption resulting from the Cu+-dopant and 2Cu+/VS complex as possible active site for photocatalytic H2 evolution.
Single-Atom Pt as Co-Catalyst for Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Evolution.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Xiaogang; Bi, Wentuan; Zhang, Lei; Tao, Shi; Chu, Wangsheng; Zhang, Qun; Luo, Yi; Wu, Changzheng; Xie, Yi

2016-03-23

Isolated single-atom platinum (Pt) embedded in the sub-nanoporosity of 2D g-C3 N4 as a new form of co-catalyst is reported. The highly stable single-atom co-catalyst maximizes the atom efficiency and alters the surface trap states of g-C3 N4 , leading to significantly enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution activity, 8.6 times higher than that of Pt nanoparticles and up to 50 times that for bare g-C3 N4 . © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Hydrogen evolution from aqueous-phase photocatalytic reforming of ethylene glycol over Pt/TiO{sub 2} catalysts: Role of Pt and product distribution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Fuying [State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, Research Institute of Photocatalysis, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002 (China); College of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming 365004 (China); Gu, Quan [Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710062 (China); Niu, Yu [College of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming 365004 (China); School of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116 (China); Wang, Renzhang [College of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming 365004 (China); Tong, Yuecong; Zhu, Shuying; Zhang, Hualei [State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, Research Institute of Photocatalysis, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002 (China); Zhang, Zizhong, E-mail: z.zhang@fzu.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, Research Institute of Photocatalysis, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002 (China); Wang, Xuxu [State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, Research Institute of Photocatalysis, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002 (China)

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Photocatalytic EG reforming generates many hydrocarbons besides H{sub 2}, CO{sub 2} and CO. • Pt loading greatly improves the photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} for EG reforming. • Half amount of the produced H{sub 2} over Pt/TiO{sub 2} originates from EG reforming. - Abstract: Pt nanoparticles were loaded on anatase TiO{sub 2} by the photodeposition method to investigate their photocatalytic activity for H{sub 2} evolution in an aqueous solution containing a certain amount of ethylene glycol (EG) as the sacrificial agent. The surface properties and chemical states of the Pt/TiO{sub 2} sample were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and electrochemical resistance. The aqueous-phase photocatalytic EG reforming using Pt/TiO{sub 2} and anatase TiO{sub 2} generated not only H{sub 2} and CO{sub 2}, but also CO, CH{sub 4}, C{sub 2}H{sub 6}, and C{sub 2}H{sub 4}. Moreover, the amount of formate and acetate complexes in the solution increased gradually. The EG adsorption and gas-phase intermediates during photocatalytic reaction processes were investigated by the in situ FTIR spectrum. Finally, the photocatalytic EG reforming reaction mechanism was elucidated. This helped to better understand the role of a sacrificial agent in a photocatalytic hydrogen production.
Enhanced visible light photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution of metal-free g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/SiC heterostructured photocatalysts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Biao, E-mail: wangbiao@fjirsm.ac.cn [Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials Chemistry and Physics, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002 (China); University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049 (China); Zhang, Jingtao, E-mail: zhangjtao@mail.sysu.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006 (China); Huang, Feng, E-mail: huangfeng@mail.sysu.edu.cn [Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials Chemistry and Physics, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002 (China); State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006 (China)

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Novel g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/SiC composite was prepared by synthesizing g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} on the surface of SiC. • g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/SiC composites exhibit much higher H{sub 2} production activity than pure g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}. • The g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/SiC heterojunction mainly accounts for improved photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} has been attracting much attention for application in visible light photocatalytic water splitting due to its suitable band structure, and high thermal and chemical stability. However, the rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers has inhibited its wide use. For this reason, novel g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/SiC composites were prepared via in situ synthesis of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} on the surface of SiC, with which g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} shows tight interaction (chemical bonding). The g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/SiC composites exhibit high stability in H{sub 2} production under irradiation with visible light (λ ≥ 420 nm), demonstrating a maximum of 182 μmol g{sup −1} h{sup −1}, being 3.4 times higher than that of pure g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}. The enhanced photocatalytic H{sub 2} production ability for g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/SiC photocatalysts is primarily ascribed to the combined effects of enhanced separation of photogenerated carriers through efficient migration of electron and enlarged surface areas, in addition to the possible contributions of increased hydrophilicity of SiC and polymerization degree of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}. This study may provide new insights into the development of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}-based composites as stable and efficient photocatalysts for H{sub 2} production from water splitting.
Bubble template synthesis of Sn2Nb2O7 hollow spheres for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen production.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, Chao; Zhao, Yufei; Bian, Tong; Shang, Lu; Yu, Huijun; Wu, Li-Zhu; Tung, Chen-Ho; Zhang, Tierui

2013-10-28

Hierarchical Sn2Nb2O7 hollow spheres were prepared for the first time via a facile hydrothermal route using bubbles generated in situ from the decomposition of urea as soft templates. The as-obtained hollow spheres with a large specific surface area of 58.3 m(2) g(-1) show improved visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2 production activity in lactic acid aqueous solutions, about 4 times higher than that of the bulk Sn2Nb2O7 sample prepared by a conventional high temperature solid state reaction method.
Fabrication of TiO{sub 2} hierarchical architecture assembled by nanowires with anatase/TiO{sub 2}(B) phase-junctions for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Qiu, Yong; Ouyang, Feng, E-mail: ouyangfh@hit.edu.cn

2017-05-01

Highlights: • H-titanate nanowires hierarchical architectures (TNH) were prepared by a hydrothermal method. • Calcinations of TNH leads to the formation of anatase/TiO{sub 2}(B) phase-junctions. • The hierarchical architecture offered enhanced light harvesting and large specific surface area. • The 1D nanowires and anatase/TiO{sub 2}(B) phase-junctions both can enhance the separation of photoinduced electron-hole. • The products calcined at the optimum conditions (450 °C) exhibited a maximum hydrogenproduction rate of 7808 μmol g{sup −1} h{sup −1}. - Abstract: TiO{sub 2} hierarchical architecture assembled by nanowires with anatase/TiO{sub 2}(B) phase-junctions was prepared by a hydrothermal process followed by calcinations. The optimum calcination treatment (450 °C) not only led to the formation of anatase/TiO{sub 2}(B) phase-junctions, but also kept the morphology of 1D nanowire and hierarchical architecture well. The T-450 load 0.5 wt% Pt cocatalysts showed the best photocatalytic hydrogen production activity, with a maximum hydrogen production rate of 7808 μmol g{sup −1} h{sup −1}. The high photocatalytic activity is ascribed to the combined effects of the following three factors: (1) the hierarchical architecture exhibits better light harvesting; (2) the larger specific surface area provides more surface active sites for the photocatalytic reaction; (3) the 1D nanowires and anatase/TiO{sub 2}(B) phase-junctions both can enhance the separation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs and inhibit their recombination.
Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production of Flower-like Cadmium Sulfide Decorated by Histidine

OpenAIRE

Wang, Qizhao; Lian, Juhong; Li, Jiajia; Wang, Rongfang; Huang, Haohao; Su, Bitao; Lei, Ziqiang

2015-01-01

Morphology-controlled synthesis of CdS can significantly enhance the efficiency of its photocatalytic hydrogen production. In this study, a novel three-dimensional (3D) flower-like CdS is synthesized via a facile template-free hydrothermal process using Cd(NO3)2•4H2O and thiourea as precursors and L-Histidine as a chelating agent. The morphology, crystal phase, and photoelectrochemical performance of the flower-like CdS and pure CdS nanocrystals are carefully investigated via various characte...
Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production of Flower-like Cadmium Sulfide Decorated by Histidine

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Qizhao; Lian, Juhong; Li, Jiajia; Wang, Rongfang; Huang, Haohao; Su, Bitao; Lei, Ziqiang

2015-09-01

Morphology-controlled synthesis of CdS can significantly enhance the efficiency of its photocatalytic hydrogen production. In this study, a novel three-dimensional (3D) flower-like CdS is synthesized via a facile template-free hydrothermal process using Cd(NO3)2•4H2O and thiourea as precursors and L-Histidine as a chelating agent. The morphology, crystal phase, and photoelectrochemical performance of the flower-like CdS and pure CdS nanocrystals are carefully investigated via various characterizations. Superior photocatalytic activity relative to that of pure CdS is observed on the flower-like CdS photocatalyst under visible light irradiation, which is nearly 13 times of pure CdS. On the basis of the results from SEM studies and our analysis, a growth mechanism of flower-like CdS is proposed by capturing the shape evolution. The imidazole ring of L-Histidine captures the Cd ions from the solution, and prevents the growth of the CdS nanoparticles. Furthermore, the photocatalytic contrast experiments illustrate that the as-synthesized flower-like CdS with L-Histidine is more stable than CdS without L-Histidine in the hydrogen generation.
Modification of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanosheets by carbon quantum dots for highly efficient photocatalytic generation of hydrogen

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Kui; Su, Feng-Yun; Zhang, Wei-De, E-mail: zhangwd@scut.edu.cn

2016-07-01

Graphical abstract: Carbon quantum dots-modified graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (CNNS/CQDs) catalysts with high and stable activity for photocatalytic generation of hydrogen through water splitting were successfully constructed. - Highlights: • Composite photocatalysts based on g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanosheets and CQDs were prepared. • High visible light photocatalytic activity for H{sub 2} evolution. • Effective separation and transfer of charge carriers. - Abstract: Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were deposited onto graphite-like carbon nitride nanosheets (CNNS) to form CNNS/CQDs composites. The prepared CNNS/CQDs composites exhibit much higher photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation than pure CNNS do. The CNNS/CQDs-7 sample displays the highest photocatalytic performance, with H{sub 2} production rate of 116.1 μmol h{sup −1}, which is three times of that over pure CNNS (37.8 μmol h{sup −1}). Photoluminescence spectroscopy and photoelectrochemical (PEC) analysis reveal that the CQDs are favorable for trapping electrons and promoting the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs in CNNS. A possible photocatalytic mechanism of the enhanced photocatalytic performance for H{sub 2} generation over CNNS/CQDs will be proposed in this paper.
Ultrasonic, photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation of Basic Red-2 by using Nb2O5 nano catalyst

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gunvant H. Sonawane

2016-09-01

Full Text Available The ultrasonic, photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation of Basic Red-2 accompanied by Nb2O5 nano catalysts were studied. The structure and morphology of synthesized Nb2O5 nano catalyst was investigated using scanning election microscopy (SEM, Electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS and X-ray diffraction (XRD.The effects of various experimental parameters such as the Basic Red-2 concentration, catalyst dose, pH and addition of H2O2 on the ultrasonic, photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation were investigated. Photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation of Basic Red-2 was strongly affected by initial dye concentration, catalyst dose, H2O2 addition and pH. Basic pH (pH-10 was favored for the ultrasonic (US, photocatalytic (UV + Nb2O5 and sonophotocatalytic (US + UV + Nb2O5 degradation of Basic Red-2 by using Nb2O5 nano catalyst. The ultrasonic degradation of Basic Red-2 was enhanced by the addition of photocatalyst. Then, the effect of Nb2O5 dose on photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation were studied, and it was found that increase in catalyst dose increase in the percentage degradation of Basic Red-2. In addition, the effects of H2O2 on ultrasonic, photolytic, photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation was also investigated, and it was found that H2O2 enhances the % degradation of Basic Red-2. The possible mechanism of ultrasonic, photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation of Basic Red-2 reported by LC-MS shows generation of different degradation products
Excellent photocatalytic hydrogen production over CdS nanorods via using noble metal-free copper molybdenum sulfide (Cu2MoS4) nanosheets as co-catalysts

Science.gov (United States)

Hong, Sangyeob; Kumar, D. Praveen; Reddy, D. Amaranatha; Choi, Jiha; Kim, Tae Kyu

2017-02-01

Charge carrier recombination and durability issues are major problems in photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) evolution processes. Thus, there is a very important necessitate to extend an efficient photocatalyst to control charge-carrier dynamics in the photocatalytic system. We have developed copper molybdenum sulfide (Cu2MoS4) nanosheets as co-catalysts with CdS nanorods for controlling charge carriers without recombination for use in photocatalytic H2 evolution under simulated solar light irradiation. Effective control and utilization of charge carriers are possible by loading Cu2MoS4 nanosheets onto the CdS nanorods. The loading compensates for the restrictions of CdS, and stimulated synergistic effects, such as efficient photoexcited charge separation, lead to an improvement in photostability because of the layered structure of the Cu2MoS4nanosheets. These layered Cu2MoS4 nanosheets have emerged as novel and active replacements for precious noble metal co-catalysts in photocatalytic H2 production by water splitting. We have obtained superior H2 production rates by using Cu2MoS4 loaded CdS nanorods. The physicochemical properties of the composites are analyzed by diverse characterization techniques.
Solar photocatalytic degradation of isoproturon over TiO2/H-MOR composite systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sharma, Mangalampalli V. Phanikrishna; Durgakumari, Valluri; Subrahmanyam, Machiraju

2008-01-01

The photocatalytic degradation and mineralization of isoproturon herbicide was investigated in aqueous solution containing TiO 2 over H-mordenite (H-MOR) photocatalysts under solar light. The catalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS), Fourier transform-infra red spectra (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The effect of TiO 2 , H-MOR support and different wt% of TiO 2 over the support on the photocatalytic degradation and influence of parameters such as TiO 2 loading, catalyst amount, pH and initial concentration of isoproturon on degradation are evaluated. 15 wt% TiO 2 /H-MOR composite is found to be optimum. The degradation reaction follows pseudo-first order kinetics and is discussed in terms of Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) kinetic model. The extent of isoproturon mineralization studied with chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) measurements and ∼80% mineralization occurred in 5 h. A plausible mechanism is proposed based on the intermediates identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS)
Solar photocatalytic degradation of isoproturon over TiO2/H-MOR composite systems.

Science.gov (United States)

Sharma, Mangalampalli V Phanikrishna; Durgakumari, Valluri; Subrahmanyam, Machiraju

2008-12-30

The photocatalytic degradation and mineralization of isoproturon herbicide was investigated in aqueous solution containing TiO2 over H-mordenite (H-MOR) photocatalysts under solar light. The catalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS), Fourier transform-infra red spectra (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The effect of TiO2, H-MOR support and different wt% of TiO2 over the support on the photocatalytic degradation and influence of parameters such as TiO2 loading, catalyst amount, pH and initial concentration of isoproturon on degradation are evaluated. 15wt% TiO2/H-MOR composite is found to be optimum. The degradation reaction follows pseudo-first order kinetics and is discussed in terms of Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) kinetic model. The extent of isoproturon mineralization studied with chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) measurements and approximately 80% mineralization occurred in 5h. A plausible mechanism is proposed based on the intermediates identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS).
Exceptional enhancement of H{sub 2} production in alkaline environment over plasmonic Au/TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst under visible light

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Meng, Xianguang; Liu, Guigao [Graduate School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0814 (Japan); Environmental Remediation Materials Unit and International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044 (Japan); Yu, Qing [Graduate School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0814 (Japan); Wang, Tao; Chang, Kun; Li, Peng [Environmental Remediation Materials Unit and International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044 (Japan); Liu, Lequan, E-mail: Jinhua.YE@nims.go.jp, E-mail: Lequan.Liu@tju.edu.cn [TU-NIMS Joint Research Center, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072 (China); Ye, Jinhua, E-mail: Jinhua.YE@nims.go.jp, E-mail: Lequan.Liu@tju.edu.cn [Graduate School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0814 (Japan); Environmental Remediation Materials Unit and International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044 (Japan); TU-NIMS Joint Research Center, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072 (China)

2015-10-01

A reaction environment modulation strategy was employed to promote the H{sub 2} production over plasmonic Au/semiconductor composites. It is shown that the fast consumption of the holes in plasmonic Au nanoparticles by methanol in alkaline reaction environment remarkably increases H{sub 2} generation rate under visible light. The photocatalytic reaction is mainly driven by the interband transition of plasmonic Au nanoparticles, and the apparent quantum efficiency of plasmon-assisted H{sub 2} production at pH 14 reaches 6% at 420 nm. The reaction environment control provides a simple and effective way for the highly efficient solar fuel production from biomass reforming through plasmonic photocatalysis in future.
Physicochemical impact of zeolites as the support for photocatalytic hydrogen production using solar-activated TiO2-based nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Taheri Najafabadi, Amin; Taghipour, Fariborz

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Zeolite chemical properties are crucial to photocatalytic hydrogen production. • Basic zeolite, TiO 2 , heteropolyacid and cobalt together are active under visible light. • TiO 2 impregnation on zeolite causes band gap widening and band edges’ anodic shift. • Heteropolyacid enhances the visible light activity of the photocatalyst. • Zeolite’s basicity can overshadow the anodic shift, advancing hydrogen evolution. - Abstract: Silico-aluminates (zeolites) have been recently utilized promisingly as the support for photocatalytic hydrogen production using solar-activated TiO 2 -based nanoparticles. Aside from conventional advantages offered by the supports in photocatalysis, we demonstrate the unique physicochemical impact of zeolites on photocatalytic hydrogen production. Beside zeolites, our synthesized materials comprise titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) as the semiconductor, cobalt ions as the hydrogen evolution sites, and heteropolyacids (HPAs) as the multifunctional solid acids with significant excitability under visible light. Four classes of zeolites (Na-Y, Na-mordenite, H-Y, and H-beta) with different Si/Al ratios and sodium contents were evaluated. Among the studied photocatalysts, Na-Y and Na-mordenite containing 10 wt% titania emerged as the potential candidates for the hydrogen evolution reaction, with corresponding rates of 250.8 and 187.2 μmol/g h, in comparison to 84.2 μmol/g h for Degussa P25; while these values for H-Y and H-beta were 96.8 and 100.1 μmol/g h, respectively. The higher photocatalytic activity of the first two classes is attributed to the basicity of the zeolite matrix, which is possibly due to the pH dependency of the TiO 2 band edges. The results indicate the importance of controlling the chemical properties of the zeolite as a photocatalyst support through the selection of suitable types. Furthermore, our analyses show that the precise pore size distribution of the zeolite framework rules over accommodating the
Fabrication of a Cu{sub 2}O/Au/TiO{sub 2} composite film for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production from aqueous solution of methanol and glucose

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Xi; Dong, Haitai; Hu, Zhe; Qi, Zhong; Li, Laisheng, E-mail: llsh@scnu.edu.cn

2017-05-15

Highlights: • A Cu{sub 2}O/Au/TiO{sub 2} film was synthesized successfully. • Hydrogen production of Cu{sub 2}O/Au/TiO{sub 2} film improved significantly. • The highest hydrogen production rate of the film was 125.3 mmol/h/m{sup 2}. • A Z-scheme charge transfer pathway was proposed. - Abstract: A novel Cu{sub 2}O/Au/TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst composite film was fabricated on a copper substrate for photocatalytic hydrogen production. The composite films, Cu{sub 2}O/Au/TiO{sub 2}, were stepwise synthesized by using electrochemical deposition, photodeposition, and coating methods. First, a Cu{sub 2}O film was synthesized using the electrochemical deposition method, after which Au was deposited onto the Cu{sub 2}O film through in-site photodeposition. Finally, TiO{sub 2} was coated on the surface of the Cu{sub 2}O/Au film. Its morphology and surface chemical composition was characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD and XPS. The optical characteristics (UV–Vis DRS, PL spectrum) of the films were also examined. The photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of the Cu{sub 2}O/Au/TiO{sub 2} composite film from a 20% vol. methanol solution increased to125.3 mmol/h/m{sup 2} under 300 W xenon lamp light irradiation. Compared to the TiO{sub 2} (13.5 mmol/h/m{sup 2}) film and Cu{sub 2}O/TiO{sub 2} film (83.2 mmol/h/m{sup 2}), the Cu{sub 2}O/Au/TiO{sub 2} film showed excellent photocatalytic performance for hydrogen generation. The Cu{sub 2}O/Au/TiO{sub 2} film has highly effective photocatalytic properties, which are attributed to the Z-scheme system and can not only enhance the absorption of solar light but also suppress the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. It is worth noting that by introducing Au into the interface of Cu{sub 2}O/TiO{sub 2}, the surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-induced local electric field formed at the Au site induces a Z-scheme charge transfer pathway inside the composite film (Cu{sub 2}O/Au/TiO{sub 2}), which promotes both the charge of the
Synthesis and photocatalytic property for H{sub 2} production of H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanosheets

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Bing [Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Devices for Special Environments, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011 (China); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049 (China); Li, Yingxuan, E-mail: yxli@ms.xjb.ac.cn [Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Devices for Special Environments, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011 (China); Luo, Jianmin [Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Devices for Special Environments, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011 (China); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049 (China); Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Academy of Instrument Analysis, Urumqi, 830011 (China); Zhao, He [Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Devices for Special Environments, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011 (China); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049 (China); Zhao, Jie; Dong, Guohui; Zhu, Yunqing [Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Devices for Special Environments, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011 (China); Wang, Chuanyi, E-mail: cywang@ms.xjb.ac.cn [Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Devices for Special Environments, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011 (China)

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Ultrathin HSN Ns were first synthesized based on molten salt synthesis method. • HSN Ns Exhibit 5.5 times higher activity than that of the HSN Ps. • The enhanced photocatalytic activity of HSN Ns is due to the reduction in thickness. - Abstract: The SrBi{sub 2}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 9} platelets with a thickness of about 600 nm were synthesized by molten salt synthesis method. The treatment of the SrBi{sub 2}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 9} platelets with hydrochloric acid resulted in the formation of the protonated H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} platelets. Through a top–down approach in ethylamine solution, the H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} platelets were exfoliated into H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanosheets with a thickness of about 2.6 nm. The evolution of the structure, composition, morphology, optical, and photocatalytic properties of SrBi{sub 2}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 9} platelets was studied as it is converted into H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} platelets and subsequently exfoliated into H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanosheets. The absorption edge shifts to a lower wavelength accompanied by the protonation and exfoliation. The photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution of the three samples were evaluated under the irradiation of a 300 W Xenon lamp from CH{sub 3}OH/H{sub 2}O solution, indicating that H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanosheets Exhibit 5.5 and 26.2 times higher activity than that of the H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} and SrBi{sub 2}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 9} platelets, respectively. The enhanced activity for the H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanosheets is mainly attributed to the higher separation efficiency of the photogenerated carriers and the larger specific surface area caused by the significant reduction in thickness.
Excellent photocatalytic hydrogen production over CdS nanorods via using noble metal-free copper molybdenum sulfide (Cu{sub 2}MoS{sub 4}) nanosheets as co-catalysts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hong, Sangyeob; Kumar, D. Praveen; Reddy, D. Amaranatha; Choi, Jiha; Kim, Tae Kyu, E-mail: tkkim@pusan.ac.kr

2017-02-28

Highlights: • Developed Cu{sub 2}MoS{sub 4} nanosheets as co-catalysts. • Cu{sub 2}MoS{sub 4} as active replacements for precious noble metal. • Controlled charge recombination for use in photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution. • Obtained superior rate of H{sub 2} production by using Cu{sub 2}MoS{sub 4} loaded CdS nanorods. - Abstract: Charge carrier recombination and durability issues are major problems in photocatalytic hydrogen (H{sub 2}) evolution processes. Thus, there is a very important necessitate to extend an efficient photocatalyst to control charge-carrier dynamics in the photocatalytic system. We have developed copper molybdenum sulfide (Cu{sub 2}MoS{sub 4}) nanosheets as co-catalysts with CdS nanorods for controlling charge carriers without recombination for use in photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution under simulated solar light irradiation. Effective control and utilization of charge carriers are possible by loading Cu{sub 2}MoS{sub 4} nanosheets onto the CdS nanorods. The loading compensates for the restrictions of CdS, and stimulated synergistic effects, such as efficient photoexcited charge separation, lead to an improvement in photostability because of the layered structure of the Cu{sub 2}MoS{sub 4}nanosheets. These layered Cu{sub 2}MoS{sub 4} nanosheets have emerged as novel and active replacements for precious noble metal co-catalysts in photocatalytic H{sub 2} production by water splitting. We have obtained superior H{sub 2} production rates by using Cu{sub 2}MoS{sub 4} loaded CdS nanorods. The physicochemical properties of the composites are analyzed by diverse characterization techniques.
A Brown Mesoporous TiO2-x /MCF Composite with an Extremely High Quantum Yield of Solar Energy Photocatalysis for H2 Evolution.

Science.gov (United States)

Xing, Mingyang; Zhang, Jinlong; Qiu, Bocheng; Tian, Baozhu; Anpo, Masakazu; Che, Michel

2015-04-24

A brown mesoporous TiO2-x /MCF composite with a high fluorine dopant concentration (8.01 at%) is synthesized by a vacuum activation method. It exhibits an excellent solar absorption and a record-breaking quantum yield (Φ = 46%) and a high photon-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency (η = 34%,) for solar photocatalytic H2 production, which are all higher than that of the black hydrogen-doped TiO2 (Φ = 35%, η = 24%). The MCFs serve to improve the adsorption of F atoms onto the TiO2 /MCF composite surface, which after the formation of oxygen vacancies by vacuum activation, facilitate the abundant substitution of these vacancies with F atoms. The decrease of recombination sites induced by high-concentration F doping and the synergistic effect between lattice Ti(3+)-F and surface Ti(3+)-F are responsible for the enhanced lifetime of electrons, the observed excellent absorption of solar light, and the photocatalytic production of H2 for these catalysts. The as-prepared F-doped composite is an ideal solar light-driven photocatalyst with great potential for applications ranging from the remediation of environmental pollution to the harnessing of solar energy for H2 production. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

In situ photodeposition of cobalt on CdS nanorod for promoting photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light irradiation

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Wei; Wang, Yanhong; Liu, Mei; Gao, Li; Mao, Liqun; Fan, Zeyun; Shangguan, Wenfeng

2018-06-01

Non-noble metal Co were loaded on CdS for enhancing photocatalytic activity of water splitting by a simple and efficient in situ photodeposition method. The Co particles with diameter ca. 5 nm were photoreduced and then loaded on the surface of CdS. The loading of Co can not only effectively promote the separation of electrons and holes photoexcited by CdS, but reduce the overpotential of hydrogen evolution as well, thus enhancing photocatalytic activity of water splitting. The highest photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of Co/CdS reaches up to 1299 μmol h-1 under visible light irradiation(λ > 420 nm) when the amount of loading is 1.0 wt%, which is 17 times of that of pure CdS and achieves 80% of that of 0.5 wt%Pt/CdS. This work not only exhibits a pathway to obtain photocatalysts with high photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production, but provides a possibility for the utilization of low cost Co as a substitute for noble metals in photocatalytic hydrogen production.
Room-temperature synthesis of Zn(0.80)Cd(0.20)S solid solution with a high visible-light photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Dong-Hong; Wang, Lei; Xu, An-Wu

2012-03-21

Visible light photocatalytic H(2) production from water splitting is of great significance for its potential applications in converting solar energy into chemical energy. In this study, a series of Zn(1-x)Cd(x)S solid solutions with a nanoporous structure were successfully synthesized via a facile template-free method at room temperature. The obtained solid solutions were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and N(2) adsorption-desorption analysis. The solid solutions show efficient photocatalytic activity for H(2) evolution from aqueous solutions containing sacrificial reagents S(2-) and SO(3)(2-) under visible-light irradiation without a Pt cocatalyst, and loading of the Pt cocatalyst further improves the visible-light photocatalytic activity. The optimal photocatalyst with x = 0.20 prepared at pH = 7.3 displays the highest activity for H(2) evolution. The bare and 0.25 wt% Pt loaded Zn(0.80)Cd(0.20)S nanoparticles exhibit a high H(2) evolution rate of 193 μmol h(-1) and 458 μmol h(-1) under visible-light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm), respectively. In addition, the bare and 0.25 wt% Pt loaded Zn(0.80)Cd(0.20)S catalysts show a high H(2) evolution rate of 252 and 640 μmol h(-1) under simulated solar light irradiation, respectively. Moreover, the Zn(0.80)Cd(0.20)S catalyst displays a high photocatalytic stability for H(2) evolution under long-term light irradiation. The incorporation of Cd in the solid solution leads to the visible light absorption, and the high content of Zn in the solid solution results in a relatively negative conduction band, a modulated band gap and a rather wide valence bandwidth, which are responsible for the excellent photocatalytic performance of H(2) production and for the high photostability
Solar photocatalytic degradation of isoproturon over TiO{sub 2}/H-MOR composite systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sharma, Mangalampalli V. Phanikrishna; Durgakumari, Valluri [Inorganic and Physical Chemistry Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500607 (India); Subrahmanyam, Machiraju [Inorganic and Physical Chemistry Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500607 (India)], E-mail: subrahmanyam@iict.res.in

2008-12-30

The photocatalytic degradation and mineralization of isoproturon herbicide was investigated in aqueous solution containing TiO{sub 2} over H-mordenite (H-MOR) photocatalysts under solar light. The catalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS), Fourier transform-infra red spectra (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The effect of TiO{sub 2}, H-MOR support and different wt% of TiO{sub 2} over the support on the photocatalytic degradation and influence of parameters such as TiO{sub 2} loading, catalyst amount, pH and initial concentration of isoproturon on degradation are evaluated. 15 wt% TiO{sub 2}/H-MOR composite is found to be optimum. The degradation reaction follows pseudo-first order kinetics and is discussed in terms of Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) kinetic model. The extent of isoproturon mineralization studied with chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) measurements and {approx}80% mineralization occurred in 5 h. A plausible mechanism is proposed based on the intermediates identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS)
Advances in Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction with Water: A Review

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Samsun Nahar

2017-06-01

Full Text Available In recent years, the increasing level of CO2 in the atmosphere has not only contributed to global warming but has also triggered considerable interest in photocatalytic reduction of CO2. The reduction of CO2 with H2O using sunlight is an innovative way to solve the current growing environmental challenges. This paper reviews the basic principles of photocatalysis and photocatalytic CO2 reduction, discusses the measures of the photocatalytic efficiency and summarizes current advances in the exploration of this technology using different types of semiconductor photocatalysts, such as TiO2 and modified TiO2, layered-perovskite Ag/ALa4Ti4O15 (A = Ca, Ba, Sr, ferroelectric LiNbO3, and plasmonic photocatalysts. Visible light harvesting, novel plasmonic photocatalysts offer potential solutions for some of the main drawbacks in this reduction process. Effective plasmonic photocatalysts that have shown reduction activities towards CO2 with H2O are highlighted here. Although this technology is still at an embryonic stage, further studies with standard theoretical and comprehensive format are suggested to develop photocatalysts with high production rates and selectivity. Based on the collected results, the immense prospects and opportunities that exist in this technique are also reviewed here.
Improved Solar-Driven Photocatalytic Performance of Highly Crystalline Hydrogenated TiO2 Nanofibers with Core-Shell Structure

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Ming-Chung; Chen, Ching-Hsiang; Huang, Wei-Kang; Hsiao, Kai-Chi; Lin, Ting-Han; Chan, Shun-Hsiang; Wu, Po-Yeh; Lu, Chun-Fu; Chang, Yin-Hsuan; Lin, Tz-Feng; Hsu, Kai-Hsiang; Hsu, Jen-Fu; Lee, Kun-Mu; Shyue, Jing-Jong; Kordás, Krisztián; Su, Wei-Fang

2017-01-01

Hydrogenated titanium dioxide has attracted intensive research interests in pollutant removal applications due to its high photocatalytic activity. Herein, we demonstrate hydrogenated TiO2 nanofibers (H:TiO2 NFs) with a core-shell structure prepared by the hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent heat treatment in hydrogen flow. H:TiO2 NFs has excellent solar light absorption and photogenerated charge formation behavior as confirmed by optical absorbance, photo-Kelvin force probe microscopy and photoinduced charge carrier dynamics analyses. Photodegradation of various organic dyes such as methyl orange, rhodamine 6G and brilliant green is shown to take place with significantly higher rates on our novel catalyst than on pristine TiO2 nanofibers and commercial nanoparticle based photocatalytic materials, which is attributed to surface defects (oxygen vacancy and Ti3+ interstitial defect) on the hydrogen treated surface. We propose three properties/mechanisms responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic activity, which are: (1) improved absorbance allowing for increased exciton generation, (2) highly crystalline anatase TiO2 that promotes fast charge transport rate, and (3) decreased charge recombination caused by the nanoscopic Schottky junctions at the interface of pristine core and hydrogenated shell thus promoting long-life surface charges. The developed H:TiO2 NFs can be helpful for future high performance photocatalysts in environmental applications.
Characterization of intermediate products of solar photocatalytic degradation of ranitidine at pilot-scale.

Science.gov (United States)

Radjenović, Jelena; Sirtori, Carla; Petrović, Mira; Barceló, Damià; Malato, Sixto

2010-04-01

In the present study the mechanisms of solar photodegradation of H(2)-receptor antagonist ranitidine (RNTD) were studied in a well-defined system of a pilot plant scale Compound Parabolic Collector (CPC) reactor. Two types of heterogeneous photocatalytic experiments were performed: catalysed by titanium-dioxide (TiO(2)) semiconductor and by Fenton reagent (Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2)), each one with distilled water and synthetic wastewater effluent matrix. Complete disappearance of the parent compounds and discreet mineralization were attained in all experiments. Furthermore, kinetic parameters, main intermediate products, release of heteroatoms and formation of carboxylic acids are discussed. The main intermediate products of photocatalytic degradation of RNTD have been structurally elucidated by tandem mass spectrometry (MS(2)) experiments performed at quadrupole-time of flight (QqToF) mass analyzer coupled to ultra-performance liquid chromatograph (UPLC). RNTD displayed high reactivity towards OH radicals, although a product of conduction band electrons reduction was also present in the experiment with TiO(2). In the absence of standards, quantification of intermediates was not possible and only qualitative profiles of their evolution could be determined. The proposed TiO(2) and photo-Fenton degradation routes of RNTD are reported for the first time. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Oxygen vacancy rich Cu2O based composite material with nitrogen doped carbon as matrix for photocatalytic H2 production and organic pollutant removal.

Science.gov (United States)

Lu, Lele; Xu, Xinxin; Yan, Jiaming; Shi, Fa-Nian; Huo, Yuqiu

2018-02-06

A nitrogen doped carbon matrix supported Cu 2 O composite material (Cu/Cu2O@NC) was fabricated successfully with a coordination polymer as precursor through calcination. In this composite material, Cu 2 O particles with a size of about 6-10 nm were dispersed evenly in the nitrogen doped carbon matrix. After calcination, some coordinated nitrogen atoms were doped in the lattice of Cu 2 O and replace oxygen atoms, thus generating a large number of oxygen vacancies. In Cu/Cu2O@NC, the existence of oxygen vacancies has been confirmed by electron spin resonance (ESR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Under visible light irradiation, Cu/Cu2O@NC exhibits excellent H 2 production with the rate of 379.6 μmol h -1 g -1 . Its photocatalytic activity affects organic dyes, such as Rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO). In addition to photocatalysis, Cu/Cu2O@NC also exhibits striking catalytic activity in reductive conversion of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol with in presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH 4 ). The conversion efficiency reaches almost 100% in 250 s with the quantity of Cu/Cu2O@NC as low as 5 mg. The outstanding H 2 production and organic pollutants removal are attributed to the oxygen vacancy. We expect that Cu/Cu2O@NC will find its way as a new resource for hydrogen energy as well as a promising material in water purification.
Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} cocatalyst improving photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance of TiO{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xu, Difa; Hai, Yang; Zhang, Xiangchao; Zhang, Shiying; He, Rongan, E-mail: hslra@tom.com

2017-04-01

Highlights: • Bi-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}-anatase-rutile TiO{sub 2} multijunction photocatalyst was prepared. • Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} quantum dots with size of 2–3 nm were uniformly distributed. • Improved H{sub 2} evolution was noticed in glycerol-water mixture. • Optimal amount of Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} was found to be 0.89 mol%. - Abstract: Photocatalytic hydrogen production using water splitting is of potential importance from the viewpoint of renewable energy development. Herein, Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}-TiO{sub 2} composite photocatalysts presented as Bi-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}-anatase-rutile TiO{sub 2} multijunction were first fabricated by a simple impregnation-calcination method using Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} as H{sub 2}-production cocatalysts. The obtained multijunction samples exhibit an obvious enhancement in photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution activity in the presence of glycerol. The effect of Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} amount on H{sub 2}-evolution activity of TiO{sub 2} was investigated and the optimal Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} content was found to be 0.89 mol%, achieving a H{sub 2}-production rate of 920 μmol h{sup −1}, exceeding that of pure TiO{sub 2} by more than 73 times. The enhanced mechanism of photocatalytic H{sub 2}-evolution activity is proposed. This study will provide new insight into the design and fabrication of TiO{sub 2}-based hydrogen-production photocatalysts using low-cost Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} as cocatalyst.
Revealing the relationship between the photocatalytic property and structure characteristic of reduced TiO2 by hydrogen and carbon monoxide treatment.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Yunpeng; Li, Yuhang; Yang, Siyuan; Lin, Yuan; Zuo, Jianliang; Liang, Hong; Peng, Feng

2018-06-04

The hydrogenation (reduction) has been considered as an effective method to improve the photocatalytic activity of TiO2, however, the underlying relationship between structure and photocatalytic performance has still not been adequately unveiled so far. Herein, to obtain insight into the effect of structure on photocatalytic activity, two types of reduced TiO2 were prepared by CO (CO-TiO2) and H2 (H-TiO2), respectively. For H-TiO2, Ti-H bonds and oxygen vacancies are formed on the surface of H-TiO2, resulting in a more disorder surface lattice. However, for CO-TiO2, the more Ti-OH bonds are formed on the surface and the more bulk oxygen vacancies are introduced, the disorder layer of CO-TiO2 is relatively thin owing to the most of surface vacancies repaired by Ti-OH bonds. Under the simulated solar irradiation, the photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of CO-TiO2 reaches 7.17 mmol g-1 h-1, which is 4.14 and 1.50 times those of TiO2 and H-TiO2, respectively. The photocatalytic degradation rate constant of methyl orange on CO-TiO2 is 2.45 and 6.39 times those on H-TiO2 and TiO2. The superior photocatalytic activity of CO-TiO2 is attributed to the effective separation and transfer of the photo-generated electron-hole pairs, due to the synergistic effects of oxygen vacancies and surface Ti-OH bonds. This study reveals the relation between the photocatalytic property and structure, and provides a new method to prepare highly active TiO2 for H2 production and environmental treatment. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Study on the Visible-Light Photocatalytic Performance and Degradation Mechanism of Diclofenac Sodium under the System of Hetero-Structural CuBi2O4/Ag3PO4 with H2O2

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xiaojuan Chen

2018-03-01

Full Text Available Two kinds of CuBi2O4/Ag3PO4 with different heterojunction structures were prepared based on the combination of hydrothermal and in-situ precipitation methods with surfactant additives (sodium citrate and sodium stearate, and their characteristics were systematically resolved by X-ray Diffraction (XRD, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM/ High-resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM, UV-vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectra (DRS and Photoluminescence (PL. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic properties of the catalysts were determined for diclofenac sodium (DS degradation and the photocatalytic mechanism was also explored. The results indicate that both of the two kinds of CuBi2O4/Ag3PO4 exhibit higher photocatalytic efficiency, mineralization rate, and stability than that of pure CuBi2O4 or Ag3PO4. Moreover, the catalytic activity of CuBi2O4/Ag3PO4 can be further enhanced by adding H2O2. The free radical capture experiments show that in the pure CuBi2O4/Ag3PO4 photocatalytic system, the OH• and O2•− are the main species participating in DS degradation; however, in the CuBi2O4/Ag3PO4 photocatalytic system with H2O2, all OH•, h+, and O2•− take part in the DS degradation, and the contribution order is OH• > h+ > O2•−. Accordingly, the photocatalytic mechanism of CuBi2O4/Ag3PO4 could be explained by the Z-Scheme theory, while the catalysis of CuBi2O4/Ag3PO4 with H2O2 follows the heterojunction energy band theory.
Ni-Nanocluster Modified Black TiO2 with Dual Active Sites for Selective Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction.

Science.gov (United States)

Billo, Tadesse; Fu, Fang-Yu; Raghunath, Putikam; Shown, Indrajit; Chen, Wei-Fu; Lien, Hsiang-Ting; Shen, Tzu-Hsien; Lee, Jyh-Fu; Chan, Ting-Shan; Huang, Kuo-You; Wu, Chih-I; Lin, M C; Hwang, Jih-Shang; Lee, Chih-Hao; Chen, Li-Chyong; Chen, Kuei-Hsien

2018-01-01

One of the key challenges in artificial photosynthesis is to design a photocatalyst that can bind and activate the CO 2 molecule with the smallest possible activation energy and produce selective hydrocarbon products. In this contribution, a combined experimental and computational study on Ni-nanocluster loaded black TiO 2 (Ni/TiO 2[Vo] ) with built-in dual active sites for selective photocatalytic CO 2 conversion is reported. The findings reveal that the synergistic effects of deliberately induced Ni nanoclusters and oxygen vacancies provide (1) energetically stable CO 2 binding sites with the lowest activation energy (0.08 eV), (2) highly reactive sites, (3) a fast electron transfer pathway, and (4) enhanced light harvesting by lowering the bandgap. The Ni/TiO 2[Vo] photocatalyst has demonstrated highly selective and enhanced photocatalytic activity of more than 18 times higher solar fuel production than the commercial TiO 2 (P-25). An insight into the mechanisms of interfacial charge transfer and product formation is explored. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Potassium ions intercalated into g-C3N4-modified TiO2 nanobelts for the enhancement of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity under visible-light irradiation

Science.gov (United States)

Ma, Jian; Zhou, Wei; Tan, Xin; Yu, Tao

2018-05-01

Solar-to-chemical energy conversion is a challenging photochemical reaction for renewable energy storage. In recent decades, photocatalytic H2 evolution has been studied extensively. TiO2 is a well-established semiconductor in the field of photocatalytic H2 production; however, its low efficiency for solar energy utilization, and high photocarrier recombination rate, restrict its photocatalytic efficiency. Here, a series of K-intercalated g-C3N4-modified TiO2 nanobelts (TCN–Kx) with different dosages of K atoms were fabricated using a hydrothermal method followed by a calcination process. XRD, TEM and XPS tests indicate that a tight interfacial connection is formed between K–g-C3N4 and the TiO2 nanobelts. DFT calculations indicated that K dopants prefer to be at the interlayer sites of g-C3N4, suggesting increased charge transfer efficiency. The H2 production efficiency of the TCN–Kx composite materials from water splitting under visible-light irradiation was clearly improved. Steady fluorescence spectroscopy and photocurrent measurements confirmed that the improvement in photocatalytic H2 production activity was due to the superior charge separation and electron transfer efficiency of TCN–Kx composite materials.
Photocatalytic degradation of sulfamethoxazole in aqueous solution using a floating TiO2-expanded perlite photocatalyst

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Długosz, Maciej; Żmudzki, Paweł; Kwiecień, Anna; Szczubiałka, Krzysztof; Krzek, Jan; Nowakowska, Maria

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Sulfamethoxazole was degraded using a floating photocatalyst under UV irradiation. • The photocatalyst was obtained by supporting TiO 2 onto expanded perlite. • The mechanism of sulfamethoxazole photodegradation in water was proposed. • The photodegradation rate of sulfamethoxazole is greater at higher pH. - Abstract: Photocatalytic degradation of an antibiotic, sulfamethoxazole (SMX), in aqueous solution using a novel floating TiO 2 -expanded perlite photocatalyst (EP-TiO 2 -773) and radiation from the near UV spectral range was studied. The process is important considering that SMX is known to be a widespread and highly persistent pollutant of water resources. SMX degradation was described using a pseudo-first-order kinetic equation according to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. The products of the SMX photocatalytic degradation were identified. The effect of pH on the kinetics and mechanism of SMX photocatalytic degradation was explained
In situ one-pot fabrication of g-C3N4 nanosheets/NiS cocatalyst heterojunction with intimate interfaces for efficient visible light photocatalytic H2 generation

Science.gov (United States)

He, Kelin; Xie, Jun; Li, Mingli; Li, Xin

2018-02-01

Constructing high-quality earth-abundant semionconductor/cocatalyst heterojunction remains a grand challenge in the promising fields of photocatalytic solar fuel H2 production. Herein, an intimate g-C3N4 nanosheet/NiS cocatalyst heterojunction is fabricated by in situ one-step calcination of urea, thiourea and nickel acetate. Interestingly, thiourea could act as both the precursor of g-C3N4 and the sulfur source of NiS. The H2-evolution activity of as-obtained photocatalysts was tested in a triethanolamine (TEOA) scavenger solution under visible light irradiation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping analysis clearly demonstrated that the NiS catalyst nanoparticles could be in situ fabricated and homogeneously distributed on the surface of g-C3N4 nanosheets without an obvious aggregation. The maximum H2-production rate of 29.68 μmol h-1 could be achieved, which is nearly comparable to that of 0.5 wt% Pt loaded sample. It is believed that the intimate heterojunction interfaces between NiS nanoparticles and g-C3N4 nanosheets could be in situ constructed by high temperature calcination, which achieved the improved charge separation, the enhanced oxidation ability of TEOA and the accelerated the sluggish H2-evolution kinetics, thus resulting in the remarkably enhanced hydrogen evolution. Therefore, our study provides insights into constructing high-quality robust g-C3N4-based heterojunction material for photocatalytic applications by using a simple one-step in-situ calcination technique.
Efficient Electron Transfer across a ZnO-MoS2 -Reduced Graphene Oxide Heterojunction for Enhanced Sunlight-Driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

Science.gov (United States)

Kumar, Suneel; Reddy, Nagappagari Lakshmana; Kushwaha, Himmat Singh; Kumar, Ashish; Shankar, Muthukonda Venkatakrishnan; Bhattacharyya, Kaustava; Halder, Aditi; Krishnan, Venkata

2017-09-22

The development of noble metal-free catalysts for hydrogen evolution is required for energy applications. In this regard, ternary heterojunction nanocomposites consisting of ZnO nanoparticles anchored on MoS 2 -RGO (RGO=reduced graphene oxide) nanosheets as heterogeneous catalysts show highly efficient photocatalytic H 2 evolution. In the photocatalytic process, the catalyst dispersed in an electrolytic solution (S 2- and SO 3 2- ions) exhibits an enhanced rate of H 2 evolution, and optimization experiments reveal that ZnO with 4.0 wt % of MoS 2 -RGO nanosheets gives the highest photocatalytic H 2 production of 28.616 mmol h -1 g cat -1 under sunlight irradiation; approximately 56 times higher than that on bare ZnO and several times higher than those of other ternary photocatalysts. The superior catalytic activity can be attributed to the in situ generation of ZnS, which leads to improved interfacial charge transfer to the MoS 2 cocatalyst and RGO, which has plenty of active sites available for photocatalytic reactions. Recycling experiments also proved the stability of the optimized photocatalyst. In addition, the ternary nanocomposite displayed multifunctional properties for hydrogen evolution activity under electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic conditions owing to the high electrode-electrolyte contact area. Thus, the present work provides very useful insights for the development of inexpensive, multifunctional catalysts without noble metal loading to achieve a high rate of H 2 generation. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Template-free hydrothermal synthesis and high photocatalytic activity of ZnWO4 nanorods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gao, Bin; Fan, Huiqing; Zhang, Xiaojun; Song, Lixun

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► ZnWO 4 nanorods with uniform diameter are successfully prepared through a template-free hydrothermal method. ► The crystallinity of the products is influenced by the pH value of initial precursor suspension. ► Photocatalytic activity of the ZnWO 4 nanorods for degradation of methylene blue is evaluated. ► The ZnWO 4 nanorods exhibit good stability of photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: ZnWO 4 nanorods are successfully synthesized by a template-free hydrothermal method, and are characterized in detail by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The results show that the ZnWO 4 nanorods with wolframite structure are well-crystallized single crystallites. The crystallinity of the products is influenced by the pH value of initial precursor suspension. The width and length of the synthesized samples increase with hydrothermal reaction temperature. The photocatalytic efficiency of the ZnWO 4 nanorods for degradation of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution under UV light irradiation declines greatly with increasing crystallinity. The ZnWO 4 nanorods prepared at pH of 4 have the best activity in photo-degradation of MB. After six recycles, photocatalytic activity loss of the catalyst is not obvious.
A Au/Cu2O-TiO2 system for photo-catalytic hydrogen production. A pn-junction effect or a simple case of in situ reduction?

KAUST Repository

Sinatra, Lutfan; LaGrow, Alec P.; Peng, Wei; Kirmani, Ahmad R.; Amassian, Aram; Idriss, Hicham; Bakr, Osman

2015-01-01

Photo-catalytic H2 production from water has been studied over Au-Cu2O nanoparticle deposited on TiO2 (anatase) in order to probe into both the plasmon resonance effect (Au nanoparticles) and the pn-junction at the Cu2O-TiO2 interface. The Au-Cu2O
Comparative Study on The Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production from Methanol over Cu-, Pd-, Co- and Au-Loaded TiO2

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Udani P.P.C.

2015-09-01

Full Text Available Photocatalytic hydrogen production from a methanol-water solution was investigated in a semi-continuous reactor over different metal-loaded TiO2 catalysts under UltraViolet (UV light irradiation. The catalysts were mainly prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation method by varying the metal weight ratio in the range of 1-10 wt%. The effects of metal loading and H2 pre-treatment on the photocatalytic activity were investigated. In addition, the activity of the catalysts was also compared with a reference Au-TiO2 catalyst from the World Gold Council (WGC. The photocatalysts were characterized by using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD and N2 physisorption before and after the activity measurements. The photocatalytic activity decreased in the order of Pd > Au > Cu > Co in the comparative study of Cu-TiO2, Co-TiO2, Au-TiO2 and Pd-TiO2. Optimum hydrogen evolution was achieved with 5 wt% Pd-TiO2 and 5 wt% Cu-TiO2.
Selective photocatalytic reduction of CO{sub 2} by H{sub 2}O/H{sub 2} to CH{sub 4} and CH{sub 3}OH over Cu-promoted In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/TiO{sub 2} nanocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tahir, Muhammad, E-mail: mtahir@cheme.utm.my [Chemical Reaction Engineering Group (CREG), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor (Malaysia); Department of Chemical Engineering, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Lahore, Punjab (Pakistan); Tahir, Beenish; Saidina Amin, Nor Aishah; Alias, Hajar [Chemical Reaction Engineering Group (CREG), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM, Johor Bahru, Johor (Malaysia)

2016-12-15

Highlights: • Cu-promoted In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/TiO{sub 2} nanocatalysts tested for CO{sub 2} photoreduction with H{sub 2}O/H{sub 2}. • Production of CH{sub 4} and CH{sub 3}OH depends on reductants type and metal-loading to TiO{sub 2}. • CH{sub 4} production over Cu-In/TiO{sub 2} was 1.5 fold more than In/TiO{sub 2} and 5 times the TiO{sub 2}. • The Cu-promoted CH{sub 3}OH production while In gave more CH{sub 4} with water vapors. • The H{sub 2} reductant gave negative effect for CH{sub 4} but enhanced CH{sub 3}OH production. - Abstract: Photocatalytic CO{sub 2} reduction by H{sub 2}O and/or H{sub 2} reductant to selective fuels over Cu-promoted In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst has been investigated. The samples, prepared via a simple and direct sol-gel method, were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, N{sub 2} adsorption-desorption, UV–vis diffuse reflectance, Raman and PL spectroscopy. Cu and In loaded into TiO{sub 2}, oxidized as Cu{sup 2+} and In{sup 3+}, promoted efficient separation of photo-generated electron/hole pairs (e{sup −}/h{sup +}). The results indicate that the reduction rate of CO{sub 2} by H{sub 2}O to CH{sub 4} approached to 181 μmol g{sup −1} h{sup −1} using 0.5% Cu-3% In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/TiO{sub 2} catalyst, a 1.53 fold higher than the production rate over the 3% In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/TiO{sub 2} and 5 times the amount produced over the pure TiO{sub 2}. In addition, Cu was found to promote efficient production of CH{sub 3}OH and yield rate reached to 68 μmol g{sup −1} h{sup −1} over 1% Cu-3% In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/TiO{sub 2} catalyst. This improvement was attributed to charge transfer property and suppressed recombination rate by Cu-metal. More importantly, H{sub 2} reductant was less favorable for CH{sub 4} production, yet a significant amount of CH{sub 4} and CH{sub 3}OH were obtained using a mixture of H{sub 2}O/H{sub 2} reductant. Therefore, Cu-loaded In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/TiO{sub 2} catalyst has shown to be capable for
Photocatalytic degradation of sulfamethoxazole in aqueous solution using a floating TiO{sub 2}-expanded perlite photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Długosz, Maciej [Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Kraków (Poland); Żmudzki, Paweł; Kwiecień, Anna [Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków (Poland); Szczubiałka, Krzysztof, E-mail: szczubia@chemia.uj.edu.pl [Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Kraków (Poland); Krzek, Jan [Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków (Poland); Nowakowska, Maria, E-mail: nowakows@chemia.uj.edu.pl [Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Kraków (Poland)

2015-11-15

Highlights: • Sulfamethoxazole was degraded using a floating photocatalyst under UV irradiation. • The photocatalyst was obtained by supporting TiO{sub 2} onto expanded perlite. • The mechanism of sulfamethoxazole photodegradation in water was proposed. • The photodegradation rate of sulfamethoxazole is greater at higher pH. - Abstract: Photocatalytic degradation of an antibiotic, sulfamethoxazole (SMX), in aqueous solution using a novel floating TiO{sub 2}-expanded perlite photocatalyst (EP-TiO{sub 2}-773) and radiation from the near UV spectral range was studied. The process is important considering that SMX is known to be a widespread and highly persistent pollutant of water resources. SMX degradation was described using a pseudo-first-order kinetic equation according to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. The products of the SMX photocatalytic degradation were identified. The effect of pH on the kinetics and mechanism of SMX photocatalytic degradation was explained.

Photocatalytic degradation of diuron in aqueous solution by platinized TiO2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Katsumata, Hideyuki; Sada, Maki; Nakaoka, Yusuke; Kaneco, Satoshi; Suzuki, Tohru; Ohta, Kiyohisa

2009-01-01

The photocatalytic degradation of diuron, which is one of phenylurea herbicides, was carried out in the presence of platinized TiO 2 photocatalyst. Platinization was found to increase the rate of diuron degradation. When 0.2 wt.% of platinum was deposited onto the surface of TiO 2 , an initial diuron concentration of 10 mg L -1 was completely degraded after 20 min. Furthermore, the first-order rate constant for diuron degradation by Pt-TiO 2 was ca. 4 times higher than P-25 TiO 2 . In addition, the photocatalytic activity of Pt-TiO 2 was appeared under visible light. The decrease of TOC as a result of mineralization of diuron was observed during the photocatalytic process. The degree of diuron mineralization was about 97% under UV irradiation after 8 h. The formations of chloride, nitrate and ammonium ions as end-products were observed during the photocatalytic system. The decomposition of diuron gave four kinds of intermediate products. The degradation mechanism of diuron was proposed on the base of the evidence of the identified intermediates. Based on these results, the photocatalytic reaction by Pt-TiO 2 could be useful technology for the treatment of wastewater containing diuron.
Optimization of operating parameters for gas-phase photocatalytic splitting of H2S by novel vermiculate packed tubular reactor.

Science.gov (United States)

Preethi, V; Kanmani, S

2016-10-01

Hydrogen production by gas-phase photocatalytic splitting of Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) was investigated on four semiconductor photocatalysts including CuGa1.6Fe0.4O2, ZnFe2O3, (CdS + ZnS)/Fe2O3 and Ce/TiO2. The CdS and ZnS coated core shell particles (CdS + ZnS)/Fe2O3 shows the highest rate of hydrogen (H2) production under optimized conditions. Packed bed tubular reactor was used to study the performance of prepared photocatalysts. Selection of the best packing material is a key for maximum removal efficiency. Cheap, lightweight and easily adsorbing vermiculate materials were used as a novel packing material and were found to be effective in splitting H2S. Effect of various operating parameters like flow rate, sulphide concentration, catalyst dosage, light irradiation were tested and optimized for maximum H2 conversion of 92% from industrial waste H2S. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Nano titanium dioxide photocatalytic protein tyrosine nitration: A potential hazard of TiO2 on skin

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lu, Naihao; Zhu Zhening; Zhao Xuqi; Tao Ran; Yang Xiangliang; Gao Zhonghong

2008-01-01

Protein tyrosine nitration is a prevalent post-translational modification which occurs as a result of oxidative and nitrative stress, it may be directly involved in the onset and/or progression of diseases. Considering the existence of nano titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) in environment and sunscreen products along with the high content of nitrite in sweat, the UV-exposed skin may be a significant target for the photosensitized damage. In this paper, tyrosine nitration of bovine serum albumin (BSA) was initiated in the UV-irradiated reaction mixture containing 0.2-3.0 mg/ml of three commercially nano TiO 2 products and 0.25-1.0 mM NO 2 - . It was found that anatase TiO 2 and Degussa P25 TiO 2 showed prominent photocatalytic activity on promoting the formation of protein tyrosine nitration, and the optimum condition for the reaction was around physiological pH. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic effect of rutile on protein tyrosine nitration was subtle. The potential physiological significance of nano TiO 2 -photocatalytic protein nitration was also demonstrated in mouse skin homogenate. Although the relationship between photocatalytic protein tyrosine nitration and chronic cutaneous diseases needs further study, the toxicity of nano TiO 2 to the skin disease should be paid more attention in the production and utilization process
Versatile Photocatalytic Systems for H2 Generation in Water Based on an Efficient DuBois-Type Nickel Catalyst

Science.gov (United States)

2013-01-01

The generation of renewable H2 through an efficient photochemical route requires photoinduced electron transfer (ET) from a light harvester to an efficient electrocatalyst in water. Here, we report on a molecular H2 evolution catalyst (NiP) with a DuBois-type [Ni(P2R′N2R″)2]2+ core (P2R′N2R″ = bis(1,5-R′-diphospha-3,7-R″-diazacyclooctane), which contains an outer coordination sphere with phosphonic acid groups. The latter functionality allows for good solubility in water and immobilization on metal oxide semiconductors. Electrochemical studies confirm that NiP is a highly active electrocatalyst in aqueous electrolyte solution (overpotential of approximately 200 mV at pH 4.5 with a Faradaic yield of 85 ± 4%). Photocatalytic experiments and investigations on the ET kinetics were carried out in combination with a phosphonated Ru(II) tris(bipyridine) dye (RuP) in homogeneous and heterogeneous environments. Time-resolved luminescence and transient absorption spectroscopy studies confirmed that directed ET from RuP to NiP occurs efficiently in all systems on the nano- to microsecond time scale, through three distinct routes: reductive quenching of RuP in solution or on the surface of ZrO2 (“on particle” system) or oxidative quenching of RuP when the compounds were immobilized on TiO2 (“through particle” system). Our studies show that NiP can be used in a purely aqueous solution and on a semiconductor surface with a high degree of versatility. A high TOF of 460 ± 60 h–1 with a TON of 723 ± 171 for photocatalytic H2 generation with a molecular Ni catalyst in water and a photon-to-H2 quantum yield of approximately 10% were achieved for the homogeneous system. PMID:24320740
Au/La{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanostructures sensitized with black phosphorus for plasmon-enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production in visible and near-infrared light

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhu, Mingshan; Fujitsuka, Mamoru; Majima, Tetsuro [The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (SANKEN), Osaka University, Ibaraki (Japan); Cai, Xiaoyan [The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (SANKEN), Osaka University, Ibaraki (Japan); Department of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing (China); Zhang, Junying [Department of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing (China)

2017-02-13

Efficient utilization of solar energy is a high-priority target and the search for suitable materials as photocatalysts that not only can harvest the broad wavelength of solar light, from UV to near-infrared (NIR) region, but also can achieve high and efficient solar-to-hydrogen conversion is one of the most challenging missions. Herein, using Au/La{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} (BP-Au/LTO) sensitized with black phosphorus (BP), a broadband solar response photocatalyst was designed and used as efficient photocatalyst for H{sub 2} production. The optimum H{sub 2} production rates of BP-Au/LTO were about 0.74 and 0.30 mmol g{sup -1} h{sup -1} at wavelengths longer than 420 nm and 780 nm, respectively. The broad absorption of BP and plasmonic Au contribute to the enhanced photocatalytic activity in the visible and NIR light regions. Time-resolved diffuse reflectance spectroscopy revealed efficient interfacial electron transfer from excited BP and Au to LTO which is in accordance with the observed high photoactivities. (copyright 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Efficient photocatalytic degradation of phenol in aqueous solution by SnO2:Sb nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Hamdi, Abdullah M.; Sillanpää, Mika; Bora, Tanujjal; Dutta, Joydeep

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Sb doped SnO 2 nanoparticles were synthesized using sol–gel process. • Photocatalytic degradation of phenol were studies using SnO 2 :Sb nanoparticles. • Under solar light phenol was degraded within 2 h. • Phenol mineralization and intermediates were investigated by using HPLC. - Abstract: Photodegradation of phenol in the presence of tin dioxide (SnO 2 ) nanoparticles under UV light irradiation is known to be an effective photocatalytic process. However, phenol degradation under solar light is less effective due to the large band gap of SnO 2 . In this study antimony (Sb) doped tin dioxide (SnO 2 ) nanoparticles were prepared at a low temperature (80 °C) by a sol–gel method and studied for its photocatalytic activity with phenol as a test contaminant. The catalytic degradation of phenol in aqueous media was studied using high performance liquid chromatography and total organic carbon measurements. The change in the concentration of phenol affects the pH of the solution due to the by-products formed during the photo-oxidation of phenol. The photoactivity of SnO 2 :Sb was found to be a maximum for 0.6 wt.% Sb doped SnO 2 nanoparticles with 10 mg L −1 phenol in water. Within 2 h of photodegradation, more than 95% of phenol could be removed under solar light irradiation.
Highly photocatalytic TiO_2 interconnected porous powder fabricated by sponge-templated atomic layer deposition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pan, Shengqiang; Zhao, Yuting; Huang, Gaoshan; Li, Menglin; Mei, Yongfeng; Wang, Jiao; Zheng, Lirong; Baunack, Stefan; Schmidt, Oliver G; Gemming, Thomas

2015-01-01

A titanium dioxide (TiO_2) interconnected porous structure has been fabricated by means of atomic layer deposition of TiO_2 onto a reticular sponge template. The obtained freestanding TiO_2 with large surface area can be easily taken out of the water to solve a complex separation procedure. A compact and conformal nanocoating was evidenced by morphologic characterization. A phase transition, as well as production of oxygen vacancies with increasing annealing temperature, was detected by x-ray diffraction and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The photocatalytic experimental results demonstrated that the powder with appropriate annealing treatment possessed excellent photocatalytic ability due to the co-action of high surface area, oxygen vacancies and the optimal crystal structure. (paper)
Photocatalytic degradation of diuron in aqueous solution by platinized TiO{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Katsumata, Hideyuki, E-mail: hidek@chem.mie-u.ac.jp [Department of Chemistry for Materials, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507 (Japan); Sada, Maki; Nakaoka, Yusuke; Kaneco, Satoshi [Department of Chemistry for Materials, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507 (Japan); Suzuki, Tohru [Environmental Preservation Center, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507 (Japan); Ohta, Kiyohisa [Department of Chemistry for Materials, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507 (Japan)

2009-11-15

The photocatalytic degradation of diuron, which is one of phenylurea herbicides, was carried out in the presence of platinized TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst. Platinization was found to increase the rate of diuron degradation. When 0.2 wt.% of platinum was deposited onto the surface of TiO{sub 2}, an initial diuron concentration of 10 mg L{sup -1} was completely degraded after 20 min. Furthermore, the first-order rate constant for diuron degradation by Pt-TiO{sub 2} was ca. 4 times higher than P-25 TiO{sub 2}. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of Pt-TiO{sub 2} was appeared under visible light. The decrease of TOC as a result of mineralization of diuron was observed during the photocatalytic process. The degree of diuron mineralization was about 97% under UV irradiation after 8 h. The formations of chloride, nitrate and ammonium ions as end-products were observed during the photocatalytic system. The decomposition of diuron gave four kinds of intermediate products. The degradation mechanism of diuron was proposed on the base of the evidence of the identified intermediates. Based on these results, the photocatalytic reaction by Pt-TiO{sub 2} could be useful technology for the treatment of wastewater containing diuron.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity towards degradation and H{sub 2} evolution over one dimensional TiO{sub 2}@MWCNTs heterojunction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Xiao [CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190 (China); Key Laboratory of Luminescence and Optical Information of the Ministry of Education Institute of Optoelectronics Technology, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044 (China); Cao, Shuang; Wu, Zhijiao [CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190 (China); Zhao, Suling, E-mail: slzhao@bjtu.edu.cn [Key Laboratory of Luminescence and Optical Information of the Ministry of Education Institute of Optoelectronics Technology, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044 (China); Piao, Lingyu, E-mail: piaoly@nanoctr.cn [CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190 (China)

2017-04-30

Highlights: • One dimensional TiO{sub 2}@MWCNTs core-shell photocatalyst constructed. • The TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles are highly dispersed on the MWCNTs. • The layer thickness adjusted for different nanocomposites. • The 1D heterojunction enhancing electron transfers. - Abstract: With the distinct electronic and optical properties, multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are identified as an outstanding catalyst support, which can effectively improve the performance of the TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts. Herein, the unique one dimensional TiO{sub 2}@MWCNTs nanocomposites have been prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. The TiO{sub 2} coating layers are extremely uniform and the thickness is adjustable for different nanocomposites. XPS measurements confirm that intimate electronic interactions are existed between MWCNTs and TiO{sub 2} via interfacial Ti−O−C bond and the photoluminescence intensity of the TiO{sub 2}@MWCNTs nanocomposites are effectively quenched compared with pure TiO{sub 2}, suggesting the fast electron transfer rates. The thickness of TiO{sub 2} coating layers of the TiO{sub 2}@MWCNTs nanocomposites plays a significant role in the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, such as methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB), and photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution from water. Due to the formation of one dimensional heterojunction of TiO{sub 2}@MWCNTs nanocomposites and the positive synergistic effect between TiO{sub 2} and carbon nanotubes, it is found that the photocatalytic activity of the system is significantly improved.
Structuring Pd Nanoparticles on 2H-WS2 Nanosheets Induces Excellent Photocatalytic Activity for Cross-Coupling Reactions under Visible Light.

Science.gov (United States)

Raza, Faizan; Yim, DaBin; Park, Jung Hyun; Kim, Hye-In; Jeon, Su-Ji; Kim, Jong-Ho

2017-10-18

Effective photocatalysts and their surface engineering are essential for the efficient conversion of solar energy into chemical energy in photocatalyzed organic transformations. Herein, we report an effective approach for structuring Pd nanoparticles (NPs) on exfoliated 2H-WS 2 nanosheets (WS 2 /PdNPs), resulting in hybrids with extraordinary photocatalytic activity in Suzuki reactions under visible light. Pd NPs of different sizes and densities, which can modulate the photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared WS 2 /PdNPs, were effectively structured on the basal plane of 2H-WS 2 nanosheets via a sonic wave-assisted nucleation method without any reductants at room temperature. As the size of Pd NPs on WS 2 /PdNPs increased, their photocatalytic activity in Suzuki reactions at room temperature increased substantially. In addition, it was found that protic organic solvents play a crucial role in activating WS 2 /PdNPs catalysts in photocatalyzed Suzuki reactions, although these solvents are generally considered much less effective than polar aprotic ones in the conventional Suzuki reactions promoted by heterogeneous Pd catalysts. A mechanistic investigation suggested that photogenerated holes are transferred to protic organic solvents, whereas photogenerated electrons are transferred to Pd NPs. This transfer makes the Pd NPs electron-rich and accelerates the rate-determining step, i.e., the oxidative addition of aryl halides under visible light. WS 2 /PdNPs showed the highest turnover frequency (1244 h -1 ) for photocatalyzed Suzuki reactions among previously reported photocatalysts.
Fabrication of Ag{sub 2}O/TiO{sub 2} with enhanced photocatalytic performances for dye pollutants degradation by a pH-induced method

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ren, Hai-Tao, E-mail: renhaitaomail@163.com; Yang, Qing

2017-02-28

Highlights: • Ag{sub 2}O/TiO{sub 2} was synthesized by a pH-induced chemical precipitation method. • Ag{sub 2}O/TiO{sub 2} showed good activities in the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange. • Hydroxyl radicals played the predominant role in methyl orange photodegradation. - Abstract: Ag{sub 2}O/TiO{sub 2} composites synthesized in this study were applied into the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) under UV and visible light irradiation. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope analysis demonstrated that Ag{sub 2}O nanoparticles were well distributed on the surface of TiO{sub 2} and the heterostructure of Ag{sub 2}O/TiO{sub 2} was formed. Compared with the pure TiO{sub 2} and Ag{sub 2}O, the 3% and 50% Ag{sub 2}O/TiO{sub 2} composite displayed much higher photocatalytic activities in MO degradation under UV and visible light irradiation, respectively. The degradation rate constant of 50% composite was 0.01508 min{sup −1} under visible light, which was almost 20.1 and 1.2 times more than that of the pure TiO{sub 2} and Ag{sub 2}O, respectively. Moreover, the formation of Ag(0) on the surface of Ag{sub 2}O under illumination contributed to the high stability of Ag{sub 2}O/TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts. It was also found that hydroxyl radicals during the photocatalytic process played the predominant role in MO degradation. The enhanced photochemical activities were attributed to the formation of the heterostructure between Ag{sub 2}O and TiO{sub 2}, the strong visible light absorption and the high separation efficiency of photogenerated electron–hole pairs resulted from the highly dispersed Ag{sub 2}O particles.
Synthesis of Monodisperse Walnut-Like SnO2 Spheres and Their Photocatalytic Performances

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jing Wang

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Novel walnut-like SnO2 spheres have been synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal reaction with SnCl2·2H2O and KOH as raw materials. The morphology, microstructure, and optical properties of the products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD, Raman spectrum, scanning electron microscopy (SEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM, selected area electron diffraction (SAED, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. The detailed studies revealed that these synthesized spheres are highly monodisperse and have a uniform size of approximately 250 nm. Photocatalytic activity of the prepared SnO2 spheres was evaluated by the degradation of methylene orange. The synthesized SnO2 spheres exhibited excellent photocatalytic degradation. In addition, a possible formation mechanism of the walnut-like nanostructures was proposed based on reaction time-dependent experiments.
Photocatalytic activity and stability of TiO{sub 2} and WO{sub 3} thin films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Carcel, Radu Adrian; Andronic, Luminita, E-mail: andronic-luminita@unitbv.ro; Duta, Anca, E-mail: a.duta@unitbv.ro

2012-08-15

Photocatalysis represents a viable option for complete degrading the dye molecules resulted in the textile industry, up to products that do not represent environmental threats. The photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange has been investigated using TiO{sub 2}, WO{sub 3} and mixed thin films. The photodegradation efficiency is examined in correlation with the experimental parameters (irradiation time, H{sub 2}O{sub 2} addition and stability), along with the morphology and crystallinity data. The H{sub 2}O{sub 2} addition increases the photodegradation efficiency by providing additional hydroxyl groups and further reducing the recombination of the electron-hole pairs by reacting with the electrons at the catalyst interface. To test the stability of the photocatalytic films in long time running processes, batch series of experiments were conducted using contact periods up to 9 days. The results show that the thin films maintained their photocatalytic properties confirming their stability and viability for up-scaling. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TiO{sub 2}, WO{sub 3} and mixed thin films Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We tested the photocatalytic activity and photocatalyst stability over a period up to 9 days of continuous irradiation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The influence of medium pH and oxidizing agent (H{sub 2}O{sub 2}) was analyzed.
Highly efficient dual cocatalyst-modified TiO2 photocatalyst: RGO as electron-transfer mediator and MoSx as H2-evolution active site

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Ying; Li, Yongan; Wang, Ping; Wang, Xuefei; Yu, Huogen

2018-02-01

The rapid interfacial charge transfer and interfacial catalytic reaction are highly desirable to improve the photocatalytic H2-evolution performance of semiconductor photocatalysts. To achieve the goal, in the paper, MoSx-rGO/TiO2 was synthesized by a facilely two-step photocatalytic reduction approach including reducing GO/TiO2 to rGO/TiO2 and then reducing ammonium tetrathiomolybdate ((NH4)2MoS4) to form amorphous MoSx on the rGO surface. In the case, the rGO nanosheets as an electron mediator caused rapid transportation of photogenerated electrons from the conduction band (CB) of TiO2, while amorphous MoSx served as an effective active site for the following interfacial reduction reaction for H2 evolution. The photocatalytic results indicated that the H2-evolution rate of synthesized MoSx-rGO/TiO2 was 206.6 μmol h-1, which was obviously higher than that of TiO2 (6.9 μmol h-1), rGO/TiO2 (31.8 μmol h-1) and MoSx/TiO2 (150.1 μmol h-1) due to the rapid interfacial charge transfer and interfacial catalytic reaction. Considering the present mild and green approach, the obtained MoSx-rGO/TiO2 could be regarded as a potential photocatalyst for the practical application. In addition, this work also could provide some new insights for the smart design and preparation of inexpensive and high-efficiency photocatalytic materials.
Decomposition of water and production of H{sub 2} using semiconductor-photocatalytic effect induced by gamma ray from high radioactive waste

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wada, Y; Kawaguchi, K; Myouchin, M [Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corp., Tokai, Ibaraki (Japan). Tokai Works

1996-12-31

The technology of the radiolytic decomposition of water leading to hydrogen production was demonstrated to explore a new field in the utilization of radiation and radioactive elements. The technology used consisted of a photoassisted catalytic method which has been generally investigated for photocatalysis using a semiconductor and light in an electrochemical study. In our study, gamma radiation from Co-60 was used instead of light, and a significant amount of evolved hydrogen was detected. Our preliminary experiments proved the possibility of converting the energy ionizing radiation (gamma radiation) into chemical energy (hydrogen) using a semiconductor-photocatalytic effect. (author).
Black TiO2 synthesized via magnesiothermic reduction for enhanced photocatalytic activity

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Xiangdong; Fu, Rong; Yin, Qianqian; Wu, Han; Guo, Xiaoling; Xu, Ruohan; Zhong, Qianyun

2018-04-01

Utilizing solar energy for hydrogen evolution is a great challenge for its insufficient visible-light power conversion. In this paper, we report a facile magnesiothermic reduction of commercial TiO2 nanoparticles under Ar atmosphere and at 550 °C followed by acid treatment to synthesize reduced black TiO2 powders, which possesses a unique crystalline core-amorphous shell structure composed of disordered surface and oxygen vacancies and shows significantly improved optical absorption in the visible region. The unique core-shell structure and high absorption enable the reduced black TiO2 powders to exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity, including splitting of water in the presence of Pt as a cocatalyst and degradation of methyl blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. Photocatalytic evaluations indicate that the oxygen vacancies play key roles in the catalytic process. The maximum hydrogen production rates are 16.1 and 163 μmol h-1 g-1 under the full solar wavelength range of light and visible light, respectively. This facile and versatile method could be potentially used for large scale production of colored TiO2 with remarkable enhancement in the visible light absorption and solar-driven hydrogen production.
Metallic 1T-LixMoS2 Cocatalyst Significantly Enhanced the Photocatalytic H2 Evolution over Cd0.5Zn0.5S Nanocrystals under Visible Light Irradiation.

Science.gov (United States)

Du, Hong; Guo, Hong-Li; Liu, Ya-Nan; Xie, Xiao; Liang, Kuang; Zhou, Xiao; Wang, Xin; Xu, An-Wu

2016-02-17

In the present work, metallic 1T-LixMoS2 is utilized as a novel cocatalyst for Cd0.5Zn0.5S photocatalyst. The obtained LixMoS2/Cd0.5Zn0.5S hybrids show excellent photocatalytic performance for H2 generation from aqueous solution containing Na2S and Na2SO3 under splitting visible light illumination (λ ≥ 420 nm) without precious metal cocatalysts. It turns out that a certain amount of intercalating Li(+) ions ultimately drives the transition of MoS2 crystal from semiconductor triagonal phase (2H phase) to metallic phase (1T phase). The distinct properties of 1T-LixMoS2 promote the efficient separation of photoexcited electrons and holes when used as cocatalyst for Cd0.5Zn0.5S photocatalyst. As compared to 2H-MoS2 nanosheets only having edge active sites, photoinduced electrons not only transfer to the edge sites of 1T-LixMoS2, but also to the plane active sites of 1T-LixMoS2 nanosheets. The content of LixMoS2 in hybrid photocatalysts influences the photocatalytic activity. The optimal 1T-LixMoS2 (1.0 wt %)/Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanojunctions display the best activity for hydrogen production, achieving a hydrogen evolution rate of 769.9 μmol h(-1), with no use of noble metal loading, which is about 3.5 times higher than that of sole Cd0.5Zn0.5S, and 2 times higher than that of 2H-MoS2 (1.0 wt %)/Cd0.5Zn0.5S samples. Our results demonstrate that Li(+)-intercalated MoS2 nanosheets with high conductivity, high densities of active sites, low cost, and environmental friendliness are a prominent H2 evolution cocatalyst that might substitute for noble metal for potential hydrogen energy applications.
Synthesis of high efficient Cu/TiO2 photocatalysts by grinding and their size-dependent photocatalytic hydrogen production

Science.gov (United States)

Ni, Dawei; Shen, Haiyan; Li, Huiqiao; Ma, Ying; Zhai, Tianyou

2017-07-01

Recently, copper species have been extensively investigated to replace Pt as efficient co-catalysts for the evolution of H2 due to their low cost and relatively high activity. Cu nanoparticles less than 5 nm are successfully decorated on TiO2 surface in this work by an easy and mild milling process. These Cu nanoparticles are highly dispersed on TiO2 when the loading amount of Cu is no more than 10 wt%. The sizes of Cu nanoparticles can be controlled by changing the milling environment and decrease in the order of Cu-ethanol > Cu-water > Cu nanoparticles obtained through drying milling. The highest and stable hydrogen generation can be realized on Cu/TiO2 with 2.0 wt% Cu and sizes of Cu nanoparticles ranging from 2 to 4 nm, in which high and stable photocurrent confirms promoted photogenerated charge separation. Smaller Cu clusters are demonstrated to be detrimental to hydrogen evolution at same Cu content. High loading of Cu nanoparticles of 2-4 nm will benefit photogenerated electron-hole recombination and thus decrease the activity of Cu/TiO2. The results here demonstrate the key roles of Cu cluster size in addition to Cu coverage on photocatalytic activity of Cu/TiO2 composite photocatalysts.
Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of palladium nanoparticles decorated black TiO2 calcined in argon atmosphere

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Ming-Chung; Hsiao, Kai-Chi; Chang, Yin-Hsuan; Chan, Shun-Hsiang

2018-02-01

Black TiO2 nanoparticles (BTN) was prepared by sol-gel derived precursor calcined in an argon atmosphere. The synthesized BTN with trivalent titanium ion, structural defect, and oxygen vacancy shows a remarkably high absorbance in the visible light spectrum. BTN thus behaves a higher visible-active nanoreactor than white TiO2 nanoparticles (WTN) in the aqueous solution for organic pollutant degradation. Moreover, palladium decoration on the BTN surface (Pd-BTN) demonstrates a fascinating clean energy application. The obtained Pd-BTN fulfills a satisfied green material demand in the photocatalytic hydrogen production application. Pd-BTN calcined at 400 °C (Pd-BTN-400) shows the high photocatalytic hydrogen generation rate of 5200 μmol/g h under UV-A irradiation and 9300 μmol/g h under UV-B irradiation, respectively. The well-developed material, Pd-BTN-400, could be one of the best solutions in the concern of clean energy and water-purification with regard to the continuous environmental issue.
Straightforward high-pressure synthesis and characterization of indium-based thiospinels: photocatalytic potential for hydrogen production

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Falcon, Horacio [Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, Cantoblanco (Spain); NANOTEC (Centro de Investigacion en Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia), Universidad Tecnologica Nacional-Facultad Regional Cordoba, Cordoba (Argentina); Tartaj, Pedro; Alonso, Jose Antonio [Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, Cantoblanco (Spain); Vaquero, Fernando; Navarro, Rufino M.; Fierro, Jose Luis G. [Instituto de Catalisis y Petroleoquimica, CSIC, Cantoblanco, Madrid (Spain); Bolletta, Juan P.; Paoli, Juan M. de; Carbonio, Raul E. [INFIQC - CONICET, Departamento de Fisicoquimica, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba (Argentina); Fernandez-Diaz, Maria Teresa [Institut Laue Langevin, Grenoble (France)

2016-04-15

Ternary chalcogenides (AB{sub 2}X{sub 4}) based on the spinel structure are gaining a great deal of attention because of the possibility of tuning their magnetic and optoelectronic properties not only by changing chemical composition but also by altering their degree of inversion. Here we report a rapid high-pressure synthetic method for the synthesis of MIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} powders starting from commercially available solid sulfides. We prove the versatility of our method by reporting the synthesis of six members of the MIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} family (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, and Cd) under high-pressure conditions (3.5 GPa); these compounds show complete to moderate degrees of inversion. Furthermore, this family covers a spectral region that includes visible band gaps. Interestingly, the structural refinement carried out by X-ray and neutron diffraction allows one to establish positive correlations between the gap and different parameters, including the degree of inversion. Finally, as a proof-of-concept, these ternary chalcogenides show moderate photocatalytic hydrogen production from aqueous solutions. (Copyright copyright 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Formation of 1D hierarchical structures composed of Ni{sub 3}S{sub 2} nanosheets on CNTs backbone for supercapacitors and photocatalytic H{sub 2} production

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhu, Ting; Wu, Hao Bin; Wang, Yabo; Xu, Rong; Lou, Xiong Wen [David] [School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457 (Singapore)

2012-12-15

One-dimensional (1D) hierarchical structures composed of Ni{sub 3}S{sub 2} nanosheets grown on carbon nanotube (CNT) backbone (denoted as CNT rate at Ni{sub 3}S{sub 2}) are fabricated by a rational multi-step transformation route. The first step involves coating the CNT backbone with a layer of silica to form CNT rate at SiO{sub 2}, which serves as the substrate for the growth of nickel silicate (NiSilicate) nanosheets in the second step to form CNT rate at SiO{sub 2} rate at NiSilicate core-double shell 1D structures. Finally the as-formed CNT rate at SiO{sub 2} rate at NiSilicate 1D structures are converted into CNT-supported Ni{sub 3}S{sub 2} nanosheets via hydrothermal treatment in the presence of Na{sub 2}S. Simultaneously the intermediate silica layer is eliminated during the hydrothermal treatment, leading to the formation of CNT rate at Ni{sub 3}S{sub 2} nanostructures. Because of the unique hybrid nano-architecture, the as-prepared 1D hierarchical structure is shown to exhibit excellent performance in both supercapacitors and photocatalytic H{sub 2} production. (Copyright copyright 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A gas-phase reactor powered by solar energy and ethanol for H2 production

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ampelli, Claudio; Genovese, Chiara; Passalacqua, Rosalba; Perathoner, Siglinda; Centi, Gabriele

2014-01-01

In the view of H 2 as the future energy vector, we presented here the development of a homemade photo-reactor working in gas phase and easily interfacing with fuel cell devices, for H 2 production by ethanol dehydrogenation. The process generates acetaldehyde as the main co-product, which is more economically advantageous with respect to the low valuable CO 2 produced in the alternative pathway of ethanol photoreforming. The materials adopted as photocatalysts are based on TiO 2 substrates but properly modified with noble (Au) and not-noble (Cu) metals to enhance light harvesting in the visible region. The samples were characterized by BET surface area analysis, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and UV–visible Diffusive Reflectance Spectroscopy, and finally tested in our homemade photo-reactor by simulated solar irradiation. We discussed about the benefits of operating in gas phase with respect to a conventional slurry photo-reactor (minimization of scattering phenomena, no metal leaching, easy product recovery, etc.). Results showed that high H 2 productivity can be obtained in gas phase conditions, also irradiating titania photocatalysts doped with not-noble metals. - Highlights: • A gas-phase photoreactor for H 2 production by ethanol dehydrogenation was developed. • The photocatalytic behaviours of Au and Cu metal-doped TiO 2 thin layers are compared. • Benefits of operating in gas phase with respect to a slurry reactor are presented. • Gas phase conditions and use of not-noble metals are the best economic solution
Poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid)/TiO2/graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogels for pH-sensitive photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moon, Young-E; Jung, Gowun; Yun, Jumi; Kim, Hyung-Il

2013-01-01

Graphical abstract: The photocatalytic removal of pollutants was improved by the two-step mechanism based on the adsorption of pollutants by hydrogel and the effective decomposition by combination of TiO 2 and graphene oxide. -- Highlights: • pH sensitive PVA/PAAc hydrogels were prepared by radical polymerization and condensation reaction. • PVA/PAAc/TiO 2 /graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogels were used for treatment of basic waste water. • Photocatalytic acitivity of TiO 2 was improved by incorporation of graphene oxide. • Photocatalytic decomposition by nanocomposite hydrogel was improved by increasing pH. -- Abstract: Poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid)/TiO 2 /graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogels were prepared using radical polymerization and condensation reaction for the photocatalytic treatment of waste water. Graphene oxide was used as an additive to improve the photocatalytic activity of poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid)/TiO 2 nanocomposite hydrogels. Both TiO 2 and graphene oxide were immobilized in poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid) hydrogel matrix for an easier recovery after the waste water treatment. The photocatalytic activity of poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid)/TiO 2 /graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogels was evaluated on the base of the degradation of pollutants by using UV spectrometer. The improved removal of pollutants was due to the two-step mechanism based on the adsorption of pollutants by nanocomposite hydrogel and the effective decomposition of pollutants by TiO 2 and graphene oxide. The highest swelling of nanocomposite hydrogel was observed at pH 10 indicating that poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid)/TiO 2 /graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogels were suitable as a promising system for the treatment of basic waste water
Enhancement of CO Evolution by Modification of Ga2O3 with Rare-Earth Elements for the Photocatalytic Conversion of CO2 by H2O.

Science.gov (United States)

Tatsumi, Hiroyuki; Teramura, Kentaro; Huang, Zeai; Wang, Zheng; Asakura, Hiroyuki; Hosokawa, Saburo; Tanaka, Tsunehiro

2017-12-12

Modification of the surface of Ga 2 O 3 with rare-earth elements enhanced the evolution of CO as a reduction product in the photocatalytic conversion of CO 2 using H 2 O as an electron donor under UV irradiation in aqueous NaHCO 3 as a pH buffer, with the rare-earth species functioning as a CO 2 capture and storage material. Isotope experiments using 13 CO 2 as a substrate clearly revealed that CO was generated from the introduced gaseous CO 2 . In the presence of the NaHCO 3 additive, the rare-earth (RE) species on the Ga 2 O 3 surface are transformed into carbonate hydrates (RE 2 (CO 3 ) 3 ·nH 2 O) and/or hydroxycarbonates (RE 2 (OH) 2(3-x) (CO 3 ) x ) which are decomposed upon photoirradiation. Consequently, Ag-loaded Yb-modified Ga 2 O 3 exhibits much higher activity (209 μmol h -1 of CO) than the pristine Ag-loaded Ga 2 O 3 . The further modification of the surface of the Yb-modified Ga 2 O 3 with Zn afforded a selectivity toward CO evolution of 80%. Thus, we successfully achieved an efficient Ag-loaded Yb- and Zn-modified Ga 2 O 3 photocatalyst with high activity and controllable selectivity, suitable for use in artificial photosynthesis.
Efficient photocatalytic degradation of phenol in aqueous solution by SnO{sub 2}:Sb nanoparticles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Al-Hamdi, Abdullah M., E-mail: Abdullah.Al.Hamdi@lut.fi [Laboratory of Green Chemistry, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Sammonkatu 12, 50130 Mikkeli (Finland); Chemistry Department, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 17, 123 Al-Khoudh (Oman); Chair in Nanotechnology, Water Research Center, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 17, 123 Al-Khoudh (Oman); Sillanpää, Mika [Laboratory of Green Chemistry, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Sammonkatu 12, 50130 Mikkeli (Finland); Bora, Tanujjal [Chair in Nanotechnology, Water Research Center, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 17, 123 Al-Khoudh (Oman); Dutta, Joydeep [Chair in Nanotechnology, Water Research Center, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 17, 123 Al-Khoudh (Oman); Functional Materials Division, ICT, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Isafjordsgatan 22, SE-164 40 KistaStockholm (Sweden)

2016-05-01

Highlights: • Sb doped SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles were synthesized using sol–gel process. • Photocatalytic degradation of phenol were studies using SnO{sub 2}:Sb nanoparticles. • Under solar light phenol was degraded within 2 h. • Phenol mineralization and intermediates were investigated by using HPLC. - Abstract: Photodegradation of phenol in the presence of tin dioxide (SnO{sub 2}) nanoparticles under UV light irradiation is known to be an effective photocatalytic process. However, phenol degradation under solar light is less effective due to the large band gap of SnO{sub 2}. In this study antimony (Sb) doped tin dioxide (SnO{sub 2}) nanoparticles were prepared at a low temperature (80 °C) by a sol–gel method and studied for its photocatalytic activity with phenol as a test contaminant. The catalytic degradation of phenol in aqueous media was studied using high performance liquid chromatography and total organic carbon measurements. The change in the concentration of phenol affects the pH of the solution due to the by-products formed during the photo-oxidation of phenol. The photoactivity of SnO{sub 2}:Sb was found to be a maximum for 0.6 wt.% Sb doped SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles with 10 mg L{sup −1} phenol in water. Within 2 h of photodegradation, more than 95% of phenol could be removed under solar light irradiation.
Synthesis, morphology, optical and photocatalytic performance of nanostructured β-Ga2O3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Girija, K.; Thirumalairajan, S.; Avadhani, G.S.; Mangalaraj, D.; Ponpandian, N.; Viswanathan, C.

2013-01-01

Highlights: ► Nanostructures of β-Ga 2 O 3 were prepared using facile reflux condensation process. ► The pH of the reaction mixture shows evident influence on the size and shape of the nanostructures formed. ► The nanostructures exhibited good photocatalytic activity toward Rhodamine B and was found to be superior for higher pH value. - Abstract: Fine powders of β-Ga 2 O 3 nanostructures were prepared via low temperature reflux condensation method by varying the pH value without using any surfactant. The pH value of reaction mixture had great influence on the morphology of final products. High crystalline single phase β-Ga 2 O 3 nanostructures were obtained by thermal treatment at 900 °C which was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The morphological analysis revealed rod like nanostructures at lower and higher pH values of 6 and 10, while spindle like structures were obtained at pH = 8. The phase purity and presence of vibrational bands were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The optical absorbance spectrum showed intense absorption features in the UV spectral region. A broad blue emission peak centered at 441 nm due to donor–acceptor gallium–oxygen vacancy pair recombination appeared. The photocatalytic activity toward Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation was higher for nanorods at pH 10
Fabrication of 2D SnS2/g-C3N4 heterojunction with enhanced H2 evolution during photocatalytic water splitting.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Enzhou; Chen, Jibing; Ma, Yongning; Feng, Juan; Jia, Jia; Fan, Jun; Hu, Xiaoyun

2018-08-15

In this work, the 2D SnS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 heterojunctions were successfully prepared by heating the homogeneous dispersion of SnS 2 nanosheets and g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets using a microwave muffle. SEM, TEM and HRTEM images indicated that the SnS 2 nanosheets were loaded on the surface of the g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets. The UV-vis spectra show that the absorption intensity of the as-prepared samples was increased and the absorption range was also extended from 420 nm to approximately 600 nm. The H 2 production rate over 5 wt% SnS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 can reach 972.6 μmol·h -1 ·g -1 under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm) using TEOA as the sacrifice agent and Pt as the electron trap, which is 2.9 and 25.6 times higher than those of the pristine g-C 3 N 4 and SnS 2 , respectively. According to the obtained PL spectra, photocurrent and EIS spectra, the enhanced performance for H 2 generation over the heterojunctions is primarily ascribed to the rapid charge transfer arising from the suitable band gap positions leading to an improved photocatalytic performance. The recycling experiments indicated that the as-prepared composites exhibit good stability in H 2 production. Additionally, a possible enhanced mechanism for H 2 evolution was deduced based on the results obtained by various characterization techniques. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Visible-Light-Driven Valorization of Biomass Intermediates Integrated with H2 Production Catalyzed by Ultrathin Ni/CdS Nanosheets.

Science.gov (United States)

Han, Guanqun; Jin, Yan-Huan; Burgess, R Alan; Dickenson, Nicholas E; Cao, Xiao-Ming; Sun, Yujie

2017-11-08

Photocatalytic upgrading of crucial biomass-derived intermediate chemicals (i.e., furfural alcohol, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)) to value-added products (aldehydes and acids) was carried out on ultrathin CdS nanosheets (thickness ∼1 nm) decorated with nickel (Ni/CdS). More importantly, simultaneous H 2 production was realized upon visible light irradiation under ambient conditions utilizing these biomass intermediates as proton sources. The remarkable difference in the rates of transformation of furfural alcohol and HMF to their corresponding aldehydes in neutral water was observed and investigated. Aided by theoretical computation, it was rationalized that the slightly stronger binding affinity of the aldehyde group in HMF to Ni/CdS resulted in the lower transformation of HMF to 2,5-diformylfuran compared to that of furfural alcohol to furfural. Nevertheless, photocatalytic oxidation of furfural alcohol and HMF under alkaline conditions led to complete transformation to the respective carboxylates with concomitant production of H 2 .
Continuous photocatalytic fuel production over wide-bandgap metal oxides

OpenAIRE

Bazzo, Antonio

2014-01-01

Artificial photosynthesis has been proposed as one of the possible solutions to the energetic and chemical-feedstock problems to cope with the anticipated near future depletion of fossil fuel resources. This doctoral thesis deals with the study of promising catalysts and reactor designs to enhance the reaction efficiency and understand the origin of photocatalytic activity. A continuous flow reaction system was designed and constructed to study CO2 photoreduction with H2O and photocatalytic w...
Remarkably enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution over MoS2 nanosheets loaded on uniform CdS nanospheres

Science.gov (United States)

Chai, Bo; Xu, Mengqiu; Yan, Juntao; Ren, Zhandong

2018-02-01

The MoS2/CdS composites with layered MoS2 loaded on uniform CdS nanospheres were synthesized by a two-step process combination hydrothermal and solvothermal treatments, and then applied in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectra, UV-vis diffuse reflectance absorption spectra (UV-DRS), nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurement, photoluminescence spectra (PL) and photoelectrochemical tests. The effects of loading contents of MoS2 in the composites on the photocatalytic H2 evolution activity were comparatively investigated with 0.45 mol L-1 Na2S and 0.55 mol L-1 Na2SO3 as sacrificial agents. The results showed that the 5 wt% MoS2/CdS composite could achieve the highest photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of 372 μmol h-1 and apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) about 7.31% under 420 nm monochromatic light irradiation. The remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity of MoS2/CdS composite could be attributed to the effective transfer and separation of photogenerated charge carriers, and MoS2 being as a cocatalyst to facilitating photocatalytic H2 evolution reaction. A tentative mechanism of MoS2/CdS composites as photocatalysts for H2 evolution was proposed.
Synthesis and Visible-Light Photocatalytic Property of Bi2WO6Hierarchical Octahedron-Like Structures

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Li Yuanyuan

2008-01-01

Full Text Available Abstract A novel octahedron-like hierarchical structure of Bi2WO6has been fabricated by a facile hydrothermal method in high quantity. XRD, SEM, TEM, and HRTEM were used to characterize the product. The results indicated that this kind of Bi2WO6crystals had an average size of ~4 μm, constructed by quasi-square single-crystal nanosheets assembled in a special fashion. The formation of octahedron-like hierarchical structure of Bi2WO6depended crucially on the pH value of the precursor suspensions. The photocatalytic activity of the hierarchical Bi2WO6structures toward RhB degradation under visible light was investigated, and it was found to be significantly better than that of the sample fabricated by SSR. The better photocatalytic property should be strongly associated with the high specific surface area and the abundant pore structure of the hierarchical octahedron-like Bi2WO6.
TiO2/Bi2(BDC)3/BiOCl nanoparticles decorated ultrathin nanosheets with excellent photocatalytic reaction activity and selectivity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhou, Shu-Mei; Ma, De-Kun; Cai, Ping; Chen, Wei; Huang, Shao-Ming

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: TiO 2 /Bi 2 (BDC) 3 /BiOCl nanoparticles decorated ultrathin nanosheets showed excellent photocatalytic reaction activity and selectivity. - Highlights: • TiO 2 /Bi 2 (BDC) 3 /BiOCl nanoparticles decorated ultrathin nanosheets were synthesized through a facile hydrothermal process. • The products showed excellent photocatalytic activities for the degradation of various dyes. • The photocatalytic activities of the composite materials could be easily adjusted through tuning the content of TiO 2 . • TiO 2 /Bi 2 (BDC) 3 /BiOCl displayed obvious photocatalytic selectivity in mixed dyes systems of rhodamine B and eosin Y. - Abstract: Photocatalysts with excellent photocatalytic reaction activity and ideal selectivity are highly desirable for pollutants clearance and purification of targeted organics from a mixture. Continued efforts toward the goal, we here present a facile hydrothermal route to synthesize TiO 2 /Bi-benzenedicarboxylate/BiOCl nanoparticles decorated ultrathin nanosheets with a thickness less than 5 nm on a large scale. The as-synthesized products showed excellent photocatalytic activities for the degradation of various dyes such as rhodamine B, eosin Y and methylene blue in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activities of TiO 2 /Bi-benzenedicarboxylate/BiOCl nanocomposites for the degradation of rhodamine B and eosin Y could be adjusted through tuning the content of TiO 2 . With increasing the amount of TiO 2 , the composites showed declining photocatalytic activities in decomposing of rhodamine B while on the contrary they displayed enhanced photocatalytic activities in decomposing of eosin Y. Interestingly, TiO 2 /Bi-benzenedicarboxylate/BiOCl composite nanosheets showed obvious photocatalytic selectivity in a mixed dyes system. The photocatalytic reaction and selectivity mechanisms of the nanocomposites for the degradation of the dyes were discussed on the basis of experimental results. The
Photocatalytic degradation of Acephate, Omethoate, and Methyl parathion by Fe_3O_4@SiO_2@mTiO_2 nanomicrospheres

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zheng, Lingling; Pi, Fuwei; Wang, Yifan; Xu, Hui; Zhang, Yinzhi; Sun, Xiulan

2016-01-01

Highlights: • An efficient photocatalyst Fe_3O_4@SiO_2@mTiO_2 with high magnetic response and large specific surface area was synthesized. • Photocatalytic efficiency of Fe_3O_4@SiO_2@mTiO_2 on Acephate, Omethoate, and Methyl Parathion was higher than TiO_2 P-25. • Possible photocatalytic degradation mechanisms for the Acephate, Omethoate, and Methyl Parathion were proposed. - Abstract: A novel magnetic mesoporous nanomicrospheres Fe_3O_4@SiO_2@mTiO_2 were synthetized and characterized by a series of techniques including FE-TEM, EDS, FE-SEM, PXRD, XPS, BET, TGA as well as VSM, and subsequently tested as a photocatalyst for the degradation of Acephate, Omethoate, and Methyl parathion under UV irradiation. The well-designed nanomicrospheres exhibit a pure and highly crystalline anatase TiO_2 layer, large specific surface area, and high-magnetic-response. Photocatalytic degradation of the three organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) and the formation intermediates were identified using HPLC, TOC-V_c_p_n, IC, pH meter and GC–MS. Acephate, Omethoate, and Methyl parathion disappeared after 45 min, 45 min, and 80 min UV illumination, respectively. At the end of the treatment, the total organic carbon (TOC) of the OPPs was reduced 80–85%. The main mineralization products were SO_4"2"−, NO_3"− and PO_4"3"− and Omethoate additionally formed NO_2"−. Based on the results, we proposed the photocatalytic degradation pathways for Acephate, Omethoate, and Methyl parathion.
Experimental study of photocatalytic concrete products for air purification

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Huesken, G.; Hunger, M.; Brouwers, H.J.H. [Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede (Netherlands)

2009-12-15

Air quality in inner-city areas is a topic which receives much attention nowadays but in the coming years, the overall interest on this topic will become even bigger. One major concern is caused by the reduction of the limiting values given by the European Council Directive 1999/30/EC [Relating to limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air. Official Journal of the European Communities 1999, L 163/41-60] and increasing traffic rates especially for diesel powered passenger cars and freight vehicles. A promising approach for solving the problem of nitrogen oxides (NO{sub x}) is the photochemical conversion of nitrogen oxides to low concentrated nitrates due to heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) using titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) as photocatalyst. A variety of products containing TiO{sub 2} are already available on the European market and their working mechanism under laboratory conditions is proven. However, there is still a lack of transforming the experimental results obtained under laboratory conditions to practical applications considering real world conditions. This paper presents the research conducted on photocatalytic concrete products with respect to the evaluation of air-purifying properties. The degradation process of nitric oxide (NO) under laboratory conditions is studied using a test setup for measuring the performance of photocatalytic active concrete products. The test setup uses the UV-A induced degradation of NO and is oriented on the ISO standard ISO 22197-1:2007. Besides the introduction of the test setup, a uniform measuring procedure is presented to the reader which allows for an evaluation and direct comparison of the performance of photocatalytic active concrete products. This kind of direct comparison was not possible so far. Furthermore, the results of a comparative study on varying photocatalytic concrete products of the European market will be discussed
All electrochemical fabrication of a bilayer membrane composed of nanotubular photocatalyst and palladium toward high-purity hydrogen production

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hattori, Masashi [Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu University, Kasuga 816-8580 (Japan); Noda, Kei, E-mail: nodakei@elec.keio.ac.jp [Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Keio University, Hiyoshi, Yokohama 223-8522 (Japan)

2015-12-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • A bilayer membrane composed of TiO{sub 2} nanotube array and palladium was fabricated. • The TiO{sub 2}/Pd bilayer membrane was prepared with an all-electrochemical process. • The membrane consists of pure Pd and anatase TiO{sub 2} nanotubes with no alloy formation. • Photocatalytic H{sub 2} production and concomitant separation were demonstrated. • High-purity H{sub 2} production rate and apparent quantum yield were evaluated. - Abstract: We developed an all-electrochemical technique for fabricating a bilayer structure of a titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) nanotube array (TNA) and a palladium film (TNA/Pd membrane), which works for photocatalytic high-purity hydrogen production. Electroless plating was used for depositing the Pd film on the TNA surface prepared by anodizing a titanium foil. A 3-μm-thick TNA/Pd membrane without any pinholes in a 1.5-cm-diameter area was fabricated by transferring a 1-μm-thick TNA onto an electroless-plated 2-μm-thick Pd film with a mechanical peel-off process. This ultrathin membrane with sufficient mechanical robustness showed photocatalytic H{sub 2} production via methanol reforming under ultraviolet illumination on the TNA side, immediately followed by the purification of the generated H{sub 2} gas through the Pd layer. The hydrogen production rate and the apparent quantum yield for high-purity H{sub 2} production from methanol/water mixture with the TNA/Pd membrane were also examined. This work suggests that palladium electroless plating is more suitable and practical for preparing a well-organized TNA/Pd heterointerface than palladium sputter deposition.
Fabrication of Cu2O-TiO2 Nano-composite with High Photocatalytic Performance under Simulated Solar Light

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yi Wentao

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Cu2O-P25 (TiO2 nano-heterostructures with different mass ratios were synthesized via a wet chemical precipitation and hydrothermal method, and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS. DRS results showed that the light absorption of P25 extended to the visible light region with the loading of Cu2O. XPS results showed that Cu existed in the state of Cu+ in the presence of hydroxylamine hydrochloride, confirming the formation of Cu2O. The obtained products exhibited efficient photocatalytic performance in degradation of methyl orange (MO and methylene blue (MB under simulated solar light. The sample of 5% Cu2O-P25 exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity among all as-prepared samples. And the photocatalysts can be recycled without obvious loss of photocatalytic activity.
Towards Sustainable H2 Production: Rational Design of Hydrophobic Triphenylamine-based Dyes for Sensitized Ethanol Photoreforming.

Science.gov (United States)

Dessì, Alessio; Monai, Matteo; Bessi, Matteo; Montini, Tiziano; Calamante, Massimo; Mordini, Alessandro; Reginato, Gianna; Trono, Cosimo; Fornasiero, Paolo; Zani, Lorenzo

2018-02-22

Donor-acceptor dyes are a well-established class of photosensitizers, used to enhance visible-light harvesting in solar cells and in direct photocatalytic reactions, such as H 2 production by photoreforming of sacrificial electron donors (SEDs). Amines-typically triethanolamine (TEOA)-are commonly employed as SEDs in such reactions. Dye-sensitized photoreforming of more sustainable, biomass-derived alcohols, on the other hand, was only recently reported by using methanol as the electron donor. In this work, several rationally designed donor-acceptor dyes were used as sensitizers in H 2 photocatalytic production, comparing the efficiency of TEOA and EtOH as SEDs. In particular, the effect of hydrophobic chains in the spacer and/or the donor unit of the dyes was systematically studied. The H 2 production rates were higher when TEOA was used as SED, whereas the activity trends depended on the SED used. The best performance was obtained with TEOA by using a sensitizer with just one bulky hydrophobic moiety, propylenedioxythiophene, placed on the spacer unit. In the case of EtOH, the best-performing sensitizers were the ones featuring a thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole internal unit, needed for enhancing light harvesting, and carrying alkyl chains on both the donor part and the spacer unit. The results are discussed in terms of reaction mechanism, interaction with the SED, and structural/electrochemical properties of the sensitizers. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Fabrication and assembly of two-dimensional TiO2/WO3·H2O heterostructures with type II band alignment for enhanced photocatalytic performance

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Tao; Wang, Yun; Zhou, Xiaofang; Zheng, Xiaoli; Xu, Qun; Chen, Zhimin; Ren, Yumei; Yan, Bo

2017-05-01

The recombination of photo-induced charges is one of the main issues to limit the large-scale applications in photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis. To improve the charge separation, we fabricate a novel type II 2D ultrathin TiO2/WO3·H2O heterostructures with the assistance of supercritical CO2 (SC CO2) in this work. The as-fabricated heterostructures possess high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange(MO) and high photocurrent response under simulated solar light (AM 1.5). For the TiO2/WO3·H2O heterostructures, the MO solution could be degraded by 95.5% in 150 min, and the photocurrent density reaches to 6.5 μA cm-2, exhibiting a significant enhancement compared with pure TiO2 and WO3·H2O nanosheets.
A Facile Synthesis of Graphene-WO3 Nanowire Clusters with High Photocatalytic Activity for O2 Evolution

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M.-J. Zhou

2014-01-01

Full Text Available In the present work, graphene-WO3 nanowire clusters were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. The obtained graphene-WO3 nanowire clusters were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD, transmission electron microscopy (TEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS techniques. The photocatalytic oxygen (O2 evolution properties of the as-synthesized samples were investigated by measuring the amount of evolved O2 from water splitting. The graphene-WO3 nanowire clusters exhibited enhanced performance compared to pure WO3 nanowire clusters for O2 evolution. The amount of evolved O2 from water splitting after 8 h for the graphene-WO3 nanowire clusters is ca. 0.345 mmol/L, which is more than 1.9 times as much as that of the pure WO3 nanowire clusters (ca. 0.175 mmol/L. The high photocatalytic activity of the graphene-WO3 nanowire clusters was attributed to a high charge transfer rate in the presence of graphene.
Flower-like nanostructure MNb2O6 (M = Mn, Zn) with high surface area: Hydrothermal synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic performance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huang, Xue; Jing, Yan; Yang, Jia; Ju, Jing; Cong, Rihong; Gao, Wenliang; Yang, Tao

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • MNb 2 O 6 was prepared by a mild two-step hydrothermal method. • Their flower-like nanostructure morphology was studied by SEM and TEM. • High BET surface areas for MnNb 2 O 6 (∼50 m 2 /g) and ZnNb 2 O 6 (∼100 m 2 /g). • Band gap energies were estimated by UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra. • Photocatalytic activities were evaluated under UV-light irradiation. - Abstract: Nano-scaled MNb 2 O 6 (M = Mn, Zn) was successfully synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal method. It is important to control the exact pH of the reaction solution in order to obtain pure products. The as-prepared samples both crystallize in the columbite structure. Interestingly, the products possess a flower-like morphology in a pseudo-six-fold symmetry, which is in fact arrayed by two-dimensional nanosheets. Their surface areas (51 m 2 /g for MnNb 2 O 6 and 103 m 2 /g for ZnNb 2 O 6 ) are about 25–50 times of those prepared by solid state reaction. UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra show the nano-scaled sample has a stronger absorption and a narrower band gap than its bulk form. The estimated band gap energies are 2.70 eV (MnNb 2 O 6 ) and 3.77 eV (ZnNb 2 O 6 ), respectively. The nano-scaled ZnNb 2 O 6 exhibits a double enhancement of photocatalytic activity in the decolorization of methylene blue than bulk ZnNb 2 O 6

A Facile and Waste-Free Strategy to Fabricate Pt-C/TiO2 Microspheres: Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance for Hydrogen Evolution

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hui Li

2014-01-01

Full Text Available A facile and waste-free flame thermal synthesis method was developed for preparing Pt modified C/TiO2 microspheres (Pt-C/TiO2. The photocatalysts were characterized with X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry analysis. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by hydrogen evolution from water splitting under UV-vis light illumination. Benefitting from the electron-hole separation behavior and reduced overpotential of H+/H2, remarkably enhanced hydrogen production was demonstrated and the photocatalytic hydrogen generation from 0.4 wt% Pt-C/TiO2 increased by 22 times. This study also demonstrates that the novel and facile method is highly attractive, due to its easy operation, requiring no post treatment and energy-saving features.
Fabrication of a Co(OH)2/ZnCr LDH "p-n" Heterojunction Photocatalyst with Enhanced Separation of Charge Carriers for Efficient Visible-Light-Driven H2 and O2 Evolution.

Science.gov (United States)

Sahoo, Dipti Prava; Nayak, Susanginee; Reddy, K Hemalata; Martha, Satyabadi; Parida, Kulamani

2018-04-02

Photocatalytic generation of H 2 and O 2 by water splitting remains a great challenge for clean and sustainable energy. Taking into the consideration promising heterojunction photocatalysts, analogous energy issues have been mitigated to a meaningful extent. Herein, we have architectured a highly efficient bifunctional heterojunction material, i.e., p-type Co(OH) 2 platelets with an n-type ZnCr layered double hydroxide (LDH) by an ultrasonication method. Primarily, the Mott-Schottky measurements confirmed the n- and p-type semiconductive properties of LDH and CH material, respectively, with the construction of a p-n heterojunction. The high resolution transmission electron microscopy results suggest that surface modification of ZnCr LDH by Co(OH) 2 hexagonal platelets could form a fabulous p-n interfacial region that significantly decreases the energy barrier for O 2 and H 2 production by effectively separating and transporting photoinduced charge carriers, leading to enhanced photoreactivity. A deep investigation into the mechanism shows that a 30 wt % Co(OH) 2 -modified ZnCr LDH sample liberates maximum H 2 and O 2 production in 2 h, i.e., 1115 and 560 μmol, with apparent conversion efficiencies of H 2 and O 2 evolution of 13.12% and 6.25%, respectively. Remarkable photocatalytic activity with energetic charge pair transfer capability was illustrated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, linear sweep voltammetry, and photoluminescence spectra. The present study clearly suggests that low-cost Co(OH) 2 platelets are the most crucial semiconductors to provide a new p-n heterojunction photocatalyst for photocatalytic H 2 and O 2 production on the platform of ZnCr LDH.
Synthesis of high efficient Cu/TiO2 photocatalysts by grinding and their size-dependent photocatalytic hydrogen production

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ni, Dawei; Shen, Haiyan; Li, Huiqiao; Ma, Ying; Zhai, Tianyou

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Cu nanodots were decorated on TiO 2 surface through ball milling method. • Its size distribution was investigated in water and ethanolic medium. • Photocurrent response and hydrogen evolution was improved. • Performance was found to be dependent on size of Cu nanodots. - Abstract: Recently, copper species have been extensively investigated to replace Pt as efficient co-catalysts for the evolution of H 2 due to their low cost and relatively high activity. Cu nanoparticles less than 5 nm are successfully decorated on TiO 2 surface in this work by an easy and mild milling process. These Cu nanoparticles are highly dispersed on TiO 2 when the loading amount of Cu is no more than 10 wt%. The sizes of Cu nanoparticles can be controlled by changing the milling environment and decrease in the order of Cu-ethanol > Cu-water > Cu nanoparticles obtained through drying milling. The highest and stable hydrogen generation can be realized on Cu/TiO 2 with 2.0 wt% Cu and sizes of Cu nanoparticles ranging from 2 to 4 nm, in which high and stable photocurrent confirms promoted photogenerated charge separation. Smaller Cu clusters are demonstrated to be detrimental to hydrogen evolution at same Cu content. High loading of Cu nanoparticles of 2–4 nm will benefit photogenerated electron-hole recombination and thus decrease the activity of Cu/TiO 2 . The results here demonstrate the key roles of Cu cluster size in addition to Cu coverage on photocatalytic activity of Cu/TiO 2 composite photocatalysts.
Surface modification and enhanced photocatalytic CO{sub 2} reduction performance of TiO{sub 2}: a review

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Low, Jingxiang; Cheng, Bei [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan 430070 (China); Yu, Jiaguo, E-mail: jiaguoyu@yahoo.com [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan 430070 (China); Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589 (Saudi Arabia)

2017-01-15

Highlights: • Application of modified TiO{sub 2} for photocatalytic CO{sub 2} reduction is summarized. • Different surface modification strategies of TiO{sub 2} are highlighted. • Summary and future perspectives in photocatalytic CO{sub 2} reduction are presented. - Abstract: Recently, the excessive consumption of fossil fuels has caused high emissions of the greenhouse gases, CO{sub 2} into atmosphere and global energy crisis. Mimicking the natural photosynthesis by using semiconductor materials to achieve photocatalytic CO{sub 2} reduction into valuable solar fuels such as CH{sub 4}, HCO{sub 2}H, CH{sub 2}O, and CH{sub 3}OH is known as one of the best solutions for addressing the aforementioned issue. Among various proposed photocatalysts, TiO{sub 2} has been extensively studied over the past several decades for photocatalytic CO{sub 2} reduction because of its cheapness and environmental friendliness. Particularly, surface modification of TiO{sub 2} has attracted numerous interests due to its capability of enhancing the light absorption ability, facilitating the electron-hole separation, tuning the CO{sub 2} reduction selectivity and increasing the CO{sub 2} adsorption and activation ability of TiO{sub 2} for photocatalytic CO{sub 2} reduction. In this review, recent approaches of the surface modification of TiO{sub 2} for photocatalytic CO{sub 2} reduction, including impurity doping, metal deposition, alkali modification, heterojunction construction and carbon-based material loading, are presented. The photocatalytic CO{sub 2} reduction mechanism and pathways of TiO{sub 2} are discussed. The future research direction and perspective of photocatalytic CO{sub 2} reduction over surface-modified TiO{sub 2} are also presented.
Fabrication and assembly of two-dimensional TiO{sub 2}/WO{sub 3}·H{sub 2}O heterostructures with type II band alignment for enhanced photocatalytic performance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xu, Tao [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 (China); Wang, Yun, E-mail: yun.wang@griffith.edu.au [Centre for Clean Environment and Energy and Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222 (Australia); Zhou, Xiaofang; Zheng, Xiaoli [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 (China); Xu, Qun, E-mail: qunxu@zzu.edu.cn [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 (China); Chen, Zhimin; Ren, Yumei; Yan, Bo [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 (China)

2017-05-01

Graphical abstract: 2D heterostructures of TiO{sub 2}/WO{sub 3}·H{sub 2}O nanosheets have been successfully fabricated with assistance of supercritical CO{sub 2} (SC CO{sub 2}). The formation of heterostructures is beneficial to effective separation of the electron-hole pairs, thus resulting in enhanced photocatalytic activity toward the high photocurrent under simulated solar light irradiation. - Highlights: • In this study we have successfully exfoliated ultrathin WO{sub 3}·H{sub 2}O nanosheets from tunsten acid(H{sub 2}WO{sub 4}) with supercritical CO{sub 2} (SC CO{sub 2}). • A novel type II 2D ultrathin TiO{sub 2}/WO{sub 3}·H{sub 2}O heterostructures were fabricated with the assistance of SC CO{sub 2}. • The formation of TiO{sub 2}/WO{sub 3}·H{sub 2}O heterostructures is beneficial to effective separation of the electron-hole pairs. • The photocurrent response and MO degradation of TiO{sub 2}/WO{sub 3}·H{sub 2}O heterostructures exhibit significantly improvement. - Abstract: The recombination of photo-induced charges is one of the main issues to limit the large-scale applications in photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis. To improve the charge separation, we fabricate a novel type II 2D ultrathin TiO{sub 2}/WO{sub 3}·H{sub 2}O heterostructures with the assistance of supercritical CO{sub 2} (SC CO{sub 2}) in this work. The as-fabricated heterostructures possess high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange(MO) and high photocurrent response under simulated solar light (AM 1.5). For the TiO{sub 2}/WO{sub 3}·H{sub 2}O heterostructures, the MO solution could be degraded by 95.5% in 150 min, and the photocurrent density reaches to 6.5 μA cm{sup −2}, exhibiting a significant enhancement compared with pure TiO{sub 2} and WO{sub 3}·H{sub 2}O nanosheets.
Oxidative esterification via photocatalytic C-H activation

Data.gov (United States)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Direct oxidative esterification of alcohol via photocatalytic C–H activation has been developed using VO@g-C3N4 catalyst; an expeditious esterification of alcohols...
Preparation and characterization of graphene oxide/Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3} photocatalyst and its visible light photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Jiade; Wei, Longfu [School of Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province (China); Yu, Changlin, E-mail: yuchanglinjx@163.com [School of Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province (China); School of Environment Engineering and Biology Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming 525000, Guangdong Province (China); Fang, Wen [School of Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province (China); State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002 (China); Xie, Yu, E-mail: xieyu_121@163.com [School of Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province (China); College of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, Jiangxi (China); Zhou, Wanqin; Zhu, Lihua [School of Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province (China)

2015-12-15

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • GO/Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3} photocatalyst was prepared by liquid deposition process. • GO increase e{sup −}/h{sup +} pairs separation. • The production of ·OH and O{sub 2}·{sup −} radicals was promoted. • High photocatalytic activity and stability were obtained over GO/Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}. - Abstract: Graphene oxide (GO) was firstly fabricated from graphite powder by Hummers method. Then a series of GO/Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3} composite photocatalysts (0.1% GO/Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}, 0.5%GO/Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}, 1%GO/Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}, 4%GO/Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}) were synthesized by a facile liquid deposition process. The produced products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), N{sub 2} physical adsorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FT-IR), Raman spectra and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS). The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. The influence of GO concentration on the photocatalytic activity of GO/Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3} was investigated. The results showed that GO can be easily dispersed into Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}, producing well contacted GO/Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3} composite. Coupling of trace GO largely enhanced the visible light absorption. Moreover, GO could suppress the growth of Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3} grain crystals. With optimum GO content (0.5%), the degradation rate of MO is 85.37% after 120 min light irradiation, which Exhibits 1.53 times activity of that of pure Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}. More importantly, a large improvement in stability was obtained over the composite. The increase in photocatalytic activity and stability could be mainly attributed to the coupling of GO which increased the surface area and suppressed the recombination rate of e{sup −}/h{sup +} pairs.
Solar photocatalytic mineralization of isoproturon over TiO{sub 2}/HY composite systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sharma, Mangalampalli V. Phanikrishna; Lalitha, Kannekanti; Durgakumari, Valluri; Subrahmanyam, Machiraju [Inorganic and Physical Chemistry Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007 (India)

2008-03-15

The present investigation covers immobilization of titanium dioxide over HY support for the treatment of isoproturon pesticide. Catalysts are characterized by XRD, SEM-EDAX, TEM, BET surface area and UV-vis DRS. A detailed photocatalytic degradation study under solar light in aqueous suspensions with parameters like loading of TiO{sub 2} over HY, amount of the catalyst, concentration of substrate, pH effect, durability of the catalyst and comparison between suspended TiO{sub 2} and supported systems are reported. Mineralization of isoproturon is monitored by total organic carbon, chemical oxygen demand and a plausible mechanism is proposed for photocatalytic degradation based on degradation products. (author)
The CeO{sub 2}/Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} photocatalyst with stability and high photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Song, Yanhua [School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003 (China); Zhao, Haozhu; Chen, Zhigang; Huang, Liying; Xu, Hui; Li, Huaming [School of the Environment, Institute for Energy Research, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013 (China); Wang, Weiren [Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005 (United States)

2016-09-15

The CeO{sub 2}/Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} composite photocatalysts are synthesized by an in situ precipitation method. The XRD, FT-IR, XPS, TEM, EDS, and DRS are used to characterize the structure of the samples. The photocatalytic performance of the prepared samples is evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB), and ciprofloxacin (CIP). The results show that CeO{sub 2}/Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} hybrid materials exhibit much higher photocatalytic activity than the Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} alone. The optimal CeO{sub 2} content in CeO{sub 2}/Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} composites is found to be molar ratio 1 wt%. Photocurrent response of CeO{sub 2}/Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} (1 wt%) is about 1.5 times as high as that of the pure Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}. The increase of photocatalytic activity of CeO{sub 2}/Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} composites could be mainly attributed to the heterojunction between CeO{sub 2} and Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}. The trapping experiment has demonstrated that holes serve as the main active species for the degradation of MB under visible light irradiation. A photocatalytic mechanism is also proposed. (copyright 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sol-Gel-Hydrothermal Synthesis of the Heterostructured TiO2/N-Bi2WO6 Composite with High-Visible-Light- and Ultraviolet-Light-Induced Photocatalytic Performances

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jiang Zhang

2012-01-01

Full Text Available The heterostructured TiO2/N-Bi2WO6 composites were prepared by a facile sol-gel-hydrothermal method. The phase structures, morphologies, and optical properties of the samples were characterized by using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities for rhodamine B of the as-prepared products were measured under visible and ultraviolet light irradiation at room temperature. The TiO2/N-Bi2WO6 composites exhibited much higher photocatalytic performances than TiO2 as well as Bi2WO6. The enhancement in the visible light photocatalytic performance of the TiO2/N-Bi2WO6 composites could be attributed to the effective electron-hole separations at the interfaces of the two semiconductors, which facilitate the transfer of the photoinduced carriers.
Photocatalytic degradation of commercial phoxim over La-doped TiO2 nanoparticles in aqueous suspension.

Science.gov (United States)

Dai, Ke; Peng, Tianyou; Chen, Hao; Liu, Juan; Zan, Lin

2009-03-01

Photocatalytic degradation of commercial phoxim emulsion in aqueous suspension was investigated by using La-doped mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles (m-TiO2) as the photocatalyst under UV irradiation. Effects of La-doping level, calcination temperature, and additional amount of the photocatalyst on the photocatalytic degradation efficiency were investigated in detail. Experimental results indicate that 20 mg L(-1) phoxim in 0.5 g L(-1) La/m-TiO2 suspension (the initial pH 4.43) can be decomposed as prolonging the irradiation time. Almost 100% phoxim was decomposed after 4 h irradiation according to the spectrophotometric analyses, whereas the mineralization rate of phoxim just reached ca. 80% as checked by ion chromatography (IC) analyses. The elimination of the organic solvent in the phoxim emulsion as well as the formation and decomposition of some degradation intermediates were observed by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS). On the basis of the analysis results on the photocatalytic degradation intermediates, two possible photocatalytic degradation pathways are proposed under the present experimental conditions, which reveal that both the hydrolysis and adsorption of phoxim under UV light irradiation play important roles during the photocatalytic degradation of phoxim.
Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of MgBi2O6 with Ag additions

Science.gov (United States)

Zhong, Liansheng; Hu, Chaohao; Zhu, Binqing; Zhong, Yan; Zhou, Huaiying

2018-02-01

Ag-doped MgBi2O6 photocatalysts were synthesized by the low temperature hydrothermal method in combination with heat treatment reaction using NaBiO3·2H2O, MgCl2·6H2O, and AgNO3 as raw materials. The products were characterized by using power X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray detector (EDS), and UV-Vis diffusion reflectance spectra. The photocatalytic activity of MgBi2O6 with Ag additions was evaluated by degrading MB (10 mg/L) under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). The results showed that in comparison with pure MgBi2O6, the photocatalytic activity of MgBi2O6 with about 5% Ag concentration is increased by about 24% after 120 min reaction. The enhancement of catalytic activity of Ag-doped MgBi2O6 photocatalysts should be related to the band structure, morphology and larger specific surface area.
Synthesis of TiO2/Bi2S3 heterojunction with a nuclear-shell structure and its high photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lu, Juan; Han, Qiaofeng; Wang, Zuoshan

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Bi 2 S 3 was doped into TiO 2 and it was clearly proved by the expander of the crystalline lattice in XRD result. ► As-prepared TiO 2 /Bi 2 S 3 heterojunctions have a nuclear-shell structure which has not been reported. ► As-prepared TiO 2 /Bi 2 S 3 heterojunctions have the excellent photocatalytic activity. -- Abstract: TiO 2 /Bi 2 S 3 heterojunctions with a nuclear-shell structure were prepared by the coprecipitation method. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, Raman spectra, transmission electron microscope images and energy dispersion X-ray spectra. Results showed that as-prepared Bi 2 S 3 was urchin-like, made from many nanorods, and TiO 2 /Bi 2 S 3 heterojunctions have a similar nuclear-shell structure, with Bi 2 S 3 as the shell and TiO 2 as the nuclear. The photocatalytic experiments performed under UV irradiation using methyl orange as the pollutant revealed that the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 could be improved by introduction of an appropriate amount of Bi 2 S 3 . However, excessive amount of Bi 2 S 3 would result in the decrease of photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 . The relative mechanism was proposed.
Nd-doped Bi2O3 nanocomposites: simple synthesis and improved photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production under visible light

Science.gov (United States)

Al-Namshah, Khadijah S.; Mohamed, Reda M.

2018-04-01

Bi2O3 has 2.4 eV band gap energy, which means it absorb in visible region. Though the photocatalytic activity of Bi2O3 is extremely little due to rapid rate of photogenerated electron-hole recombination. To face the economical and practical needs, the photocatalytic efficiency of Bi2O3 should be upgraded. In this paper, this was achieved by addition of neodymium to Bi2O3 nanosheets and Nd/Bi2O3 nanocomposites were prepared by a easy process at room temperature using a surfactant of Pluronic F127. The Bi2O3 nanosheets and Nd/Bi2O3 nanocomposites were investigated by many tools. The photocatalytic activity of Nd/Bi2O3 samples is better than Bi2O3 due to reduced band gap and reduced electron-hole recombination of Bi2O3 with addition of neodymium. In addition, Nd/Bi2O3 nanocomposites exhibit photocatalytic stability for hydrogen production which enables it to be reused on other occasions also.
Effect of pH on the microstructure of β-Ga2O3 and its enhanced photocatalytic activity for antibiotic degradation.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Jin; Lu, Wei; Zhong, Qian; Wu, Hongzhang; Li, Yunlin; Li, Lili; Wang, Zhenling

2018-06-01

Semiconductor photocatalysis has become the focus of recent research on antibiotic treatment because it is a green and efficient technology. In this study, α-GaOOH with several novel microstructures has been synthesized at a low temperature and its subsequent thermal transformation. The influence of pH on the synthesis of α-GaOOH is studied, and the results indicate that pH played an important role in the microstructures of α-GaOOH and β-Ga 2 O 3 . All Ga 2 O 3 samples possess macro-mesoporous network structures and exhibits a remarkable photocatalytic activity for antibiotic degradation. The photoelectron chemical tests show that the separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers of Ga 2 O 3 -7.0 is higher than that of other Ga 2 O 3 . The enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ga 2 O 3 -7.0 is mainly ascribed to its morphology and oxygen vacancy. The active species trapping and photoluminescence measurement experiments indicate that OH and O 2 - are the major active species contributing to the photocatalytic process. This study will bring about the potential application in treatment of the antibiotic pollutants. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
One-step uniformly hybrid carbon quantum dots with high-reactive TiO{sub 2} for photocatalytic application

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Wei [School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044 (China); Ni, Yaru; Xu, Zhongzi [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009 (China)

2015-02-15

Highlights: • CQDs were uniformly deposited on high-reactive TiO{sub 2} by a one-pot method. • CQDs can use a wide range of solar spectrum efficiently for photocatalysis. • TiO{sub 2} facets are not affected and the total photocatalytic activity was improved. - Abstract: High-reactive facets dominated anatase TiO{sub 2} is of great significance to solve environment and energy challenges. Maintaining the pristine structure and improving the photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} still need innovation work by employing different modification processes. Here, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were employed to modify TiO{sub 2} with exposed {0 0 1}, {1 0 1}, and {0 1 0} facets by a one-pot hydrothermal method. Results indicate that CQDs can disperse uniformly on TiO{sub 2} surface, and the high-reactive facets are maintained perfectly. The introduced CQDs can both enhance the light absorption and suppress photogenerated electron-hole’s recombination. Proper amount of introduced CQDs can both significantly enhance the photocatalytic activities, which are very stable, under the UV and visible light irradiation Corresponding photocatalytic mechanisms are also discussed in the present work.
Evaluating the Catalytic Effects of Carbon Materials on the Photocatalytic Reduction and Oxidation Reactions of TiO2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Khan, Gulzar; Kim, Young Kwang; Choi, Sung Kyu; Han, Dong Suk; Abdelwahab, Ahmed; Park, Hyunwoong

2013-01-01

TiO 2 composites with seven different carbon materials (activated carbons, graphite, carbon fibers, single-walled carbon nanotubes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, graphene oxides, and reduced graphene oxides) that are virgin or treated with nitric acid are prepared through an evaporation method. The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared samples are evaluated in terms of H 2 production from aqueous methanol solution (photo-catalytic reduction: PCR) and degradation of aqueous pollutants (phenol, methylene blue, and rhodamine B) (photocatalytic oxidation: PCO) under AM 1.5-light irradiation. Despite varying effects depending on the kinds of carbon materials and their surface treatment, composites typically show enhanced PCR activity with maximum 50 times higher H 2 production as compared to bare TiO 2 . Conversely, the carbon-induced synergy effects on PCO activities are insignificant for all three substrates. Colorimetric quantification of hydroxyl radicals supports the absence of carbon effects. However, platinum deposition on the binary composites displays the enhanced effect on both PCR and PCO reactions. These differing effects of carbon materials on PCR and PCO reactions of TiO 2 are discussed in terms of physicochemical properties of carbon materials, coupling states of TiO 2 /carbon composites, interfacial charge transfers. Various surface characterizations of composites (UV-Vis diffuse reflectance, SEM, FTIR, surface area, electrical conductivity, and photoluminescence) are performed to gain insight on their photocatalytic redox behaviors
Building novel Ag/CeO2 heterostructure for enhancing photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leng, Qiang; Yang, Dezhi; Yang, Qi; Hu, Chenguo; Kang, Yue; Wang, Mingjun; Hashim, Muhammad

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Ag nanoparticle is designed to building Schottky heterojunction on CeO 2 nanocube. • The photocatalytic activity of Ag/CeO 2 heterostructure is much enhanced. • 95.33% of MB can be effectively degraded within half an hour. • Ag as acceptor of photoelectrons blocks the recombination of electron–hole pairs. - Abstract: Stable and recyclable photocatalysts with high efficiency to degrade organic contamination are important and widely demanded under the threat of the environment pollution. Ag/CeO 2 heterostructure is designed as a photocatalyst to degrade organic dye under the simulated sunlight. The catalytic activity of CeO 2 nanocubes (NCs) to degrade methylene blue (MB) is obviously enhanced when Ag nanoparticles (NPs) are deposited on the surface of them. The weight ratio of Ag and CeO 2 in forming high efficiency catalyst, the amount of Ag/CeO 2 catalyst used in degradation process, and the dye concentration and pH value of the initial MB solution are examined systematically. 95.33% of MB can be effectively degraded within half an hour when 50 mg of Ag/CeO 2 catalyst in an optimal weight ratio of 1:3, is added to the 100 mL of MB solution (c 0 = 1 × 10 −5 mol L −1 , pH 6.2). The mechanism of the enhanced catalytic activity of Ag/CeO 2 heterostructure is discussed. The photocatalytic degradation rate is found to obey pseudo-first-order kinetics equations according to Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. The intermediate products in different stages during the degradation of MB are analyzed
Photocatalytic hydrogen production over solid solutions between BiFeO{sub 3} and SrTiO{sub 3}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lu, Lingwei; Lv, Meilin [Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, Department of Chemistry, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092 (China); Liu, Gang [Shenyang National laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Science, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016 (China); Xu, Xiaoxiang, E-mail: xxxu@tongji.edu.cn [Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, Department of Chemistry, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092 (China)

2017-01-01

Graphical abstract: We have successfully prepared a series of SrTiO{sub 3}-BiFeO{sub 3} solid solutions. These materials own strong visible light absorption and demonstrate appealing photocatalytic activity under both full range and visible light irradiation. - Highlights: • Band gap values can be tuned by adjusting molar ratios between SrTiO{sub 3} and BiFeO{sub 3}. • Photocatalytic activity is greatly improved after constituting solid solutions. • Photocatalytic activity is influenced by surface area and light absorption. • Fe plays an important role for band gap reduction and catalytic activity. - Abstract: Constituting solid solutions has been an appealing means to gain control over various physicochemical properties. In this work, we synthesized a series of SrTiO{sub 3}-BiFeO{sub 3} solid solutions and systematically explored their structural, optical and photocatalytic properties. Our results show that all solid solutions crystallize in a primitive cubic structure and their band gap values can be easily tuned by adjusting molar ratios between SrTiO{sub 3} and BiFeO{sub 3}. Photocatalytic hydrogen production under both full range and visible light irradiation is greatly improved after forming solid solutions. The highest hydrogen production rate obtained is ∼180 μmol/h under full range irradiation (λ ≥ 250 nm) and ∼4.2 μmol/h under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 400 nm), corresponding to apparent quantum efficiency ∼2.28% and ∼0.10%, respectively. The activity is found to be strongly influenced by surface area and light absorption. Theoretical calculation suggests that Fe contributes to the formation of spin-polarized bands in the middle of original band gap and is responsible for the band gap reduction and visible light photocatalytic activity.
Photocatalytic performance of TiO2 catalysts modified by H3PW12O40, ZrO2 and CeO2

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

CAI Tiejun; LIAO Yuchao; PENG Zhenshan; LONG Yunfei; WEI Zongyuan; DENG Qian

2009-01-01

The binary composite photo-catalysts CeO2/TiO2, ZrO2/TiO2 and the ternary composite photo-catalysts H3PW12O40-CeO2/TiO2,H2PW12O40-ZrO2/TiO2 were prepared by sol-gel method. The catalysts were characterized by thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalyfic elimination of methanol was used as model reaction to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the composite catalysts under ultraviolet light irradiation. The effects of doped content, activation temperature, time, initial concentration of methanol and gas flow rate on the catalytic activity were investigated. The results showed that after doping a certain amount of CeO2 and ZrO2, crystaniTation process of TiO2 was restrained, particles of catalysts are smaller and more uniform. Doping ZrO2 not only significantly improved the catalytic activity, but also increased thermal stability. Doping H3PW12O40 also enhanced the catalytic activity. The catalytic activities of binary and ternary composite photocatalysts were significantly higher than tin-doped TiO2. The dynamics law of photocatalytic reaction over the binary CeO2/TiO2 and ZrO2/TiO2 catalysts has been studied. The activation energy 15.627 and 15.631 kJ/mol and pre-exponential factors 0.5176 and 0.9899 s-1 over each corresponding catalyst were obtained. This reaction accords to the first order dynamics law.

Bi2WO6 nanoflowers: An efficient visible light photocatalytic activity for ceftriaxone sodium degradation

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Yanyan; Wang, Yongbo; Liu, Enzhou; Fan, Jun; Hu, Xiaoyun

2018-04-01

The morphology-controlled synthesis of nano-structure photocatalyst have leaded a new possibility to improve their physical and chemical properties. Herein, Bi2WO6 nanocrystals (BWO) with nano-flower, nano plates, knot shape, rod like and irregular morphologies have been successfully synthesized through a highly facile hydrothermal process by simply adjusting pH values, reactive solvents and temperature. Photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared samples were evaluated by degradation of Ceftriaxone sodium under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm), the results indicated that all the BWO samples exhibit morphology-associated photocatalytic activity, and the 3D flowerlike-structure of BWO composed of well-ordered nano plates (BWO-D-5) displayed the outstanding photocatalytic activity. Through getting insight into the mechanism, h+ and rad O2- play major roles compared with rad OH in photocatalytic degradation process. The possible pathway of Ceftriaxone sodium and the intermediates were proposed to better understand the reaction process. Moreover, this work not only provides an example of morphology-dependent photocatalytic activity of BWO but also provides an illustrative example for removing organic pollutant molecules according to practical requirements.
Fast and simple microwave synthesis of TiO2/Au nanoparticles for gas-phase photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Science.gov (United States)

May-Masnou, Anna; Soler, Lluís; Torras, Miquel; Salles, Pol; Llorca, Jordi; Roig, Anna

2018-04-01

The fabrication of small anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) attached to larger anisotropic gold (Au) morphologies by a very fast and simple two-step microwave-assisted synthesis is presented. The TiO2/Au NPs are synthesized using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as reducing, capping and stabilizing agent through a polyol approach. To optimize the contact between the titania and the gold and facilitate electron transfer, the PVP is removed by calcination at mild temperatures. The nanocatalysts activity is then evaluated in the photocatalytic production of hydrogen from water/ethanol mixtures in gas-phase at ambient temperature. A maximum value of 5.3 mmol·gcat-1·h-1 (7.4 mmol·gTiO2-1·h-1) of hydrogen is recorded for the system with larger gold particles at an optimum calcination temperature of 450 °C. Herein we demonstrate that TiO2-based photocatalysts with high Au loading and large Au particle size (≈ 50 nm) NPs have photocatalytic activity.
MnV2O6.V2O5 cross-like nanobelt arrays: synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abbood, Hayder A.; Ahmed, Khalid Abdelazez Mohamed; Ren, Yong; Huang, Kaixun

2013-01-01

Single-crystalline MnV 2 O 6 .V 2 O 5 cross-like nanobelt arrays were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal reaction. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The effects of the reaction conditions such as pH, V 5+ /Mn 2+ ratio, carboxymethyl cellulose concentration and reaction time on the morphology of the products were studied. The band gap of the as-prepared products was calculated via diffuse reflectance spectral analysis and their activity of photocatalytic oxidation was evaluated by photodegradation of methylene blue under visible-light irradiation. The results showed that the degradation efficiency of methylene blue catalyzed by the calcinated products is remarkably enhanced due to Mn doping, suggesting that MnV 2 O 6 .V 2 O 5 cross-like nanobelt arrays are a good candidate for visible-light-driven photocatalysts. (orig.)
Synthesis of frost-like CuO combined graphene-TiO{sub 2} by self-assembly method and its high photocatalytic performance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nguyen, Dinh Cung Tien [Department of Advanced Materials Science & Engineering, Hanseo University, Seosan, Chungnam, 356-706 (Korea, Republic of); Cho, Kwang-Youn [Korea Institutes of Ceramic Engineering and Technology, Soho-ro, Jinju-Si, Gyeongsangnam-do (Korea, Republic of); Oh, Won-Chun, E-mail: wc_oh@hanseo.ac.kr [Department of Advanced Materials Science & Engineering, Hanseo University, Seosan, Chungnam, 356-706 (Korea, Republic of)

2017-08-01

Highlights: • The frost-like CuO nanoparticles (3–5 nm) combined with the small TiO{sub 2} rods (50–100 nm) are expected to have a high charge transfer effect from TiO{sub 2} to CuO. • In this study, ·OH and h{sup +} play a major role in the photocatalytic reaction than O{sub 2}·{sup –} or both hydroxyl and holes are the active species responsible under visible light irradiation. • The photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue trihydrate (MB), and reactive black B (RBB) in an aqueous solution under visible light irradiation was observed by UV spectrophotometry after measurement of the decrease of their concentrations. CuO-graphene-TiO{sub 2} is expected to become a new potential material for photodegradation activity with excellent photodegradation. - Graphical abstract: TEM image of CuO-graphene (a and b), and CuO-graphene-TiO{sub 2} (c and d) composites. - Abstract: A novel material, frost-like CuO combined-graphene-TiO{sub 2} composite, was successfully synthesized using a self-assembly method. During the reaction, the loading of CuO and TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles on graphene sheets was achieved. The obtained CuO-graphene-TiO{sub 2} composite photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The frost-like CuO nanoparticles combined with the small TiO{sub 2} rods were successfully loaded on the transparent graphene sheets. The photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue trihydrate (MB), and reactive black B (RBB) in an aqueous solution under visible light irradiation was observed by UV spectrophotometry after measurement of the decrease of their concentrations. Through the photocatalytic test and TOC results, the CuO-graphene-TiO{sub 2} is expected to
The role of calcium ions in the photocatalytic oxidation of humic acid at neutral pH.

Science.gov (United States)

Mariquit, Eden G; Salim, Chris; Hinode, Hirofumi

2008-10-01

Humic acids (HAs) are natural organic matter derived from the decomposition of plant, algal, and microbial materials. They belong to the group of the most predominant type of natural organic matter present in ground and surface waters. HAs affect the mobility and bioavailability of aquatic contaminants. However, if they are left unremoved from the water before water treatment processes, they can form carcinogenic disinfection by-products, such as trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, and other halogenated disinfection by-products, that can pose a threat to human beings. An advanced oxidation process using UV light and a commercially available titanium dioxide was used to oxidize HA at a pH that is similar to that of natural water. The effect of adding calcium ions to the adsorption and the photocatalytic oxidation of HAs was studied. The effect of varying the TiO(2) load was also investigated. The experiment was done using a photochemical batch reactor equipped with a mercury lamp emitting light with wavelengths of 310-580 nm. The absorbances by the samples were determined at wavelengths of 254 nm and 436 nm, which represent the aromatic-compound content of and the color of the solution, respectively. Results indicated calcium ions have an effect on both the adsorption and the photocatalytic oxidation of HA at a pH within 8.0 +/- 0.5. Calcium ions facilitated adsorption of HA onto the surface of TiO(2) and resulted to faster photocatalytic oxidation. The data were plotted with respect to the normalized absorbances and irradiation time.
Synthesis, morphology, optical and photocatalytic performance of nanostructured β-Ga{sub 2}O{sub 3}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Girija, K. [Department of Nanoscience and Technology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046 (India); DRDO – BU CLS, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046 (India); Thirumalairajan, S. [Department of Nanoscience and Technology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046 (India); Avadhani, G.S. [Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012 (India); Mangalaraj, D., E-mail: dmraj800@yahoo.com [Department of Nanoscience and Technology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046 (India); Ponpandian, N. [Department of Nanoscience and Technology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046 (India); DRDO – BU CLS, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046 (India); Viswanathan, C. [Department of Nanoscience and Technology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046 (India)

2013-06-01

Highlights: ► Nanostructures of β-Ga{sub 2}O{sub 3} were prepared using facile reflux condensation process. ► The pH of the reaction mixture shows evident influence on the size and shape of the nanostructures formed. ► The nanostructures exhibited good photocatalytic activity toward Rhodamine B and was found to be superior for higher pH value. - Abstract: Fine powders of β-Ga{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanostructures were prepared via low temperature reflux condensation method by varying the pH value without using any surfactant. The pH value of reaction mixture had great influence on the morphology of final products. High crystalline single phase β-Ga{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanostructures were obtained by thermal treatment at 900 °C which was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The morphological analysis revealed rod like nanostructures at lower and higher pH values of 6 and 10, while spindle like structures were obtained at pH = 8. The phase purity and presence of vibrational bands were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The optical absorbance spectrum showed intense absorption features in the UV spectral region. A broad blue emission peak centered at 441 nm due to donor–acceptor gallium–oxygen vacancy pair recombination appeared. The photocatalytic activity toward Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation was higher for nanorods at pH 10.
Facile synthesis of CNTs/CaIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} composites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xia, Yang; Li, Qin, E-mail: liqin0518@mail.scuec.edu.cn; Wu, Xiaofeng; Lv, Kangle; Tang, Dingguo; Li, Mei, E-mail: limei@mail.scuec.edu.cn

2017-01-01

Highlights: • CNTs/CaIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} (CIS) composites were prepared by a microwave hydrothermal method. • CNTs were embedded tightly in the hierarchical marigold-like CIS microspheres. • Intimate contact between CNTs and CIS made interfacial charge transfer available. • The composite exhibited obviously higher photocatalytic activity than bare CIS. • The composite was applicable in both environment remediation and energy conversion. - Abstract: In response to the continuous concerns to environmental contamination and energy crisis, visible-light-driven photocatalysis has attracted broad attention for its potential applications in environment remediation and energy conversion. In this study, visible-light-responsive CNTs/CaIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} (CIS) composite photocatalyst was designed and synthesized by a facile one-step microwave hydrothermal method. The effects of CNTs content on the crystallinity, structure, light absorption, specific surface area and photocatalytic performance of CIS semiconductor were systematically studied. The results demonstrated that the prepared composite with a suitable amount of CNTs exhibited an apparently enhanced photocatalytic activity than bare CIS for both X-3B dye degradation and H{sub 2} production under visible-light irradiation. The optimal content of CNTs was found to be 1 wt%. The corresponding apparent rate constants of photocatalytic degradation and H{sub 2}-production rate are about two times as that of bare CaIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} semiconductor. Comprehensive analysis demonstrated that such enhancement was mainly attributed to the strong coupling interface between CNTs and CIS, which largely improved the separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers in space. However, excessive CNTs resulted in a decreased photocatalytic activity due to the shield of active sites and absorbed photons on the surface of CIS photocatalyst. This work could shed new light on the design and synthesis of carbon material
Antibacterial photocatalytic activity of different crystalline TiO2 phases in oral multispecies biofilm.

Science.gov (United States)

Pantaroto, Heloisa N; Ricomini-Filho, Antonio P; Bertolini, Martinna M; Dias da Silva, José Humberto; Azevedo Neto, Nilton F; Sukotjo, Cortino; Rangel, Elidiane C; Barão, Valentim A R

2018-07-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) incorporation in biomaterials is a promising technology due to its photocatalytic and antibacterial activities. However, the antibacterial potential of different TiO 2 crystalline structures on a multispecies oral biofilm remains unknown. We hypothesized that the different crystalline TiO 2 phases present different photocatalytic and antibacterial activities. Three crystalline TiO 2 films were deposited by magnetron sputtering on commercially pure titanium (cpTi), in order to obtain four groups: (1) machined cpTi (control); (2) A-TiO 2 (anatase); (3) M-TiO 2 (mixture of anatase and rutile); (4) R-TiO 2 (rutile). The morphology, crystalline phase, chemical composition, hardness, elastic modulus and surface free energy of the surfaces were evaluated. The photocatalytic potential was assessed by methylene blue degradation assay. The antibacterial activity was evaluated on relevant oral bacteria, by using a multispecies biofilm (Streptococcus sanguinis, Actinomyces naeslundii and Fusobacterium nucleatum) formed on the treated titanium surfaces (16.5h) followed by UV-A light exposure (1h) to generate reactive oxygen species production. All TiO 2 films presented around 300nm thickness and improved the hardness and elastic modulus of cpTi surfaces (p0.05 vs. control). This study brings new insights on the development of extra oral protocols for the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 in oral biofilm-associated disease. Anatase and mixture-TiO 2 showed antibacterial activity on this oral bacterial biofilm, being promising surface coatings for dental implant components. Copyright © 2018 The Academy of Dental Materials. All rights reserved.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Aniline Using TiO2 Nanoparticles in a Vertical Circulating Photocatalytic Reactor

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

F. Shahrezaei

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Photocatalytic degradation of aniline in the presence of titanium dioxide (TiO2 and ultraviolet (UV illumination was performed in a vertical circulating photocatalytic reactor. The effects of catalyst concentration (0–80 mg/L, initial pH (2–12, temperature (293–323 K, and irradiation time (0–120 min on aniline photodegradation were investigated in order to obtain the optimum operational conditions. The results reveal that the aniline degradation efficiency can be effectively improved by increasing pH from 2 to 12 and temperature from 313 to 323 K. Besides, the effect of temperature on aniline photo degradation was found to be unremarkable in the range of 293–313 K. The optimum catalyst concentration was about 60 mg/L. The Langmuir Hinshelwood kinetic model could successfully elucidate the effects of the catalyst concentration, pH, and temperature on the rate of heterogeneous photooxidation of aniline. The data obtained by applying the Langmuir Hinshelwood treatment are consistent with the available kinetic parameters. The activated energy for the photocatalytic degradation of aniline is 20.337 kj/mol. The possibility of the reactor use in the treatment of a real petroleum refinery wastewater was also investigated. The results of the experiments indicated that it can therefore be potentially applied for the treatment of wastewater contaminated by different organic pollutants.
A facile synthesis of Zn(x)Cd(1-x)S/CNTs nanocomposite photocatalyst for H2 production.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Lei; Yao, Zhongping; Jia, Fangzhou; Chen, Bin; Jiang, Zhaohua

2013-07-21

The sulfide solid solution has become a promising and important visible-light-responsive photocatalyst for hydrogen production nowadays. Zn(x)Cd(1-x)S/CNT nanocomposites were synthesized to improve the dispersion, adjust the energy band gap, and enhance the separation of the photogenerated electrons and holes. The as-prepared photocatalysts were characterized by scanning electron-microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-visible), respectively. And the effects of CNTs on structure, composition and optical absorption property of the sulfide solid solutions were investigated along with their inherent relationships. For Zn0.83Cd0.17S/CNTs, sulfide solid solution is assembled along the CNTs orderly, with a diameter of 100 nm or so. XPS analysis shows that there is bonding effect between the solid solutions and the CNTs due to the strong adsorption of Zn(2+) and Cd(2+) on the surface of CNTs. There are two obvious absorption edges for Zn0.83Cd0.17S/CNTs, corresponding to two kinds of sulfide solid solutions with different molar ratios of Zn/Cd. The hybridization of solid solutions with CNTs makes the absorption spectrum red shift. The photocatalytic property was evaluated by splitting Na2S + Na2SO3 solution into H2, and the highest rate of H2 evolution of 6.03 mmol h(-1) g(-1) was achieved over Zn0.83Cd0.17S/CNTs. The high activity of photocatalytic H2 production is attributed to the following factors: (1) the optimum band gap and a moderate position of the conduction band (which needs to match the irradiation spectrum of the Xe lamp best), (2) the efficient separation of photogenerated electrons and holes by hybridization, and (3) the improvement of the dispersion of nanocomposites by assembling along the CNTs as well.
Preparation and Photocatalytic Properties of Sr2−xBaxTa3O10−yNz Nanosheets

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tatsumi Ishihara

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Sr2−xBaxTa3O10−yNz (x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 nanosheets were prepared by exfoliating layered perovskite compounds (CsSr2−xBaxTa3O10−yNz. The Sr1.5Ba0.5Ta3O9.7N0.2 nanosheet showed the highest photocatalytic activity for H2 production from the water/methanol system among the Sr2−xBaxTa3O9.7N0.2 nanosheets prepared. In addition, Rh-loaded Sr1.5Ba0.5Ta3O9.6N0.3 nanosheet showed the photocatalytic activity for oxygen and hydrogen production from water. The ratio of hydrogen to oxygen evolved was around two. These results indicate that the Rh-loaded Sr1.5Ba0.5Ta3O9.6N0.3 nanosheet is a potential catalyst for photocatalytic water splitting.
Highly-efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by PoPD-modified TiO 2 nanocomposites due to photosensitization-synergetic effect of TiO2 with PoPD.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Chuanxi; Dong, Wenping; Cui, Guanwei; Zhao, Yingqiang; Shi, Xifeng; Xia, Xinyuan; Tang, Bo; Wang, Weiliang

2017-06-21

Poly-o-phenylenediamine modified TiO 2 nanocomposites were successfully synthesized via an 'in situ' oxidative polymerization method. The modified nanocomposites were characterized by BET, XRD, TEM, FT-IR, TGA, XPS, EA and UV-Vis DRS. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue was chosen as a model reaction to evaluate the photocatalytic activities of TiO 2 and PoPD/TiO 2 . The results indicated that PoPD/TiO 2 nanocomposites exhibited good photocatalytic activity and stability. The photocatalytic activity of PoPD/TiO 2 increased as the initial pH increased because of electrostatic adsorption between the photocatalyst and MB as well as the generation of ·OH, whereas it exhibited an earlier increasing and later decreasing trend as the concentration of the photocatalyst increased owing to the absorption of visible light. The photocatalytic stability of the PoPD/TiO 2 nanocomposite was dependent on the stability of its structure. Based on radical trapping experiments and ESR measurements, the origin of oxidizing ability of PoPD/TiO 2 nanocomposites on photocatalytic degradation of MB was proposed, which taking into account of ·OH and ·O 2 - were the first and second important ROS, respectively. The possible photocatalytic mechanism and photocatalytic activity enhanced mechanism has been proposed, taking into account the photosensitization effect and synergetic effect of TiO 2 with PoPD.
Sol-gel synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles and photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange in aqueous TiO2 suspensions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang Huaming; Zhang Ke; Shi Rongrong; Li Xianwei; Dong Xiaodan; Yu Yongmei

2006-01-01

Anatase TiO 2 nanoparticles of about 16 nm in crystal size have been successfully synthesized via a sol-gel method. Thermal treatment of the precursor at 500-600 deg. C results in the formation of different TiO 2 phase compositions. The samples were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Effects of the pH value of the solution, H 2 O 2 addition, TiO 2 phase composition and recycled TiO 2 on the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MeO) in TiO 2 suspensions under ultraviolet (UV) illumination were primarily investigated. The results indicate that a low pH value, proper amount of H 2 O 2 and pure anatase TiO 2 will facilitate the photocatalytic oxidation of the MeO solution. The photodegradation degree decreases with increasing the pH value of the solution and varies with different amounts of H 2 O 2 . Pure anatase TiO 2 shows better photocatalytic activity for MeO decolorization than biphase TiO 2 . The photocatalytic mechanism of the as-synthesized TiO 2 nanoparticles was discussed
Magnetically separable CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/AgBr composite photocatalysts: Preparation, characterization, photocatalytic activity and photocatalytic mechanism under visible light

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhao, Yalei; Lin, Cuiping; Bi, Huijie; Liu, Yonggang; Yan, Qishe, E-mail: Qisheyanzzu@163.com

2017-01-15

Highlights: • CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/AgBr composites were prepared by a facile sol-gel and hydrothermal method. • Visible-light response and high photocatalytic performance. • Excellent magnetic properties. • Different reactive species had different effects on degradation different pollutants. - Abstract: The CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} and CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/AgBr composites with different CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} contents were prepared by a facile sol-gel and hydrothermal method, respectively. The as-synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by means of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (UV–vis DRS). Their magnetic properties, photocatalytic degradation activities on methyl orange (MO) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) solution and photocatalytic mechanism were investigated in detail. The results revealed that the CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/AgBr composites exhibited significantly higher photocatalytic activities than the pure CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the matched band structure of two components and more effective charge transportation and separations. In addition, the quenching investigation of different scavengers demonstrated that h{sup +}, ·OH, ·O{sub 2}{sup −} reactive species played different roles in the decolorization of MO and degradation of TC.
Modification of Ga2O3 by an Ag-Cr core-shell cocatalyst enhances photocatalytic CO evolution for the conversion of CO2 by H2O.

Science.gov (United States)

Pang, Rui; Teramura, Kentaro; Tatsumi, Hiroyuki; Asakura, Hiroyuki; Hosokawa, Saburo; Tanaka, Tsunehiro

2018-01-25

A core-shell structure of Ag-Cr dual cocatalyst loaded-Ga 2 O 3 was found to significantly enhance the formation rate of CO and selectivity toward CO evolution for the photocatalytic conversion of CO 2 where H 2 O is used as an electron donor.
Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from in situ formation of few-layered MoS2/CdS nanosheet-based van der Waals heterostructures.

Science.gov (United States)

Iqbal, Shahid; Pan, Ziwei; Zhou, Kebin

2017-05-25

Here we report for the first time that the H 2 bubbles generated by photocatalytic water splitting are effective in the layer-by-layer exfoliation of MoS 2 nanocrystals (NCs) into few layers. The as-obtained few layers can be in situ assembled with CdS nanosheets (NSs) into van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) of few-layered MoS 2 /CdS NSs which, in turn, are effective in charge separation and transfer, leading to enhanced photocatalytic H 2 production activity. The few-layered MoS 2 /CdS vdWHs exhibited a H 2 evolution rate of 140 mmol g (CdS) -1 h -1 and achieved an apparent quantum yield of 66% at 420 nm.
Electrodeposition synthesis of MnO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays nanocomposites and their visible light photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xu, Xuyao [School of Chemistry Science and Technology, and Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhanjiang Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048 (China); Zhou, Xiaosong, E-mail: zxs801213@163.com [School of Chemistry Science and Technology, and Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhanjiang Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048 (China); Li, Xiaoyu, E-mail: lixiaoyu@iga.ac.cn [Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Science, Changchun 130012 (China); Yang, Fei [The State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101 (China); Jin, Bei; Xu, Tan; Li, Guosheng; Li, Manyi [School of Chemistry Science and Technology, and Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhanjiang Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048 (China)

2014-11-15

Highlights: • MnO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays nanocomposites are prepared by electrodeposition. • MnO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} exhibits high visible light photocatalytic activity. • The results of XRD show the depositions are attributed to α-MnO{sub 2}. • A photocatalytic mechanism is discussed under visible light irradiation. - Abstract: MnO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays nanocomposite photocatalysts have been synthesized through an electrodeposition method. X-ray powder diffraction analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements reveal that the products of electrodeposition method are MnO{sub 2}. Scanning electron microscopy measurements suggest that the depositions are deposited on the surface or internal of the nanotube. UV–vis light absorbance spectra demonstrate the excellent adsorption properties of MnO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} over the whole region of visible light, which enables this novel photocatalytic material to possess remarkable activity in the photocatalytic degradation of acid Orange II under visible light radiation. Moreover, a possible photocatalytic mechanism is discussed.
Reduced graphene oxide/CeO{sub 2} nanocomposite with enhanced photocatalytic performance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kaur, Jasmeet, E-mail: jasmeet.dayal@gmail.com; Anand, Kanika; Singh, Gurpreet; Hastir, Anita; Virpal,; Singh, Ravi Chand [Laboratory For Sensors and Physics Education, Department of Physics, GND University, Amritsar-143005 (India); Anand, Kanica [Semiconductors Laboratory, Department of Physics, GND University, Amritsar– 143005 (India)

2015-05-15

In this work, reduced graphene oxide /cerium oxide (RGO/CeO{sub 2}) nanocomposite was synthesized by in situ reduction of cerium nitrate Ce(NO{sub 3}){sub 3}·6H{sub 2}O in the presence of graphene oxide by hydrazine hydrate (N{sub 2}H{sub 4}.H{sub 2}O). The intrinsic characteristics of as-prepared nanocomposite were studied using powder x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) was employed as a model reaction to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the RGO/CeO{sub 2} nanocomposite. The as-obtained RGO/CeO{sub 2} nanocomposite displays a significantly enhanced photocatalytic degradation of MB dye in comparison with bare CeO{sub 2} nanoparticles under sunlight irradiation, which can be attributed to the improved separation of electron-hole pairs and enhanced adsorption performance due to presence of RGO.
Building novel Ag/CeO{sub 2} heterostructure for enhancing photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Leng, Qiang; Yang, Dezhi; Yang, Qi [Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044 (China); Hu, Chenguo, E-mail: hucg@cqu.edu.cn [Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044 (China); Kang, Yue; Wang, Mingjun [Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044 (China); Hashim, Muhammad [Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044 (China); Applied Physics Department, Federal Urdu University of Arts Science and Technology, Islamabad (Pakistan)

2015-05-15

Highlights: • Ag nanoparticle is designed to building Schottky heterojunction on CeO{sub 2} nanocube. • The photocatalytic activity of Ag/CeO{sub 2} heterostructure is much enhanced. • 95.33% of MB can be effectively degraded within half an hour. • Ag as acceptor of photoelectrons blocks the recombination of electron–hole pairs. - Abstract: Stable and recyclable photocatalysts with high efficiency to degrade organic contamination are important and widely demanded under the threat of the environment pollution. Ag/CeO{sub 2} heterostructure is designed as a photocatalyst to degrade organic dye under the simulated sunlight. The catalytic activity of CeO{sub 2} nanocubes (NCs) to degrade methylene blue (MB) is obviously enhanced when Ag nanoparticles (NPs) are deposited on the surface of them. The weight ratio of Ag and CeO{sub 2} in forming high efficiency catalyst, the amount of Ag/CeO{sub 2} catalyst used in degradation process, and the dye concentration and pH value of the initial MB solution are examined systematically. 95.33% of MB can be effectively degraded within half an hour when 50 mg of Ag/CeO{sub 2} catalyst in an optimal weight ratio of 1:3, is added to the 100 mL of MB solution (c{sub 0} = 1 × 10{sup −5} mol L{sup −1}, pH 6.2). The mechanism of the enhanced catalytic activity of Ag/CeO{sub 2} heterostructure is discussed. The photocatalytic degradation rate is found to obey pseudo-first-order kinetics equations according to Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. The intermediate products in different stages during the degradation of MB are analyzed.
Visible light photocatalytic disintegration of waste activated sludge for enhancing biogas production.

Science.gov (United States)

Anjum, Muzammil; Al-Talhi, Hasan A; Mohamed, Saleh A; Kumar, Rajeev; Barakat, M A

2018-06-15

Biogas production using waste activated sludge (WAS) is one of the most demanding technologies for sludge treatment and generating energy in sustainable manner. The present study deals with the photocatalytic pretreatment of WAS using ZnO-ZnS@polyaniline (ZnO-ZnS@PANI) nanocomposite as means for increasing its degradability for improved biogas production by anaerobic digestion (AD). Photocatalysis accelerated the hydrolysis of WAS and increased the sCOD by 6.7 folds after 6 h and transform tCOD into bioavailable sCOD. After the AD of WAS, a removal of organic matter (60.6%) and tCOD (69.3%) was achieved in photocatalytic pretreated sludge. The biogas production was 1.6 folds higher in photocatalytic sludge with accumulative biogas up to 1645.1 ml L -1 vs after 45 days compared with the raw sludge (1022.4 ml L -1 VS ). Moreover, the photocatalysis decrease the onset of methanogenesis from 25 to 12 days while achieve the maximum conversion rate of reducing sugars into organic acids at that time. These results suggested that photocatalysis is an efficient pretreatment method and ZnO-ZnS@PANI can degrade sludge efficiently for enhance biogas production in anaerobic digestion process. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of indium contents on photocatalytic performance of ZnIn_2S_4 for hydrogen evolution under visible light

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Song, Kelin; Zhu, Rongshu; Tian, Fei; Cao, Gang; Ouyang, Feng

2015-01-01

A series of ZnIn_xS_4_+_y (x=1.6, 2.0, 2.3, 2.6, 2.9, 3.1) photocatalysts were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method and characterized by various analytical techniques, such as XRD, EDS, UV–vis DRS, SEM, TEM, BET and PL. The ZnIn_xS_4_+_y photocatalysts had a similar crystal structure. With the increase of indium content, the absorption edges of ZnIn_xS_4_+_y photocatalysts shifted to longer wavelength, their crystal sizes decreased firstly and then increased and the variation of the specific surface area and total pore volume was exactly opposite. Especially, when x=2.3, ZnIn_2_._3S_4_+_y catalyst had smallest crystal size, largest specific surface area and total pore volume. Additionally, the morphology of ZnIn_xS_4_+_y greatly depended on the contents of indium. The photocatalytic activity of ZnIn_xS_4_+_y was evaluated by photocatalytic hydrogen production from water under visible light. The ZnIn_2_._3S_4_+_y sample had the highest photocatalytic activity among these ZnIn_xS_4_+_y photocatalysts and its hydrogen production rate was 363 μmol/g h. - Graphical abstract: First, a series of catalysts were synthesized. And then those were characterized by various analytical techniques (such as SEM). finally, The photocatalytic activity of catalyst was evaluated by photocatalytic hydrogen production from water under visible light. - Highlights: • The photocatalytic property was studied upon visible-light irradiation. • ZnIn_xS_4_+_y photocatalysts show superior photocatalytic activity. • The catalyst of grain size, morphology and BET are related to indium content. • ZnIn_xS_4_+_y photocatalysts were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method.
High solar-light photocatalytic activity of using Cu3Se2/rGO nanocomposites synthesized by a green co-precipitation method

Science.gov (United States)

Nouri, Morteza; Saray, Abdolali Moghaddam; Azimi, H. R.; Yousefi, Ramin

2017-11-01

Current work presents a facile, cost-effective, and green method to synthesize copper selenide nanostructures and copper selenide/graphene nanocomposites. The products were synthesized by a co-precipitation method by glycine amino acid as a green surfactant and graphene oxide (GO) sheets as a graphene source. X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) of the products indicated that the products were Cu2Se3 with tetragonal phase. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and the XRD patterns indicated that the GO sheets were changed into reduced GO (rGO) during the synthesis process. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) images showed the nanoparticles (NPs) that were decorated on rGO sheets had the significantly smaller size in compared to the pristine NPs. UV-vis results revealed that, the absorption peak of the products were in the visible region with a band-gap value between 1.85 eV and 1.95 eV. Finally, the products were applied as photocatalytic materials to remove Methylene Blue (MB) dye under solar-light and visible-light irradiation conditions. It was observed; the rGO had a significant role in enhancing the photocatalytic performance of the products and Cu2Se3/rGO (15%) could degrade more than 91% and 73% of MB only during 1 h under solar-light and visible-light sources, respectively.
Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Water Splitting over Edge-Modified Phosphorene Nanoribbons.

Science.gov (United States)

Hu, Wei; Lin, Lin; Zhang, Ruiqi; Yang, Chao; Yang, Jinlong

2017-11-01

Two-dimensional phosphorene with desirable optoelectronic properties (ideal band gap, high carrier mobility, and strong visible light absorption) is a promising metal-free photocatalyst for water splitting. However, the band edge positions of the valence band maximum (VBM) and conduction band maximum (CBM) of phosphorene are higher than the redox potentials in photocatalytic water splitting reactions. Thus, phosphorene can only be used as the photocathode for hydrogen evolution reaction as a low-efficiency visible-light-driven photocatalyst for hydrogen production in solar water splitting cells. Here, we propose a new mechanism to improve the photocatalytic efficiency of phosphorene nanoribbons (PNRs) by modifying their edges for full reactions in photocatalytic water splitting. By employing first-principles density functional theory calculations, we find that pseudohalogen (CN and OCN) passivated PNRs not only show desired VBM and CBM band edge positions induced by edge electric dipole layer, but also possess intrinsic optoelectronic properties of phosphorene, for both water oxidation and hydrogen reduction in photocatalytic water splitting without using extra energy. Furthermore, our calculations also predict that the maximum energy conversion efficiency of heterojunction solar cells consisting of different edge-modified PNRs can be as high as 20% for photocatalytic water splitting.
Solar photocatalytic oxidation of recalcitrant natural metabolic by-products of amoxicillin biodegradation.

Science.gov (United States)

Pereira, João H O S; Reis, Ana C; Homem, Vera; Silva, José A; Alves, Arminda; Borges, Maria T; Boaventura, Rui A R; Vilar, Vítor J P; Nunes, Olga C

2014-11-15

The contamination of the aquatic environment by non-metabolized and metabolized antibiotic residues has brought the necessity of alternative treatment steps to current water decontamination technologies. This work assessed the feasibility of using a multistage treatment system for amoxicillin (AMX) spiked solutions combining: i) a biological treatment process using an enriched culture to metabolize AMX, with ii) a solar photocatalytic system to achieve the removal of the metabolized transformation products (TPs) identified via LC-MS, recalcitrant to further biological degradation. Firstly, a mixed culture (MC) was obtained through the enrichment of an activated sludge sample collected in an urban wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Secondly, different aqueous matrices spiked with AMX were treated with the MC and the metabolic transformation products were identified. Thirdly, the efficiency of two solar assisted photocatalytic processes (TiO2/UV or Fe(3+)/Oxalate/H2O2/UV-Vis) was assessed in the degradation of the obtained TPs using a lab-scale prototype photoreactor equipped with a compound parabolic collector (CPC). Highest AMX specific biodegradation rates were obtained in buffer and urban wastewater (WW) media (0.10 ± 0.01 and 0.13 ± 0.07 g(AMX) g(biomass)(-1) h(-1), respectively). The resulting TPs, which no longer presented antibacterial activity, were identified as amoxicilloic acid (m/z = 384). The performance of the Fe(3+)/Oxalate/H2O2/UV-Vis system in the removal of the TPs from WW medium was superior to the TiO2/UV process (TPs no longer detected after 40 min (QUV = 2.6 kJ L(-1)), against incomplete TPs removal after 240 min (QUV = 14.9 kJ L(-1)), respectively). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Photocatalytic performance of Cu-doped TiO2 nanofibers treated by the hydrothermal synthesis and air-thermal treatment

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Ming-Chung; Wu, Po-Yeh; Lin, Ting-Han; Lin, Tz-Feng

2018-02-01

Series of transition metal-doped TiO2 (metal/TiO2) is prepared by combining the hydrothermal synthesis and air-thermal treatment without any reduction process. The selected transition metal precursors, including Ag, Au, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pd, Pt, Y, and Zn, were individually doped into TiO2 nanofibers to evaluate the photocatalytic degradation activity and photocatalytic hydrogen generation. Consider the photocatalytic performance of these synthesized metal/TiO2 under UV-A irradiation, copper doped TiO2 nanofibers (Cu/TiO2 NFs) was chosen for further study due to its extraordinary reactivity. Systematical studies were spread to optimize the doping concentration and the calcination condition for much higher photocatalytic activity Cu/TiO2 NFs. In the photocatalytic degradation test, 0.5 mol%-Cu/TiO2 NFs calcined at 650 °C exhibits the highest activity, which is even higher than commercial TiO2-AEROXIDE® TiO2 P25 under UV-A irradiation. The synthesized 0.5 mol%-Cu/TiO2-650 NFs also have the capability in the photocatalytic hydrogen production. The hydrogen evolution rates are 200 μmol/g·h under UV-A irradiation and 280 μmol/g·h under UV-B irradiation. The density of state calculated by CASTEP for Cu/TiO2 indicates that Cu doping contributes to the states near valence band edge and narrows the band gap. The disclosed process in this study is industrial safe, convenient and cost-effective. We further produce a significant amount of TiO2-based catalysts without any hydrogen reduction treatment.
Nanocrystalline GaSbO{sub 4} with high surface area prepared via a facile hydrothermal method and its photocatalytic activity study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fu Yanghe; Xue Hun; Qin Meng; Liu Ping; Fu Xianzhi [Research Institute of Photocatalysis, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis - State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002 (China); Li Zhaohui, E-mail: zhaohuili1969@yahoo.com [Research Institute of Photocatalysis, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis - State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002 (China)

2012-05-05

Graphical abstract: Nanocrystalline GaSbO{sub 4} prepared via a facile hydrothermal method possesses large specific surface area and exhibits photocatalytic activity for the degradations of salicylic acid and acetone. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Facile hydrothermal method to nanocrystalline GaSbO{sub 4} with large surface area. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer GaSbO{sub 4} shows photocatalytic activity for the degradations of salicylic acid and acetone. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The photocatalytic mechanism of GaSbO{sub 4} was proposed based on the ESR result. - Abstract: Nanocrystalline GaSbO{sub 4} with small particle size and large BET specific area was successfully prepared via a facile hydrothermal method from Sb{sub 2}O{sub 5}. The influence of the reaction pH on the formation of the final product was investigated. The obtained sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N{sub 2}-sorption BET surface area, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The photocatalytic activity for the degradations of salicylic acid and acetone over nanocrystalline GaSbO{sub 4} under UV irradiations was for the first time revealed. Based on the electron spin resonance (ESR) result, the reactive species involved in the photocatalytic reaction over nanocrytalline GaSbO{sub 4} are determined to be HO{center_dot} and O{sub 2}{sup -}{center_dot}. The photocatalytic mechanism of GaSbO{sub 4} was proposed.
Glutatione modified ultrathin SnS2 nanosheets with highly photocatalytic activity for wastewater treatment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wei, Renjie; Zhou, Tengfei; Hu, Juncheng; Li, Jinlin

2014-01-01

L-Glutatione (GSH) modified ultrathin SnS 2 nanosheets were successfully synthesized via a one-pot, facile and rapid solvothermal approach. During the process, the GSH not only served as the sulfur sources, the structure-directing agent, but also as the surface modified ligands. The as-synthesized samples mainly consist of ultrathin nanosheets with the thickness of about 10 nm. Inspiringly, even under the visible light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation, the as-synthesized products exhibited highly photocatalytic activities for both the degradation of methyl orange (MO) and the reductive conversion of Cr (VI) in aqueous solution. The superior performance was presented by completely removed the methyl orange and aqueous Cr(VI) in 20 min and 60 min, respectively. It was much higher than the pure samples, which suggested that these obtained photocatalysts have the potential for wastewater treatment in a green way. The high-efficiency of photocatalytic properties could attribute to the ultrathin size of the photocatalysts and the chelation between GSH and Sn (IV), which have the advantages of electron–hole pairs separation. Moreover, modified organic compounds with common electron donors would also enhance the spectral response even to the near infrared region through ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) mechanism. (papers)
Research Update: Photoelectrochemical water splitting and photocatalytic hydrogen production using ferrites (MFe2O4) under visible light irradiation

Science.gov (United States)

Dillert, Ralf; Taffa, Dereje H.; Wark, Michael; Bredow, Thomas; Bahnemann, Detlef W.

2015-10-01

The utilization of solar light for the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic production of molecular hydrogen from water is a scientific and technical challenge. Semiconductors with suitable properties to promote solar-driven water splitting are a desideratum. A hitherto rarely investigated group of semiconductors are ferrites with the empirical formula MFe2O4 and related compounds. This contribution summarizes the published results of the experimental investigations on the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties of these compounds. It will be shown that the potential of this group of compounds in regard to the production of solar hydrogen has not been fully explored yet.
One-Step Nickel Foam Assisted Synthesis of Holey G-Carbon Nitride Nanosheets for Efficient Visible-light Photocatalytic H2 Evolution.

Science.gov (United States)

Fang, Zhenyuan; Hong, Yuanzhi; Li, Di; Luo, Bifu; Mao, Baodong; Shi, Weidong

2018-06-01

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) with layered structure represents one of the most promising metal-free photocatalysts. As yet, the direct one-step synthesis of ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets remains a challenge. Here, few-layered holey g-C3N4 nanosheets (CNS) were fabricated by simply introducing a piece of nickel foam over the precursors during the heating process. The as-prepared CNS with unique structural advantages exhibited superior photocatalytic water splitting activity (1871.09 µmol h-1 g-1) than bulk g-C3N4 (BCN) under visible light (λ>420 nm) (≈31 fold). Its outstanding photocatalytic performance originated from the high specific surface area (240.34 m2 g-1) and mesoporous structure, which endows CNS with more active sites, efficient exciton dissociation and prolonged charge carrier lifetime. Moreover, the obvious up-shift of the conduction band leads to a larger thermodynamic driving force for photocatalytic proton reduction. This methodology not only had the advantages for the direct and green synthesis of g-C3N4 nanosheets, but also paved a new avenue to modify molecular structure and textural of g-C3N4 for advanced applications.
Synthesis of high efficient Cu/TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts by grinding and their size-dependent photocatalytic hydrogen production

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ni, Dawei; Shen, Haiyan; Li, Huiqiao; Ma, Ying; Zhai, Tianyou, E-mail: yingma@hust.edu.cn

2017-07-01

Highlights: • Cu nanodots were decorated on TiO{sub 2} surface through ball milling method. • Its size distribution was investigated in water and ethanolic medium. • Photocurrent response and hydrogen evolution was improved. • Performance was found to be dependent on size of Cu nanodots. - Abstract: Recently, copper species have been extensively investigated to replace Pt as efficient co-catalysts for the evolution of H{sub 2} due to their low cost and relatively high activity. Cu nanoparticles less than 5 nm are successfully decorated on TiO{sub 2} surface in this work by an easy and mild milling process. These Cu nanoparticles are highly dispersed on TiO{sub 2} when the loading amount of Cu is no more than 10 wt%. The sizes of Cu nanoparticles can be controlled by changing the milling environment and decrease in the order of Cu-ethanol > Cu-water > Cu nanoparticles obtained through drying milling. The highest and stable hydrogen generation can be realized on Cu/TiO{sub 2} with 2.0 wt% Cu and sizes of Cu nanoparticles ranging from 2 to 4 nm, in which high and stable photocurrent confirms promoted photogenerated charge separation. Smaller Cu clusters are demonstrated to be detrimental to hydrogen evolution at same Cu content. High loading of Cu nanoparticles of 2–4 nm will benefit photogenerated electron-hole recombination and thus decrease the activity of Cu/TiO{sub 2}. The results here demonstrate the key roles of Cu cluster size in addition to Cu coverage on photocatalytic activity of Cu/TiO{sub 2} composite photocatalysts.
[Spectroscopic study of photocatalytic mechanism of methanol and CO2].

Science.gov (United States)

Hai, Feng; Zhang, Qian-cheng; Bai, Feng-rong; Wang, A-nan; Wang, Zhi-wei; Jian, Li

2011-12-01

Ni-Ti-O/SiO2 catalyst was prepared by impregnation method, and its photocatalytic performance for carbonylation of methanol with CO2 was investigated under UV light. The in-situ IR, XPS and MS were carried out to analyze the possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism. Results indicated that the Ni-Ti-O/SiO2 exhibited good photocatalytic performance for carbonylation of methanol with CO2, the methanol conversion reached up to 24.9%, and the selectivity for the carbonylated products was more than 60% within 180 min reaction time. The catalyst characterization results showed that the O==C .--O- and CH3OC(O)* might be important intermediate in the carbonylation of methanol with CO2.
Photocatalytic degradation of Acephate, Omethoate, and Methyl parathion by Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2}@mTiO{sub 2} nanomicrospheres

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zheng, Lingling, E-mail: zllyslngj@126.com [State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science of Jiangnan University, School of Food Science Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122 (China); Pi, Fuwei; Wang, Yifan [State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science of Jiangnan University, School of Food Science Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122 (China); Xu, Hui [Key Laboratory of Healthy & Intelligent Kitchen System Integration, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315336 (China); Zhang, Yinzhi [State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science of Jiangnan University, School of Food Science Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122 (China); Sun, Xiulan, E-mail: sxlzzz@jiangnan.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science of Jiangnan University, School of Food Science Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122 (China)

2016-09-05

Highlights: • An efficient photocatalyst Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2}@mTiO{sub 2} with high magnetic response and large specific surface area was synthesized. • Photocatalytic efficiency of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2}@mTiO{sub 2} on Acephate, Omethoate, and Methyl Parathion was higher than TiO{sub 2} P-25. • Possible photocatalytic degradation mechanisms for the Acephate, Omethoate, and Methyl Parathion were proposed. - Abstract: A novel magnetic mesoporous nanomicrospheres Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2}@mTiO{sub 2} were synthetized and characterized by a series of techniques including FE-TEM, EDS, FE-SEM, PXRD, XPS, BET, TGA as well as VSM, and subsequently tested as a photocatalyst for the degradation of Acephate, Omethoate, and Methyl parathion under UV irradiation. The well-designed nanomicrospheres exhibit a pure and highly crystalline anatase TiO{sub 2} layer, large specific surface area, and high-magnetic-response. Photocatalytic degradation of the three organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) and the formation intermediates were identified using HPLC, TOC-V{sub cpn}, IC, pH meter and GC–MS. Acephate, Omethoate, and Methyl parathion disappeared after 45 min, 45 min, and 80 min UV illumination, respectively. At the end of the treatment, the total organic carbon (TOC) of the OPPs was reduced 80–85%. The main mineralization products were SO{sub 4}{sup 2−}, NO{sub 3}{sup −} and PO{sub 4}{sup 3−} and Omethoate additionally formed NO{sub 2}{sup −}. Based on the results, we proposed the photocatalytic degradation pathways for Acephate, Omethoate, and Methyl parathion.
Effect of starting pH and stabilizer/metal ion ratio on the photocatalytic activity of ZnS nanoparticles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Devi, L. Meerabai; Negi, Devendra P.S., E-mail: dpsnegi@nehu.ac.in

2013-09-16

ZnS nanoparticles have been synthesized using the amino acid histidine as a stabilizing agent. The syntheses were carried out by varying the starting pH and histidine/Zn{sup 2+} ratio. The as-prepared ZnS nanoparticles were characterized by various analytical techniques. The photocatalytic activity of the ZnS nanoparticles was determined by studying the degradation of methyl orange. The ZnS nanoparticles synthesized with 1:1 histidine/Zn{sup 2+} ratio and starting pH of 10.3 were found to exhibit the highest photocatalytic activity. Nearly 95% of methyl orange was degraded in 30 min of irradiation using the photocatalyst. Particle size was not the main factor in determining the photocatalytic activity of the ZnS nanoparticles. Fluorescence lifetime measurements indicated that photocatalytic activity of the ZnS nanoparticles was enhanced with increase in their fluorescence lifetime. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • Photocatalytic activity of ZnS nanoparticles dependent on synthesis parameters. • About 95% of methyl orange degraded in 30 min of irradiation using optimal ZnS nanoparticles. • Particle size is not the main factor in determining the photocatalytic activity of ZnS. • Photocatalytic activity of ZnS was enhanced with increase in fluorescence lifetime.
Facile preparation and visible light photocatalytic activity of CdIn2S4 monodispersed spherical particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mu Jin; Wei Qinglian; Yao Pingping; Zhao Xueling; Kang Shizhao; Li Xiangqing

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► CdIn 2 S 4 monodispersed spherical particles were prepared by a soft solution method. ► Mercaptoacetic acid was used as capping agent to hinder the fast crystal growth. ► Thioacetamide as sulfur source resulted in the slow growth of particles. ► CdIn 2 S 4 spheres showed high visible light photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: We developed a facile method to prepare CdIn 2 S 4 monodispersed spherical particles by using mercaptoacetic acid as capping agent and thioacetamide as sulfur source. The results indicated that the size and morphology of CdIn 2 S 4 particles were related to reaction time. The CdIn 2 S 4 spherical particles with an average size of about 236 nm and a narrow size distribution were formed after reacting for 7 h. The photocatalytic activity of as-synthesized CdIn 2 S 4 spherical particles was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange under visible light illumination. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity increased with prolonging reaction time in the preparation of CdIn 2 S 4 spherical particles. The CdIn 2 S 4 spherical particles prepared after reacting for 7 h exhibited a 98% degradation efficiency of methyl orange after 15 min visible light irradiation.
Hydrothermal synthesis of WO{sub 3}·0.5H{sub 2}O microtubes with excellent photocatalytic properties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Xiaozhou; Meng, Xiuqing, E-mail: xqmeng@semi.ac.cn; Zhong, Mianzeng; Wu, Fengmin; Li, Jingbo, E-mail: jbli@semi.ac.cn

2013-10-01

Pyrochlore WO{sub 3} microtubes were synthesized via a hydrothermal method for the first time. In this process, thiourea was employed to overcome the hydrogen bonds on the rim of WO{sub 3}·0.5H{sub 2}O and hydroxylamine hydrochloride was used as a viscosity regulator. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy observations revealed that large amounts of uniform single-crystal WO{sub 3}·0.5H{sub 2}O microtubes with diameters ranging from 100 to 300 nm and length of tens of micrometers were obtained. The thickness of the tube wall was about 40 nm. A possible rolling mechanism was proposed to explain the formation of the tubular structures, and the influence of thiourea and hydroxylamine hydrochloride on the uniform tubular morphology was discussed. The WO{sub 3}·0.5H{sub 2}O microtubes showed excellent photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of organic molecules such as RhB, which may find potential applications in the fields of photocatalysts, sensors and transistors.
Preparation of thermally stable anatase TiO2 photocatalyst from TiOF2 precursor and its photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lv Kangle; Yu Jiaguo; Cui Longzhe; Chen Shulin; Li Mei

2011-01-01

Graphical abstract: The prepared anatase TiO 2 from TiOF 2 shows very high thermal stability (up to 1000 o C) and the 700 o C-calcined sample showed the highest photocatalytic activity. Display Omitted Research highlights: → TiOF 2 was prepared by a simple microwave assisted hydrothermal rout. → Anatase TiO 2 prepared by calcination of TiOF 2 shows high thermal stability. → F - play an important role in the improvement thermal stability of anatase TiO 2 . → The 700 o C-calcined sample shows the highest photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: Preparation of anatase TiO 2 with high themal stability is of great importance for its environmental application. In this work, TiOF 2 was first synthesized by a simple microwave-assisted hydrothermal route using tetrabutyl titanate and hydrofluoric acid as precursors at 200 o C for 20 min. Then the resulted precipitates were calcined at different temperatures (300-1000 o C) for 2 h. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrum, scanning electron microscopy, N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated using Brilliant Red X3B, an anionic azo dye, as the target organic molecule under UV light irradiation. The results showed that the prepared TiOF 2 exhibited weak or no photocatalytic activity. The phase transformation of TiOF 2 to anatase TiO 2 occurred at about 300 o C. The prepared anatase TiO 2 from TiOF 2 showed very high thermal stability and the anatase-to-rutile phase transformation temperature was up to 1000 o C. Fluoride ions played an important role in the improvement of thermal stability of anatase TiO 2 by strongly adsorbing on the crystal planes of anatase to stabilize the anatase structure. The 700 o C-calcined sample showed the highest photocatalytic activity due to its relative good crystallization and high specific surface areas.
Insights into highly improved solar-driven photocatalytic oxygen evolution over integrated Ag3PO4/MoS2 heterostructures

Science.gov (United States)

Cui, Xingkai; Yang, Xiaofei; Xian, Xiaozhai; Tian, Lin; Tang, Hua; Liu, Qinqin

2018-04-01

Oxygen evolution has been considered as the rate-determining step in photocatalytic water splitting due to its sluggish four-electron half-reaction rate, the development of oxygen-evolving photocatalysts with well-defined morphologies and superior interfacial contact is highly important for achieving high-performance solar water splitting. Herein, we report the fabrication of Ag3PO4/MoS2 nanocomposites and, for the first time, their use in photocatalytic water splitting into oxygen under LED light illumination. Ag3PO4 nanoparticles were found to be anchored evenly on the surface of MoS2 nanosheets, confirming an efficient hybridization of two semiconductor materials. A maximum oxygen-generating rate of 201.6 mol L-1 g-1 h-1 was determined when 200 mg MoS2 nanosheets were incorporated into Ag3PO4 nanoparticles, which is around 5 times higher than that of bulk Ag3PO4. Obvious enhancements in light-harvesting property, as well as electron-hole separation and charge transportation are revealed by the combination of different characterizations. ESR analysis verified that more active oxygen-containing radicals generate over illuminated Ag3PO4/MoS2 composite photocatalysts rather than irradiated Ag3PO4. The improvement in oxygen evolution performance of Ag3PO4/MoS2 composite photocatalysts is ascribed to wide spectra response in the visible-light region, more efficient charge separation and enhanced oxidation capacity in the valence band (VB). This study provides new insights into the design and development of novel composite photocatalytic materials for solar-to-fuel conversion.
Nano cobalt oxides for photocatalytic hydrogen production

KAUST Repository

Mangrulkar, Priti A.

2012-07-01

Nano structured metal oxides including TiO 2, Co 3O 4 and Fe 3O 4 have been synthesized and evaluated for their photocatalytic activity for hydrogen generation. The photocatalytic activity of nano cobalt oxide was then compared with two other nano structured metal oxides namely TiO 2 and Fe 3O 4. The synthesized nano cobalt oxide was characterized thoroughly with respect to EDX and TEM. The yield of hydrogen was observed to be 900, 2000 and 8275 mmol h -1 g -1 of photocatalyst for TiO 2, Co 3O 4 and Fe 3O 4 respectively under visible light. It was observed that the hydrogen yield in case of nano cobalt oxide was more than twice to that of TiO 2 and the hydrogen yield of nano Fe 3O 4 was nearly four times as compared to nano Co 3O 4. The influence of various operating parameters in hydrogen generation by nano cobalt oxide was then studied in detail. Copyright © 2012, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
TiO2–AgCl Based Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic Production of Phenolic Compounds from Lignocellulosic Residues

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tsapekos, Panagiotis; Alvarado-Morales, Merlin; Boscaro, Davide

2018-01-01

Lignocellulosic biomass residues can be used as an interesting resource for the production of biochemicals or sustainable fuels. In this optic, lignin represents an interesting raw material for the production of chemicals, such as aromatic compounds, or fuels. This can contribute in moving away...... for optimal phenolic compounds production. It was found that the photocatalytic treatment boosted the phenolic production from wheat straw. The efficiency of the process depended on the initial pH and catalyst concentration. Process optimization towards increased phenolic compounds production was performed...... of toxic compounds presented in the catalyst-straw solution and specifically, HNO3 was toxic to methanogenic communities. Hence, to succeed in an efficient biorefinery framework where total phenols and biogas production are combined, the usage of HNO3 for catalyst synthesis should be avoided....
Surface chemical and photocatalytic consequences of Ca-doping of BiFeO{sub 3} as probed by XPS and H{sub 2}O{sub 2} decomposition studies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zaki, Mohamed I., E-mail: mizaki@link.net [Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519 (Egypt); Ramadan, Wegdan [Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511 (Egypt); Katrib, Ali [Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969, Safat 13060 (Kuwait); Rabee, Abdallah I.M. [Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519 (Egypt)

2014-10-30

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • BiFeO{sub 3} is a modest visible-light heterogeneous photocatalyst for H{sub 2}O{sub 2} decomposition. • The ferrite activity is promoted with Ca-doping up to 10 wt%-Ca. • Favourable consequences are enhanced surface metal redoxability and oxide basicity. • Furthering doping to >10 wt%-Ca retrogresses the ferrite photocatalytic activity. • A retrogressive doping consequence is bulk phase separation of α(γ)-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}. - Abstract: Pure and Ca-doped Bi{sub 1−x}Ca{sub x}FeO{sub 3} samples were prepared with x = 0.0–0.2, adopting a sol–gel method. Previously reported studies performed on similarly composed and prepared samples revealed that Ca-doping, above solubility limit (namely at ≥10%-Ca), results in phase separation and formation of BiFeO{sub 3}/α(γ)-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanocomposite particles. Hetero p/n nanojunctions thus established were considered to help separating photo-generated electron–hole pairs and, therefore, explain consequent promotion of photo-Fenton catalytic activity of BiFeO{sub 3} towards methylene blue degradation in presence of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} additive. However, the encompassed decomposition of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} was not addressed. To bridge this gap of knowledge, the present investigation was designed to assess Ca-doping-effected surface chemical modifications and gauge its impact on the heterogeneous photo-/thermo-catalytic activity of BiFeO{sub 3} towards H{sub 2}O{sub 2} decomposition, by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and H{sub 2}O{sub 2} decomposition gravimetry. XPS results revealed generation of high binding energy Bi 4f and Fe 2p states, as well as enhancement of the surface basicity, upon doping to 10%-Ca. These surface chemical consequences are rendered hardly detectable upon further increase of the dopant magnitude to 20%-Ca. In parallel, the H{sub 2}O{sub 2} decomposition activity of the ferrite, under natural visible light, is enhanced to optimize

Photocatalytic degradation kinetics, mechanism and ecotoxicity assessment of tramadol metabolites in aqueous TiO{sub 2} suspensions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Antonopoulou, U. [Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Patras, 30100 Agrinio (Greece); Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina (Greece); Hela, D. [Department of Business Administration of Food and Agricultural Products, University of Patras, Agrinio 30100 (Greece); Konstantinou, I., E-mail: iokonst@cc.uoi.gr [Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Patras, 30100 Agrinio (Greece); Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina (Greece)

2016-03-01

This study investigated for the first time the photocatalytic degradation of three well-known transformation products (TPs) of pharmaceutical Tramadol, N-desmethyl-(N-DES), N,N-bidesmethyl (N,N-Bi-DES) and N-oxide-tramadol (N-OX-TRA) in two different aquatic matrices, ultrapure water and secondary treated wastewater, with high (10 mg L{sup −1}) and low (50 μg L{sup −1}) initial concentrations, respectively. Total disappearance of the parent compounds was attained in all experiments. For initial concentration of 10 mg L{sup −1}, the target compounds were degraded within 30–40 min and a mineralization degree of more than 80% was achieved after 240 min of irradiation, while the contained organic nitrogen was released mainly as NH{sub 4}{sup +} for N-DES, N,N-Bi-DES and NO{sub 3}{sup −} for N-OX-TRA. The degradation rates of all the studied compounds were considerably decreased in the wastewater due to the presence of inorganic and organic constituents typically found in effluents and environmental matrices which may act as scavengers of the HO{sup •}. The effect of pH (4, 6.7, 10) in the degradation rates was studied and for N-DES-TRA and N,N-Bi-DES-TRA, the optimum pH value was 6.7. In contrast, N-OX-TRA showed an increasing trend in the photocatalytic degradation kinetic in alkaline solutions (pH 10). The major transformation products were identified by high resolution accurate mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography (HR-LC–MS). Scavenging experiments indicated for all studied compounds the important role of HO{sup •} in the photocatalytic degradation pathways that included mainly hydroxylation and further oxidation of the parent compounds. In addition, Microtox bioassay (Vibrio fischeri) was employed for evaluating the ecotoxicity of photocatalytically treated solutions. Results clearly demonstrate the progressive decrease of the toxicity and the efficiency of the photocatalytic process in the detoxification of the irradiated solutions
High photocatalytic activity of immobilized TiO{sub 2} nanorods on carbonized cotton fibers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Bin, E-mail: bwang23@cityu.edu.hk [Ability R and D Energy Research Center, School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (China); Karthikeyan, Rengasamy; Lu, Xiao-Ying [Ability R and D Energy Research Center, School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (China); Xuan, Jin [Ability R and D Energy Research Center, School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (China); State-Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237 (China); Leung, Michael K.H., E-mail: mkh.leung@cityu.edu.hk [Ability R and D Energy Research Center, School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (China)

2013-12-15

Highlights: • Hollow carbon fibers derived from natural cotton was successfully prepared by pyrolysis method. • TiO{sub 2} nanorods immobilized on carbon fibers by a facile hydrothermal method showed high photocatalytic activity. • The enhancement was due to the reduced band gap, improved dye adsorption capacity and effective electron–hole separation. -- Abstract: In this study, TiO{sub 2} nanorods were successfully immobilized on carbon fibers by a facile pyrolysis of natural cotton in nitrogen atmosphere followed by a one-pot hydrothermal method. Carbonized cotton fibers (CCFs) and TiO{sub 2}-CCFs composites were characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectroscopy (DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Results implied that the band gap narrowing of TiO{sub 2} was achieved after integration of CCFs. Dye adsorption isotherm indicated that the maximum dye adsorption capacity (q{sub m}) of CCFs-1000 (13.4 mg/g) was 2 times higher than that of cotton fibers and q{sub m} of TiO{sub 2}-CCFs-1000 (9.0 mg/g) was 6–7 times higher than that of TiO{sub 2} nanorods. Photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} nanorods prepared with 3 mL Ti(OBu){sub 4} showed the highest photocatalytic activity. TiO{sub 2}-CCFs-1000 exhibited higher activity than TiO{sub 2} immobilized on CCFs-400, CCFs-600 and CCFs-800. Good photostability of TiO{sub 2}-CCFs-1000 was found for dye degradation under visible light irradiation. The enhancement of photocatalytic dye degradation was due to the high adsorptivity of dye molecules, enhanced light adsorption and effective separation of electron–hole pairs. This work provides a low-cost and sustainable approach to immobilize nanostructured TiO{sub 2} on carbon fibers for environmental remediation.
A Au/Cu2O-TiO2 system for photo-catalytic hydrogen production. A pn-junction effect or a simple case of in situ reduction?

KAUST Repository

Sinatra, Lutfan

2015-02-01

Photo-catalytic H2 production from water has been studied over Au-Cu2O nanoparticle deposited on TiO2 (anatase) in order to probe into both the plasmon resonance effect (Au nanoparticles) and the pn-junction at the Cu2O-TiO2 interface. The Au-Cu2O composite is in the form of ∼10 nm Au nanoparticles grown on ∼475 nm Cu2O octahedral nanocrystals with (111) facets by partial galvanic replacement. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) Cu2p and Auger L3M4,5M4,5 lines indicate that the surface of Cu2O is mainly composed of Cu+. The rate for H2 production (from 95 water/5 ethylene glycol; vol.%) over 2 wt.% (Au/Cu2O)-TiO2 is found to be ∼10 times faster than that on 2 wt.% Au-TiO2 alone. Raman spectroscopy before and after reaction showed the disappearance of Cu+ lines (2Eu) at 220 cm-1. These observations coupled with the induction time observed for the reaction rate suggest that in situ reduction from Cu+ to Cu0 occurs upon photo-excitation. The reduction requires the presence of TiO2 (electron transfer). The prolonged activity of the reaction (with no signs of deactivation) despite the reduction to Cu0 indicates that the latter takes part in the reaction by providing additional sites for the reaction, most likely as recombination centers for hydrogen atoms to form molecular hydrogen. This phenomenon provides an additional route for enhancing the efficiency and lifetime of Cu2O-TiO2 photocatalytic systems, beyond the usually ascribed pn-junction effect.
Enhanced photocatalytic CO₂-reduction activity of electrospun mesoporous TiO₂ nanofibers by solvothermal treatment.

Science.gov (United States)

Fu, Junwei; Cao, Shaowen; Yu, Jiaguo; Low, Jingxiang; Lei, Yongpeng

2014-06-28

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into renewable hydrocarbon fuels using semiconductor photocatalysts is considered as a potential solution to the energy deficiency and greenhouse effect. In this work, mesoporous TiO2 nanofibers with high specific surface areas and abundant surface hydroxyl groups are prepared using an electrospinning strategy combined with a subsequent calcination process, followed by a solvothermal treatment. The solvothermally treated mesoporous TiO2 nanofibers exhibit excellent photocatalytic performance on CO2 reduction into hydrocarbon fuels. The significantly improved photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the enhanced CO2 adsorption capacity and the improved charge separation after solvothermal treatment. The highest activity is achieved for the sample with a 2-h solvothermal treatment, showing 6- and 25-fold higher CH4 production rate than those of TiO2 nanofibers without solvothermal treatment and P25, respectively. This work may also provide a prototype for studying the effect of solvothermal treatment on the structure and photocatalytic activity of semiconductor photocatalysts.
Synthesis and characterization of PTP/[Fe(CN)_3(dien)]·H_2O nanocomposite; study of electrical, thermal and photocatalytic properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moosvi, Syed Kazim; Majid, Kowsar; Ara, Tabassum

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Synthesis of PTP nanocomposite with photoadduct via in-situ chemical polymerisation. • Photoadduct and its nanocomposite are characterized by UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, and SEM characterisation techniques. • Enhanced thermal stability of nanocomposite as compared to pure PTP. • Nanocomposite exhibit non-linear I–V behaviour. • Improved electrical properties and photocatalytic activity of nanocomposite as compared to pure PTP. - Abstract: Polythiophene/[Fe(CN)_3(dien)]·H_2O nanocomposite was synthesised by oxidative chemical polymerisation method. Photoadduct was synthesised by irradiating an equimolar mixture of potassium ferricyanide and diethylenetriamine which was then reduced to nanosize by high energy ball mill. The reduction of photoadduct to nanosize was confirmed from XRD. Nanocomposite of PTP with photoadduct was then prepared by oxidative chemical polymerisation using FeCl_3 as oxidant. The successful synthesis of nanocomposite was confirmed from FTIR, XRD and SEM. TGA revealed higher thermal stability of nanocomposite as compared to pure PTP. I–V characteristics plotted on a log–log scale showed two distinct power law regions in case of nanocomposite. At lower voltages, the transport mechanism follows Ohm’s law. At higher voltages, the mechanism is consistent with space charge-limited emission. Furthermore, nanocomposite shows enhanced conductivity as compared to pure PTP. From dielectric studies, an appreciable high value of dielectric constant (4.4 × 10"6 at 100 Hz) and ac conductivity (2.1 × 10"9 S/m at 300 kHz) of nanocomposite was obtained. This indicates the possible application of this nanocomposite in charge storage devices. The photocatalytic activity of the materials was studied against the methyl orange (MO) dye under UV–Vis light and 76% degradation of MO dye was achieved in presence of nanocomposite in just 2 h, hence indicating its better photocatalytic efficiency. Results thus obtained indicate the
Yttrium bismuth titanate pyrochlore mixed oxides for photocatalytic hydrogen production

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Merka, Oliver

2012-10-18

In this work, the sol-gel synthesis of new non-stoichiometric pyrochlore titanates and their application in photocatalytic hydrogen production is reported. Visible light response is achieved by introducing bismuth on the A site or by doping the B site by transition metal cations featuring partially filled d orbitals. This work clearly focusses on atomic scale structural changes induced by the systematical introduction of non-stoichiometry in pyrochlore mixed oxides and the resulting influence on the activity in photocatalytic hydrogen production. The materials were characterized in detail regarding their optical properties and their atomic structure. The pyrochlore structure tolerates tremendous stoichiometry variations. The non-stoichiometry in A{sub 2}O{sub 3} rich compositions is compensated by distortions in the cationic sub-lattice for the smaller Y{sup 3+} cation and by evolution of a secondary phase for the larger Bi{sup 3+} cation on the A site. For TiO{sub 2} rich compositions, the non-stoichiometry leads to a special vacancy formation in the A and optionally O' sites. It is shown that pyrochlore mixed oxides in the yttrium bismuth titanate system represent very active and promising materials for photocatalytic hydrogen production, if precisely and carefully tuned. Whereas Y{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} yields stable hydrogen production rates over time, the bismuth richer compounds of YBiTi{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Bi{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} are found to be not stable under irradiation. This drawback is overcome by applying a special co-catalyst system consisting of a precious metal core and a Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} shell on the photocatalysts.
Nb2O5 nanowires in-situ grown on carbon fiber: A high-efficiency material for the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI).

Science.gov (United States)

Du, Yucheng; Zhang, Shihao; Wang, Jinshu; Wu, Junshu; Dai, Hongxing

2018-04-01

Niobium oxide nanowire-deposited carbon fiber (CF) samples were prepared using a hydrothermal method with amorphous Nb 2 O 5 ·nH 2 O as precursor. The physical properties of the samples were characterized by means of numerous techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), N 2 adsorption-desorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The efficiency for the removal of Cr(VI) was determined. Parameters such as pH value and initial Cr(VI) concentration could influence the Cr(VI) removal efficiency or adsorption capacity of the Nb 2 O 5 /carbon fiber sample obtained after hydrothermal treatment at 160°C for 14hr. The maximal Cr(VI) adsorption capacity of the Nb 2 O 5 nanowire/CF sample was 115mg/g. This Nb 2 O 5 /CF sample also showed excellent photocatalytic activity and stability for the reduction of Cr(VI) under UV-light irradiation: the Cr(VI) removal efficiency reached 99.9% after UV-light irradiation for 1hr and there was no significant decrease in photocatalytic performance after the use of the sample for 10 repeated cycles. Such excellent Cr(VI) adsorption capacity and photocatalytic performance was related to its high surface area, abundant surface hydroxyl groups, and good UV-light absorption ability. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Anatase TiO2 single crystals with dominant {0 0 1} facets: Synthesis, shape-control mechanism and photocatalytic activity

Science.gov (United States)

Tong, Huifen; Zhou, Yingying; Chang, Gang; Li, Pai; Zhu, Ruizhi; He, Yunbin

2018-06-01

Anatase TiO2 micro-crystals with 51% surface exposing highly active {0 0 1} facets are prepared by hydrothermal synthesis using TiF4 as Ti resource and HF as morphology control agent. In addition, anatase TiO2 single crystals exposing large {0 0 1} crystal facets are facilely synthesized with "green" NaF plus HCl replacing HF for the morphology control. A series of comparative experiments are carried out for separately studying the effects of F- and H+ concentrations on the growth of TiO2 crystals, which have not been understood very much in depth so far. The results indicate that both F- and H+ synergistically affect the synthesis of truncated anatase octahedrons, where F- is preferentially adsorbed on the {0 0 1} facets resulting in lateral growth of these facets and H+ adjusts the growth rate of anatase TiO2 along different orientations by tuning the hydrolysis rate. Based on this information, anatase TiO2 single crystals with small size (1.3 μm) and large exposure of {0 0 1} facets (45%) are successfully prepared under optimal conditions ([H+]/[F-] = 20:1). Photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared products toward methylene blue photo-degradation are further tested. It is revealed that both crystal size and percentage of {0 0 1} facets are decisive for the photocatalytic performance, and the crystals with a small size (1.3 μm) and large exposure of {0 0 1} facets (45%) are catalytically most active. This work has clarified the main factors that control the growth process and morphology of anatase TiO2 single crystals for achieving superior photocatalytic properties.
Photocatalytic CO2 reduction by Cr-substituted Ba2 (In2-xCrx)O5·(H2O)δ (0.04 ≤ x ≤ 0.60)

KAUST Repository

Yoon, Songhak; Gaul, Michael; Sharma, Sitansh; Son, Kwanghyo; Hagemann, Hans; Ziegenbalg, Dirk; Schwingenschlö gl, Udo; Widenmeyer, Marc; Weidenkaff, Anke

2018-01-01

Cr-substituted polycrystalline Ba2(In2-xCrx)O5·(H2O)δ powders (0.04 ≤ x ≤ 0.60) were synthesized by solid state reaction to investigate the relation of crystal structure, thermochemical, magnetic, and optical properties. The Cr-substitution results in an unit cell expansion and formation of the higher-symmetric tetragonal phase together with increased oxygen and hydrogen contents. Magnetic property measurements reveal that the diamagnetic pristine Ba2In2O5·(H2O)δ becomes magnetically ordered upon Cr-substitution. By UV–vis spectroscopy a gradual shift of the absorption-edge energy to lower values was observed. Numerical calculations showed that the observed bandgap narrowing was ascribed to the Cr induced states near the Fermi level. The correlation between the changes of crystal chemistry, magnetic, and optical properties of Cr-substituted Ba2(In2-xCrx)O5·(H2O)δ can be explained by the replacement of In by Cr. Consequently, an enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity was observed with increasing Cr substitution, compatible with the state-of-the-art high surface area TiO2 photocatalyst (P-25).
Photocatalytic CO2 reduction by Cr-substituted Ba2 (In2-xCrx)O5·(H2O)δ (0.04 ≤ x ≤ 0.60)

KAUST Repository

Yoon, Songhak

2018-02-09

Cr-substituted polycrystalline Ba2(In2-xCrx)O5·(H2O)δ powders (0.04 ≤ x ≤ 0.60) were synthesized by solid state reaction to investigate the relation of crystal structure, thermochemical, magnetic, and optical properties. The Cr-substitution results in an unit cell expansion and formation of the higher-symmetric tetragonal phase together with increased oxygen and hydrogen contents. Magnetic property measurements reveal that the diamagnetic pristine Ba2In2O5·(H2O)δ becomes magnetically ordered upon Cr-substitution. By UV–vis spectroscopy a gradual shift of the absorption-edge energy to lower values was observed. Numerical calculations showed that the observed bandgap narrowing was ascribed to the Cr induced states near the Fermi level. The correlation between the changes of crystal chemistry, magnetic, and optical properties of Cr-substituted Ba2(In2-xCrx)O5·(H2O)δ can be explained by the replacement of In by Cr. Consequently, an enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity was observed with increasing Cr substitution, compatible with the state-of-the-art high surface area TiO2 photocatalyst (P-25).
Photocatalytic CO2 reduction by Cr-substituted Ba2(In2-xCrx)O5·(H2O)δ (0.04 ≤ x ≤ 0.60)

Science.gov (United States)

Yoon, Songhak; Gaul, Michael; Sharma, Sitansh; Son, Kwanghyo; Hagemann, Hans; Ziegenbalg, Dirk; Schwingenschlogl, Udo; Widenmeyer, Marc; Weidenkaff, Anke

2018-04-01

Cr-substituted polycrystalline Ba2(In2-xCrx)O5·(H2O)δ powders (0.04 ≤ x ≤ 0.60) were synthesized by solid state reaction to investigate the relation of crystal structure, thermochemical, magnetic, and optical properties. The Cr-substitution results in an unit cell expansion and formation of the higher-symmetric tetragonal phase together with increased oxygen and hydrogen contents. Magnetic property measurements reveal that the diamagnetic pristine Ba2In2O5·(H2O)δ becomes magnetically ordered upon Cr-substitution. By UV-vis spectroscopy a gradual shift of the absorption-edge energy to lower values was observed. Numerical calculations showed that the observed bandgap narrowing was ascribed to the Cr induced states near the Fermi level. The correlation between the changes of crystal chemistry, magnetic, and optical properties of Cr-substituted Ba2(In2-xCrx)O5·(H2O)δ can be explained by the replacement of In by Cr. Consequently, an enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity was observed with increasing Cr substitution, compatible with the state-of-the-art high surface area TiO2 photocatalyst (P-25).
Thiourea-Modified TiO2 Nanorods with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xiaofeng Wu

2016-02-01

Full Text Available Semiconductor TiO2 photocatalysis has attracted much attention due to its potential application in solving the problems of environmental pollution. In this paper, thiourea (CH4N2S modified anatase TiO2 nanorods were fabricated by calcination of the mixture of TiO2 nanorods and thiourea at 600 °C for 2 h. It was found that only N element was doped into the lattice of TiO2 nanorods. With increasing the weight ratio of thiourea to TiO2 (R from 0 to 8, the light-harvesting ability of the photocatalyst steady increases. Both the crystallization and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanorods increase first and then decrease with increase in R value, and R2 sample showed the highest crystallization and photocatalytic activity in degradation of Brilliant Red X3B (X3B and Rhodamine B (RhB dyes under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm. The increased visible-light photocatalytic activity of the prepared N-doped TiO2 nanorods is due to the synergistic effects of the enhanced crystallization, improved light-harvesting ability and reduced recombination rate of photo-generated electron-hole pairs. Note that the enhanced visible photocatalytic activity of N-doped nanorods is not based on the scarification of their UV photocatalytic activity.
Copper-organic/octamolybdates: structures, bandgap sizes, and photocatalytic activities.

Science.gov (United States)

Luo, Lan; Lin, Haisheng; Li, Le; Smirnova, Tatyana I; Maggard, Paul A

2014-04-07

The structures, optical bandgap sizes, and photocatalytic activities are described for three copper-octamolybdate hybrid solids prepared using hydrothermal methods, [Cu(pda)]4[β-Mo8O26] (I; pda = pyridazine), [Cu(en)2]2[γ-Mo8O26] (II; en = ethylenediamine), and [Cu(o-phen)2]2[α-Mo8O26] (III; o-phen = o-phenanthroline). The structure of I consists of a [Cu(pda)]4(4+) tetramer that bridges to neighboring [β-Mo8O26](4-) octamolybdate clusters to form two-dimensional layers that stack along the a axis. The previously reported structures of II and III are constructed from [Cu2(en)4Mo8O26] and [Cu2(o-phen)4Mo8O26] clusters. The optical bandgap sizes were measured by UV-vis diffuse reflectance techniques to be ∼1.8 eV for I, ∼3.1 eV for II, and ∼3.0 eV for III. Electronic structure calculations show that the smaller bandgap size of I originates primarily from an electronic transition between the valence and conduction band edges comprised of filled 3d(10) orbitals on Cu(I) and empty 4d(0) orbitals on Mo(VI). Both II and III contain Cu(II) and exhibit larger bandgap sizes. Accordingly, aqueous suspensions of I exhibit visible-light photocatalytic activity for the production of oxygen at a rate of ∼90 μmol O2 g(-1) h(-1) (10 mg samples; radiant power density of ∼1 W/cm(2)) and a turnover frequency per calculated surface [Mo8O26](4-) cluster of ∼36 h(-1). Under combined ultraviolet and visible-light irradiation, I also exhibits photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production in 20% aqueous methanol of ∼316 μmol H2 g(-1) h(-1). By contrast, II decomposed during the photocatalysis measurements. The molecular [Cu2(o-phen)4(α-Mo8O26)] clusters of III dissolve into the aqueous methanol solution under ultraviolet irradiation and exhibit homogeneous photocatalytic rates for hydrogen production of up to ∼8670 μmol H2·g(-1) h(-1) and a turnover frequency of 17 h(-1). The clusters of III can be precipitated out by evaporation and redispersed into solution with
Photocatalytic Decolorization Study of Methyl Orange by TiO2–Chitosan Nanocomposites

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Imelda Fajriati

2014-10-01

Full Text Available The photocatalytic decolorization of methyl orange (MO by TiO2-chitosan nanocomposite has been studied. This study was started by synthesizing TiO2-chitosan nanocomposites using sol-gel method with various concentrations of Titanium(IV isopropoxide (TTIP as the TiO2 precursor. The structure, surface morphology, thermal and optical property of TiO2-chitosan nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD, fourier transform infra red (FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA, and diffuse reflectance ultra violet (DRUV spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2-chitosan nanocomposite was evaluated by photocatalytic decolorization of methyl orange as a model pollutant. The results indicate that the particle size of TiO2 increases with increasing ofthe concentration of TTIP, in which TiO2 with smallest particle size exhibit the highest photocatalytic activity. The highest photocatalytic decolorization was obtained at 5 h of contact time, initial concentration of MO at 20 ppm and at solution pH of 4. Using these conditions, over 90% of MO was able to be decolorized using 0.02 g of TiO2-chitosan nanocomposite under UV light irradiation. The TiO2-chitosan nanocomposite could be reused, which meant that the TiO2-chitosan nanocomposites can be developed as an effective and economical photocatalyst to decolorize or treat dye in wastewater.
In situ growth of CdS nanoparticles on UiO-66 metal-organic framework octahedrons for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhou, Jian-Jian; Wang, Rong; Liu, Xin-Ling; Peng, Fu-Min [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Innovation Lab for Clean Energy & Green Catalysis, Anhui University, Hefei 230601 (China); Li, Chuan-Hao, E-mail: chuanhao.li@yale.edu [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Innovation Lab for Clean Energy & Green Catalysis, Anhui University, Hefei 230601 (China); Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven 06511 (United States); Teng, Fei [Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044 (China); Yuan, Yu-Peng, E-mail: yupengyuan@ahu.edu.cn [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Innovation Lab for Clean Energy & Green Catalysis, Anhui University, Hefei 230601 (China); Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044 (China)

2015-08-15

Graphical abstract: Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen generation was achieved though constructing the CdS/UiO-66 MOF hybrids. In addition, the resultant hybrids show excellent photostability for hydrogen generation. - Highlights: • CdS nanoparticles were hydrothermally grown on UiO-66 octahedrons. • The resultant CdS/UiO-66 hybrids show enhanced photocatalytic H{sub 2} generation under visible light irradiation. • CdS/UiO-66 hybrids possess excellent photostability for long-term hydrogen generation. - Abstract: CdS nanoparticles acting as photosensitizer was grown in situ upon UiO-66 metal-organic framework octahedrons through a hydrothermal process. The resultant CdS/UiO-66 hybrid photocatalysts show remarkably active hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation as compared to CdS and UiO-66 alone. The optimum hybrid with 16 wt% CdS loading shows a hydrogen production rate of 235 μmol h{sup −1}, corresponding to 1.2% quantum efficiency at 420 nm. The improved photocatalytic hydrogen production over hybrid CdS/UiO-66 is ascribed to the efficient interfacial charge transfer from CdS to UiO-66, which effectively suppresses the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and thereby enhancing the photocatalytic efficiency.
Suppressing the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Nanoparticles by Extremely Thin Al2O3 Films Grown by Gas-Phase Deposition at Ambient Conditions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jing Guo

2018-01-01

Full Text Available This work investigated the suppression of photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide (TiO2 pigment powders by extremely thin aluminum oxide (Al2O3 films deposited via an atomic-layer-deposition-type process using trimethylaluminum (TMA and H2O as precursors. The deposition was performed on multiple grams of TiO2 powder at room temperature and atmospheric pressure in a fluidized bed reactor, resulting in the growth of uniform and conformal Al2O3 films with thickness control at sub-nanometer level. The as-deposited Al2O3 films exhibited excellent photocatalytic suppression ability. Accordingly, an Al2O3 layer with a thickness of 1 nm could efficiently suppress the photocatalytic activities of rutile, anatase, and P25 TiO2 nanoparticles without affecting their bulk optical properties. In addition, the influence of high-temperature annealing on the properties of the Al2O3 layers was investigated, revealing the possibility of achieving porous Al2O3 layers. Our approach demonstrated a fast, efficient, and simple route to coating Al2O3 films on TiO2 pigment powders at the multigram scale, and showed great potential for large-scale production development.
High photocatalytic degradation activity of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-vitamin C (VC)-TiO2 nano-composite film

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang Changjun; Gong Chuqing; Peng Tianyou; Deng Kejian; Zan Ling

2010-01-01

A novel photodegradable polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-vitamin C (VC)-TiO 2 nano-composite film was prepared by embedding VC modified nano-TiO 2 photocatalyst into the commercial PVC plastic. The solid-phase photocatalytic degradation behavior of PVC-VC-TiO 2 nano-composite film under UV light irradiation was investigated and compared with those of the PVC-TiO 2 film and the pure PVC film, with the aid of UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), weight loss monitoring, and X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD). The results show that PVC-VC-TiO 2 nano-composite film has a high photocatalytic activity; the photocatalytic degradation rate of it is two times higher than that of PVC-TiO 2 film and fifteen times higher than that of pure PVC film. The optimal mass ratio of VC to TiO 2 is found to be 0.5. The mechanism of enhancing photocatalytic activity is attributed to the formation of a Ti IV -VC charge-transfer complex with five-member chelate ring structure and a rapid photogenerated charge separation is thus achieved.
Superstructure Ta2O5 mesocrystals derived from (NH4)2Ta2O3F6 mesocrystals with efficient photocatalytic activity.

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Xin; Li, Wei; Huang, Jian; Li, Zhonghua; Liu, Jiawen; Hu, PingAn

2018-02-06

Superstructured mesocrystalline Ta 2 O 5 nanosheets were successfully prepared from mesocrystalline (NH 4 ) 2 Ta 2 O 3 F 6 nanorods by the annealing method for the first time. The as-prepared mesocrystalline Ta 2 O 5 nanosheets in this work showed remarkable visible light absorption, mainly due to the formation of oxygen vacancy defects in the mesocrystalline Ta 2 O 5 nanosheets, which was also confirmed by XPS spectra, Raman spectra and EPR spectra. Besides, the mesocrystalline Ta 2 O 5 nanosheets showed a highly enhanced photocatalytic activity of 11 268.24 μmol g -1 h -1 , about 3.95 times that of commercial Ta 2 O 5 . Moreover, the specific surface area of the mesocrystalline Ta 2 O 5 -800 nanosheets was 16.34 m 2 g -1 , about 5.32 times that of the commercial Ta 2 O 5 (3.072 m 2 g -1 ). The valence band XPS spectra indicated a strong oxidizing ability of the mesocrystalline Ta 2 O 5 nanosheets in comparison to that of commercial Ta 2 O 5 . The formation of superstructured Ta 2 O 5 mesocrystals generated long lifetime carriers and effective conduction pathways, which greatly enhanced the photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production.
1D Bi2S3 nanorod/2D e-WS2 nanosheet heterojunction photocatalyst for enhanced photocatalytic activity

Science.gov (United States)

Vattikuti, S. V. Prabhakar; Shim, Jaesool; Byon, Chan

2018-02-01

The development of high-activity, long-life, precious-metal-free photocatalysts for redox reactions in photoelectrochemical cells and fuel cells remains challenging. The synthesis of high-activity heterostructured photocatalysts is crucial for efficient energy conversion strategies. Herein, a novel photocatalyst based on 1D Bi2S3 nanorods self-assembled on 2D exfoliated tungsten disulfide (e-WS2) nanosheets has been developed for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye in aqueous solution. We demonstrate a novel and facile hydrothermal method for the synthesis of a Bi2S3 nanorod/e-WS2 nanosheet heterostructure. The photocatalytic properties of the heterostructure under visible light were investigated. Enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributed to the presence of strong surface active sites, as well as the specific morphology of the composite. We also observed the fast transfer of electron-hole pairs at the material interface. This work demonstrates a non-noble semiconductor photocatalyst for the degradation of pollutants and evolution of H2.
Doped titanium dioxide nanocrystalline powders with high photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Castro, A.L.; Nunes, M.R.; Carvalho, M.D.; Ferreira, L.P.; Jumas, J.-C.; Costa, F.M.; Florencio, M.H.

2009-01-01

Doped titanium dioxide nanopowders (M:TiO 2 ; M=Fe, Co, Nb, Sb) with anatase structure were successfully synthesized through an hydrothermal route preceded by a precipitation doping step. Structural and morphological characterizations were performed by powder XRD and TEM. Thermodynamic stability studies allowed to conclude that the anatase structure is highly stable for all doped TiO 2 prepared compounds. The photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized nanopowders was tested and the results showed an appreciable enhancement in the photoactivity of the Sb:TiO 2 and Nb:TiO 2 , whereas no photocatalytic activity was detected for the Fe:TiO 2 and Co:TiO 2 nanopowders. These results were correlated to the doping ions oxidation states, determined by Moessbauer spectroscopy and magnetization data. - Graphical abstract: Doped titanium dioxide nanopowders (M:TiO 2 ; M=Fe, Co, Nb, Sb) with highly stable anatase structure were successfully synthesized through an hydrothermal route. The photocatalytic efficiencies of the synthesized nanopowders were tested and the results show an appreciable enhancement in the photoactivity of the Sb:TiO 2 and Nb:TiO 2 .

Photocatalytic degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid with beta-Ga2O3 in anoxic aqueous solution.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Baoxiu; Lv, Mou; Zhou, Li

2012-01-01

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a new-found hazardous persistent organic pollutant, and it is resistant to decomposition by hydroxyl radical (HO*) due to its stable chemical structure and the high electronegativity of fluorine. Photocatalytic reduction of PFOA with beta-Ga2O3 in anoxic aqueous solution was investigated for the first time, and the results showed that the photoinduced electron (e(cb-)) coming from the beta-Ga2O3 conduction band was the major degradation substance for PFOA, and shorter-chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs, CnF2n+i1COOH, 1 < or = n < or = 6) were the dominant products. Furthermore, the concentration of F- was measured by the IC technique and defluorination efficiency was calculated. After 3 hr, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency was 98.8% and defluorination efficiency was 31.6% in the presence of thiosulfate and bubbling N2. The degradation reaction followed first-order kinetics (k = 0.0239 min(-1), t1/2 = 0.48 hr). PFCAs (CnF2n+1COOH, 1 < or = n < or = 7) were detected and measured by LC-MS and LC-MS/MS methods. It was deduced that the probable photocatalytic degradation mechanism involves e(cb-) attacking the carboxyl of CnF2n+1COOH, resulting in decarboxylation and the generation of CnF2n+1*. The produced CnF2n+1* reacted with H2O, forming CnF2n+1OH, then CnF2n+1OH underwent HF loss and hydrolysis to form CnF2n+1COOH.
A bamboo-inspired hierarchical nanoarchitecture of Ag/CuO/TiO_2 nanotube array for highly photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dinitrophenol

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Xuhong; Wang, Longlu; Liu, Chengbin; Ding, Yangbin; Zhang, Shuqu; Zeng, Yunxiong; Liu, Yutang; Luo, Shenglian

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Bamboo-like architecture of ternary photocatalyst. • High simulated solar light photocatalytic activity. • Integration of p-n heterojunction and Schottky junction. • Excellent stable recycling performance. - Abstract: The optimized geometrical configuration of muitiple active materials into hierarchical nanoarchitecture is essential for the creation of photocatalytic degradation system that can mimic natural photosynthesis. A bamboo-like architecture, CuO nanosheets and Ag nanoparticles co-decorated TiO_2 nanotube arrays (Ag/CuO/TiO_2), was fabricated by using simple solution-immersion and electrodeposition process. Under simulated solar light irradiation, the 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) photocatalytic degradation rate over Ag/CuO/TiO_2 was about 2.0, 1.5 and 1.2 times that over TiO_2 nanotubes, CuO/TiO_2 and Ag/TiO_2, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of ternary Ag/CuO/TiO_2 photocatalyst was ascribed to improved light absorption, reduced carrier recombination and more exposed active sites. Moreover, the excellent stability and reliability of the Ag/CuO/TiO_2 photocatalyst demonstrated a promising application for organic pollutant removal from water.
High quantum yield graphene quantum dots decorated TiO_2 nanotubes for enhancing photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Qu, Ailan; Xie, Haolong; Xu, Xinmei; Zhang, Yangyu; Wen, Shengwu; Cui, Yifan

2016-01-01

Highlights: • High concentration yellow GQDs and TiO_2 nanotubes were achieved by a simple and green method. • High quantum yield GQDs enhanced the photodegradation capacity of TiO_2 nanotube. • The catalytic performance of GQDs/TiO_2 depends on the GQDs loading. • The improved photocatalytic activity of GQDs/TiO_2 was attributed to three aspects. - Abstract: Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with high quantum yield (about 23.6% at an excitation wavelength of 320 nm) and GQDs/TiO_2 nanotubes (GQDs/TiO_2 NTs) composites were achieved by a simple hydrothermal method at low temperature. Photoluminescence characterization showed that the GQDs exhibited the down-conversion PL features at excitation from 300 to 420 nm and up-conversion photoluminescence in the range of 600–800 nm. The photocatalytic activity of prepared GQDs/TiO_2 NTs composites on the degradation of methyl orange (MO) was significantly enhanced compared with that of pure TiO_2 nanotubes (TiO_2 NTs). For the composites coupling with 1.5%, 2.5% and 3.5% GQDs, the degradation of MO after 20 min irradiation under UV–vis light irradiation (λ = 380–780 nm) were 80.52%, 94.64% and 51.91%, respectively, which are much higher than that of pure TiO_2 NTs (35.41%). It was inferred from the results of characterization that the improved photocatalytic activity of the GQDs/TiO_2 NTs composites was attributed to the synergetic effect of up-conversion properties of the GQDs, enhanced visible light absorption and efficient separation of photogenerated electron-holes of the GQDs/TiO_2 composite.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity over Cd{sub 0.5}Zn{sub 0.5}S with stacking fault structure combined with Cu{sup 2+} modified carbon nanotubes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gong, Beini; Lu, Yonghong [School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006 (China); The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006 (China); Wu, Pingxiao, E-mail: pppxwu@scut.edu.cn [School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006 (China); The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006 (China); Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Environment Risk Prevention and Emergency Disposal, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006 (China); Huang, Zhujian; Zhu, Yajie; Dang, Zhi [School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006 (China); The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006 (China); Zhu, Nengwu [School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006 (China); The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006 (China); Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Environment Risk Prevention and Emergency Disposal, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006 (China); Lu, Guining; Huang, Junyi [School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006 (China); The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006 (China)

2016-03-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • CdZnS with stacking faults was combined with Cu{sup 2+} modified carbon nanotubes. • Stacking faults and carbon nanotubes (Cu) synergized to promote charge separation. • The composite exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance. - Abstract: For enhanced photocatalytic performance of visible light responsive CdZnS, a series of Cd{sub 0.5}Zn{sub 0.5}S solid solutions were fabricated by different methods. It was found that the semiconductor obtained through the precipitation-hydrothermal method (CZS-PH) exhibited the highest photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 2154 μmol h{sup −1} g{sup −1}. The enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production of CZS-PH was probably due to stacking fault formation as well as narrow bandgap, a large surface area and a small crystallite size. Based on this, carbon nanotubes modified with Cu{sup 2+} (CNTs (Cu)) were used as a cocatalyst for CZS-PH. The addition of CNTs (Cu) enhanced notably the absorption of the composites for visible light. The highest photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of the Cd{sub 0.5}Zn{sub 0.5}S-CNTs (Cu) composite was 2995 μmol h{sup −1} g{sup −1} with 1.0 wt.% of CNTs (Cu). The improvement of the photocatalytic activity by loading of CNTs (Cu) was not due to alteration of bandgap energy or surface area, and was probably attributed to suppression of the electron-hole recombination by the CNTs, with Cu{sup 2+} anchored in the interface optimizing the photogenerated electron transfer pathway between the semiconductor and CNTs. We report here the successful combination of homojunction and heterojunction in CdZnS semiconductor, which resulted in promotion of charge separation and enhanced photocatalytic activity.
Research Update: Photoelectrochemical water splitting and photocatalytic hydrogen production using ferrites (MFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}) under visible light irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dillert, Ralf [Institut für Technische Chemie, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover, Callinstr. 3, 30167 Hannover (Germany); Laboratorium für Nano- und Quantenengineering, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover, Schneiderberg 39, 30167 Hannover (Germany); Taffa, Dereje H.; Wark, Michael [Institut für Chemie, Technische Chemie, Carl-von-Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Str. 9-11, 26129 Oldenburg (Germany); Bredow, Thomas [Mulliken Center for Theoretical Chemistry, Institut für Physikalische und Theoretische Chemie, Universität Bonn, Beringstraße 4, 53115 Bonn (Germany); Bahnemann, Detlef W. [Institut für Technische Chemie, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover, Callinstr. 3, 30167 Hannover (Germany); Laboratory for Nanocomposite Materials, Department of Photonics, Faculty of Physics, Saint-Petersburg State University, Ulianovskaia Str. 3, Peterhof, Saint-Petersburg 198504 (Russian Federation)

2015-10-01

The utilization of solar light for the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic production of molecular hydrogen from water is a scientific and technical challenge. Semiconductors with suitable properties to promote solar-driven water splitting are a desideratum. A hitherto rarely investigated group of semiconductors are ferrites with the empirical formula MFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} and related compounds. This contribution summarizes the published results of the experimental investigations on the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties of these compounds. It will be shown that the potential of this group of compounds in regard to the production of solar hydrogen has not been fully explored yet.
Toxicological aspects of photocatalytic degradation of selected xenobiotics with nano-sized Mn-doped TiO{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ozmen, Murat, E-mail: murat.ozmen@inonu.edu.tr [Inonu University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Malatya (Turkey); Güngördü, Abbas [Inonu University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Malatya (Turkey); Erdemoglu, Sema [Inonu University, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Malatya (Turkey); Ozmen, Nesrin [Inonu University, Faculty of Education, Department of Science Teaching Program, Malatya (Turkey); Asilturk, Meltem [Akdeniz University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Antalya (Turkey)

2015-08-15

Highlights: • Undoped and Mn-doped TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized. • The photocatalytic efficiency of the photocatalysts was evaluated for BPA and ATZ. • Toxicity of photocatalysts and photocatalytic by-products were determined. • Mn-doped TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles did not cause significant lethality on X. laevis. • Degradation of BPA caused a significant reduction of lethal effects. - Abstract: The toxic effects of two selected xenobiotics, bisphenol A (BPA) and atrazine (ATZ), were evaluated after photocatalytic degradation using nano-sized, Mn-doped TiO{sub 2}. Undoped and Mn-doped TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles were synthesized. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–vis-diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and BET surface area. The photocatalytic efficiency of the undoped and Mn-doped TiO{sub 2} was evaluated for BPA and ATZ. The toxicity of the synthesized photocatalysts and photocatalytic by-products of BPA and ATZ was determined using frog embryos and tadpoles, zebrafish embryos, and bioluminescent bacteria. Possible toxic effects were also evaluated using selected enzyme biomarkers. The results showed that Mn-doped TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles did not cause significant lethality in Xenopus laevis embryos and tadpoles, but nonfiltered samples caused lethality in zebrafish. Furthermore, Mn-doping of TiO{sub 2} increased the photocatalytic degradation capability of nanoparticles, and it successfully degraded BPA and AZT, but degradation of AZT caused an increase of the lethal effects on both tadpoles and fish embryos. Degradation of BPA caused a significant reduction of lethal effects, especially after 2–4 h of degradation. However, biochemical assays showed that both Mn-doped TiO{sub 2} and the degradation by-products caused a significant change of selected biomarkers on X. laevis tadpoles; thus, the ecological risks of Mn
Enhanced photo-catalytic activity of ordered mesoporous indium oxide nanocrystals in the conversion of CO2 into methanol.

Science.gov (United States)

Gondal, M A; Dastageer, M A; Oloore, L E; Baig, U; Rashid, S G

2017-07-03

Ordered mesoporous indium oxide nanocrystal (m-In 2 O 3 ) was synthesized by nanocasting technique, in which highly ordered mesoporous silca (SBA-15) was used as structural matrix. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Barrett-Joyner-Halanda (BJH) studies were carried out on m-In 2 O 3 and the results revealed that this material has a highly ordered mesoporous surface with reduced grain size, increased surface area and surface volume compared to the non porous indium oxide. The diffuse reluctance spectrum exhibited substantially improved light absorption efficiency in m-In 2 O 3 compared to normal indium oxide, however, no considerable change in the band gap energies of these materials was observed. When m-In 2 O 3 was used as a photo-catalyst in the photo-catalytic process of converting carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into methanol under the pulsed laser radiation of 266-nm wavelengths, an enhanced photo-catalytic activity with the quantum efficiency of 4.5% and conversion efficiency of 46.3% were observed. It was found that the methanol production yield in this chemical process is as high as 485 µlg -1 h -1 after 150 min of irradiation, which is substantially higher than the yields reported in the literature. It is quite clear from the results that the introduction of mesoporosity in indium oxide, and the consequent enhancement of positive attributes required for a photo-catalyst, transformed photo-catalytically weak indium oxide into an effective photo-catalyst for the conversion of CO 2 into methanol.
Hydrogen Production on Ag-Pd/TiO2 Bimetallic Catalysts: Is there a Combined Effect of Surface Plasmon Resonance with Schottky Mechanism on the Photo-Catalytic Activity?

KAUST Repository

Nadeem, Muhammad A.; Al-Oufi, Maher; Wahab, Ahmed K.; Anjum, Dalaver H.; Idriss, Hicham

2017-01-01

Despite many observations that plasmonics can enhance photocatalytic reactions, their relative role in the overall reaction rate is not thoroughly investigated. Here we report that silver nanoparticles contribution in the reaction rate by its plasmonic effect is negligible when compared to that of Pd (Schottky effect). To conduct the study a series of Ag−Pd/TiO2 catalysts have been prepared, characterized and tested for H2 production from water in the presence of an organic sacrificial agent. Pd was chosen as a standard high work function metal needed for the Schottky junction to pump away electrons from the conduction band of the semiconductor and Ag (whose work function is ca. 1 eV lower than that of Pd) for its high plasmonic resonance response at the edge of the bandgap of TiO2. While H2 production rates showed linear dependency on plasmonic response of Ag in the Pd−Ag series, the system performed less than that of pure Pd. In other words, the plasmonic contribution of Ag in the Ag−Pd/TiO2 catalyst for hydrogen production, while confirmed using different excitation energies, is small. Therefore, the “possible” synergistic effect of plasmonic (in the case of Ag) and Schottky-mechanism (in the case of Pd) is minor when compared to that of Schottky-effect alone.
Hydrogen Production on Ag-Pd/TiO2 Bimetallic Catalysts: Is there a Combined Effect of Surface Plasmon Resonance with Schottky Mechanism on the Photo-Catalytic Activity?

KAUST Repository

Nadeem, Muhammad A.

2017-03-28

Despite many observations that plasmonics can enhance photocatalytic reactions, their relative role in the overall reaction rate is not thoroughly investigated. Here we report that silver nanoparticles contribution in the reaction rate by its plasmonic effect is negligible when compared to that of Pd (Schottky effect). To conduct the study a series of Ag−Pd/TiO2 catalysts have been prepared, characterized and tested for H2 production from water in the presence of an organic sacrificial agent. Pd was chosen as a standard high work function metal needed for the Schottky junction to pump away electrons from the conduction band of the semiconductor and Ag (whose work function is ca. 1 eV lower than that of Pd) for its high plasmonic resonance response at the edge of the bandgap of TiO2. While H2 production rates showed linear dependency on plasmonic response of Ag in the Pd−Ag series, the system performed less than that of pure Pd. In other words, the plasmonic contribution of Ag in the Ag−Pd/TiO2 catalyst for hydrogen production, while confirmed using different excitation energies, is small. Therefore, the “possible” synergistic effect of plasmonic (in the case of Ag) and Schottky-mechanism (in the case of Pd) is minor when compared to that of Schottky-effect alone.
Reaction of H atoms with chelators in highly basic solution: H2 production in high level liquid waste simulants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barnabas, F.; Cerny, E.; Jonah, C.D.; Meisel, D.; Sauer, M.C. Jr.

1995-01-01

The rate constants for hydrogen abstraction by H from ethylene-diamine tetracetic acid (EDTA), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), iminodiacetic acid (IDA), glycolic acid and citric acid were measured at pH 13. The predominant product of these reactions is H 2 . The rate constants obtained are more than an order of magnitude larger than the literature rates that had been measured at pH 1. These measurements are of significance for understanding the radiolytic production of H 2 in nuclear waste storage tanks. (Author)
Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution by Loading Cd0.5Zn0.5S QDs onto Ni2P Porous Nanosheets.

Science.gov (United States)

Xiao, Lingfeng; Su, Tong; Wang, Zhuo; Zhang, Kun; Peng, Xiaoniu; Han, Yibo; Li, Quan; Wang, Xina

2018-02-02

Ni 2 P has been decorated on CdS nanowires or nanorods for efficient photocatalytic H 2 production, whereas the specific surface area remains limited because of the large size. Here, the composites of Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S quantum dots (QDs) on thin Ni 2 P porous nanosheets with high specific surface area were constructed for noble metal-free photocatalytic H 2 generation. The porous Ni 2 P nanosheets, which were formed by the interconnection of 15-30 nm-sized Ni 2 P nanoparticles, allowed the uniform loading of 7 nm-sized Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S QDs and the loading density being controllable. By tuning the content of Ni 2 P, H 2 generation rates of 43.3 μM h - 1 (1 mg photocatalyst) and 700 μM h - 1 (100 mg photocatalyst) and a solar to hydrogen efficiency of 1.5% were achieved for the Ni 2 P-Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S composites. The effect of Ni 2 P content on the light absorption, photoluminescence, and electrochemical property of the composite was systematically studied. Together with the band structure calculation based on density functional theory, the promotion of Ni 2 P in charge transfer and HER activity together with the shading effect on light absorption were revealed. Such a strategy can be applied to other photocatalysts toward efficient solar hydrogen generation.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution by Loading Cd0.5Zn0.5S QDs onto Ni2P Porous Nanosheets

Science.gov (United States)

Xiao, Lingfeng; Su, Tong; Wang, Zhuo; Zhang, Kun; Peng, Xiaoniu; Han, Yibo; Li, Quan; Wang, Xina

2018-02-01

Ni2P has been decorated on CdS nanowires or nanorods for efficient photocatalytic H2 production, whereas the specific surface area remains limited because of the large size. Here, the composites of Cd0.5Zn0.5S quantum dots (QDs) on thin Ni2P porous nanosheets with high specific surface area were constructed for noble metal-free photocatalytic H2 generation. The porous Ni2P nanosheets, which were formed by the interconnection of 15-30 nm-sized Ni2P nanoparticles, allowed the uniform loading of 7 nm-sized Cd0.5Zn0.5S QDs and the loading density being controllable. By tuning the content of Ni2P, H2 generation rates of 43.3 μM h- 1 (1 mg photocatalyst) and 700 μM h- 1 (100 mg photocatalyst) and a solar to hydrogen efficiency of 1.5% were achieved for the Ni2P-Cd0.5Zn0.5S composites. The effect of Ni2P content on the light absorption, photoluminescence, and electrochemical property of the composite was systematically studied. Together with the band structure calculation based on density functional theory, the promotion of Ni2P in charge transfer and HER activity together with the shading effect on light absorption were revealed. Such a strategy can be applied to other photocatalysts toward efficient solar hydrogen generation.
Solar photocatalytic H{sub 2} production from water using a dual bed photosystem

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Linkous, C.A. [Florida Solar Energy Center, Cocoa, FL (United States)

1996-10-01

The authors are developing a dual stage, direct photoconversion scheme for water splitting. The overall system consists of an aqueous solution circulated through two modules, or beds, each of which contains a photochemically active surface layer below the solution. The idea is to divide the energy requirement for water decomposition between the two photosystems, so that more abundant, lower energy photons in the solar spectrum can be utilized, and that the H{sub 2} and O{sub 2} products can be evolved separately from each other. Catalyst-modified semiconductor powders, immobilized within a polymer binder are currently being employed as the photoactive layers. TiO{sub 2} and platinized-InP have been employed for the O{sub 2} and H{sub 2} evolution tasks, respectively. A major effort over the last year was identification of a suitable redox mediator that is responsible for transferring electron equivalents from one unit to the other. After testing more than a dozen candidates, spanning a wide range of electropotentials, under a variety of conditions, it was found that the bromide/bromate (Br{sup {minus}}/BrO{sub 3}{sup {minus}}) and iodide/iodate (I{sup {minus}}/IO{sub 3}{sup {minus}}) redox systems could function in both modules, necessary for closed cycle operation.
Attapulgite-CeO2/MoS2 ternary nanocomposite for photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Xiazhang; Zhang, Zuosong; Yao, Chao; Lu, Xiaowang; Zhao, Xiaobing; Ni, Chaoying

2016-02-01

Novel attapulgite(ATP)-CeO2/MoS2 ternary nanocomposites were synthesized by microwave assisted assembly method. The structures of the nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, UV-vis, XPS and in situ TEM. The photocatalytic activities of ATP-CeO2/MoS2 composites were investigated by degradating dibenzothiophene (DBT) in gasoline under visible light irradiation. The effect of the mass ratio of CeO2 to MoS2 on photocatalytic activity was investigated. The results indicate that the three-dimensional network structure is firmly constructed by ATP skeleton, CeO2 particles and MoS2 nanosheet which effectively increase the surface area of the composites and promote the separation of electrons and holes by resulting electronic transmission channels of multi-channel in space. The degradation rate of DBT can reach 95% under 3 h irradiation when the mass ratio of CeO2/MoS2 is 4/10. A plausible mechanism for the photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization of this nanocomposite is put forward.
Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of cubic-like CuCr2O4 for dye degradation under visible light irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yuan, Wenhui; Liu, Xiaoxia; Li, Li

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: Hydrothermal synthesis method was applied for preparation of cubic-like CuCr 2 O 4 spinel nanoparticles without template. The synthesized cubic-like CuCr 2 O 4 shows excellent photocatalytic activity for degradation of RhB and MB cationic dyes but not for MO anionic dye in the presence of H 2 O 2 under visible light irradiation. - Highlights: • The cubic-like CuCr 2 O 4 spinel nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via the hydrothermal synthesis method. • The calcination temperature has a great influence on the morphology, particle size and photocatalytic activity of CuCr 2 O 4 . • The pH at the point of zero charge (pH pzc ) of the CuCr 2 O 4 calcined at 600 °C is about 4.52. • The cubic-like CuCr 2 O 4 calcined at 600 °C exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity for RhB and MB in the presence of H 2 O 2 under visible-light irradiation. - Abstract: CuCr 2 O 4 nanoparticles with cubic-like morphology were prepared via hydrothermal synthesis method without template. The CuCr 2 O 4 samples were characterized by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG–DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) and Zeta potentials, respectively. The results indicated that cubic-like CuCr 2 O 4 could be successfully synthesized by calcining the precursor at 600 °C, and the calcination temperature greatly influenced the morphology and optical performance of CuCr 2 O 4 . The pH at the point of zero charge (pH pzc ) of the CuCr 2 O 4 calcined at 600 °C was about 4.52. The photocatalytic activity of CuCr 2 O 4 was evaluated for degradation of rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue (MB), and methyl orange (MO) in the presence of H 2 O 2 under visible light irradiation and the effects of the calcination temperature, dosage of photocatalyst, etc., on photocatalytic activity were studied in detail. The photocatalytic results
Highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from nickel quinolinethiolate complexes under visible light irradiation

Science.gov (United States)

Rao, Heng; Yu, Wen-Qian; Zheng, Hui-Qin; Bonin, Julien; Fan, Yao-Ting; Hou, Hong-Wei

2016-08-01

Earth-abundant metal complexes have emerged as promising surrogates of platinum for catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this study, we report the design and synthesis of two novel nickel quinolinethiolate complexes, namely [Ni(Hqt)2(4, 4‧-Z-2, 2‧-bpy)] (Hqt = 8-quinolinethiol, Z = sbnd H [1] or sbnd CH3 [2], bpy = bipyridine). An efficient three-component photocatalytic homogeneous system for hydrogen generation working under visible light irradiation was constructed by using the target complexes as catalysts, triethylamine (TEA) as sacrificial electron donor and xanthene dyes as photosensitizer. We obtain turnover numbers (TON, vs. catalyst) for H2 evolution of 5923/7634 under the optimal conditions with 5.0 × 10-6 M complex 1/2 respectively, 1.0 × 10-3 M fluorescein and 5% (v/v) TEA at pH 12.3 in EtOH/H2O (1:1, v/v) mixture after 8 h irradiation (λ > 420 nm). We discuss the mechanism of H2 evolution in the homogeneous photocatalytic system based on fluorescence spectrum and cyclic voltammetry data.
Constructing 2D layered MoS2 nanosheets-modified Z-scheme TiO2/WO3 nanofibers ternary nanojunction with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Jiangtao; Zhang, Peng; Fan, Jiajie; Hu, Junhua; Shao, Guosheng

2018-02-01

Advanced materials for photoelectrochemical H2 production are important to the field of renewable energy. Despite great efforts have been made, the present challenge in materials science is to explore highly active photocatalysts for splitting of water at low cost. In this work, we report a new composite material consisting of 2D layered MoS2 nanosheets grown on the presence of TiO2/WO3 nanofibers (TW) as a high-performance photocatalyst for H2 evolution. This composite material was prepared by a two-step simple process of electrospinning and hydrothermal. We found that the as-prepared TiO2/WO3@MoS2 (TWM) hybrid exhibited superior photocatalytic activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) even without the noble metal-cocatalyst. Importantly, the TiO2/WO3@MoS2 heterostructure with 60 wt% of MoS2 exhibits the highest hydrogen production rate. This great improvement is attributed to the positive synergetic effect between the WO3 and MoS2 components in this hybrid cocatalyst, which serve as hole collector and electron collector, respectively. Moreover, the effective charge separation was directly proved by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and photocurrent analysis.
Photocatalytic hydrogen production using visible-light-responsive Ta 3N5 photocatalyst supported on monodisperse spherical SiO2 particulates

KAUST Repository

Liu, Xiaoming

2014-01-01

Fine nanoparticles of Ta3N5 (10-20 nm) were synthesized on the surfaces of SiO2 spheres with a diameter of ∼550 nm. A sol-gel method was used to modify the surface of SiO2 with Ta2O5 from TaCl5 dissolved in ethanol in the presence of citric acid and polyethylene glycol. The resulting oxide composites were treated in an NH3 flow at 1123 K to form core-shell structured Ta3N5/SiO2 sub-microspheres. The obtained samples were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectra (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photocatalytic activity measurements for H 2 evolution from an aqueous methanol solution. The XRD results demonstrate the expected sequential formation of Ta2O5 layers, followed by Ta3N5 after nitridation on the Ta 2O5/SiO2 composite. SEM and TEM observations indicate that the obtained Ta3N5/SiO2 sub-microspheres have a uniform size distribution with high crystallinity and an obvious core-shell structure. The presence of support maintained the intrinsic photocatalytic activity of Ta3N5 nanoparticles, but it did drastically improve the dispersion of the photocatalysts in the solution. This study proposes the use of an inert support in photocatalytic reactors to improve ease of handling the powder photocatalyst for gas-phase photocatalysis and the suspension of the solution, controlling nature of light harvesting and degree of scattering of the photoreactor. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Synthesis and photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance of Cu2O/Coal-based carbon nanoparticle composites

Science.gov (United States)

Dedong, Zhang; Maimaiti, Halidan; Awati, Abuduheiremu; Yisilamu, Gunisakezi; Fengchang, Sun; Ming, Wei

2018-05-01

The photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into hydrocarbons provides a promising approach to overcome the challenges of environmental crisis and energy shortage. Here we fabricated a cuprous oxide (Cu2O) based composite photocatalyst consisting of Cu2O/carbon nanoparticles (CNPs). To prepare the CNPs, coal samples from Wucaiwan, Xinjiang, China, were first treated with HNO3, followed by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) oxidation to strip nanocrystalline carbon from coal. After linking with oxygen-containing group such as hydroxyl, coal-based CNPs with sp2 carbon structure and multilayer graphene lattice structure were synthesized. Subsequently, the CNPs were loaded onto the surface of Cu2O nanoparticles prepared by in-situ reduction of copper chloride (CuCl2·2H2O). The physical properties and chemical structure of the Cu2O/CNPs as well as photocatalytic activity of CO2/H2O reduction into CH3OH were measured. The results demonstrate that the Cu2O/CNPs are composed of spherical particles with diameter of 50 nm and mesoporous structure, which are suitable for CO2 adsorption. Under illumination of visible light, electron-hole pairs are generated in Cu2O. Thanks to the CNPs, the fast recombination of electron-hole pairs is suppressed. The energy gradient formed on the surface of Cu2O/CNPs facilitates the efficient separation of electron-hole pairs for CO2 reduction and H2O oxidation, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity.
Enhanced visible-light photocatalytic decomposition of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid over ZnIn_2S_4/g-C_3N_4 photocatalyst

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Qiu, Pengxiang; Yao, Jinhua; Chen, Huan; Jiang, Fang; Xie, Xianchuan

2016-01-01

Highlights: • A novel flower-on-sheet ZnIn_2S_4/g-C_3N_4 nanocomposite was synthesized. • ZnIn_2S_4/g-C_3N_4 showed high visible light catalytic activity for 2,4-D degradation. • The photocatalytic degradation pathway of 2,4-D was investigated. - Abstract: ZnIn_2S_4/g-C_3N_4 heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method and applied to visible-light photocatalytic decomposition of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) from aqueous phase. The flower-like ZnIn_2S_4 particles were dispersed on the surface of g-C_3N_4 nanosheets in the ZnIn_2S_4/g-C_3N_4 composite. The composite showed higher separation rate of electron-hole pairs as compared to ZnIn_2S_4 and g-C_3N_4. Consequently, the ZnIn_2S_4/g-C_3N_4 composite exhibited enhanced visible light photocatalytic decomposition efficiency of 2,4-D, within 20% ZnIn_2S_4/g-C_3N_4 composite owning the highest photocatalytic efficiency and initial rate. The initial rates of 2,4-D degradation on g-C_3N_4, ZnIn_2S_4, and 20% ZnIn_2S_4/g-C_3N_4 were 1.23, 0.57 and 3.69 mmol/(g_c_a_t h), respectively. The h"+ and O_2"·"− were found to be the dominant active species for 2,4-D decomposition. The photocatalytic degradation pathways of 2,4-D by ZnIn_2S_4/g-C_3N_4 under visible light irradiation were explored. The ZnIn_2S_4/g-C_3N_4 composite displayed high photostability in recycling tests, reflecting its promising potential as an effective visible light photocatalyst for 2,4-D treatment.

Photocatalytic performance of graphene/TiO_2-Ag composites on amaranth dye degradation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Roşu, Marcela-Corina; Socaci, Crina; Floare-Avram, Veronica; Borodi, Gheorghe; Pogăcean, Florina; Coroş, Maria; Măgeruşan, Lidia; Pruneanu, Stela

2016-01-01

Ternary nanocomposites containing TiO_2, silver and graphene with different reduction levels were prepared and used as photocatalysts for amaranth azo dye degradation, under UV and natural light exposure. The obtained materials were characterized by TEM, XRD, FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy, confirming the successful formation of the nanocomposites. HPLC analysis along with UV-Vis spectroscopy were employed to quantify the concentration of non-degraded dye in solution. The graphene/TiO_2-Ag nanocomposites proved to have remarkable photocatalytic activities for amaranth degradation under UV and solar irradiation (85.3–98% of dye has disappeared in the first 2 h). Also, significant removal efficiencies (between 40.5 and 71.8%) of photocatalysts, in day light conditions, were demonstrated. The best result for amaranth dye degradation was obtained with the reduced graphene/TiO_2-Ag catalyst (up to 99.9%). Based on the degradation products analysis, a photodegradation pathway of amaranth dye was also proposed. - Highlights: • Graphene/TiO_2-Ag composites were prepared by a combined chemical-thermal method. • The composites showed improved light-absorption characteristics. • A significant degradation performance of amaranth was obtained with these composites under UV and natural light exposure. • Graphene/TiO_2-Ag composites offer a high potential for various photocatalytic applications in pollutant removal processes.
Structural characteristics of mixed oxides MOx/SiO2 affecting photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gun’ko, V.M.; Blitz, J.P.; Bandaranayake, B.; Pakhlov, E.M.; Zarko, V.I.; Sulym, I.Ya.; Kulyk, K.S.; Galaburda, M.V.; Bogatyrev, V.M.; Oranska, O.I.; Borysenko, M.V.; Leboda, R.; Skubiszewska-Zięba, J.; Janush, W.

2012-01-01

A series of photocatalysts based on silica (nanoparticulate) supported titania, ceria, and ceria/zirconia were synthesized and characterized by a variety of techniques including surface area measurements, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, surface charge density, and photocatalytic behavior toward methylene blue decomposition. Thermal treatment at 600 °C increases the anatase content of the titania based catalysts detected by XRD. Changes in the infrared spectra before and after thermal treatment indicate that at low temperature there are more ≡Si-O-Ti≡ bonds than at high temperature. As these bonds break upon heating the SiO 2 and TiO 2 separate, allowing the TiO 2 anatase phase to form. This results in an increased catalytic activity for the thermally treated samples. Nearly all titania based samples exhibit a negative surface charge density at pH 7 (initial pH of photocatalytic studies) which aids adsorption of methylene blue. The crystallinity of ceria and ceria/zirconia based catalysts are in some cases limited, and in others non-existent. Even though the energy band gap (E g ) can be lower for these catalysts than for the titania based catalysts, their photocatalytic properties are inferior.
A bamboo-inspired hierarchical nanoarchitecture of Ag/CuO/TiO{sub 2} nanotube array for highly photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dinitrophenol

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Xuhong; Wang, Longlu [State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 (China); Liu, Chengbin, E-mail: chem_cbliu@hnu.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 (China); Ding, Yangbin; Zhang, Shuqu; Zeng, Yunxiong [State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 (China); Liu, Yutang, E-mail: liuyutang@126.com [Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082 (China); Luo, Shenglian [State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 (China)

2016-08-05

Highlights: • Bamboo-like architecture of ternary photocatalyst. • High simulated solar light photocatalytic activity. • Integration of p-n heterojunction and Schottky junction. • Excellent stable recycling performance. - Abstract: The optimized geometrical configuration of muitiple active materials into hierarchical nanoarchitecture is essential for the creation of photocatalytic degradation system that can mimic natural photosynthesis. A bamboo-like architecture, CuO nanosheets and Ag nanoparticles co-decorated TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays (Ag/CuO/TiO{sub 2}), was fabricated by using simple solution-immersion and electrodeposition process. Under simulated solar light irradiation, the 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) photocatalytic degradation rate over Ag/CuO/TiO{sub 2} was about 2.0, 1.5 and 1.2 times that over TiO{sub 2} nanotubes, CuO/TiO{sub 2} and Ag/TiO{sub 2}, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of ternary Ag/CuO/TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst was ascribed to improved light absorption, reduced carrier recombination and more exposed active sites. Moreover, the excellent stability and reliability of the Ag/CuO/TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst demonstrated a promising application for organic pollutant removal from water.
Preparation of NaTaO3 by Spray Pyrolysis and Evaluation of Apparent Photocatalytic Activity for Hydrogen Production from Water

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hyun Woo Kang

2008-01-01

Full Text Available NaTaO3 photocatalyst was prepared by spray pyrolysis process and tested as photocatalyst for water splitting under UV light. Precursor solution was prepared from NaNO3 and Ta(OC2H55 in nitric acid solution and spray-pyrolyzed in air at between 973 and 1273 K. Considerable enhancement of photocatalytic activity was achieved by loading 0.05∼0.2 wt% of NiO on the surface of NaTaO3. The NiO loading was more effective on the NaTaO3 synthesized by spray pyrolysis in comparison with that synthesized by solid-state reaction. The quantum yield (QY of NiO/NaTaO3 photocatalyst was measured by chemical actinometry using potassium ferrioxalate and compared with the apparent photocatalytic activities (APA which would be more useful for the purpose of photocatalytic reactor design than the quantum yield. The apparent photocatalytic activity (APA was defined by the rate of hydrogen production divided by weight of catalyst, volume of reactant mixture, duration of irradiation, and power of UV lamp. The validity of the apparent photocatalytic activity (APA was discussed based on our results and reported activities of NaTaO3 photocatalyst loaded with or without NiO.
Effects of indium contents on photocatalytic performance of ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} for hydrogen evolution under visible light

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Song, Kelin [Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Water Resource Utilization and Environmental Pollution Control, Shenzhen 518055 (China); Zhu, Rongshu, E-mail: rszhu@hitsz.edu.cn [Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Water Resource Utilization and Environmental Pollution Control, Shenzhen 518055 (China); Public Platform for Technological Service in Urban Waste Reuse and Energy Regeneration, Shenzhen 518055 (China); Tian, Fei [Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Water Resource Utilization and Environmental Pollution Control, Shenzhen 518055 (China); Cao, Gang, E-mail: caog@hotmail.com [Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Water Resource Utilization and Environmental Pollution Control, Shenzhen 518055 (China); Public Platform for Technological Service in Urban Waste Reuse and Energy Regeneration, Shenzhen 518055 (China); Ouyang, Feng [Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Water Resource Utilization and Environmental Pollution Control, Shenzhen 518055 (China); Public Platform for Technological Service in Urban Waste Reuse and Energy Regeneration, Shenzhen 518055 (China)

2015-12-15

A series of ZnIn{sub x}S{sub 4+y} (x=1.6, 2.0, 2.3, 2.6, 2.9, 3.1) photocatalysts were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method and characterized by various analytical techniques, such as XRD, EDS, UV–vis DRS, SEM, TEM, BET and PL. The ZnIn{sub x}S{sub 4+y} photocatalysts had a similar crystal structure. With the increase of indium content, the absorption edges of ZnIn{sub x}S{sub 4+y} photocatalysts shifted to longer wavelength, their crystal sizes decreased firstly and then increased and the variation of the specific surface area and total pore volume was exactly opposite. Especially, when x=2.3, ZnIn{sub 2.3}S{sub 4+y} catalyst had smallest crystal size, largest specific surface area and total pore volume. Additionally, the morphology of ZnIn{sub x}S{sub 4+y} greatly depended on the contents of indium. The photocatalytic activity of ZnIn{sub x}S{sub 4+y} was evaluated by photocatalytic hydrogen production from water under visible light. The ZnIn{sub 2.3}S{sub 4+y} sample had the highest photocatalytic activity among these ZnIn{sub x}S{sub 4+y} photocatalysts and its hydrogen production rate was 363 μmol/g h. - Graphical abstract: First, a series of catalysts were synthesized. And then those were characterized by various analytical techniques (such as SEM). finally, The photocatalytic activity of catalyst was evaluated by photocatalytic hydrogen production from water under visible light. - Highlights: • The photocatalytic property was studied upon visible-light irradiation. • ZnIn{sub x}S{sub 4+y} photocatalysts show superior photocatalytic activity. • The catalyst of grain size, morphology and BET are related to indium content. • ZnIn{sub x}S{sub 4+y} photocatalysts were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method.
Synthesis and characterization of PTP/[Fe(CN){sub 3}(dien)]·H{sub 2}O nanocomposite; study of electrical, thermal and photocatalytic properties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Moosvi, Syed Kazim; Majid, Kowsar, E-mail: kowsarmajid@rediffmail.com; Ara, Tabassum

2016-10-20

Highlights: • Synthesis of PTP nanocomposite with photoadduct via in-situ chemical polymerisation. • Photoadduct and its nanocomposite are characterized by UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, and SEM characterisation techniques. • Enhanced thermal stability of nanocomposite as compared to pure PTP. • Nanocomposite exhibit non-linear I–V behaviour. • Improved electrical properties and photocatalytic activity of nanocomposite as compared to pure PTP. - Abstract: Polythiophene/[Fe(CN){sub 3}(dien)]·H{sub 2}O nanocomposite was synthesised by oxidative chemical polymerisation method. Photoadduct was synthesised by irradiating an equimolar mixture of potassium ferricyanide and diethylenetriamine which was then reduced to nanosize by high energy ball mill. The reduction of photoadduct to nanosize was confirmed from XRD. Nanocomposite of PTP with photoadduct was then prepared by oxidative chemical polymerisation using FeCl{sub 3} as oxidant. The successful synthesis of nanocomposite was confirmed from FTIR, XRD and SEM. TGA revealed higher thermal stability of nanocomposite as compared to pure PTP. I–V characteristics plotted on a log–log scale showed two distinct power law regions in case of nanocomposite. At lower voltages, the transport mechanism follows Ohm’s law. At higher voltages, the mechanism is consistent with space charge-limited emission. Furthermore, nanocomposite shows enhanced conductivity as compared to pure PTP. From dielectric studies, an appreciable high value of dielectric constant (4.4 × 10{sup 6} at 100 Hz) and ac conductivity (2.1 × 10{sup 9} S/m at 300 kHz) of nanocomposite was obtained. This indicates the possible application of this nanocomposite in charge storage devices. The photocatalytic activity of the materials was studied against the methyl orange (MO) dye under UV–Vis light and 76% degradation of MO dye was achieved in presence of nanocomposite in just 2 h, hence indicating its better photocatalytic efficiency. Results thus
Synthesis of uniform ZnGa2O4 nanoparticles with high photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yuan, Yufeng; Huang, Junjian; Tu, Weixia; Huang, Simin

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Uniform ZnGa 2 O 4 nanoparticles are obtained by microwave homogeneous coprecipitation. • CTAB benefits ZnGa 2 O 4 improving separation of photoinduced electrons and holes. • Microwave and calcining temperatures are optimized for the morphology of ZnGa 2 O 4 . • ZnGa 2 O 4 nanoparticles show superior photocatalysis in degradations of organic dyes. - Abstract: ZnGa 2 O 4 nanoparticles are obtained by microwave-hydrothermal method through homogeneous coprecipitation reaction using urea as precipitant with surfactant assembly. Synthetic temperature, surfactant, and calcination temperature have the obvious effect on the formation and photocatalytic activity of ZnGa 2 O 4 . ZnGa 2 O 4 nanoparticles synthesized in the optimal conditions are highly dispersed and uniform with average diameter of 16.2 nm possessing a surface area of 70 m 2 g −1 . Under ultraviolet (UV) light illumination, the ZnGa 2 O 4 nanoparticles show an efficient photocatalytic activity in liquid phase degradation of organic dyes. The decomposition rates of methyl orange and methylene blue over the present ZnGa 2 O 4 nanoparticles are higher than those of commercial P25 (Degussa Co)
Unravelling the pH-dependence of a molecular photocatalytic system for hydrogen production† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5sc01349f Click here for additional data file.

Science.gov (United States)

Pastor, Ernest; Gross, Manuela A.; Selim, Shababa

2015-01-01

Photocatalytic systems for the reduction of aqueous protons are strongly pH-dependent, but the origin of this dependency is still not fully understood. We have studied the effect of different degrees of acidity on the electron transfer dynamics and catalysis taking place in a homogeneous photocatalytic system composed of a phosphonated ruthenium tris(bipyridine) dye (RuP) and a nickel bis(diphosphine) electrocatalyst (NiP) in an aqueous ascorbic acid solution. Our approach is based on transient absorption spectroscopy studies of the efficiency of photo-reduction of RuP and NiP correlated with pH-dependent photocatalytic H2 production and the degree of catalyst protonation. The influence of these factors results in an observed optimum photoactivity at pH 4.5 for the RuP–NiP system. The electron transfer from photo-reduced RuP to NiP is efficient and independent of the pH value of the medium. At pH RuP photo-reduction by the sacrificial electron donor, ascorbic acid. At pH >4.5, the efficiency of the system is limited by the poor protonation of NiP, which inhibits its ability to reduce protons to hydrogen. We have therefore developed a rational strategy utilising transient absorption spectroscopy combined with bulk pH titration, electrocatalytic and photocatalytic experiments to disentangle the complex pH-dependent activity of the homogenous RuP–NiP photocatalytic system, which can be widely applied to other photocatalytic systems. PMID:28717491
Nitrogen-Doped Graphene for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation.

Science.gov (United States)

Chang, Dong Wook; Baek, Jong-Beom

2016-04-20

Photocatalytic hydrogen (H2 ) generation in a water splitting process has recently attracted tremendous interest because it allows the direct conversion of clean and unlimited solar energy into the ideal energy resource of H2 . For efficient photocatalytic H2 generation, the role of the photocatalyst is critical. With increasing demand for more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective photocatalysts, various types of semiconductor photocatalysts have been intensively developed. In particular, on the basis of its superior catalytic and tunable electronic properties, nitrogen-doped graphene is a potential candidate for a high-performance photocatalyst. Nitrogen-doped graphene also offers additional advantages originating from its unique two-dimensional sp(2) -hybridized carbon network including a large specific surface area and exceptional charge transport properties. It has been reported that nitrogen-doped graphene can play diverse but positive functions including photo-induced charge acceptor/meditator, light absorber from UV to visible light, n-type semiconductor, and giant molecular photocatalyst. Herein, we summarize the recent progress and general aspects of nitrogen-doped graphene as a photocatalyst for photocatalytic H2 generation. In addition, challenges and future perspectives in this field are also discussed. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Photocatalytic overall water splitting promoted by an α-β phase junction on Ga2O3.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Xiang; Xu, Qian; Li, Mingrun; Shen, Shuai; Wang, Xiuli; Wang, Yaochuan; Feng, Zhaochi; Shi, Jingying; Han, Hongxian; Li, Can

2012-12-21

When Alpha met Beta: a tuneable α-β surface phase junction on Ga(2)O(3) can significantly improve photocatalytic overall water splitting into H(2) and O(2) over individual α-Ga(2)O(3) or β-Ga(2)O(3) surface phases. This enhanced photocatalytic performance is mainly attributed to the efficient charge separation and transfer across the α-β phase junction. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
MoS{sub 2}-coated microspheres of self-sensitized carbon nitride for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation under visible light irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gu, Quan [Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710062 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798 (Singapore); Sun, Huaming; Xie, Zunyuan; Gao, Ziwei [Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710062 (China); Xue, Can, E-mail: cxue@ntu.edu.sg [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798 (Singapore)

2017-02-28

Highlights: • Successful coating of MoS{sub 2} onto self-sensitized carbon nitride microspheres. • The carbon nitride@MoS{sub 2} core-shell structure show enhanced H{sub 2} generation in visible light. • Synergistic effect of surface dyes and MoS{sub 2} coating enhances photocatalytic activities. - Abstract: We have successfully coated the self-sensitized carbon nitride (SSCN) microspheres with a layer of MoS{sub 2} through a facile one-pot hydrothermal method by using (NH{sub 4}){sub 2}MoS{sub 4} as the precursor. The resulted MoS{sub 2}-coated SSCN photocatalyst appears as a core-shell structure and exhibits enhanced visible-light activities for photocatalytic H{sub 2} generation as compared to the un-coated SSCN and the standard g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} reference with MoS{sub 2} coating. The photocatalytic test results suggest that the oligomeric s-triazine dyes on the SSCN surface can provide additional light-harvesting capability and photogenerated charge carriers, and the coated MoS{sub 2} layer can serve as active sites for proton reduction towards H{sub 2} evolution. This synergistic effect of surface triazine dyes and MoS{sub 2} coating greatly promotes the activity of carbon nitride microspheres for vishible-light-driven H{sub 2} generation. This work provides a new way of future development of low-cost noble-metal-free photocatalysts for efficient solar-driven hydrogen production.
High performance nano-titania photocatalytic paper composite. Part II: Preparation and characterization of natural zeolite-based nano-titania composite sheets and study of their photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ko, Seonghyuk; Fleming, Paul D.; Joyce, Margaret; Ari-Gur, Pnina

2009-01-01

A novel paper composite with high photocatalytic performance was fabricated using natural zeolite (clinoptilolite)-based nanosized TiO 2 . Photocatalytic materials, from sol-gel derived TiO 2 colloids to its coupling with zeolite, have been designed, prepared and characterized. As-prepared anatase TiO 2 on zeolite particles were readily used in photocatalytic paper, which revealed zeolite-TiO 2 particles dispersed on a dense network of fibers with microvoids. Natural zeolite-based TiO 2 composite sheets described here decomposed gaseous toluene very effectively after UV irradiation and its removal efficiency was higher than that accomplished by photocatalytic paper made with Degussa P25 TiO 2 or Ahlstrom commercial photocatalytic non-woven paper.
Cocatalysts in Semiconductor-based Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction: Achievements, Challenges, and Opportunities.

Science.gov (United States)

Ran, Jingrun; Jaroniec, Mietek; Qiao, Shi-Zhang

2018-02-01

Ever-increasing fossil-fuel combustion along with massive CO 2 emissions has aroused a global energy crisis and climate change. Photocatalytic CO 2 reduction represents a promising strategy for clean, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly conversion of CO 2 into hydrocarbon fuels by utilizing solar energy. This strategy combines the reductive half-reaction of CO 2 conversion with an oxidative half reaction, e.g., H 2 O oxidation, to create a carbon-neutral cycle, presenting a viable solution to global energy and environmental problems. There are three pivotal processes in photocatalytic CO 2 conversion: (i) solar-light absorption, (ii) charge separation/migration, and (iii) catalytic CO 2 reduction and H 2 O oxidation. While significant progress is made in optimizing the first two processes, much less research is conducted toward enhancing the efficiency of the third step, which requires the presence of cocatalysts. In general, cocatalysts play four important roles: (i) boosting charge separation/transfer, (ii) improving the activity and selectivity of CO 2 reduction, (iii) enhancing the stability of photocatalysts, and (iv) suppressing side or back reactions. Herein, for the first time, all the developed CO 2 -reduction cocatalysts for semiconductor-based photocatalytic CO 2 conversion are summarized, and their functions and mechanisms are discussed. Finally, perspectives in this emerging area are provided. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of Ce-doped TiO2 and TiO2 nanotubes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arruda, L.B.; Pereira, E.A.; Paula, F.R.; Lisboa Filho, P.N.

2016-01-01

Full text: One-dimensional nanostructures have been intensively studied, from the point of view of their synthesis and mechanisms of formation, as well as their applications in photonics, solar energy conversion, environmental and photocatalysis, since their properties due high surface area, electrical conductivity and light dispersion effects. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have been demonstrated to be an effective multifunctional material especially when the particle size is less than 50 nm exhibit photoinduced activities that originate from the semiconductor band gap. TiO2 is semiconductor more used in photocatalysis, for this reason various properties have been thoroughly investigated in order to show that the photocatalytic activity and TiO2 reaction mechanism are influenced by structure, defects and impurities, surface morphology. and interfaces in addition to the concentration of dopants, such as rare-earth elements. Cerium ions, for example, vary between Ce4+ and Ce3 + oxidation state making the cerium oxide appear as CeO2 and Ce2O3 under oxidation and reduction conditions. These different electronic structures of Ce3+ (4f15d0) and Ce4+ (4f05d0) provide different catalytic and optical properties at the TiO2. In this work, samples of Ce-doped TiO2 and TiO2 were synthesized by alkali route, and its photocatalytic activity analyzed in order to create a relationship between the response obtained and the structure and morphology of each sample. Alkali route consists in submitting TiO2 (anatase) powder directly in medium of the NaOH (10M) and maintained at 120°C/20 hours by a glycerin bath with subsequent washed with water and HCl (0.1M) until reaching the desired pH. The synthesized samples were then studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic decomposition of rhodamine B (Rh.B) it was performed under UV irradiation and visible light in air. For the obtained
Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of Ce-doped TiO2 and TiO2 nanotubes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Arruda, L.B.; Pereira, E.A.; Paula, F.R.; Lisboa Filho, P.N. [Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), SP (Brazil)

2016-07-01

Full text: One-dimensional nanostructures have been intensively studied, from the point of view of their synthesis and mechanisms of formation, as well as their applications in photonics, solar energy conversion, environmental and photocatalysis, since their properties due high surface area, electrical conductivity and light dispersion effects. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have been demonstrated to be an effective multifunctional material especially when the particle size is less than 50 nm exhibit photoinduced activities that originate from the semiconductor band gap. TiO2 is semiconductor more used in photocatalysis, for this reason various properties have been thoroughly investigated in order to show that the photocatalytic activity and TiO2 reaction mechanism are influenced by structure, defects and impurities, surface morphology. and interfaces in addition to the concentration of dopants, such as rare-earth elements. Cerium ions, for example, vary between Ce4+ and Ce3 + oxidation state making the cerium oxide appear as CeO2 and Ce2O3 under oxidation and reduction conditions. These different electronic structures of Ce3+ (4f15d0) and Ce4+ (4f05d0) provide different catalytic and optical properties at the TiO2. In this work, samples of Ce-doped TiO2 and TiO2 were synthesized by alkali route, and its photocatalytic activity analyzed in order to create a relationship between the response obtained and the structure and morphology of each sample. Alkali route consists in submitting TiO2 (anatase) powder directly in medium of the NaOH (10M) and maintained at 120°C/20 hours by a glycerin bath with subsequent washed with water and HCl (0.1M) until reaching the desired pH. The synthesized samples were then studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic decomposition of rhodamine B (Rh.B) it was performed under UV irradiation and visible light in air. For the obtained
Increased photocatalytic activity induced by TiO2/Pt/SnO2 heterostructured films

Science.gov (United States)

Testoni, Glaucio O.; Amoresi, Rafael A. C.; Lustosa, Glauco M. M. M.; Costa, João P. C.; Nogueira, Marcelo V.; Ruiz, Miguel; Zaghete, Maria A.; Perazolli, Leinig A.

2018-02-01

In this work, a high photocatalytic activity was attained by intercalating a Pt layer between SnO2 and TiO2 semiconductors, which yielded a TiO2/Pt/SnO2 - type heterostructure used in the discoloration of blue methylene (MB) solution. The porous films and platinum layer were obtained by electrophoretic deposition and DC Sputtering, respectively, and were both characterized morphologically and structurally by FE-SEM and XRD. The films with the Pt interlayer were evaluated by photocatalytic activity through exposure to UV light. An increase in efficiency of 22% was obtained for these films compared to those without platinum deposition. Studies on the reutilization of the films pointed out high efficiency and recovery of the photocatalyst, rendering the methodology favorable for the construction of fixed bed photocatalytic reactors. A proposal associated with the mechanism is discussed in this work in terms of the difference in Schottky barrier between the semiconductors and the electrons transfer and trapping cycle. These are fundamental factors for boosting photocatalytic efficiency.
High photocatalytic degradation activity of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-vitamin C (VC)-TiO{sub 2} nano-composite film

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yang Changjun; Gong Chuqing; Peng Tianyou [College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072 (China); Deng Kejian [Key Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials Science of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission and Ministry of Education, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan 430074 (China); Zan Ling, E-mail: irlab@whu.edu.cn [College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072 (China)

2010-06-15

A novel photodegradable polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-vitamin C (VC)-TiO{sub 2} nano-composite film was prepared by embedding VC modified nano-TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst into the commercial PVC plastic. The solid-phase photocatalytic degradation behavior of PVC-VC-TiO{sub 2} nano-composite film under UV light irradiation was investigated and compared with those of the PVC-TiO{sub 2} film and the pure PVC film, with the aid of UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), weight loss monitoring, and X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD). The results show that PVC-VC-TiO{sub 2} nano-composite film has a high photocatalytic activity; the photocatalytic degradation rate of it is two times higher than that of PVC-TiO{sub 2} film and fifteen times higher than that of pure PVC film. The optimal mass ratio of VC to TiO{sub 2} is found to be 0.5. The mechanism of enhancing photocatalytic activity is attributed to the formation of a Ti{sup IV}-VC charge-transfer complex with five-member chelate ring structure and a rapid photogenerated charge separation is thus achieved.
Hierarchical architectures of ZnS–In2S3 solid solution onto TiO2 nanofibers with high visible-light photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Chengbin; Meng, Deshui; Li, Yue; Wang, Longlu; Liu, Yutang; Luo, Shenglian

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: A unique hierarchical architecture of ZnS–In 2 S 3 solid solution onto TiO 2 nanofibers was fabricated. The hierarchical heterostructures exhibit high visible light photocatalytic activity and outstanding recycling performance. - Highlights: • Novel hierarchical heterostructure of TiO 2 @ZnS–In 2 S 3 solid solution. • Efficient inhibition of ZnS–In 2 S 3 solid solution aggregation. • High visible light photocatalytic activity. • Highly stable recycling performance. - Abstract: A unique hierarchical architecture of ZnS–In 2 S 3 solid solution nanostructures onto TiO 2 nanofibers (TiO 2 @ZnS–In 2 S 3 ) has been successfully fabricated by simple hydrothermal method. The ZnS–In 2 S 3 solid solution nanostructures exhibit a diversity of morphologies: nanosheet, nanorod and nanoparticle. The porous TiO 2 nanofiber templates effectively inhibit the aggregation growth of ZnS–In 2 S 3 solid solution. The formation of ZnS–In 2 S 3 solid solution is proved by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the intimate contact between TiO 2 nanofibers and ZnS–In 2 S 3 solid solution favors fast transfer of photogenerated electrons. The trinary TiO 2 @ZnS–In 2 S 3 heterostructures exhibit high adsorption capacity and visible light photocatalytic activity for the degradation of rhodamine B dye (RhB), remarkably superior to pure TiO 2 nanofibers or binary structures (ZnS/TiO 2 nanofibers, In 2 S 3 /TiO 2 nanofibers and ZnS–In 2 S 3 solid solution). Under visible light irradiation the RhB photocatalytic degradation rate over TiO 2 @ZnS–In 2 S 3 heterostructures is about 16.7, 12.5, 6.3, 5.9, and 2.2 times that over pure TiO 2 nanofibers, ZnS nanoparticles, In 2 S 3 /TiO 2 nanofibers, ZnS/TiO 2 nanofibers, and ZnS-In 2 S 3 solid solution, respectively. Furthermore, the TiO 2 @ZnS–In 2 S 3 heterostructures show highly stable recycling performance
Atom beam sputtered Ag-TiO{sub 2} plasmonic nanocomposite thin films for photocatalytic applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Singh, Jaspal; Sahu, Kavita [School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Dwarka, NewDelhi 110078 (India); Pandey, A. [Solid State Physics Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Organization, Timarpur, Delhi 110054 (India); Kumar, Mohit [Institute of Physics, Sachivalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751005 (India); Ghosh, Tapas; Satpati, B. [Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, HBNI, 1/AF, Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064 (India); Som, T.; Varma, S. [Institute of Physics, Sachivalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751005 (India); Avasthi, D.K. [Amity Institute of Nanotechnology, Noida 201313, Uttar Pradesh (India); Mohapatra, Satyabrata, E-mail: smiuac@gmail.com [School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Dwarka, NewDelhi 110078 (India)

2017-07-31

The development of nanocomposite coatings with highly enhanced photocatalytic activity is important for photocatalytic purification of water and air. We report on the synthesis of Ag-TiO{sub 2} nanocomposite thin films with highly enhanced photocatalytic activity by atom beam co-sputtering technique. The effects of Ag concentration on the structural, morphological, optical, plasmonic and photocatalytic properties of the nanocomposite thin films were investigated. UV–visible DRS studies revealed the presence of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak characteristic of Ag nanoparticles together with the excitonic absorption peak originating from TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles in the nanocomposites. XRD studies showed that the nanocomposite thin films consist of Ag nanoparticles and rutile TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles. The synthesized Ag-TiO{sub 2} nanocomposite thin films with 5 at% Ag were found to exhibit highly enhanced photocatalytic activity for sun light driven photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue in water, indicating their potential application in water purification.
Silver film on nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} support: Photocatalytic and antimicrobial ability

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vukoje, Ivana D., E-mail: ivanav@vinca.rs [Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box 522, 11000 Belgrade (Serbia); Tomašević-Ilić, Tijana D., E-mail: tommashev@gmail.com [Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box 522, 11000 Belgrade (Serbia); Zarubica, Aleksandra R., E-mail: zarubica2000@yahoo.com [Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000 Niš (Serbia); Dimitrijević, Suzana, E-mail: suzana@tmf.bg.ac.rs [Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Karnegijeva 4, 11000 Belgrade (Serbia); Budimir, Milica D., E-mail: mickbudimir@gmail.com [Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box 522, 11000 Belgrade (Serbia); Vranješ, Mila R., E-mail: mila@vinca.rs [Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box 522, 11000 Belgrade (Serbia); Šaponjić, Zoran V., E-mail: saponjic@vinca.rs [Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box 522, 11000 Belgrade (Serbia); Nedeljković, Jovan M., E-mail: jovned@vinca.rs [Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box 522, 11000 Belgrade (Serbia)

2014-12-15

Highlights: • Simple photocatalytic rout for deposition of Ag on nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} films. • High antibactericidal efficiency of deposited Ag on TiO{sub 2} support. • Improved photocatalytic performance of TiO{sub 2} films in the presence of deposited Ag. - Abstract: Nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} films were prepared on glass slides by the dip coating technique using colloidal solutions consisting of 4.5 nm particles as a precursor. Photoirradiation of nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} film modified with alanine that covalently binds to the surface of TiO{sub 2} and at the same time chelate silver ions induced formation of metallic silver film. Optical and morphological properties of thin silver films on nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} support were studied by absorption spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Improvement of photocatalytic performance of nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} films after deposition of silver was observed in degradation reaction of crystal violet. Antimicrobial ability of deposited silver films on nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} support was tested in dark as a function of time against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The silver films ensured maximum cells reduction of both bacteria, while the fungi reduction reached satisfactory 98.45% after 24 h of contact.

Investigation of the photocatalytic transformation of acesulfame K in the presence of different TiO2-based materials.

Science.gov (United States)

López-Muňoz, M J; Daniele, A; Zorzi, M; Medana, C; Calza, P

2018-02-01

The photocatalytic transformation of acesulfame K - an artificial sweetener that has gained popularity over the last decades for being a calorie-free additive in food, beverages and several pharmaceutical products - was studied using three different photocatalysts, the benchmark TiO 2 -P25 and two other forms of synthetized titanium oxides named TiO 2 -SG1 and TiO 2 -SG2. The two latter materials were synthesized by a sol gel process in which the hydrolysis rate of titanium n-butoxide was controlled by the water formed in situ through an esterification reaction between ethanol and acetic acid. The investigation included monitoring the sweetener disappearance, identifying its intermediate compounds, assessing mineralization and evaluating toxicity. The analyses were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a LTQ-Orbitrap analyzer via an electrospray ionization (ESI) in the negative ion mode. This is a powerful tool for the identification, characterization and measurement of the transformation products (TPs); overall 13 species were identified. The use of several semiconductors has pointed out differences in terms of both photocatalytic efficiency and mechanism: the assessment of the evolution kinetics of each species (TPs, total organic carbon and inorganic ions) has brought to the elaboration of a general transformation pathway of acesulfame K. TiO 2 -SG2 proved to be the most efficient material in degrading the artificial sweetener and leads to the complete mineralization within 6 h of irradiation, while up to 16 h are required for TiO 2 -P25. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Enhancement of photocatalytic H2 evolution of eosin Y-sensitized reduced graphene oxide through a simple photoreaction

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Weiying Zhang

2014-06-01

Full Text Available A graphene oxide (GO solution was irradiated by a Xenon lamp to form reduced graphene oxide (RGO. After irradiation, the epoxy, the carbonyl and the hydroxy groups are gradually removed from GO, resulting in an increase of sp2 π-conjugated domains and defect carbons with holes for the formed RGO. The RGO conductivity increases due to the restoration of sp2 π-conjugated domains. The photocatalytic activity of EY-RGO/Pt for hydrogen evolution was investigated with eosin Y (EY as a sensitizer of the RGO and Pt as a co-catalyst. When the irradiation time is increased from 0 to 24 h the activity rises, and then reaches a plateau. Under optimum conditions (pH 10.0, 5.0 × 10−4 mol L−1 EY, 10 μg mL−1 RGO, the maximal apparent quantum yield (AQY of EY-RGO24/Pt for hydrogen evolution rises up to 12.9% under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm, and 23.4% under monochromatic light irradiation at 520 nm. Fluorescence spectra and transient absorption decay spectra of the EY-sensitized RGO confirm that the electron transfer ability of RGO increases with increasing irradiation time. The adsorption quantity of EY on the surface of RGO enhances, too. The two factors ultimately result in an enhancement of the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution over EY-RGO/Pt with increasing irradiation time. A possible mechanism is discussed.
Fluorescence sensing and photocatalytic properties of a 2D stable and biocompatible Zn(II)-based polymer

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Jian; Li, Bao-Hong; Zhong, Hua-Rui; Qiu, Shuo-Wen; Liang, Yi-Wen; Zhuang, Xiao-Yi; Singh, Amita; Kumar, Abhinav

2018-04-01

A biocompatible metal-organic framework (MOF) [Zn2(TPL)(FA)(OH)(H2O)] (1) (TPL = theophylline and H2FA = fumaric acid) had been chosen which offers an ideal model for the development of fluorescencent chemosensor using simple synthetic protocol. The MOF 1 have been tested as a fluorescent chemosensor against nitro-aromatics (NACs) and it displayed high selectivity for 4-NT over other NACs as evident by the emission spectroscopy. The alleviation in fluorescence intensity of 1 in presence of different NACs have been explained with the help of theoretical calculations which suggested that there is occurrence of both electron and energy transfer processes, in addition to electrostatic interaction between 1 and NACs which may be responsible for the unprecedented selective alleviation in the fluorescence intensity. Also, 1 had been deployed as a photocatalyst for the degradation of methyl violet (MV) and Rhodamine B (Rh B) in aqueous solution under UV irradiation. The photocatalytic results indicated the 1 exhibit 85% photocatalytic efficiency against Rh B in 100 min, while its efficiency against MV was only 50% under the identical experimental conditions. The possible mechanism for the photocatalytic activity has been proposed using density of states (DOS) calculations.
Photocatalytic performance of graphene/TiO{sub 2}-Ag composites on amaranth dye degradation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Roşu, Marcela-Corina, E-mail: marcela.rosu@itim-cj.ro; Socaci, Crina; Floare-Avram, Veronica; Borodi, Gheorghe; Pogăcean, Florina; Coroş, Maria; Măgeruşan, Lidia; Pruneanu, Stela

2016-08-15

Ternary nanocomposites containing TiO{sub 2}, silver and graphene with different reduction levels were prepared and used as photocatalysts for amaranth azo dye degradation, under UV and natural light exposure. The obtained materials were characterized by TEM, XRD, FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy, confirming the successful formation of the nanocomposites. HPLC analysis along with UV-Vis spectroscopy were employed to quantify the concentration of non-degraded dye in solution. The graphene/TiO{sub 2}-Ag nanocomposites proved to have remarkable photocatalytic activities for amaranth degradation under UV and solar irradiation (85.3–98% of dye has disappeared in the first 2 h). Also, significant removal efficiencies (between 40.5 and 71.8%) of photocatalysts, in day light conditions, were demonstrated. The best result for amaranth dye degradation was obtained with the reduced graphene/TiO{sub 2}-Ag catalyst (up to 99.9%). Based on the degradation products analysis, a photodegradation pathway of amaranth dye was also proposed. - Highlights: • Graphene/TiO{sub 2}-Ag composites were prepared by a combined chemical-thermal method. • The composites showed improved light-absorption characteristics. • A significant degradation performance of amaranth was obtained with these composites under UV and natural light exposure. • Graphene/TiO{sub 2}-Ag composites offer a high potential for various photocatalytic applications in pollutant removal processes.
Direct Coupling of Thermo- and Photocatalysis for Conversion of CO2 -H2 O into Fuels.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Li; Kong, Guoguo; Meng, Yaping; Tian, Jinshu; Zhang, Lijie; Wan, Shaolong; Lin, Jingdong; Wang, Yong

2017-12-08

Photocatalytic CO 2 reduction into renewable hydrocarbon solar fuels is considered as a promising strategy to simultaneously address global energy and environmental issues. This study focused on the direct coupling of photocatalytic water splitting and thermocatalytic hydrogenation of CO 2 in the conversion of CO 2 -H 2 O into fuels. Specifically, it was found that direct coupling of thermo- and photocatalysis over Au-Ru/TiO 2 leads to activity 15 times higher (T=358 K; ca. 99 % CH 4 selectivity) in the conversion of CO 2 -H 2 O into fuels than that of photocatalytic water splitting. This is ascribed to the promoting effect of thermocatalytic hydrogenation of CO 2 by hydrogen atoms generated in situ by photocatalytic water splitting. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic performance of chemically exfoliated MoS2

Science.gov (United States)

Prabhakar Vattikuti, S. V.; Shim, Jaesool

2018-03-01

Two-dimensional (2D) layered structure transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) has gained huge attention and importance for photocatalytic energy conversion because of their unique properties. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets were synthesized via one-pot method and exfoliated in (dimethylformamide) DMF solution. Subsequent exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets (e-MoS2) were used as photocatalysts for degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) pollutant under solar light irradiation. The e-MoS2 nanosheets exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity than that of pristine MoS2, owing to high specific surface area with enormous active sites and light absorption capacity. In addition, e-MoS2 demonstrated remarkable photocatalytic stability.
Preparation of highly photocatalytic active CdS/TiO{sub 2} nanocomposites by combining chemical bath deposition and microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Li, E-mail: qqhrll@163.com [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006 (China); Key Laboratory of Composite Modified Material of Colleges in Heilongjiang Province, Qiqihar 161006 (China); Wang, Lili [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006 (China); Hu, Tianyu [College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, Changchun 130024 (China); Zhang, Wenzhi; Zhang, Xiuli; Chen, Xi [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006 (China)

2014-10-15

CdS/TiO{sub 2} nanocomposites were prepared from Cd and Ti (1:1 M ratio) using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide by a two-step chemical bath deposition (CBD) and microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis (MAHS) method. A series of nanocomposites with different morphologies and activities were prepared by varying the reaction time in the MAHS (2, 4, and 6 h). The crystal structure, morphology, and surface physicochemical properties of the nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and N{sub 2} adsorption–desorption measurements. The results show that the CdS/TiO{sub 2} nanocomposites were composed of anatase TiO{sub 2} and hexagonal CdS phases with strong absorption in the visible region. The surface morphologies changed slightly with increasing microwave irradiation time, while the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area increased remarkably. The photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) was investigated under UV light and simulated sunlight irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of the CdS/TiO{sub 2} (6 h) composites prepared by the MAHS method was higher than those of CdS, P25, and other CdS/TiO{sub 2} nanocomposites. The CdS/TiO{sub 2} (6 h) nanocomposites significantly affected the UV and microwave-assisted photocatalytic degradation of different dyes. To elucidate the photocatalytic reaction mechanism for the CdS/TiO{sub 2} nanocomposites, controlled experiments were performed by adding different radical scavengers. - Graphical abstract: CdS/TiO{sub 2} nanocomposites were prepared using CTAB by CBD combined with MAHS method. In addition, with increasing microwave irradiation time, the morphology of CdS/TiO{sub 2} changed from popcorn-like to wedge-like structure. - Highlights: • The CdS/TiO{sub 2} was prepared by CBD combined with MAHS two-step method under CTAB. • The morphologies of as-samples were different with the time of
Self-assembled supramolecular system PDINH on TiO2 surface enhances hydrogen production.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Xin; Lv, Xingshuai; Zhang, Qianqian; Huang, Baibiao; Wang, Peng; Qin, Xiaoyan; Zhang, Xiaoyang; Dai, Ying

2018-09-01

Constructing organic-inorganic hybrids is one of the hopeful strategies to improve photocatalyst performance. In this study, perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic diimide (PDINH) and commercial TiO 2 P25 are chosen as raw materials to construct a PDINH/TiO 2 organic-inorganic hybrid, which has higher photocatalytic H 2 production activity and photocurrent intensity than pure PDINH and TiO 2 , respectively. The apparent quantum efficiency for H 2 production over 0.5%PDINH/TiO 2 reaches as high as 70.69% using irradiation at 365 nm. Moreover, XRD, DRS, HRTEM, FT-IR, and XPS are used to characterize the crystal structure, optical absorption, morphology, molecular structure, and chemical bonds, as well as the elemental and chemical states of PDINH/TiO 2 organic-inorganic hybrid. The interfaces between PDINH and TiO 2 , which largely determine photocatalytic performance, is also analyzed systematically. Furthermore, charge density difference (Δρ) is used to analyze the electron-ion interactions of PDINH and TiO 2 , and reveals that substantial charge transfer occurs from PDINH to TiO 2 . Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Application of hydrothermally produced TiO{sub 2} nanotubes in photocatalytic esterification of oleic acid

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Manique, Márcia Cardoso, E-mail: marciamanique@yahoo.com.br; Silva, Aline Posteral; Alves, Annelise Kopp; Bergmann, Carlos Pérez

2016-04-15

Highlights: • A hydrothermal method was employed to synthesize TiO{sub 2} nanotubes. • TiO{sub 2} nanotubes were studied for photocatalytic esterification of oleic acid. • Optimum conditions were obtained at a concentration of 15% (w/w) and a molar ratio 3:1 (methanol:oleic acid). • The greater number of hydroxyl groups may have contributed to a low yield of ester versus P25. - Abstract: This study investigated the use of TiO{sub 2} nanotubes (TNTs) as photocatalysts in the esterification of fatty acids for biodiesel production. The TNTs were synthesized via a hydrothermal route and evaluated for their crystallinity, morphology, surface area and photocatalytic activity compared with a TiO{sub 2} P25 standard. Optimum photocatalytic conditions were obtained using a 15% concentration of catalyst (w/w) and a 3:1 molar ratio of methanol to oleic acid. The highest yield of methyl oleate obtained was 86.0% when P25 was used as a photocatalyst. The lowest band gap energy was obtained with the TNT sample synthesized at 110 °C for 48 h (E{sub g} = 3.08 eV), which also exhibited the highest rate of oleic acid esterification (59.3%) among all the investigated TNTs. We also observed that, in addition to the band gap, other factors such as the crystalline phase of the TNTs and their surface area were important in photocatalytic performance.
Photocatalytic degradation kinetics and mechanism of phenobarbital in TiO(2) aqueous solution.

Science.gov (United States)

Cao, Hua; Lin, Xiulian; Zhan, Haiying; Zhang, Hong; Lin, Jingxin

2013-01-01

5-Ethyl-5-phenylpyrimidine-2,4,6(1H, 3H, 5H)-trione is an anti-convulsant used to treat disorders of movement, e.g. tremors. This work deals with the transformation of phenobarbital by UV/TiO(2) heterogeneous photocatalysis, to assess the decomposition of the pharmaceutical compound, to identify intermediates, as well as to elucidate some mechanistic details of the degradation. The photocatalytic removal efficiency of 100 μm phenobarbital is about 80% within 60 min, while the degradation efficiency of phenobarbital was better in alkaline solution. The study on contribution of reactive oxidative species (ROSs) has shown that ()OH is responsible for the major degradation of phenobarbital, while the photohole, photoelectrons and the other ROSs have the minor contribution to the degradation. Finally, based on the identification of degradation intermediates, two main photocatalytic degradation pathways have been tentatively proposed, including the hydroxylation and cleavage of pyrimidine ring in the phenobarbital molecule respectively. Certainly, the phenobarbital can be mineralized when the photocatalytic reaction time prolongs. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Photocatalytic Property of β-Ga2O3 Nanorods

Science.gov (United States)

Reddy, L. Sivananda; Ko, Yeong Hwan; Yu, Jae Su

2015-09-01

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) nanorods were facilely prepared by a simple hydrothermal synthesis, and their morphology and photocatalytic property were studied. The gallium oxide hydroxide (GaOOH) nanorods were formed in aqueous growth solution containing gallium nitrate and ammonium hydroxide at 95 °C of growth temperature. Through the calcination treatment at 500 and 1000 °C for 3 h, the GaOOH nanorods were converted into single crystalline α-Ga2O3 and β-Ga2O3 phases. From X-ray diffraction analysis, it could be confirmed that a high crystalline quality of β-Ga2O3 nanorods was achieved by calcinating at 1000 °C. The thermal behavior of the Ga2O3 nanorods was also investigated by differential thermal analysis, and their vibrational bands were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In order to examine the photocatalytic activity of samples, the photodegradation of Rhodamine B solution was observed under UV light irradiation. As a result, the α-Ga2O3 and β-Ga2O3 nanorods exhibited high photodegeneration efficiencies of 62 and 79 %, respectively, for 180 min of UV irradiation time.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Photocatalytic Property of β-Ga2O3 Nanorods.

Science.gov (United States)

Reddy, L Sivananda; Ko, Yeong Hwan; Yu, Jae Su

2015-12-01

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) nanorods were facilely prepared by a simple hydrothermal synthesis, and their morphology and photocatalytic property were studied. The gallium oxide hydroxide (GaOOH) nanorods were formed in aqueous growth solution containing gallium nitrate and ammonium hydroxide at 95 °C of growth temperature. Through the calcination treatment at 500 and 1000 °C for 3 h, the GaOOH nanorods were converted into single crystalline α-Ga2O3 and β-Ga2O3 phases. From X-ray diffraction analysis, it could be confirmed that a high crystalline quality of β-Ga2O3 nanorods was achieved by calcinating at 1000 °C. The thermal behavior of the Ga2O3 nanorods was also investigated by differential thermal analysis, and their vibrational bands were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In order to examine the photocatalytic activity of samples, the photodegradation of Rhodamine B solution was observed under UV light irradiation. As a result, the α-Ga2O3 and β-Ga2O3 nanorods exhibited high photodegeneration efficiencies of 62 and 79 %, respectively, for 180 min of UV irradiation time.
High quantum yield graphene quantum dots decorated TiO{sub 2} nanotubes for enhancing photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Qu, Ailan, E-mail: qal67@163.com; Xie, Haolong; Xu, Xinmei; Zhang, Yangyu; Wen, Shengwu; Cui, Yifan

2016-07-01

Highlights: • High concentration yellow GQDs and TiO{sub 2} nanotubes were achieved by a simple and green method. • High quantum yield GQDs enhanced the photodegradation capacity of TiO{sub 2} nanotube. • The catalytic performance of GQDs/TiO{sub 2} depends on the GQDs loading. • The improved photocatalytic activity of GQDs/TiO{sub 2} was attributed to three aspects. - Abstract: Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with high quantum yield (about 23.6% at an excitation wavelength of 320 nm) and GQDs/TiO{sub 2} nanotubes (GQDs/TiO{sub 2} NTs) composites were achieved by a simple hydrothermal method at low temperature. Photoluminescence characterization showed that the GQDs exhibited the down-conversion PL features at excitation from 300 to 420 nm and up-conversion photoluminescence in the range of 600–800 nm. The photocatalytic activity of prepared GQDs/TiO{sub 2} NTs composites on the degradation of methyl orange (MO) was significantly enhanced compared with that of pure TiO{sub 2} nanotubes (TiO{sub 2} NTs). For the composites coupling with 1.5%, 2.5% and 3.5% GQDs, the degradation of MO after 20 min irradiation under UV–vis light irradiation (λ = 380–780 nm) were 80.52%, 94.64% and 51.91%, respectively, which are much higher than that of pure TiO{sub 2} NTs (35.41%). It was inferred from the results of characterization that the improved photocatalytic activity of the GQDs/TiO{sub 2} NTs composites was attributed to the synergetic effect of up-conversion properties of the GQDs, enhanced visible light absorption and efficient separation of photogenerated electron-holes of the GQDs/TiO{sub 2} composite.
Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of CuY{sub y}Fe{sub 2-y}O{sub 4}-CuCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanocomposites for H{sub 2} evolution under visible light irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yan, Jianhui; Yang, Haihua; Yao, Maohai; Han, Yong [Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Institute of Science and Technology, Shuyuan Load, Yueyang, Hunan 414000 (China); College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083 (China); Tang, Yougen; Lu, Zhouguang [College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083 (China); Zheng, Shuqin [Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Institute of Science and Technology, Shuyuan Load, Yueyang, Hunan 414000 (China)

2009-11-15

Spinel-type CuY{sub y}Fe{sub 2-y}O{sub 4}-CuCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanocomposites have been successfully synthesized via a facile citric acid (CA)-assisted sol-gel method. And the as-synthesized nanocomposites have been characterized by techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption BET method, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The samples are composed of primary ultrafine nanoparticles with nearly spherical morphology and mean particle size of about 80 nm. Moreover, the photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution activity of the as-obtained samples has been evaluated from aqueous oxalic acid solution under visible light irradiation. The influence of photocatalyst type, calcination temperature, Y{sup 3+} doping content, and the durability of the as-obtained photocatalyst have been investigated in detail. The best photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution activity was obtained over the as-synthesized CuY{sub 0.08}Fe{sub 1.92}O{sub 4}-CuCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanocomposite. (author)
The effects of solvent on photocatalytic properties of Bi2WO6/TiO2 heterojunction under visible light irradiation

Science.gov (United States)

Guo, Qiyao; Huang, Yunfang; Xu, Hui; Luo, Dan; Huang, Feiyue; Gu, Lin; Wei, Yuelin; Zhao, Huang; Fan, Leqing; Wu, Jihuai

2018-04-01

Bi2WO6/TiO2 heterojunction photocatalysts with two different microstructures were controllably fabricated via a facile two-step synthetic route. XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, BET-surface, DRS, PL spectra, photoelectrochemical measurement (Mott-Schottky), and zeta-potential analyzer were employed to clarify structural and morphological characteristics of the obtained products. The results showed that Bi2WO6 nanoparticles/nanosheets grew on the primary TiO2 nanorods. The TiO2 nanorods used as a synthetic template inhibit the growth of Bi2WO6 crystals along the c-axis, resulting in Bi2WO6/TiO2 heterostructure with one-dimensional (1D) morphology. The photocatalytic properties of Bi2WO6/TiO2 heterojunction photocatalysts were strongly dependent on their shapes and structures. Compared with bare Bi2WO6 and TiO2, Bi2WO6/TiO2 composite have stronger adsorption ability and better visible light photocatalytic activities towards organic dyes. The Bi2WO6/TiO2 composite prepared in EG solvent with optimal Bi:Ti ratio of 2:12 (S-TB2) showed the highest photocatalytic activity, which could totally decompose Rhodamine B within 10 min upon irradiation with visible light (λ > 422 nm), and retained the high photocatalytic performance after five recycles, confirming its stability and practical usability. The results of PL indicated that Bi2WO6 and TiO2 could combine well to form a heterojunction structure which facilitated electron-hole separation, and lead to the increasing photocatalytic activity.
Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of Fe2O3-TiO2 nanoparticles and nanocomposites

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. Ahmadi Golsefidi

2016-01-01

Full Text Available In this pepper Fe2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized via a fast microwave method. Then Fe2O3-TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by a sonochemical-assisted method. The prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The photocatalytic behaviour of Fe2O3-TiO2 nanocomposites was evaluated using the degradation of Rhodamine B under ultra violet irradiation. The results show that nanocomposites have applicable magnetic and photocatalytic performance.
Effect of Cu2O morphology on photocatalytic hydrogen generation and chemical stability of TiO2/Cu2O composite.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhu, Lihong; Zhang, Junying; Chen, Ziyu; Liu, Kejia; Gao, Hong

2013-07-01

Improving photocatalytic activity and stability of TiO2/Cu2O composite is a challenge in generating hydrogen from water. In this paper, the TiO2 film/Cu2O microgrid composite was prepared via a microsphere lithography technique, which possesses a remarkable performance of producing H2 under UV-vis light irradiation, in comparison with pure TiO2 film, Cu2O film and TiO2 film/Cu2O film. More interesting is that in TiO2 film/Cu2O microgrid, photo-corrosion of Cu2O can be retarded. After deposition of Pt on its surface, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2/Cu2O microgrid in producing H2 is improved greatly.
Function of TiO2 Lattice Defects toward Photocatalytic Processes: View of Electronic Driven Force

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Huanan Cui

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Oxygen vacancies and Ti-related defects (OTDs are the main lattice defects of TiO2, which have great influence on its photocatalytic activity. To understand the relationship between the defects and photocatalytic activities, detailed discussions based on the electronic driven force provided by these defects are carried out during the three commonly accepted processes in photocatalytic reactions. It is found that these defects inevitably (i influence the energy structure of the pristine TiO2 as the isolate acceptor/donor level or hybrid with the original orbital, (ii provide a disordered short-range force that confuses the charge carriers transferring to surface active sites, (iii act not only as the surface active sites for trapping the charge carriers but also as the main chemisorption sites for O2, H2O, and organic species. These effects of the defects make them one of the key factors that determine the efficiency of heterogeneous photocatalysis. Clarifying the role of the defects will further facilitate the exploration and the construction of high-performance photocatalysts for practical applications.
Uniformly distributed anatase TiO2 nanoparticles on graphene: Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic application

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bai, Xue; Zhang, Xiaoyuan; Hua, Zulin; Ma, Wenqiang; Dai, Zhangyan; Huang, Xin; Gu, Haixin

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Uniform distributed TiO 2 nanoparticles on graphene by a modified method. • Reduced recombination rate of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. • Effective charge transfer from TiO 2 to graphene. • Better photocatalytic activity upon UV and visible irradiation. • A mechanism of bisphenol A degradation process is proposed. - Abstract: Graphene (GR)/TiO 2 nanocomposites are successfully synthesized using a simple and efficient hydrothermal method. Even-sized anatase TiO 2 nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on GR. The GR/TiO 2 nanocomposites exhibit an extended light absorption range and decreased electron–hole recombination rates. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared GR/TiO 2 nanocomposites for bisphenol A (BPA) degradation is investigated under UV (λ = 365 nm) and visible (λ ⩾ 400 nm) light irradiation. The results show that GR/TiO 2 nanocomposites have significantly higher photocatalytic activity than P25 (pure TiO 2 ). The large increase in photocatalytic activity is mostly attributed to effective charge transfer from TiO 2 nanoparticles to GR, which suppresses charge recombination during the photocatalytic process. After five successive cycles, the photodegradation activity of the GR/TiO 2 nanocomposites shows no significant decrease, which indicates that the nanocomposites are stable under UV and visible light. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to investigate the chemical bonds of GR/TiO 2 nanocomposites before and after degradation to determine the degradation intermediate products of BPA under irradiation. A proposed degradation reaction pathway of BPA is also established. This study provides new insights into the fabrication and practical application of high-performance photocatalysts in wastewater treatment
High efficient photocatalytic activity from nanostructuralized photonic crystal-like p-n coaxial hetero-junction film photocatalyst of Cu3SnS4/TiO2 nanotube arrays

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Yan; Liu, Fang-Ting; Chang, Yin; Wang, Jian; Wang, Cheng-Wei

2017-12-01

Structuring the materials in the form of photonic crystals is a new strategy for photocatalytic applications. Herein, a new concept of photonic crystal-induced p-n coaxial heterojunction film photocatalyst of Cu3SnS4/TiO2 (CTS/PhC-TNAs) was well-designed and successfully fabricated by combining periodic pulse anodic oxidation and in-situ self-assembling methods Such nanostructured CTS/PhC-TNAs exhibited significantly improved photocatalytic degradation activity under simulated sunlight irradiation with methyl orange (MO) as the target pollutants. Within 120 min, 82% of the MO (10 mg/L) was photodegraded and its kinetic constant per specific surface area reached 0.05332 μmol/m2h, which is 1.6 and 12.8 times more quickly than that of PhC-TNAs and CTS, respectively. Its significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity could be mainly attributed to a joint effect of the unique photonic crystal property of PhC-TNAs and the nanostructured hollow p-n coaxial hetero-junction, which result in an increased efficiency of charge separation and transfer and also an improved spectral response capability. This photonic crystal film photocatalyst has the potential for enhancing the photocatalytic activity via further optimizing the photonic stop band of PhC-TNAs. The study presents a new means to design the kind of photonic crystal structural-induced novel photocatalysts with high photocatalytic activities in pollution treatment.

Enhancement of photocatalytic property on ZnS/MoS2 composite under visible light irradiation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cheng Jiushan

2017-01-01

Full Text Available In this paper, the composite ZnS/MoS2 was obtained via two steps including solvothermal methods. The as-synthesized sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM and UV-Vis. diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS. The photocatalytic activity of the product was evaluated through photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B under UV-Vis. light irradiation; the electrical conductivity of ZnS/MoS2 composites was significantly improved compared to ZnS, MoS2, respectively. The results showed that the ZnS/MoS2 composite photocatalyst possesses better photocatalytic activity in degrading Rh B than the single ZnS or the single MoS2. The better photocatalytic properties may be due to the synergetic effect of two semiconductors, because of which electrons and holes were separated effectively. And its specific microstructure played an active role in evaluating photocatalytic performance.
Facile preparation of squarylium dye sensitized TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles and their enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Zhongyu, E-mail: zhongyuli@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn [Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, School of Petrochemical Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164 (China); Changzhou Expansion New Stuff Technology Limited Company, Changzhou 213122 (China); Fang, Yongling [Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, School of Petrochemical Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164 (China); Zhan, Xueqiu [Department of Basic Courses, Wuxi Institute of Technology, Wuxi 214121 (China); Xu, Song [Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, School of Petrochemical Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164 (China)

2013-07-05

Highlights: •ISQ dye sensitized TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles were prepared via a facile solution method. •ISQ/TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles exhibited significantly enhanced visible light activity. •ISQ/TiO{sub 2} showed high visible light photocatalytic activity over MB decomposition. •ISQ/TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles exhibited good photocatalytic stability. -- Abstract: A squarylium dye, 1,3-bis[(3,3-dimethylindolin-2-ylidene)methyl]squaraine (ISQ) sensitized TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles photocatalysts with different mass ratio of ISQ to TiO{sub 2} were facilely prepared by blending ISQ and TiO{sub 2} in ethanol solution. The resulting composite photocatalysts were characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscope (DRS). The visible light photocatalytic activities of ISQ sensitized TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles were evaluated using the degradation of methylene blue (MB) as a photodegradation target. The results showed that photo-response of the ISQ sensitized TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles were remarkably extended to visible-light region, and the ISQ dye sensitized TiO{sub 2} exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. The maximum photocatalytic activity of the ISQ sensitized TiO{sub 2} was found at a composite photocatalyst (mass ratio of ISQ to TiO{sub 2} was 1:3), and its degradation efficiency of MB reached approximately 98% in 2 h under visible light irradiation. Furthermore, a possible mechanism for the photocatalytic oxidative degradation was also proposed.
Unique bar-like sulfur-doped C3N4/TiO2 nanocomposite: Excellent visible light driven photocatalytic activity and mechanism study

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Yu; Xu, Shiping; Sun, Xiang; Xu, Xing; Gao, Baoyu

2018-04-01

In this work, a nanocomposite of TiO2 nanoparticles coupled with sulfur-doped C3N4 (S-C3N4) laminated layer was successfully fabricated using a facile impregnation method and the nanocomposite exhibited superior photocatalytic activity in pollutant removal under visible light irradiation, compared to bare TiO2, g-C3N4 and binary C3N4-TiO2 nanocomposite. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was benefited from the efficient migration and transformation of electron-hole (e--h+) pairs, improved visible light absorption capability, and relatively large specific surface area induce by sulfur doping. Interestingly, the introduction of sulfur changes regulated the morphology of g-C3N4 leading to the formation of ultrathin g-C3N4 layer nanosheet assemblies and unique bar-like g-C3N4/TiO2 nanocomposite, which is beneficial for the outstanding performance of the product. In addition, trapping experiment was carried out to identify the main active species in the photocatalytic reaction over the S-C3N4/TiO2 photocatalyst, and functional mechanism of the composite was proposed. This work may provide new ideas for the fabrication and utilization of highly efficient photocatalyst with excellent visible light response in environmental purification applications.
Study of photocatalytic activities of Bi2WO6 nanoparticles synthesized by fast microwave-assisted method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Phu, Nguyen Dang; Hoang, Luc Huy; Chen, Xiang-Bai; Kong, Meng-Hong; Wen, Hua-Chiang; Chou, Wu Ching

2015-01-01

We present a study of photocatalytic activities of Bi 2 WO 6 nanoparticles synthesized by fast microwave-assisted method. The photocatalytic activities of the nanoparticles were evaluated by the decolorization of methylene-blue under visible-light-irradiation. Our results show that the surface area of Bi 2 WO 6 nanoparticles plays a major role for improving photocatalytic activity, while visible-light absorption has only a weak effect on photocatalytic activity. This suggests efficient transportation of photo-generated electrons and holes to the oxidation active sites on the surface of nanoparticles, indicating Bi 2 WO 6 nanoparticles synthesized by fast microwave-assisted method are promising for achieving high photocatalytic activity under visible-light-irradiation. - Highlights: • The Bi 2 WO 6 nanoparticles were synthesized via fast microwave-assisted method. • The obtained Bi 2 WO 6 nanoparticles exhibited visible-light absorbance. • The surface area of Bi 2 WO 6 nanoparticles plays major role for improving photocatalytic activity. • The Bi 2 WO 6 nanoparticles are promising for achieving high photocatalytic activity under visible-light-irradiation
One-step preparation and photocatalytic performance of vanadium doped TiO2 coatings

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vasilić, R.; Stojadinović, S.; Radić, N.; Stefanov, P.; Dohčević-Mitrović, Z.; Grbić, B.

2015-01-01

In this paper, we have investigated one-step preparation of vanadium doped TiO 2 coatings formed by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) of titanium in electrolyte containing 10 g/L Na 3 PO 4 ·12H 2 O + 0.5 g/L NH 4 VO 3 . The morphology, phase structure, and elemental composition of the formed coatings were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. Ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS) was employed to evaluate the band gap energy of obtained coatings. Vanadium doped TiO 2 coatings are partly crystallized and mainly composed of anatase phase TiO 2 , with up to about 2 wt% of vanadium present in the surface layer of the oxide. The valence band photoelectron spectra and UV–Vis DRS showed that vanadium doped TiO 2 coatings exhibit notable red shift with respect to the pure TiO 2 coatings. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by monitoring the degradation of methyl orange under simulated sunlight conditions. Photocatalytic activity of vanadium doped TiO 2 coatings increases with PEO time. Prolonged PEO times result in higher roughness of obtained coatings, thus increasing surface area available for methyl orange degradation. Vanadium doped TiO 2 coatings obtained after 180 s of PEO time exhibit the best photocatalytic activity and about 67% of methyl orange is degraded after 12 h of irradiation under simulated sunlight. - Highlights: • One-step preparation of V-doped TiO 2 coatings in 10 g/L Na 3 PO 4 ·12H 2 O + 0.5 g/L NH 4 VO 3 . • Properties of obtained coatings strongly depend on microdischarge characteristics. • Band gap of V-doped TiO 2 coatings is shifted towards red side of the spectrum. • V-doped TiO 2 coatings have better photocatalytic activity than pure TiO 2 . • After 12 h of simulated sunlight irradiation, 67% of methyl orange was decomposed
Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange using ZnO/TiO2 composites

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

Ming GE; Changsheng GUO; Xingwang ZHU; Lili MA; Zhefian HAN; Wei HU; Yuqiu WANG

2009-01-01

ZnO/TiO2 composites were synthesized by using the solvothermal method and ultrasonic precipitation followed by heat treatment in order to investigate their photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) in aqueous suspension under UV irradiation. The composi-tion and surface structure of the catalyst were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The degradation efficiencies of MO at various pH values were obtained. The highest degradation efficiencies were obtained before 30 min and after 60 min at pH 11.0 and pH 2.0, respectively. A sample analysis was conducted using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization ion-trap mass spectrometry. Six intermediates were found during the photocatalytic degradation process of quinonoid MO. The degradation pathway of quinonoid MO was also proposed.
Photocatalytic activity of Bi_2WO_6/Bi_2S_3 heterojunctions: the facilitation of exposed facets of Bi_2WO_6 substrate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yan, Long; Wang, Yufei; Shen, Huidong; Zhang, Yu; Li, Jian; Wang, Danjun

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Bi_2S_3/Bi_2WO_6 hybrids with exposed (020) Bi_2WO_6 facets have been synthesized. • X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that a small amount of Bi_2S_3 was formed. • The enhanced photoactivity of hybrids is due to heterojunction and (020) facets. • A possible photocatalytic degradation mechanism is proposed. - Abstract: Bi_2S_3/Bi_2WO_6 hybrid architectures with exposed (020) Bi_2WO_6 facets have been synthesized via a controlled anion exchange approach. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals that a small amount of Bi_2S_3 was formed on the surface of Bi_2WO_6 during the anion exchange process, thus leading to the transformation from the Bi_2WO_6 to Bi_2S_3/Bi_2WO_6. A rhodamine B (RhB) aqueous solution was chosen as model organic pollutants to evaluate the photocatalytic activities of the Bi_2S_3/Bi_2WO_6 catalysts. Under visible light irradiation, the Bi_2S_3/Bi_2WO_6-TAA displayed the excellent visible light photoactivities compared with pure Bi_2S_3, Bi_2WO_6 and other composite photocatalysts. The efficient photocatalytic activity of the Bi_2S_3/Bi_2WO_6-TAA composite microspheres was ascribed to the constructed heterojunctions and the inner electric field caused by the exposed (020) Bi_2WO_6 facets. Active species trapping experiments revealed that h"+ and O_2·"− are the main active species in the photocatalytic process. Furthermore, the as-obtained photocatalysts showed good photocatalytic activity after four recycles. The results presented in this study provide a new concept for the rational design and development of highly efficient photocatalysts.
Hierarchical Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} architectures decorated with Pd nanoparticles for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activities

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Jinniu; Chen, Tianhua [School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710062 (China); Lu, Hongbing, E-mail: hblu@snnu.edu.cn [School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710062 (China); Yang, Zhibo; Yin, Feng; Gao, Jianzhi; Liu, Qianru [School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710062 (China); Tu, Yafang [Department of Physics, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056 (China)

2017-05-15

Highlights: • A new kind of Pd decorated Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} hierarchical microarchitecture was synthesized. • Pd nanoparticles remarkably improved the photocatalytic activity of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}. • The photo-generated holes and ·O{sub 2}{sup −} played a crucial role in the degradation of RhB. • The photocatalytic enhancement mechanism of the Pd-Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} composites was proposed. - Abstract: A new kind of hierarchical Pd-Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} architecture decorated with different molar ratios of Pd to Bi, has been fabricated by a hydrothermal process, followed by a chemical deposition method. The photocatalytic activities of the pure Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} and Pd-Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanocatalyst were examined in the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dyes and phenol under visible light. The photocatalytic results showed that the Pd-Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanocomposites possessed observably enhanced photocatalytic activities. Particularly, the 2.0% Pd loaded Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} had the highest photocatalytic activity, exhibiting a nearly complete degradation of 30 mg/L RhB and 10 mg/L phenol within only 50 and 60 min, respectively. In addition, the trapping experiment results indicated that the photo-generated holes (h{sup +}) and ·O{sub 2}{sup −} played a crucial role in the degradation of RhB. According to the experimental results, the photocatalytic degradation mechanism of Pd-Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} was also proposed. The enhanced photocatalytic activities were ascribed to the combined effects of the highly efficient separation of electrons and holes, improved visible light utilization and increased BET specific surface areas of the Pd-Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanocomposites.
Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of ZnO-SnO2 nanocomposites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hamrouni, Abdessalem; Lachheb, Hinda; Houas, Ammar

2013-01-01

Highlights: • ZnO-SnO 2 photocatalysts were prepared successfully by the coprecipitation method. • The best conditions found are: calcination at 600 °C/2 h; molar ratio Zn/Sn = 1/0.05. • The lower tin content in the samples led to the higher photocatalytic activity. • Zn-Sn 0.05 photoactivity under solar light was better than visible lamps light. -- Abstract: Nanocomposites of coupled ZnO-SnO 2 photocatalysts were synthesized by the coprecipitation method and were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, surface area analyzer and scanning electron microscopy. Their photocatalytic activity was investigated under UV, visible and solar light and evaluated using methylene blue (MB) as a model pollutant. The performance of the coupled ZnO-SnO 2 photocatalysts was found to be related to the Zn/Sn molar ratio and to the calcination conditions. The photocatalyst with a Zn/Sn molar ratio of 1:0.05 calcined at 600 °C for 2 h showed the maximum degradation rate of MB under different lights used. Its photocatalytic activity was found to be about two times that of ZnO and about 10 times that of SnO 2 which can be explained by the heterojunction effect. Charge separation mechanism has been studied
Photocatalytic degradation of paracetamol on TiO2 nanoparticles and TiO2/cellulosic fiber under UV and sunlight irradiation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nabil Jallouli

2017-05-01

Full Text Available In the present study, photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen ((N-(4-hydroxyphe-nylacetamide, an analgesic drug has been investigated in a batch reactor using TiO2 P25 as a photocatalyst in slurry and under UV light. Using TiO2 P25 nanoparticles, much faster photodegradation of paracetamol and effective mineralization occurred, more than 90% of 2.65 × 10−4 M paracetamol was degraded under UV irradiation. Changes in pH values affected the adsorption and the photodegradation of paracetamol. pH 9.0 is found to be the optimum for the photodegradation of paracetamol. HPLC detected hydroquinone, benzoquinone, p-nitrophenol, and 1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene during the TiO2-assisted photodegradation of paracetamol among which some pathway products are disclosed for the first time. The results showed that TiO2 suspension/UV system is more efficient than the TiO2/cellulosic fiber mode combined to solar light for the photocatalytic degradation of paracetamol. Nerveless the immobilization of TiO2 showed many advantages over slurry system because it can enhance adsorption properties while allowing easy separation of the photocatalyst from the treated solution with improved reusable performance.
Multi-branched Cu2O nanowires for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Chunxin; Shu, Yun; Zhou, Xiaowei; Ren, Yang; Liu, Zhu

2018-03-01

Multi-branched cuprous oxide nanowires (Cu2O NWs) were prepared by one-step hydrothermal method of a facile process. The architecture of these Cu2O NWs was examined by scanning electron microscopy, and the resulting crystal nanowire consists of the trunk growing along [100] plane and the branch growing along [110] plane. Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) in the experiment indicates that pure Cu2O NWs prepared at 150 °C have a higher photocatalytic activity (90% MO were degraded within 20 min without the presence of H2O2) compared with the samples obtained at other temperatures. In the photoelectrochemical test, pure Cu2O NWs had outstanding photoelectric response, which corresponds to the catalytic performance. The superior photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the absence of grain boundaries between the small branches and the nanowire trunk, which is conducive to the transport of photo-generated carriers, and the reduction of Cu impurities to reduce the number of recombination centers.
Photocatalytic hydrogen production using visible-light-responsive Ta{sub 3}N{sub 5} photocatalyst supported on monodisperse spherical SiO{sub 2} particulates

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, Xiaoming [Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 4700 KAUST, Thuwal 23955-6900 (Saudi Arabia); School of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063 (China); Zhao, Lan [Advanced Nanofabrication, Imaging and Characterization Core Lab, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 4700 KAUST, Thuwal 23955-6900 (Saudi Arabia); Domen, Kazunari [Department of Chemical System Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656 (Japan); Takanabe, Kazuhiro, E-mail: kazuhiro.takanabe@kaust.edu.sa [Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 4700 KAUST, Thuwal 23955-6900 (Saudi Arabia)

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: A simple and effective sol–gel process followed by nitridation in an NH{sub 3} flow has been developed to deposit Ta{sub 3}N{sub 5} semiconductor photocatalyst layers onto monodisperse spherical SiO{sub 2} particles. The obtained Ta{sub 3}N{sub 5}/SiO{sub 2} particles maintain an original spherical morphology of SiO{sub 2} and a sub-micrometer size with a narrow size distribution and without aggregation. The presence of SiO{sub 2} support shows at least no detrimental effects on photocatalytic activity, but tunes the secondary particle size to control dispersibility of the photocatalyst in the solution. - Highlights: • Fine nanoparticles of Ta{sub 3}N{sub 5} were immobilized on the surfaces of SiO{sub 2} giving SiO{sub 2}@Ta{sub 3}N{sub 5} core–shell spheres successfully produced H{sub 2} from methanol solution under visible light. • The presence of support (SiO{sub 2}) ensures the dispersion of the particulate in solution maintaining high photocatalytic activity of Ta{sub 3}N{sub 5}. • The obtained supported photocatalyst gives uniform size distribution and control the degree of dispersibility in the solution, which may control nature of light absorption and reflection of the photoreactor. - Abstract: Fine nanoparticles of Ta{sub 3}N{sub 5} (10–20 nm) were synthesized on the surfaces of SiO{sub 2} spheres with a diameter of ∼550 nm. A sol–gel method was used to modify the surface of SiO{sub 2} with Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} from TaCl{sub 5} dissolved in ethanol in the presence of citric acid and polyethylene glycol. The resulting oxide composites were treated in an NH{sub 3} flow at 1123 K to form core–shell structured Ta{sub 3}N{sub 5}/SiO{sub 2} sub-microspheres. The obtained samples were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectra (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and
Advanced nanoporous TiO2 photocatalysts by hydrogen plasma for efficient solar-light photocatalytic application

Science.gov (United States)

An, Ha-Rim; Park, So Young; Kim, Hyeran; Lee, Che Yoon; Choi, Saehae; Lee, Soon Chang; Seo, Soonjoo; Park, Edmond Changkyun; Oh, You-Kwan; Song, Chan-Geun; Won, Jonghan; Kim, Youn Jung; Lee, Jouhahn; Lee, Hyun Uk; Lee, Young-Chul

2016-01-01

We report an effect involving hydrogen (H2)-plasma-treated nanoporous TiO2(H-TiO2) photocatalysts that improve photocatalytic performance under solar-light illumination. H-TiO2 photocatalysts were prepared by application of hydrogen plasma of assynthesized TiO2(a-TiO2) without annealing process. Compared with the a-TiO2, the H-TiO2 exhibited high anatase/brookite bicrystallinity and a porous structure. Our study demonstrated that H2 plasma is a simple strategy to fabricate H-TiO2 covering a large surface area that offers many active sites for the extension of the adsorption spectra from ultraviolet (UV) to visible range. Notably, the H-TiO2 showed strong ·OH free-radical generation on the TiO2 surface under both UV- and visible-light irradiation with a large responsive surface area, which enhanced photocatalytic efficiency. Under solar-light irradiation, the optimized H-TiO2 120(H2-plasma treatment time: 120 min) photocatalysts showed unprecedentedly excellent removal capability for phenol (Ph), reactive black 5(RB 5), rhodamine B (Rho B) and methylene blue (MB) — approximately four-times higher than those of the other photocatalysts (a-TiO2 and P25) — resulting in complete purification of the water. Such well-purified water (>90%) can utilize culturing of cervical cancer cells (HeLa), breast cancer cells (MCF-7), and keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) while showing minimal cytotoxicity. Significantly, H-TiO2 photocatalysts can be mass-produced and easily processed at room temperature. We believe this novel method can find important environmental and biomedical applications. PMID:27406992
Preparation and photocatalytic performance of fibrous Tb3+-doped TiO2 using collagen fiber as template

Science.gov (United States)

Luo, Ting; Wan, Xiang-Jun; Jiang, Shang-Xuan; Zhang, Li-Yuan; Hong, Zheng-Qu; Liu, Jiao

2018-04-01

Fibrous Tb3+-doped TiO2 were prepared using collagen fiber as template. Morphology, crystalline structure, surface area, element content, chemical composition and elemental chemical status, microstructure and element distribution of the prepared samples were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, specific surface area analysis, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope and element mapping, respectively. The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by following degradation of methyl orange. The results showed that the fiber structure of collagen template was fully preserved when the calcination temperature was 500-800 °C. However, with the increase of calcination temperature, crystallinity and average particle size were increased, and the photocatalytic performance was decreased. For 2% Tb3+-TiO2 calcined at 500 °C, the degradation rate of methyl orange reached 93.87% after 6 h when a high-pressure mercury lamp (150 W) was used as the light source for photocatalytic degradation. Titanium tanning agent performance was excellent, the yield of TiO2 was high, and the fiber structure was presented when 0.2 mol/L citric acid/sodium citrate buffer solution was used.
Plasma-spraying synthesis of high-performance photocatalytic TiO2 coatings

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takahashi, Yasuo; Maeda, Masakatsu; Ohmori, Akira; Shibata, Yoshitaka; Miyano, Yasuyuki; Murai, Kensuke

2014-01-01

Anatase (A-) TiO 2 is a photocatalytic material that can decompose air-pollutants, acetaldehyde, bacteria, and so on. In this study, three kinds of powder (A-TiO 2 without HAp, TiO 2 + 10mass%HAp, and TiO 2 +30mass%HAp, where HAp is hydroxyapatite and PBS is polybutylene succinate) were plasma sprayed on biodegradable PBS substrates. HAp powder was mixed with A-TiO 2 powder by spray granulation in order to facilitate adsorption of acetaldehyde and bacteria. The crystal structure was almost completely maintained during the plasma spray process. HAp enhanced the decomposition of acetaldehyde and bacteria by promoting adsorption. A 10mass% HAp content was the most effective for decomposing acetaldehyde when plasma preheating of the PBS was not carried out before the plasma spraying. The plasma preheating of PBS increased the yield rate of the spray process and facilitated the decomposition of acetaldehyde by A-TiO 2 coatings without HAp. HAp addition improved photocatalytic sterilization when plasma preheating of the PBS was performed
Solvothermal synthesis of TiO2 nanocrystals with {001} facets using titanic acid nanobelts for superior photocatalytic activity

Science.gov (United States)

Cao, Yuhui; Zong, Lanlan; Li, Qiuye; Li, Chen; Li, Junli; Yang, Jianjun

2017-01-01

Anatase TiO2 nanocrystals exposed with {001} facets were fabricated by solvothermal strategy in HF-C4H9OH mixed solution, using titanic acid nanobelts (TAN) as a precursor. The shape of TAN is a long flat plane with a high aspect ratio, and F- is easily adsorbed on the surface of the nanobelts, inducing a higher exposure of {001} facet of TiO2 nanoparticles during the structure reorganization. The exposed percentage of {001} facets could vary from 40 to 77% by adjusting the amount of HF. The as-prepared samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope. The photocatalytic measurement showed that TiO2 nanocrystals with 77% {001} facets exhibited much superior photocatalytic activity for photodegradation of methyl orange, methylene blue, and rhodamine B. And what's more, the mineralization rate of methyl orange was as high as 96% within 60 min. The photocatalytic enhancement is due to a large amount of the high energetic {001} facets exposing, the special truncated octahedral morphology and a stronger ability for dyes adsorption.
Strongly coupled CdS/graphene quantum dots nanohybrids for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution: unraveling the essential roles of graphene quantum dots

KAUST Repository

Lei, Yonggang

2017-05-23

It have been recognized that the coupling of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with semiconductor photocatalysts endow the resulting nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic performances, however, the essential roles of GQDs have not been clearly revealed yet. Herein, we report that a high efficiency of the photocatalytic H2 evolution was achieved using strongly coupled nanohybrids of CdS with GQDs (CdS/GQDs) as visible-light-driven photocatalysts. CdS/GQDs nanohybrids were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method in which the crystallization of CdS precursor and coupling of GQDs could be accomplished in one-step. GQDs are firmly decorated on the surface of CdS nanoparticles, forming “dot-on-particle” heterodimer structures. GQDs have no significant influence on the crystallite structure of CdS but render the nanohybrids with strong light absorption at the wavelength beyond the band edge of CdS. Under visible light irradiation (≥420nm), CdS/GQDs nanohybrids reach the highest H2 production rate of 95.4μmol·h−1, about 2.7 times higher than that of pure CdS nanoparticles, at GQDs content of 1.0wt %, and the apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) was determined to be 4.2% at 420nm. Incident light-wavelength dependent experiments reveal that the light absorption of CdS dominated the performance of nanohybrids, and the excess light absorption coming from GQDs hardly contributes to the observed higher activity. Photocurrent response, steady-state and time-resolved PL, and EIS measurements suggest that the high activity of CdS/GQDs is attributed predominantly to the graphene-like nature of GQDs, which can act as an efficient electron acceptor to induce an efficient charge separation. This work clearly reveals that GQDs mainly played a role of electron acceptor instead of a photosensitizer in enhancing the photocatalytic H2 evolution performances of CdS/GQDs nanohybrids, which offers a new insight to understand the essential roles of GQDs in semiconductor
Synthesis and characterization of high photocatalytic activity and stable Ag3PO4/TiO2 fibers for photocatalytic degradation of black liquor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cai, Li; Long, Qiyi; Yin, Chao

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Ag 3 PO 4 /TiO 2 fibers were prepared via in situ Ag 3 PO 4 particles onto the surface of TiO 2 fiber. • Ag 3 PO 4 /TiO 2 fibers have stronger catalytic activity and excellent chemical stability. • Ag 3 PO 4 /TiO 2 fibers act as an efficient catalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of black liquor. - Abstract: The TiO 2 fiber was prepared by using cotton fiber as a template, and then Ag 3 PO 4 /TiO 2 fibers were synthesized via in situ Ag 3 PO 4 particles onto the surface of TiO 2 fiber. Their structure and physical properties were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), specific surface analyzer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis absorption spectra and photoluminescence spectra (PL). SEM analysis indicated that the well-defined surface morphology of natural cotton fiber was mostly preserved in TiO 2 and Ag 3 PO 4 /TiO 2 fibers. Compared with TiO 2 fiber, the absorbance wavelengths of Ag 3 PO 4 /TiO 2 fibers were apparently red shifted and the PL intensities revealed a significant decrease. By using the photocatalytic degradation of black liquor as a model reaction, the visible light and ultraviolet light catalytic efficiencies of TiO 2 , Ag 3 PO 4 and Ag 3 PO 4 /TiO 2 fibers were evaluated. The reaction results showed that Ag 3 PO 4 /TiO 2 fibers had stronger photocatalytic activity and excellent chemical stability in repeated and long-term applications. Therefore, the prepared Ag 3 PO 4 /TiO 2 fibers could act as an efficient catalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of black liquor, which suggested their promising applications. It was proposed that the • OH radicals played the leading role in the photocatalytic degradation of the black liquor by Ag 3 PO 4 /TiO 2 fibers system
Improved photocatalytic activity of highly ordered TiO{sub 2} nanowire arrays for methylene blue degradation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lv, Xiaojun, E-mail: xjlv@mail.ipc.ac.cn [Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials and HKU-CAS Joint Laboratory on New Materials, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190 (China); Zhang, Hao; Chang, Haixin [WPI-Advanced Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578 (Japan)

2012-10-15

Although many efforts have been done on the photocatalytic properties of anodic TiO{sub 2} nanotubes, much less work is done on the photocatalytic performance of TiO{sub 2} nanowires. Self-organized anodic TiO{sub 2} nanowire arrays have been fabricated using a simple electrochemical approach and used as photocatalysts in photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dyes. Here we found for the first time TiO{sub 2} nanowires have better photocatalytic properties and incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) than TiO{sub 2} nanotubes. N doped TiO{sub 2} nanowires showed further enhancement in photodegradation activity and photocurrent response in the visible region. Such TiO{sub 2} nanowires are expected to have great potential in photodegradation of pollutants, photovoltaic solar energy conversion and water splitting for hydrogen generation as well. -- Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TiO{sub 2} nanowire arrays electrode fabricated via anodizing Ti foil. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TiO{sub 2} nanowire arrays have higher photodegradation activity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer N doped TiO{sub 2} nanowires enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity.
Deposition of nanostructured photocatalytic zinc ferrite films using solution precursor plasma spraying

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dom, Rekha; Sivakumar, G.; Hebalkar, Neha Y.; Joshi, Shrikant V.; Borse, Pramod H.

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Highly economic solution precursor route capable of producing films/coating even for mass scale production. ► Pure spinel phase ZnFe 2 O 4 porous, immobilized films deposited in single step. ► Parameter optimization yields access to nanostructuring in SPPS method. ► The ecofriendly immobilized ferrite films were active under solar radiation. ► Such magnetic system display advantage w.r.t. recyclability after photocatalyst extraction. -- Abstract: Deposition of pure spinel phase, photocatalytic zinc ferrite films on SS-304 substrates by solution precursor plasma spraying (SPPS) has been demonstrated for the first time. Deposition parameters such as precursor solution pH, concentration, film thickness, plasma power and gun-substrate distance were found to control physico-chemical properties of the film, with respect to their crystallinity, phase purity, and morphology. Alkaline precursor conditions (7 2 O 4 film. Very high/low precursor concentrations yielded mixed phase, less adherent, and highly inhomogeneous thin films. Desired spinel phase was achieved in as-deposited condition under appropriately controlled spray conditions and exhibited a band gap of ∼1.9 eV. The highly porous nature of the films favored its photocatalytic performance as indicated by methylene blue de-coloration under solar radiation. These immobilized films display good potential for visible light photocatalytic applications.

Photocatalytic enhancement of cesium removal by Prussian blue-deposited TiO2.

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Hyuncheol; Kim, Minsun; Kim, Wooyul; Lee, Wanno; Kim, Soonhyun

2018-06-19

After the Fukushima nuclear accident, tremendous efforts were made to treat radiocesium, radiostrontium, and other radioactive materials. For the first time, we demonstrate that a TiO 2 photocatalyst can significantly enhance Cs adsorption by Prussian blue-deposited TiO 2 (PB/TiO 2 ) under UV irradiation. In this study, we synthesized PB/TiO 2 using the photodeposition method. After the Cs ions were adsorbed on the PB/TiO 2 in darkness, we then exposed the PB/TiO 2 to UV light irradiation. This resulted in a further increase in Cs ion adsorption of more than 10 times the amount adsorbed in darkness. This photocatalytic-enhanced adsorption of Cs ions was not observed on PB mixed with SiO 2 , nor under visible light irradiation. We investigated the effects of PB concentration, PB/TiO 2 concentration, and gas purging on both dark and photocatalytic-enhanced adsorption of Cs ions by PB/TiO 2 . Based on the results, we suggest that the photocatalytic-enhanced adsorption of Cs ions on PB/TiO 2 is due to photocatalytic reduction of PB, which leads to additional adsorption of Cs ions. The change in solution color before and after the reaction, and the change in solution pH in the dark and during UV irradiation strongly support this suggestion. The photocatalytic-enhanced adsorption of Cs ions was equivalent during radioactive 137 Cs removal, indicating important applications for pollutant removal from contaminated water. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Visible light photocatalytic activities of ZnFe_2O_4/ZnO nanoparticles for the degradation of organic pollutants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rameshbabu, R.; Kumar, Niraj; Karthigeyan, A.; Neppolian, B.

2016-01-01

ZnFe_2O_4/ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized by co-precipitation method using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as surfactant. The phase formation of synthesized products was systematically investigated from powder X-ray diffraction. Cubic ZnFe_2O_4 and hexagonal ZnO were identified in accordance with different molar concentrations of Fe"3"+ ions. The morphology and functionality were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The optical properties and change in the band gap from UV to visible region upon increasing molar concentration of Fe"3"+ ions were analyzed from diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). Superparamagnetic property was observed for synthesized ZnFe_2O_4/ZnO nanoparticles using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The methylene blue and methyl orange were taken as model dyes to illustrate the photocatalytic activity of synthesized products under visible light irradiation. Maximum degradation of 99% for methyl orange (MO) was achieved by the use of 13 nm sized ZnFe_2O_4/ZnO nanoparticles as catalyst and a minutely less activity was observed for the methylene blue (MB) degradation (98%), when the photocatalytic processes were carried out for 5 h and 6 h, respectively. - Highlights: • Co-precipitation method is proposed to synthesize magnetic nanoparticles. • Modifications in the molar concentration lead to the shift in absorption edge. • Superparamagnetic property is demonstrated for the nanoparticles. • Two dye pollutants are utilized to demonstrate the photocatalytic activity.
Room-temperature synthesis of nanoporous 1D microrods of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) with highly enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability.

Science.gov (United States)

Pawar, Rajendra C; Kang, Suhee; Park, Jung Hyun; Kim, Jong-Ho; Ahn, Sunghoon; Lee, Caroline S

2016-08-08

A one-dimensional (1D) nanostructure having a porous network is an exceptional photocatalytic material to generate hydrogen (H2) and decontaminate wastewater using solar energy. In this report, we synthesized nanoporous 1D microrods of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) via a facile and template-free chemical approach at room temperature. The use of concentrated acids induced etching and lift-off because of strong oxidation and protonation. Compared with the bulk g-C3N4, the porous 1D microrod structure showed five times higher photocatalytic degradation performance toward methylene blue dye (MB) under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic H2 evolution of the 1D nanostructure (34 μmol g(-1)) was almost 26 times higher than that of the bulk g-C3N4 structure (1.26 μmol g(-1)). Additionally, the photocurrent stability of this nanoporous 1D morphology over 24 h indicated remarkable photocorrosion resistance. The improved photocatalytic activities were attributed to prolonged carrier lifetime because of its quantum confinement effect, effective separation and transport of charge carriers, and increased number of active sites from interconnected nanopores throughout the microrods. The present 1D nanostructure would be highly suited for photocatalytic water purification as well as water splitting devices. Finally, this facile and room temperature strategy to fabricate the nanostructures is very cost-effective.
Ecotoxic effect of photocatalytic active nanoparticles (TiO2) on algae and daphnids.

Science.gov (United States)

Hund-Rinke, Kerstin; Simon, Markus

2006-07-01

Due to their large potential for manifold applications, the use of nanoparticles is of increasing importance. As large amounts of nanoparticles may reach the environment voluntarily or by accident, attention should be paid on the potential impacts on the environment. First studies on potential environmental effects of photocatalytic TiO2 nanoparticles have been performed on the basis of widely accepted, standardized test systems which originally had been developed for the characterization of chemicals. The methods were adapted to the special requirements of testing photocatalytic nanoparticles. Suspensions of two different nanoparticles were illuminated to induce their photocatalytic activity. For testing, the growth inhibition test with the green alga Desmodesmus subspicatus and the immobilization test with the daphnid Daphnia magna were selected and performed following the relevant guidelines (algae: ISO 8692, OECD 201, DIN 38412-33; daphnids: ISO 6341, OECD 202, DIN 38412-30). The guidelines were adapted to meet the special requirements for testing photocatalytic nanoparticles. The results indicate that it is principally possible to determine the ecotoxicity of nanoparticles. It was shown that nanoparticles may have ecotoxicological effects which depend on the nature of the particles. Both products tested differ in their toxicity. Product 1 shows a clear concentration-effect curve in the test with algae (EC50: 44 mg/L). It could be proven that the observed toxicity was not caused by accompanying contaminants, since the toxic effect was comparable for the cleaned and the commercially available product. For product 2, no toxic effects were determined (maximum concentration: 50 mg/L). In the tests with daphnids, toxicity was observed for both products, although the concentration effect-curves were less pronounced. The two products differed in their toxicity; moreover, there was a difference in the toxicity of illuminated and non-illuminated products. Both products
Solvothermal synthesis of TiO{sub 2} nanocrystals with {001} facets using titanic acid nanobelts for superior photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cao, Yuhui; Zong, Lanlan [National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Applied Technology of Hybrid Nanomaterials, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004 (China); Li, Qiuye, E-mail: qiuyeli@henu.edu.cn [National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Applied Technology of Hybrid Nanomaterials, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004 (China); Collaborative Innovation Center of Nano Functional Materials and Applications of Henan Province, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004 (China); Li, Chen; Li, Junli [National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Applied Technology of Hybrid Nanomaterials, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004 (China); Yang, Jianjun, E-mail: yangjianjun@henu.edu.cn [National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Applied Technology of Hybrid Nanomaterials, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004 (China); Collaborative Innovation Center of Nano Functional Materials and Applications of Henan Province, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004 (China)

2017-01-01

Highlights: • TiO{sub 2} exposed with {001} facets were firstly prepared using TAN as Ti source. • The mineralization rate of MO on sample with 77% {001} facets was as high as 96%. • The superior photocatalytic activity was greatly due to {001} facets exposing. - Abstract: Anatase TiO{sub 2} nanocrystals exposed with {001} facets were fabricated by solvothermal strategy in HF-C{sub 4}H{sub 9}OH mixed solution, using titanic acid nanobelts (TAN) as a precursor. The shape of TAN is a long flat plane with a high aspect ratio, and F{sup −} is easily adsorbed on the surface of the nanobelts, inducing a higher exposure of {001} facet of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles during the structure reorganization. The exposed percentage of {001} facets could vary from 40 to 77% by adjusting the amount of HF. The as-prepared samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, N{sub 2} adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope. The photocatalytic measurement showed that TiO{sub 2} nanocrystals with 77% {001} facets exhibited much superior photocatalytic activity for photodegradation of methyl orange, methylene blue, and rhodamine B. And what’s more, the mineralization rate of methyl orange was as high as 96% within 60 min. The photocatalytic enhancement is due to a large amount of the high energetic {001} facets exposing, the special truncated octahedral morphology and a stronger ability for dyes adsorption.
Controlled Synthesis of CuS/TiO2 Heterostructured Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation through Water Splitting.

Science.gov (United States)

Chandra, Moumita; Bhunia, Kousik; Pradhan, Debabrata

2018-04-16

Photocatalytic hydrogen (H 2 ) generation through water splitting has attracted substantial attention as a clean and renewable energy generation process that has enormous potential in converting solar-to-chemical energy using suitable photocatalysts. The major bottleneck in the development of semiconductor-based photocatalysts lies in poor light absorption and fast recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Herein we report the synthesis of CuS/TiO 2 heterostructured nanocomposites with varied TiO 2 contents via simple hydrothermal and solution-based process. The morphology, crystal structure, composition, and optical properties of the as-synthesized CuS/TiO 2 hybrids are evaluated in detail. Controlling the CuS/TiO 2 ratio to an optimum value leads to the highest photocatalytic H 2 production rate of 1262 μmol h -1 g -1 , which is 9.7 and 9.3 times higher than that of pristine TiO 2 nanospindles and CuS nanoflakes under irradiation, respectively. The enhancement in the H 2 evolution rate is attributed to increased light absorption and efficient charge separation with an optimum CuS coverage on TiO 2 . The photoluminescence and photoelectrochemical measurements further confirm the efficient separation of charge carriers in the CuS/TiO 2 hybrid. The mechanism and synergistic role of CuS and TiO 2 semiconductors for enhanced photoactivity is further delineated.
Fabrication of SnO{sub 2}-TiO{sub 2} core-shell nanopillar-array films for enhanced photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cheng, Hsyi-En, E-mail: sean@mail.stust.edu.tw; Lin, Chun-Yuan; Hsu, Ching-Ming

2017-02-28

Highlights: • SnO{sub 2}-TiO{sub 2} core-shell nanopillar-arrays on ITO glass were successfully fabricated. • The 3D heterojunction solves the problem of low photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} films. • SnO{sub 2} is more suitable than ITO for the core layer to separate electron-hole pairs. - Abstract: Immobilized or deposited thin film TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts are suffering from a low photocatalytic activity due to either a low photon absorption efficiency or a high carrier recombination rate. Here we demonstrate that the photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} can be effectively improved by the SnO{sub 2}-TiO{sub 2} core-shell nanopillar-array structure which combines the benefits of SnO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} heterojunction and high reaction surface area. The SnO{sub 2}-TiO{sub 2} core-shell nanopillar-array films were fabricated using atomic layer deposition and dry etching techniques via barrier-free porous anodic alumina templates. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared films was evaluated by methylene blue (MB) bleaching under 352 nm UV light irradiation. The results show that the photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} film was 45% improved by introducing a SnO{sub 2} film between TiO{sub 2} and ITO glass substrate and was 300% improved by using the SnO{sub 2}-TiO{sub 2} core-shell nanopillar-array structure. The 45% improvement by the SnO{sub 2} interlayer is attributed to the SnO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} heterojunction which separates the photogenerated electron-hole pairs in TiO{sub 2} for MB degradation, and the high photocatalytic activity of the SnO{sub 2}-TiO{sub 2} core-shell nanopillar-array films is attributed to the three dimensional SnO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} heterojunction which owns both the carrier separation ability and the high photocatalytic reaction surface area.
Nest-like structures of Sr doped Bi2WO6: Synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu Ying; Wang Weimin; Fu Zhengyi; Wang Hao; Wang Yucheng; Zhang Jinyong

2011-01-01

Highlights: → Bi 2 WO 6 with 3D nest-like structures was obtained without the presence of templates but after Sr-doping, which represents a marked improvement over previous reports. → The products showed enhanced photocatalytic properties over pure Bi 2 WO 6 . → Samples subsequently thermal treated at 500 deg. C show better photocatalytic activities. - Abstract: A series of Sr-doped Bi 2 WO 6 with three-dimensional (3D) nest-like structures were synthesized through simple hydrothermal route and characterized by XRD, FESEM, TEM, XPS, UV-vis DRS, etc. Morphology observation revealed that the as-synthesized Bi 2 WO 6 were self-assembled three-dimensional (3D) nest-like structures, which were constructed from nanoplates. UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra indicated that the samples had absorption in both UV and visible light areas. Their photocatalytic activities were evaluated by photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under UV and visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). The photocatalytic properties were enhanced after Sr doping. Samples subsequently thermal treated at 500 deg. C showed higher photocatalytic activities. The reasons for the differences in the photocatalytic activities of these nest-like Bi 2 WO 6 microstructures were further investigated.
Photocatalytic properties of porous TiO2/Ag thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chang, C.-C.; Chen, J.-Y.; Hsu, T.-L.; Lin, C.-K.; Chan, C.-C.

2008-01-01

In this study, nanocrystalline TiO 2 /Ag composite thin films were prepared by a sol-gel spin-coating technique. By introducing polystyrene (PS) spheres into the precursor solution, porous TiO 2 /Ag thin films were prepared after calcination at a temperature of 500 deg. C for 4 h. Three different sizes (50, 200, and 400 nm) of PS spheres were used to prepare porous TiO 2 films. The as-prepared TiO 2 and TiO 2 /Ag thin films were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and by scanning electron microscopy to reveal structural and morphological differences. In addition, the photocatalytic properties of these films were investigated by degrading methylene blue under UV irradiation. When PS spheres of different sizes were introduced after calcination, the as-prepared TiO 2 films exhibited different porous structures. XRD results showed that all TiO 2 /Ag films exhibited a major anatase phase. The photodegradation of porous TiO 2 thin films prepared with 200 nm PS spheres and doped with 1 mol% Ag exhibited the best photocatalytic efficiency where ∼ 100% methylene blue was decomposed within 8 h under UV exposure
Synthesis of TiO2 nanorod-decorated graphene sheets and their highly efficient photocatalytic activities under visible-light irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Eunwoo; Hong, Jin-Yong; Kang, Haeyoung; Jang, Jyongsik

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► TiO 2 nanorods were successfully decorated on the surface of graphene sheets. ► Population of TiO 2 nanorods can be controlled by changing experimental conditions. ► TiO 2 nanorod-decorated graphene sheets have an expanded light absorption range. ► TiO 2 nanorod-decorated graphene sheets showed unprecedented photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: The titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanorod-decorated graphene sheets photocatalysts with different TiO 2 nanorods population have been synthesized by a simple non-hydrolytic sol–gel approach. Electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the TiO 2 nanorods are well-dispersed and successfully anchored on the graphene sheet surface through the formation of covalent bonds between Ti and C atoms. The photocatalytic activities are evaluated in terms of the efficiencies of photodecomposition and adsorption of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution under visible-light irradiation. The as-synthesized TiO 2 nanorod-decorated graphene sheets showed unprecedented photodecomposition efficiency compared to the pristine TiO 2 nanorods and the commercial TiO 2 (P-25, Degussa) under visible-light. It is believed that this predominant photocatalytic activity is due to the synergistic contribution of both a retarded charge recombination rate caused by a high electronic mobility of graphene and an increased surface area originated from nanometer-sized TiO 2 nanorods. Furthermore, photoelectrochemical study is performed to give deep insights into the primary roles of graphene that determines the photocatalytic activity.
Controllable synthesis of Zn{sub 2}TiO{sub 4}-carbon core/shell nanofibers with high photocatalytic performance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Peng [Center for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research, and Key Laboratory of UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, 5268 Renmin Street, Changchun 130024 (China); Shao, Changlu, E-mail: clshao@nenu.edu.cn [Center for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research, and Key Laboratory of UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, 5268 Renmin Street, Changchun 130024 (China); Zhang, Mingyi; Guo, Zengcai; Mu, Jingbo; Zhang, Zhenyi; Zhang, Xin; Liang, Pingping; Liu, Yichun [Center for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research, and Key Laboratory of UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, 5268 Renmin Street, Changchun 130024 (China)

2012-08-30

Graphical abstract: We describe a controllable route to synthesize Zn{sub 2}TiO{sub 4}-carbon core/shell nanofibers with different thickness of carbon layers (from 2 to 8 nm) as high efficiency photocatalysts. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Synthesis of Zn{sub 2}TiO{sub 4}-carbon nanofibers with different thickness of carbon layers. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Zn{sub 2}TiO{sub 4}-carbon NFs showed photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Easy photocatalyst separation and reuse. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A general way to fabricate other carbon-coated core/shell photocatalysts. - Abstract: Zn{sub 2}TiO{sub 4}-carbon core/shell nanofibers (Zn{sub 2}TiO{sub 4}-C NFs) with different thickness of carbon layers (from 2 to 8 nm) were fabricated by combining the electrospinning technique and hydrothermal method. The results showed that a uniform carbon layer was formed around the electrospun Zn{sub 2}TiO{sub 4} nanofiber (Zn{sub 2}TiO{sub 4} NFs). By adjusting the hydrothermal fabrication parameters, the thickness of carbon layer varied linearly with the concentration of glucose. Furthermore, the core/shell structure formed between Zn{sub 2}TiO{sub 4} and carbon enhanced the charge separation of pure Zn{sub 2}TiO{sub 4} under ultraviolet excitation, as evidenced by photoluminescence spectra. The photocatalytic studies revealed that the Zn{sub 2}TiO{sub 4}-C NFs exhibited enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RB) compared with the pure Zn{sub 2}TiO{sub 4} NFs under ultraviolet excitation, which might be attributed to the high separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes based on the synergistic effect between carbon and Zn{sub 2}TiO{sub 4}. Notably, the Zn{sub 2}TiO{sub 4}-C NFs could be recycled easily by sedimentation without a decrease of the photocatalytic activity.
Optimised photocatalytic hydrogen production using core–shell AuPd promoters with controlled shell thickness

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jones, Wilm; Su, Ren; Wells, Peter

2014-01-01

of these materials towards the reforming of alcohols for hydrogen production. The core–shell structured Au–Pd bimetallic nanoparticle supported on TiO2 has being of interest as it exhibited extremely high quantum efficiencies for hydrogen production. However, the effect of shell composition and thickness...... of the nanoparticles by a combination of X-ray absorption fine structure and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Photocatalytic ethanol reforming showed that the core–shell structured Au–Pd promoters supported on TiO2 exhibit enhanced activity compared to that of monometallic Au and Pd as promoters, whilst the core......–shell Au–Pd promoters containing one ML equivalent Pd provide the optimum reactivity....
Solvothermal Synthesis of Zn2SnO4 Nanocrystals and Their Photocatalytic Properties

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Guang Sun

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Crystalline Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via a simple solvothermal route by using Zn(CH3COO2·2H2O and SnCl4·5H2O as source materials, NaOH as mineralizing agent, and water and ethanol as mixed solvents. The used amount of NaOH was found to have an important influence on the formation of Zn2SnO4. When the molar ratio of OH− : Zn2+ : Sn4+ was set in the range from 4 : 2 : 1 to 8 : 2 : 1, Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles with different shape and size were obtained. However, when the molar ratio of OH− : Zn2+ : Sn4+ was set as 10 : 2 : 1, a mixture phase of ZnO and ZnSn(OH6 instead of Zn2SnO4 was obtained. Photodegradation measurements indicated that the Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles own better photocatalytic property to depredate methyl orange than the Zn2SnO4 nanopolyhedrons. The superior photocatalytic properties of Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles may be contributed to their small crystal size and high surface area.
AgI/Ag3PO4 hybrids with highly efficient visible-light driven photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Katsumata, Hideyuki; Hayashi, Takahiro; Taniguchi, Masanao; Suzuki, Tohru; Kaneco, Satoshi

2015-01-01

Highlights: • AgI/Ag 3 PO 4 hybrid was prepared via an in situ anion-exchange method. • AgI/Ag 3 PO 4 displays the excellent photocatalytic activity under visible light. • AgI/Ag 3 PO 4 readily transforms to be Ag@AgI/Ag 3 PO 4 system. • h + and O 2 ·− play the major role in the AO 7 decolorization over AgI/Ag 3 PO 4 . • The activity enhancement is ascribed to a Z-scheme system composed of Ag 3 PO 4 , Ag and AgI. - Abstract: Highly efficient visible-light-driven AgI/Ag 3 PO 4 hybrid photocatalysts with different mole ratios of AgI were prepared via an in situ anion-exchange method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) technique. Under visible light irradiation (>420 nm), the AgI/Ag 3 PO 4 photocatalysts displayed the higher photocatalytic activity than pure Ag 3 PO 4 and AgI for the decolorization of acid orange 7 (AO 7). Among the hybrid photocatalysts, AgI/Ag 3 PO 4 with 80% of AgI exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity for the decolorization of AO 7. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results revealed that AgI/Ag 3 PO 4 readily transformed to be Ag@AgI/Ag 3 PO 4 system while the photocatalytic activity of AgI/Ag 3 PO 4 remained after 5 recycling runs. In addition, the quenching effects of different scavengers displayed that the reactive h + and O 2 ·− play the major role in the AO 7 decolorization. The photocatalytic activity enhancement of AgI/Ag 3 PO 4 hybrids can be ascribed to the efficient separation of electron–hole pairs through a Z-scheme system composed of Ag 3 PO 4 , Ag and AgI, in which Ag nanoparticles act as the charge separation center
Photocatalytic degradation of aqueous ammonia by using TiO{sub 2}−ZnO/LECA hybrid photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mohammadi, Zahra; Sharifnia, Shahram, E-mail: sharif@razi.ac.ir; Shavisi, Yaser

2016-12-01

A novel hybrid structure of TiO{sub 2}−ZnO photocatalyst which immobilized on light expanded clay aggregate (LECA) support was applied for efficient removal of ammonia from synthetic wastewater. This photocatalyst was successfully prepared by a simple method and characterized by FESEM, FTIR, UV–vis, and PL techniques. LECA granules were used as support due to their low weight and high porosity surface. Compared with the pure TiO{sub 2} and ZnO, the hybrid photocatalyst had a significant effect on its properties such as photoluminescence and UV visible absorption. The coupled Ti:Zn photocatalyst with molar ratio of 1:2 exhibited the lowest photoluminescence emission intensity and maximum photocatalytic degradation of ammonia in aqueous solution. For evaluating performance of the hybrid photocatalyst, the effect of various parameters such as initial feed concentration, pH of solution, and photocatalyst dosage on the ammonia photodegradation rate were systematically investigated. The optimal pH, catalyst loading, and initial concentration of ammonia were obtained to be ≈ 11, 25 g/L, and 400 mg/L, respectively. Also, in the optimal conditions, 95.2% ammonia removal was achieved during 3 h of UV irradiation. The discussions were based on the mobility and lifetime of the charge carriers generated in the TiO{sub 2}−ZnO composite. - Highlights: • A hybrid structure of TiO{sub 2}−ZnO/LECA was applied for photocatalytic removal of ammonia. • Hybrid photocatalyst had a significant effect on photoluminescence and UV–vis absorption. • Coupled Ti:Zn photocatalyst (molar ratio = 1:2) exhibited max. photocatalytic degradation. • Optimal conditions: pH ≈ 11, catalyst loading = 25 g/L, and initial concentration = 400 mg/L. • In optimal conditions 95.2% ammonia removal was achieved during 3 h of UV irradiation.
A one-step thermal decomposition method to prepare anatase TiO2 nanosheets with improved adsorption capacities and enhanced photocatalytic activities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Wenting; Shang, Chunli; Li, Xue

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Anatase TiO 2 nanosheets (NSs) with high surface area have been prepared. • Only one type of surfactant, oleylamine (OM), is used as capping agents. • TiO 2 NSs possess high adsorption capacities MB and high photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: Anatase TiO 2 nanosheets (NSs) with high surface area have been prepared via a one-step thermal decomposition of titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) in oleylamine (OM), and their adsorption capacities and photocatalytic activities are investigated by using methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) as model pollutants. During the synthesis procedure, only one type of surfactant, oleylamine (OM), is used as capping agents and no other solvents are added. Structure and properties of the TiO 2 NSs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N 2 adsorption analysis, UV–vis spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Photoluminescence (PL) methods. The results indicate that the TiO 2 NSs possess high surface area up to 378 m 2 g −1 . The concentration of capping agents is found to be a key factor controlling the morphology and crystalline structure of the product. Adsorption and photodegradation experiments reveal that the prepared TiO 2 NSs possess high adsorption capacities of model pollutants MB and high photocatalytic activity, showing that TiO 2 NSs can be used as efficient pollutant adsorbents and photocatalytic degradation catalysts of MB in wastewater treatment.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Malachite Green Using Nano-sized cerium-iron Oxide

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

K. L. Ameta

2014-05-01

Full Text Available Nano-sized cerium-iron oxide nanoparticles has been synthesized, characterized and explored as an efficient photocatalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of malachite green. The effects of different variables on degradation of dye were optimized such as the pH of the dye solution, dye concentration, amount of photocatalyst and light intensity. About 91% degradation of dye of 2×10-5 M concentration was observed after 2 hours at 8.5 pH and 600 Wm-2 light intensity. The reason for the high catalytic activity of the synthesized nanoparticles is ascribed to the high surface area which determines the active sites of the catalyst and accelerates the photocatalytic degradation.
Solar Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production from Water Using a Dual Bed Photosystem - Phase I Final Report and Phase II Proposal; FINAL

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Clovis A. Linkous; Darlene K. Slattery

2000-01-01

In this work we are attempting to perform the highly efficient storage of solar energy in the form of H(sub 2) via photocatalytic decomposition of water. While it has been demonstrated that H(sub 2) and O(sub 2) can be evolved from a single vessel containing a single suspended photocatalyst (Sayama 1994; 1997), we are attempting to perform net water-splitting by using two photocatalysts immobilized in separate containers, or beds. A schematic showing how the device would work is shown
Photocatalytic Membrane Reactor for the Removal of C.I. Disperse Red 73

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Valentina Buscio

2015-06-01

Full Text Available After the dyeing process, part of the dyes used to color textile materials are not fixed into the substrate and are discharged into wastewater as residual dyes. In this study, a heterogeneous photocatalytic process combined with microfiltration has been investigated for the removal of C.I. Disperse Red 73 from synthetic textile effluents. The titanium dioxide (TiO2 Aeroxide P25 was selected as photocatalyst. The photocatalytic treatment achieved between 60% and 90% of dye degradation and up to 98% chemical oxygen demand (COD removal. The influence of different parameters on photocatalytic degradation was studied: pH, initial photocatalyst loading, and dye concentration. The best conditions for dye degradation were pH 4, an initial dye concentration of 50 mg·L−1, and a TiO2 loading of 2 g·L−1. The photocatalytic membrane treatment provided a high quality permeate, which can be reused.
Photocatalytic Performance of Carbon Monolith/TiO2 Composite

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marina Maletić

2015-01-01

Full Text Available The new and simple approach for deposition of catalytically active TiO2 coating on carbon monolith (CM carrier was presented. CM photocatalysts were impregnated with TiO2 using titanium solution and thermal treatment, and their photocatalytic activity was investigated in the process of methylene blue (MB photodegradation. For the purpose of comparison, CM composite photocatalysts were prepared by dip-coating method, which implies binder usage. The presence of TiO2 on CM carrier was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The sorption characteristics of CM and the role of adsorption in the overall process of MB removal were evaluated through amount of surface oxygen groups obtained by temperature-programmed desorption and specific surface area determined by BET method. CM has shown good adsorption properties toward MB due to high amount of surface oxygen groups and relatively high specific surface area. It was concluded that photocatalytic activity increases with CM disc thickness due to increase of MB adsorption and amount of deposited TiO2. Good photocatalytic activity achieved for samples obtained by thermal treatment is the result of better accessibility of MB solution to the TiO2 particles induced by binder absence.

Biological and photocatalytic treatment integrated with separation and reuse of titanium dioxide on the removal of chlorophenols in tap water

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Suryaman, Dhanus; Hasegawa, Kiyoshi

2010-01-01

We investigated biological, photocatalytic, and combination of biological and photocatalytic treatments in order to remove a mixture of 2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,5-trichlorophenol, and pentachlorophenol in tap water (total: 100 mg L -1 , each: 25 mg L -1 ). The removal of chlorinated phenols was conducted with a flow biological treatment and a circulative flow photocatalytic treatment under black light and sunlight irradiations integrated with titanium dioxide separation and reuse. The combined biological-photocatalytic treatment significantly shortened the degradation and mineralization time of both the biological treatment and the photocatalytic treatment. The removed chlorophenols per hour by the combined biological-photocatalytic treatment was 25.8 mg h -1 , whereas by the combined photocatalytic-biological treatment was 10.5 mg h -1 . After a large portion of biodegradable 2-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol, and around half amount of slightly biodegradable 2,4,5-trichlorophenol were removed by the biological treatment, the remained three chlorophenols, biorecalcitrant pentachlorophenol, and biodegradation products were completely removed by the subsequent photocatalytic treatment. Since titanium dioxide particles in tap water spontaneously sedimented on standing after the photocatalytic treatment, the combined treatment can be operated by integrating with the titanium dioxide separation and reuse. The TiO 2 particles were recovered and reused at least three times without significantly decreasing the removal efficiency.
Biological and photocatalytic treatment integrated with separation and reuse of titanium dioxide on the removal of chlorophenols in tap water

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Suryaman, Dhanus, E-mail: dhanussuryaman@yahoo.com [Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology, M.H. Thamrin No. 8, Jakarta 10340 (Indonesia); Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama 930-8555 (Japan); Hasegawa, Kiyoshi [Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama 930-8555 (Japan)

2010-11-15

We investigated biological, photocatalytic, and combination of biological and photocatalytic treatments in order to remove a mixture of 2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,5-trichlorophenol, and pentachlorophenol in tap water (total: 100 mg L{sup -1}, each: 25 mg L{sup -1}). The removal of chlorinated phenols was conducted with a flow biological treatment and a circulative flow photocatalytic treatment under black light and sunlight irradiations integrated with titanium dioxide separation and reuse. The combined biological-photocatalytic treatment significantly shortened the degradation and mineralization time of both the biological treatment and the photocatalytic treatment. The removed chlorophenols per hour by the combined biological-photocatalytic treatment was 25.8 mg h{sup -1}, whereas by the combined photocatalytic-biological treatment was 10.5 mg h{sup -1}. After a large portion of biodegradable 2-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol, and around half amount of slightly biodegradable 2,4,5-trichlorophenol were removed by the biological treatment, the remained three chlorophenols, biorecalcitrant pentachlorophenol, and biodegradation products were completely removed by the subsequent photocatalytic treatment. Since titanium dioxide particles in tap water spontaneously sedimented on standing after the photocatalytic treatment, the combined treatment can be operated by integrating with the titanium dioxide separation and reuse. The TiO{sub 2} particles were recovered and reused at least three times without significantly decreasing the removal efficiency.
Pouous TiO2 nanofibers decorated CdS nanoparticles by SILAR method for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity

Science.gov (United States)

Tian, Fengyu; Hou, Dongfang; Hu, Fuchao; Xie, Kui; Qiao, Xiuqing; Li, Dongsheng

2017-01-01

1D porous CdS nanoparticles/TiO2 nanofibers heterostructure has been fabricated via simple electrospinning and a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) process. The morphology, composition, and optical properties of the resulting CdS/TiO2 heterostructures can be rationally tailored through changing the SILAR cycles. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and decomposition of rhodamine B (RhB) of the as-synthesized heterostructured photocatalysts were investigated under visible light irradiation. Compared to TiO2 nanofibers，the as-obtained CdS/TiO2 heterostructures exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production and decomposition of RhB under visible-light irradiation. The heterojunction system performs best with H2 generation rates of 678.61 μmol h-1 g-1 under visible light irradiation which benefits from the two effects: (a) the 1D porous nanofibrous morphology contributes to not only more active sites but also more efficient transfer of the photogenerated charges (b) the synergetic effect of heterojunction and photosensitization reducing the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes.
Highly efficient visible light photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to hydrocarbon fuels by Cu-nanoparticle decorated graphene oxide.

Science.gov (United States)

Shown, Indrajit; Hsu, Hsin-Cheng; Chang, Yu-Chung; Lin, Chang-Hui; Roy, Pradip Kumar; Ganguly, Abhijit; Wang, Chen-Hao; Chang, Jan-Kai; Wu, Chih-I; Chen, Li-Chyong; Chen, Kuei-Hsien

2014-11-12

The production of renewable solar fuel through CO2 photoreduction, namely artificial photosynthesis, has gained tremendous attention in recent times due to the limited availability of fossil-fuel resources and global climate change caused by rising anthropogenic CO2 in the atmosphere. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) decorated with copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs), hereafter referred to as Cu/GO, has been used to enhance photocatalytic CO2 reduction under visible-light. A rapid one-pot microwave process was used to prepare the Cu/GO hybrids with various Cu contents. The attributes of metallic copper nanoparticles (∼4-5 nm in size) in the GO hybrid are shown to significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity of GO, primarily through the suppression of electron-hole pair recombination, further reduction of GO's bandgap, and modification of its work function. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy studies indicate a charge transfer from GO to Cu. A strong interaction is observed between the metal content of the Cu/GO hybrids and the rates of formation and selectivity of the products. A factor of greater than 60 times enhancement in CO2 to fuel catalytic efficiency has been demonstrated using Cu/GO-2 (10 wt % Cu) compared with that using pristine GO.
Photocatalytic degradation of NOx gases using TiO2-containing paint: a real scale study.

Science.gov (United States)

Maggos, Th; Bartzis, J G; Liakou, M; Gobin, C

2007-07-31

An indoor car park was appropriately equipped in order to test the de-polluting efficiency of a TiO(2)-containing paint in an indoor polluted environment, under real scale configuration. Depollution tests were performed in an artificially closed area of the parking, which was polluted by a car exhaust during the testing period. The ceiling surface of the car park was covered with white acrylic TiO(2)-containing paint (PP), which was developed in the frame of the EU project 'PICADA' (Photocatalytic Innovative Coverings Application for Depollution Assessment). The closed area was fed with car exhaust gases. As soon as the system reached steady state, the UV lamps were turned on for 5h. The difference between the final and the initial steady state concentration indicates the removal of the pollutants due to both the photocatalytic paint and car emission reduction. Results showed a significant photocatalytic oxidation of NO(x) gases. The photocatalytic removal of NO and NO(2) was calculated to 19% and 20%, respectively, while the photocatalytic rate (microgm(-2)s(-1)) ranged between 0.05 and 0.13 for NO and between 0.09 and 0.16 for NO(2).
Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of hydrated layered perovskite K2-xLa2Ti3-xNb xO10 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) and protonated derivatives

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huang Yunfang; Wu Jihuai; Wei Yuelin; Hao Sancun; Huang Miaoliang; Lin Jianming

2007-01-01

A series of photocatalytic intercalated materials K 2-x La 2 Ti 3-x Nb x O 10 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) and a series of its protonated derivatives H 2-x La 2 Ti 3-x Nb x O 10 were prepared by solid-state reaction and ion-exchange reaction. The photocatalytic activities of samples were evaluated using methanol as electron donor under UV irradiation. All H 2-x La 2 Ti 3-x Nb x O 10 samples possessed approximately twofold higher photocatalytic activity than the corresponding K 2-x La 2 Ti 3-x Nb x O 10 . This difference was most pronounced for the photocatalyst H 1.9 La 2 Ti 2.9 Nb 0.1 O 10 which showed the highest activity: 22 μmol H 2 /catalyst (g) for 5 h, more than three times the activity of K 1.9 La 2 Ti 2.9 Nb 0.1 O 10
Enhanced visible light photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by F-doped TiO{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yu, Wei [Engineering Research Center for Nanophotonics and Advanced Instrument, Ministry of Education, Department of Physics, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062 (China); Liu, Xinjuan, E-mail: lxj669635@126.com [Shanghai Nanotechnlogy Promotion Center, Shanghai 200237 (China); Center for Coordination Bond and Electronic Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018 (China); Pan, Likun, E-mail: lkpan@phy.ecnu.edu.cn [Engineering Research Center for Nanophotonics and Advanced Instrument, Ministry of Education, Department of Physics, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062 (China); Li, Jinliang; Liu, Junying [Engineering Research Center for Nanophotonics and Advanced Instrument, Ministry of Education, Department of Physics, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062 (China); Zhang, Jing; Li, Ping; Chen, Chen [Shanghai Nanotechnlogy Promotion Center, Shanghai 200237 (China); Sun, Zhuo [Engineering Research Center for Nanophotonics and Advanced Instrument, Ministry of Education, Department of Physics, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062 (China)

2014-11-15

Graphical abstract: F-doped TiO2 is synthesized using a modified sol–gel method for visible photocatalytic degradation of MB with a high degradation rate of 91%. - Highlights: • F-doped TiO{sub 2} are synthesized using a modified sol–gel method. • The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by F-doped TiO{sub 2} is investigated. • A high methylene blue degradation rate of 91% is achieved under visible light irradiation. - Abstract: F-doped TiO{sub 2} (F-TiO{sub 2}) were successfully synthesized using a modified sol–gel method. The morphologies, structures, and photocatalytic performance in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectra, respectively. The results show that F-TiO{sub 2} exhibits an enhanced photocatalytic performance in the degradation of MB with a maximum degradation rate of 91% under visible light irradiation as compared with pure TiO{sub 2} (32%). The excellent photocatalytic activity is due to the contribution from the increased visible light absorption, promoted separation of photo-generated electrons and holes as well as enhanced photocatalytic oxidizing species with the doping of F in TiO{sub 2}.
High-rate deposition of photocatalytic TiO2 films by oxygen plasma assist reactive evaporation method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sakai, Tetsuya; Kuniyoshi, Yuji; Aoki, Wataru; Ezoe, Sho; Endo, Tatsuya; Hoshi, Yoichi

2008-01-01

High-rate deposition of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) film was attempted using oxygen plasma assisted reactive evaporation (OPARE) method. Photocatalytic properties of the film were investigated. During the deposition, the substrate temperature was fixed at 400 deg. C. The film deposition rate can be increased by increasing the supply of titanium atoms to the substrate, although oversupply of the titanium atoms causes oxygen deficiency in the films, which limits the deposition rate. The film structure depends strongly on the supply ratio of oxygen molecules to titanium atoms O 2 /Ti and changes from anatase to rutile structure as the O 2 /Ti supply ratio increased. Consequently, the maximum deposition rates of 77.0 nm min -1 and 145.0 nm min -1 were obtained, respectively, for the anatase and rutile film. Both films deposited at such high rates showed excellent hydrophilicity and organic decomposition performance. Even the film with rutile structure deposited at 145.0 nm min -1 had a contact angle of less than 2.5 deg. by UV irradiation for 5.0 h and an organics-decomposition performance index of 8.9 [μmol l -1 min -1 ] for methylene blue
Attapulgite-CeO{sub 2}/MoS{sub 2} ternary nanocomposite for photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Xiazhang, E-mail: lixiazhang509@163.com [Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, School of Petrochemical Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164 (China); Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Environment Functional Materials, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009 (China); W.M.Keck Center for Advanced Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 (United States); Zhang, Zuosong [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164 (China); Yao, Chao [Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, School of Petrochemical Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164 (China); Lu, Xiaowang [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164 (China); Zhao, Xiaobing [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164 (China); Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Environment Functional Materials, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009 (China); Ni, Chaoying [W.M.Keck Center for Advanced Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 (United States)

2016-02-28

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Novel attapulgite(ATP)-CeO{sub 2}/MoS{sub 2} ternary nanocomposites were fabricated. • ATP possessed outstanding adsorption property and enhanced the stability of the network structure. • CeO{sub 2}/MoS{sub 2} couples facilitated the separation of photo-induced electrons and holes. • Mass ratio of CeO{sub 2}/MoS{sub 2} influenced the photocatalytic oxidation desulfurization. - Abstract: Novel attapulgite(ATP)-CeO{sub 2}/MoS{sub 2} ternary nanocomposites were synthesized by microwave assisted assembly method. The structures of the nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, UV–vis, XPS and in situ TEM. The photocatalytic activities of ATP-CeO{sub 2}/MoS{sub 2} composites were investigated by degradating dibenzothiophene (DBT) in gasoline under visible light irradiation. The effect of the mass ratio of CeO{sub 2} to MoS{sub 2} on photocatalytic activity was investigated. The results indicate that the three-dimensional network structure is firmly constructed by ATP skeleton, CeO{sub 2} particles and MoS{sub 2} nanosheet which effectively increase the surface area of the composites and promote the separation of electrons and holes by resulting electronic transmission channels of multi-channel in space. The degradation rate of DBT can reach 95% under 3 h irradiation when the mass ratio of CeO{sub 2}/MoS{sub 2} is 4/10. A plausible mechanism for the photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization of this nanocomposite is put forward.
Investigation on the photocatalytic degradation of pyrene on soil surfaces using nanometer anatase TiO2 under UV irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dong Dianbo; Li Peijun; Li Xiaojun; Zhao Qing; Zhang Yinqiu; Jia Chunyun; Li Peng

2010-01-01

Photocatalytic degradation of pyrene on soil surfaces was investigated in the presence of nanometer anatase TiO 2 under a variety of conditions. After being spiked with pyrene, soil samples loaded with different amounts of TiO 2 (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%, w/w) were exposed to UV irradiation for 25 h. The results indicated that the photocatalytic degradation of pyrene followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. TiO 2 accelerated the degradation of pyrene generally as indicated by the half-life reduction from 45.90 to 31.36 h, corresponding to the TiO 2 amounts from 0% to 4%, respectively. The effects of H 2 O 2 , light intensity and humic acids on the degradation of pyrene were also investigated. The degradation of pyrene increased along with increasing the concentration of H 2 O 2 , light intensity and the concentration of humic acids. All results indicated that the photocatalytic method in the presence of nanometer anatase TiO 2 was an advisable choice for the treatments of PAHs polluted soil in the future.
Simple method of preparing nitrogen - doped nanosized TiO2 powders of high photocatalytic activity under visible light

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nguyen Van Hung; Dang Thi Thanh Le

2014-01-01

Nitrogen-doped nanosized TiO 2 powders were prepared by a simple thermal treatment method of the mixture of titanium dioxide and urea. The prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-Vis-DRS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The results showed that the crystal structure of N-TiO 2 was a mixture of anatase and rutile phases, and the average particle size was 31 nm calculated from XRD results. The UV-vis spectra indicate an increase in absorption of visible light when compared to undoped TiO 2 . The photocatalytic activity of nitrogen-doped TiO 2 powder was evaluated by the decomposition of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. And it was found that nitrogen-doped TiO 2 powders exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than undoped TiO 2 . Moreover, the study also showed that, the doping N atoms improve the growth of the TiO 2 crystal and phase transformation. (author)
Low Cost High-H₂ Syngas Production for Power and Liquid Fuels

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhou, S. James [Gas Technology Inst., Des Plaines, IL (United States)

2015-07-31

This report summarizes the technical progress made of the research project entitled “Low Cost High-H2 Syngas Production for Power and Liquid Fuels,” under DOE Contract No. DE-FE-0011958. The period of performance was October 1, 2013 through July 30, 2015. The overall objectives of this project was to determine the technical and economic feasibility of a systems approach for producing high hydrogen syngas from coal with the potential to reduce significantly the cost of producing power, chemical-grade hydrogen or liquid fuels, with carbon capture to reduce the environmental impact of gasification. The project encompasses several areas of study and the results are summarized here. (1) Experimental work to determine the technical feasibility of a novel hybrid polymer/metal H2-membrane to recover pure H2 from a coal-derived syngas was done. This task was not successful. Membranes were synthesized and show impermeability of any gases at required conditions. The cause of this impermeability was most likely due to the densification of the porous polymer membrane support made from polybenzimidazole (PBI) at test temperatures above 250 °C. (2) Bench-scale experimental work was performed to extend GTI's current database on the University of California Sulfur Recovery Process-High Pressure (UCSRP-HP) and recently renamed Sulfur Removal and Recovery (SR2) process for syngas cleanup including removal of sulfur and other trace contaminants, such as, chlorides and ammonia. The SR2 process tests show >90% H2S conversion with outlet H2S concentrations less than 4 ppmv, and 80-90% ammonia and chloride removal with high mass transfer rates. (3) Techno-economic analyses (TEA) were done for the production of electric power, chemical-grade hydrogen and diesel fuels, from a mixture of coal- plus natural gas-derived syngas using the Aerojet Rocketdyne (AR) Advanced Compact coal gasifier and a natural gas partial oxidation reactor (POX) with SR2 technology. Due to the unsuccessful
Porous TiO_2 nanofibers decorated CdS nanoparticles by SILAR method for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tian, Fengyu; Hou, Dongfang; Hu, Fuchao; Xie, Kui; Qiao, Xiuqing; Li, Dongsheng

2017-01-01

Graphical abstract: A heterojunction photocatalyst with CdS Nanoparticles self-assembled via SILAR Method at surfaces of electrospun TiO2 nanofibers shows enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activities. - Highlights: • Combined electrospinning and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction process. • Pouous TiO_2 nanofibers decorated CdS nanoparticles. • Synergetic effect of photosensitization and heterojunction. - Abstract: 1D porous CdS nanoparticles/TiO_2 nanofibers heterostructure has been fabricated via simple electrospinning and a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) process. The morphology, composition, and optical properties of the resulting CdS/TiO_2 heterostructures can be rationally tailored through changing the SILAR cycles. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and decomposition of rhodamine B (RhB) of the as-synthesized heterostructured photocatalysts were investigated under visible light irradiation. Compared to TiO_2 nanofibersï¼Œthe as-obtained CdS/TiO_2 heterostructures exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production and decomposition of RhB under visible-light irradiation. The heterojunction system performs best with H_2 generation rates of 678.61 μmol h"−"1 g"−"1 under visible light irradiation which benefits from the two effects: (a) the 1D porous nanofibrous morphology contributes to not only more active sites but also more efficient transfer of the photogenerated charges (b) the synergetic effect of heterojunction and photosensitization reducing the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes.
Enhancing the photocatalytic activity of nanocrystalline TiO2 by co-doping with fluorine and yttrium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Huarong; Miao, Guashuai; Ma, Xingping; Wang, Bei; Zheng, Haiwu

2014-01-01

Highlights: • (F, Y)-codoped TiO 2 nanoparticles were prepared by a simple sol–gel method. • The highest photocatalytic activity (15 times of that over the pure TiO 2 ) was exhibited in the codoped TiO 2 with 0.05% Y doping level. • The Y doping induced oxygen vancancies played a duel role on the photocatalyic activity of the codoped TiO 2 . • The photocatalytic reactive oxygen species are critical to the photocatalytic degradation processes. - Abstract: Fluorine and yttrium codoped TiO 2 nanoparticles were prepared using a simple sol–gel method. The products were characterized with various spectroscopic and analytical techniques to determine their structural, morphological, optical absorption and photocatalytic properties. The results reveal that neither F nor Y doping causes obvious absorption edge shift in TiO 2 . Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra present that the PL signal is enhanced, suggesting a decrease of photo-generated charge carrier separation efficiency, after the F or Y doping. The synergistic action by the F and Y doping leads to the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue solution in the 0.05% (F, Y)-codoped sample (15 times of that over the pure TiO 2 ). With the increase of Y doping level, the photocatalytic performance in the codoped samples increases firstly and then decreases. The photocatalytic activity variations after the F and Y doping were interpreted by the formation of photocatalytic reactive oxygen species induced by the dopings
Photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene catalyzed by amorphous TiO2 in ionic liquid

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhu, Wenshuai; Xu, Yehai; Li, Huaming; Dai, Bilian; Xu, Hui; Wang, Chao; Chao, Yanhong; Liu, Hui

2014-01-01

Three types of TiO 2 were synthesized by a hydrolysis and calcination method. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS), Raman spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XRD and Raman spectra indicated that amorphous TiO 2 was successfully obtained at 100 .deg. C. The results indicated that amorphous TiO 2 achieved the highest efficiency of desulfurization. The photocatalytic oxidation of dibenzothiophene (DBT), benzothiophene (BT), 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) and dodecanethiol (RSH) in model oil was studied at room temperature (30 .deg. C) with three catalysts. The system contained amorphous TiO 2 , H 2 O 2 , and [Bmim]BF 4 ionic liquid, ultraviolet (UV), which played vitally important roles in the photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization. Especially, the molar ratio of H 2 O 2 and sulfur (O/S) was only 2 : 1, which corresponded to the stoichiometric reaction. The sulfur removal of DBT-containing model oil with amorphous TiO 2 could reach 96.6%, which was apparently superior to a system with anatase TiO 2 (23.6%) or with anatase - rutile TiO 2 (18.2%). The system could be recycled seven times without a signicant decrease in photocatalytic activity
PTR-MS Assessment of Photocatalytic and Sorption-Based Purification of Recirculated Cabin Air during Simulated 7-h Flights with High Passenger Density

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Wisthaler, Armin; Strøm-Tejsen, Peter; Fang, Lei

2007-01-01

Four different air purification conditions were established in a simulated 3-row 21-seat section of an aircraft cabin: no air purifier; a photocatalytic oxidation unit with an adsorptive prefilter; a second photocatalytic unit with an adsorptive prefil-ter; and a two-stage sorptionbased air filter...... (gas-phase absorption and adsorption). The air purifiers placed in the cabin air recirculation system were commercial prototypes developed for use in aircraft cabin systems. The four conditions were established in balanced order on 4 successive days of each of 4 successive weeks during simulated 7-h...... flights with 17 occupants. Protontransfer reaction mass spectrometry was used to assess organic gas-phase pollutants and the performance of each air purifier. The concentration of most organic pollutants present in aircraft cabin air was effi-ciently reduced by all three units. The photocatalytic units...
AgBr/MgBi2O6 heterostructured composites with highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity

Science.gov (United States)

Zhong, Liansheng; Hu, Chaohao; Zhuang, Jing; Zhong, Yan; Wang, Dianhui; Zhou, Huaiying

2018-06-01

AgBr/MgBi2O6 heterostructured photocatalysts were synthesized by the deposition-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL), and UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) were employed to examine the phase structure, morphology and optical properties of the as-prepared samples. The photocatalytic activity was investigated by decomposing methylene blue (MB) solution under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). AgBr/MgBi2O6 composites exhibited significantly enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic properties in comparison with pure MgBi2O6 and AgBr. When the molar ratio of AgBr to MgBi2O6 was 3:1, the composite catalyst showed the optimal photocatalytic activity and excellent stability. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of AgBr/MgBi2O6 composites was attributed to the formation of p-n heterojunction between AgBr and MgBi2O6, thereby resulting in the effective separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons-hole pairs.
Determination of photo-catalytic activity of un-doped and Mn-doped TiO2 anatase powders on acetaldehyde under UV and visible light

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Papadimitriou, Vassileios C.; Stefanopoulos, Vassileios G.; Romanias, Manolis N.; Papagiannakopoulos, Panos; Sambani, Kyriaki; Tudose, Valentin; Kiriakidis, George

2011-01-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) photocatalytic powder materials doped with various levels of manganese (Mn) were synthesized to be used as additives to wall painting in combating indoor and outdoor air pollution. The heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of gaseous acetaldehyde (CH 3 CHO) on Mn–TiO 2 surfaces under ultraviolet and visible (UV/Vis) irradiation was investigated, by employing the Photochemical Static Reactor coupled with Fourier-Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (PSR/FTIR) technique. Experiments were performed by exposing acetaldehyde (∼ 400 Pa) and synthetic air mixtures (∼ 1.01 × 10 5 Pa total pressure) on un-doped TiO 2 and doped with various levels of Mn (0.1–33% mole percentage) under UV and visible irradiation at room temperature. Photoactivation was initiated using either UV or visible light sources with known emission spectra. Initially, the photo-activity of CH 3 CHO under the above light sources, and the physical adsorption of CH 3 CHO on Mn–TiO 2 samples in the absence of light were determined prior to the photocatalytic experiments. The photocatalytic loss of CH 3 CHO on un-doped TiO 2 and Mn–TiO 2 samples in the absence and presence of UV or visible irradiation was measured over a long time period (≈ 60 min), to evaluate their relative photocatalytic activity. The gaseous photocatalytic end products were also determined using absorption FTIR spectroscopy. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) was identified as the main photocatalysis product. It was found that 0.1% Mn–TiO 2 samples resulted in the highest photocatalytic loss of CH 3 CHO under visible irradiation. This efficiency was drastically diminished at higher levels of Mn doping (1–33%). The CO 2 yields were the highest for 0.1% Mn–TiO 2 samples under UV irradiation, in agreement with the observed highest CH 3 CHO decomposition rates. It was demonstrated that low-level (0.1%) doping of TiO 2 with Mn results in a significant increase of their photocatalytic activity in the visible
Synthesis, Analysis, and Testing of BiOBr-Bi2WO6 Photocatalytic Heterojunction Semiconductors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xiangchao Meng

2015-01-01

Full Text Available In photocatalysis, the recombination of electron-hole pairs is generally regarded as one of its most serious drawbacks. The synthesis of various composites with heterojunction structures has increasingly shed light on preventing this recombination. In this work, a BiOBr-Bi2WO6 photocatalytic heterojunction semiconductor was synthesized by the facile hydrothermal method and applied in the photocatalytic degradation process. It was determined that both reaction time and temperature significantly affected the crystal structure and morphologies of the photocatalysts. BiOBr (50 at%-Bi2WO6 composites were prepared under optimum synthesis conditions (120°C for 6 h and by theoretically analyzing the DRS results, it was determined that they possessed the suitable band gap (2.61 eV to be stimulated by visible-light irradiation. The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared photocatalysts were evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB under visible-light irradiation. The experimental conditions, including initial concentration, pH, and catalyst dosage, were explored and the photocatalysts in this system were proven stable enough to be reused for several runs. Moreover, the interpreted mechanism of the heterojunction enhancement effect proved that the synthesis of a heterojunction structure provided an effective method to decrease the recombination rate of the electron-hole pairs, thereby improving the photocatalytic activity.
Efficient visible-light photocatalytic activity by band alignment in mesoporous ternary polyoxometalate-Ag2S-CdS semiconductors

Science.gov (United States)

Kornarakis, I.; Lykakis, I. N.; Vordos, N.; Armatas, G. S.

2014-07-01

anions with different reduction potentials, such as PW12O403-, SiW12O404- and PMo12O403-, were employed as electron acceptors in these ternary heterojunction photocatalysts. Characterization by small-angle X-ray scattering, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and N2 physisorption measurements showed hexagonal arrays of POM-Ag2S-CdS hybrid nanorods with large internal BET surface areas and uniform mesopores. The Keggin structure of the incorporated POM clusters was also verified by elemental X-ray spectroscopy microanalysis, infrared and diffuse-reflectance ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. These new porous materials were implemented as visible-light-driven photocatalysts, displaying exceptional high activity in aerobic oxidation of various para-substituted benzyl alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl compounds. Our experiments show that the spatial separation of photogenerated electrons and holes at CdS through the potential gradient along the CdS-Ag2S-POM interfaces is responsible for the increased photocatalytic activity. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: EDS spectra of STA/CdS and STA/Ag2S/CdS samples, SAXS patterns and N2 physisorption isotherms of SBA-15 silica, IR spectra of meso-CdS and POM-Ag2S-CdS materials, catalytic data of the as-prepared CdS based mesostructures and TiO2 (Degussa P25) nanoparticles, PL spectra of meso-CdS, Ag2S-CdS, CuS/CdS and STA/Ag2S/CdS samples, N2 physisorption isotherms of b-STA/Ag2S/CdS and STA/CuS/CdS, 1H NMR spectra of 8 oxidation products, and EDS and IR spectra and N2 physisorption isotherms of the reused STA/Ag2S/CdS catalyst. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr01094a

A one-step thermal decomposition method to prepare anatase TiO{sub 2} nanosheets with improved adsorption capacities and enhanced photocatalytic activities

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Wenting; Shang, Chunli; Li, Xue, E-mail: chm_lix@ujn.edu.cn

2015-12-01

Highlights: • Anatase TiO{sub 2} nanosheets (NSs) with high surface area have been prepared. • Only one type of surfactant, oleylamine (OM), is used as capping agents. • TiO{sub 2} NSs possess high adsorption capacities MB and high photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: Anatase TiO{sub 2} nanosheets (NSs) with high surface area have been prepared via a one-step thermal decomposition of titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) in oleylamine (OM), and their adsorption capacities and photocatalytic activities are investigated by using methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) as model pollutants. During the synthesis procedure, only one type of surfactant, oleylamine (OM), is used as capping agents and no other solvents are added. Structure and properties of the TiO{sub 2} NSs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N{sub 2} adsorption analysis, UV–vis spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Photoluminescence (PL) methods. The results indicate that the TiO{sub 2} NSs possess high surface area up to 378 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}. The concentration of capping agents is found to be a key factor controlling the morphology and crystalline structure of the product. Adsorption and photodegradation experiments reveal that the prepared TiO{sub 2} NSs possess high adsorption capacities of model pollutants MB and high photocatalytic activity, showing that TiO{sub 2} NSs can be used as efficient pollutant adsorbents and photocatalytic degradation catalysts of MB in wastewater treatment.
Preparation and Photocatalytic Activity of Nitrogen-doped Nano TiO2/Tourmaline Composites

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

LIU Xin-wei

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Using Ti(OC4H94 as precursor, CO(NH22 as nitrogen source, tourmaline as support, the nitrogen-doped nano TiO2/tourmaline composites were synthesized by sol-gel method with ultrasound assisted.The structure and performance of composites were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, UV-Vis DRS, SEM, EDS.The effects of calcining temperature, nitrogen-doped content, tourmaline amount, catalyst system on the photocatalytic activity of nitrogen-doped nano TiO2/tourmaline composites were studied.The results show that the photocatalytic activity of nitrogen-doped nano TiO2/tourmaline composites calcined under 500℃, the nitrogen doped amount of 5% (mole fraction, tourmaline added in an amount of 10% (mass fraction, catalyst dosage of 3g/L, under 500W UV light irradiation conditions, the photocatalytic degradation effect of TNT(10mg/L is the best, and has a good recycling performance.
Photocatalytic ozonation of terephthalic acid: a by-product-oriented decomposition study.

Science.gov (United States)

Fuentes, Iliana; Rodríguez, Julia L; Poznyak, Tatyana; Chairez, Isaac

2014-11-01

Terephthalic acid (TA) is considered as a refractory model compound. For this reason, the TA degradation usually requires a prolonged reaction time to achieve mineralization. In this study, vanadium oxide (VxOy) supported on titanium oxide (TiO2) served as a photocatalyst in the ozonation of the TA with light-emitting diodes (LEDs), having a bandwidth centered at 452 nm. The modified catalyst (VxOy/TiO2) in combination with ozone and LEDs improved the TA degradation and its by-products. The results obtained by this system were compared with photolysis, single ozonation, catalytic ozonation, and photocatalytic ozonation of VxOy/TiO2 with UV lamp. The LED-based photocatalytic ozonation showed almost the same decomposition efficiency of the TA, but it was better in comparison with the use of UV lamp. The oxalic acid accumulation, as the final product of the TA decomposition, was directly influenced by either the presence of VxOy or/and the LED irradiation. Several by-products formed during the TA degradation, such as muconic, fumaric, and oxalic acids, were identified. Besides, two unidentified by-products were completely removed during the observed time (60 min). It was proposed that the TA elimination in the presence of VxOy/TiO2 as catalyst was carried out by the combination of different mechanisms: molecular ozone reaction, indirect mechanism conducted by ·OH, and the surface complex formation.
Removal of MCs by Bi2O2CO3: adsorption and the potential of photocatalytic degradation.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Yujiao; Cao, Yanqiu; Li, Hongmei; Gong, Aijun; Han, Jintao; Qian, Zhen; Chao, Wenran

2018-04-01

Microcystins (MCs) is a kind of hepatotoxin, which is the secondary metabolite of cyanobacteria. Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 (BOC) is a kind of cheap and nontoxic semiconductor material. BOC was synthetized by solvothermal method and then microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and microcystin-RR (MC-RR) were removed by BOC, through adsorption and photocatalytic degradation. When the dosage of BOC is 6 g/L, the MC-LR and MC-RR in the natural water sample can be completely adsorbed in 30 min and then after 12 h irradiation, MC-LR and MC-RR were photocatalytically degraded by BOC.
Synthesis of Bi2O3 architectures in DMF–H2O solution by precipitation method and their photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, Li-Li; Han, Qiao-Feng; Zhao, Jin; Zhu, Jun-Wu; Wang, Xin; Ma, Wei-Hua

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: Flowerlike α-Bi 2 O 3 architectures assembled by nanobrick-based petals with pineapple surface were firstly synthesized by precipitation method at room temperature in DMF–H 2 O solution. - Highlights: • Nanobrick-based flowerlike Bi 2 O 3 crystals with pineapple surface were synthesized by precipitation method. • Good solubility of Bi(NO 3 ) 3 in DMF played a crucial role in the growth of flowerlike Bi 2 O 3 . • The growth mechanism of Bi 2 O 3 microcrystallites has been explained in detail. - Abstract: Well-crystalline flowerlike α-Bi 2 O 3 hierarchical architectures with pineapple-shaped petals have been synthesized by precipitation method at a volume ratio of DMF/H 2 O of 5, where DMF and H 2 O were used to dissolve Bi(NO 3 ) 3 and KOH, respectively. If the DMF/H 2 O ratio was decreased to 2:1, 1:1 and 0:30, flower-, bundle- and dendrite-shaped α-Bi 2 O 3 microcrystallites aggregated by nanorods were formed, respectively. The simple synthetic route and thus obtained Bi 2 O 3 architectures of various morphologies provide a basis insight for their formation mechanism. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared Bi 2 O 3 particles for degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light irradiation was obviously influenced by their morphologies. Bi 2 O 3 of nanorod-based microstructures exhibited higher photodegradation activity than nanobrick-based ones, owing to higher light absorption and carrier separation efficiency in one-dimensional (1D) nanostructured materials
Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of poly(triazine imide)

KAUST Repository

Ham, Yeilin; Maeda, Kazuhiko; Cha, Dong Kyu; Takanabe, Kazuhiro; Domen, Kazunari

2012-01-01

Poly(triazine imide) was synthesized with incorporation of Li+ and Cl- ions (PTI/Li+Cl-) to form a carbon nitride derivative. The synthesis of this material by the temperature-induced condensation of dicyandiamide was examined both in a eutectic mixture of LiCl-KCl and without KCl. On the basis of X-ray diffraction measurements of the synthesized materials, we suggest that a stoichiometric amount of LiCl is necessary to obtain the PTI/Li+Cl- phase without requiring the presence of KCl at 873 K. PTI/Li+Cl- with modification by either Pt or CoOx as cocatalyst photocatalytically produced H2 or O2, respectively, from water. The production of H2 or O2 from water indicates that the valence and conduction bands of PTI/Li+Cl- were properly located to achieve overall water splitting. The treatment of PTI/Li +Cl- with [Pt(NH3)4]2+ cations enabled the deposition of Pt through ion exchange, demonstrating photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution, while treatment with [PtCl6]2- anions resulted in no Pt deposition. This was most likely because of the preferential exchange between Li+ ions and [Pt(NH3)4]2+ cations. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of poly(triazine imide)

KAUST Repository

Ham, Yeilin

2012-10-22

Poly(triazine imide) was synthesized with incorporation of Li+ and Cl- ions (PTI/Li+Cl-) to form a carbon nitride derivative. The synthesis of this material by the temperature-induced condensation of dicyandiamide was examined both in a eutectic mixture of LiCl-KCl and without KCl. On the basis of X-ray diffraction measurements of the synthesized materials, we suggest that a stoichiometric amount of LiCl is necessary to obtain the PTI/Li+Cl- phase without requiring the presence of KCl at 873 K. PTI/Li+Cl- with modification by either Pt or CoOx as cocatalyst photocatalytically produced H2 or O2, respectively, from water. The production of H2 or O2 from water indicates that the valence and conduction bands of PTI/Li+Cl- were properly located to achieve overall water splitting. The treatment of PTI/Li +Cl- with [Pt(NH3)4]2+ cations enabled the deposition of Pt through ion exchange, demonstrating photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution, while treatment with [PtCl6]2- anions resulted in no Pt deposition. This was most likely because of the preferential exchange between Li+ ions and [Pt(NH3)4]2+ cations. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Visible-light CO{sub 2} photocatalytic reduction performance of ball-flower-like Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} synthesized without organic precursor: Effect of post-calcination and water vapor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sun, Zhuxing; Yang, Zhenmei; Liu, Hongfeng [Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058 (China); Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler and Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou 311202 (China); Wang, Haiqiang, E-mail: wanghaiqiang2008@126.com [Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058 (China); Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler and Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou 311202 (China); Wu, Zhongbiao, E-mail: zbwu@zju.edu.cn [Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058 (China); Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler and Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou 311202 (China)

2014-10-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Photocatalytic CO{sub 2} reduction on non-organic synthesized PB-Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} was investigated. • CO was detected as the major product. • Increased amount of CO was yielded in the condition with little water vapor. • Photocatalytic performance was enhanced with Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} after 550 °C post-annealing. • Renewing the catalysts used in CO{sub 2} photoreduction by water washing was achieved. - Abstract: Nanoplates-composed ball-flower-like Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} (PB-Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}) was synthesized by a hydrothermal method without any organic precursor and its performance in photocatalytic reduction of CO{sub 2} was investigated in a continuous-flow reaction system under visible light irradiation (420 nm < λ < 620 nm). CO was detected as the main product of this photocatalytic process and H{sub 2}O was found to suppress the conversion of CO{sub 2} to CO due to its competitive absorption with CO{sub 2} on the medium strength basic sites of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}. PB-Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} annealed at 550 °C showed superior CO yield in the condition with little water vapor. It might be attributed to the enhanced crystallinity, significantly decreased recombination rate of photo-generated electrons and holes and more stable basic sites for strengthened CO{sub 2} adsorption, according to characterization results by XRD, SEM, UV–vis SRS, PL and CO{sub 2}-TPD. However, comparing with PB-Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}, the negative effect of H{sub 2}O was even more prominent on the annealed sample because of the reduced surface area. Yield decrease was observed during the irradiation time due to the adsorption of intermediates generated but fortunately washing with deionized water was found to be an effective way to renew the catalyst.
Production of TiO_2 particles by sol-gel ultrasound assisted for photocatalytic applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Martinez Rojas, Vanessa; Solis Veliz, Jose; Gomez Leon, Monica; Matejova, Lenka; Lopez, Alcides; Cruz, Gerardo J.

2015-01-01

Synthesis of TiO_2 particles was made by sol-gel technique assisted of ultrasonic radiation from an alcoholic solution of titanium isopropoxide. Then was subjected to a heat treatment in air at 350 °C for 1 h. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the size of the crystalline domains is between 10 and 37 nm. Infrared spectroscopy study confirms the presence of -OH groups on the surface of TiO_2. Modification of the morphology and surface area, due to the influence of exposure time to the ultrasonic radiation, is evidenced by studies of SEM and BET respectively. Properties of TiO_2 obtained were studied by monitoring the degradation of solutions of methyl orange in the presence of UV-A radiation. It was observed that larger the ultrasonic radiation exposure during the TiO_2 synthesis larger the constant velocity for the photocatalytic reaction for the methyl orange. (author)
Fabrication of AgFeO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanocatalyst with enhanced and stable photocatalytic performance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tang, Dandan [School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070 (China); Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for High Efficient Utilization of Vanadium Resources, Wuhan 430070 (China); Zhang, Gaoke, E-mail: gkzhang@whut.edu.cn [School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070 (China); Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for High Efficient Utilization of Vanadium Resources, Wuhan 430070 (China)

2017-01-01

Highlights: • AgFeO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanocatalyst was synthesized via a facile precipitation method. • The composite displays superior e{sup ∧}/h{sup +} pair separation compared to AgFeO{sub 2} and g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}. • The composite shows high and stable photocatalytic activity both in water and air. • The active h{sup +} plays the dominate role in the degradation process. - Abstract: This work reported a novel AgFeO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} composite with enhanced photocatalytic activity, which was fabricated by a simple precipitation method. The g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} sheets with thickness of 2• 4 nm were successfully loaded on the surface of the AgFeO{sub 2} particles. As compared to pure AgFeO{sub 2} and pure g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}, the as-prepared AgFeO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} photocatalysts exhibited superior absorption in the visible-light region and displayed promising visible-light photocatalytic performance in the degradation of organic contaminations both in water and in air. About 94% of Acid red G (ARG) can be degraded by the optimized AgFeO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} sample, which is ∱/47.5 and ∱/410.7 times higher than that by pure AgFeO{sub 2} and pure g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}, respectively. Meanwhile, it can also effectively degrade ∱/487% of gaseous formaldehyde to CO{sub 2} within 9 h. The enhanced photocatalytic property and stability of the AgFeO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} composite can be attributed to its specific nanostructure, effective electron-hole separation and the formation of Z-scheme heterostructure between AgFeO{sub 2} and g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}. This work could provide new and helpful insights into the photocatalytic application of Ag-based delafossite materials.
Core/shell structured ZnO/SiO2 nanoparticles: Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic property

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhai Jing; Tao Xia; Pu Yuan; Zeng Xiaofei; Chen Jianfeng

2010-01-01

ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by a simple chemical synthesis route. Subsequently, SiO 2 layers were successfully coated onto the surface of ZnO nanoparticles to modify the photocatalytic activity in acidic or alkaline solutions. The obtained particles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and zeta potential. It was found that ultrafine core/shell structured ZnO/SiO 2 nanoparticles were successfully obtained. The photocatalytic performance of ZnO/SiO 2 core/shell structured nanoparticles in Rhodamine B aqueous solution at varied pH value were also investigated. Compared with uncoated ZnO nanoparticles, core/shell structured ZnO/SiO 2 nanoparticles with thinner SiO 2 shell possess improved stability and relatively better photocatalytic activity in acidic or alkaline solutions, which would broaden its potential application in pollutant treatment.
Photocatalytic Conversion of Nitrogen to Ammonia with Water on Surface Oxygen Vacancies of Titanium Dioxide.

Science.gov (United States)

Hirakawa, Hiroaki; Hashimoto, Masaki; Shiraishi, Yasuhiro; Hirai, Takayuki

2017-08-09

Ammonia (NH 3 ) is an essential chemical in modern society. It is currently manufactured by the Haber-Bosch process using H 2 and N 2 under extremely high-pressure (>200 bar) and high-temperature (>673 K) conditions. Photocatalytic NH 3 production from water and N 2 at atmospheric pressure and room temperature is ideal. Several semiconductor photocatalysts have been proposed, but all suffer from low efficiency. Here we report that a commercially available TiO 2 with a large number of surface oxygen vacancies, when photoirradiated by UV light in pure water with N 2 , successfully produces NH 3 . The active sites for N 2 reduction are the Ti 3+ species on the oxygen vacancies. These species act as adsorption sites for N 2 and trapping sites for the photoformed conduction band electrons. These properties therefore promote efficient reduction of N 2 to NH 3 . The solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiency is 0.02%, which is the highest efficiency among the early reported photocatalytic systems. This noble-metal-free TiO 2 system therefore shows a potential as a new artificial photosynthesis for green NH 3 production.
Visible light photocatalytic activities of ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/ZnO nanoparticles for the degradation of organic pollutants

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rameshbabu, R. [SRM Research Institute, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Kanchipuram 603203, Tamil Nadu (India); Kumar, Niraj [SRM Research Institute, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Kanchipuram 603203, Tamil Nadu (India); Centre for Materials Science and Nano Devices, Department of Physics and Nanotechnology, SRM University Kattankulathur, Kanchipuram 603203, Tamil Nadu (India); Karthigeyan, A., E-mail: karthigeyan.a@ktr.srmuniv.ac.in [Centre for Materials Science and Nano Devices, Department of Physics and Nanotechnology, SRM University Kattankulathur, Kanchipuram 603203, Tamil Nadu (India); Neppolian, B., E-mail: neppolian.b@res.srmuniv.ac.in [SRM Research Institute, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Kanchipuram 603203, Tamil Nadu (India)

2016-09-15

ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized by co-precipitation method using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as surfactant. The phase formation of synthesized products was systematically investigated from powder X-ray diffraction. Cubic ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} and hexagonal ZnO were identified in accordance with different molar concentrations of Fe{sup 3+} ions. The morphology and functionality were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The optical properties and change in the band gap from UV to visible region upon increasing molar concentration of Fe{sup 3+} ions were analyzed from diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). Superparamagnetic property was observed for synthesized ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/ZnO nanoparticles using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The methylene blue and methyl orange were taken as model dyes to illustrate the photocatalytic activity of synthesized products under visible light irradiation. Maximum degradation of 99% for methyl orange (MO) was achieved by the use of 13 nm sized ZnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/ZnO nanoparticles as catalyst and a minutely less activity was observed for the methylene blue (MB) degradation (98%), when the photocatalytic processes were carried out for 5 h and 6 h, respectively. - Highlights: • Co-precipitation method is proposed to synthesize magnetic nanoparticles. • Modifications in the molar concentration lead to the shift in absorption edge. • Superparamagnetic property is demonstrated for the nanoparticles. • Two dye pollutants are utilized to demonstrate the photocatalytic activity.
Enhanced visible-light photocatalytic decomposition of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid over ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Qiu, Pengxiang; Yao, Jinhua [Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Engineering Research Center for Chemical Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094 (China); Chen, Huan, E-mail: hchen404@njust.edu.cn [Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Engineering Research Center for Chemical Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094 (China); Jiang, Fang, E-mail: fjiang@njust.edu.cn [Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Engineering Research Center for Chemical Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094 (China); Xie, Xianchuan [State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Center for Hydrosciences Research, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210094 (China)

2016-11-05

Highlights: • A novel flower-on-sheet ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanocomposite was synthesized. • ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} showed high visible light catalytic activity for 2,4-D degradation. • The photocatalytic degradation pathway of 2,4-D was investigated. - Abstract: ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method and applied to visible-light photocatalytic decomposition of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) from aqueous phase. The flower-like ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} particles were dispersed on the surface of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanosheets in the ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} composite. The composite showed higher separation rate of electron-hole pairs as compared to ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} and g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}. Consequently, the ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} composite exhibited enhanced visible light photocatalytic decomposition efficiency of 2,4-D, within 20% ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} composite owning the highest photocatalytic efficiency and initial rate. The initial rates of 2,4-D degradation on g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}, ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4}, and 20% ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} were 1.23, 0.57 and 3.69 mmol/(g{sub cat} h), respectively. The h{sup +} and O{sub 2}{sup ·−} were found to be the dominant active species for 2,4-D decomposition. The photocatalytic degradation pathways of 2,4-D by ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} under visible light irradiation were explored. The ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} composite displayed high photostability in recycling tests, reflecting its promising potential as an effective visible light photocatalyst for 2,4-D treatment.
Tuning the morphology, stability and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanocrystal colloids by tungsten doping

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xu, Haiping; Liao, Jianhua; Yuan, Shuai; Zhao, Yin; Zhang, Meihong; Wang, Zhuyi; Shi, Liyi

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • W 6+ -doped TiO 2 nanocrystal colloids were prepared by hydrothermal methods. • The properties of TiO 2 nanocrystal colloids can be tuned by tungsten doping. • W 6+ -doped TiO 2 nanocrystal colloids show higher stability and dispersity. • W 6+ -doped TiO 2 nanocrystal colloids show higher photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: The effects of tungsten doping on the morphology, stability and photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 nanocrystal colloids were investigated. The nanostructure, chemical state of Ti, W, O, and the properties of tungsten doped TiO 2 samples were investigated carefully by TEM, XRD, XPS, UV–vis, PL and photocatalytic degradation experiments. And the structure–activity relationship was discussed according to the analysis and measurement results. The analysis results reveal that the morphology, zeta potential and photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 nanocrystals can be easily tuned by changing the tungsten doping concentration. The tungsten doped TiO 2 colloid combines the characters of high dispersity and high photocatalytic activity
Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of different SnO2 microspheres on graphene oxide sheets

Science.gov (United States)

Wei, Jia; Xue, Shaolin; Xie, Pei; Zou, Rujia

2016-07-01

Different SnO2 microspheres like dandelions, silkworm cocoons and urchins have been synthesized on graphene oxide sheets (GOs) by hydrothermal method at 190 °C for 24 h. The morphologies, structures, chemical compositions and optical properties of the as-grown SnO2 microspheres on GOs (SMGs) were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), Raman spectra and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) techniques. The results of XRD revealed that the as-grown SnO2 microspheres have tetragonal rutile structure. The results of Raman spectra, EDS, XRD, XPS and SEM showed that the SnO2 microspheres were grown on GOs and the average diameter of dandelion-like microsphere was about 1.5 μm. The formation mechanism of SnO2 microspheres grown on GOs was discussed. The photocatalytic activity of the SMGs composites was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B) aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic results showed that the dandelion-like SMGs exhibited a much better photocatalytic activity than those of smooth and rough SMGs.
Photocatalytic reduction of CO{sub 2} into methanol and ethanol over conducting polymers modified Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} microspheres under visible light

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dai, Weili, E-mail: wldai81@126.com; Xu, Hai; Yu, Juanjuan; Hu, Xu; Luo, Xubiao, E-mail: luoxubiao@126.com; Tu, Xinman; Yang, Lixia

2015-11-30

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Conducting polymers modified Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} HHMS (CP/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}) was successfully synthesized. • The introduction of CP decreases the recombination of photogenerated e{sup –}–h{sup +} pairs. • The PTh/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} exhibites good stability and recyclability for CO{sub 2} photoreduction. • The possible photocatalytic mechanism was discussed and proposed. - Abstract: Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} hierarchical hollow microspheres (HHMS) modified with different conducting polymers (polyaniline, polypyrrole, and polythiophene) were successfully synthesized by ‘in situ’ deposition oxidative polymerization method, and evaluated as photocatalysts for the photocatalytic reduction of CO{sub 2} with H{sub 2}O to methanol and ethanol. It was found that the introduction of conducting polymers obviously decreased the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, thus promoting the photocatalytic activity of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}. Among the as-fabricated photocatalysts, polythiophene modified Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} (PTh/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}) exhibited the best photoelectronic and photocatalytic performance, due to the narrow band gap and good charge mobility of polythiophene. The results demonstrate that the methanol and ethanol yield over PTh/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} was 56.5 and 20.5 μmol g{sub cat}{sup −1} in 4 h, respectively. The total yield of hydrocarbons is 2.8 times higher than that over pure Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}. It is noted that the catalyst exhibits good recyclability and stability. After five consecutive runs, the PTh/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} catalyst shows no significant loss of photocatalytic activity. The possible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed which is beneficial for further improving the activity of photocatalysts. The approach described in this study provides a simple and reliable strategy for the rational design of efficient visible light-driven photocatalysts for photoreduction of CO{sub 2} to hydrocarbons.
Influence of Operational Parameters on the Photocatalytic Activity of Powdered TiO2 for the Reduction of CO2

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Oman Zuas

2014-07-01

Full Text Available In this report, the results from a study on the influence of operational parameters on TiO2 photocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction under an ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis illumination are presented. The results indicated that the TiO2 was found to be active for CO2 reduction with CH3OH as the major products, while other minor products (CO, CH4, and C2H4 were also detected. In addition, the formation of such reduction products was obviously influenced by the operational parameters. Under this study, the optimum operational parameters for CO2 reduction at 298 °K were determined to be: NaOH concentration 0.2 M, TiO2 dosage 2 g/L, volume of the reaction media 75 mL, the pressure of system 800 kPa. It was also found that the increase in UV-vis illumination time have increased the yield of product formation. A possible reaction pathway for the formation of the reduction products is also discussed.
Hydrothermal synthesis of CdS/Bi{sub 2}MoO{sub 6} heterojunction photocatalysts with excellent visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Feng, Yi; Yan, Xu; Liu, Chunbo; Hong, Yuanzhi; Zhu, Lin; Zhou, Mingjun; Shi, Weidong, E-mail: swd1978@ujs.edu.cn

2015-10-30

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • The novel CdS/Bi{sub 2}MoO{sub 6} heterojunction were synthesized for the first time via a two-step hydrothermal process. • The CdS/Bi{sub 2}MoO{sub 6} heterojunction exhibited an excellent visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity for RhB degradation. • The photocatalytic activity of this heterojunction also evaluated by TC, MB degradation. • The mechanism of this photocatalysis system was firstly proposed. - Abstract: A novel CdS/Bi{sub 2}MoO{sub 6} heterojunction photocatalysts were successfully prepared via two-step hydrothermal methods. The prepared samples were characterized by various physicochemical techniques, such as XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, XPS, UV–vis and PL. The obtained samples exhibited highly photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of the different kinds of organic dyes and tetracycline in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). The optimum photocatalytic efficiency of CdS-2 sample for the degradation rhodamine B (RhB) was about 25.3 and 3.7 times higher than that of individual CdS and Bi{sub 2}MoO{sub 6}, respectively. In addition, the possible photocatalytic mechanism was analyzed by different active species trapping experiments. The results indicated that the h{sup +} and ·O{sub 2}{sup −} were the main active species for the photocatalytic degradation of RhB. Moreover, the prepared sample shows good stability and recyclability properties which are beneficial for its practical application.
Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of different SnO2 microspheres on graphene oxide sheets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wei, Jia; Xue, Shaolin; Xie, Pei; Zou, Rujia

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Different SnO 2 microspheres were grown on GOs by hydrothermal method. • The morphology was influenced by volume ratio of ethanol and concentrations of precursor. • The shape of SnO 2 microspheres looks like dandelion. • The photocatalytic property is strongly influenced by the SnO 2 morphology on GOs. - Abstract: Different SnO 2 microspheres like dandelions, silkworm cocoons and urchins have been synthesized on graphene oxide sheets (GOs) by hydrothermal method at 190 °C for 24 h. The morphologies, structures, chemical compositions and optical properties of the as-grown SnO 2 microspheres on GOs (SMGs) were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), Raman spectra and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) techniques. The results of XRD revealed that the as-grown SnO 2 microspheres have tetragonal rutile structure. The results of Raman spectra, EDS, XRD, XPS and SEM showed that the SnO 2 microspheres were grown on GOs and the average diameter of dandelion-like microsphere was about 1.5 μm. The formation mechanism of SnO 2 microspheres grown on GOs was discussed. The photocatalytic activity of the SMGs composites was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B) aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic results showed that the dandelion-like SMGs exhibited a much better photocatalytic activity than those of smooth and rough SMGs.

Synthesis and Characterization of Hierarchical Structured TiO2 Nanotubes and Their Photocatalytic Performance on Methyl Orange

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kai Liu

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Hierarchical structured TiO2 nanotubes were prepared by mechanical ball milling of highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays grown by electrochemical anodization of titanium foil. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, specific surface area analysis, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, photocurrent measurement, photoluminescence spectra, electrochemical impedance spectra, and photocatalytic degradation test were applied to characterize the nanocomposites. Surface area increased as the milling time extended. After 5 h ball milling, TiO2 hierarchical nanotubes exhibited a corn-like shape and exhibited enhanced photoelectrochemical activity in comparison to commercial P25. The superior photocatalytic activity is suggested to be due to the combined advantages of high surface area of nanoparticles and rapid electron transfer as well as collection of the nanotubes in the hierarchical structure. The hierarchical structured TiO2 nanotubes could be applied into flexible applications on solar cells, sensors, and other photoelectrochemical devices.
Preparation and photocatalytic activity of hollow ZnSe microspheres via Ostwald ripening

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Lihui; Yang Heqing; Xie Xiaoli; Zhang Fenghua; Li Li

2009-01-01

Hollow ZnSe microspheres were prepared via a facile hydrothermal reaction of Zn(AC) 2 .2H 2 O with Na 2 SeO 3 and ethylene glycol in NaOH solution at 180 deg. C for 12 h. The products were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectrum. The hollow microspheres with the diameters of about 2 μm are constructed from ZnSe nanoparticles with the cubic zinc blende structure, the size of hollow interiors and constituent ZnSe nanodots can be tuned by changing the reaction time. The hollow microspheres are formed via an Ostwald ripening process. Photoluminescence and photocatalytic activity of the hollow ZnSe microspheres were studied at room temperature. The results indicate that the hollow microspheres constructed from ZnSe nanoparticles display a strong near-band edge emission at 479 nm and a very weak deep defect (DD) related emission at 556 nm and a high photocatalytic activity in the photodegradation of methyl orange. The photodegradation of methyl orange catalyzed by the ZnSe microspheres is a pseudo first-order reaction
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of dye under visible light on mesoporous microspheres by defects in manganese- and nitrogen-co-doped TiO{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Feng, Lu; Jiang, Heng, E-mail: hjiang78@hotmail.com [Liaoning Shihua University, School of Chemistry and Materials Science (China); Zou, Mingming; Xiong, Fengqiang; Ganeshraja, Ayyakannu Sundaram; Pervaiz, Erum [Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (China); Liu, Yinan; Zou, Shunying [Dalian Environmental Protection Laboratory (China); Yang, Minghui, E-mail: myang@dicp.ac.cn [Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (China)

2016-09-15

Manganese- and nitrogen-co-doped mesoporous TiO{sub 2} microsphere photocatalysts are prepared by a simple sol–gel method with controllable sizes in the range of 400–500 nm and high surface area of 112 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}. Manganous acetate is the Mn source, and ammonia gas is the nitrogen source used. The dopants are found to be uniformly distributed in the TiO{sub 2} matrix. Interestingly, in (Mn,N)-co-doped TiO{sub 2}, we observe an effective indirect band gap of ~2.58 eV. (Mn,N)-co-doped mesoporous TiO{sub 2} microspheres show higher photocatalytic activity than Mn–TiO{sub 2} microspheres under visible light irradiation. Among the samples reported in this work, 0.2 at.% Mn doping and 500 °C 2-h nitriding condition give the highest photocatalytic activity. The observed photocatalytic activity in the (Mn,N)-co-doped TiO{sub 2} is attributed to the contribution from improved absorption due to trap levels of Mn, oxygen vacancies and N doping.Graphical AbstractManganese- and nitrogen-co-doped mesoporous TiO{sub 2} microspheres containing substitutional N, interstitial N and O vacancies show high visible light photocatalytic activity.
Porous TiO{sub 2} nanofibers decorated CdS nanoparticles by SILAR method for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tian, Fengyu; Hou, Dongfang, E-mail: dfhouok@126.com; Hu, Fuchao; Xie, Kui; Qiao, Xiuqing; Li, Dongsheng, E-mail: lidongsheng1@126.com

2017-01-01

Graphical abstract: A heterojunction photocatalyst with CdS Nanoparticles self-assembled via SILAR Method at surfaces of electrospun TiO2 nanofibers shows enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activities. - Highlights: • Combined electrospinning and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction process. • Pouous TiO{sub 2} nanofibers decorated CdS nanoparticles. • Synergetic effect of photosensitization and heterojunction. - Abstract: 1D porous CdS nanoparticles/TiO{sub 2} nanofibers heterostructure has been fabricated via simple electrospinning and a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) process. The morphology, composition, and optical properties of the resulting CdS/TiO{sub 2} heterostructures can be rationally tailored through changing the SILAR cycles. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and decomposition of rhodamine B (RhB) of the as-synthesized heterostructured photocatalysts were investigated under visible light irradiation. Compared to TiO{sub 2} nanofibersï¼Œthe as-obtained CdS/TiO{sub 2} heterostructures exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production and decomposition of RhB under visible-light irradiation. The heterojunction system performs best with H{sub 2} generation rates of 678.61 μmol h{sup −1} g{sup −1} under visible light irradiation which benefits from the two effects: (a) the 1D porous nanofibrous morphology contributes to not only more active sites but also more efficient transfer of the photogenerated charges (b) the synergetic effect of heterojunction and photosensitization reducing the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes.
Relationship between interlayer hydration and photocatalytic water splitting of A'1-xNaxCa2Ta3O10.nH2O (A'=K and Li)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mitsuyama, Tomohiro; Tsutsumi, Akiko; Sato, Sakiko; Ikeue, Keita; Machida, Masato

2008-01-01

Partial replacement of alkaline metals in anhydrous KCa 2 Ta 3 O 10 and LiCa 2 Ta 3 O 10 was studied to control interlayer hydration and photocatalytic activity for water splitting under UV irradiation. A' 1-x Na x Ca 2 Ta 3 O 10 .nH 2 O (A'=K and Li) samples were synthesized by ion exchange of CsCa 2 Ta 3 O 10 in mixed molten nitrates at 400 deg. C. In K 1-x Na x Ca 2 Ta 3 O 10 .nH 2 O, two phases with the orthorhombic (C222) and tetragonal (I4/mmm) structures were formed at x≤0.7 and x≥0.5, respectively. Upon replacement by Na + having a larger enthalpy of hydration (ΔH h 0 ), the interlayer hydration occurred at x≥0.3 and the hydration number (n) was increased monotonically with an increase of x. Li 1-x Na x Ca 2 Ta 3 O 10 .nH 2 O showed a similar hydration behavior, but the phase was changed from I4/mmm (x 1-x Na x Ca 2 Ta 3 O 10 .nH 2 O exhibited the activity increasing in consistent with n, whereas Li 1-x Na x Ca 2 Ta 3 O 10 .nH 2 O exhibited the activity maximum at x=0.77, where the rates of H 2 /O 2 evolution were nearly doubled compared with those for end-member compositions (x=0 and 1). - Graphical abstract: The partial substitution of Na in the interlayer of anhydrous-layered perovskite has been found as useful structural modification toward highly active hydrated photocatalysts
Synthesis of highly monodispersed teardrop-shaped core–shell SiO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles and their photocatalytic activities

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wu, Lihong; Zhou, Yifeng, E-mail: yifengzhou@126.com; Nie, Wangyan; Song, Linyong; Chen, Pengpeng, E-mail: chenpp@ahu.edu.cn

2015-10-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Uniform chitosan coated magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (CMMSNs) were successfully synthesized. • The CMMSNs were applied to highly efficient methylene blue (MB) dyes removal, and the saturated adsorption capacity of MB was 43.03 mg/g. • The MB adsorption kinetic and adsorption isotherm analysis were studied. • The CMMSNs had a saturation magnetization of 12.6 emu/g and could be easily separated by a magnet after dye adsorption. - Abstract: In this study, teardrop-shaped SiO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles (TST-NPs) with core–shell structure were fabricated from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and tetrabutyl titanate (TBT) by sol–gel method. And these nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV–vis spectroscopy. Photocatalytic activity of teardrop-shaped SiO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles after calcination (CST-NPs) was studied towards degradation of methylene blue under sunlight irradiation. The result showed that CST-NPs possessed good photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic mechanism was also studied by adding different capture agent. Results showed that addition of 0.003 M of I{sup −} decreased the degradation of MB more than same amount of Ag{sup +}, indicating that the photogenerated holes may play a more essential role than photoinjected electrons in the oxidation of MB.
Study of photocatalytic activities of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanoparticles synthesized by fast microwave-assisted method

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Phu, Nguyen Dang [Faculty of Physics, Hanoi National University of Education, 136 Xuanthuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi (Viet Nam); Hoang, Luc Huy, E-mail: hoanglhsp@hnue.edu.vn [Faculty of Physics, Hanoi National University of Education, 136 Xuanthuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi (Viet Nam); Chen, Xiang-Bai, E-mail: xchen@wit.edu.cn [School of Science and Laboratory of Optical Information Technology, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205 (China); Kong, Meng-Hong [School of Science and Laboratory of Optical Information Technology, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205 (China); Wen, Hua-Chiang; Chou, Wu Ching [Department of Electrophysics, National Chiao Tung University, Hsin-Chu 30010, Taiwan (China)

2015-10-25

We present a study of photocatalytic activities of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanoparticles synthesized by fast microwave-assisted method. The photocatalytic activities of the nanoparticles were evaluated by the decolorization of methylene-blue under visible-light-irradiation. Our results show that the surface area of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanoparticles plays a major role for improving photocatalytic activity, while visible-light absorption has only a weak effect on photocatalytic activity. This suggests efficient transportation of photo-generated electrons and holes to the oxidation active sites on the surface of nanoparticles, indicating Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanoparticles synthesized by fast microwave-assisted method are promising for achieving high photocatalytic activity under visible-light-irradiation. - Highlights: • The Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanoparticles were synthesized via fast microwave-assisted method. • The obtained Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanoparticles exhibited visible-light absorbance. • The surface area of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanoparticles plays major role for improving photocatalytic activity. • The Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} nanoparticles are promising for achieving high photocatalytic activity under visible-light-irradiation.
One-step preparation and photocatalytic performance of vanadium doped TiO{sub 2} coatings

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vasilić, R., E-mail: rastko.vasilic@ff.bg.ac.rs [University of Belgrade, Faculty of Physics, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade (Serbia); Stojadinović, S. [University of Belgrade, Faculty of Physics, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade (Serbia); Radić, N. [University of Belgrade, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, Department of Catalysis and Chemical Engineering, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade (Serbia); Stefanov, P. [Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Block 11, Sofia 1113 (Bulgaria); Dohčević-Mitrović, Z. [University of Belgrade, Institute of Physics, Pregrevica 118, 11080 Belgrade (Serbia); Grbić, B. [University of Belgrade, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, Department of Catalysis and Chemical Engineering, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade (Serbia)

2015-02-01

In this paper, we have investigated one-step preparation of vanadium doped TiO{sub 2} coatings formed by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) of titanium in electrolyte containing 10 g/L Na{sub 3}PO{sub 4}·12H{sub 2}O + 0.5 g/L NH{sub 4}VO{sub 3}. The morphology, phase structure, and elemental composition of the formed coatings were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. Ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS) was employed to evaluate the band gap energy of obtained coatings. Vanadium doped TiO{sub 2} coatings are partly crystallized and mainly composed of anatase phase TiO{sub 2}, with up to about 2 wt% of vanadium present in the surface layer of the oxide. The valence band photoelectron spectra and UV–Vis DRS showed that vanadium doped TiO{sub 2} coatings exhibit notable red shift with respect to the pure TiO{sub 2} coatings. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by monitoring the degradation of methyl orange under simulated sunlight conditions. Photocatalytic activity of vanadium doped TiO{sub 2} coatings increases with PEO time. Prolonged PEO times result in higher roughness of obtained coatings, thus increasing surface area available for methyl orange degradation. Vanadium doped TiO{sub 2} coatings obtained after 180 s of PEO time exhibit the best photocatalytic activity and about 67% of methyl orange is degraded after 12 h of irradiation under simulated sunlight. - Highlights: • One-step preparation of V-doped TiO{sub 2} coatings in 10 g/L Na{sub 3}PO{sub 4}·12H{sub 2}O + 0.5 g/L NH{sub 4}VO{sub 3}. • Properties of obtained coatings strongly depend on microdischarge characteristics. • Band gap of V-doped TiO{sub 2} coatings is shifted towards red side of the spectrum. • V-doped TiO{sub 2} coatings have better photocatalytic activity than pure TiO{sub 2}. • After 12 h of simulated sunlight irradiation, 67% of
Visible-light photocatalytic activity of Ag2O coated Bi2WO6 hierarchical microspheres assembled by nanosheets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen, Lin; Hua, Hao; Yang, Qi; Hu, Chenguo

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Bi 2 WO 6 hierarchical microspheres assembled by nanosheets and dispersed nanosheets are synthesized. • Ag 2 O/Bi 2 WO 6 heterostuctures exhibites an enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with the Bi 2 WO 6 nanostructures. • Photocatalytic activity of the Ag 2 O/Bi 2 WO 6 microspheres is higher than that of the nanosheets. • Bi 2 WO 6 hierarchical structure is an excellent architecture for loading of Ag 2 O nanoparticles. - Abstract: Bi 2 WO 6 hierarchical microspheres assembled by nanosheets and dispersed nanosheets were synthesized by hydrothermal reaction in different conditions. Ag 2 O nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of Bi 2 WO 6 microspheres and nanosheets by the chemical precipitation method. The photocatalytic performance of pure Bi 2 WO 6 nanostructures and Ag 2 O/Bi 2 WO 6 heterostructures were evaluated by the photocatalytic decolorization of RhB solution under visible-light irradiation. Compared with the pure Bi 2 WO 6 nanostructures, the Ag 2 O/Bi 2 WO 6 heterostructures exhibited an obviously enhanced photocatalytic activity. And photocatalytic activity of the Ag 2 O/Bi 2 WO 6 microspheres is higher than that of the Ag 2 O/Bi 2 WO 6 nanosheets. This work demonstrates that the Bi 2 WO 6 hierarchical three-dimensional structure is an excellent architecture for the loading of Ag 2 O nanoparticles to build a highly efficient photocatalyst
A low temperature situ precipitation route to designing Zn-doped SnO2 photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic performance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jia, Xiaohua; Liu, Yingying; Wu, Xiangyang; Zhang, Zhen

2014-01-01

Highlights: • A new Zn doped SnO 2 photocatalyst was successfully achieved and characterized. • The Zn doped SnO 2 photocatalyst exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity and stability for the photodegradation RhB. • Photocatalytic mechanisms both under visible and UV–vis light irradiation were proposed. - Abstract: Zn doped SnO 2 nanoparticles have been fabricated through the low temperature situ precipitation technique. The morphology, structure and chemical composition of the nanoparticles are characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry (TG–DSC) and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The products were also characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-photoelectron spectrum (XPS), and the results indicated that Sn 4+ ions were successfully substituted by Zn 2+ . Their photocatalytic activities were evaluated using rhodamine B (RhB) as a decomposition objective. The results show that the Zn doped SnO 2 display higher photocatalytic activities in the degradation of RhB than pure ZnO products by exposure to UV irradiation. A possible reason of the increased photocatalytic activity of Zn doped SnO 2 is attributed to intrinsic oxygen vacancies in nanoparticles and extrinsic defect due to Zn hole doping
Effect of Sr/Ti Ratio on the Photocatalytic Properties of SrTiO3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sulaeman, U; Yin, S; Sato, T

2011-01-01

Since strontium titanate is a wide gap semiconductor, it requires UV light to generate the photocatalytic activities. Modification of strontium titanate to show photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation is the essential work to efficiently utilize the sun light energy for environmental application. It is expected that the synthesis of SrTiO 3 with variation of Sr/Ti atomic ratio could induce the defect crystals having unique photocatalytic properties. The SrTiO 3 with various Sr/Ti atomic ratios were synthesized by microwave-assisted solvothermal reaction of SrCl 2 .6H 2 O and Ti(OC 3 H 7 ) 4 in KOH aqueous solutions with different atomic ratios of Sr/Ti. The products were characterized by TG-DTA, XRD and DRS. The photocatalytic activity was determined by DeNO x ability using LED lamps with the wavelengths of 627 nm (red), 530 nm (green), 445 nm (blue) and 390 nm (UV). The nanoparticles of perovskite type SrTiO 3 with the particle size of 30-40 nm were successfully synthesized. The visible light responsive photocatalytic activity was generated by adding excess amount of Sr. The photocatalytic activity in visible light could be enhanced by an increase in the Sr/Ti atomic ratio up to 1.25, indicating that the visible light responsive photocatalytic activity is due to the generation of new band gap between the conduction band and valence band of SrTiO 3 by the formation of oxygen vacancy.
Controllable one-pot synthesis of various one-dimensional Bi2S3 nanostructures and their enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hu, Enlai; Gao, Xuehui; Etogo, Atangana; Xie, Yunlong; Zhong, Yijun; Hu, Yong

2014-01-01

Highlights: • 1D Bi 2 S 3 nanostructures were prepared by a facile ethanol-assisted one-pot reaction. • The size and morphology of the products can be conveniently varied. • The sulfur source plays a crucial role in determining the morphologies of products. • 1D Bi 2 S 3 nanostructures exhibit enhanced photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI). • Bi 2 S 3 nanowires exhibit the highest photoreduction activity among three samples. - Abstract: One-dimensional (1D) Bi 2 S 3 nanostructures with various morphologies, including nanowires, nanorods, and nanotubes, have been successfully synthesized through a facile ethanol-assisted one-pot reaction. It is found that the size, morphology and structure of the products can be conveniently varied or controlled by simply adjusting the volume ratio of ethanol and water in the reaction system. Further experimental results indicate that sulfur source also plays the other crucial role in determining the product morphology. The synthetic strategy developed in this work is highly efficient in producing 1D Bi 2 S 3 nanostructures with high quality and large quantity. Photocatalysis experiments show the as-prepared 1D Bi 2 S 3 nanostructures possess significantly enhanced photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) when exposed to visible light irradiation. Especially, Bi 2 S 3 nanowires exhibit the highest photocatalytic activity and can be used repeatedly after washed with dilute HCl
Photocatalytic Activity of Nanotubular TiO2 Films Obtained by Anodic Oxidation: A Comparison in Gas and Liquid Phase

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Beatriz Eugenia Sanabria Arenas

2018-03-01

Full Text Available The availability of immobilized nanostructured photocatalysts is of great importance in the purification of both polluted air and liquids (e.g., industrial wastewaters. Metal-supported titanium dioxide films with nanotubular morphology and good photocatalytic efficiency in both environments can be produced by anodic oxidation, which avoids release of nanoscale materials in the environment. Here we evaluate the effect of different anodizing procedures on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanostructures in gas and liquid phases, in order to identify the most efficient and robust technique for the production of TiO2 layers with different morphologies and high photocatalytic activity in both phases. Rhodamine B and toluene were used as model pollutants in the two media, respectively. It was found that the role of the anodizing electrolyte is particularly crucial, as it provides substantial differences in the oxide specific surface area: nanotubular structures show remarkably different activities, especially in gas phase degradation reactions, and within nanotubular structures, those produced by organic electrolytes lead to better photocatalytic activity in both conditions tested.
Photocatalytic degradation of nicotine in an aqueous solution using unconventional supported catalysts and commercial ZnO/TiO{sub 2} under ultraviolet radiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Franco, Marcela Andrea Espina de, E-mail: marcela.eq@gmail.com; Silva, William Leonardo da; Bagnara, Mônica; Lansarin, Marla Azário; Zimnoch dos Santos, João Henrique

2014-10-01

Nicotine, a highly toxic alkaloid, has been detected in effluents, surface and groundwater and even bottled mineral water. The present work studied the photocatalytic degradation of nicotine in aqueous solution, under ultraviolet irradiation. The experiments were carried out using commercial (ZnO, TiO{sub 2}) and non-conventional catalysts, which were prepared from industrial and laboratory waste. Two experimental designs (CCD) were performed for both commercial catalysts, and initial nicotine concentration, catalyst concentration and initial solution pH effects were studied. Then, the synthesized catalysts were tested under the optimal conditions which were found through CCDs. Using commercial catalysts, about 98% of the alkaloid was degraded by ZnO, and 88% by TiO{sub 2}, in 1 h. Among the non-conventional catalysts, the highest photocatalytic degradation (44%) was achieved using the catalyst prepared from a petrochemical industry residue. - Highlights: • The photocatalytic degradation of nicotine was studied under UV irradiation. • Commercial catalysts ZnO and TiO{sub 2} were tested using two central composite designs. • Initial nicotine concentration, catalyst concentration and pH were evaluated. • Catalysts were prepared using chemical wastes and tested at the best conditions.
Ag-Decorated ATaO3 (A = K, Na) Nanocube Plasmonic Photocatalysts with Enhanced Photocatalytic Water-Splitting Properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Dongbo; Yang, Songbo; Jin, Yu; Chen, Min; Fan, Weiqiang; Luo, Bifu; Shi, Weidong

2015-09-08

Tantalate semiconductor nanocrystals have been at the forefront of the photocatalytic conversion of solar energy to supply hydrogen owing to their favorable and tunable optical and electronic properties as well as advances in their synthesis. However, a narrow band gap is required for response to improve the efficiency of the photocatalysts. Here we propose an efficient enhancement of the H2 generation under simulated sunlight and visible light irradiation by a dispersion of Ag-decorated KTaO3 and NaTaO3 nanocubes. X-ray diffraction and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra are used to characterize the products. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and high-resolution high-angle annular dark-field scanning TEM (HAADF-STEM) images show that the Ag nanoparticles (NPs) are uniformly loaded on the surfaces of KTaO3 and NaTaO3. The photocatalytic water-splitting results over Ag-decorated KTaO3 and NaTaO3 show that the rate for H2 evolution from aqueous CH3OH solutions is up to 185.60 and 3.54 μmol/h·g under simulated sunlight and the rate for H2 evolution is more than 2 times than that of pure NaTaO3 and KTaO3 materials. However, under purely visible light illumination the highest H2 evolution of 25.94 and 0.83 μmol/h·g is observed in the case of Ag-decorated KTaO3 and NaTaO3 nanocubes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the photocatalytic water-splitting activity of the prepared Ag-decorated KTaO3 and NaTaO3 nanocubes has been reported.
Treatment of atrazine by integrating photocatalytic and biological processes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chan, C.Y.; Tao, S.; Dawson, R.; Wong, P.K.

2004-01-01

This research examines the degradation of atrazine by photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) under different experimental conditions. Deisopropylatrazine, deethylatrazine and deethyldeisopropylatrazine were formed as major intermediates based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The reaction mixture was found to be toxic towards two bioassays, i.e. the Microtox[reg] and amphipods survival tests even when atrazine was completely degraded by PCO within 2 h under optimized conditions. The results indicate that adding H 2 O 2 could significantly enhance the degradation of atrazine by PCO. Ammeline, ammelide and cyanuric acid (CA) became the major intermediates/products as detected by high performance liquid chromatography from 6th to the 40th h of PCO treatment. After 72 h PCO treatment, only CA was detectable in the reaction mixture. Further degradation of CA was carried out by a newly isolated CA-degrading bacterium, Sphingomonas capsulata. The photochemical pretreatment integrated with microbial degradation lead to the complete degradation and detoxification of atrazine
Photocatalytic activity of the binary composite CeO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2} for degradation of dye

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Phanichphant, Sukon [Materials Science Research Center, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200 (Thailand); Nakaruk, Auppatham [Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000 (Thailand); Centre of Excellence for Innovation and Technology for Water Treatment, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000 (Thailand); Channei, Duangdao, E-mail: duangdaoc@nu.ac.th [Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000 (Thailand); Research Center for Academic Excellence in Petroleum, Petrochemicals and Advanced Materials, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000 (Thailand)

2016-11-30

Highlights: • The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the CeO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2} composite can be explained by the presence of the SiO{sub 2} adsorbent, which effectively increased the surface area of the CeO{sub 2}. • The increased surface area of CeO{sub 2} should be helpful to facilitate more effective adsorption sites, which enhances the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant significantly. • SiO{sub 2} modification is effective in separating the photogenerated electrons and holes, which is of great importance for photocatalytic activity. • SiO{sub 2} acted as a carrier for CeO{sub 2} attachment and avoided the agglomeration of CeO{sub 2} particles. - Abstract: In this study, CeO{sub 2} photocatalyst was modified by composite with SiO{sub 2} to increase efficiency and improve photocatalytic activity. The as-prepared SiO{sub 2} particles have been incorporated into the precursor mixture of CeO{sub 2} by homogeneous precipitation and subsequent calcination process. The phase compositions of CeO{sub 2} before and after compositing with SiO{sub 2} were identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology and particle size of CeO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2} composite was analyzed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results showed SiO{sub 2} spheres with the particle size approximately 100–120 nm, and a uniform layer of CeO{sub 2} nanoparticles with a diameter of about 5–7 nm that were fully composite to the surfaces of SiO{sub 2}. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique was carried out in order to characterize the change in valence state and composite characteristic by shifted peaks of binding energies. The photocatalytic activity was studied through the degradation of Rhodamine B in aqueous solution under visible light exposure. The highest photocatalytic efficiency of CeO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2} composite was also obtained. To explain the high photocatalytic
Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet for photocatalytic hydrogen production: The impact of morphology and element composition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Zhao; Zhang, Yijie; Lu, Luhua; Si, Yanjie; Zhang, Si; Chen, Ying; Dai, Kai; Duan, Ping; Duan, Limei; Liu, Jinghai

2017-01-01

Highlights: • g-C_3N_4 with tunable morphology was prepared by varying pyrolysis time. • g-C_3N_4 showed reduced recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. • g-C_3N_4 showed enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity. - Abstract: The intrinsic morphology and basal plane defects on g-C_3N_4 nanosheet have important influences on its electronic structures and photocatalytic activity. In this work, we report extending thermal treatment time of g-C_3N_4 at 550 °C not only change the morphology of g-C_3N_4 but also element composition of g-C_3N_4. The morphology variation results in largely increased SSA from 40.22 to 117.27 m"2 g"−"1, obviously reduced pore size from 3.99 to 2.77 nm for g-C_3N_4 and formation of in-plane holes. Moreover, composition variation of g-C_3N_4 has also been found to have changed as the pyrolysis time extended. These changes have significant impact on the optical properties and photoelectrical characters of g-C_3N_4, which were investigated by UV-DSR, PL and Photocurrent measurement. The photocatalytic activity of g-C_3N_4 obtained via 9 h thermal treatment at 550 °C has shown highest photocatalytic activity, which is 1.77 times than that of g-C_3N_4 obtained via 3 h thermal treatment under visible irradiation and 1.99 times under UV irradiation respectively.
Characterizations of nano-TiO{sub 2}/diatomite composites and their photocatalytic reduction of aqueous Cr (VI)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sun, Qing; Li, Hui; Zheng, Shuilin, E-mail: shuilinzh@sina.com; Sun, Zhiming, E-mail: szmcumtb@hotmail.com

2014-08-30

Graphical abstract: Nano-TiO{sub 2}/diatomite (DIA) composites were successfully synthesized by a typical hydrolysis precipitation method. The composites show good photocatalytic activity and stability for aqueous Cr (VI) removal. - Highlights: • TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles/diatomite composite was synthesized and characterized. • The composite exhibited a good photocatalytic performance in Cr (VI) reduction. • The photocatalyst showed good photocatalytic stability. • The composite is a promising material for Cr (VI) photocatalytic reduction. - Abstract: In this paper, the TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles were immobilized on diatomite (DIA) via a typical hydrolysis precipitation process using TiCl{sub 4} as precursor. The as-prepared composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles with the average grain size of around 7–14 nm were well deposited on the surface of diatomite. The photocatalytic activity toward the reduction of aqueous Cr (VI) was demonstrated under UV light. The influence of initial pH values, catalyst amount, illumination intensity and initial concentration of Cr (VI) on photocatalytic reduction of Cr (VI) were investigated. Compared with the commercial TiO{sub 2} (P25, Degussa), the TiO{sub 2}/DIA composites had better reactive activity because of their relatively higher adsorption capacity. Furthermore, the prepared photocatalyst exhibited relatively good photocatalytic stability depending on the reusability tests.
Novel adsorption and photocatalytic oxidation for removal of gaseous toluene by V-doped TiO{sub 2}/PU under visible light

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pham, Thanh-Dong; Lee, Byeong-Kyu, E-mail: bklee@ulsan.ac.kr

2015-12-30

Highlights: • V doping was used to enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst. • The enhanced TiO{sub 2} was fixed on porous polyurethane (PU) by chemical bonds. • The PU was used as a substrate to increase the adsorption ability of the photocatalyst. • V-TiO{sub 2}/PU adsorbed and photocatalytically oxidized toluene gas under visible light. • The V/TiO{sub 2} ratio of 6 wt% was optimal for enhancing the photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: In this study, V was used as a dopant to defect into the TiO{sub 2} lattice, leading to formation of Ti{sup 3+} and V{sup 4+} in the lattice. The presence of Ti{sup 3+} and V{sup 4+} introduced into the TiO{sub 2} lattice increased the electron–hole pair generation capacity and electron–hole pair separation efficiency of the TiO{sub 2}, leading to enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst. Porous polyurethane (PU) was used to immobilize the V-doped TiO{sub 2} by creating chemical bonds. The use of porous substrate contributed to the increased adsorption ability of the enhanced photocatalyst, as well as expanded its application for the removal of toluene from aerosols. Under dark conditions, the V-TiO{sub 2}/PU only exhibited adsorption ability for toluene treatment in aerosol. Under visible light conditions, the V-TiO{sub 2}/PU exhibited high photocatalytic oxidation ability for the removal of toluene in aerosol. The photocatalytic oxidation ability was found to depend on the V to TiO{sub 2} ratio. The optimal V content in V/TiO{sub 2} for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} was determined to be 6 wt%. Even under visible light irradiation, the 6% V-TiO{sub 2}/PU sample could photocatalytically remove 80% of the toluene in 200-ppmV inlet gas, while 89.3% of the removed amount was mineralized into CO{sub 2} and H{sub 2}O.

The highly efficient photocatalytic and light harvesting property of Ag-TiO2 with negative nano-holes structure inspired from cicada wings.

Science.gov (United States)

Zada, Imran; Zhang, Wang; Zheng, Wangshu; Zhu, Yuying; Zhang, Zhijian; Zhang, Jianzhong; Imtiaz, Muhammad; Abbas, Waseem; Zhang, Di

2017-12-08

The negative replica of biomorphic TiO 2 with nano-holes structure has been effectively fabricated directly from nano-nipple arrays structure of cicada wings by using a simple, low-cost and highly effective sol-gel ultrasonic method. The nano-holes array structure was well maintained after calcination in air at 500 °C. The Ag nanoparticles (10 nm-25 nm) were homogeneously decorated on the surface and to the side wall of nano-holes structure. It was observed that the biomorphic Ag-TiO 2 showed remarkable photocatalytic activity by degradation of methyl blue (MB) under UV-vis light irradiation. The biomorphic Ag-TiO 2 with nano-holes structure showed superior photocatalytic activity compared to the biomorphic TiO 2 and commercial Degussa P25. This high-performance photocatalytic activity of the biomorphic Ag-TiO 2 may be attributed to the nano-holes structure, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) property of the Ag nanoparticles, and enhanced electron-hole separation. Moreover, the biomorphic Ag-TiO 2 showed more absorption capability in the visible wavelength range. This work provides a new insight to design such a structure which may lead to a range of novel applications.
SiO2@TiO2 Coating: Synthesis, Physical Characterization and Photocatalytic Evaluation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Rosales

2018-03-01

Full Text Available Use of silicon dioxide (SiO2 and titanium dioxide (TiO2 have been widely investigated individually in coatings technology, but their combined properties promote compatibility for different innovative applications. For example, the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 coatings, when exposed to UV light, have interesting environmental applications, such as air purification, self-cleaning and antibacterial properties. However, as reported in different pilot projects, serious durability problems, associated with the adhesion between the substrate and TiO2, have been evidenced. Thus, the aim of this work is to synthesize SiO2 together with TiO2 to increase the durability of the photocatalytic coating without affecting its photocatalytic potential. Therefore, synthesis using sonochemistry, synthesis without sonochemistry, physical characterization, photocatalytic evaluation, and durability of the SiO2, SiO2@TiO2 and TiO2 coatings are presented. Results indicate that using SiO2 improved the durability of the TiO2 coating without affecting its photocatalytic properties. Thus, this novel SiO2@TiO2 coating shows potential for developing long-lasting, self-cleaning and air-purifying construction materials.
Controllable Fabrication of Ordered Mesoporous Bi2WO6 and Its High Photocatalytic Activity under Visible Light

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xueming Dang

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Ordered mesoporous Bi2WO6 was fabricated by nanocasting technique using SBA-15 as the template. The effect of the dosage of SBA-15 on the formation of the ordered structure and the photocatalytic ability of mesoporous Bi2WO6 was discussed. It was confirmed that the ordered mesoporous structure was obtained as the dosage of SBA-15 was 0.3 g. It was found that, compared to Bi2WO6, the RhB degradation rate with ordered mesoporous Bi2WO6 was enhanced under visible light (λ>400 nm by the photocatalytic measurements. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of ordered mesoporous Bi2WO6 was attributed to its particular ordered mesoporous structure which could increase the light-harvesting efficiency, reduce the recombination of the photogenerated charge carriers, and promote the surface reaction.
Effect of high pN2 and high pD2 on NH3 production, H2 evolution, and HD formation by nitrogenases

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jensen, B.B.; Burris, R.H.

1985-01-01

We have investigated the effect of the partial pressure of N2 and D2 on HD formation, H2 evolution, and NH3 production by nitrogenase from Klebsiella pneumoniae and Clostridium pasteurianum. By using pressures up to 4 atm, we have been able to extend the concentration range of N2 and D2 in our investigations beyond that used in previous studies. The pN2 dependence of HD formation with constant pD2 ideally shows no HD formation under zero pN2, reaches a peak which depends on the pD2, and then decreases to zero at very high pN2. K. pneumoniae and C. pasteurianum nitrogenases differ in their Ki(D2) for nitrogen fixation. C. pasteurianum nitrogenase had the lower activity for formation of HD. With K. pneumoniae nitrogenase, D2 enhanced H2 evolution from 31% of the electron flux partitioned to H2 in the absence of D2 to 51% of the electron flux partitioned to H2 at 400 kPa of D2. With C. pasteurianum nitrogenase, the equivalent values were 33% and 48% of the total electron flux. Our results support previou findings on the mechanism for nitrogenase-catalyzed reductions proposed by W. W. Cleland
Continuous Synthesis of Ag/TiO2 Nanoparticles with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity by Pulsed Laser Ablation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rui Zhou

2017-01-01

Full Text Available A facile and environmental friendly synthesis strategy based on pulsed laser ablation has been developed for potential mass production of Ag-loaded TiO2 (Ag/TiO2 nanoparticles. By sequentially irradiating titanium and silver target substrates, respectively, with the same 1064 nm 100 ns fiber laser, Ag/TiO2 particles can be fabricated. A postannealing process leads to the crystallization of TiO2 to anatase phase with high photocatalytic activity. The phase composition, microstructure, and surface state of the elaborated Ag/TiO2 are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM, transmission electron microscope (TEM, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS techniques. The results suggest that the presence of silver clusters deposited on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles. The nanostructure is formed through laser interaction with materials. Photocatalytic activity evaluation shows that silver clusters could significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 in degradation of methylene blue (MB under UV light irradiation, which is attributed to the efficient electron traps by Ag clusters. Our developed Ag/TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized via a straightforward, continuous, and green pathway could have great potential applications in photocatalysis.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}–Ag{sub 2}O hybrid photocatalysts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, Xinjuan, E-mail: lxj669635@126.com [Institute of Coordination Bond Metrology and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018 (China); Liu, Junying [Engineering Research Center for Nanophotonics & Advanced Instrument, Ministry of Education, Department of Physics, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062 China (China); Chu, Haipeng [Institute of Coordination Bond Metrology and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018 (China); Li, Jinliang; Yu, Wei [Engineering Research Center for Nanophotonics & Advanced Instrument, Ministry of Education, Department of Physics, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062 China (China); Zhu, Guang [Anhui Key Laboratory of Spin Electron and Nanomaterials, Suzhou University, Suzhou 234000 (China); Niu, Lengyuan [Institute of Coordination Bond Metrology and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018 (China); Sun, Zhuo [Engineering Research Center for Nanophotonics & Advanced Instrument, Ministry of Education, Department of Physics, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062 China (China); Pan, Likun, E-mail: lkpan@phy.ecnu.edu.cn [Engineering Research Center for Nanophotonics & Advanced Instrument, Ministry of Education, Department of Physics, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062 China (China); Sun, Chang Q. [Institute of Coordination Bond Metrology and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018 (China)

2015-08-30

Graphical abstract: Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}–Ag{sub 2}O composites were fabricated for visible light photocatalytic degradation of phenol with a high degradation rate of 92% for 60 min. - Highlights: • Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}–Ag{sub 2}O composites were synthesized via a co-precipitation method. • The photocatalytic activity for the degradation of phenol is investigated. • A high degradation rate of 92% for 60 min is achieved under visible light irradiation. - Abstract: Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}–Ag{sub 2}O hybrid photocatalysts were successfully synthesized via a co-precipitation method. The morphology, structure and photocatalytic performance in the degradation of phenol were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, electrochemical impedance spectra and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, respectively. The results show that Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}–Ag{sub 2}O hybrid photocatalysts exhibit enhanced photocatalytic performance in the degradation of phenol with a maximum degradation rate of 92% for 60 min under visible light irradiation compared with pure Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} (57%), which is ascribed to the increase in light adsorption and the reduction in electron–hole pair recombination with the introduction of Ag{sub 2}O.
MIL-125-NH2@TiO2 Core-Shell Particles Produced by a Post-Solvothermal Route for High-Performance Photocatalytic H2 Production.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Bingxing; Zhang, Jianling; Tan, Xiuniang; Shao, Dan; Shi, Jinbiao; Zheng, Lirong; Zhang, Jing; Yang, Guanying; Han, Buxing

2018-05-02

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have proven to be an interesting class of sacrificial precursors of functional inorganic materials for catalysis, energy storage, and conversion applications. However, the controlled synthesis of MOF-derived materials with desirable compositions, structures, and properties still remains a big challenge. Herein, we propose a post-solvothermal route for the outer-to-inner loss of organic linkers from MOF, which is simple, rapid, and controllable and can be operated at temperature much lower than that of the commonly adopted pyrolysis method. By such a strategy, the MIL-125-NH 2 particles coated by TiO 2 nanosheets were produced, and the thickness of TiO 2 shell can be easily tuned. The MIL-125-NH 2 @TiO 2 core-shell particles combine the advantages of highly active TiO 2 nanosheets, MIL-125-NH 2 photosensitizer, plenty of linker defects and oxygen vacancies, and mesoporous structure, which allows them to be utilized as photocatalysts for the visible-light-driven hydrogen production reaction. It is remarkable that the hydrogen evolution rate by MIL-125-NH 2 @TiO 2 can be enhanced 70 times compared with the pristine MIL-125-NH 2 . Such a route can be easily applied to the synthesis of different kinds of MOF-derived functional materials.
Photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet by thiourea-doped TiO2 ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

In this study, optimisation of the photocatalytic behaviour of crystal violet (CV) by thiourea (Tu)-codoped TiO2 thin film in fixed bed photoreactor was investigated by central composite designs (CCDs). The effective variables were pH, the concentration of CV dye, flow rate and reaction time. The results of the CCD model ...
Low temperature synthesis of polyaniline-crystalline TiO2-halloysite composite nanotubes with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Cuiping; Wang, Jie; Guo, Hong; Ding, Shujiang

2015-11-15

A series of one-dimensional polyaniline-crystalline TiO2-halloysite composite nanotubes with different mass ratio of polyaniline to TiO2 are facilely prepared by employing the low-temperature synthesis of crystalline TiO2 on halloysite nanotubes. The halloysite nanotubes can adsorb TiO2/polyaniline precursors and induce TiO2 nanocrystals/polyaniline to grow on the support in situ simultaneously. By simply adjusting the acidity of reaction system, PANI-crystalline TiO2-HA composite nanotubes composed of anatase, a mixed phase TiO2 and different PANI redox state are obtained. The XRD and UV-vis results show that the surface polyaniline sensitization has no effect on the crystalline structure of halloysite and TiO2 and the light response of TiO2 is extended to visible-light regions. Photocatalysis test results reveal the photocatalytic activity will be affected by the pH value and the volume ratio of ANI to TTIP. The highest photocatalytic activity is achieved with the composite photocatalysts prepared at pH 0.5 and 1% volume ratio of ANI and TTIP owing to the sensitizing effect of polyaniline and the charge transfer from the photoexcited PANI sensitizer to TiO2. Moreover, the PANI-TiO2-HA composite nanotubes synthesized by one-step at pH 0.5 with 1% volume ratio of ANI to TTIP exhibit higher visible light photocatalytic activity than those synthesized by the two-step. Heterogeneous PANI-TiO2-HA composite nanotubes prepared at pH 0.5 exhibit a higher degradation activity than that prepared at pH 1.5. The redoped experiment proves that the PANI redox state plays the main contribution to the enhanced visible light catalytic degradation efficiency of PANI-TiO2-HA prepared at pH 0.5. Furthermore, the heterogeneous PANI-crystalline TiO2-HA nanotubes have good photocatalytic stability and can be reused four times with only gradual loss of activity under visible light irradiation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Promotion of atomic hydrogen recombination as an alternative to electron trapping for the role of metals in the photocatalytic production of H2.

Science.gov (United States)

Joo, Ji Bong; Dillon, Robert; Lee, Ilkeun; Yin, Yadong; Bardeen, Christopher J; Zaera, Francisco

2014-06-03

The production of hydrogen from water with semiconductor photocatalysts can be promoted by adding small amounts of metals to their surfaces. The resulting enhancement in photocatalytic activity is commonly attributed to a fast transfer of the excited electrons generated by photon absorption from the semiconductor to the metal, a step that prevents deexcitation back to the ground electronic state. Here we provide experimental evidence that suggests an alternative pathway that does not involve electron transfer to the metal but requires it to act as a catalyst for the recombination of the hydrogen atoms made via the reduction of protons on the surface of the semiconductor instead.
Preparation and photocatalytic activity of B, Y co-doped nanosized TiO_2 catalyst

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

石中亮; 刘富梅; 姚淑华

2010-01-01

The catalysts of un-doped, single-doped and co-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) powders were prepared by sol-gel method with Ti(OC4H9)4 as a raw material. The photocatalytic decomposition of phenol in aqueous solution under UV light was used as a probe reaction to evaluate their photocatalytic activities. The effects of B, Y co-doping on the crystallite sizes, crystal pattern, surface composition, and optical property of the catalyst were investigated by thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis, X-ray d...
Solvothermal synthesis of hierarchical TiO{sub 2} nanostructures with tunable morphology and enhanced photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fan, Zhenghua [School of Physics and Materials Science, Anhui University, Hefei 230601 (China); Meng, Fanming, E-mail: mrmeng@ahu.edu.cn [School of Physics and Materials Science, Anhui University, Hefei 230601 (China); Key laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, Dalian 116024 (China); Zhang, Miao [School of Physics and Materials Science, Anhui University, Hefei 230601 (China); Wu, Zhenyu [College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601 (China); Sun, Zhaoqi; Li, Aixia [School of Physics and Materials Science, Anhui University, Hefei 230601 (China)

2016-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Hierarchical anatase TiO{sub 2} nanostructures with enhanced photocatalytic activity are synthesized by solvothermal method. • A mechanism for enhanced photocatalytic activity of chrysanthemum-like hierarchical TiO{sub 2} nanostructures is proposed. • A possible formation mechanism is suggested to explain the transformation from rose-like to chrysanthemum-like, and to sea-urchin-like. - Abstract: This paper presents controllable growth and photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} hierarchical nanostructures by solvothermal method at different temperatures. It is revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that the morphology of TiO{sub 2} can be effectively controlled as rose-like, chrysanthemum-like and sea-urchin-like only changing solvothermal temperature. BET surface area analysis confirms the presence of a mesoporous network in all the nanostructures, and shows high surface area at relatively high temperature. The photocatalytic activities of the photocatalysts are evaluated by the photodegradation of RhB under UV light irradiation. The TiO{sub 2} samples exhibit high activity on the photodegradation of RhB, which is higher than that of the commercial P25. The enhancement in photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the synergetic effect of the surface area, crystallinity, band gap and crystalline size.
H2A Production Model, Version 2 User Guide

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Steward, D.; Ramsden, T.; Zuboy, J.

2008-09-01

The H2A Production Model analyzes the technical and economic aspects of central and forecourt hydrogen production technologies. Using a standard discounted cash flow rate of return methodology, it determines the minimum hydrogen selling price, including a specified after-tax internal rate of return from the production technology. Users have the option of accepting default technology input values--such as capital costs, operating costs, and capacity factor--from established H2A production technology cases or entering custom values. Users can also modify the model's financial inputs. This new version of the H2A Production Model features enhanced usability and functionality. Input fields are consolidated and simplified. New capabilities include performing sensitivity analyses and scaling analyses to various plant sizes. This User Guide helps users already familiar with the basic tenets of H2A hydrogen production cost analysis get started using the new version of the model. It introduces the basic elements of the model then describes the function and use of each of its worksheets.
Treatment of secondary effluent by sequential combination of photocatalytic oxidation with ceramic membrane filtration.

Science.gov (United States)

Song, Lili; Zhu, Bo; Jegatheesan, Veeriah; Gray, Stephen; Duke, Mikel; Muthukumaran, Shobha

2018-02-01

The aim of the present work was to experimentally evaluate an alternative advanced wastewater treatment system, which combines the action of photocatalytic oxidation with ceramic membrane filtration. Experiments were carried out using laboratory scale TiO 2 /UV photocatalytic reactor and tubular ceramic microfiltration (CMF) system to treat the secondary effluent (SE). A 100-nm pore size CMF membrane was investigated in cross flow mode under constant transmembrane pressure of 20 kPa. The results show that specific flux decline of CMF membrane with and without TiO 2 /UV photocatalytic treatment was 30 and 50%, respectively, after 60 min of filtration. Data evaluation revealed that the adsorption of organic compounds onto the TiO 2 particles was dependent on the pH of the suspension and was considerably higher at low pH. The liquid chromatography-organic carbon detector (LC-OCD) technique was used to characterise the dissolved organic matter (DOM) present in the SE and was monitored following photocatalysis and CMF. The results showed that there was no removal of biopolymers and slight removal of humics, building blocks and the other oxidation by-products after TiO 2 /UV photocatalytic treatment. This result suggested that the various ions present in the SE act as scavengers, which considerably decrease the efficiency of the photocatalytic oxidation reactions. On the other hand, the CMF was effective for removing 50% of biopolymers with no further removal of other organic components after photocatalytic treatment. Thus, the quantity of biopolymers in SE has an apparent correlation with the filterability of water samples in CMF.
A novel iron-containing polyoxometalate heterogeneous photocatalyst for efficient 4-chlorophennol degradation by H{sub 2}O{sub 2} at neutral pH

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhai, Qian; Zhang, Lizhong [Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, Changji University, Changji 831100 (China); Zhao, Xiufeng, E-mail: zhaoxiufeng19670@126.com [Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, Changji University, Changji 831100 (China); Chen, Han; Yin, Dongju [Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, Changji University, Changji 831100 (China); Li, Jianhui [Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, Changji University, Changji 831100 (China); National Engineering Laboratory for Green Chemical Productions of Alcohols-Ethers-Esters, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005 (China)

2016-07-30

W{sub 12}O{sub 40}{sup 4−} in the catalyst, corresponding to Fenton-like catalysis and photocatalysis, respectively. The enhanced degradation of 4-CP under irradiation is due to the simultaneous oxidation of 4-CP through the Fenton-like and photocatalytic processes. The high catalytic activity of Fe{sup III}LysSiW is also strongly related to the chemisorption of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} on Fe{sup III}LysSiW surface by hydrogen bonding, which promotes both the Fenton-like and photocatalytic processes.
Characterization and Comparison of Photocatalytic Activity Silver Ion doped on TiO2(TiO2/Ag+) and Silver Ion doped on Black TiO2(Black TiO2/Ag+)

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Jin Yi; Sim, Ho Hyung; Song, Sinae; Noh, Yeoung Ah; Lee, Hong Woon; Taik Kim, Hee

2018-03-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the representative ceramic materials containing photocatalyst, optic and antibacterial activity. The hydroxyl radical in TiO2 applies to the intensive oxidizing agent, hence TiO2 is suitable to use photocatalytic materials. Black TiO2was prepared through reduction of amorphous TiO2 conducting under H2 which leads to color changes. Its black color is proven that absorbs 100% light across the whole-visible light, drawing enhancement of photocatalytic property. In this study, we aimed to compare the photocatalytic activity of silver ion doped on TiO2(TiO2/Ag+) and silver ion doped on black TiO2(black TiO2/Ag+) under visible light range. TiO2/Ag+ was fabricated following steps. 1) TiO2 was synthesized by a sol-gel method from Titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP). 2) Then AgNO3 was added during an aging process step for silver ion doping on the surface of TiO2. Moreover, Black TiO2/Ag+ was obtained same as TiO2/Ag+ except for calcination under H2. The samples were characterized X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible reflectance (UV-vis DRS), and Methylene Blue degradation test. XRD analysis confirmed morphology of TiO2. The band gap of black TiO2/Ag+ was confirmed (2.6 eV) through UV-vis DRS, which was lower than TiO2/Ag+ (2.9 eV). The photocatalytic effect was conducted by methylene blue degradation test. It demonstrated that black TiO2/Ag+ had a photocatalytic effect under UV light also visible light.
Preparation and characterization of p–n heterojunction CuBi2O4/CeO2 and its photocatalytic activities under UVA light irradiation

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Abdelkader Elaziouti

2015-04-01

Full Text Available CuBi2O4/CeO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by the solid state method and were characterized by a number of techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was investigated under UVA light and assessed using Congo red (CR dye as probe reaction. The efficiency of the coupled CuBi2O4/CeO2 photocatalyst was found to be related to the amount of added CuBi2O4 and to the pH medium. The CuBi2O4/CeO2 photocatalyst exhibited the high efficiency as a result of 83.05% of degradation of CR under UVA light for 100 min of irradiation time with 30 wt% of CuBi2O4 at 25 °C and pH 7, which is about 6 times higher than that of CeO2. The photodegradation reactions satisfactorily correlated with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The mechanism of the enhanced photocatalytic efficiency was explained by the heterojunction model.
Controlled synthesis and photocatalytic properties of rhombic dodecahedral Ag3PO4 with high surface energy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xie, Yao; Huang, Zhaohui; Zhang, Zhijie; Zhang, Xiaoguang; Wen, Ruilong; Liu, Yangai; Fang, Minghao; Wu, Xiaowen

2016-01-01

Graphical abstract: The high amount of rhombic dodecahedral Ag 3 PO 4 particles with a high exposure of the {110} facets and high surface energy (the surface energy of the {110} facets was 1.31 J/m 2 , greater than that of the {100} facet (1.12 J/m 2 ).) exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity. - Highlights: • High contents of rhombic dodecahedral Ag 3 PO 4 photocatalysts are prepared. • Excessive EG can destroy the morphology of Ag 3 PO 4 in synthesis process. • The rhombic dodecahedral Ag 3 PO 4 exhibits high surface energy. • High surface energy implies high photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: In this study, a series of Ag 3 PO 4 photocatalysts with different contents of rhombic dodecahedral particles were prepared in one pot by a facile, novel hydrothermal method using ethylene glycol (EG), which served as both a morphology modifier and reducing agent. The effects of EG content on the morphologies of Ag 3 PO 4 photocatalysts were discussed. The photocatalytic activity of the Ag 3 PO 4 photocatalysts was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue trihydrate under visible-light irradiation. With the use of 0.8% EG in the reaction solvent, the sample exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity, attributed to the high amount of rhombic dodecahedral Ag 3 PO 4 particles with a high exposure of the {110} facets and high surface energy. The surface energy of the {110} facets was 1.31 J/m 2 , greater than that of the {100} facet (1.12 J/m 2 ). However, with 1% EG in the reaction solvent, although the Ag 3 PO 4 photocatalysts were composed of a majority of rhombic dodecahedral Ag 3 PO 4 particles, tiny Ag particles formed from Ag + under the action of EG attached on the surface of the sample decreased the absorption of visible light, resulting in low photocatalytic activity.
Self-assembled hierarchical direct Z-scheme g-C3N4/ZnO microspheres with enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance

Science.gov (United States)

Nie, Ning; Zhang, Liuyang; Fu, Junwei; Cheng, Bei; Yu, Jiaguo

2018-05-01

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into hydrocarbon fuels has been regarded as a promising approach to ease the greenhouse effect and the energy shortage. Herein, an electrostatic self-assembly method was exploited to prepare g-C3N4/ZnO composite microsphere. This method simply utilized the opposite surface charge of each component, achieving a hierarchical structure with intimate contact between them. A much improved photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity was attained. The CH3OH production rate was 1.32 μmol h-1 g-1, which was 2.1 and 4.1 times more than that of the pristine ZnO and g-C3N4, respectively. This facile design bestowed the g-C3N4/ZnO composite an extended light adsorption caused by multi-light scattering effect. It also guaranteed the uniform distribution of g-C3N4 nanosheets on the surface of ZnO microspheres, maximizing their advantage and synergistic effect. Most importantly, the preeminent performance was proposed and validated based on the direct Z-scheme. The recombination rate was considerably suppressed. This work features the meliority of constructing hierarchical direct Z-scheme structures in photocatalytic CO2 reduction reactions.
Dependence of Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2-SiO2 Nanopowders

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. Riazian

2014-10-01

Full Text Available Structural properties and chemical composition change the photocatalytic activity in TiO2-SiO2 nanopowder composite. The SiO2-TiO2 nanostructure is synthesized based on sol–gel method. The nanoparticles are characterized by x-ray fluorescents (XRF, x- ray diffraction (XRD, tunneling electron microscopy (TEM, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM, UV-vis. Spectrophotometer and furrier transmission create infrared absorption (FTIR techniques. The rate constant k for the degradation of methylen blue in its aqueous solution under UV irradiation is determined as a measure of photocatalytic activity. Dependence between photocatalytic activity and SiO2 content in the composite is determined. Rate constant k is found dependent on the content of SiO2 in the composite that calcined at 900 oC. The addition of low composition SiO2 to the TiO2 matrix (lower than 45% enhances the photocatalytic activity due to thermal stability and increasing in the surface area. The effects of chemical compositions on the surface topography and the crystallization of phases are studied.

Highly Efficient Light-Driven TiO2-Au Janus Micromotors.

Science.gov (United States)

Dong, Renfeng; Zhang, Qilu; Gao, Wei; Pei, Allen; Ren, Biye

2016-01-26

A highly efficient light-driven photocatalytic TiO2-Au Janus micromotor with wireless steering and velocity control is described. Unlike chemically propelled micromotors which commonly require the addition of surfactants or toxic chemical fuels, the fuel-free Janus micromotor (diameter ∼1.0 μm) can be powered in pure water under an extremely low ultraviolet light intensity (2.5 × 10(-3) W/cm(2)), and with 40 × 10(-3) W/cm(2), they can reach a high speed of 25 body length/s, which is comparable to common Pt-based chemically induced self-electrophoretic Janus micromotors. The photocatalytic propulsion can be switched on and off by incident light modulation. In addition, the speed of the photocatalytic TiO2-Au Janus micromotor can be accelerated by increasing the light intensity or by adding low concentrations of chemical fuel H2O2 (i.e., 0.1%). The attractive fuel-free propulsion performance, fast movement triggering response, low light energy requirement, and precise motion control of the TiO2-Au Janus photocatalytic micromotor hold considerable promise for diverse practical applications.
Ternary composite of TiO2 nanotubes/Ti plates modified by g-C3N4 and SnO2 with enhanced photocatalytic activity for enhancing antibacterial and photocatalytic activity.

Science.gov (United States)

Faraji, Masoud; Mohaghegh, Neda; Abedini, Amir

2018-01-01

A series of g-C 3 N 4 -SnO 2 /TiO 2 nanotubes/Ti plates were fabricated via simple dipping of TiO 2 nanotubes/Ti in a solution containing SnCl 2 and g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets and finally annealing of the plates. Synthesized plates were characterized by various techniques. The SEM analysis revealed that the g-C 3 N 4 -SnO 2 nanosheets with high physical stability have been successfully deposited onto the surface of TiO 2 nanotubes/Ti plate. Photocatalytic activity was investigated using two probe chemical reactions: oxidative decomposition of acetic acid and oxidation of 2-propanol under irradiation. Antibacterial activities for Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria were also investigated in dark and under UV/Vis illuminations. Detailed characterization and results of photocatalytic and antibacterial activity tests revealed that semiconductor coupling significantly affected the photocatalyst properties synthesized and hence their photocatalytic and antibacterial activities. Modification of TiO 2 nanotubes/Ti plates with g-C 3 N 4 -SnO 2 deposits resulted in enhanced photocatalytic activities in both chemical and microbial systems. The g-C 3 N 4 -SnO 2 /TiO 2 nanotubes/Ti plate exhibited the highest photocatalytic and antibacterial activity, probably due to the heterojunction between g-C 3 N 4 -SnO 2 and TiO 2 nanotubes/Ti in the ternary composite plate and thus lower electron/hole recombination rate. Based on the obtained results, a photocatalytic and an antibacterial mechanism for the degradation of E. coli bacteria and chemical pollutants over g-C 3 N 4 -SnO 2 /TiO 2 nanotubes/Ti plate were proposed and discussed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene catalyzed by amorphous TiO{sub 2} in ionic liquid

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhu, Wenshuai; Xu, Yehai; Li, Huaming; Dai, Bilian; Xu, Hui; Wang, Chao; Chao, Yanhong; Liu, Hui [Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang (China)

2014-02-15

Three types of TiO{sub 2} were synthesized by a hydrolysis and calcination method. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS), Raman spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XRD and Raman spectra indicated that amorphous TiO{sub 2} was successfully obtained at 100 .deg. C. The results indicated that amorphous TiO{sub 2} achieved the highest efficiency of desulfurization. The photocatalytic oxidation of dibenzothiophene (DBT), benzothiophene (BT), 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) and dodecanethiol (RSH) in model oil was studied at room temperature (30 .deg. C) with three catalysts. The system contained amorphous TiO{sub 2}, H{sub 2}O{sub 2}, and [Bmim]BF{sub 4} ionic liquid, ultraviolet (UV), which played vitally important roles in the photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization. Especially, the molar ratio of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} and sulfur (O/S) was only 2 : 1, which corresponded to the stoichiometric reaction. The sulfur removal of DBT-containing model oil with amorphous TiO{sub 2} could reach 96.6%, which was apparently superior to a system with anatase TiO{sub 2} (23.6%) or with anatase - rutile TiO{sub 2} (18.2%). The system could be recycled seven times without a signicant decrease in photocatalytic activity.
Synthesis, characterisation and study of thermal, electrical and photocatalytic activity of nanocomposite of PANI with [Co(NH{sub 3}){sub 4} (C{sub 12}H{sub 8}N{sub 2})] Cl{sub 3}·5H{sub 2}O photoadduct

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Naqash, Waseem; Majid, Kowsar, E-mail: Kowsarmajid@rediffmail.com

2016-10-20

Highlights: • Synthesis of new polyaniline nanocomposite with [Co(NH{sub 3}){sub 4} (C{sub 12}H{sub 8}N{sub 2})] Cl{sub 3}·5H{sub 2}O photoadduct. • Characterisation of the photoadduct and nanocomposite by FTIR, XRD and UV–Vis analysis. • Thermal study shows improved thermal stability of PANI nanocomposite over PANI. • Electrical study reveals modified non-linear I–V characteristic of nanocomposite. • The nanocomposite possesses photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: A new polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposite with [Co(NH{sub 3}){sub 4} (C{sub 12}H{sub 8}N{sub 2})] Cl{sub 3}·5H{sub 2}O photoadduct as filler was synthesised via in-situ oxidative polymerisation by ammonium persulphate in non-aqueous DMSO medium. The photoadduct has been synthesised through photo substitution by 1,10-phenenthroline (phen) ligand on irradiation. The as synthesised photoadduct was reduced in size prior to its incorporation in the PANI matrix. The synthesised photoadduct and PANI nanocomposite were characterised by FTIR, XRD, UV–Vis, SEM and elemental analysis. The results showed successful synthesis of photoadduct and PANI nanocomposite. The thermal and electrical measurement of PANI nanocomposite was carried out by thermal gravimetric technique (TGA) and four probe conductivity metre respectively. The results showed improvement in the thermal stability and conductance of nanocomposite over PANI. Besides, the nanocomposite was investigated for photocatalytic activity in the photochemical degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye.
Mesoporous anatase TiO2/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites: A simple template-free synthesis and their high photocatalytic performance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhou, Qi; Zhong, Yong-Hui; Chen, Xing; Huang, Xing-Jiu; Wu, Yu-Cheng

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Mesoporous TiO 2 nanoparticles with anatase phase were assembled on reduced graphene oxide via a template-free one-step hydrothermal method. • The TiO 2 /rGO nanocomposites have better adsorption capacity and photocatalytic degradation efficiency for dyes removal. • Improved dye adsorption and photogenerated charge separation are responsible for enhanced activity. - Abstract: Mesoporous anatase phase TiO 2 was assembled on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using a template-free one-step hydrothermal process. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area. Morphology of TiO 2 was related to the content of graphene oxide. TiO 2 /rGO nanocomposites exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for the photo-degradation of methyl orange. The degradation rate was 4.5 times greater than that of pure TiO 2 nanoparticles. This difference was attributed to the thin two-dimensional graphene sheet. The graphene sheet had a large surface area, high adsorption capacity, and acted as a good electron acceptor for the transfer of photo-generated electrons from the conduction band of TiO 2 . The enhanced surface adsorption characteristics and excellent charge transport separation were independent properties of the photocatalytic degradation process
Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet for photocatalytic hydrogen production: The impact of morphology and element composition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Zhao; Zhang, Yijie [Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences Wuhan, 388 Lumo Road, Wuhan 430074 (China); Lu, Luhua, E-mail: lhlu@cug.edu.cn [Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences Wuhan, 388 Lumo Road, Wuhan 430074 (China); Zhejiang institute, China University of Geosciences Wuhan, Hangzhou 311305 (China); Si, Yanjie; Zhang, Si [Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences Wuhan, 388 Lumo Road, Wuhan 430074 (China); Chen, Ying [Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences Wuhan, 388 Lumo Road, Wuhan 430074 (China); Zhejiang institute, China University of Geosciences Wuhan, Hangzhou 311305 (China); Dai, Kai, E-mail: daikai94@ustc.edu.cn [College of Physics and Electronic Information, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000 (China); Duan, Ping [Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences Wuhan, 388 Lumo Road, Wuhan 430074 (China); Zhejiang institute, China University of Geosciences Wuhan, Hangzhou 311305 (China); Duan, Limei [Inner Mongolia Key Lab of Chemistry of Natural Products and Synthesis of Functional Molecules, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Tongliao 028000 (China); Liu, Jinghai, E-mail: jhliu2008@sinano.ac.cn [Inner Mongolia Key Lab of Chemistry of Natural Products and Synthesis of Functional Molecules, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Tongliao 028000 (China)

2017-01-01

Highlights: • g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} with tunable morphology was prepared by varying pyrolysis time. • g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} showed reduced recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. • g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} showed enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity. - Abstract: The intrinsic morphology and basal plane defects on g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanosheet have important influences on its electronic structures and photocatalytic activity. In this work, we report extending thermal treatment time of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} at 550 °C not only change the morphology of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} but also element composition of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}. The morphology variation results in largely increased SSA from 40.22 to 117.27 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}, obviously reduced pore size from 3.99 to 2.77 nm for g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} and formation of in-plane holes. Moreover, composition variation of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} has also been found to have changed as the pyrolysis time extended. These changes have significant impact on the optical properties and photoelectrical characters of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}, which were investigated by UV-DSR, PL and Photocurrent measurement. The photocatalytic activity of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} obtained via 9 h thermal treatment at 550 °C has shown highest photocatalytic activity, which is 1.77 times than that of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} obtained via 3 h thermal treatment under visible irradiation and 1.99 times under UV irradiation respectively.
Production of Recombinant Peanut Allergen Ara h 2 using Lactococcus lactis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Frøkiær Hanne

2007-08-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Natural allergen sources can supply large quantities of authentic allergen mixtures for use as immunotherapeutics. However, such extracts are complex, difficult to define, vary from batch to batch, which may lead to unpredictable efficacy and/or unacceptable levels of side effects. The use of recombinant expression systems for allergen production can alleviate some of these issues. Several allergens have been tested in high-level expression systems and in most cases show immunereactivity comparable to their natural counterparts. The gram positive lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis is an attractive microorganism for use in the production of protein therapeutics. L. lactis is considered food grade, free of endotoxins, and is able to secrete the heterologous product together with few other native proteins. Hypersensitivity to peanut represents a serious allergic problem. Some of the major allergens in peanut have been described. However, for therapeutic usage more information about the individual allergenic components is needed. In this paper we report recombinant production of the Ara h 2 peanut allergen using L. lactis. Results A synthetic ara h 2 gene was cloned into an L. lactis expression plasmid containing the P170 promoter and the SP310mut2 signal sequence. Flask cultures grown overnight showed secretion of the 17 kDa Ara h 2 protein. A batch fermentation resulted in 40 mg/L recombinant Ara h 2. Purification of Ara h 2 from the culture supernatant was done by hydrophobic exclusion and size separation. Mass spectrometry and N-terminal analysis showed a recombinant Ara h 2 of full length and correctly processed by the signal peptidase. The immunological activity of recombinant Ara h 2 was analysed by ELISA using antibodies specific for native Ara h 2. The recombinant Ara h 2 showed comparable immunereactivity to that of native Ara h 2. Conclusion Recombinant production of Ara h 2 using L. lactis can offer high yields
Photocatalytic Water Oxidation on ZnO: A Review

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sharifah Bee Abdul Hamid

2017-03-01

Full Text Available The investigation of the water oxidation mechanism on photocatalytic semiconductor surfaces has gained much attention for its potential to unlock the technological limitations of producing H2 from carbon-free sources, i.e., H2O. This review seeks to highlight the available scientific and fundamental understanding towards the water oxidation mechanism on ZnO surfaces, as well as present a summary on the modification strategies carried out to increase the photocatalytic response of ZnO.
Photocatalytic effects for the TiO2-coated phosphor materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yoon, Jin-Ho; Jung, Sang-Chul; Kim, Jung-Sik

2011-01-01

Research highlights: → The photocatalytic behavior of the coupling of TiO 2 with phosphorescent materials. → The photobleaching of an MB aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. → The ALD TiO 2 -coated phosphor composite showed much higher photocatalytic reactivity. → The light emitted from the phosphors contributed to the photo-generation. - Abstract: This study investigated the photocatalytic behavior of the coupling of TiO 2 with phosphorescent materials. A TiO 2 thin film was deposited on CaAl 2 O 4 :Eu 2+ ,Nd 3+ phosphor particles by using atomic layer deposition (ALD), and its photocatalytic reaction was investigated by the photobleaching of an aqueous solution of methylene-blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. To clarify the mechanism of the TiO 2 -phosphorescent materials, two different samples of TiO 2 -coated phosphor and TiO 2 -Al 2 O 3 -coated phosphor particles were prepared. The photocatalytic mechanisms of the ALD TiO 2 -coated phosphor powders were different from those of the pure TiO 2 and TiO 2 -Al 2 O 3 -coated phosphor. The absorbance in a solution of the ALD TiO 2 -coated phosphor decreased much faster than that of pure TiO 2 under visible irradiation. In addition, the ALD TiO 2 -coated phosphor showed moderately higher photocatalytic degradation of MB solution than the TiO 2 -Al 2 O 3 -coated phosphor did. The TiO 2 -coated phosphorescent materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS).
Fabrication of TiO2/MoS2@zeolite photocatalyst and its photocatalytic activity for degradation of methyl orange under visible light

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Weiping; Xiao, Xinyan; Zheng, Lili; Wan, Caixia

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: A novel approach was developed for fabrication of TiO 2 /MoS 2 @zeolite photocatalyst using bulk MoS 2 as a photosensitizer and zeolite as carrier. The as-prepared TiO 2 /MoS 2 @zeolite composite exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance for degradation of methyl orange under visible-light irradiation. - Highlights: • Ultrasound-exfoliation and hydrothermal reforming technique were employed for generating nano-MoS 2 from micro-MoS 2 . • The embedded sensitizer composite mode of (TiO 2 /MoS 2 /TiO 2 ) was used in the fabrication of TiO 2 /MoS 2 @zeolite composite photocatalyst. • The photocatalytic mechanism of TiO 2 /MoS 2 @zeolite photocatalyst was presented. - Abstract: TiO 2 /MoS 2 @zeolite composite photocatalysts with visible-light activity were fabricated via a simple ultrasonic-hydrothermal synthesis method, using TiCl 4 as Ti source, MoS 2 as a direct sensitizer, glycerol water solution with certain dispersion agent as hydrolytic agent, and zeolite as carrier. The structure, morphology, composition, optical properties, and specific surface area of the as-prepared photocatalysts were characterized by using XRD, FTIR, SEM–EDS, TEM, XPS, UV–vis, PL and BET analyzer, respectively. And the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) in aqueous suspension has been employed to evaluate the photocatalytic activity and degradation kinetics of as-prepared photocatalysts with xenon lamp as irradiation source. The results indicate that: (1) TiO 2 /MoS 2 @zeolite composite photocatalysts exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activities for methyl orange (MO) degradation compared to Degussa P25; (2) photocatalytic degradation of MO obeys Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic model (pseudo-first order reaction), and its degradation rate constant (k app ) (2.304 h −1 ) is higher than that of Degussa P25 (0.768 h −1 ); (3) the heterostructure consisted of zeolite, MoS 2 and TiO 2 nanostructure could provide synergistic effect for degradation
Photocatalytic hydrogen production under direct solar light in a CPC based solar reactor: Reactor design and preliminary results

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jing Dengwei; Liu Huan; Zhang Xianghui; Zhao Liang; Guo Liejin

2009-01-01

In despite of so many types of solar reactors designed for solar detoxification purposes, few attempts have been made for photocatalytic hydrogen production, which in our option, is one of the most promising approaches for solar to chemical energy conversion. Addressing both the similarity and dissimilarity for these two processes and by fully considering the special requirements for the latter reaction, a Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) based photocatalytic hydrogen production solar reactor has been designed for the first time. The design and optimization of this CPC based solar reactor has been discussed in detail. Preliminary results demonstrated that efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production under direct solar light can be accomplished by coupling tubular reactors with CPC concentrators. It is anticipated that this first demonstration of concentrator-based solar photocatalytic hydrogen production would draw attention for further studies in this promising direction.
High performance nano-titania photocatalytic paper composite. Part I: Experimental design study for TiO2 composite sheet using a natural zeolite microparticle system and its photocatalytic property

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ko, Seonghyuk; Pekarovic, Jan; Fleming, Paul D.; Ari-Gur, Pnina

2010-01-01

Nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) photocatalytic papers were successfully prepared using a natural zeolite microparticle retention aid in papermaking. Applying a factorial experimental design, natural zeolite has been demonstrated to be the most significant and interactive factor for increasing the TiO 2 retention rate in paper stock. The photocatalysis of as-prepared sheets was evaluated with toluene as one of the representative volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Under UV irradiation, it was shown to be effective in removing gaseous toluene by photodecomposition, assisted by adsorption. It was revealed that natural zeolite plays an important role in both increasing retention rate of TiO 2 nanoparticles and enhancing photocatalytic efficiency of the paper. The photocatalytic paper can be potentially applied for environmental purification.
Efficient solar hydrogen production by photocatalytic water splitting: From fundamental study to pilot demonstration

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jing, Dengwei; Guo, Liejin; Zhao, Liang; Zhang, Ximin; Liu, Huan; Li, Mingtao; Shen, Shaohua; Liu, Guanjie; Hu, Xiaowei; Zhang, Xianghui; Zhang, Kai; Ma, Lijin; Guo, Penghui [State Key Lab of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi' an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xi' an 710049 (China)

2010-07-15

Photocatalytic water splitting with solar light is one of the most promising technologies for solar hydrogen production. From a systematic point of view, whether it is photocatalyst and reaction system development or the reactor-related design, the essentials could be summarized as: photon transfer limitations and mass transfer limitations (in the case of liquid phase reactions). Optimization of these two issues are therefore given special attention throughout our study. In this review, the state of the art for the research of photocatalytic hydrogen production, both outcomes and challenges in this field, were briefly reviewed. Research progress of our lab, from fundamental study of photocatalyst preparation to reactor configuration and pilot level demonstration, were introduced, showing the complete process of our effort for this technology to be economic viable in the near future. Our systematic and continuous study in this field lead to the development of a Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC) based photocatalytic hydrogen production solar rector for the first time. We have demonstrated the feasibility for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production under direct solar light. The exiting challenges and difficulties for this technology to proceed from successful laboratory photocatalysis set-up up to an industrially relevant scale are also proposed. These issues have been the object of our research and would also be the direction of our study in future. (author)
Structural and photocatalytic properties of iron- and europium-doped TiO2 nanoparticles obtained under hydrothermal conditions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Diamandescu, L.; Vasiliu, F.; Tarabasanu-Mihaila, D.; Feder, M.; Vlaicu, A.M.; Teodorescu, C.M.; Macovei, D.; Enculescu, I.; Parvulescu, V.; Vasile, E.

2008-01-01

Iron- and europium-doped (≤1 at.%) TiO 2 nanoparticles powders have been synthesized by a hydrothermal route at 200 deg. C, starting with TiCl 4 , FeCl 3 .6H 2 O and EuCl 3 .6H 2 O. The structure, morphology and optical peculiarities were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), Moessbauer spectroscopy and UV-vis measurements. The photocatalytic performance was analysed in the photodegradation reaction of phenol. Rietveld refinements of XRD patterns reveal that the as-prepared samples consist in iron- and europium-doped TiO 2 in the tetragonal anatase structural shape, with particle size as low as 15 nm. By means of Moessbauer spectroscopy on both 57 Fe and 151 Eu isotopes as well as by EXAFS analyses, the presence of Fe 3+ and/or Eu 3+ ions in the nanosized powders has been evidenced. It was found that iron and europium ions can substitute for titanium in the anatase structure. From the UV-vis reflection spectra, by using the transformed Kubelka-Munk functions, the band gap energy (E g ) of the hydrothermal samples has been determined in comparison with that of Degussa P-25 photocatalyst. A decrease of E g from 2.9 eV found for Degussa photocatalyst to 2.8 eV for the titania doped with 1 at.% Fe has been evidenced, indicating a valuable absorption shift (∼20 nm) towards visible light region. However, the best photocatalytic activity in the photodegradation reaction of phenol was evidenced for the hydrothermal sample, TiO 2 : 1 at.% Fe, 0.5 at.% Eu, in both UV and visible light regions. The photocatalytic activities of iron-doped and iron-europium-codoped samples are high and practically the same only in visible light. The photocatalytic properties in correlation with the structural and optical peculiarities of the hydrothermal samples are discussed
Efficient photocatalytic activity with carbon-doped SiO2 nanoparticles

KAUST Repository

Zhang, Dongen; Wu, Jinbo; Zhou, Bingpu; Hong, Yaying; Li, Shunbo; Wen, Weijia

2013-01-01

by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, standard and high resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The C-doped SiO2 displayed outstanding photocatalytic properties, as evidenced by its catalysis of Rhodamine B
Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of carbon spheres loaded Cu2O/Cu composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Yinhui; Zhao, Mengyao; Zhang, Na; Li, Ruijuan; Chen, Jianxin

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Carbon spheres loaded Cu 2 O/Cu composites are obtained by hydrothermal process. • Cu 2 O/Cu nanocrystals grow on the surface of carbon spheres. • The composites with core–shell structure show highly photo-catalytic activity. • The composites can degrade methyl orange under simulated solar light irradiation. • The composites can be used to treat dye wastewater or organic pollutants. - Abstract: In this work, using amylose as carbon source and cupric acetate as copper source, carbon spheres loaded Cu 2 O/Cu composites were obtained by hydrothermal synthesis. The effects of the molar ratios between glucose and Cu(II), and hydrothermal time on the morphology and sizes of the composites were investigated. The result of photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that the composites could degrade methyl orange in aqueous solution under simulated solar light irradiation. The highest degradation rate was achieved to 93.83% when the composites were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis at 180 °C for 16 h and the molar ratio between glucose and Cu(II) was 10/1. The composites, as new and promising materials, can be used to treat dye wastewater or other organic pollutants
Synthesis and characterization of MoS{sub 2} cocatalysts for H{sub 2}-generation; Darstellung und Charakterisierung von MoS{sub 2} Cokatalysatoren fuer die H{sub 2}-Entwicklung

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Djamil, John

2015-10-05

As a suitable alternative to fossil fuels and nuclear energy light induced generation of H{sub 2} represents a trend-setting research area in the field of regenerative energy. Therefore photocatalysts, which provide surface sites for light driven reduction of protons to H{sub 2}, are being investigated and developed. Enhancement of photocatalytic systems can be achieved by the usage of cocatalysts, which simplify charge separation and provide additional catalytic active sites as well. In the present work cocatalysts based on MoS{sub 2} were synthesized, characterized and investigated for photocatalytic H{sub 2} generation. MoS{sub 2} cocatalysts were synthesized by thermal decomposition of tetraalkyl ammonium thiomolybdates with varying carbon content in the organic cation and by mechanical treatment of bulk MoS{sub 2} respectively. Hence, samples with differing chemical composition as well as structural properties were obtained. Based on these findings relations between chemical composition, microstructural properties and photocatalytic activity were supposed to reveal. Nanoparticulate molybdenum sulfides resulted in both synthetic routes. Thermal decomposition of tetraalkyl ammonium thiomolybdates yielded in carbon containing molybdenum sulfide nanocomposites, in which carbon and sulfur content and the crystallite size as well varied with the carbon amount in the precursor. Additionally a composite with a significant enlarged interlayer distance between the MoS{sub 2} layers was obtained by thermal decomposition of (Ph{sub 4}P){sub 2}MoS{sub 4}. Such interlayer expansion could be explained by an insertion of in situ generated Ph{sub 3}PS- and (Ph{sub 4}P){sub 2}S-molecules between the MoS{sub 2} layers. While Ph{sub 3}PS-molecules were bonded through Mo-S-bonds to the MoS{sub 2} layers, (Ph{sub 4}P){sub 2}S-molecules remained free in rotation between MoS{sub 2} sheets. The mechanical treatment of bulk MoS{sub 2} resulted in different-sized MoS{sub 2
Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange on Bi2O3 and Ag2O-Bi2O3 Nano Photocatalysts

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Seyed Ali Hosseini

2017-04-01

Full Text Available The photocatalytic activity of Bi2O3 and Ag2O-Bi2O3 was evaluated by degradation of aqueous methyl orange as a model dye effluent. Bi2O3 was synthesized using chemical precipitation method. Structural analysis revealed that Bi2O3 contain a unique well-crystallized phase and the average crystallite size of 22.4 nm. The SEM analysis showed that the size of Bi2O3 particles was mainly in the range of 16-22 nm. The most important variables affecting the photocatalytic degradation of dyes, namely reaction time, initial pH and catalyst dosage were studied, and their optimal amounts were found at 60 min, 5.58 and 0.025 g, respectively. A good correlation was found between experimental and predicted responses, confirming the reliability of the model. Incorporation of Ag2O in the structure of composite caused decreasing band gap and its response to visible light. Because a high percentage of sunlight is visible light, hence Ag2O-Bi2O3 nano-composite could be used as an efficient visible light driven photocatalyst for degradation of dye effluents by sunlight. Copyright © 2017 BCREC GROUP. All rights reserved Received: 15th August 2016; Revised: 20th December 2016; Accepted: 21st December 2016 How to Cite: Hosseini, S.A., Saeedi, R. (2017. Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange on Bi2O3 and Ag2O-Bi2O3 Nano Photocatalysts. Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis, 12 (1: 96-105 (doi:10.9767/bcrec.12.1.623.96-105 Permalink/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.9767/bcrec.12.1.623.96-105
Harvesting solar light with crystalline carbon nitrides for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

KAUST Repository

Bhunia, Manas Kumar

2014-08-14

Described herein is the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution using crystalline carbon nitrides (CNs) obtained by supramolecular aggregation followed by ionic melt polycondensation (IMP) using melamine and 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine as a dopant. The solid state NMR spectrum of 15N-enriched CN confirms the triazine as a building unit. Controlling the amount and arrangements of dopants in the CN structure can dramatically enhance the photocatalytic performance for H2 evolution. The polytriazine imide (PTI) exhibits the apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 15% at 400 nm. This method successfully enables a substantial amount of visible light to be harvested for H2 evolution, and provides a promising route for the rational design of a variety of highly active crystalline CN photocatalysts. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of different SnO{sub 2} microspheres on graphene oxide sheets

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wei, Jia, E-mail: jojo.1125@hotmail.com [College of Science, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620 (China); Xue, Shaolin, E-mail: slxue@dhu.edu.cn [College of Science, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620 (China); Xie, Pei, E-mail: peipeixie@sina.com [College of Science, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620 (China); Zou, Rujia, E-mail: rujiazou@dhu.edu.cn [College of Science, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620 (China); State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620 (China)

2016-07-15

Highlights: • Different SnO{sub 2} microspheres were grown on GOs by hydrothermal method. • The morphology was influenced by volume ratio of ethanol and concentrations of precursor. • The shape of SnO{sub 2} microspheres looks like dandelion. • The photocatalytic property is strongly influenced by the SnO{sub 2} morphology on GOs. - Abstract: Different SnO{sub 2} microspheres like dandelions, silkworm cocoons and urchins have been synthesized on graphene oxide sheets (GOs) by hydrothermal method at 190 °C for 24 h. The morphologies, structures, chemical compositions and optical properties of the as-grown SnO{sub 2} microspheres on GOs (SMGs) were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), Raman spectra and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) techniques. The results of XRD revealed that the as-grown SnO{sub 2} microspheres have tetragonal rutile structure. The results of Raman spectra, EDS, XRD, XPS and SEM showed that the SnO{sub 2} microspheres were grown on GOs and the average diameter of dandelion-like microsphere was about 1.5 μm. The formation mechanism of SnO{sub 2} microspheres grown on GOs was discussed. The photocatalytic activity of the SMGs composites was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B) aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic results showed that the dandelion-like SMGs exhibited a much better photocatalytic activity than those of smooth and rough SMGs.

Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory Analysis of Triphenylamine-Functionalized Graphene Doped with Transition Metals for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production.

Science.gov (United States)

Mota, Elder A V; Neto, Abel F G; Marques, Francisco C; Mota, Gunar V S; Martins, Marcelo G; Costa, Fabio L P; Borges, Rosivaldo S; Neto, Antonio M J C

2018-07-01

The electronic structures and optical properties of triphenylamine-functionalized graphene (G-TPA) doped with transition metals, using water as a solvent, were theoretically investigated to verify the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen production with the use of transition metals. This study was performed by Density Functional Theory and Time-dependent Density Functional Theory through Gaussian 09W software, adopting the B3LYP functional for all structures. The 6-31g(d) basis set was used for H, C and N atoms, and the LANL2DZ basis set for transition metals using the Effective Core Potentials method. Two approaches were adopted: (1) using single metallic dopants (Ni, Pd, Fe, Os and Pt) and (2) using combinations of Ni with the other dopants (NiPd, NiPt, NiFe and NiOs). The DOS spectra reveal an increase of accessible states in the valence shell, in addition to a gap decrease for all dopants. This doping also increases the absorption in the visible region of solar radiation where sunlight is most intense (400 nm to 700 nm), with additional absorption peaks. The results lead us to propose the G-TPA structures doped with Ni, Pd, Pt, NiPt or NiPd to be novel catalysts for the conversion of solar energy for photocatalytic hydrogen production, since they improve the absorption of solar energy in the range of interest for solar radiation; and act as reaction centers, reducing the required overpotential for hydrogen production from water.
Plasmonic Ag{sub 2}MoO{sub 4}/AgBr/Ag composite: Excellent photocatalytic performance and possible photocatalytic mechanism

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Zhongliao [College of Physics and Electronic Information, Anhui Key Laboratory of Energetic Materials, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, 235000 (China); Zhang, Jinfeng, E-mail: zjf_y2004@126.com [College of Physics and Electronic Information, Anhui Key Laboratory of Energetic Materials, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, 235000 (China); Lv, Jiali [College of Physics and Electronic Information, Anhui Key Laboratory of Energetic Materials, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, 235000 (China); Dai, Kai, E-mail: daikai940@chnu.edu.cn [College of Physics and Electronic Information, Anhui Key Laboratory of Energetic Materials, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, 235000 (China); Liang, Changhao [College of Physics and Electronic Information, Anhui Key Laboratory of Energetic Materials, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, 235000 (China); Key Laboratory of Materials Physics and Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031 (China)

2017-02-28

Highlights: • Novel Ag{sub 2}MoO{sub 4}/AgBr/Ag photocatalyst was prepared. • Ag{sub 2}MoO{sub 4}/AgBr/Ag showed high photocatalytic activity. • Ag{sub 2}MoO{sub 4}/AgBr/Ag showed long reusable life. - Abstract: Plasmonic Ag{sub 2}MoO{sub 4}/AgBr/Ag composite is fabricated by in-situ ion exchange and reduction methods at room temperature. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflectance (DRS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. The results show that butterfly-like Ag{sub 2}MoO{sub 4} nanosheets served as the precursor, and Ag{sub 2}MoO{sub 4}/AgBr/Ag is formed in phase transformation with MoO{sub 4}{sup 2−} displaced by Br{sup −}. The ternary Ag{sub 2}MoO{sub 4}/AgBr/Ag composite photocatalysts show greatly enhanced photocatalytic activity in photodegrading methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation compared with AgBr and Ag{sub 2}MoO{sub 4}. The pseudo-first-order rate constant k{sub app} of Ag{sub 2}MoO{sub 4}/AgBr/Ag is 0.602 min{sup −1}, which is 11.6 and 18.3 times as high as that of AgBr and Ag{sub 2}MoO{sub 4}, respectively. Meanwhile, the efficiency of degradation still kept 90% after ten times cyclic experiments. Eventually, possible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed.
Composite TiO{sub 2}/clays materials for photocatalytic NOx oxidation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Todorova, N.; Giannakopoulou, T.; Karapati, S.; Petridis, D. [Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR “Demokritos”, P.O. Box 60037, 153 10, Ag. Paraskevi, Attiki (Greece); Vaimakis, T. [Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, P.O. Box 1186, 451 10, Ioannina (Greece); Trapalis, C., E-mail: trapalis@ims.demokritos.gr [Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR “Demokritos”, P.O. Box 60037, 153 10, Ag. Paraskevi, Attiki (Greece)

2014-11-15

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Clays-supported TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts are prepared by simple, scalable method. • Visible light active TiO{sub 2} is incorporated in hydrotalcite, talk and kunipia clays. • The alkali substrates facilitate the NOx adsorption to the photocatalytic surface. • Low-content TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts demonstrated high NOx oxidation activity. • Titania/hydrotalcite photocatalyst exhibited remarkable NOx removal activity. - Abstract: TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst received much attention for air purification applications especially for removal of air pollutants like NOx, VOCs etc. It has been established that the activity of the photocatalyst can be significantly enhanced by its immobilization onto suitable substrates like inorganic minerals, porous silica, hydroxyapatite, adsorbent materials like activated carbon, various co-catalysts such as semiconductors, graphene, reduced graphite oxide, etc. In the present work, photocatalytic composite materials consisted of mineral substrate and TiO{sub 2} in weight ratio 1:1 were manufactured and examined for oxidation and removal of nitric oxides NOx (NO and NO{sub 2}). Commercial titania P25 (Evonik-Degussa) and urea-modified P25 were used as photocatalytically active components. Inorganic minerals, namely kunipia, talk and hydrotalcite were selected as supporting materials due to their layered structure and expected high NOx adsorption capability. Al{sup 3+} and Ca{sup 2+} intercalation was applied in order to improve the dispersion of TiO{sub 2} and its loading into the supporting matrix. The X-ray diffraction analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed the binary structure of the composites and homogeneous dispersion of the photocatalyst into the substrates. The photocatalytic behavior of the materials in NOx oxidation and removal was investigated under UV and visible light irradiation. The composite materials exhibited superior photocatalytic activity than the bare titania
High-quality elliptical iron glycolate nanosheets: selective synthesis and chemical conversion into FexOy nanorings, porous nanosheets, and nanochains with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

Science.gov (United States)

Tong, Guoxiu; Liu, Yun; Wu, Tong; Ye, Yucheng; Tong, Chaoli

2015-10-01

This paper describes an original and facile polyol-mediated solvothermal synthesis of elliptical iron glycolate nanosheets (IGNSs) combined with precursor thermal conversion into γ-Fe2O3 and α-Fe2O3/γ-Fe2O3 porous nanosheets (PNSs), α-Fe2O3 nanochains (NCs), and elliptical Fe3O4 nanorings (NRs). The IGNSs were produced via the oxidation-reduction and co-precipitation reactions in the presence of iron(iii) salts, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and ethylenediamine. Control over Fe3+ concentration, temperature, and time can considerably modulate the size and phase of the products. The IGNSs can be transformed to γ-Fe2O3 and α-Fe2O3/γ-Fe2O3 PNSs, α-Fe2O3 NCs, and elliptical Fe3O4 NRs by heat treatment under various annealing temperatures and ambiences. The PNSs and NCs exhibited high soft magnetic properties and coercivity, respectively. Visible-light photocatalytic activity toward RhB in the presence of H2O2 by PNSs and NCs was phase-, SBET, size-, porosity-, and local structure-dependent, following the order: α-Fe2O3 NCs > α-Fe2O3/γ-Fe2O3 PNSs > γ-Fe2O3 PNSs > IGNSs. In particular, α-Fe2O3/γ-Fe2O3 PNSs possessed significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity with good recyclability and could be conveniently separated by an applied magnetic field because of high magnetization. We believe that the as-prepared α-Fe2O3/γ-Fe2O3 PNSs have potential practical use in waste water treatment and microwave absorption.This paper describes an original and facile polyol-mediated solvothermal synthesis of elliptical iron glycolate nanosheets (IGNSs) combined with precursor thermal conversion into γ-Fe2O3 and α-Fe2O3/γ-Fe2O3 porous nanosheets (PNSs), α-Fe2O3 nanochains (NCs), and elliptical Fe3O4 nanorings (NRs). The IGNSs were produced via the oxidation-reduction and co-precipitation reactions in the presence of iron(iii) salts, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and ethylenediamine. Control over Fe3+ concentration, temperature, and time can
Silica supported TiO{sub 2} nanostructures for highly efficient photocatalytic application under visible light irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pal, A.; Jana, T.K.; Chatterjee, K., E-mail: kuntal2k@gmail.com

2016-04-15

Highlights: • Synthesis of silica–titania nanocomposite by simple and facile chemical route and characterization of the materials. • Excellent catalytic activity on organic pollutant methylene blue under the visible light irradiation. • Photocatalytic rate is much higher than commercial P25 TiO{sub 2} catalyst powder. • The higher activity is attributed to the special structure and synergistic effect of the materials which has immense application potential. - Abstract: Titanium dioxide decorated silica nanospheres have been synthesized by a simple wet chemical approach. X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis revealed that anatase phase of TiO{sub 2} nanostructures, with exposed {0 0 1} and {1 0 1} facets, are anchored onto the amorphous silica spheres of ∼60 nm diameter. The photocatalytic activity of the sample under visible light irradiation was examined. It is found that photocatalytic efficiency of the material is better than commercial P25 TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst and the result is attributed to the unique synergistic effect of SiO{sub 2}–TiO{sub 2} nanocomposite structure resulting enhanced charge separation and charge transfer.
Alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment for TiO_2 nanoparticles with superior water-dispersibility and visible-light photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu, Chung-Yi; Tu, Kuan-Ju; Lo, Yu-Shiu; Pang, Yean Ling; Wu, Chien-Hou

2016-01-01

Alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment was proposed as a simple and green way to improve the performance of commercial TiO_2 powder for water-dispersibility and visible-light photocatalytic activity on the degradation of dye pollutants. The performance of treated TiO_2 was evaluated as a function of NaOH concentration, H_2O_2 concentration, and treatment time. The optimal conditions were determined to be 24 h in 100 mM H_2O_2 and 8 M NaOH. The treated samples were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry. The analysis revealed that the crystal structure, morphology, and absorption band gap were retained, but the surface of the treated TiO_2 was dramatically changed. The treated TiO_2 was highly dispersible with a uniform hydrodynamic size of 41 ± 12 nm and stable over months in water at pH 3 without any stabilizing ligand and could significantly enhance the visible-light photodegradation of dye pollutants. The superior performance might be attributed to the formation of abundant surface hydroxyl groups. This treatment paves the way for developing water-dispersible TiO_2 with superior visible-light induced photocatalytic degradation of dye pollutants without any complicated and expensive surface modification. - Highlights: • Alkaline hydrogen peroxide is proposed to treat commercial TiO_2 powder. • The treated TiO_2 powder exhibits superior water-dispersibility with a uniform size distribution. • The treated TiO_2 powder can significantly enhance the visible-light photodegradation of dyes.
In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} heterostructured nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xing, Yonglei [Electronic Materials Research Laboratory, International Center for Dielectric Research, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, Shaanxi (China); Que, Wenxiu, E-mail: wxque@mail.xjtu.edu.cn [Electronic Materials Research Laboratory, International Center for Dielectric Research, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, Shaanxi (China); Yin, Xingtian; He, Zuoli; Liu, Xiaobin; Yang, Yawei; Shao, Jinyou [Electronic Materials Research Laboratory, International Center for Dielectric Research, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, Shaanxi (China); Kong, Ling Bing, E-mail: ELBKong@ntu.edu.sg [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798 (Singapore)

2016-11-30

Highlights: • Visible-light photocatalytic activities of the nanostructured In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} heterostructures were studied. • Effect of In{sub 2}O{sub 3} content on the photocatalytic activity of the In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} heterostructure was evaluated. • 0.1In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} heterostructure photocatalyst shows a superior photocatalytic activity. • Based on Mott-Schottky analysis and active species detection, a mechanism for the separation of photogenerated carriers is proposed. • The effective separation process of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs was testified by photocurrent test. - Abstract: In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} composite photocatalysts with various contents of cubic In{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles were fabricated by using impregnation method. A thriving modification of Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} by an introduction of In{sub 2}O{sub 3} was confirmed by using X-ray diffraction, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The samples composed of hybrids of In{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} exhibited a much higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light, as compared with pure In{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanoparticles. Optimized composition of the composite photocatalysts was 0.1In{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7}, which shows a rate constant higher than those of pure In{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} by 4.06 and 3.21 times, respectively. Based on Mott-Schottky analysis and active species detection, the photoexcited electrons in the conduction band of In{sub 2}O{sub 3} and the holes in the valence band of Bi{sub 2}Sn{sub 2}O{sub 7} participated in reduction and oxidation reactions, respectively. Hence, ·OH, ·O{sub 2}{sup −} and h
Ionic liquid-assisted photochemical synthesis of ZnO/Ag_2O heterostructures with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhao, Shuo; Zhang, Yiwei; Zhou, Yuming; Zhang, Chao; Fang, Jiasheng; Sheng, Xiaoli

2017-01-01

Highlights: • ZnO/Ag_2O heterostructures have been successfully fabricated by a photochemical route. • Ionic liquids were used as template for shape-controllable ZnO nanomaterials. • The type of ionic liquid played an important role in the growth of ZnO nanoparticles. • ZnO/Ag_2O heterostructures had the enhanced photocatalytic ability. • Photocatalytic activity is a result of the combination of various factors. - Abstract: ZnO/Ag_2O heterostructures have been successfully fabricated using ionic liquids (ILs) as templates by a simple photochemical route. The influence of the type of ionic liquid and synthetic method on the morphology of ZnO, as well as the photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB), tetracycline (TC) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation was studied. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, PL and UV–vis DRS. The results established that the type of ionic liquid and synthetic method played an important role in the growth of ZnO nanoparticles. And as-fabricated ZnO/Ag_2O materials exhibited self-assembled flower-like architecture whose size was about 3 μm. Moreover, as-prepared ZnO/Ag_2O exhibited the enhanced photocatalytic activity than ZnO sample, which may be due to the special structure, heterojunction, enhanced adsorption capability of dye, the improved separation rate of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. According to the results of radical trapping experiments, it can be found that • OH and h"+ were the main active species for the photocatalytic degradation of RhB. It is valuable to develop this facile route preparing the highly dispersive flower-like ZnO/Ag_2O materials, which can be beneficial for environmental protection.
Enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles by surface-capping DBS groups

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Baiqi; Jing Liqiang; Qu Yichun; Li Shudan; Jiang Baojiang; Yang Libin; Xin Baifu; Fu Honggang

2006-01-01

TiO 2 nanoparticles capped with sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS) are synthesized by a sol-hydrothermal process using tetrabutyl titanate and DBS as raw materials. The effects of surface-capping DBS on the surface photovoltage spectroscopy (SPS), photoluminescence (PL) and photocatalytic performance of TiO 2 nanoparticles are principally investigated together with their relationships. The results show that the surface of TiO 2 nanoparticles can be well capped by DBS groups while the pH value and added DBS amount are controlled at 5.0 and 2% of TiO 2 mass weight, respectively, and the linkage between DBS groups and TiO 2 surfaces is mainly by means of quasi-sulphonate bond. The intensities of SPS and PL spectra of TiO 2 obviously decrease after DBS-capping, while the activity can greatly increase during the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) solution, which are mainly attributed to the electron-withdrawing character of the DBS groups. Moreover, the enhancement of photocatalytic activity of DBS-capped TiO 2 is also related to the increase in the capability for adsorbing RhB
Photocatalytic Oxidation of Acetone Over High Thermally Stable TiO2 Nanosheets With Exposed (001) Facets.

Science.gov (United States)

Shi, Ting; Duan, Youyu; Lv, Kangle; Hu, Zhao; Li, Qin; Li, Mei; Li, Xiaofang

2018-01-01

Anatase TiO 2 (A-TiO 2 ) usually exhibits superior photocatalytic activity than rutile TiO 2 (R-TiO 2 ). However, the phase transformation from A-TiO 2 to R-TiO 2 will inevitably happens when the calcination temperature is up to 600°C, which hampers the practical applications of TiO 2 photocatalysis in hyperthermal situations. In this paper, high energy faceted TiO 2 nanosheets (TiO 2 -NSs) with super thermal stability was prepared by calcination of TiOF 2 cubes. With increase in the calcination temperature from 300 to 600°C, TiOF 2 transforms into TiO 2 hollow nanoboxes (TiO 2 -HNBs) assembly from TiO 2 -NSs via Ostwald Rippening process. Almost all of the TiO 2 -HNBs are disassembled into discrete TiO 2 -NSs when calcination temperature is higher than 700°C. Phase transformation from A-TiO 2 to R-TiO 2 begins at 1000°C. Only when the calcination temperature is higher than 1200°C can all the TiO 2 -NSs transforms into R-TiO 2 . The 500°C-calcined sample (T500) exhibits the highest photoreactivity toward acetone oxidation possibly because of the production of high energy TiO 2 -NSs with exposed high energy (001) facets and the surface adsorbed fluorine. Surface oxygen vacancy, due to the heat-induced removal of surface adsorbed fluoride ions, is responsible for the high thermal stability of TiO 2 -NSs which are prepared by calcination of TiOF 2 cubes.
Preparation of Ag–AgBr/TiO2–graphene and its visible light photocatalytic activity enhancement for the degradation of polyacrylamide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rong, Xinshan; Qiu, Fengxian; Zhang, Chen; Fu, Liang; Wang, Yuanyuan; Yang, Dongya

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Ag–AgBr/TiO 2 –graphene (AATG) composite photocatalyst was prepared. • AATG was applied to photocatalytic degradation of polyacrylamide (PAM). • Degradation condition such as mass ratio of TiO 2 /graphene, dose, pH and time, was investigated. • The AATG composite photocatalyst can be separated from system effectively and easily. • The prepared AATG exhibits significant photocatalytic activity after five successive recycles. - Abstract: In current work, TiO 2 was modified by Ag/AgBr semiconductor and graphene to enhance its photocatalytic activity for the degradation of polyacrylamide (PAM). Ag–AgBr/TiO 2 –graphene (AATG) composite photocatalysts were prepared by the deposition–precipitation method combining a subsequent calcination process. The structure, surface morphology and chemical composition of AATG composite photocatalysts were investigated by XRD, XPS, DRS, PL, SEM, EDS, TEM, and HRTEM methods. XRD and XPS results show that Ag 0 is generated from Ag + under visible light irradiation. Degradation of PAM was chosen to evaluate photocatalytic activity using AATG composite as photocatalysts. The conditions such as mass ratio of TiO 2 /graphene, catalyst dose, pH and contact time, were investigated for the degradation of PAM. Possible pathway and mechanism were proposed for photocatalytic degradation of PAM over AATG composite photocatalyst under visible light irradiation. The prepared AATG composite photocatalyst can be separated from system effectively and easily; and exhibits significant photocatalytic activity after five successive recycles, which confirmed that the components of the AATG are not photo decomposed and the structure is stable during the photocatalytic process
One-step synthesis of hierarchically porous hybrid TiO2 hollow spheres with high photocatalytic activity

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Ruiping; Ren, Feng; Yang, Jinlin; Su, Weiming; Sun, Zhiming; Zhang, Lei; Wang, Chang-an

2016-03-01

Hierarchically porous hybrid TiO2 hollow spheres were solvothermally synthesized successfully by using tetrabutyl titanate as titanium precursor and hydrated metal sulfates as soft templates. The as-prepared TiO2 spheres with hierarchically pore structures and high specific surface area and pore volume consisted of highly crystallized anatase TiO2 nanocrystals hybridized with a small amount of metal oxide from the hydrated sulfate. The proposed hydrated-sulfate assisted solvothermal (HAS) synthesis strategy was demonstrated to be widely applicable to various systems. Evaluation of the hybrid TiO2 hollow spheres for the photo-decomposition of methyl orange (MO) under visible-light irradiation revealed that they exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity and durability.
Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of poly(3-hexylthiophene)/TiO2 composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Muktha, B.; Mahanta, Debajyoti; Patil, Satish; Madras, Giridhar

2007-01-01

An heterogeneous conducting polymer composite, poly(3-hexylthiophene)/TiO 2 (P3HT/TiO 2 ), was synthesized. The photocatalytic activity of P3HT alone and the composite was investigated for the first time by degrading a common dye under UV exposure. It was shown that the photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites was higher compared to either the polymer or TiO 2 alone. A simple mechanism was proposed to explain this observed synergetic effect. - Graphical abstract: Photocatalytic mechanism of the polymer composite with titania. A new heterogeneous conducting polymer composite with titania (P3HT/TiO 2 ) was synthesized and the photocatalytic activity this composite was investigated by degrading a common dye under UV exposure. It was shown that the nanocomposite exhibited synergetic photocatalytic catalytic activity compared to either the polymer or TiO 2 alone. The scheme of the possible mechanism of enhancement of photocatalytic degradation rate in a conducting polymer nanocomposite is shown in the figure
Rapid synthesis of Ti-MCM-41 by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method towards photocatalytic degradation of oxytetracycline.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Hanlin; Peng, Yen-Ping; Chen, Ku-Fan; Lai, Chia-Hsiang; Lin, Yung-Chang

2016-06-01

This study employed microwave-assisted hydrothermal method to synthesize Ti-MCM-41, which are mesoporous materials with a high surface area and excellent photocatalytic ability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) were employed. The XRD findings showed that Ti-MCM-41 exhibited a peak at 2θ of 2.2°, which was attributed to the hexagonal MCM-41 structure. The BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) results agreed with the TEM findings that Ti-MCM-41 has a pore size of about 3-5nm and a high surface area of 883m(2)/g. FTIR results illustrated the existence of Si-O-Si and Si-O-Ti bonds in Ti-MCM-41. The appearance of Ti 2p peaks in the XPS results confirmed the FTIR findings that the Ti was successfully doped into the MCM-41 structure. Zeta (ζ)-potential results indicated that the iso-electric point (IEP) of Ti-MCM-41 was at about pH3.02. In this study, the photocatalytic degradation of oxytetracycline (OTC) at different pH was investigated under Hg lamp irradiation (wavelength 365nm). The rate constant (K'obs) for OTC degradation was 0.012min(-1) at pH3. Furthermore, TOC (total organic carbon) and high resolution LC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) analyses were conducted to elucidate the possible intermediate products and degradation pathway for OTC. The TOC removal efficiency of OTC degradation was 87.0%, 74.4% and 50.9% at pH3, 7 and 10, respectively. LC-MS analysis results showed that the degradation products from OTC resulted from the removal of functional groups from the OTC ring. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Facile synthesis of bird's nest-like TiO2 microstructure with exposed (001) facets for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Guozhong; Zhang, Shuqu; Wang, Longlu; Liu, Ran; Zeng, Yunxiong; Xia, Xinnian; Liu, Yutang; Luo, Shenglian

2017-01-01

The scrupulous design of hierarchical structure and highly active crystal facets exposure is essential for the creation of photocatalytic system. However, it is still a big challenge for scrupulous design of TiO2 architectures. In this paper, bird's nest-like anatase TiO2 microstructure with exposed highly active (001) surface has been successfully synthesized by a facile one-step solvothermal method. Methylene blue (MB) is chosen as a model pollutant to evaluate photocatalytic activity of as-obtained TiO2 samples. The results show that the photocatalytic activity of the bird's nest-like sample is more excellent than P25 in the degradation of MB due to high specific surface area and highly active (001) crystal facets exposure when tested under simulated solar light. Besides, it can be readily separated from the photocatalytic system by sedimentation after photocatalytic reaction, which is a significant advantage against conventional powder photocatalyst. The bird's nest-like microspheres with novel structure may have potential application in photocatalysis and other fields.
Carbon dots decorated vertical SnS_2 nanosheets for efficient photocatalytic oxygen evolution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cheng, Zhongzhou; Wang, Fengmei; Shifa, Tofik Ahmed; Liu, Kaili; Huang, Yun; Jiang, Chao; He, Jun; Liu, Quanlin

2016-01-01

Metal sulfides are highly desirable materials for photocatalytic water splitting because of their appropriate energy bands. However, the poor stability under light illumination in water hinders their wide applications. Here, two-dimensional SnS_2 nanosheets, along with carbon dots of the size around 10 nm, are uniformly grown on fluorine doped tin oxide glasses with a layer of nickel nanoparticles. Significantly, strong light absorption and enhanced photocurrent density are achieved after integration of SnS_2 nanosheets with carbon dots. Notably, the rate of oxygen evolution reached up to 1.1 mmol g"−"1 h"−"1 under simulated sunlight irradiation featuring a good stability.
A novel reducing graphene/polyaniline/cuprous oxide composite hydrogel with unexpected photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Congo red

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Miao, Jie; Xie, Anjian; Li, Shikuo; Huang, Fangzhi; Cao, Juan; Shen, Yuhua

2016-01-01

Graphical abstract: Excellent photocatalytic activity of the RGO/PANI/Cu_2O composite hydrogel for CR degradation under UV–vis light irradiation. - Highlights: • The RGO/PANI/Cu_2O composite hydrogel was first synthesized via a facile method. • Photocatalytic performance was studied under UV–vis light. • The ternary composite hydrogel shows unexpected photocatalytic activity. • A possible photocatalysis mechanism was illustrated. - Abstract: In this work, a novel reducing graphene/polyaniline/cuprous oxide (RGO/PANI/Cu_2O) composite hydrogel with a 3D porous network has been successfully prepared via a one-pot method in the presence of cubic Cu_2O nanoparticles. The as-synthesized ternary composites hydrogel shows unexpected photocatalytic activity such that Congo red (CR) degradation efficiency can reaches 97.91% in 20 min under UV–vis light irradiation, which is much higher than that of either the single component (Cu_2O nanoparticles), or two component systems (RGO/Cu_2O composite hydrogel and PANI/Cu_2O nanocomposites). Furthermore, the ternary composite hydrogel exhibits high stability and do not show any significant loss after five recycles. Such outstanding photocatalytic activity of the RGO/PANI/Cu_2O composite hydrogel was ascribed to the high absorption ability of the product for CR and the synergic effect among RGO, PANI and Cu_2O in photocatalytic process. The product of this work would provide a new sight for the construction of UV–vis light responsive photocatalyst with high performance.
A three-dimensional graphene-TiO{sub 2} nanotube nanocomposite with exceptional photocatalytic activity for dye degradation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhao, Fenghuan [Institute of Material Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, 266000 Qingdao (China); Dong, Bohua, E-mail: dongbohua@ouc.edu.cn [Institute of Material Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, 266000 Qingdao (China); Gao, Rongjie; Su, Ge; Liu, Wei [Institute of Material Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, 266000 Qingdao (China); Shi, Liang [College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, 266000 Qingdao (China); Xia, Chenghui [Debye Institute, Utrecht University, Princetonplein 1, 3584 CC Utrecht (Netherlands); Cao, Lixin, E-mail: caolixin@ouc.edu.cn [Institute of Material Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, 266000 Qingdao (China)

2015-10-01

Highlights: • A new kind of three-dimensional graphene/TiO{sub 2} nanotube composites were fabricated by facile hydrothermal method. • The graphene with optimized amount has a great influence on the photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2}. • The special and well-structured composites nanomaterials have outstanding photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: Three dimensional nanocomposites made up of TiO{sub 2} nanotubes (TNTs) and conducting reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (RGO) were fabricated successfully via hydrothermal method. These graphene/TNTs nanocomposites (GTNCs) with unique nanostructure not only provided sufficient active sites but supplied electron-transport path, Which gave big rise to their photocatalytic activity. In addition, the graphene amount and calcination temperature were intensively optimized. A series of products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of as-prepared GTNCs was investigated through the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under UV-light irradiation. The results show that these GTNCs are well-structured with outstanding photocatalytic activity which is much better than that of traditional TiO{sub 2} nanotubes.
Enhanced photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to methanol by ZnO nanoparticles deposited on ZnSe nanosheet

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Shuangfang; Yin, Xiaohong; Zheng, Yinan

2018-02-01

In this work ZnO/ZnSe composites were successfully synthesized via solvothermal method and characterized by a series of experiments for investigating into their compositions, morphologies, microstructures and the activities of photocatalytic reduction of CO2. The methanol rates of bare ZnO and ZnSe respectively were 763.9 μmol/gcat/h and 503.88 μmol/gcat/h. However, the sample of 3 wt% ZnO/ZnSe performed better photocatalytic activity up 1581.82 μmol/gcat/h compared to bare ZnO and ZnSe. In the as-prepared photocatalyst the nanosheet of ZnSe benefited the light harvest; suitable deposition of ZnO on the ZnSe nanosheet constructed a type II heterojunction for transferring the photo-generated electron to reduce CO2.
Effective Electron Transfer Pathway of the Ternary TiO2/RGO/Ag Nanocomposite with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity under Visible Light

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hongwei Tian

2017-05-01

Full Text Available Mesoporous TiO2/reduced graphene oxide/Ag (TiO2/RGO/Ag ternary nanocomposite with an effective electron transfer pathway is obtained by an electrostatic self-assembly method and photo-assisted treatment. Compared with bare mesoporous TiO2 (MT and mesoporous TiO2/RGO (MTG, the ternary mesoporous TiO2/RGO/Ag (MTGA nanocomposite exhibited superior photocatalytic performance for the degradation of methylene blue (MB under visible light, and the degradation rate reached 0.017 min−1, which was 3.4-times higher than that of MTG. What is more, the degradation rate of MTGA nanocomposite after three cycle times is 91.2%, and the composition is unchanged. In addition, we found that the OH•, h+ and especially O2•− contribute to the high photocatalytic activity of MTGA for MB degradation. It is proposed that Ag nanoparticles can form the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR to absorb the visible light and distract the electrons into MT, and RGO can accept the electrons from MT to accelerate the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. The establishment of MTGA ternary nanocomposite makes the three components act synergistically to enhance the photocatalytic performance.

Blue to Yellow Photoluminescence Emission and Photocatalytic Activity of Nitrogen Doping in TiO2 Powders

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gabriela Byzynski

2015-01-01

Full Text Available The defects caused by doping are important for understanding the increased photocatalytic activities of TiO2:N in organic reactions and in the evaluation of OH radical production after doping. TiO2:N was therefore synthesized using a modified polymeric method and N doping was performed by calcination with urea. The resulting powders were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, and photoluminescence emission spectroscopy (PL. N doping did not alter the morphology of the nanoparticles, and the anatase phase predominated, with the retention of the rutile phase. The band gap values, superficial areas, and crystallite sizes of the powders decreased after doping. The PL results showed an additional energy level in the TiO2:N band gap structure as a result of TiO2 lattice defects caused by doping. At low N contents, the powders showed continuous emissions from the blue region to the yellow region and a high N content shifted the PL emissions to the red region. These results suggest that the use of these powders could increase the efficiencies of solar cells and water-splitting processes. The photocatalytic activity of the powders under UVC illumination was confirmed for different organic dye molecules. The OH radical production did not change extensively after doping, as shown by experiments with terephthalic acid, and higher photocatalytic efficiencies in Rhodamine-B degradation under UVC illumination were achieved using the doped samples.
Sugar supported H/sub 2/ production and C/sub 2/H/sub 2/ reduction by the cyanobiont Anabaena azollae

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rozen, A.; Tel-Or, E.

1986-01-01

Sugar supported activities of H/sub 2/ production and C/sub 2/H/sub 2/ reduction were characterized in axenic cell cultures of the cyanobiont Anabaena azollae isolated from the water fern Azolla filiculoides. Fructose was found to be the favoured substrate, enhancing activities in both the light and the dark even at relatively low concentrations of 0.5-1.0 mM. Higher concentrations of sucrose, (10-20mM) also supported H/sub 2/ production and C/sub 2/H/sub 2/ reduction, while glucose was less effective. Levels of H/sub 2/ production were always lower than those of C/sub 2/H/sub 2/ reduction. 13 references.
Graphene-spindle shaped TiO2 mesocrystal composites: Facile synthesis and enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, Xiaofei; Qin, Jieling; Li, Yang; Zhang, Rongxian; Tang, Hua

2013-01-01

Highlights: • Graphene-TiO 2 mesocrystal composites were fabricated via a facile approach. • Graphene sheets were decorated with spindle-like TiO 2 mesocrystals. • Graphene causes enhanced light absorbance and visible light photocatalytic activity. • Oxygen-containing radicals are believed to responsible for its improved activity. -- Abstract: Graphene (GR)-TiO 2 mesocrystal composites were prepared by a facile template-free process based on the combination of sol–gel and solvothermal methods, and were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), nitrogen absorption and electron spin resonance (ESR). Visible light photocatalytic performance of GR-TiO 2 composites was evaluated for photocatalytic degradation of organic dye Rhodamine B. It was found that the amount of graphene oxide (GO) added obviously affects morphologies of TiO 2 mesocrystals and photocatalytic activities of as-prepared nanocomposites. Composites prepared in the presence of different amounts of GO all exhibit higher photocatalytic activity than pure TiO 2 mesocrystals and P25, the composite obtained by using 20 mg GO presents the most uniform TiO 2 mesocrystals in the composite and shows the highest photocatalytic efficiency. The mechanism for the generation of TiO 2 mesocrystals in the GR-TiO 2 composite is proposed and possible reasons for the enhancement in visible light photocatalytic efficiency are also discussed
Production of Excess CO2 relative to methane in peatlands: a new H2 sink

Science.gov (United States)

Wilson, R.; Woodcroft, B. J.; Varner, R. K.; Tyson, G. W.; Tfaily, M. M.; Sebestyen, S.; Saleska, S. R.; Rogers, K.; Rich, V. I.; McFarlane, K. J.; Kostka, J. E.; Kolka, R. K.; Keller, J.; Iversen, C. M.; Hodgkins, S. B.; Hanson, P. J.; Guilderson, T. P.; Griffiths, N.; de La Cruz, F.; Crill, P. M.; Chanton, J.; Bridgham, S. D.; Barlaz, M.

2015-12-01

Methane is generated as the end product of anaerobic organic matter degradation following a series of reaction pathways including fermentation and syntrophy. Along with acetate and CO2, syntrophic reactions generate H2 and are only thermodynamically feasible when coupled to an exothermic reaction that consumes H2. The usual model of organic matter degradation in peatlands has assumed that methanogenesis is that exothermic H2-consuming reaction. If correct, this paradigm should ultimately result in equimolar production of CO2 and methane from the degradation of the model organic compound cellulose: i.e. C6H12O6 à 3CO2 + 3CH4. However, dissolved gas measurement and modeling results from field and incubation experiments spanning peatlands across the northern hemisphere have failed to demonstrate equimolar production of CO2 and methane. Instead, in a flagrant violation of thermodynamics, these studies show a large bias favoring CO2 production over methane generation. In this talk, we will use an array of complementary analytical techniques including FT-IR, cellulose and lignin measurements, 13C-NMR, fluorescence spectroscopy, and ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry to describe organic matter degradation within a peat column and identify the important degradation mechanisms. Hydrogenation was the most common transformation observed in the ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry data. From these results we propose a new mechanism for consuming H2 generated during CO2 production, without concomitant methane formation, consistent with observed high CO2/CH4 ratios. While homoacetogenesis is a known sink for H2 in these systems, this process also consumes CO2 and therefore does not explain the excess CO2 measured in field and incubation samples. Not only does the newly proposed mechanism consume H2 without generating methane, but it also yields enough energy to balance the coupled syntrophic reactions, thereby restoring thermodynamic order. Schematic of organic matter
Hydrothermal synthesis of size-controllable Yttrium Orthovanadate (YVO4) nanoparticles and its application in photocatalytic degradation of direct blue dye

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mohamed, R.M.; Harraz, F.A.; Mkhalid, I.A.

2012-01-01

Graphical abstract: XRD patterns of YVO 4 nanopowders prepared at different hydrothermal times; where Y 1 = 4 h, Y 2 = 8 h, Y 3 = 12 h and Y 4 = 24 h. Highlights: ► Size control of Yttrium Orthovanadate. ► Hydrothermal synthesis. ► Removal of direct blue dye. - Abstract: Sized-controlled YVO 4 nanoparticles have been synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method by changing hydrothermal time from 4 to 24 h. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), specific surface area (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET)), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) measurements. The results showed that the size of as-synthesized YVO 4 nanoparticles was in the range of 11–40 nm and was extremely dependent on the hydrothermal time. Photocatalytic measurement showed that the YVO 4 nanoparticles with particle size of about 11 nm (prepared by 4 h hydrothermal time) possess superior photocatalytic properties in the decolorization of direct blue dye. Due to simple preparation, high photocatalytic oxidation of direct blue dye and low cost, the YVO 4 photocatalyst is a potential candidate for pollutants removal and will find wide application in the coming future in photocatalytic oxidation processes. The overall kinetics of photodegradation of direct blue dye using YVO 4 nanopowders photocatalyst was found to be of first order. The photocatalyst could be easily removed from the reaction mixture and its recyclability with no loss of activity was possible for six times. The catalytic performance was found to decrease by 5% after run number six.
Hydrothermal synthesis of CdS nanorods anchored on α-Fe2O3 nanotube arrays with enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Lei, Rui; Ni, Hongwei; Chen, Rongsheng; Gu, Huazhi; Zhang, Bowei; Zhan, Weiting

2018-03-15

As an n-type semiconductor with an excellent physicochemical properties, iron oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ) has been extensively used in the fields of environmental pollution control and solar energy conversion. However, the high recombination rate of the photoinduced electron-hole pairs and poor charge mobility for Fe 2 O 3 nanomaterial generally result in low photocatalytic efficiency. Herein, an uniform CdS nanorods grown directly on one-dimensional α-Fe 2 O 3 nanotube arrays (NTAs) are successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method and the constructed heterojunction can be a kind of efficient and recyclable photocatalysts. Successful deposition of CdS nanorods onto the α-Fe 2 O 3 NTAs is verified by field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy indicates that α-Fe 2 O 3 /CdS NTAs possess the intense visible light absorption and also display a red-shift of the band-edge compared with the pure α-Fe 2 O 3 NTAs. The as-obtained α-Fe 2 O 3 /CdS NTAs display excellent photocatalytic activity for decomposition of methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and phenol under visible light illumination. Among all the tested photocatalysts, the film synthesized for 3h with good stability exhibits the best photocatalytic properties and produces the highest photocurrent of 1.43 mA/cm 2 at 0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl electrode, owing to its well formed heterojunction structure, effective electron-hole pair separation and direct electron transfer pathway along the CdS nanorods and α-Fe 2 O 3 NTAs. Besides, the photogenerated holes (h + ) and superoxide radicals (O 2 - ) play dominant roles in the photocatalytic process. On the basis of the photocatalytic results and energy band diagram, the photocatalytic process mechanism is proposed. Considering the easy preparation and excellent performance, α-Fe 2 O 3 /CdS NTAs could
Influences of air calcination and steam activation on microstructure and photocatalytic activity of continuous TiO2 fibers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

You, Yang; Zhang, Shiying; Xu, Difa

2013-01-01

Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Highlights: ► Effects of air calcination and steam activation on TiO 2 fibers were studied. ► The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by degradation of formaldehyde. ► Steam activation promoted the anatase–rutile phase transformation. ► Steam activation decreased grain size and increased special surface area. ► Steam activation improved photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 fibers. -- Abstract: Effects of air calcination and steam activation, on phase transformation, microstructure and photocatalytic activity of continuous TiO 2 fibers prepared by sol–gel method were studied. The fibers were characterized by XRD, SEM, and N 2 adsorption–desorption. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of formaldehyde. Results showed that 100% rutile fibers heat-treated in air and steam were obtained at 800 °C and 600 °C, respectively. The anatase grain sizes and special surface areas of the fibers heat-treated at 500 °C in air and steam were 31.6 nm, 22.7 nm, 26.7 m 2 /g and 32.3 m 2 /g, respectively. The degradation rates of formaldehyde over the fibers heat-treated at 500 °C in air and steam were 92.3% and 98.6% after 14 h under UV irradiation, respectively. Compared with the air calcination, the steam activation promoted the anatase–rutile phase transformation, reduced the grain size, increased the special surface area, and improved photocatalytic activity of continuous TiO 2 fibers.
Design of a novel dual Z-scheme photocatalytic system composited of Ag{sub 2}O modified Ti{sup 3+} self doped TiO{sub 2} nanocrystals with individual exposed (001) and (101) facets

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Mengyan; Liu, Hui, E-mail: liuhui@sust.edu.cn; Liu, Tingting; Qin, Yangxiao

2017-02-15

A novel dual Z-scheme photocatalytic system composited of Ag{sub 2}O nanocrystals modified Ti{sup 3+} self doped TiO{sub 2} nanocrystals with individual exposed (001) and (101) facets were successfully fabricated. In which, the Ti{sup 3+} self doped TiO{sub 2} nanocrystals with individual exposed (001) and (101) facets have been firstly prepared by a simple hydrothermal method, subsequently the as-prepared products were modified with Ag{sub 2}O nanocrystals through a sonochemical depositing process in order to build a novel dual Z-scheme photocatalytic system. The samples were carefully characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The photocatalytic activity toward degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B) aqueous solution under stimulated solar light was investigated. The experimental results showed this new dual Z-scheme photocatalytic system possess an enhanced photocatalytic degradation activity compared to that similar surface heterojunction photocatalysts composed of Ti{sup 3+} self doped TiO{sub 2} nanocrystals with individual exposed (001) and (101) facets. This novel photocatalytic system presents a high charge-separation efficiency and strong redox ability. This study will help us to better understand the photocatalytic mechanism of semiconductor photocatalysts with exposed different facets, and provide a new insight into the design and fabrication of advanced photocatalytic materials. - Highlights: •A novel dual Z-scheme system was built by Ag{sub 2}O and facet exposed TiO{sub 2} nanocrystals. •The individual TiO{sub 2} nanocrystals exposed (001) and (101) facets respectively. •Ag{sub 2}O coupled with Ti{sup 3+} self doped TiO{sub 2} nanocrystals through a sonochemical process. •The as-prepared sample possesses a super photocatalytic activity.
Photocatalytic degradation properties of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles for dibutyl phthalate in aqueous solution system

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Yue; Sun, Nan; Hu, Jianshe; Li, Song; Qin, Gaowu

2018-04-01

The phthalate ester compounds in industrial wastewater, as kinds of environmental toxic organic pollutants, may interfere with the body's endocrine system, resulting in great harm to humans. In this work, the photocatalytic degradation properties of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) were investigated using α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and H2O2 in aqueous solution system. The optimal parameters and mechanism of degradation were discussed by changing the morphology and usage amount of catalysts, the dosage of H2O2, pH value and the initial concentration of DBP. Hollow α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles showed the highest degradation efficiency when 30 mg of catalyst and 50 µl of H2O2 were used in the DBP solution with the initial concentration of 13 mg l-1 at pH = 6.5. When the reaction time was 90 min, DBP was degraded 93% for the above optimal parameters. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism of DBP was studied by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. The result showed that the main degradation intermediates of DBP were ortho-phthalate monobutyl ester, methyl benzoic acid, benzoic acid, benzaldehyde, and heptyl aldehyde when the reaction time was 2 h. DBP and its intermediates were almost completely degraded to CO2 and H2O in 12 h in the α-Fe2O3/ H2O2/UV system.
Adsorptive and photocatalytic properties of S-doped SrTiO3 under simulated solar irradiation

Science.gov (United States)

Huynh, Phu Chi; Le, Vien Minh

2017-09-01

S-doped SrTiO3 (SSTO) nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel method with Sr(NO3)2, n- Ti(OC4H9)4, and Thiourea as precursors. Several analytical techniques including XRD, SEM, BET were employed to characterize the physical properties of the product. High crystalline perovskite of SSTO powder was synthesized at 700 °C calcined temperature with the specific surface area of 20.71 m2/g. UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra results of STO and 5SSTO present band gap energy of 3.2 and 2.95 eV respectively. Photocatalytic activity was determined through the photodegradation of Congo Red at the initial concentrations of 70 ppm under simulated solar irradiation using 26W mercury lamp (120V - 60Hz). The decompositions of approximately 90.4% was obtained after 210 minutes of illumination. The photocatalyst was stable in aqueous solution that its photocatalytic activity was merely reduced by 9% even after 4 reusing iterations.
Generation of MoS{sub 2} quantum dots by laser ablation of MoS{sub 2} particles in suspension and their photocatalytic activity for H{sub 2} generation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Baldoví, Herme G.; Latorre-Sánchez, Marcos; Esteve-Adell, Iván [Universitat Politècnica de València, Instituto Universitario de Tecnología Química CSIC-UPV and Departamento de Química (Spain); Khan, Anish; Asiri, Abdullah M. [King Abdulaziz University, Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (Saudi Arabia); Kosa, Samia A. [King Abdulaziz University, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science (Saudi Arabia); Garcia, Hermenegildo, E-mail: hgarcia@qim.upv.es [Universitat Politècnica de València, Instituto Universitario de Tecnología Química CSIC-UPV and Departamento de Química (Spain)

2016-08-15

MoS{sub 2} quantum dots (QDs) have been obtained in colloidal suspensions by 532 nm laser ablation (7 ns fwhp/pulse, 50 mJ/pulse) of commercial MoS{sub 2} particles in acetonitrile. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images show a lateral size distribution from 5 to 20 nm, but a more homogeneous particle size of 20 nm can be obtained by silica gel chromatography purification in acetonitrile. MoS{sub 2} QDs obtained by laser ablation are constituted by 3–6 MoS{sub 2} layers (1.8–4 nm thickness) and exhibit photoluminescence whose λ{sub PL} varies from 430 to 530 nm depending on the excitation wavelength. As predicted by theory, the confinement effect and the larger periphery in MoS{sub 2} QDs increasing the bandgap and having catalytically active edges are reflected in an enhancement of the photocatalytic activity for H{sub 2} generation upon UV–Vis irradiation using CH{sub 3}OH as sacrificial electron donor due to the increase in the reduction potential of conduction band electrons and the electron transfer kinetics.
Recyclable UV and visible light photocatalytically active amorphous TiO2 doped with M (III) ions (M = Cr and Fe)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Buddee, Supat; Wongnawa, Sumpun; Sirimahachai, Uraiwan; Puetpaibool, Walailak

2011-01-01

Research highlights: → The low photocatalytic activity of amorphous TiO2 was enhanced by doping with Cr(III) or Fe(III) ions. → The doped catalysts performed close to P25 under UV light and better with visible light. → The doped catalysts can be recycled. - Abstract: Samples of amorphous TiO 2 doped with Cr(III) and Fe(III), designated as Cr-TiO 2 and Fe-TiO 2 , were prepared via modified impregnation method. The resulting products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, specific surface area by the Brunauer, Emmett and Teller method, UV-vis absorption and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Experimental results revealed that the concentrations of dopants under studied, from 0.05 to 0.2 mol%, had no effect on the phase of products. The band gap energies shifted from 3.28 eV in the undoped amorphous TiO 2 to 2.50 eV and 2.86 eV for Fe-TiO 2 and Cr-TiO 2 , respectively. The doped amorphous TiO 2 showed photocatalytic activities under both UV and visible light with optimal results at 0.1 mol% dopants. Under UV irradiation, the 0.1 mol% doped samples decolorized methylene blue solutions to the same extent as the commercial TiO 2 samples (P25 and anatase) in 5 h. Under visible light, the doped samples decolorized dye solutions in 12 h while the commercial ones were much less active. The used catalysts can be recycled many times without any special treatment.
Hydrogen production by tailoring the brookite and Cu2O ratio of sol-gel Cu-TiO2 photocatalysts.

Science.gov (United States)

Hinojosa-Reyes, Mariana; Camposeco-Solís, Roberto; Zanella, Rodolfo; Rodríguez González, Vicente

2017-10-01

Cu-TiO 2 photocatalysts were prepared by the sol-gel method. Copper loadings from, 1.0 to 5.0 wt % were used. The materials were annealed at different temperatures (from 400 to 600 °C) to study the formation of brookite and copper ionic species. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-vis, Raman and XPS spectroscopies, H 2 -temperature programmed reduction (TPR), N 2 physisorption, and SEM-EDS to quantify the actual copper loadings and characterize morphology. The photocatalysts were evaluated during the hydrogen photocatalytic production using an ethanolic solution (50% v/v) under UV and visible radiation. The best hydrogen production was performed by Ti-Cu 1.0 with an overall hydrogen production that was five times higher than that obtained with photolysis. This sample had an optimal thermal treatment at 500 °C, and at this temperature, the Cu 2 O and brookite/anatase ratio boosted the photocatalytic production of hydrogen. In addition, a deactivation test was carried out for the most active sample (TiO 2 -Cu 1.0), showing unchanged H 2 production for three cycles with negligible Cu lixiviation. The activity of hydrogen-through-copper production reported in this research work is comparable with the one featured by noble metals and that reported in the literature for doped TiO 2 materials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Constructing MnO{sub 2}/single crystalline ZnO nanorod hybrids with enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yu, Weiwei [College of Physics and Electronic Science, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114 (China); Liu, Tiangui, E-mail: tianguiliu@gmail.com [College of Physics and Microelectronics Science, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 (China); Cao, Shiyi; Wang, Chen [College of Physics and Electronic Science, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114 (China); Chen, Chuansheng, E-mail: 1666423158@qq.com [College of Physics and Electronic Science, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114 (China)

2016-07-15

In order to improve the photocatalytic and antibacterial activity of ZnO nanorods, ZnO nanorods decorated with MnO{sub 2} nanoparticles (MnO{sub 2}/ZnO nanorod hybrids) were prepared by using microwave assisted coprecipitation method under the influence of hydrogen peroxide, and the structure, photocatalytic activity and antibacterial property of the products were studied. Experimental results indicated that MnO{sub 2} nanoparticles are decorated on the surface of single crystalline ZnO nanorods. Moreover, the resultant MnO{sub 2}/ZnO nanorod hybrids have been proven to possess good photocatalytic and antibacterial activity, which their degradated efficiency for Rhodamin B (RhB) is twice as the pure ZnO nanorods. Enhancement for photocatalytic and antibacterial activity is mainly attributed to the low band gap energy and excellent electrochemical properties of MnO{sub 2} nanoparticles. - Graphical abstract: The MnO{sub 2}/single crystalline ZnO nanorods hybrids, which MnO{sub 2} nanoparticles are loaded on the surface of ZnO nanorods, were prepared by the step-by-step precipitation method under the assistance of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. Display Omitted - Highlights: • MnO{sub 2}/ZnO nanorod hybrids were prepared by the step-by-step assembly method. • Single crystalline ZnO nanorods can be decorated by MnO{sub 2} nanoparticles. • MnO{sub 2}/ZnO nanorod hybrids possess good photocatalytic and antibacterial activity. • MnO{sub 2} can improve the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanorods under visible light.
Photocatalytic degradation of RhB over MgFe2O4/TiO2 composite materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Lei; He, Yiming; Wu Ying; Wu Tinghua

2011-01-01

Highlights: → Novel composite MgFe 2 O 4 /TiO 2 as catalyst. → Higher activity for the photodegradation of RhB under visible light irradiation. → Calcination temperature of catalyst has effect on photocatalytic activity. → Different photocatalysis mechanism under UV and visible light irradiation. - Abstract: MgFe 2 O 4 /TiO 2 (MFO/TiO 2 ) composite photocatalysts were successfully synthesized using a mixing-annealing method. The synthesized composites exhibited significantly higher photocatalytic activity than a naked semiconductor in the photodegradation of Rhodamine B. Under UV and visible light irradiation, the optimal percentages of doped MgFe 2 O 4 (MFO) were 2 wt.% and 3 wt.%, respectively. The effects of calcination temperature on photocatalytic activity were also investigated. The origin of the high level of activity was discussed based on the results of X-ray diffraction, UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen physical adsorption. The enhanced activity of the catalysts was mainly attributed to the synergetic effect between the two semiconductors, the band potential of which matched suitably.
Photocatalytic oxidation dynamics of acetone on TiO2: tight-binding quantum chemical molecular dynamics study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lv Chen; Wang Xiaojing; Agalya, Govindasamy; Koyama, Michihisa; Kubo, Momoji; Miyamoto, Akira

2005-01-01

The clarification of the excited states dynamics on TiO 2 surface is important subject for the design of the highly active photocatalysts. In the present study, we applied our novel tight-binding quantum chemical molecular dynamics method to the investigation on the photocatalytic oxidation dynamics of acetone by photogenerated OH radicals on the hydrated anatase TiO 2 surface. The elucidated photocatalytic reaction mechanism strongly supports the previous experimental proposal and finally the effectiveness of our new approach for the clarification of the photocatalytic reaction dynamics employing the large simulation model was confirmed
Photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide modified by Fe2O3 nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wodka, Dawid; Socha, Robert P.; Bielańska, Elżbieta; Elżbieciak-Wodka, Magdalena; Nowak, Paweł; Warszyński, Piotr

2014-01-01

Highlights: • 1% Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 composite showing high activity in the photocatalytic oxidation of organics was synthetized. • Electrochemical analysis indicated that surface modification of Degussa P25 by Fe 2 O 3 causes the appearance of surface states in such a material. • The enhanced activity of the prepared composite may be ascribed to the occurrence of the photo-Fenton process. - Abstract: Photocatalytic activity of Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 composites obtained by precipitation was investigated. The composite material containing 1.0 wt% of iron(III) oxide nanoparticles was obtained by depositing Fe 2 O 3 on the Evonic-Degussa P25 titania surface. SEM, XPS, DRS, CV and EIS techniques were applied to examine synthetized pale orange photocatalyst. The XPS measurements revealed that iron is present mainly in the +3 oxidation state but iron in the +2 oxidation state can be also detected. Electrochemical analysis indicated that surface modification of Degussa P25 by Fe 2 O 3 causes the appearance of surface states in such a material. Nevertheless, based on the DRS measurement it was shown that iron(III) oxide nanoparticles modified the P25 spectral properties but they did not change the band gap width. The photocatalytic activity of Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 composite was compared to photocatalytic activity of pristine P25 in photooxidation reaction of model compounds: oxalic acid (OxA) and formic acid (FA). Photodecomposition reaction was investigated in a batch reactor containing aqueous suspension of a photocatalyst illuminated by either UV or artificial sunlight (halogen lamp). The tests proved that nanoparticles deposited on titania surface triggers the increase in photocatalytic activity, this increase depends however on the decomposed substance
Visible-light-driven N-(BiO)2CO3/Graphene oxide composites with improved photocatalytic activity and selectivity for NOx removal

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Meijuan; Huang, Yu; Yao, Jie; Cao, Jun-ji; Liu, Yuan

2018-02-01

N-doped (BiO)2CO3 (NBOC)/graphene oxide (GO) composite obtained from three-dimensional hierarchical microspheres is successfully synthesized by one-pot hydrothermal method for the first time. In this synthesis, citrate ion plays a critical role in N doping. The obtained samples are used to degrade gaseous nitrogen oxides (NOx) at parts-per-billion (ppb) level under visible-light irradiation. NBOC-GO composite with 1.0 wt% graphene oxide (GO) displays the highest photocatalytic NO removal efficiency, which is 4.3 times higher than that of pristine (BiO)2CO3. Moreover, NBOC-GO composite significantly inhibits toxic NO2 intermediate production, indicating its high selectivity for NO conversion. Compared with regular GO, N doping considerably improves the catalytic performance of NBOC-GO composite, which increases NO removal by 74.6% and fully inhibits NO2 generation. The improved photocatalytic activity is mainly ascribed to extended optical absorption ability and enhanced separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers over NBOC-GO composite. Both results of electron spin resonance and theoretical analysis of band structure indicate that NO removal is dominated by oxidation with rad OH and rad O2- radicals. The photocatalytic activity improvement mechanism over the NBOC-GO composite is proposed accordingly based on systematic characterizations. This study demonstrates a feasible route to fabricating Bi-containing composites with high selectivity and stability for air pollution control and provides a new insight into the associated photocatalytic mechanisms.
Characterizations of nano-TiO2/diatomite composites and their photocatalytic reduction of aqueous Cr (VI)

Science.gov (United States)

Sun, Qing; Li, Hui; Zheng, Shuilin; Sun, Zhiming

2014-08-01

In this paper, the TiO2 nanoparticles were immobilized on diatomite (DIA) via a typical hydrolysis precipitation process using TiCl4 as precursor. The as-prepared composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). TiO2 nanoparticles with the average grain size of around 7-14 nm were well deposited on the surface of diatomite. The photocatalytic activity toward the reduction of aqueous Cr (VI) was demonstrated under UV light. The influence of initial pH values, catalyst amount, illumination intensity and initial concentration of Cr (VI) on photocatalytic reduction of Cr (VI) were investigated. Compared with the commercial TiO2 (P25, Degussa), the TiO2/DIA composites had better reactive activity because of their relatively higher adsorption capacity. Furthermore, the prepared photocatalyst exhibited relatively good photocatalytic stability depending on the reusability tests.
Photocatalytic treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater using new multiwall-carbon nanotubes/TiO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2} nanocomposites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Czech, Bożena, E-mail: bczech@hektor.umcs.lublin.pl [Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin (Poland); Buda, Waldemar [Department of Adsorption, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin (Poland)

2015-02-15

For the photocatalytic removal of bisphenol A (BPA) and carbamazepine (CBZ) from water solution a new multiwall-carbon nanotubes and TiO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2} nanocomposites (MWCNT–TiO{sub 2}–SiO{sub 2}) were applied. Nanocomposites with the addition of 0.15–17.8 wt% MWCNT show high potential for the removal of both pollutants. The starting concentration of each contaminant was halved during 20 min of UVA irradiation. The decomposition process of CBZ over investigated nanocomposites proceeded differently than it was observed for the classical photocatalyst P25. The kinetics of the removal followed as a pseudo-first order regime with the k{sub 1} in range 0.0827–0.1751 min{sup −1} for BPA and 0.0131–0.0743 min{sup −1} for CBZ. Toxicity to Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna was significantly reduced indicating formation of non-toxic products of photooxidation of tested contaminants. - Highlights: • MWCNT enhanced TiO{sub 2} activity in UVA and the removal of BPA and CBZ. • At least 50% PPCPs removal during 30 min of photocatalytic treatment was observed. • MWCNT changed the mechanism of CBZ decomposition but not BPA. • Decomposition products of both BPA and CBZ possessed low toxicity. • Photocatalysis may be recommended for the initial treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater.

Synthesis of Zn{sup 2+} doped BiOCl hierarchical nanostructures and their exceptional visible light photocatalytic properties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Wen Ting [Department of Chemistry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007 (China); Huang, Wan Zhen; Zhou, Huan [Research Center of Analysis and Measurement, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014 (China); Yin, Hao Yong [Institute of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018 (China); Zheng, Yi Fan [Research Center of Analysis and Measurement, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014 (China); Song, Xu Chun, E-mail: songxuchunfj@163.com [Department of Chemistry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007 (China)

2015-07-25

Highlights: • Hierarchical-structured Zn-doped BiOCl were prepared by a facile solvothermal method. • The Zn-doped BiOCl showed higher photocatalytic ability than other BiOCl materials. • The effects of Zn-doping contents on the photocatalytic activity were discussed. • Repetitive tests implied the good stability of the Zn-doped BiOCl photocatalyst. - Abstract: In this study, BiOCl doped with different contents of zinc were successfully prepared via a facile ethylene glycol (EG)-assisted solvothermal process at 160 °C for 12 h. The as-synthesized samples were characterized in details by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS) and Brunauer Emmet Teller (BET) measurement. The photocatalytic performances were evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The results showed that Zn doping did not change the morphologies and particle sizes of BiOCl. However, it had an obvious effect on the photocurrent and BET surface area of BiOCl and accordingly the photocatalytic performance of BiOCl was greatly improved. The Zn-doped BiOCl with R{sub Zn} = 0.07 showed the highest photocatalytic activities with almost all of the RhB decomposed in 8 min. Moreover, repetitive tests imply the good recyclability and stability of the catalysts. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was largely ascribed to the efficient separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and high BET surface area of the catalysts. In addition, a possible mechanism on basis of the experimental results was discussed.
Fabrication of TiO{sub 2}/MoS{sub 2}@zeolite photocatalyst and its photocatalytic activity for degradation of methyl orange under visible light

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Weiping; Xiao, Xinyan, E-mail: cexyxiao@scut.edu.cn; Zheng, Lili; Wan, Caixia

2015-12-15

Graphical abstract: A novel approach was developed for fabrication of TiO{sub 2}/MoS{sub 2}@zeolite photocatalyst using bulk MoS{sub 2} as a photosensitizer and zeolite as carrier. The as-prepared TiO{sub 2}/MoS{sub 2}@zeolite composite exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance for degradation of methyl orange under visible-light irradiation. - Highlights: • Ultrasound-exfoliation and hydrothermal reforming technique were employed for generating nano-MoS{sub 2} from micro-MoS{sub 2}. • The embedded sensitizer composite mode of (TiO{sub 2}/MoS{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2}) was used in the fabrication of TiO{sub 2}/MoS{sub 2}@zeolite composite photocatalyst. • The photocatalytic mechanism of TiO{sub 2}/MoS{sub 2}@zeolite photocatalyst was presented. - Abstract: TiO{sub 2}/MoS{sub 2}@zeolite composite photocatalysts with visible-light activity were fabricated via a simple ultrasonic-hydrothermal synthesis method, using TiCl{sub 4} as Ti source, MoS{sub 2} as a direct sensitizer, glycerol water solution with certain dispersion agent as hydrolytic agent, and zeolite as carrier. The structure, morphology, composition, optical properties, and specific surface area of the as-prepared photocatalysts were characterized by using XRD, FTIR, SEM–EDS, TEM, XPS, UV–vis, PL and BET analyzer, respectively. And the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) in aqueous suspension has been employed to evaluate the photocatalytic activity and degradation kinetics of as-prepared photocatalysts with xenon lamp as irradiation source. The results indicate that: (1) TiO{sub 2}/MoS{sub 2}@zeolite composite photocatalysts exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activities for methyl orange (MO) degradation compared to Degussa P25; (2) photocatalytic degradation of MO obeys Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic model (pseudo-first order reaction), and its degradation rate constant (k{sub app}) (2.304 h{sup −1}) is higher than that of Degussa P25 (0.768 h{sup −1}); (3) the heterostructure
Graphitic carbon nitride: Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Praus, Petr; Svoboda, Ladislav; Ritz, Michal; Troppová, Ivana; Šihor, Marcel; Kočí, Kamila

2017-01-01

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C_3N_4) was synthetized by condensation of melamine at the temperatures of 400–700 °C in air for 2 h and resulting products were characterized and finally tested for the photocatalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide. The characterization methods were elemental analysis, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, measurement of specific surface area (SSA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. The XRD patterns, FTIR and Raman spectra proved the presence of g-C_3N_4 at above 550 °C but the optimal synthesis temperature of 600–650 °C was found. Under these conditions graphitic carbon nitride of the overall empirical composition of C_6N_9H_2 was formed. At lower temperatures g-C_3N_4 with a higher content of hydrogen was formed but at higher temperatures g-C_3N_4 was decomposed. At the temperatures above 650 °C, its exfoliation was observed. The photocatalytic experiments showed that the activity of all the samples synthetized at 400–700 °C was very similar, that is, within the range of experimental error (5 %). The total conversion of N_2O reached about 43 % after 14 h. - Highlights: • Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C_3N_4) was thermally synthetized from melamine in the range of 400–700 °C. • The optimal temperature was determined at 600–650 °C. • All synthesis products were properly characterized by physico-chemical methods. • Exfoliation of g-C_3N_4 at above 600 °C was observed. • g-C_3N_4 was used for the photocatalytic decomposition of N_2O.
Ionic liquid-assisted photochemical synthesis of ZnO/Ag{sub 2}O heterostructures with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhao, Shuo; Zhang, Yiwei, E-mail: zhangchem@seu.edu.cn; Zhou, Yuming, E-mail: ymzhou@seu.edu.cn; Zhang, Chao; Fang, Jiasheng; Sheng, Xiaoli

2017-07-15

Highlights: • ZnO/Ag{sub 2}O heterostructures have been successfully fabricated by a photochemical route. • Ionic liquids were used as template for shape-controllable ZnO nanomaterials. • The type of ionic liquid played an important role in the growth of ZnO nanoparticles. • ZnO/Ag{sub 2}O heterostructures had the enhanced photocatalytic ability. • Photocatalytic activity is a result of the combination of various factors. - Abstract: ZnO/Ag{sub 2}O heterostructures have been successfully fabricated using ionic liquids (ILs) as templates by a simple photochemical route. The influence of the type of ionic liquid and synthetic method on the morphology of ZnO, as well as the photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB), tetracycline (TC) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation was studied. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, PL and UV–vis DRS. The results established that the type of ionic liquid and synthetic method played an important role in the growth of ZnO nanoparticles. And as-fabricated ZnO/Ag{sub 2}O materials exhibited self-assembled flower-like architecture whose size was about 3 μm. Moreover, as-prepared ZnO/Ag{sub 2}O exhibited the enhanced photocatalytic activity than ZnO sample, which may be due to the special structure, heterojunction, enhanced adsorption capability of dye, the improved separation rate of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. According to the results of radical trapping experiments, it can be found that • OH and h{sup +} were the main active species for the photocatalytic degradation of RhB. It is valuable to develop this facile route preparing the highly dispersive flower-like ZnO/Ag{sub 2}O materials, which can be beneficial for environmental protection.
A Hierarchical Z-Scheme α-Fe2 O3 /g-C3 N4 Hybrid for Enhanced Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction.

Science.gov (United States)

Jiang, Zhifeng; Wan, Weiming; Li, Huaming; Yuan, Shouqi; Zhao, Huijun; Wong, Po Keung

2018-03-01

The challenge in the artificial photosynthesis of fossil resources from CO 2 by utilizing solar energy is to achieve stable photocatalysts with effective CO 2 adsorption capacity and high charge-separation efficiency. A hierarchical direct Z-scheme system consisting of urchin-like hematite and carbon nitride provides an enhanced photocatalytic activity of reduction of CO 2 to CO, yielding a CO evolution rate of 27.2 µmol g -1 h -1 without cocatalyst and sacrifice reagent, which is >2.2 times higher than that produced by g-C 3 N 4 alone (10.3 µmol g -1 h -1 ). The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the Z-scheme hybrid material can be ascribed to its unique characteristics to accelerate the reduction process, including: (i) 3D hierarchical structure of urchin-like hematite and preferable basic sites which promotes the CO 2 adsorption, and (ii) the unique Z-scheme feature efficiently promotes the separation of the electron-hole pairs and enhances the reducibility of electrons in the conduction band of the g-C 3 N 4 . The origin of such an obvious advantage of the hierarchical Z-scheme is not only explained based on the experimental data but also investigated by modeling CO 2 adsorption and CO adsorption on the three different atomic-scale surfaces via density functional theory calculation. The study creates new opportunities for hierarchical hematite and other metal-oxide-based Z-scheme system for solar fuel generation. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
A novel 3D structure composed of strings of hierarchical TiO{sub 2} spheres formed on TiO{sub 2} nanobelts with high photocatalytic properties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jiang, Yongjian [State Key Laboratory of Alternate Electrical Power System with Renewable Energy Sources, School of Renewable Energy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206 (China); Li, Meicheng, E-mail: mcli@ncepu.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of Alternate Electrical Power System with Renewable Energy Sources, School of Renewable Energy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206 (China); Suzhou Institute, North China Electric Power University, Suzhou 215123 (China); Song, Dandan; Li, Xiaodan; Yu, Yue [State Key Laboratory of Alternate Electrical Power System with Renewable Energy Sources, School of Renewable Energy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206 (China)

2014-03-15

A novel hierarchical titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) composite nanostructure with strings of anatase TiO{sub 2} hierarchical micro-spheres and rutile nanobelts framework (TiO{sub 2} HSN) is successfully synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method. Particularly, the strings of hierarchical spheres are assembled by very thin TiO{sub 2} nanosheets, which are composed of highly crystallized anatase nanocrystals. Meanwhile, the HSN has a large surface area of 191 m{sup 2}/g, which is about 3 times larger than Degussa P25. More importantly, the photocatalytic activity of HSN and P25 were evaluated by the photocatalytic oxidation decomposition of methyl orange (MO) under UV light illumination, and the TiO{sub 2} HSN shows enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with Degussa P25, as result of its continuous hierarchical structures, special conductive channel and large specific surface area. With these features, the hierarchical TiO{sub 2} may have more potential applications in the fields of dye-sensitized solar cells and lithium ion batteries. -- Graphical abstract: Novel TiO{sub 2} with anatase micro-spheres and rutile nanobelts is synthesized. Enhanced photocatalysis is attributed to hierarchical structures (3D spheres), conductive channel (1D nanobelts) and large specific surface area (2D nanosheet). Highlights: • The novel TiO{sub 2} nanostructure (HSN) is fabricated for the first time. • HSN is composed of strings of anatase hierarchical spheres and rutile nanobelt. • HSN presents a larger S{sub BET} of 191 m{sup 2}/g, 3 times larger than the Degussa P25 (59 m{sup 2}/g). • HSN owns three kinds of dimensional TiO{sub 2} (1D, 2D and 3D) simultaneously. • HSN exhibits better photocatalytic performance compared with Degussa P25.
Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into hydrocarbon solar fuels over g-C3N4-Pt nanocomposite photocatalysts.

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Jiaguo; Wang, Ke; Xiao, Wei; Cheng, Bei

2014-06-21

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into renewable hydrocarbon fuels is an alternative way to develop reproducible energy, which is also a promising way to solve the problem of the greenhouse effect. In this work, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was synthesized by directly heating thiourea at 550 °C and then a certain amount of Pt was deposited on it to form g-C3N4-Pt nanocomposites used as catalysts for photocatalytic reduction of CO2 under simulated solar irradiation. The main products of photocatalysis were CH4, CH3OH and HCHO. The deposited Pt acted as an effective cocatalyst, which not only influenced the selectivity of the product generation, but also affected the activity of the reaction. The yield of CH4 first increased upon increasing the amount of Pt deposited on the g-C3N4 from 0 to 1 wt%, then decreased at 2 wt% Pt loading. The production rates of CH3OH and HCHO also increased with the content of Pt increasing from 0 to 0.75 wt% and the maximum yield was observed at 0.75 wt%. The Pt nanoparticles (NPs) could facilitate the transfer and enrichment of photogenerated electrons from g-C3N4 to its surface for photocatalytic reduction of CO2. At the same time, Pt was also used a catalyst to promote the oxidation of products. The transient photocurrent response further confirmed the proposed photocatalytic reduction mechanism of CO2. This work indicates that the deposition of Pt is a good strategy to improve the photoactivity and selectivity of g-C3N4 for CO2 reduction.
Effects of phosphorus-doping on energy band-gap, structural, surface, and photocatalytic characteristics of emulsion-based sol-gel derived TiO{sub 2} nano-powder

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ganesh, Ibram, E-mail: ibramganesh@arci.res.in

2017-08-31

Highlights: • Reported a novel route to synthesize high specific surface area P-doped TiO{sub 2} nano-powder photocatalysts. • Established methylene blue dye-sensitization mechanism of TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst. • Established the effects of methylene blue adsorption on the surface, structural and photocatalytic activity of P-doped TiO{sub 2}. • Established true quantum efficiency determination method for TiO{sub 2} photocatalysis. - Abstract: Different amounts of phosphorus (P)-doped TiO{sub 2} (PDT) nano-powders (P = 0–10 wt.%) were synthesized by following a new emulsion-based sol-gel (EBSG) route and calcined at 400 °C–800 °C for 6 h. These calcined PDT powders were then thoroughly characterized by means of XRD, XPS, SEM, FT-IR, FT-Raman, DRS, BET surface area, zeta-potential, cyclic-voltammetry and photocatalytic evaluation using methylene blue (MB) as a model-pollutant and established the effects of phosphorous doping on structural, surface, band-gap energy, and photocatalytic characteristics of TiO{sub 2} nano-powder formed in EBSG route. The characterization results suggest that the EBSG derived TiO{sub 2} nano-powder after calcination at 400 °C for 6 h is in the form of anatase phase when it was doped with <8 wt.% P, and it is in the amorphous state when doped with >8 wt.% P. Furthermore, these EBSG derived PDT powders own high negative zeta-potentials, high specific surface areas (up to >250 m{sup 2}/g), and suitable band-gap energies (<3.34 eV). Surprisingly, these PDT powders exhibit very high MB adsorption (up to 50%) from its aqueous 0.01 mM, 0.02 mM and 0.03 mM solutions during 30 min stirring in the dark, whereas, the commercial Degussa P-25 TiO{sub 2} nano-powder shows no adsorption. Among various photocatalysts investigated in this study, the 1 wt.% P-doped TiO{sub 2} nano-powder formed in EBSG route exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity for MB degradation reaction.
Hollow mesoporous titania microspheres: New technology and enhanced photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Feng, Zhenliang; Wei, Wenrui; Wang, Litong [School of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108 (China); Hong, Ruoyu, E-mail: rhong@suda.edu.cn [School of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108 (China); College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science & Key Laboratory of Organic Synthesis of Jiangsu Province, Soochow University, SIP, Suzhou 215123 (China)

2015-12-01

Graphical abstract: Schematic of the formation process of HTS. - Highlights: • Amino modified porous PS-DVB microspheres were used as templates to coat TiO{sub 2.} • The coating of TiO{sub 2} was conducted under regular changing atmospheric pressure. • The PS-DVB@TiO{sub 2} was calcinated first under nitrogen and then under air to get HTS. • The resultant products were provided with high surface area and excellent photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation. - Abstract: Hollow titania microspheres (HTS) were fabricated via a sol–gel process by coating the hydrolysis product of titanium tetrabutoxide (TBOT) onto the amino (–NH{sub 2}) modified porous polystyrene cross-linked divinyl benzene (PS-DVB) microspheres under changing atmospheric pressure, followed by calcination in nitrogen and air atmosphere. Particularly, the atmospheric pressure was continuously and regularly changed during the formation process of PS-DVB@TiO{sub 2} microspheres. Then the TiO{sub 2} particles were absorbed into the pores and onto the surface of PS-DVB as well. The resultant HTS (around 2 μm in diameter) featured a high specific surface area (84.37 m{sup 2}/g), anatase crystal and stable hollow microsphere structure, which led to high photocatalysis activity. The photocatalytic degradation of malachite green (MG) organic dye solution was conducted under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation, which showed a high photocatalytic ability (81% of MG was degraded after UV irradiation for 88 min). Therefore, it could be potentially applied for the treatment of wastewater contaminated by organic pollutants.
One pot synthesis of CdS/TiO{sub 2} hetero-nanostructures for enhanced H{sub 2} production from water and removal of pollutants from aqueous streams

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mani, A. Daya; Subrahmanyam, Ch., E-mail: csubbu@iith.ac.in

2016-01-15

Highlights: • Novel one pot synthesis of CdS/TiO{sub 2} hetero nanostructures by combustion synthesis. • Excellent visible light photocatalytic activity for H{sub 2} production from water. • Enhanced activity for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous streams. - Abstract: To achieve more effective coupling of cadmium sulfide (CdS) to the TiO{sub 2}, single step synthesis of CdS/TiO{sub 2} composites is advantageous. In the present study a novel one pot synthesis of several CdS/TiO{sub 2} hetero-nanostructures was explored through combustion technique. As the process involves the simultaneous nucleation of CdS and TiO{sub 2} it leads to the proper connectivity between the constituent materials. All the catalysts were characterized by using several techniques and the excellent visible light activity of the composites has been asserted by the H{sub 2} production from water containing sacrificial reagents, removal of methylene blue and Cr(VI) from aqueous streams. Therefore the present synthetic strategy which is devoid of using molecular linker at interface is more suitable for solar applications, which require faster rates of electron transfer at the hetero junctions.
Supramolecular metal-organic frameworks that display high homogeneous and heterogeneous photocatalytic activity for H2 production

Science.gov (United States)

Tian, Jia; Xu, Zi-Yue; Zhang, Dan-Wei; Wang, Hui; Xie, Song-Hai; Xu, Da-Wen; Ren, Yuan-Hang; Wang, Hao; Liu, Yi; Li, Zhan-Ting

2016-05-01

Self-assembly has a unique presence when it comes to creating complicated, ordered supramolecular architectures from simple components under mild conditions. Here, we describe a self-assembly strategy for the generation of the first homogeneous supramolecular metal-organic framework (SMOF-1) in water at room temperature from a hexaarmed [Ru(bpy)3]2+-based precursor and cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]). The solution-phase periodicity of this cubic transition metal-cored supramolecular organic framework (MSOF) is confirmed by small-angle X-ray scattering and diffraction experiments, which, as supported by TEM imaging, is commensurate with the periodicity in the solid state. We further demonstrate that SMOF-1 adsorbs anionic Wells-Dawson-type polyoxometalates (WD-POMs) in a one-cage-one-guest manner to give WD-POM@SMOF-1 hybrid assemblies. Upon visible-light (500 nm) irradiation, such hybrids enable fast multi-electron injection from photosensitive [Ru(bpy)3]2+ units to redox-active WD-POM units, leading to efficient hydrogen production in aqueous media and in organic media. The demonstrated strategy opens the door for the development of new classes of liquid-phase and solid-phase ordered porous materials.
Composite TiO2/clays materials for photocatalytic NOx oxidation

Science.gov (United States)

Todorova, N.; Giannakopoulou, T.; Karapati, S.; Petridis, D.; Vaimakis, T.; Trapalis, C.

2014-11-01

TiO2 photocatalyst received much attention for air purification applications especially for removal of air pollutants like NOx, VOCs etc. It has been established that the activity of the photocatalyst can be significantly enhanced by its immobilization onto suitable substrates like inorganic minerals, porous silica, hydroxyapatite, adsorbent materials like activated carbon, various co-catalysts such as semiconductors, graphene, reduced graphite oxide, etc. In the present work, photocatalytic composite materials consisted of mineral substrate and TiO2 in weight ratio 1:1 were manufactured and examined for oxidation and removal of nitric oxides NOx (NO and NO2). Commercial titania P25 (Evonik-Degussa) and urea-modified P25 were used as photocatalytically active components. Inorganic minerals, namely kunipia, talk and hydrotalcite were selected as supporting materials due to their layered structure and expected high NOx adsorption capability. Al3+ and Ca2+ intercalation was applied in order to improve the dispersion of TiO2 and its loading into the supporting matrix. The X-ray diffraction analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed the binary structure of the composites and homogeneous dispersion of the photocatalyst into the substrates. The photocatalytic behavior of the materials in NOx oxidation and removal was investigated under UV and visible light irradiation. The composite materials exhibited superior photocatalytic activity than the bare titania under both types of irradiation. Significant visible light activity was recorded for the composites containing urea-modified titania that was accredited to the N-doping of the semiconductor. Among the different substrates, the hydrotalcite caused highest increase in the NOx removal, while among the intercalation ions the Ca2+ was more efficient. The results were related to the improved dispersion of the TiO2 and the synergetic activity of the substrates as NOx adsorbers.
Photocatalytic activity of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}/Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3} heterojunctions: the facilitation of exposed facets of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} substrate

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yan, Long [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yulin University, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Low Metamorphic Coal Clean Utilization, Yulin 71900 (China); School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yan’an University, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Reaction Engineering, Yan’an 716000 (China); Wang, Yufei [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yulin University, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Low Metamorphic Coal Clean Utilization, Yulin 71900 (China); Shen, Huidong; Zhang, Yu [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yan’an University, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Reaction Engineering, Yan’an 716000 (China); Li, Jian [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yulin University, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Low Metamorphic Coal Clean Utilization, Yulin 71900 (China); Wang, Danjun, E-mail: yulyanlong@aliyun.com [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yan’an University, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Reaction Engineering, Yan’an 716000 (China)

2017-01-30

Highlights: • Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} hybrids with exposed (020) Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} facets have been synthesized. • X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that a small amount of Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3} was formed. • The enhanced photoactivity of hybrids is due to heterojunction and (020) facets. • A possible photocatalytic degradation mechanism is proposed. - Abstract: Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} hybrid architectures with exposed (020) Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} facets have been synthesized via a controlled anion exchange approach. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals that a small amount of Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3} was formed on the surface of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} during the anion exchange process, thus leading to the transformation from the Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} to Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}. A rhodamine B (RhB) aqueous solution was chosen as model organic pollutants to evaluate the photocatalytic activities of the Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} catalysts. Under visible light irradiation, the Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}-TAA displayed the excellent visible light photoactivities compared with pure Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3}, Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} and other composite photocatalysts. The efficient photocatalytic activity of the Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3}/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}-TAA composite microspheres was ascribed to the constructed heterojunctions and the inner electric field caused by the exposed (020) Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} facets. Active species trapping experiments revealed that h{sup +} and O{sub 2}·{sup −} are the main active species in the photocatalytic process. Furthermore, the as-obtained photocatalysts showed good photocatalytic activity after four recycles. The results presented in this study provide a new concept for the rational design and development of highly efficient photocatalysts.
Room-temperature synthesis of MnMoO{sub 4}{center_dot}H{sub 2}O nanorods by the microemulsion-based method and its photocatalytic performance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mi Yan; Huang Zaiyin; Zhou Zeguang; Hu Feilong; Meng Qiufeng [College of Chemistry and Ecological Engineering, Guangxi University for Nationalities, Nanning 530006 (China)], E-mail: hzy210@yahoo.cn

2009-09-01

Manganese molybdate hydrates (MnMoO{sub 4}{center_dot}H{sub 2}O) nanorods have been synthesized at room temperature by a facile water-in-oil reverse microemulsion method. This technique was carried out in the reverse microemulsion of OP-10 (Polyoxyethylene octylphenol ether)-n-octanol-water-cyclohexane with a water/surfactant molar ratio {omega} = 10. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the diameters of these formed nanorods about 70 nm and lengthe up to 4 {mu}m, respectively. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) results showed that each nanorod was formed by serveral nanobelts which are stacked by a layer-by-layer process. These unique nanorods demonstrate good photocatalytic properties.
Fe2O3/ZnO/ZnFe2O4 composites for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes under visible light

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Xiaojuan; Jin, Bo; Huang, Jingwen; Zhang, Qingchun; Peng, Rufang; Chu, Shijin

2018-06-01

In this study, novel ternary Fe2O3/ZnO/ZnFe2O4 (ZFO) composites were successfully prepared through a simple hydrothermal reaction with subsequent thermal treatment. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) measurement, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS). The photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (Rh B) under visible light irradiation indicated that the ZFO composites calcined at 500 °C has the best photocatalytic activity (the photocatalytic degradation efficiency can reach up to 95.7% within 60 min) and can maintain a stable photocatalytic degradation efficiency for at least three cycles. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of ZFO composites toward dye decomposition follows the order cationic Rh B > anionic methyl orange. Finally, using different scavengers, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were identified as the primary active species during the degradation reaction of Rh B.
Synthesis of Si, N co-Doped Nano-Sized TiO2 with High Thermal Stability and Photocatalytic Activity by Mechanochemical Method

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Peisan Wang

2018-05-01

Full Text Available Τhe photocatalytic activity in the range of visible light wavelengths and the thermal stability of the structure were significantly enhanced in Si, N co-doped nano-sized TiO2, and synthesized through high-energy mechanical milling of TiO2 and SiO2 powders, which was followed by calcination at 600 °C in an ammonia atmosphere. High-energy mechanical milling had a pronounced effect on the mixing and the reaction between the starting powders and greatly favored the transformation of the resultant powder mixture into an amorphous phase that contained a large number of evenly-dispersed nanocrystalline TiO2 particles as anatase seeds. The experimental results suggest that the elements were homogeneously dispersed at an atomic level in this amorphous phase. After calcination, most of the amorphous phase was crystallized, which resulted in a unique nano-sized crystalline-core/disordered-shell morphology. This novel experimental process is simple, template-free, and provides features of high reproducibility in large-scale industrial production.
Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production on three-dimensional gold butterfly wing scales/CdS nanoparticles

Science.gov (United States)

Fang, Jing; Song, Guofen; Liu, Qinglei; Zhang, Wang; Gu, Jiajun; Su, Yishi; Su, Huilan; Guo, Cuiping; Zhang, Di

2018-01-01

Photocatalytic water splitting via utilizing various semiconductors is recognized as a promising way for hydrogen production. Plasmonic metals with sub-micrometer textures can improve the photocatalytic performance of semiconductors via a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) process. Moreover, arrays of multilayer metallic structures can help generate strong LSPR. However, artificial synthesis has difficulties in constructing novel multilayer metallic arrays down to nanoscales. Here, we use three dimensional (3D) scales from Morpho didius forewings (M) to prepare 3D Au-wings with intact hierarchical bio-structures. For comparison, we use Troides helena forewings (T) which are known for their antireflection quasi-honeycomb structures resulting in strong light absorbing ability. Results show that multilayer rib structures of Au-M can significantly amplify the LSPR of 3D Au and thus can efficiently help the photocatalytic process (9-fold increase). This amplification effect is obviously more superior to the straightforward enhancement of the absorption of incident light (Au-T, 5-fold increase). Thus, our study provides the possibility to prepare highly efficient plasmonic photocatalysts (possessing 3D multilayer rib structures) via an easy method. This work will also be revealing for plasmonic applications in other fields.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B Dye over Novel Porous TiO2-SnO2 Nanocomposites Prepared by Hydrothermal Method

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yan Wang

2014-01-01

Full Text Available The photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B dye was successfully carried out under UV irradiation over porous TiO2-SnO2 nanocomposites with various molar ratios of Ti/Sn (4–12 synthesized by hydrothermal method using polystyrene microspheres as template. The combination of TiO2 with SnO2 can obtain high quantum yield of TiO2, and then achieve the high photocatalytic activity. And its porous structure can provide large surface area, leading to more adsorption and fast transfer of dye pollutant. Structural and textural features of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD, transmission electron microscopy (TEM, and N2 sorption techniques. Both adsorption and UV irradiation contribute to decolorization of about 100% of Rhodamine B dye over the sample TiSn10 after 30 min of the photocatalytic reaction, while the decomposition of Rhodamine B dye is only 62% over pure titania (Degussa P25.
Efficient photocatalytic activity with carbon-doped SiO2 nanoparticles

KAUST Repository

Zhang, Dongen

2013-01-01

Photocatalysis provides a \\'green\\' approach to completely eliminate various kinds of contaminants that are fatal for current environmental and energy issues. Semiconductors are one of the most frequently used photocatalysts as they can absorb light over a wide spectral range. However, it is also well known that naked SiO2 is not an efficient photocatalyst due to its relatively large band gap, which could only absorb shortwave ultraviolet light. In this report, nanoscale particles of carbon-doped silicon dioxide (C-doped SiO2) for use in photocatalysis were successfully prepared by a facile one-pot thermal process using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as the source of both silicon and carbon. These particles were subsequently characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, standard and high resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The C-doped SiO2 displayed outstanding photocatalytic properties, as evidenced by its catalysis of Rhodamine B degradation under near-UV irradiation. We propose that carbon doping of the SiO2 lattice creates new energy states between the bottom of the conduction band and the top of the valence band, which narrows the band gap of the material. As a result, the C-doped SiO2 nanoparticles exhibit excellent photocatalytic activities in a neutral environment. The novel synthesis reported herein for this material is both energy efficient and environmentally friendly and as such shows promise as a technique for low-cost, readily scalable industrial production. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
A novel reducing graphene/polyaniline/cuprous oxide composite hydrogel with unexpected photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Congo red

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Miao, Jie; Xie, Anjian; Li, Shikuo; Huang, Fangzhi; Cao, Juan; Shen, Yuhua, E-mail: yhshen@ahu.edu.cn

2016-01-01

Graphical abstract: Excellent photocatalytic activity of the RGO/PANI/Cu{sub 2}O composite hydrogel for CR degradation under UV–vis light irradiation. - Highlights: • The RGO/PANI/Cu{sub 2}O composite hydrogel was first synthesized via a facile method. • Photocatalytic performance was studied under UV–vis light. • The ternary composite hydrogel shows unexpected photocatalytic activity. • A possible photocatalysis mechanism was illustrated. - Abstract: In this work, a novel reducing graphene/polyaniline/cuprous oxide (RGO/PANI/Cu{sub 2}O) composite hydrogel with a 3D porous network has been successfully prepared via a one-pot method in the presence of cubic Cu{sub 2}O nanoparticles. The as-synthesized ternary composites hydrogel shows unexpected photocatalytic activity such that Congo red (CR) degradation efficiency can reaches 97.91% in 20 min under UV–vis light irradiation, which is much higher than that of either the single component (Cu{sub 2}O nanoparticles), or two component systems (RGO/Cu{sub 2}O composite hydrogel and PANI/Cu{sub 2}O nanocomposites). Furthermore, the ternary composite hydrogel exhibits high stability and do not show any significant loss after five recycles. Such outstanding photocatalytic activity of the RGO/PANI/Cu{sub 2}O composite hydrogel was ascribed to the high absorption ability of the product for CR and the synergic effect among RGO, PANI and Cu{sub 2}O in photocatalytic process. The product of this work would provide a new sight for the construction of UV–vis light responsive photocatalyst with high performance.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Alkyle Benzene Solfunate (LAS from Aqueous Solution Using TiO2 Nanoparticles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ramin Nabi Zadeh

2013-03-01

Full Text Available The Anionic detergents are synthetic organic chemicals used in high volumes in household cleaning products. Alkyle benzene Solfunate (LAS detergent is one of the most widely used anionic surfactants due to excellent cleaning properties. LAS can be toxic to aquatic organisms and bio-accumulated in some fish,and eventually spread through ecosystems using food chain. Thus it should be removed from wastewater before discharge direct to the environment. Photocatalyst degradation process is one the advanced technologies in removal of organic materials from water and wastewater.The aim of this study was the applicability of photodegradations of anionic detergent by use of TiO2 nanoparticles and their change in to the nontoxic materials such as H2O and CO2 in a slurry reactor. LAS solution (10mg/L was prepared and in separated stages was exposed to UV and TiO2 and a combination of them. Also the effect of initial LAS concentration, TiO2 loading, pH and various type of UV irradiation on degradation rate were studied. Maximum degradation was obtained at acidic pH, 50 mg/l of TiO2 and 30 min irradiation time, It was also found 99.5% of LAS was degradated in optimal conditions. Kinetics analysis indicated that photocatalytic degradation rates of LAS can be approximated by pseudo-first order model. The mineralization of LAS was reported by measuring the initial and final COD of illuminated solution. Based on the results, UV/TiO2 process may be effectively applied in LAS removal in low concentration but for high concentration not recommended due to economic reasons.
Structural characterization and photocatalytic analysis of BaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} obtained at low temperatures; Caracterizacao estrutural e analise fotocatalitica de BaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} obtido via sintese por combustao

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Da Dalt, S.; Sousa, B.B.; Alves, A.K.; Bergmann, C.P., E-mail: silvana.da.dalt@ufrgs.b [Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (LACER/UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil). Dept. de Materiais. Lab. de Materiais Ceramicos

2010-07-01

Barium monoferrite BaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} classified as permanent magnet stands out among other ceramic magnets due to its high chemical stability, corrosion resistance and low production cost. In addition, experiments conducted on photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange and UV transmittance by spectrophotometry showed that this material has photocatalytic properties. The spinel ferrite has importance in many technological areas as computing, communication and security. Many techniques for synthesis were studied to optimize the properties of this material. The synthesis of BaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} by conventional processes often occurs at temperatures above 1000 deg C. In this work we obtained the phase BaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} at low temperatures (600 deg C) from the combustion reaction using nitrates and maleic anhydride as metal complexing agent. Techniques of X-ray diffraction, specific surface area, thermogravimetry analysis and analysis photocatalytic were employed to characterize the products obtained. (author)
Band gap-engineered ZnO and Ag/ZnO by ball-milling method and their photocatalytic and Fenton-like photocatalytic activities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Choi, Young In; Jung, Hye Jin; Shin, Weon Gyu; Sohn, Youngku

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Ag/ZnO hybrid materials were prepared by a ball-milling method. • Adsorption and photocatalytic dye degradation were tested for pure RhB under visible light. • Adsorption and photocatalytic dye degradation were tested for mixed dye (MO + RhB + MB) under visible light. • Fenton-like photocatalytic activity (H 2 O 2 addition effects) was examined. - Abstract: The hybridization of ZnO with Ag has been performed extensively to increase the efficiency of ZnO in various applications, including catalysis. In this study, a wet (w) and dry (d) ball-milling method was used to hybridize Ag with ZnO nanoparticles, and their physicochemical properties were examined. Visible light absorption was enhanced and the band gap was engineered by ball-milling and Ag hybridization. Their photocatalytic activities were tested with rhodamine B (RhB) and a mixed dye (methyl orange + RhB + methylene blue) under visible light irradiation. For pure RhB, the photocatalytic activity was decreased by ball-milling and was observed in the order of ZnO(d) < Ag/ZnO(d) < ZnO(w) < Ag/ZnO(w) ≤ ZnO(ref). For the degradation of RhB and methylene blue (MB) in the mixed dye (or the simulated real contaminated water), the photocatalytic activity was observed in the order of Ag/ZnO(d) < ZnO(d) < ZnO(w) < Ag/ZnO(w) ≤ ZnO(ref). When the photodegradation tested with H 2 O 2 addition, however, the Fenton-like photocatalytic activity was reversed and the ZnO(ref) showed the poorest activity for the degradation of RhB and methylene blue (MB). In the mixed dye over all the catalysts, methyl orange (MO) was degraded most rapidly. The relative degradation rates of RhB and MB were found to be dependent on the catalyst and reaction conditions.
Preparation and photocatalytic properties of hybrid core–shell reusable CoFe2O4–ZnO nanospheres

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wilson, A.; Mishra, S.R.; Gupta, R.; Ghosh, K.

2012-01-01

Magnetically separable and reusable core–shell CoFe 2 O 4 –ZnO photocatalyst nanospheres were prepared by the hydrothermal synthesis technique using glucose derived carbon nanospheres as the template. The morphology and the phase of core–shell hybrid structure of CoFe 2 O 4 –ZnO were assessed via TEM, SEM and XRD. The magnetic composite showed high UV photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue in water. The photocatalytic activity was found to be ZnO shell thickness dependent. Thicker ZnO shells lead to higher rate of photocatalytic activity. Hybrid nanospheres recovered using an external magnetic field demonstrated good repeatability of photocatalytic activity. These results promise the reusability of the hybrid nanospheres for photocatalytic activity. - Highlights: ► Synthesis of novel hybrid magnetic-ZnO core–shell composite nanospheres. ► High photocatalytic activity of hybrid nanospheres was noted as compared to that of pure ZnO nanoparticles. ► The hybrid nanospheres could be easily retrieved using an external magnet for repeated use. ► Repeated use of hybrid nanospheres did not show any degradation in the photocatalytic activity. ► The photocatalysis rate was observed to be ZnO shell thickness dependent.
Hydrothermal synthesis of B-doped Bi2MoO6 and its high photocatalytic performance for the degradation of Rhodamine B

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Min; Han, Jin; Guo, Pengyao; Sun, Mingzhi; Zhang, Yu; Tong, Zhu; You, Meiyan; Lv, Chunmei

2018-02-01

B-doped Bi2MoO6 photocatalysts have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method using HBO3 as the doping source and the effect of B doping content on Bi2MoO6 structure and performance was studied. The samples were characterized with XPS, XRD, SEM, BET, UV-Vis DRS, and PL. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light (λ ≥ 420 nm). The results show that all samples are orthorhombic structure. Doping Bi2MoO6 with B increases the amount of Bi5+ and oxygen vacancies, which led to stronger absorption in visible light region and lower band gap energy of the B-doped Bi2MoO6 but had little impact on morphology. B doping significantly improves the photocatalytic activity of Bi2MoO6 and the highest photocatalytic degradation rate is 89% when the initial molar ratio of B to Bi is 0.01.
High concentrations of H2O2 make aerobic glycolysis energetically more favourable than cellular respiration.

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Hamid R Molavian

2016-08-01

Full Text Available Since the original observation of the Warburg Effect in cancer cells, over eight decades ago, the major question of why aerobic glycolysis is favored over oxidative phosphorylation has remained unresolved. An understanding of this phenomenon may well be the key to the development of more effective cancer therapies. In this paper, we use a semi-empirical method to throw light on this puzzle. We show that aerobic glycolysis is in fact energetically more favorable than oxidative phosphorylation for concentrations of peroxide (H2O2 above some critical threshold value. The fundamental reason for this is the activation and high engagement of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP in response to the production of reactive oxygen species H2O2 by mitochondria and the high concentration of H2O2 (produced by mitochondria and other sources. This makes oxidative phosphorylation an inefficient source of energy since it leads (despite high levels of ATP production to a concomitant high energy consumption in order to respond to the hazardous waste products resulting from cellular processes associated with this metabolic pathway. We also demonstrate that the high concentration of H2O2 results in an increased glucose consumption, and also increases the lactate production in the case of glycolysis.
Sol-gel synthesis of anatase nanopowders for efficient photocatalytic degradation of herbicide Clomazone in aqueous media

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Golubović Aleksandar

2017-01-01

Full Text Available TiO2 nanopowders were produced by sol-gel technique using TiCl4 as a starting material. For the preparation of crystalline anatase with developed surface area, this aqueous solution has been mixed with 0.05 M or 0.07 M (NH42SO4 solution in a temperature-controlled bath. The pH values of the suspension were 7, 8 or 9. According to the x-ray diffraction (XRD analysis the anatase crystallite sizes were about 12 nm, which coincided with the average particle size revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM. The Raman scattering measurements have shown the presence of a small amount of highly disordered brookite phase in addition to dominant anatase phase with similar nanostructure in all synthesized powders. BET measurements revealed that all synthesized catalysts were fully mesoporous, except the sample synthesized with 0.07 M (NH42SO4 at pH=9, which had small amount of micropores. The photocatalytic degradation of herbicide Clomazone was carried out for both the pure active substance and as the commercial product (GAMIT 4-EC under UV irradiation. The best photocatalytic efficiency was obtained for the catalyst with the largest specific surface area, confirming this parameter as crucial for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of the pure active substance and commercial product of herbicide Clomazone. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. III45018
Photocatalytic activity and interfacial carrier transfer of Ag-TiO2 nanoparticle films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xin Baifu; Ren Zhiyu; Hu Haiyuan; Zhang Xiangyu; Dong Chunlei; Shi Keying; Jing Liqiang; Fu Honggang

2005-01-01

The electrodes of Ag-TiO 2 with different Ag content are prepared by a modified sol-gel method. The photochemical properties of Ag-TiO 2 with different Ag content are characterized by surface photovoltage spectroscopy (SPS). The results show that the SPS intensity decreased with increasing Ag contents. This demonstrates that the doping Ag plays the roles trapping photoinduced electrons, which inhibiting the recombination of photoinduced electrons and holes. The photoelectrochemical properties of Ag-TiO 2 electrodes with different Ag content are performed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) under high-pressure mercury lamp (160 W) illuminating, and photocatalytic degradation of RhB are studied at the same time. The experimental results indicate that the process of charge transfer is a controlled-step of photocatalytic reaction. The SPS intensity and the electrical impedance values of EIS equivalent circuits are contrary to photocatalytic degradation ratio of RhB
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Amaranth dye on mesoporous anatase TiO2: evidence of C-N, N[double bond, length as m-dash]N bond cleavage and identification of new intermediates.

Science.gov (United States)

Naik, Amarja P; Salkar, Akshay V; Majik, Mahesh S; Morajkar, Pranay P

2017-07-01

The photocatalytic degradation mechanism of Amaranth, a recalcitrant carcinogenic azo dye, was investigated using mesoporous anatase TiO 2 under sunlight. Mesoporous anatase TiO 2 of a high photocatalytic activity has been synthesized using a sol-gel method and its photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Amaranth dye has been evaluated with respect to Degussa P25. The effect of bi-dentate complexing agents like oxalic acid, ethylene glycol and urea on the surface properties of TiO 2 catalyst has been investigated using TG-DTA, FTIR, HR-TEM, SAED, PXRD, EDS, UV-DRS, PL, BET N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherm studies and BJH analysis. The influence of catalyst properties such as the mesoporous network, pore volume and surface area on the kinetics of degradation of Amaranth as a function of irradiation time under natural sunlight has been monitored using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The highest rate constant value of 0.069 min -1 was obtained for the photocatalytic degradation of Amaranth using TiO 2 synthesized via a urea assisted sol-gel synthesis method. The effect of the reaction conditions such as pH, TiO 2 concentration and Amaranth concentration on the photodegradation rate has been investigated. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of synthesized TiO 2 in comparison with P25 is attributed to the mesoporous nature of the catalyst leading to increased pore diameter, pore volume, surface area and enhanced charge carrier separation efficiency. New intermediates of photocatalytic degradation of Amaranth, namely, sodium-3-hydroxynaphthalene-2,7-disulphonate, 3-hydroxynaphthalene, sodium-4-aminonaphthalenesulphonate and sodium-4-aminobenzenesulphonate have been identified using LC-ESI-MS for the very first time, providing direct evidence for simultaneous bond cleavage pathways (-C-N-) and (-N[double bond, length as m-dash]N-). A new plausible mechanism of TiO 2 catalysed photodegradation of Amaranth along with the comparison of its toxicity to that of its degradation
Polyaniline nanowires on TiO2 nano/microfiber hierarchical nano/microstructures: Preparation and their photocatalytic properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yu Qiaozhen; Wang Mang; Chen Hongzheng; Dai Zhengwei

2011-01-01

Highlights: → We fabricate PANI nanowire-on-TiO 2 nano/microfiber hierarchical nano/microstructure composite fiber films by electrospinning, calcinations and in situ polymerization. → PANI/TiO 2 composite fiber film exhibits high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of dye MB. → The photocatalytic activity and reusability of PANI/TiO 2 composite fiber film were lower than those of pure TiO 2 fiber film. - Abstract: TiO 2 /PANI composite fiber films were fabricated by electrospinning, calcinations and in situ polymerization. The morphology and structure of the resulting composites were analyzed by scanning electron micrograph, transmission electron micrograph, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. It was found that this composite fiber film has a PANI nanowire-on-TiO 2 nano/microfiber hierarchical nano/microstructure. The surface morphology of this hierarchical nano/microstructure was related to the structure of TiO 2 nano/microfiber film, the time and temperature of in situ polymerization. Its photocatalytic property on methylene blue (MB) was studied, and the results showed that TiO 2 /PANI composite fiber film with this hierarchical nano/microstructure exhibited high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MB under natural light. But both its photocatalytic activity and reusability were lower than those of pure TiO 2 fiber film. To improve the stability and reusability of TiO 2 /PANI composite fiber film, a direct chemical bonding of PANI chains onto TiO 2 surface, such as, the surface-initiated graft polymerization, is a useful method.
Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 doped with boron and vanadium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bettinelli, M.; Dallacasa, V.; Falcomer, D.; Fornasiero, P.; Gombac, V.; Montini, T.; Romano, L.; Speghini, A.

2007-01-01

Boron (B)- and vanadium (V)-doped TiO 2 photocatalysts were synthesized using modified sol-gel reaction processes and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and N 2 physisorption (BET). The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by monitoring the degradation of methylene blue (MB). The results showed that the materials possess high surface area. The addition of B favored the transformation of anatase to rutile, while in the presence of V, anatase was the only phase detected. The MB degradation on V-doped TiO 2 was significantly affected by the preparation method. In fact while the presence of V in the bulk did not influence strongly the photoreactivity under visible irradiation, an increase of surface V doping lead to improved photodegradation of MB. The degradation of MB dye indicated that the photocatalytic activities of TiO 2 increased as the boron doping increased, with high conversion efficiency for 9 mol% B doping
Novel preparation and photocatalytic activity of one-dimensional TiO2 hollow structures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yu Huogen; Yu Jiaguo; Cheng Bei; Liu Shengwei

2007-01-01

Usually, templated methods include two important steps: the coating of nanocrystals on the surface of the templates and the removal of the templates. In this study, one-dimensional TiO 2 hollow structures, based on the template-directed deposition and then in situ template-sacrificial reaction (or dissolution), were prepared by a one-step template method using vanadium oxide nanobelts as the templates and TiF 4 as the precursor at 60 deg. C. The coating of TiO 2 nanoparticles on the surface of the templates was accompanied with the dissolution of vanadium oxide nanobelts by HF produced during the hydrolysis of TiF 4 in the reaction solution. It was found that the prepared one-dimensional TiO 2 hollow structures with a mesoporous wall were composed of TiO 2 nanoparticles with a diameter of 10-55 nm, resulting in a large specific surface area (77.2 m 2 g -1 ) and high pore volume (0.13 cm 3 g -1 ), and the wall thickness of the TiO 2 hollow structures could be easily controlled by adjusting the precursor concentration of TiF 4 . The photocatalytic activity experiment indicated that the prepared one-dimensional TiO 2 hollow structures, which could be readily separated from a slurry system after photocatalytic reaction, exhibited obvious photocatalytic activity for the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange aqueous solution
Photocatalytic Hydrogen or Oxygen Evolution from Water over S- or N-Doped TiO2 under Visible Light

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kazumoto Nishijima

2008-01-01

Full Text Available S- or N-doping of TiO2 powder having an anatase or rutile phase extended the photocatalytic activity for water oxidation and reduction under UV light and visible light irradiation. For the reduction of water, anatase-doped TiO2 showed higher level of activity than that of doped TiO2 having a rutile phase using ethanol as an electron donor. Furthermore, the activity level of S-doped TiO2 for hydrogen evolution was higher than that of N-doped TiO2 photocatalysts under visible light. Photocatalytic oxidation of water on doped TiO2 having a rutile phase proceeded with fairly high efficiency when Fe3+ ions were used as electron acceptors compared to that on doped TiO2 having an anatase phase. In addition, water splitting under visible light irradiation was achieved by construction of a Z-scheme photocatalysis system employing the doped TiO2 having anatase and rutile phases for H2 and O2 evolution and the I−/IO3− redox couple as an electron relay.
Composite nanofibers for highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes from contaminated water

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mohamed, Alaa [Department of Materials and NanoPhysics, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), 16440 Kista, Stockholm (Sweden); Mechanical Design and Production Engineering Department, Cairo University, 12613 Giza (Egypt); Production Engineering and Printing Technology Department, Akhbar El Yom Academy, 12655 Giza (Egypt); El-Sayed, Ramy [Experimental Cancer Medicine, KFC, Novum, Department of laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 14186 Stockholm (Sweden); Osman, T.A. [Mechanical Design and Production Engineering Department, Cairo University, 12613 Giza (Egypt); Toprak, M.S.; Muhammed, M. [Department of Materials and NanoPhysics, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), 16440 Kista, Stockholm (Sweden); Uheida, A., E-mail: salam@kth.se [Department of Materials and NanoPhysics, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), 16440 Kista, Stockholm (Sweden)

2016-02-15

In this study highly efficient photocatalyst based on composite nanofibers containing polyacrylonitrile (PAN), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and surface functionalized TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles was developed. The composite nanofibers were fabricated using electrospinning technique followed by chemical crosslinking. The surface modification and morphology changes of the fabricated composite nanofibers were examined through SEM, TEM, and FTIR analysis. The photocatalytic performance of the composite nanofibers for the degradation of model molecules, methylene blue and indigo carmine, under UV irradiation in aqueous solutions was investigated. The results demonstrated that high photodegradation efficiency was obtained in a short time and at low power intensity compared to other reported studies. The effective factors on the degradation of the dyes, such as the amount of catalyst, solution pH and irradiation time were investigated. The experimental kinetic data were fitted using pseudo-first order model. The effect of the composite nanofibers as individual components on the degradation efficiency of MB and IC was evaluated in order to understand the overall photodegradation mechanism. The results obtained showed that all the components possess significant effect on the photodegradation activity of the composite nanofibers. The stability studies demonstrated that the photodegradation efficiency can remain constant at the level of 99% after five consecutive cycles. - Highlights: • Develop effective photocatalyst based on PAN–CNT/TiO{sub 2}–NH{sub 2} composite nanofibers. • High photodegradation efficiency and fast kinetics was obtained. • Regeneration of the composite nanofibers allowed the reuse of these material. • Mechanism of the photocatalytic degradation was proposed. • The flexibility of the composite nanofibers allows use in a continuous operation mode.
Composite nanofibers for highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes from contaminated water

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mohamed, Alaa; El-Sayed, Ramy; Osman, T.A.; Toprak, M.S.; Muhammed, M.; Uheida, A.

2016-01-01

In this study highly efficient photocatalyst based on composite nanofibers containing polyacrylonitrile (PAN), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and surface functionalized TiO 2 nanoparticles was developed. The composite nanofibers were fabricated using electrospinning technique followed by chemical crosslinking. The surface modification and morphology changes of the fabricated composite nanofibers were examined through SEM, TEM, and FTIR analysis. The photocatalytic performance of the composite nanofibers for the degradation of model molecules, methylene blue and indigo carmine, under UV irradiation in aqueous solutions was investigated. The results demonstrated that high photodegradation efficiency was obtained in a short time and at low power intensity compared to other reported studies. The effective factors on the degradation of the dyes, such as the amount of catalyst, solution pH and irradiation time were investigated. The experimental kinetic data were fitted using pseudo-first order model. The effect of the composite nanofibers as individual components on the degradation efficiency of MB and IC was evaluated in order to understand the overall photodegradation mechanism. The results obtained showed that all the components possess significant effect on the photodegradation activity of the composite nanofibers. The stability studies demonstrated that the photodegradation efficiency can remain constant at the level of 99% after five consecutive cycles. - Highlights: • Develop effective photocatalyst based on PAN–CNT/TiO 2 –NH 2 composite nanofibers. • High photodegradation efficiency and fast kinetics was obtained. • Regeneration of the composite nanofibers allowed the reuse of these material. • Mechanism of the photocatalytic degradation was proposed. • The flexibility of the composite nanofibers allows use in a continuous operation mode.
Photocatalytic properties of nanocrystalline TiO2 thin film with Ag additions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chang, C.-C.; Lin, C.-K.; Chan, C.-C.; Hsu, C.-S.; Chen, C.-Y.

2006-01-01

In the present study, nanocrystalline TiO 2 /Ag composite thin films were prepared by a sol-gel spin coating technique. While, by introducing polystyrene (PS) microspheres, porous TiO 2 /Ag films were obtained after calcining at a temperature of 500 o C. The as-prepared TiO 2 and TiO 2 /Ag thin films were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy to reveal the structural and morphological differences. In addition, the photocatalytic properties of these films were investigated by degrading methylene blue under UV irradiation. After 500 o C calcination, the microstructure of PS-TiO 2 film without Ag addition exhibited a sponge-like microstructure while significant sintering effect was noticed with Ag additions and the films exhibited a porous microstructure. Meanwhile, coalescence of nanocrystalline anatase-phase TiO 2 can be observed with respect to the sharpening of XRD diffraction peaks. The photodegradation of porous TiO 2 doped with 1 mol% Ag exhibited the best photocatalytic efficiency where 72% methylene blue can be decomposed after UV exposure for 12 h
The synergistic effect of phase heterojunction and surface heterojunction to improve photocatalytic activity of VO •-TiO2: the co-catalytic effect of H3PW12O40

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Haiyan; Cai, Shengnan; Yang, Pengfei; Bai, Yan; Dang, Dongbin

2018-06-01

With nanotube titanic acid (abbreviated as NTA) and the 12-tungstophosphoric acid (H3PW12O40• xH2O, denoted as HPW) as start materials, respectively, according to a simple hydrothermal process in acid medium, we successfully prepared HPW modified VO •-TiO2 composite photocatalysts. During heat treatment companied by the transformation of NTA to TiO2, a kind of single-electron-trapped oxygen vacancy (VO •) could be formed contributing to the visible light absorption of catalysts. The morphology, phase and chemical structure, optical and electronic properties, and so on of the produced catalysts with various HPW loadings are characterized. The size range of synthesized photocatalyst nanoparticles are about 10 50 nm. Taking aqueous rhodamine B (RhB) dye as model pollutant, we carried out photocatalytic activity test of the achieved catalysts, revealing that the hybrid photocatalysts display significantly enhanced visible light-driven ( λ ≥ 420 nm) photocatalytic activity for degradation of RhB. Among various catalysts, HPWN-0.1-120 composite with nominal loading of 0.1 g HPW and heat treatment temperature of 120 °C possesses the highest photocatalytic performance in visible light, which is closely related to the co-effect of phase heterojunction of rutile/anatase, surface heterojunction of anatase/HPW, and oxygen vacancy (VO •). The two types of heterojunction promote greatly the separation efficiency of photoelectrons and photoholes and oxygen vacancy lures response of catalysts to visible light.
Three-dimensional ruthenium-doped TiO ₂ sea urchins for enhanced visible-light-responsive H ₂ production

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nguyen-Phan, Thuy-Duong; Luo, Si; Vovchok, Dimitriy; Llorca, Jordi; Sallis, Shawn; Kattel, Shyam; Xu, Wenqian; Piper, Louis F. J.; Polyansky, Dmitry E.; Senanayake, Sanjaya D.; Stacchiola, Dario J.; Rodriguez, José A.

2016-01-01

Three-dimensional (3D) monodispersed sea urchin-like Ru-doped rutile TiO2 hierarchical architectures composed of radially aligned, densely-packed TiO2 nanorods have been successfully synthesized via an acid-hydrothermal method at low temperature without the assistance of any structure-directing agent and post annealing treatment. The addition of a minuscule concentration of ruthenium dopants remarkably catalyze the formation of the 3D urchin structure and drive the enhanced photocatalytic H2 production under visible light irradiation, not possible on undoped and bulk rutile TiO2. Increasing ruthenium doping dosage not only increases the surface area up to 166 m2 g-1 but also induces enhanced photo response in the regime of visible and near infrared light. The doping introduces defect impurity levels, i.e. oxygen vacancy and under-coordinated Ti3+, significantly below the conduction band of TiO2, and ruthenium species act as electron donors/acceptors that accelerate the photogenetated hole and electron transfer and efficiently suppress the rapid charge recombination, therefore improving the visible-light-driven activity.
Photocatalytic activity of porous multiwalled carbon nanotube-TiO{sub 2} composite layers for pollutant degradation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zouzelka, Radek [J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry, v.i.i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Dolejskova 3, 18223 Prague 8 (Czech Republic); Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 16628 Prague (Czech Republic); Kusumawati, Yuly [Chimie ParisTech, PSL Research University, CNRS, Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris (IRCP), 11 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris (France); Remzova, Monika [J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry, v.i.i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Dolejskova 3, 18223 Prague 8 (Czech Republic); Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 16628 Prague (Czech Republic); Rathousky, Jiri [J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry, v.i.i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Dolejskova 3, 18223 Prague 8 (Czech Republic); Pauporté, Thierry, E-mail: thierry.pauporte@chimie-paristech.fr [Chimie ParisTech, PSL Research University, CNRS, Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris (IRCP), 11 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris (France)

2016-11-05

Highlights: • A simple method for TiO{sub 2}/graphene nanocomposite layer preparation. • Stable coatings on glass substrate. • Mesoporous nanocomposite films with high internal surface area. • High photoactivity for 4-chlorophenol degradation. • Analysis of photocatalysis enhancement mechanism. - Abstract: TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles are suitable building blocks nanostructures for the synthesis of porous functional thin films. Here we report the preparation of films using brookite, P25 titania and anatase pristine nanoparticles and of nanocomposite layers combining anatase nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) at various concentrations. The structure and phase composition of the layers were characterized by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Their morphology and texture properties were determined by scanning electron microscopy and krypton adsorption experiments, respectively. Additionally to a strong absorption in the UV range, the composites exhibited light absorption in the visible range as well. The photocatalytic performance of the layers was tested in the degradation of aqueous solutions of 4-chlorophenol serving as a model of an eco-persistent pollutant. Besides the determination of the decrease in the concentration of 4-chlorophenol, also the formation of intermediate degradation products, namely hydroquinone and benzoquinone, was followed. The presence of MWCNTs had a beneficial effect on the photocatalytic performance, a marked increase in the photocatalytic degradation rate constant being observed even at very low concentrations of MWCNTs. Compared to a P25 reference layer, the first order rate reaction constant increased by about 100% for the composite films containing MWCNTs at concentrations above 0.6 wt%. The key parameters for the enhancement of the photocatalytic performance are discussed. The presence of carbon nanotubes influences beneficially the degradation of 4-chlorophenol by an attack of the primarily
CdSe nanorod/TiO2 nanoparticle heterojunctions with enhanced solar- and visible-light photocatalytic activity

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fakher Laatar

2017-12-01

Full Text Available CdSe nanorods (NRs with an average length of ≈120 nm were prepared by a solvothermal process and associated to TiO2 nanoparticles (Aeroxide® P25 by annealing at 300 °C for 1 h. The content of CdSe NRs in CdSe/TiO2 composites was varied from 0.5 to 5 wt %. The CdSe/TiO2 heterostructured materials were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, XPS, UV–visible spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. TEM images and XRD patterns show that CdSe NRs with wurtzite structure are associated to TiO2 particles. The UV–visible spectra demonstrate that the narrow bandgap of CdSe NRs serves to increase the photoresponse of CdSe/TiO2 composites until ≈725 nm. The CdSe (2 wt %/TiO2 composite exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of rhodamine B in aqueous solution under simulated sunlight or visible light irradiation. The enhancement in photocatalytic activity likely originates from CdSe sensitization of TiO2 and the heterojunction between these materials which facilitates electron transfer from CdSe to TiO2. Due to its high stability (up to ten reuses without any significant loss in activity, the CdSe/TiO2 heterostructured catalysts show high potential for real water decontamination.

Synthesis of Zn-Cu-Cd sulfide nanospheres with controlled copper locations and their effects on photocatalytic activities for H{sub 2} production

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Yabo; Xu, Rong [School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637459 (Singapore); Wang, Yongsheng [School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798 (Singapore)

2010-06-15

In this work, a two-step solvothermal method was used to synthesize Zn-Cu-Cd sulfide nanospheres with controlled copper locations. The structural and other physical properties of the nanospheres were investigated by XRD, FESEM, TEM, energy-filtered TEM, XPS, ICP and UV-vis DRS methods. By varying the addition of the copper precursor during the two synthesis steps, Zn-Cu-Cd sulfide nanospheres with three distinctive copper distribution patterns can be obtained with copper (i) only in the core, (ii) only on the surface shell, and (iii) both in the core and on the surface shell. The influence of the location and concentration of copper on the photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production from water under visible light was investigated. It was found that the activity of the sample with copper only on the surface shell is about two times of that with copper only in the core. The highest hydrogen production rate was obtained on the nanosphere sample with copper both in the core and on the surface shell. The possible mechanism was discussed. The findings from this study are important for the development of efficient photocatalysts based on ternary or multinary systems. (author)
Preparation of surface modified TiO2/rGO microspheres and application in the photocatalytic decomposition of oleic acid

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Xin; Zeng, Min; Tong, Xiaoling; Li, Fuyun; Xu, Youyou

2018-05-01

The comprehensive utilization of waste cooking oil is an important research topic in food science. In this study, the surface modified mesoporous anatase TiO2/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) microspheres with a high specific surface area have been successfully synthesized, through hydrothermal routes and hydrazine reduced graphene oxide. The photocatalytic decomposition of waste rapeseed oil has also been studied using TiO2/rGO microspheres as photocatalyst. The result shows that the reduced graphene oxide in these nanocomposites can act as adsorbent and photocatalyst, and the temperature and the oxygen amount also are the most important factors affecting the oleic acid decomposition products. There interesting results not only helpful for the study of the mechanism of photocatalytic, but also useful for the rational use of waste cooking oil.
Photocatalytic degradation with immobilised TiO(2) of three selected neonicotinoid insecticides: imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and clothianidin.

Science.gov (United States)

Zabar, Romina; Komel, Tilen; Fabjan, Jure; Kralj, Mojca Bavcon; Trebše, Polonca

2012-09-01

This research focused on photocatalytic degradation of imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and clothianidin employing a tailor-made photoreactor with six polychromatic fluorescent UVA (broad maximum at 355 nm) lamps and immobilised titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) on glass slides. The disappearance was followed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) analyses, wherein the efficiency of mineralization was monitored by measurements of total organic carbon (TOC). Within 2h of photocatalysis, all three neonicotinoids were degraded following first order kinetics with rate constants k=0.035 ± 0.001 min(-1) for imidacloprid, k=0.019 ± 0.001 min(-1) for thiamethoxam and k=0.021 ± 0.000 min(-1) for clothianidin. However, the rate of mineralization was low, i.e. 19.1 ± 0.2% for imidacloprid, 14.4 ± 2.9% for thiamethoxam and 14.1 ± 0.4% for clothianidin. This indicates that several transformation products were formed instead. Some of them were observed within HPLC-DAD analyses and structures were proposed according to the liquid chromatography-electro spray ionization tandem mass spectrometry analyses (LC-ESI-MS/MS). The formation of clothianidin, as thiamethoxam transformation product, was reported for the first time. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Solution-derived photocatalytic films for environmental cleaning applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Štangar, U Lavrencic; Kete, M; Šuligoj, A; Tasbihi, M

2012-01-01

When photocatalytic water treatment is concerned, suspended catalyst in the aqueous phase is usually more efficient than immobilized on an inert support, but in the former case an undesirable separation/recycling step is needed. We have therefore concentrated on the preparation of immobilized catalysts in the form of films on glass and aluminium supports. The low-temperature sol-gel processing route to obtain transparent thin TiO 2 /SiO 2 films for self-cleaning purposes and thicker TiO 2 /SiO 2 coatings for efficient removal of pollutants in water and air are presented. The synthesis is based on a production of a nanocrystalline titania sol with a silica binder that after deposition does not require thermal treatment at high temperatures. Depending on the target application, some specific synthesis parameters and photocatalytic activity testing conditions are illustrated. For water-cleaning coatings fast kinetics is required, which was achieved by addition of a highly active titania powder into the sol. The same preparation procedure was used to prepare efficient air-cleaning coatings. On the other hand, self-cleaning films were thinner and transparent to keep the original appearance of the substrate and they solidified at ambient conditions. Advanced methodologies to evaluate photocatalytic activity of the films were applied.
Facile fabrication of Bi_2S_3/SnS_2 heterojunction photocatalysts with efficient photocatalytic activity under visible light

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gao, Xiaomin; Huang, Guanbo; Gao, Haihuan; Pan, Cheng; Wang, Huan; Yan, Jing; Liu, Yu; Qiu, Haixia; Ma, Ning; Gao, Jianping

2016-01-01

In this work, Bi_2S_3/SnS_2 heterojunction photocatalysts were prepared by combining a hydrothermal technique and a facile in situ growth method. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–Vis diffusion reflectance spectroscopy and room-temperature photoluminescence spectra. Their photocatalytic performances were evaluated by degrading methyl orange (MO) in aqueous solution (50 mg/L) under visible light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation. It was found that when the mass percentage of Bi_2S_3 in Bi_2S_3/SnS_2 was 7.95 wt%, the as-prepared Bi_2S_3/SnS_2 nanocomposite showed the best photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MO. The highly improved performance of the Bi_2S_3/SnS_2 nanocomposite was mainly ascribed to the efficient charge separation. - Highlights: • Facile fabrication of novel Bi_2S_3/SnS_2 heterojunction photocatalysts. • High-performance photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants. • Good recyclability of catalyst without photo-corrosion. • The photocatalytic mechanism was proposed.
Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from aqueous solutions of organophosphorous compounds

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kozlova, Ekaterina A.; Vorontsov, Alexander V. [Boreskov Institute of Catalysis and Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090 (Russian Federation)

2010-07-15

Photocatalytic hydrogen production from water solutions of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), trimethyl phosphate (TMP), triethyl phosphate (TEP), and radiation protective amine WR 2721, that imitate nerve chemical warfare agents was studied for the first time. Platinized titianium dioxide Degussa P25 was used as catalyst. No significant hydrogen evolution was detected without organic electron donors - sacrificial agents. The hydrogen evolution rate was shown to grow slowly with the rise of initial DMMP concentration. The initial rate vs. DMMP concentration curve is well fitted by Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) equation. The DMMP adsorption constant obtained from the L-H equation fit is markedly higher than that obtained from the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Reactions of full destruction into inorganic products of the four organophosphorous compounds were conducted. Amounts of evolved hydrogen and carbon dioxide were completely consistent with stoichiometry of proposed reaction. There were no initial compounds and only trace of total organic carbon after the end of the reaction. Complete water purification and production of an amount of valuable hydrogen was achieved. Intermediates of DMMP oxygen-free destruction were identified by means of GC/MS. They were the same as those in the case of DMMP photocatalytic oxidation. A mechanism of hydrogen evolution that explains smaller rates of mineralization compared to photocatalytic oxidation by oxygen was proposed. (author)
Photocatalytic properties and selective antimicrobial activity of TiO2(Eu)/CuO nanocomposite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Michal, Robert; Dworniczek, Ewa; Caplovicova, Maria; Monfort, Olivier; Lianos, Panagiotis; Caplovic, Lubomir; Plesch, Gustav

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Nanocomposites composed of Eu-doped anatase grafted with CuO. • Increase in photocatalytic hydrogen production due to CuO acting as electrons sink. • CuO in composites decreasing the photoinduced total mineralization of phenol. • Selective photoinduced antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus species. - Abstract: TiO 2 (Eu)/CuO nanocomposites were prepared by precipitation method. The anatase nanocrystallites with a size of 26 nm exhibited well crystallized and characteristical dipyramidal morphology and {1 0 1} and {0 0 1} faceting. Transmission electron microscopy photographs with atomic resolution showed that the Eu(III) dopants were bounded on surface of titania. In the composites, the CuO nanocrystals exhibiting a monoclinic tenorite structure with a size in the range from 2 to 5 nm were grafted to the surface of titania. The influence of copper(II) oxide led to distinct selectivity in the photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties of the investigated TiO 2 (Eu)/CuO nanocomposites. While the presence of CuO nanocrystals strongly increased the photocatalytic production of hydrogen by ethanol reforming, it decreased the activity in photoinduced total mineralization of phenol comparing with non-modified TiO 2 (Eu). In investigated TiO 2 (Eu)/CuO powders, the photoinduced antimicrobial activity against membranes of Enterococcus species was influenced by the selective binding of CuO to the surface of the microorganism leading to distinct selectivity in their action. The activity against Enterococcus faecalis was higher than against Enterococcus faecium.
Thin-film fixed-bed reactor for solar photocatalytic inactivation of Aeromonas hydrophila: influence of water quality

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Khan Sadia J

2012-11-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Controlling fish disease is one of the major concerns in contemporary aquaculture. The use of antibiotics or chemical disinfection cannot provide a healthy aquaculture system without residual effects. Water quality is also important in determining the success or failure of fish production. Several solar photocatalytic reactors have been used to treat drinking water or waste water without leaving chemical residues. This study has investigated the impact of several key aspects of water quality on the inactivation of the pathogenic bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila using a pilot-scale thin-film fixed-bed reactor (TFFBR system. Results The level of inactivation of Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 35654 was determined using a TFFBR with a photocatalytic area of 0.47 m2 under the influence of various water quality variables (pH, conductivity, turbidity and colour under high solar irradiance conditions (980–1100 W m-2, at a flow rate of 4.8 L h-1 through the reactor. Bacterial enumeration were obtained through conventional plate count using trypticase soy agar media, cultured in conventional aerobic conditions to detect healthy cells and under ROS-neutralised conditions to detect both healthy and sub-lethally injured (oxygen-sensitive cells. The results showed that turbidity has a major influence on solar photocatalytic inactivation of A. hydrophila. Humic acids appear to decrease TiO2 effectiveness under full sunlight and reduce microbial inactivation. pH in the range 7–9 and salinity both have no major effect on the extent of photoinactivation or sub-lethal injury. Conclusions This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the TFFBR in the inactivation of Aeromonas hydrophila under the influence of several water quality variables at high solar irradiance, providing an opportunity for the application of solar photocatalysis in aquaculture systems, as long as turbidity remains low.
Luminescent and photocatalytic properties of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles synthesized via microwave irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang Huaming; Huang Chenghuan; Li Xianwei; Shi Rongrong; Zhang Ke

2005-01-01

Uniform cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles of about 6 nm in crystal size have been successfully synthesized via microwave irradiation. The as-prepared sample has a uniform morphology and high purity. The red photoluminescence spectrum of the CdS nanoparticles displays a strong peak at 602 nm by using a 300 nm excitation wavelength. The photocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange (MeO) in CdS suspensions under ultraviolet illumination was investigated. The results indicate that a low pH value (pH 2.0) and low reaction temperatures (20-30 deg. C) will facilitate the decolorization of the MeO solution. The photodegradation degree decreases with increasing the pH value and temperature of solution. The efficiency of the recycled CdS semiconductor becomes lower due to the deposit of elemental Cd on the CdS surface, which weakens the photocatalytic activity. The luminescent and photocatalytic mechanisms of the as-prepared CdS nanoparticles were primarily discussed. Microwave irradiation is proved to be a convenient, efficient and environmental-friendly one-step route to synthesize nanoparticles
Biomolecule-assisted synthesis of defect-mediated Cd1-xZnxS/MoS2/graphene hollow spheres for highly efficient hydrogen evolution.

Science.gov (United States)

Du, Ruifeng; Zhang, Yihe; Li, Baoying; Yu, Xuelian; Liu, Huijuan; An, Xiaoqiang; Qu, Jiuhui

2016-06-28

Moderate efficiency and the utilization of noble metal cocatalysts are the key factors that restrict the large-scale application of photocatalytic hydrogen production. To develop more efficient photocatalysts based on earth abundant elements, either a new material strategy or a fundamental understanding of the semiconductor/cocatalyst interfaces is highly desirable. In this paper, we studied the feasibility of in situ formation of defect-rich cocatalysts on graphene-based photocatalysts. A facile biomolecule-assisted strategy was used to self-assmble Cd1-xZnxS/MoS2/graphene hollow spheres. The defect-mediated cocatalyst and synergetic charge transfer around heterostructured interfaces exhibit a significant impact on the visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity of multicomponent solid solutions. With engineered interfacial defects, Cd0.8Zn0.2S/MoS2/graphene hollow spheres exhibited a 63-fold improved H2 production rate, which was even 2 and 3.8 times higher than those of CdS/MoS2/graphene hollow spheres and Cd0.8Zn0.2S/Pt. Therefore, our research provides a promising approach for the rational design of high-efficiency and low-cost photocatalysts for solar fuel production.
Single Step Formation of C-TiO2 Nanotubes: Influence of Applied Voltage and Their Photocatalytic Activity under Solar Illumination

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Chin Wei Lai

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Self-aligned and high-uniformity carbon (C- titania (TiO2 nanotube arrays were successfully formed via single step anodization of titanium (Ti foil at 30 V for 1 h in a bath composed of ethylene glycol (EG, ammonium fluoride (NH4F, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2. It was well established that applied voltage played an important role in controlling field-assisted oxidation and field-assisted dissolution during electrochemical anodization process. Therefore, the influences of applied voltage on the formation of C-TiO2 nanotube arrays were discussed. It was found that a minimal applied voltage of 30 V was required to form the self-aligned and high-uniformity C-TiO2 nanotube arrays with diameter of ~75 nm and length of ~2 μm. The samples synthesized using different applied voltages were then subjected to heat treatment for the conversion of amorphous phase to crystalline phase. The photocatalytic activity evaluation of C-TiO2 samples was made under degradation of organic dye (methyl orange (MO solution. The results revealed that controlled nanoarchitecture C-TiO2 photocatalyst led to a significant enhancement in photocatalytic activity due to the creation of more specific active surface areas for incident photons absorption from the solar illumination.
Solar CPC Pilot Plant Photocatalytic Degradation of Indigo Carmine Dye in Waters and Wastewaters Using Supported-TiO2: Influence of Photodegradation Parameters

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Enrico Mendes Saggioro

2015-01-01

Full Text Available The photocatalytic degradation of indigo carmine (IC dye in the presence of titanium dioxide under different conditions was reported. Several factors which interfere with the photodegradation efficiency as catalyst concentration, pH, initial concentration of dye, presence of inorganic anions, temperature, and the addition of hydrogen peroxide were studied under artificial irradiation with a 125 W mercury vapor lamp. Additionally, the catalyst supported on glass spheres was used for the photocatalytic degradation of the dye present in several types of waters in a CPC solar pilot plant. The photocatalytic products, carboxylic acids, and SO42- and NH4+ were followed during IC mineralization. Formate, acetate, and oxalate were detected in real MWWTP secondary effluent. The mineralization efficiency was of 42 and 21% using in suspension and supported TiO2, respectively. In order to evaluate biological effects, Eisenia andrei earthworms were used as a model organism. No significant difference (P>0.05 of weight was observed in the earthworm submitted to different concentrations of IC and its photoproducts. The photocatalytic degradation of IC on TiO2 supported on glass spheres suffered strong influence of the water matrix; nevertheless the method has the enormous advantage that it eliminates the need for the final catalyst removal step, reducing therefore the cost of treatment.
One pot hydrothermal synthesis of a novel BiIO4/Bi2MoO6 heterojunction photocatalyst with enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity for rhodamine B degradation and photocurrent generation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huang, Hongwei; Liu, Liyuan; Zhang, Yihe; Tian, Na

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: The efficient charge transfer occurred at the interface of BiIO 4 /Bi 2 MoO 6 heterojunction results in the efficient separation of photoexcited electron–hole pairs and promotes the photocatalytic activity. - Highlights: • BiIO 4 /Bi 2 MoO 6 composites were synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method. • The BiIO 4 /Bi 2 MoO 6 composite exhibits much better photoelectrochemical performance. • The highly improved photocatalytic activity is attributed to heterojunction structure. • Holes (h + ) are the main active species in the photodegradation process of RhB. - Abstract: A novel BiIO 4 /Bi 2 MoO 6 heterojunction photocatalyst has been successfully developed by a one-step hydrothermal method for the first time. It was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS). Compared to pure BiIO 4 and Bi 2 MoO 6 , the BiIO 4 /Bi 2 MoO 6 composite exhibits the much better photoelectrochemical performance for Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation and photocurrent (PC) generation under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). This enhancement on visible-light-responsive photocatalytic activity should be attributed to the fabrication of a BiIO 4 /Bi 2 MoO 6 heterojunction, thus resulting in the high separation and transfer efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers. The supposed photocatalytic mechanism dominated by holes (h + ) was verified by the photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) and active species trapping experiments
Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4 assisted by hydrogen peroxide

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Quan-Liang; Liu, Yi-Ling; Tong, Li-Ge

2018-04-01

Water pollution has caused much attention nowadays. Photocatalysis as a kind of advanced oxidation technology has been widely studied in the field of environmental pollution control. As a stable non-metal photocatalyst, the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4 assisted by H2O2 was investigated for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The combination of g-C3N4 and H2O2 has much higher activity than that of pure g-C3N4 or H2O2. Neutral solution is preferred for the high phtotocatalytic activity of g-C3N4 with H2O2. The effect of the amount of catalyst, H2O2 concentration and RhB concentration was investigated. Photocatalytic mechanism study using radical scavenger showed free radicals {{{{O}}}2}- and · OH are the main active species. g-C3N4 assisted by H2O2 showed good photostability and repeatability after five cycles of degradation experiment.
Alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment for TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles with superior water-dispersibility and visible-light photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wu, Chung-Yi; Tu, Kuan-Ju; Lo, Yu-Shiu [Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, College of Nuclear Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan (China); Pang, Yean Ling [Department of Chemical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 43000 Kajang, Selangor (Malaysia); Wu, Chien-Hou, E-mail: chwu@mx.nthu.edu.tw [Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, College of Nuclear Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan (China)

2016-09-15

Alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment was proposed as a simple and green way to improve the performance of commercial TiO{sub 2} powder for water-dispersibility and visible-light photocatalytic activity on the degradation of dye pollutants. The performance of treated TiO{sub 2} was evaluated as a function of NaOH concentration, H{sub 2}O{sub 2} concentration, and treatment time. The optimal conditions were determined to be 24 h in 100 mM H{sub 2}O{sub 2} and 8 M NaOH. The treated samples were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry. The analysis revealed that the crystal structure, morphology, and absorption band gap were retained, but the surface of the treated TiO{sub 2} was dramatically changed. The treated TiO{sub 2} was highly dispersible with a uniform hydrodynamic size of 41 ± 12 nm and stable over months in water at pH 3 without any stabilizing ligand and could significantly enhance the visible-light photodegradation of dye pollutants. The superior performance might be attributed to the formation of abundant surface hydroxyl groups. This treatment paves the way for developing water-dispersible TiO{sub 2} with superior visible-light induced photocatalytic degradation of dye pollutants without any complicated and expensive surface modification. - Highlights: • Alkaline hydrogen peroxide is proposed to treat commercial TiO{sub 2} powder. • The treated TiO{sub 2} powder exhibits superior water-dispersibility with a uniform size distribution. • The treated TiO{sub 2} powder can significantly enhance the visible-light photodegradation of dyes.
A novel Ni{sup 2+}-doped Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} photocatalyst with high photocatalytic activity and enhancement mechanism

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Song, Limin, E-mail: songlmnk@sohu.com [College of Environment and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Hollow-Fiber Membrane Materials and Membrane Processes, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin 300387 (China); Chen, Zewen; Li, Tongtong [College of Environment and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Hollow-Fiber Membrane Materials and Membrane Processes, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin 300387 (China); Zhang, Shujuan, E-mail: zhangshujuan@tust.edu.cn [College of Science, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457 (China)

2017-01-15

Ni{sup 2+}-doped Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} (Ni{sup 2+}-Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}) photocatalysts with superhigh activity for photodegradation of organic pollutants were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. The photocatalysts were characterized with X-ray powder diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, measurement of total organic carbon, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry. The photocatalysts were evaluated by methyl orange (MO) photodegradation experiments under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). Comparative analysis showed the optimal doping dosage was 0.05 mol/L Ni{sup 2+}. The optimal Ni{sup 2+}-Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} has an MO photodegradation rate constant four times larger than pure Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}. The photocatalytic ratio of 40 mg/L MO over the optimal Ni{sup 2+}-Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} after 10 min is 89%, which indicates excellent photocatalytic ability in high-concentration MO solutions. The Ni{sup 2+} doping into Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} can increase the level of band gap, and accelerate the utilization of photons and the separation of photo-generated charges. Therefore, the Ni{sup 2+} doping into Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} is responsible for the enhancement of photocatalytic ability. - Highlights: • Ni{sup 2+}-modified with higher photodegradation ability was synthesized. • ·OH radicals were the main active species in the oxidation of MO. • The doping of Ni{sup 2+} in Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} is responsible for the enhanced activity.
Twin defects engineered Pd cocatalyst on C3N4 nanosheets for enhanced photocatalytic performance in CO2 reduction reaction

Science.gov (United States)

Lang, Qingqing; Hu, Wenli; Zhou, Penghui; Huang, Tianlong; Zhong, Shuxian; Yang, Lining; Chen, Jianrong; Bai, Song

2017-12-01

Photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to value-added chemicals, a potential route to addressing the depletion of fossil fuels and anthropogenic climate change, is greatly limited by the low-efficient semiconductor photocatalyst. The integration of cocatalyst with light-harvesting semiconductor is a promising approach to enhancing the photocatalytic performance in CO2 reduction reaction. The enhancement is greatly determined by the catalytic active sites on the surface of cocatalyst. Herein, we demonstrate that the photocatalytic performance in the CO2 reduction reaction is greatly promoted by twin defects engineered Pd cocatalyst. In this work, Pd nanoicosahedrons with twin defects were in situ grown on C3N4 nanosheets, which effectively improve the photocatalytic performance in reduction of CO2 to CO and CH4 in comparison with Pd nanotetrahedrons without twin defects. It is proposed that the twin boundary (TB) terminations on the surface of Pd cocatalysts are highly catalytic active sites for CO2 reduction reaction. Based on the proposed mechanism, the photocatalytic activity and selectivity in CO2 reduction were further advanced through reducing the size of Pd icosahedral cocatalyst resulted from the increased surface density of TB terminations. The defect engineering on the surface of cocatalyst represents a novel route in realizing high-performance photocatalytic applications.
TiO2-Based Photocatalytic Geopolymers for Nitric Oxide Degradation

Science.gov (United States)

Strini, Alberto; Roviello, Giuseppina; Ricciotti, Laura; Ferone, Claudio; Messina, Francesco; Schiavi, Luca; Corsaro, Davide; Cioffi, Raffaele

2016-01-01

This study presents an experimental overview for the development of photocatalytic materials based on geopolymer binders as catalyst support matrices. Particularly, geopolymer matrices obtained from different solid precursors (fly ash and metakaolin), composite systems (siloxane-hybrid, foamed hybrid), and curing temperatures (room temperature and 60 °C) were investigated for the same photocatalyst content (i.e., 3% TiO2 by weight of paste). The geopolymer matrices were previously designed for different applications, ranging from insulating (foam) to structural materials. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated as NO degradation in air, and the results were compared with an ordinary Portland cement reference. The studied matrices demonstrated highly variable photocatalytic performance depending on both matrix constituents and the curing temperature, with promising activity revealed by the geopolymers based on fly ash and metakaolin. Furthermore, microstructural features and titania dispersion in the matrices were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) analyses. Particularly, EDS analyses of sample sections indicated segregation effects of titania in the surface layer, with consequent enhancement or depletion of the catalyst concentration in the active sample region, suggesting non-negligible transport phenomena during the curing process. The described results demonstrated that geopolymer binders can be interesting catalyst support matrices for the development of photocatalytic materials and indicated a large potential for the exploitation of their peculiar features. PMID:28773634
TiO2-Based Photocatalytic Geopolymers for Nitric Oxide Degradation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alberto Strini

2016-06-01

Full Text Available This study presents an experimental overview for the development of photocatalytic materials based on geopolymer binders as catalyst support matrices. Particularly, geopolymer matrices obtained from different solid precursors (fly ash and metakaolin, composite systems (siloxane-hybrid, foamed hybrid, and curing temperatures (room temperature and 60 °C were investigated for the same photocatalyst content (i.e., 3% TiO2 by weight of paste. The geopolymer matrices were previously designed for different applications, ranging from insulating (foam to structural materials. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated as NO degradation in air, and the results were compared with an ordinary Portland cement reference. The studied matrices demonstrated highly variable photocatalytic performance depending on both matrix constituents and the curing temperature, with promising activity revealed by the geopolymers based on fly ash and metakaolin. Furthermore, microstructural features and titania dispersion in the matrices were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM and energy dispersive X-ray (EDS analyses. Particularly, EDS analyses of sample sections indicated segregation effects of titania in the surface layer, with consequent enhancement or depletion of the catalyst concentration in the active sample region, suggesting non-negligible transport phenomena during the curing process. The described results demonstrated that geopolymer binders can be interesting catalyst support matrices for the development of photocatalytic materials and indicated a large potential for the exploitation of their peculiar features.
Combined process of electrocoagulation and photocatalytic degradation for the treatment of olive washing wastewater.

Science.gov (United States)

Ates, Hasan; Dizge, Nadir; Yatmaz, H Cengiz

2017-01-01

In this study, an electrocoagulation reactor (ECR) and photocatalytic reactor (PCR) were tested to understand the performance of combined electrocoagulation and photocatalytic-degradation of olive washing wastewater (OWW). The effects of initial pH (6.0, 6.9, 8.0, 9.0), applied voltage (10.0, 12.5, 15.0 V), and operating time (30, 60, 90, 120 min) were investigated in the electrocoagulation reactor when aluminum electrodes were used as both anode and cathode. The pH, conductivity, color, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and phenol were measured versus time to determine the efficiency of the ECR and PCR process. It was observed that electrocoagulation as a single treatment process supplied the COD removal of 62.5%, color removal of 98.1%, and total phenol removal of 87% at optimum conditions as pH 6.9, applied voltage of 12.5 V, and operating time of 120 min. Moreover, final pH and conductivity were 7.7 and 980 μS/cm, respectively. On the other hand, the effect of semiconductor catalyst type (TiO 2 and ZnO) and loading (1, 2, 3 g/L) were tested using PCR as a stand-alone technique. It was found that photocatalytic degradation as a single treatment process when using 1 g/L ZnO achieved the COD removal of 46%, color removal of 99% with a total phenol removal of 41% at optimum conditions. Final pH and conductivity were 6.2 and 915 μS/cm, respectively. Among semiconductor catalysts, TiO 2 and ZnO performed identical efficiencies for both COD and total phenol removal. Moreover, combination in which electrochemical degradation was employed as a pre-treatment to the photocatalytic degradation process obtained high COD removal of 88% and total phenol, as well as color removal of 100% for the OWW. The electrochemical treatment alone was not effective, but in combination with the photocatalytic process, led to a high-quality effluent. Finally, sludge collected from the electrocoagulation process was characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared and X

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