Metal and metal-free photocatalysts: mechanistic approach and application as photoinitiators of photopolymerization

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Jacques Lalevée

2014-04-01

Full Text Available In the present paper, the photoredox catalysis is presented as a unique approach in the field of photoinitiators of polymerization. The principal photocatalysts already reported as well as the typical oxidation and reduction agents used in both reductive or oxidative cycles are gathered. The chemical mechanisms associated with various systems are also given. As compared to classical iridium-based photocatalysts which are mainly active upon blue light irradiation, a new photocatalyst Ir(piq2(tmd (also known as bis(1-phenylisoquinolinato-N,C2’iridium(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionate is also proposed as an example of green light photocatalyst (toward the long wavelength irradiation. The chemical mechanisms associated with Ir(piq2(tmd are investigated by ESR spin-trapping, laser flash photolysis, steady state photolysis, cyclic voltammetry and luminescence experiments.

High-performance for hydrogen evolution and pollutant degradation of reduced graphene oxide/two-phase g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalysts.

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Song, Chengjie; Fan, Mingshan; Shi, Weidong; Wang, Wei

2018-05-01

We have successfully synthesized the composites of two-phase g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction photocatalysts by one-step method. And the reduced graphene oxide/two-phase g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction photocatalyst was fabricated via a facile hydrothermal reduction method. The characterization results indicated that the two-phase g-C 3 N 4 was integrated closely, and the common phenomenon of agglomeration for g-C 3 N 4 was significantly reduced. Moreover, the oxidized graphene was reduced successfully in the composites and the graphene was overlaid on the surface or the interlayers of g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction composite uniformly. In addition, we have carried out the photocatalytic activity experiments by H 2 evolution and rhodamine B removal, tetracycline removal under the visible light irradiation. The results revealed that the composite has improved the separation efficiency a lot than the pure photocatalyst. The photocurrent test demonstrated that the recombination of electrons and holes were efficiently inhibited as well as enhanced the photocatalytic activity. The 0.4% rGO loaded samples, 0.4% rGOCN2, own the best performance. Its rate of H 2 evolution was 15 times as high as that of the pure g-C 3 N 4 .

Graphene supported silver@silver chloride & ferroferric oxide hybrid, a magnetically separable photocatalyst with high performance under visible light irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhong, Suting; Jiang, Wei, E-mail: superfine_jw@126.com; Han, Mei; Liu, Gongzong; Zhang, Na; Lu, Yue

2015-08-30

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • The composites were synthesized via a facile and effective process. • Plenty of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} and Ag@AgCl nanoparticles are deposited on the reduced graphene oxide nanosheets. • The catalyst exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic performance and magnetic property. • The catalyst is stable under the visible light irradiation. - Abstract: A stable magnetic separable plasmonic photocatalyst was successfully fabricated by grafting silver@silver chloride (Ag@AgCl) and ferroferric oxide (Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}) nanoparticles on graphene sheets. The composite exhibited high activity degrading methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RB) under visible light irradiation: decomposition 97.4% of MB in 100 min and 97.9% of RB in 120 min. The enhanced photocatalytic activities can be attributed to synergistic effect between Ag@AgCl and graphene: the effective charge transfer from Ag@AgCl to graphene thus promotes the separation of electron–hole pairs. Moreover, the excellent magnetic property gives a more convenient way to recycle the photocatalysts.

A heterojunction photocatalyst composed of zinc rhodium oxide, single crystal-derived bismuth vanadium oxide, and silver for overall pure-water splitting under visible light up to 740 nm.

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Kobayashi, Ryoya; Takashima, Toshihiro; Tanigawa, Satoshi; Takeuchi, Shugo; Ohtani, Bunsho; Irie, Hiroshi

2016-10-12

We recently reported the synthesis of a solid-state heterojunction photocatalyst consisting of zinc rhodium oxide (ZnRh 2 O 4 ) and bismuth vanadium oxide (Bi 4 V 2 O 11 ), which functioned as hydrogen (H 2 ) and oxygen (O 2 ) evolution photocatalysts, respectively, connected with silver (Ag). Polycrystalline Bi 4 V 2 O 11 (p-Bi 4 V 2 O 11 ) powders were utilized to form ZnRh 2 O 4 /Ag/p-Bi 4 V 2 O 11 , which was able to photocatalyze overall pure-water splitting under red-light irradiation with a wavelength of 700 nm (R. Kobayashi et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016, 4, 3061). In the present study, we replaced p-Bi 4 V 2 O 11 with a powder obtained by pulverizing single crystals of Bi 4 V 2 O 11 (s-Bi 4 V 2 O 11 ) to form ZnRh 2 O 4 /Ag/s-Bi 4 V 2 O 11 , and demonstrated that this heterojunction photocatalyst had enhanced water-splitting activity. In addition, ZnRh 2 O 4 /Ag/s-Bi 4 V 2 O 11 was able to utilize nearly the entire range of visible light up to a wavelength of 740 nm. These properties were attributable to the higher O 2 evolution activity of s-Bi 4 V 2 O 11 .

Preparation and photocatalytic activity of immobilized composite photocatalyst (titania nanoparticle/activated carbon)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mahmoodi, Niyaz Mohammad; Arami, Mokhtar; Zhang, Jason

2011-01-01

Research highlights: → Dyes were decolorized and degraded using novel immobilized composite photocatalyst. → Formate, acetate and oxalate anions were detected as dominant aliphatic intermediates where, they were further oxidized slowly to CO 2 . → Nitrate, chloride and sulfate anions were detected as the photocatalytic mineralization products of dyes. → Novel immobilized composite photocatalyst is the most effective novel immobilized composite photocatalyst to degrade of textile dyes. - Abstract: An immobilized composite photocatalyst, titania (TiO 2 ) nanoparticle/activated carbon (AC), was prepared and its photocatalytic activity on the degradation of textile dyes was tested. AC was prepared using Canola hull. Basic Red 18 (BR18) and Basic Red 46 (BR46) were used as model dyes. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis spectrophotometry, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ion chromatography (IC) analyses were employed. The effects of reaction parameters such as weight percent (wt.%) of activated carbon, pH, dye concentration and anions (NO 3 - , Cl - , SO 4 2- , HCO 3 - and CO 3 2- ) were investigated on dye degradation. Data showed that dyes were decolorized and degraded using novel immobilized composite photocatalyst. Formate, acetate and oxalate anions were detected as dominant aliphatic intermediates where, they were further oxidized slowly to CO 2 . Nitrate, chloride and sulfate anions were detected as the photocatalytic mineralization products of dyes. Results show that novel immobilized composite photocatalyst with 2 wt.% of AC is the most effective novel immobilized composite photocatalyst to degrade of textile dyes.

Supramolecular photocatalyst of RGO-cyclodextrin-TiO2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shen, Jianfeng; Li, Na; Ye, Mingxin

2013-01-01

Graphical abstract: Supramolecular photocatalyst of RGO-cyclodextrin-TiO 2 was achieved, which showed high photocatalytic activity and adsorption capacity. Highlights: •Supramolecular photocatalyst of RGO-cyclodextrin-TiO 2 was achieved. •β-CD molecules acted as linkers between RGO and monodisperse TiO 2 nanoparticles. •Reduction of GO and preparation of RGO-cyclodextrin-TiO 2 was simultaneous. •The prepared RGO-cyclodextrin-TiO 2 shows high photocatalytic activity and adsorption capacity. -- Abstract: Reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)/titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) supramolecular photocatalyst was synthesized with a one-pot hydrothermal method. The reducing process was accomplished with the attaching of β-CD and generation of TiO 2 . β-CD acted as a linker between RGO and monodisperse TiO 2 nanoparticles. The structure and composition of the hybrid had been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction and Transmission electron microscopy. The as-prepared RGO-CD-TiO 2 showed significant enhanced performance for phenol and Cr (VI) removal, due to the effective transfer of photo-generated electron from TiO2 to RGO and improved absorbance performance of the hybrid

Photooxidative desulfurization for diesel using Fe / N - TiO2 photocatalyst

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Khan, Muhammad Saqib; Kait, Chong Fai; Mutalib, Mohd Ibrahim Abdul

2014-10-01

A series of N - TiO2 with different mol% N was synthesized via sol-gel method and characterized using thermal gravimetric analyzer and raman spectroscopy. 0.2 wt% Fe was incorporated onto the calcined (200°C) N - TiO2 followed by calcination at 200°C, 250°C and 300°C. Photooxidative desulfurization was conducted in the presence of 0.2wt% Fe / N - TiO2 with different mol% N with and without oxidant (H2O2). Oxidative desulfurization was only achieved when H2O2 was used while without H2O2 no major effect on the sulfur removal. 0.2Fe -30N - H2O2 photocatalysts showed best performance at all calcination temperatures as compared to other mol% N - H2O2 photocatalysts. 16.45% sulfur removal was achieved using photocatalysts calcined at 300 °C.

Microwave-assisted in situ synthesis of reduced graphene oxide-BiVO{sub 4} composite photocatalysts and their enhanced photocatalytic performance for the degradation of ciprofloxacin

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yan, Yan [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Road 301, Zhenjiang, 212013 (China); Sun, Shaofang [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Road 301, Zhenjiang, 212013 (China); School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang’an University, Yanta Road 126, Xi’an, 710054 (China); Song, Yang; Yan, Xu [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Road 301, Zhenjiang, 212013 (China); Guan, Weisheng [School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang’an University, Yanta Road 126, Xi’an, 710054 (China); Liu, Xinlin [School of Material Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Road 301, Zhenjiang, 212013 (China); Shi, Weidong, E-mail: swd1978@ujs.edu.cn [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Road 301, Zhenjiang, 212013 (China)

2013-04-15

Highlights: ► Microwave-assisted in situ growth of RGO-BiVO{sub 4} composite was proposed. ► A relatively small particle size with organic-additives free. ► Graphene was formed during the microwave-heating by oxygen capture. ► GB-2 sample exhibits the highest CIP degradation ratio (3 times over pure BiVO{sub 4}). ► The enhancements of activities result from the effective charge separation. -- Abstract: To improve the photodegradation efficiency for ciprofloxacin (CIP), a new-type microwave-assisted in situ growth method is developed for the preparation of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) -BiVO{sub 4} composite photocatalysts. The as-produced RGO-BiVO{sub 4} composite photocatalysts show extremely high enhancement of CIP degradation ratio over the pure BiVO{sub 4} photocatalyst under visible light. Specially, the 2 wt% RGO-BiVO{sub 4} composite photocatalyst exhibits the highest CIP degradation ratio (68.2%) in 60 min, which is over 3 times than that (22.7%) of the pure BiVO{sub 4} particles. The enhancement of photocatalytic activities of RGO-BiVO{sub 4} photocatalysts can be attributed to the effective separation of electron–hole pairs rather than the improvement of light absorption.

An efficient p-n heterojunction photocatalyst constructed from a coordination polymer nanoplate and a partically reduced graphene oxide for visible-light hydrogen production.

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Xu, Xinxin; Lu, Tingting; Liu, Xiaoxia; Wang, Xiuli

2015-10-05

A new p-n heterojunction photocatalyst has been synthesized successfully through chemical-bond-mediated combination of coordination polymer nanoplates (CPNPs) and partially reduced graphene oxide (PRGO) with a simple colloidal blending process. Photocatalytic H2 production by the p-n heterojunction photocatalyst PRGO/CPNP was investigated under visible-light irradiation, which illustrates that PRGO/CPNP exhibits a much higher photocatalytic H2 production rate than neat the CPNPs. The improvement of this photocatalytic property can be attributed to the inner electrical field formed in the p-n heterojunction, which impedes recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. In PRGO/CPNP, the existence of the p-n heterojunction has been confirmed by electrochemical methods clearly. For PRGO/CPNP, the reductive degree of the PRGO has a great influence on the H2 production rate and an ideal condition to get a PRGO/CPNP photocatalyst with higher performance has been obtained. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Application of photocatalysts for amenities; Kaiteki kukan no tameno hikari shokubai

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sugawara, T. [Akita Univ., Akita (Japan). Mining College

1996-03-01

Catalysts with strong decomposing power are necessary in removing the stink of toilets and diapers, the smoke of cigarettes, lampblack in kitchens and mold in bathrooms etc. One of such catalysts attracting attention is titania (Ti02) photocatalyst. Titania has a strong oxidizing force due to its ability to absorb light with a wavelength under 400nm, and meanwhile this substance itself is chemically stable and tender to environment. In this paper, simultaneously with the introduction of the design examples applying the performance and properties of such catalysts, the evaluation on the performance of utility photocatalysts is described. The examples of using tiles with titania coated on ceramic tiles and the photocatalysts obtained by fixing supermicro-particles of titania catalysts with fluorine resin as a binder to decompose the oil vapor near a ventilation fan above a kitchen range and the tobacco tar whose concentration level is as in a living room are introduced as the design examples of utility photocatalysts. 13 refs., 6 figs.

A Review of Photocatalysts Prepared by Sol-Gel Method for VOCs Removal

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Ting Ke Tseng

2010-05-01

Full Text Available The sol-gel process is a wet-chemical technique (chemical solution deposition, which has been widely used in the fields of materials science, ceramic engineering, and especially in the preparation of photocatalysts. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs are prevalent components of indoor air pollution. Among the approaches to remove VOCs from indoor air, photocatalytic oxidation (PCO is regarded as a promising method. This paper is a review of the status of research on the sol-gel method for photocatalyst preparation and for the PCO purification of VOCs. The review and discussion will focus on the preparation and coating of various photocatalysts, operational parameters, and will provide an overview of general PCO models described in the literature.

Reduced graphene oxide-TiO2 nanocomposite as a promising visible-light-active photocatalyst for the conversion of carbon dioxide

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Tan, Lling-Lling; Ong, Wee-Jun; Chai, Siang-Piao; Mohamed, Abdul Rahman

2013-11-01

Photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into hydrocarbon fuels such as methane is an attractive strategy for simultaneously harvesting solar energy and capturing this major greenhouse gas. Incessant research interest has been devoted to preparing graphene-based semiconductor nanocomposites as photocatalysts for a variety of applications. In this work, reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-TiO2 hybrid nanocrystals were fabricated through a novel and simple solvothermal synthetic route. Anatase TiO2 particles with an average diameter of 12 nm were uniformly dispersed on the rGO sheet. Slow hydrolysis reaction was successfully attained through the use of ethylene glycol and acetic acid mixed solvents coupled with an additional cooling step. The prepared rGO-TiO2 nanocomposites exhibited superior photocatalytic activity (0.135 μmol gcat -1 h-1) in the reduction of CO2 over graphite oxide and pure anatase. The intimate contact between TiO2 and rGO was proposed to accelerate the transfer of photogenerated electrons on TiO2 to rGO, leading to an effective charge anti-recombination and thus enhancing the photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, our photocatalysts were found to be active even under the irradiation of low-power energy-saving light bulbs, which renders the entire process economically and practically feasible.

Graphene and g-C3N4 based photocatalysts for NOx removal: A review

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Nikokavoura, Aspasia; Trapalis, Christos

2018-02-01

NOx liberated into atmosphere from automobile exhausts and fossil fuel combustion, comprise the major air pollutants. They are responsible for serious environmental problems such as acid rain, ozone accumulation, haze and photochemical smog. Besides they contribute to the deterioration of human health by causing decrease of the lung function and respiratory problems. The application of photocatalytic methods in order to mitigate the presence of NOx in the atmosphere is preferable as they are environmentally friendly, mild and low cost. Therefore, in this review, the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4 and graphene based composites towards NOx removal was discussed. NOx oxidation to non volatile nitrates on the surface of graphene and g-C3N4 based photocatalysts has attracted much interest during the last years due to their structures with unique features such as large specific surface area, thermal and chemical stability and enhanced visible light utilization. The formation of 2D-2D intimate heterojunctions between graphene or g-C3N4 and other components ensures the enhanced charge transfer, lifetime of electron/hole pairs and thus photocatalytic activity. The increased visible light harvesting also contributes to their usefulness as effective photocatalytic materials. In the present work, the advantages of these novel photocatalysts and the differences/similarities between them were exhaustively highlighted. The role of graphene as catalyst promoter, electron reservoir, support and photosensitizer in its photocatalytic composites was emphasized. The effect of g-C3N4 doping and copolymerization with metals/semiconductors on its photocatalytic activity towards NOx oxidation was thoroughly discussed. Besides, the preparation methods, photocatalytic efficiencies, type of irradiation, utilization of appropriate cocatalysts, and reaction mechanisms during the photocatalytic NOx removal by graphene and g-C3N4 composies, were summarized. It was demonstrated that in the vast

A review on g-C3N4-based photocatalysts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wen, Jiuqing; Xie, Jun; Chen, Xiaobo; Li, Xin

2017-01-01

Graphical abstract: The photocatalytic fundamentals, versatile properties, design strategies and potential applications of g-C 3 N 4 -based photocatalysts were systematically summarized and addressed. - Highlights: • The photocatalytic fundamentals of g-C 3 N 4 were systematically summarized. • The versatile properties of g-C 3 N 4 photocatalysts were highlighted. • The different design strategies of g-C 3 N 4 photocatalysts were reviewed. • The important photocatalytic applications of g-C 3 N 4 were also addressed. - Abstract: As one of the most appealing and attractive technologies, heterogeneous photocatalysis has been utilized to directly harvest, convert and store renewable solar energy for producing sustainable and green solar fuels and a broad range of environmental applications. Due to their unique physicochemical, optical and electrical properties, a wide variety of g-C 3 N 4 -based photocatalysts have been designed to drive various reduction and oxidation reactions under light irradiation with suitable wavelengths. In this review, we have systematically summarized the photocatalytic fundamentals of g-C 3 N 4 -based photocatalysts, including fundamental mechanism of heterogeneous photocatalysis, advantages, challenges and the design considerations of g-C 3 N 4 -based photocatalysts. The versatile properties of g-C 3 N 4 -based photocatalysts are highlighted, including their crystal structural, surface phisicochemical, stability, optical, adsorption, electrochemical, photoelectrochemical and electronic properties. Various design strategies are also thoroughly reviewed, including band-gap engineering, defect control, dimensionality tuning, pore texture tailoring, surface sensitization, heterojunction construction, co-catalyst and nanocarbon loading. Many important applications are also addressed, such as photocatalytic water splitting (H 2 evolution and overall water splitting), degradation of pollutants, carbon dioxide reduction, selective organic

Toward High Performance 2D/2D Hybrid Photocatalyst by Electrostatic Assembly of Rationally Modified Carbon Nitride on Reduced Graphene Oxide

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Chen, Jian; Xu, Xiaochan; Li, Tao; Pandiselvi, Kannusamy; Wang, Jingyu

2016-11-01

Efficient metal-free visible photocatalysts with high stability are highly desired for sufficient utilization of solar energy. In this work, the popular carbon nitride (CN) photocatalyst is rationally modified by acid exfoliation of molecular grafted CN, achieving improved visible-light utilization and charge carriers mobility. Moreover, the modification process tuned the surface electrical property of CN, which enabled it to be readily coupled with the oppositely charged graphene oxide during the following photo-assisted electrostatic assembly. Detailed characterizations indicate the formation of well-contacted 2D/2D heterostructure with strong interfacial interaction between the modified CN nanosheets (CNX-NSs) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The optimized hybrid (with a RGO ratio of 20%) exhibits the best photocatalytic performance toward MB degradation, which is almost 12.5 and 7.0 times of CN under full spectrum and visible-light irradiation, respectively. In addition, the hybrid exhibits high stability after five successive cycles with no obvious change in efficiency. Unlike pure CNX-NSs, the dye decomposition mostly depends on the H2O2 generation by a two-electron process due to the electron reservoir property of RGO. Thus the enhancement in photocatalytic activity could be ascribed to the improved light utilization and increased charge transfer ability across the interface of CNX-NSs/RGO heterostructure.

MoS_2/reduced graphene oxide hybrid with CdS nanoparticles as a visible light-driven photocatalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Peng, Wen-chao; Chen, Ying; Li, Xiao-yan

2016-01-01

Highlights: • MoS_2/rGO hybrid is synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal method. • MoS_2/rGO hybrid is used as the support and cocatalyst for CdS nanoparticles. • CdS-MoS_2/rGO composite is effective photocatalyst for 4-NP reduction in visible light. • Ammonium formate is an effective sacrificial agent for 4-NP photocatalytic reduction. - Abstract: Photocatalytic reduction of nitroaromatic compounds to aromatic amines using visible light is an attractive process that utilizes sunlight as the energy source for the chemical conversions. Herewith we synthesized a composite material consisting of CdS nanoparticles grown on the surface of MoS_2/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) hybrid as a novel photocatalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The CdS-MoS_2/rGO composite is shown as a high-performance visible light-driven photocatalyst. Even without a noble-metal cocatalyst, the catalyst exhibited a great activity under visible light irradiation for the reduction of 4-NP to much less toxic 4-aminophenol (4-AP) with ammonium formate as the sacrificial agent. Composite CdS-0.03(MoS_2/0.01rGO) was found to be the most effective photocatalyst for 4-NP reduction. The high photocatalytic performance is apparently resulted from the synergetic functions of MoS_2 and graphene in the composite, i.e. the cocatalysts serve as both the active adsorption sites for 4-NP and electron collectors for the separation of electron-hole pairs generated by CdS nanoparticles. The laboratory results show that the CdS-MoS_2/rGO composite is a low-cost and stable photocatalyst for effective reduction and detoxification of nitroaromatic compounds using solar energy.

Porous-ZnO-Nanobelt Film as Recyclable Photocatalysts with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

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Wang Min

2010-01-01

Full Text Available Abstract In this article, the porous-ZnO-nanobelt film was synthesized by oxidizing the ZnSe-nanobelt film in air. The experiment results show that the porous-ZnO-nanobelt film possesses enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with the ZnO-nanobelt film, and can be used as recyclable photocatalysts. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the porous-ZnO-nanobelt film is attributed to the increased surface area. Therefore, turning the 1D-nanostructure film into porous one may be a feasible approach to meet the demand of photocatalyst application.

Tungsten oxide-graphene oxide (WO3-GO) nanocomposite as an efficient photocatalyst, antibacterial and anticancer agent

Science.gov (United States)

Jeevitha, G.; Abhinayaa, R.; Mangalaraj, D.; Ponpandian, N.

2018-05-01

Functioning of ultrasonically prepared tungsten oxide-graphene oxide (WO3-GO) nanocomposite as a photocatalyst, antibacterial and anticancer system was investigated and the obtained results were compared with that of pure WO3 nanoparticles. Structural, morphological, compositional and optical properties of the prepared WO3 nanoparticles and WO3-GO nanocomposite were studied. Photocatalytic efficiency of the system on organic dyes such as methylene blue (MB, cationic) and indigo carmine (IC, anionic) was investigated. The enhanced efficiency of the WO3-GO nanocomposite system was evaluated under sunlight and compared with that of pure WO3. The degradation efficiency values for MB and IC were found to be 97.03% and 95.43% at 180 and 120 min respectively. Antibacterial activity of the WO3-GO nanocomposite under visible light was tested and improved inhibition results were observed for Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis after 6 h of light exposure. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency and antibacterial activity of the WO3-GO nanocomposite are attributed to the improved electron-hole pair separation rate. Investigation on anticancer activity of WO3-GO nanocomposite was tested on human lung cancer (A-549) cell line and the IC50 value was found to be 139.6 ± 4.53 μg/mL. The results obtained in this study may be used as a platform for the development of photocatalysis applications based on WO3-GO nanocomposite.

An Enthusiastic Glance in to the Visible Responsive Photocatalysts for Energy Production and Pollutant Removal, with Special Emphasis on Titania

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Padikkaparambil Silija

2012-01-01

Full Text Available As a consequence of the rapid growth of industry, major problems are created related to energy and environment. Sunlight being one of the most potential alternative source of energy, the development of efficient solar-energy storage systems is an important subject in the fields of science and technology. Here we have reviewed and summarized some of the recent reports on visible responsive photocatalysts. In this review, the influence of various metal oxide photocatalysts on energy production and pollutant removal are presented with special emphasis on titania based photocatalysts. The photoactivity of titania for various pollutant degradation, modified titania (TiO2 systems, their physical and chemical characteristics, and so forth, are described in detail at this juncture. Different methods used to enhance the visible light absorption of TiO2, like doping with metals and nonmetals, coupling with other metal oxides, and so forth, have been discussed. Various applications of photocatalysts including photocatalytic treatment of waste water, pesticide degradation and water splitting to produce hydrogen are summarized. The development of photocatalysts that function under visible light for the efficient utilization of sunlight is an area of current interest and thus the different methods of preparation for the visible active photocatalysts are also explored.

Construction of fiber-shaped silver oxide/tantalum nitride p-n heterojunctions as highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalysts.

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Li, Shijie; Hu, Shiwei; Xu, Kaibing; Jiang, Wei; Liu, Yu; Leng, Zhe; Liu, Jianshe

2017-10-15

Constructing novel and efficient p-n heterojunction photocatalysts has stimulated great interest. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of fiber-shaped Ag 2 O/Ta 3 N 5 p-n heterojunctions as a kind of efficient photocatalysts. Ta 3 N 5 nanofibers were prepared by an electrospinning-calcination-nitridation method, and then the in-situ anchoring of Ag 2 O on their surfaces was realized by a facile deposition method. The resulting Ag 2 O/Ta 3 N 5 heterojunctions were comprised of porous Ta 3 N 5 nanofibers (diameter: ∼150nm) and Ag 2 O nanoparticles (size: ∼12nm). The photocatalytic activity of these heterojunctions were studied by decomposing rhodamine B (RhB) dye and tetracycline (TC) antibiotic under visible light (λ>400nm). In all the samples, the heterojunction with Ag 2 O/Ta 3 N 5 molar ratio of 0.2/1 displays the best activity. It is found that a synergistic effect contributes to the effective suppression of charges recombination between Ta 3 N 5 and Ag 2 O, leading to an enhanced photocatalytic activity with good stability. The photogenerated holes (h + ) and superoxide radicals (O 2 - ) play dominant roles in the photocatalytic process. These p-n heterojunctions will have great potential for environmental remediation because of the facile preparation process and exceptional photocatalytic activity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

H2O2 rejuvenation-mediated synthesis of stable mixed-morphology Ag3PO4 photocatalysts

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Henry Agbe

2018-04-01

Full Text Available Ag3PO4 photocatalyst has attracted interest of the scientific community in recent times due to its reported high efficiency for water oxidation and dye degradation. However, Ag3PO4 photo-corrodes if electron accepter such as AgNO3 is not used as scavenger. Synthesis of efficient Ag3PO4 followed by a simple protocol for regeneration of the photocatalyst is therefore a prerequisite for practical application. Herein, we present a facile method for the synthesis of a highly efficient Ag3PO4, whose photocatalytic efficiency was demonstrated using 3 different organic dyes: Methylene Blue (MB, Methyl orange (MO and Rhodamine B (RhB organic dyes for degradation tests. Approximately, 19 % of Ag3PO4 is converted to Ag0 after 4.30 hours of continuous UV-Vis irradiation in presence of MB organic dye. We have shown that the Ag/Ag3PO4 composite can be rejuvenated by a simple chemical oxidation step after several cycles of photocatalysis tests. At an optimal pH of 6.5, a mixture of cubic, rhombic dodecahedron, nanosphere and nanocrystals morphologies of the photocatalyst was formed. H2O2 served as the chemical oxidant to re-insert the surface metallic Ag into the Ag3PO4 photocatalyst but also as the agent that can control morphology of the regenerated as-prepared photocatalyst without the need for any other morphology controlling Agent (MCA. Surprisingly, the as- regenerated Ag3PO4 was found to have higher photocatalytic reactivity than the freshly made material and superior at least 17 times in comparison with the conventional Degussa TiO2, and some of TiO2 composites tested in this work. Keywords: Materials chemistry, Materials science, Engineering

Preparation and characterization of visible light-driven AgCl/PPy photocatalyst

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gu Shuna; Li Bing; Zhao Chongjun; Xu Yunlong; Qian Xiuzhen; Chen, Guorong

2011-01-01

Graphical abstract: AgCl/PPy composite exhibits improved photocatalytic performance and high stability under visible light. Display Omitted Highlights: → AgCl/(PPy) nanocomposites as visible light driven photocatalyst. → Composites exhibited high visible light-driven photocatalytic activity and stability. → Photocatalytic process on MO followed photoreduction mechanisms. → Used photocatalyst can be regenerated in aqueous FeCl 3 solution. - Abstract: Visible light photoactive AgCl/polypyrrole (PPy) composites were prepared via the reaction between excessive Ag + and Cl - ions in the presence of PPy . The AgCl/PPy composites were systematically characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Thermal gravity analysis (TGA). It was found that face-centered cubic AgCl nanocrystallite and 0.2 wt% PPy component existed in the composite and spherical AgCl/PPy nanoparticles were in the range of 200-600 nm. The AgCl/PPy composites showed higher visible light-driven photocatalytic activity and stability than that of AgCl. A photoreduction mechanism was postulated for AgCl/PPy photocatalyst on dye methyl orange (MO). The used AgCl/PPy photocatalyst was facilely regenerated by an oxidation process in aqueous FeCl 3 solution.

Preparation and characterization of visible light-driven AgCl/PPy photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gu Shuna; Li Bing [Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237 (China); Zhao Chongjun, E-mail: chongjunzhao@ecust.edu.cn [Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237 (China); Xu Yunlong; Qian Xiuzhen; Chen, Guorong [Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237 (China)

2011-05-05

Graphical abstract: AgCl/PPy composite exhibits improved photocatalytic performance and high stability under visible light. Display Omitted Highlights: > AgCl/(PPy) nanocomposites as visible light driven photocatalyst. > Composites exhibited high visible light-driven photocatalytic activity and stability. > Photocatalytic process on MO followed photoreduction mechanisms. > Used photocatalyst can be regenerated in aqueous FeCl{sub 3} solution. - Abstract: Visible light photoactive AgCl/polypyrrole (PPy) composites were prepared via the reaction between excessive Ag{sup +} and Cl{sup -} ions in the presence of PPy{sub .} The AgCl/PPy composites were systematically characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Thermal gravity analysis (TGA). It was found that face-centered cubic AgCl nanocrystallite and 0.2 wt% PPy component existed in the composite and spherical AgCl/PPy nanoparticles were in the range of 200-600 nm. The AgCl/PPy composites showed higher visible light-driven photocatalytic activity and stability than that of AgCl. A photoreduction mechanism was postulated for AgCl/PPy photocatalyst on dye methyl orange (MO). The used AgCl/PPy photocatalyst was facilely regenerated by an oxidation process in aqueous FeCl{sub 3} solution.

High Photocatalytic Performance of Two Types of Graphene Modified TiO2 Composite Photocatalysts

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Jun; Li, Sen; Tang, Bo; Wang, Zhengwei; Ji, Guojian; Huang, Weiqiu; Wang, Jinping

2017-07-01

High quality and naturally continuous structure of three-dimensional graphene network (3DGN) endow it a promising candidate to modify TiO2. Although the resulting composite photocatalysts display outstanding performances, the lacking of active sites of the 3DGN not only goes against a close contact between the graphene basal plane and TiO2 nanoparticles (weaken electron transport ability) but also limits the efficient adsorption of pollutant molecules. Similar with surface functional groups of the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets, surface defects of the 3DGN can act as the adsorption sites. However, the defect density of the 3DGN is difficult to control (a strict cool rate of substrate and a strict flow of precursor gas are necessary) because of its growth approach (chemical vapor deposition method). In this study, to give full play to the functions of graphene, the RGO nanosheets and 3DGN co-modified TiO2 composite photocatalysts are prepared. After optimizing the mass fraction of the RGO nanosheets in the composite photocatalyst, the resulting chemical adsorption ability and yields of strong oxidizing free radicals increase significantly, indicating the synergy of the RGO nanosheets and 3DGN.

Alternative photocatalysts to TiO{sub 2} for the photocatalytic reduction of CO{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nikokavoura, Aspasia; Trapalis, Christos, E-mail: c.trapalis@inn.demokritos.gr

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Non TiO{sub 2} containing photocatalysts are intensively studied for CO{sub 2} reduction. • The inorganic and carbon based semiconductors are appropriate for redox reactions. • ZIFs and carbonaceous hybrids exhibited outstanding photocatalytic efficiency. • Highly active photocatalysts for CO{sub 2} conversion to useful materials are needed. - Abstract: The increased concentration of CO{sub 2} in the atmosphere, originating from the burning of fossil fuels in stationary and mobile sources, is referred as the “Anthropogenic Greenhouse Effect” and constitutes a major environmental concern. The scientific community is highly concerned about the resulting enhancement of the mean atmospheric temperature, so a vast diversity of methods has been applied. Thermochemical, electrochemical, photocatalytic, photoelectrochemical processes, as well as combination of solar electricity generation and water splitting processes have been performed in order to lower the CO{sub 2} atmospheric levels. Photocatalytic methods are environmental friendly and succeed in reducing the atmospheric CO{sub 2} concentration and producing fuels or/and useful organic compounds at the same time. The most common photocatalysts for the CO{sub 2} reduction are the inorganic, the carbon based semiconductors and the hybrids based on semiconductors, which combine stability, low cost and appropriate structure in order to accomplish redox reactions. In this review, inorganic semiconductors such as single-metal oxide, mixed-metal oxides, metal oxide composites, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), salt composites, carbon based semiconductors such as graphene based composites, CNT composites, g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} composites and hybrid organic-inorganic materials (ZIFs) were studied. TiO{sub 2} and Ti based photocatalysts are extensively studied and therefore in this review they are not mentioned.

Graphene-based heterojunction photocatalysts

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Xin; Shen, Rongchen; Ma, Song; Chen, Xiaobo; Xie, Jun

2018-02-01

Due to their unique physicochemical, optical and electrical properties, 2D semimetallic or semiconducting graphene has been extensively utilized to construct highly efficient heterojunction photocatalysts for driving a variety of redox reactions under proper light irradiation. In this review, we carefully addressed the fundamental mechanism of heterogeneous photocatalysis, fundamental properties and advantages of graphene in photocatalysis, and classification and comparison of graphene-based heterojunction photocatalysts. Subsequently, we thoroughly highlighted and discussed various graphene-based heterojunction photocatalysts, including Schottky junctions, Type-II heterojunctions, Z-scheme heterojunctions, Van der Waals heterostructures, in plane heterojunctions and multicomponent heterojunctions. Several important photocatalytic applications, such as photocatalytic water splitting (H2 evolution and overall water splitting), degradation of pollutants, carbon dioxide reduction and bacteria disinfection, are also summarized. Through reviewing the important advances on this topic, it may inspire some new ideas for exploiting highly effective graphene-based heterojunction photocatalysts for a number of applications in photocatlysis and other fields, such as photovoltaic, (photo)electrocatalysis, lithium battery, fuel cell, supercapacitor and adsorption separation.

A review on g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}-based photocatalysts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wen, Jiuqing; Xie, Jun [College of Materials and Energy, Key Laboratory of Energy Plants Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Biomass Energy of Guangdong Regular Higher Education Institutions, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 (China); Chen, Xiaobo, E-mail: chenxiaobo@umkc.edu [Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri – Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64110 (United States); Li, Xin, E-mail: Xinliscau@yahoo.com [College of Materials and Energy, Key Laboratory of Energy Plants Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Biomass Energy of Guangdong Regular Higher Education Institutions, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 (China)

2017-01-01

Graphical abstract: The photocatalytic fundamentals, versatile properties, design strategies and potential applications of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}-based photocatalysts were systematically summarized and addressed. - Highlights: • The photocatalytic fundamentals of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} were systematically summarized. • The versatile properties of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} photocatalysts were highlighted. • The different design strategies of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} photocatalysts were reviewed. • The important photocatalytic applications of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} were also addressed. - Abstract: As one of the most appealing and attractive technologies, heterogeneous photocatalysis has been utilized to directly harvest, convert and store renewable solar energy for producing sustainable and green solar fuels and a broad range of environmental applications. Due to their unique physicochemical, optical and electrical properties, a wide variety of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}-based photocatalysts have been designed to drive various reduction and oxidation reactions under light irradiation with suitable wavelengths. In this review, we have systematically summarized the photocatalytic fundamentals of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}-based photocatalysts, including fundamental mechanism of heterogeneous photocatalysis, advantages, challenges and the design considerations of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}-based photocatalysts. The versatile properties of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}-based photocatalysts are highlighted, including their crystal structural, surface phisicochemical, stability, optical, adsorption, electrochemical, photoelectrochemical and electronic properties. Various design strategies are also thoroughly reviewed, including band-gap engineering, defect control, dimensionality tuning, pore texture tailoring, surface sensitization, heterojunction construction, co-catalyst and nanocarbon loading. Many important applications are also addressed, such as photocatalytic water splitting (H{sub 2} evolution and overall water

Advanced nanostructured photocatalysts based on reduced graphene oxide-flower-like Bi_2WO_6 composites for an augmented simulated solar photoactivity activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Yukun; Chen, Lin; Wang, Yue; Zhu, Liang

2016-01-01

Highlights: • A simple route was proposed to prepare flower-like Bi_2WO_6 and RGO/Bi_2WO_6. • Cipro HCl was degraded firstly by RGO/Bi_2WO_6 under the visible-light. • 2% RGO/Bi_2WO_6 exhibited the best removal efficiency. - Abstract: A simple hydrothermal process was proposed to prepare the flower-like Bi_2WO_6 architectures, and the as-synthesized Bi_2WO_6 photocatalysts were further processed with the prepared graphene oxide (GO) to form novel reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/Bi_2WO_6 composites. The nano-materials were characterized with the help of XRD, XPS, SEM, FTIR, UV-DRS, PL techniques to investigate their morphological, physical, optical, and photochemical properties. Photocatalytic performances of the pure flower-like Bi_2WO_6 architectures and RGO/Bi_2WO_6 composites were compared and evaluated through the degradation of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (Cipro HCl) wastewater under the simulated visible light. It was found that the RGO/Bi_2WO_6 composites displayed enhanced visible light-driven photocatalytic activities. It might be that the RGO loading not only effectively suppressed the electron–hole recombination, but also increased the light absorption ability. The effects of operating condition involved in the photocatalytic process were further examined, and the cycle-stability experiment demonstrated that as-obtained 2% RGO/Bi_2WO_6 photocatalysts had good photocatalytic repeatability.

Photochemical reactions of neptunium in nitric acid solution containing photocatalyst

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fukasawa, Tetsuo; Kawamura, Fumio

1991-01-01

Photochemical oxidation and reduction behaviors of neptunium were preliminarily investigated in 3 mol/l nitric acid solution. Nitric acid of 3 mol/l simulated the high level waste solution from a spent fuel reprocessing process. Concentrations of Np(V), Np(VI) and nitrous acid were determined with a photospectrometer, and solution potential with an electrode. Without additives, Np(VI) was reduced to Np(V) by nitrous acid which was photolytically generated from nitric acid. With a scavenger for nitrous acid, Np(V) was oxidized to extractable Np(VI) by a photolytically generated oxidizing reagent which were predicted by the solution potential measurement. The reduction rate was higher than the oxidation rate because of the larger quantity and higher reactivity of nitrous acid than an oxidizing reagent. Photocatalyst was proved to be effective for the oxidation of Np(V) to Np(VI). (author)

Polyaniline nanotubes coated with TiO2&γ-Fe2O3@graphene oxide as a novel and effective visible light photocatalyst for removal of rhodamine B from water

Science.gov (United States)

Ghavami, Monireh; Kassaee, Mohammad Zaman; Mohammadi, Reza; Koohi, Maryam; Haerizadeh, Bibi Narjes

2014-12-01

Synthesis of polyaniline-nanotubes (PANI-NT), in the presence of TiO2 and γ-Fe2O3 functionalized graphene oxide (GO), gives a green and magnetically recyclable photocatalyst, TiO2&γ-Fe2O3@GO/PANI-NT. The later orchestrates 94% photocatalytic efficiency in removal of rhodamine B (RB) from water, under simulated solar light irradiation. This is far higher than the 36% observed in the presence of TiO2&γ-Fe2O3@GO alone, where PANI-NT is excluded from the structure. Morphology, composition, and structural properties of our economically sound photocatalyst are characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetric, transmission electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma, RAMAN and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

Engineered photocatalysts for detoxification of waste water

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Majumder, S.A.; Prairie, M.R.; Shelnutt, J.A. [Sandia National Lab., Albuquerque, NM (United States); Khan, S.U.M. [Duquesne Univ., Pittsburgh, PA (United States). Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry] [and others

1996-12-01

This report describes progress on the development of engineered photocatalysts for the detoxification of water polluted with toxic organic compounds and heavy metals. We examined a range of different oxide supports (titania, alumina, magnesia and manganese dioxide) for tin uroporphyrin and investigated the efficacy of a few different porphyrins. A water-soluble octaacetic-acid-tetraphenylporphyrin and its derivatives have been synthesized and characterized in an attempt to design a porphyrin catalyst with a larger binding pocket. We have also investigated photocatalytic processes on both single crystal and powder forms of semiconducting SiC with an ultimate goal of developing a dual-semiconductor system combining TiO{sub 2} and SiC. Mathematical modeling was also performed to identify parameters that can improve the efficiency of SiC-based photocatalytic systems. Although the conceptual TiO{sub 2}/SiC photodiode shows some promises for photoreduction processes, SiC itself was found to be an inefficient photocatalyst when combined with TiO{sub 2}. Alternative semiconductors with bandgap and band potentials similar to SiC should be tested in the future for further development and a practical utilization of the dual photodiode concept.

Ag@graphene oxide nanocomposite as an efficient visible-light plasmonic photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants: A facile green synthetic approach

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haldorai, Yuvaraj; Kim, Byung-Keuk; Jo, Youl-Lae; Shim, Jae-Jin

2014-01-01

We report a simple and effective supercritical route to decorate silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on graphene oxide (GO) using a commonly available and non-toxic glucose as a reducing agent. Transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed that Ag NPs of size around 8–20 nm were coated on the GO surface under optimized experimental condition. Ag NPs on the GO surface were predominantly spherical in shape and well dispersed. The experimental results proved that the as-synthesized GO/Ag nanocomposite could be used as a highly efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of Rhodamine 123 dye and acetaldehyde under visible-light irradiation. The degradation results indicated that the photocatalytic performance of nanocomposite was greatly enhanced owing to the improved adsorption performance and separation efficiency of photo-generated carriers. The nanocomposite maintains a high level activity even after four times of recycle. Furthermore, the nanocomposite exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. - Highlights: • Visible-light driven reusable photocatalyst. • Efficient degradation of Rhodamine 123 dye and acetaldehyde. • Excellent antibacterial activity. • Green synthetic approach using supercritical fluid. • New field of sustainable nanotechnology

Particulate Photocatalyst Sheets Based on Carbon Conductor Layer for Efficient Z-Scheme Pure-Water Splitting at Ambient Pressure.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Qian; Hisatomi, Takashi; Suzuki, Yohichi; Pan, Zhenhua; Seo, Jeongsuk; Katayama, Masao; Minegishi, Tsutomu; Nishiyama, Hiroshi; Takata, Tsuyoshi; Seki, Kazuhiko; Kudo, Akihiko; Yamada, Taro; Domen, Kazunari

2017-02-01

Development of sunlight-driven water splitting systems with high efficiency, scalability, and cost-competitiveness is a central issue for mass production of solar hydrogen as a renewable and storable energy carrier. Photocatalyst sheets comprising a particulate hydrogen evolution photocatalyst (HEP) and an oxygen evolution photocatalyst (OEP) embedded in a conductive thin film can realize efficient and scalable solar hydrogen production using Z-scheme water splitting. However, the use of expensive precious metal thin films that also promote reverse reactions is a major obstacle to developing a cost-effective process at ambient pressure. In this study, we present a standalone particulate photocatalyst sheet based on an earth-abundant, relatively inert, and conductive carbon film for efficient Z-scheme water splitting at ambient pressure. A SrTiO 3 :La,Rh/C/BiVO 4 :Mo sheet is shown to achieve unassisted pure-water (pH 6.8) splitting with a solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency (STH) of 1.2% at 331 K and 10 kPa, while retaining 80% of this efficiency at 91 kPa. The STH value of 1.0% is the highest among Z-scheme pure water splitting operating at ambient pressure. The working mechanism of the photocatalyst sheet is discussed on the basis of band diagram simulation. In addition, the photocatalyst sheet split pure water more efficiently than conventional powder suspension systems and photoelectrochemical parallel cells because H + and OH - concentration overpotentials and an IR drop between the HEP and OEP were effectively suppressed. The proposed carbon-based photocatalyst sheet, which can be used at ambient pressure, is an important alternative to (photo)electrochemical systems for practical solar hydrogen production.

Anchoring a uniform TiO{sub 2} layer on graphene oxide sheets as an efficient visible light photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cong, Ye, E-mail: congye626@126.com [Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081 (China); Long, Mei; Cui, Zhengwei [Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081 (China); Li, Xuanke [Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081 (China); Hubei Province Key Laboratory of High Temperature Ceramic and Refractory, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081 (China); Dong, Zhijun; Yuan, Guanming; Zhang, Jiang [Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081 (China)

2013-10-01

TiO{sub 2}–graphene oxide (GO) was successfully prepared by a two-step approach including the in situ growth of a uniform TiC layer on graphene oxide sheets and subsequently oxidation conversion of TiC to anatase TiO{sub 2}. The as-prepared composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. The results suggest that TiO{sub 2}–GO keep the similar morphology with the pristine GO sheets and the nanosize anatase TiO{sub 2} particles distribute uniformly and densely on the surface of GO sheets. TiO{sub 2} particles contact closely with GO via Ti-O-C bonds. The presence of GO provides a good support substrate and enhances the adsorption capacity and photo-degradation ability of the composite photocatalyst. And by adjusting the molar ratio of GO and titanium powder in the molten salt process, TiO{sub 2}–GO nanocomposites with controllable contents of GO and TiO{sub 2}, good adsorption capacity and excellent photo-degradation ability can be obtained.

Photoinduced Glycerol Oxidation over Plasmonic Au and AuM (M = Pt, Pd and Bi) Nanoparticle-Decorated TiO2 Photocatalysts

Science.gov (United States)

Jedsukontorn, Trin; Saito, Nagahiro; Hunsom, Mali

2018-01-01

In this study, sol-immobilization was used to prepare gold nanoparticle (Au NP)-decorated titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysts at different Au weight % (wt. %) loading (Aux/TiO2, where x is the Au wt. %) and Au–M NP-decorated TiO2 photocatalysts (Au3M3/TiO2), where M is bismuth (Bi), platinum (Pt) or palladium (Pd) at 3 wt. %. The Aux/TiO2 photocatalysts exhibited a stronger visible light absorption than the parent TiO2 due to the localized surface plasmon resonance effect. Increasing the Au content from 1 wt. % to 7 wt. % led to increased visible light absorption due to the increasing presence of defective structures that were capable of enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared catalyst. The addition of Pt and Pd coupled with the Au3/TiO2 to form Au3M3/TiO2 improved the photocatalytic activity of the Au3/TiO2 photocatalyst by maximizing their light-absorption property. The Au3/TiO2, Au3Pt3/TiO2 and Au3Pd3/TiO2 photocatalysts promoted the formation of glyceraldehyde from glycerol as the principle product, while Au3Bi3/TiO2 facilitated glycolaldehyde formation as the major product. Among all the prepared photocatalysts, Au3Pd3/TiO2 exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity with a 98.75% glycerol conversion at 24 h of reaction time. PMID:29690645

Constructing inverse V-type TiO{sub 2}-based photocatalyst via bio-template approach to enhance the photosynthetic water oxidation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jiang, Jinghui; Zhou, Han; Ding, Jian; Zhang, Fan; Fan, Tongxiang, E-mail: txfan@sjtu.edu.cn; Zhang, Di

2015-08-30

Graphical abstract: Inverse V-type TiO{sub 2}-based photocatalyst was synthesized by using cross-linked titanium precursor to duplicate bio-template. - Highlights: • Cross-linked titanium precursor can facilitate an accurate duplication of templates. • In situ deposition of Ag{sup 0} from AgBr can maintain the completeness of surface structure. • Perfect inverse V-type Ag{sup 0}/TiO{sub 2} can achieve efficient water oxidation. - Abstract: Bio-template approach was employed to construct inverse V-type TiO{sub 2}-based photocatalyst with well distributed AgBr in TiO{sub 2} matrix by making dead Troides Helena wings with inverse V-type scales as the template. A cross-linked titanium precursor with homogenous hydrolytic rate, good liquidity, and low viscosity was employed to facilitate a perfect duplication of the template and the dispersion of AgBr based on appropriate pretreatment of the template by alkali and acid. The as-synthesized inverse V-type TiO{sub 2}/AgBr can be turned into inverse V-type TiO{sub 2}/Ag{sup 0} from AgBr photolysis during photocatalysis to achieve in situ deposition of Ag{sup 0} in TiO{sub 2} matrix, by this approach, to avoid the deformation of surface microstructure inherited from the template. The result showed that the cooperation of perfect inverse V-type structure and the well distributed TiO{sub 2}/Ag{sup 0} microstructures can efficiently boost the photosynthetic water oxidation compared to non-inverse V-type TiO{sub 2}/Ag{sup 0} and TiO{sub 2}/Ag{sup 0} without using template. The anti-reflection function of inverse V-type structure and the plasmatic effect of Ag{sup 0} might be able to account for the enhanced photon capture and efficient photoelectric conversion.

Alternative photocatalysts to TiO2 for the photocatalytic reduction of CO2

Science.gov (United States)

Nikokavoura, Aspasia; Trapalis, Christos

2017-01-01

The increased concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, originating from the burning of fossil fuels in stationary and mobile sources, is referred as the "Anthropogenic Greenhouse Effect" and constitutes a major environmental concern. The scientific community is highly concerned about the resulting enhancement of the mean atmospheric temperature, so a vast diversity of methods has been applied. Thermochemical, electrochemical, photocatalytic, photoelectrochemical processes, as well as combination of solar electricity generation and water splitting processes have been performed in order to lower the CO2 atmospheric levels. Photocatalytic methods are environmental friendly and succeed in reducing the atmospheric CO2 concentration and producing fuels or/and useful organic compounds at the same time. The most common photocatalysts for the CO2 reduction are the inorganic, the carbon based semiconductors and the hybrids based on semiconductors, which combine stability, low cost and appropriate structure in order to accomplish redox reactions. In this review, inorganic semiconductors such as single-metal oxide, mixed-metal oxides, metal oxide composites, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), salt composites, carbon based semiconductors such as graphene based composites, CNT composites, g-C3N4 composites and hybrid organic-inorganic materials (ZIFs) were studied. TiO2 and Ti based photocatalysts are extensively studied and therefore in this review they are not mentioned.

Review on the Photocatalyst Coatings of TiO2: Fabrication by Mechanical Coating Technique and Its Application

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yun Lu

2015-07-01

Full Text Available This review presents the latest results of studies directed at photocatalyst coatings of titanium dioxide (TiO2 prepared by mechanical coating technique (MCT and its application. Compared with traditional coating techniques, MCT is a simple, low cost and useful coating formation process, which is proposed and developed based on mechanical frictional wear and impacts between substrate materials and metal powder particles in the bowl of planetary ball mill. The formation process of the metal coatings in MCT includes four stages: The nucleation by adhesion, the formation and coalescence of discrete islands, formation and thickening of continuous coatings, exfoliation of continuous coatings. Further, two-step MCT was developed based on the MCT concept for preparing composite coatings on alumina (Al2O3 balls. This review also discusses the influence on the fabrication of photocatalyst coatings after MCT and improvement of its photocatalytic activity: oxidation conditions, coating materials, melt salt treatment. In this review, the oxidation conditions had been studied on the oxidation temperature of 573 K, 673 K, 773 K, 873 K, 973 K, 1173 K and 1273 K, the oxidation time of 0.5 h, 1 h, 3 h, 10 h, 15 h, 20 h, 30 h, 40 h, and 50 h. The photocatalyst coatings showed the highest photocatalytic activity with the oxidation condition of 1073 K for 15 h. The metal powder of Ti, Ni and Cr had been used as the coating materials. The composite metal powder could affect the surface structure and photocatalytic activity. On the other hand, the melt salt treatment with KNO3 is an effective method to form the nano-size structure and enhance photocatalytic activity, especially under visible light.

ZnIr2O4: An efficient photocatalyst with Rashba splitting

KAUST Repository

Singh, Nirpendra

2013-11-01

Semiconductor-based photocatalysts nowadays are of central interest for the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen. However, the efficiency of the known materials is small for direct utilization of the solar energy. Using first-principles calculations, we show that ZnIr2O4 can overcome this shortage. Modified Becke-Johnson calculations give an indirect band of 2.25 eV, which can be reduced to the visible energy range by S doping. For 25% S doping we find a direct band gap of 1.25 eV and a Rashba spin splitting of 220 meV Å. The valence band edge potential is 2.89 V against the standard hydrogen electrode, which is sufficient for photocatalytic water oxidation and pollutant degradation. The optical absorption of S-doped ZnIr2O4 is strongly enhanced, making the material an efficient photocatalyst for visible light. © 2013 EPLA.

Development of Visible Light-Responsive Sensitized Photocatalysts

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Donghua Pei

2012-01-01

Full Text Available The paper presents a review of studies about the visible-light-promoted photodegradation of the contaminants and energy conversion with sensitized photocatalysts. Herein we studied mechanism, physical properties, and synergism effect of the sensitized photocatalysts as well as the method for enhancing the photosensitized effect. According to the reported studies in the literature, inorganic sensitizers, organic dyes, and coordination metal complexes were very effective sensitizers that were studied mostly, of which organic dyes photosensitization is the most widely studied modified method. Photosensitization is an important way to extend the excitation wavelength to the visible range, and therefore sensitized photocatalysts play an important role in the development of visible light-responsive photocatalysts for future industrialized applications. This paper mainly describes the types, modification, photocatalytic performance, application, and the developments of photosensitization for environmental application.

Hybrid artificial photosynthetic systems comprising semiconductors as light harvesters and biomimetic complexes as molecular cocatalysts.

Science.gov (United States)

Wen, Fuyu; Li, Can

2013-11-19

Solar fuel production through artificial photosynthesis may be a key to generating abundant and clean energy, thus addressing the high energy needs of the world's expanding population. As the crucial components of photosynthesis, the artificial photosynthetic system should be composed of a light harvester (e.g., semiconductor or molecular dye), a reduction cocatalyst (e.g., hydrogenase mimic, noble metal), and an oxidation cocatalyst (e.g., photosystem II mimic for oxygen evolution from water oxidation). Solar fuel production catalyzed by an artificial photosynthetic system starts from the absorption of sunlight by the light harvester, where charge separation takes place, followed by a charge transfer to the reduction and oxidation cocatalysts, where redox reaction processes occur. One of the most challenging problems is to develop an artificial photosynthetic solar fuel production system that is both highly efficient and stable. The assembly of cocatalysts on the semiconductor (light harvester) not only can facilitate the charge separation, but also can lower the activation energy or overpotential for the reactions. An efficient light harvester loaded with suitable reduction and oxidation cocatalysts is the key for high efficiency of artificial photosynthetic systems. In this Account, we describe our strategy of hybrid photocatalysts using semiconductors as light harvesters with biomimetic complexes as molecular cocatalysts to construct efficient and stable artificial photosynthetic systems. We chose semiconductor nanoparticles as light harvesters because of their broad spectral absorption and relatively robust properties compared with a natural photosynthesis system. Using biomimetic complexes as cocatalysts can significantly facilitate charge separation via fast charge transfer from the semiconductor to the molecular cocatalysts and also catalyze the chemical reactions of solar fuel production. The hybrid photocatalysts supply us with a platform to study the

A high-performance doped photocatalysts for inactivation of total coliforms in superficial waters using different sources of radiation.

Science.gov (United States)

Claro, Elis Marina Turini; Bidoia, Ederio Dino; de Moraes, Peterson Bueno

2016-07-15

Photocatalytic water treatment has a currently elevated electricity demand and maintenance costs, but the photocatalytic water treatment may also assist in overcoming the limitations and drawbacks of conventional water treatment processes. Among the Advanced Oxidation Processes, heterogeneous photocatalysis is one of the most widely and efficiently used processes to degrade and/or remove a wide range of polluting compounds. The goal of this work was to find out a highly efficient photocatalytic disinfection process in superficial water with different doped photocatalysts and using three sources of radiation: mercury vapor lamp, solar simulator and UV-A LED. Three doped photocatalysts were prepared, SiZnO, NSiZnO and FNSiZnO. The inactivation efficiency of each synthesized photocatalysts was compared to a TiO2 P25 (Degussa(®)) 0.5 g L(-1) control. Photolysis inactivation efficiency was 85% with UV-A LED, which is considered very high, demanding low electricity consumption in the process, whereas mercury vapor lamp and solar simulator yielded 19% and 13% inactivation efficiency, respectively. The best conditions were found with photocatalysts SiZnO, FNSiZnO and NSiZnO irradiated with UV-A LED, where efficiency exceeded 95% that matched inactivation of coliforms using the same irradiation and photocatalyst TiO2. All photocatalysts showed photocatalytic activity with all three radiation sources able to inactivate total coliforms from river water. The use of UV-A LED as the light source without photocatalyst is very promising, allowing the creation of cost-effective and highly efficient water treatment plants. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cobalt doped antimony oxide nano-particles based chemical sensor and photo-catalyst for environmental pollutants

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jamal, Aslam [Centre for Advanced Materials and Nano-Engineering (CAMNE) and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Najran University, P. O. Box 1988, Najran 11001 (Saudi Arabia); Rahman, Mohammed M. [Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR), King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589 (Saudi Arabia); Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589 (Saudi Arabia); Khan, Sher Bahadar, E-mail: drkhanmarwat@gmail.com [Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR), King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589 (Saudi Arabia); Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589 (Saudi Arabia); Faisal, Mohd. [Centre for Advanced Materials and Nano-Engineering (CAMNE) and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Najran University, P. O. Box 1988, Najran 11001 (Saudi Arabia); Akhtar, Kalsoom [Division of Nano Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750 (Korea, Republic of); Rub, Malik Abdul; Asiri, Abdullah M.; Al-Youbi, Abdulrahman O. [Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR), King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589 (Saudi Arabia); Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589 (Saudi Arabia)

2012-11-15

Graphical abstract: A dichloromethane chemical sensor using cobalt antimony oxides has been fabricated. This sensor showed high sensitivity and will be a useful candidate for environmental and health monitoring. Also it showed high photo-catalytic activity and can be a good candidate as a photo-catalyst for organic hazardous materials. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Reusable chemical sensor. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Green environmental and eco-friendly chemi-sensor. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer High sensitivity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Good candidate for environmental and health monitoring. - Abstract: Cobalt doped antimony oxide nano-particles (NPs) have been synthesized by hydrothermal process and structurally characterized by utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and Fourier transforms infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR) which revealed that the synthesized cobalt antimony oxides (CoSb{sub 2}O{sub 6}) are well crystalline nano-particles with an average particles size of 26 {+-} 10 nm. UV-visible absorption spectra ({approx}286 nm) were used to investigate the optical properties of CoSb{sub 2}O{sub 6}. The chemical sensing of CoSb{sub 2}O{sub 6} NPs have been primarily investigated by I-V technique, where dichloromethane is used as a model compound. The analytical performance of dichloromethane chemical sensor exhibits high sensitivity (1.2432 {mu}A cm{sup -2} mM{sup -1}) and a large linear dynamic range (1.0 {mu}M-0.01 M) in short response time (10 s). The photo catalytic activity of the synthesized CoSb{sub 2}O{sub 6} nano-particles was evaluated by degradation of acridine orange (AO), which degraded 58.37% in 200 min. These results indicate that CoSb{sub 2}O{sub 6} nano-particles can play an excellent research impact in the environmental field.

Advanced nanostructured photocatalysts based on reduced graphene oxide-flower-like Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} composites for an augmented simulated solar photoactivity activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Yukun [Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, 1st Xikang Road, Nanjing 210098 (China); Chen, Lin [Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, 1st Xikang Road, Nanjing 210098 (China); College of Environment, Hohai University, 1st Xikang Road, Nanjing 210098 (China); Wang, Yue [Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, 1st Xikang Road, Nanjing 210098 (China); Zhu, Liang, E-mail: liangzhu_hh@163.com [Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, 1st Xikang Road, Nanjing 210098 (China); College of Environment, Hohai University, 1st Xikang Road, Nanjing 210098 (China)

2016-08-15

Highlights: • A simple route was proposed to prepare flower-like Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} and RGO/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}. • Cipro HCl was degraded firstly by RGO/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} under the visible-light. • 2% RGO/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} exhibited the best removal efficiency. - Abstract: A simple hydrothermal process was proposed to prepare the flower-like Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} architectures, and the as-synthesized Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} photocatalysts were further processed with the prepared graphene oxide (GO) to form novel reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} composites. The nano-materials were characterized with the help of XRD, XPS, SEM, FTIR, UV-DRS, PL techniques to investigate their morphological, physical, optical, and photochemical properties. Photocatalytic performances of the pure flower-like Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} architectures and RGO/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} composites were compared and evaluated through the degradation of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (Cipro HCl) wastewater under the simulated visible light. It was found that the RGO/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} composites displayed enhanced visible light-driven photocatalytic activities. It might be that the RGO loading not only effectively suppressed the electron–hole recombination, but also increased the light absorption ability. The effects of operating condition involved in the photocatalytic process were further examined, and the cycle-stability experiment demonstrated that as-obtained 2% RGO/Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} photocatalysts had good photocatalytic repeatability.

Photochemistry Aspects of the Laser Pyrolysis Addressing the Preparation of Oxide Semiconductor Photocatalysts

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

R. Alexandrescu

2008-01-01

Full Text Available The laser pyrolysis is a powerful and a versatile tool for the gas-phase synthesis of nanoparticles. In this paper, some fundamental and applicative characteristics of this technique are outlined and recent results obtained in the preparation of gamma iron oxide (γ-Fe2O3 and titania (TiO2 semiconductor nanostructures are illustrated. Nanosized iron oxide particles (4 to 9 nm diameter values have been directly synthesized by the laser-induced pyrolysis of a mixture containing iron pentacarbonyl/air (as oxidizer/ethylene (as sensitizer. Temperature-dependent Mossbauer spectroscopy shows that mainly maghemite is present in the sample obtained at higher laser power. The use of selected Fe2O3 samples for the preparation of water-dispersed magnetic nanofluids is also discussed. TiO2 nanoparticles comprising a mixture of anatase and rutile phases were synthesized via the laser pyrolysis of TiCl4- (vapors based gas-phase mixtures. High precursor concentration of the oxidizer was found to favor the prevalent anatase phase (about 90% in the titania nanopowders.

Coated silicon comprising material for protection against environmental corrosion

Science.gov (United States)

Hazel, Brian Thomas (Inventor)

2009-01-01

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, an article is disclosed. The article comprises a gas turbine engine component substrate comprising a silicon material; and an environmental barrier coating overlying the substrate, wherein the environmental barrier coating comprises cerium oxide, and the cerium oxide reduces formation of silicate glass on the substrate upon exposure to corrodant sulfates.

Toward visible light response: Overall water splitting using heterogeneous photocatalysts

KAUST Repository

Takanabe, Kazuhiro

2011-01-01

Extensive energy conversion of solar energy can only be achieved by large-scale collection of solar flux. The technology that satisfies this requirement must be as simple as possible to reduce capital cost. Overall water splitting by powder-form photocatalysts directly produces a mixture of H 2 and O2 (chemical energy) in a single reactor, which does not require any complicated parabolic mirrors and electronic devices. Because of its simplicity and low capital cost, it has tremendous potential to become the major technology of solar energy conversion. Development of highly efficient photocatalysts is desired. This review addresses why visible light responsive photocatalysts are essential to be developed. The state of the art for the photocatalysts for overall water splitting is briefly described. Moreover, various fundamental aspects for developing efficient photocatalysts, such as particle size of photocatalysts, cocatalysts, and reaction kinetics are discussed. Copyright © 2011 De Gruyter.

Novel ZnWO4/RGO nanocomposite as high performance photocatalyst

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohamed Jaffer Sadiq Mohamed

2017-01-01

Full Text Available In this study, we report the synthesis of nanocomposite material composed of zinc tungstate (ZnWO4 and reduced graphene oxide (RGO as photocatalyst by a simple microwave irradiation technique. The prepared nanocomposites have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD, transmission electron microscopy (TEM, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR, photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of the prepared nanocomposites are evaluated in terms of the efficiencies of photodegradation of methylene blue (MB dye in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The prepared nanocomposites showed excellent photodegradation efficiency compared to the commercial TiO2 under visible light irradiation. The activity of the catalyst towards methyl orange (MO and rhodamine B (RB was also good. Further, in view of the low cost, simple preparation method and high catalytic activity of the material, it is expected that the prepared nanocomposite can serve as an environment friendly photocatalyst for treating the large scale industrial waste waters.

Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene Oxide-Modified Bi2WO6 and Its Use as Photocatalyst

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xiaoyue Hu

2016-01-01

Full Text Available A Bi2WO6 photocatalyst modified with graphene was synthesized in a two-step template-free hydrothermal process. The prepared samples were characterized to explore their properties. The photocatalytic activities of the prepared samples were investigated by degrading dye model, Rhodamine B (RhB, under visible light irradiation. This showed that the modified Bi2WO6 photocatalyst with 1.2 wt% of graphene greatly improved photocatalytic activity during the degradation of dye pollutants, compared to pure Bi2WO6. The enhancement can be interpreted as the integrated effects of ultrahigh charge carriers’ mobility and high adsorption of RhB on graphene. Additionally, effects including catalysts dosage amount, pH of RhB solution, and temperature of reactor on the photocatalytically degrading RhB were also studied and discussed.

Mixed ZnO-TiO2 Suspended Solution as an Efficient Photocatalyst for Decolonization of a Textile Dye from Waste Water

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohammad Ali Mooji

2015-03-01

Full Text Available Introduction: Textile industries produce large volume of colored dye effluents which are toxic and removal of dyes from wastewater is a significant environmental issue. Advanced oxidation process (AOPs is alternative method for the complete degradation many organic pollutants. ZnO and TiO2 are important photocatalysts with high catalytic activity that have attracted much research attention. Material and Methods: Mixed ZnO/TiO2 was prepared with mixing of ZnO and TiO2 (20, 40, 60, 80 % (w/w. 20 mL of dye solution (80 mgL-1 for DB71 containing the appropriate quantity of photocatalyst was magnetically stirred under UV irradiation. Photocatalytic study was carried out to evaluate the effect of UV (400 W, ZnO/TiO2 weight percent (20, 40, 60, 80 % (w/w, pH (2.3 – 9.2, irradiation time of (10 – 70 min, initial dye concentration of (10, 40, 80 mg/L and ZnO/TiO2 dosage of (0.2 – 1.6 g/L on removal of dye. Dye concentration was monitored spectrophotometrically by measuring the dye absorbance at 285 nm. Results: In comparison with TiO2 or ZnO as photocatalyst, mixed photocatalyst (ZnO/TiO2 is more efficient catalyst for degradation of dye under UV irradiation Results show that approximately 90 % of Direct Blue 71 has been eliminated after 70 minutes and optimized condition ((pH = 6.4, ZnO/TiO2 (50% w/w, 1.25 g/L. Experiments showed, the noticeable decolorization of dye solution can be done without any oxidation agent with mixed ZnO/TiO2 photocatalyst.

Ag-based semiconductor photocatalysts in environmental purification

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Jiade; Fang, Wen [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); Zhou, Wanqin [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); Zhu, Lihua [School of Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province (China); Xie, Yu, E-mail: xieyu_121@163.com [College of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, Jiangxi (China)

2015-12-15

Graphical abstract: Ag-based semiconductors as promising visible light-driven photocatalysts have aroused much interesting due to their strong visible light responsibility. Formation of heterojunction could largely promote the electron/hole pair separation, resulting in highly photocatalytic activity and stability. - Highlights: • Recent research progress in the fabrication and application of Ag-based semiconductor photocatalyts. • The advantages and disadvantages of Ag-based semiconductor as photocatalysts. • Strategies in design Ag-based semiconductor photocatalysts with high performance. - Abstract: Over the past decades, with the fast development of global industrial development, various organic pollutants discharged in water have become a major source of environmental pollution in waste fields. Photocatalysis, as green and environmentally friendly technology, has attracted much attention in pollutants degradation due to its efficient degradation rate. However, the practical application of traditional semiconductor photocatalysts, e.g. TiO{sub 2}, ZnO, is limited by their weak visible light adsorption due to their wide band gaps. Nowadays, the study in photocatalysts focuses on new and narrow band gap semiconductors. Among them, Ag-based semiconductors as promising visible light-driven photocatalysts have aroused much interesting due to their strong visible light responsibility. Most of Ag-based semiconductors could exhibit high initial photocatalytic activity. But they easy suffer from poor stability because of photochemical corrosion. Design heterojunction, increasing specific surface area, enriching pore structure, regulating morphology, controlling crystal facets, and producing plasmonic effects were considered as the effective strategies to improve the photocatalytic performance of Ag-based photocatalyts. Moreover, combining the superior properties of carbon materials (e.g. carbon quantum dots, carbon nano-tube, carbon nanofibers, graphene) with Ag

Ag-based semiconductor photocatalysts in environmental purification

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Jiade; Fang, Wen; Yu, Changlin; Zhou, Wanqin; Zhu, Lihua; Xie, Yu

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: Ag-based semiconductors as promising visible light-driven photocatalysts have aroused much interesting due to their strong visible light responsibility. Formation of heterojunction could largely promote the electron/hole pair separation, resulting in highly photocatalytic activity and stability. - Highlights: • Recent research progress in the fabrication and application of Ag-based semiconductor photocatalyts. • The advantages and disadvantages of Ag-based semiconductor as photocatalysts. • Strategies in design Ag-based semiconductor photocatalysts with high performance. - Abstract: Over the past decades, with the fast development of global industrial development, various organic pollutants discharged in water have become a major source of environmental pollution in waste fields. Photocatalysis, as green and environmentally friendly technology, has attracted much attention in pollutants degradation due to its efficient degradation rate. However, the practical application of traditional semiconductor photocatalysts, e.g. TiO 2 , ZnO, is limited by their weak visible light adsorption due to their wide band gaps. Nowadays, the study in photocatalysts focuses on new and narrow band gap semiconductors. Among them, Ag-based semiconductors as promising visible light-driven photocatalysts have aroused much interesting due to their strong visible light responsibility. Most of Ag-based semiconductors could exhibit high initial photocatalytic activity. But they easy suffer from poor stability because of photochemical corrosion. Design heterojunction, increasing specific surface area, enriching pore structure, regulating morphology, controlling crystal facets, and producing plasmonic effects were considered as the effective strategies to improve the photocatalytic performance of Ag-based photocatalyts. Moreover, combining the superior properties of carbon materials (e.g. carbon quantum dots, carbon nano-tube, carbon nanofibers, graphene) with Ag

Development of Fe/Nb-based solar photocatalysts for water treatment: impact of different synthesis routes on materials properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Ribeiro, Marília C M; Amorim, Camila C; Moreira, Regina F P M; Oliveira, Luiz C A; Henriques, Andréia B; Leão, Mônica M D

2018-04-27

Semiconductors based on Fe/Nb oxides can present both solar sensitivity and high catalytic activity. However, there is still a lack regarding the comparison between different routes to produce Fe/Nb-based solar photocatalysts and the evaluation of the impact of the synthesis operating conditions on the material properties. In this work, Fe/Nb 2 O 5 ratio, type of precipitating agent, presence/absence of washing stage, and temperature of calcination were verified to be the most relevant parameters in the synthesis by the co-precipitation method. These factors led to remarkable differences in the properties and performance of the photocatalysts produced by each distinct synthesis route. Composition, iron species present in the materials, crystallinity characteristics, and pH of the catalysts were affected, leading to different photocatalytic activities under UV-Vis light. Due to their characteristics, the synthesized materials are potential photocatalysts for application in solar processes. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Controllable synthesis of mesoporous multi-shelled ZnO microspheres as efficient photocatalysts for NO oxidation

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Xiaolang; Zhang, Huiqiang; Zhang, Dieqing; Miao, Yingchun; Li, Guisheng

2018-03-01

The successful application of hierarchically porous structure in environmental treatment has provided new insights for solving environmental problems. Hierarchically structured semiconductor materials were considered as promising photocatalysts for NO oxidation in gas phase. Multi-shelled ZnO microspheres (MMSZ) were controllably shaped with hierarchically porous structures via a facile hydrothermal route using amino acid (N-Acetyl-D-Proline) as template and post-calcination treatment. Symmetric Ostwald ripening was used to explain the morphological evolution of hierarchical nanostructure. MMSZ was proved highly efficient for oxidizing NO (400 ppb) in gas phase under UV light irradiation with a much higher photocatalytic removal rate (77.3%) than that of the as-obtained ZnO crystals with other hierachically porous structures, owing to its higher photocurrent intensity. Such greatly enhanced photocatalytic activity can be assigned to the enhanced crystallinity of ZnO, mesopores and unique multi-shelled structure. Enhanced crystallinity promotes photogenerated charges under light irradiation. Mesoporous porosity can ensure enough light scattering between the shells. Multi-shelled structure endows ZnO with higher specific surface area and high frequency of multiple light reflection, resulting in more exposed active sites, higher light utilization efficiency, and fast separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers. The experimental results demonstrated that the photogenerated holes (h+) are the main active species. Hierarchically structured ZnO is not only contributed to directly use solar energy to solving various problems caused by atmospheric pollution, but also has potential applications in energy converse and storage including solar cells, lithium batteries, water-splitting, etc.

Solvothermal fabrication of activated semi-coke supported TiO2-rGO nanocomposite photocatalysts and application for NO removal under visible light

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Weiwei; Li, Chunhu; Wang, Liang; Sun, ShengNan; Yan, Xin

2015-10-01

The photocatalysts of activated semi-coke supported TiO2-rGO nanocomposite (TiO2-rGO/ASC) with different contents of reduced graphene oxide were fabricated by one-step solvothermal method for NO removal under visible light irradiation. It was confirmed that 8% content of reduced graphene oxide presented the best NO photooxidation performance under visible light irradiation at 70 °C with 350-400 mg/m3 NO,5% O2 and 5% relative humidity. The reasons for improved activity were discussed, alloyed with the mechanism of producing CO. Detailed structural information of TiO2-rGO/ASC photocatalysts was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS) and photoluminescence (PL), which indicated that the introduction of rGO was responsible for well dispersion, smaller crystalline size, red shift of absorption band and suppressing quick photo-induced charges recombination of TiO2-rGO/ASC photocatalysts. Optimization of operational parameters with 70 °C, 8% O2 and 8% relative humidity were also obtained. Deactivation of TiO2-rGO/ASC photocatalysts for NO removal was investigated by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Regeneration experiments showed that thermal vapor regeneration would be optimal method owing to excellent regenerative capacity and inexpensive procedure.

Diffused sunlight driven highly synergistic pathway for complete mineralization of organic contaminants using reduced graphene oxide supported photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Babu, Sundaram Ganesh; Ramalingam Vinoth [SRM Research Institute, SRM University, Kattankulathur 603203, Chennai, Tamilnadu (India); Neppolian, Bernaurdshaw, E-mail: neppolian.b@res.srmuniv.ac.in [SRM Research Institute, SRM University, Kattankulathur 603203, Chennai, Tamilnadu (India); Dionysiou, Dionysios D. [Environmental Engineering and Science Program, Department of Biomedical, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0012 (United States); Ashokkumar, Muthupandian [The School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3010 (Australia)

2015-06-30

Highlights: • Diffused sunlight is firstly used as an effective source for the degradation of organics. • More than 10 fold synergistic effect is achieved by sono-photocatalysis. • rGO enhances the degradation efficiency up to 54% as compared with CuO–TiO{sub 2} alone. • Plausible mechanism and intermediates formed are supported with experimental studies. - Abstract: Diffused sunlight is found to be an effective light source for the efficient degradation and mineralization of organic pollutant (methyl orange as a probe) by sono-photocatalytic degradation using reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supported CuO–TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst. The prepared catalysts are characterized by XRD, XPS, UV–vis DRS, PL, photoelectrochemical, SEM-EDS and TEM. A 10 fold synergy is achieved for the first time by combining sonochemical and photocatalytic degradation under diffused sunlight. rGO loading augments the activity of bare CuO–TiO{sub 2} more than two fold. The ability of rGO in storing, transferring, and shuttling electrons at the heterojunction between TiO{sub 2} and CuO facilitates the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, as evidenced by the photoluminescence results. The complete mineralization of MO and the by-products within a short span of time is confirmed by TOC analysis. Further, hydroxyl radical mediated degradation under diffused sunlight is confirmed by LC–MS. This system shows similar activity for the degradation of methylene blue and 4-chlorophenol indicating the versatility of the catalyst for the degradation of various pollutants. This investigation is likely to open new possibilities for the development of highly efficient diffused sunlight driven TiO{sub 2} based photocatalysts for the complete mineralization of organic contaminants.

Nitrogen doped nanocrystalline semiconductor metal oxide: An efficient UV active photocatalyst for the oxidation of an organic dye using slurry Photoreactor.

Science.gov (United States)

Ramachandran, Saranya; Sivasamy, A; Kumar, B Dinesh

2016-12-01

Water pollution is a cause for serious concern in today's world. A major contributor to water pollution is industrial effluents containing dyes and other organic molecules. Waste water treatment has become a priority area in today's applied scientific research as it seeks to minimize the toxicity of the effluents being discharged and increase the possibility of water recycling. An efficient and eco-friendly way of degrading toxic molecules is to use nano metal-oxide photocatalysts. The present study aims at enhancing the photocatalytic activity of a semiconductor metal oxide by doping it with nitrogen. A sol-gel cum combustion method was employed to synthesize the catalyst. The prepared catalyst was characterized by FT-IR, XRD, UV-DRS, FESEM and AFM techniques. UV-DRS result showed the catalyst to possess band gap energy of 2.97eV, thus making it active in the UV region of the spectrum. Its photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of a model pollutant-Orange G dye, under UV light irradiation. Preliminary experiments were carried out to study the effects of pH, catalyst dosage and initial dye concentration on the extent of dye degradation. Kinetic studies revealed that the reaction followed pseudo first order kinetics. The effect of electrolytes on catalyst efficiency was also studied. The progress of the reaction was monitored by absorption studies and measuring the reduction in COD. The catalyst thus prepared was seen to have a high photocatalytic efficiency. The use of this catalyst is a promising means of waste water treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of Ta3N5 as an Efficient Visible Light-responsive Photocatalyst for Water Oxidation

KAUST Repository

Nurlaela, Ela

2015-09-01

Along with many other solar energy conversion processes, research on photocatalytic water splitting to generate hydrogen and oxygen has experienced rapid major development over the past years. Developing an efficient visible-light-responsive photocatalyst has been one of the targets of such research efforts. In this regard, nitride materials, particularly Ta3N5, have been the subject of investigation due to their promising properties. This dissertation focuses on the fundamental parameters involved in the photocatalytic processes targeting overall water splitting using Ta3N5 as a model photocatalyst. The discussion primarily focuses on relevant parameters that are involved in photon absorption, exciton separation, carrier diffusion, carrier transport, and catalytic efficiency. A collection of theoretical and experimental studies of properties associated with Ta3N5 have been utilized to obtain a comprehensive understanding of this material. The fundamental structural and optoelectronic properties of Ta3N5 have been addressed. From the electronic properties, the dielectric constant and effective masses have been calculated. Because of its high dielectric constant and relatively low effective masses, Ta3N5 is promising for photocatalytic reaction applications. Studies of lattice dynamics, optical properties, and band positions have been able to clearly show that the synthesized Ta3N5 is essentially non-stoichiometric and that a truly pure phase of Ta3N5 has never been achieved, even though XRD has shown a pure phase sample. The photophysical properties of Ta3N5, such as the absorption coefficient, carrier mobility, and carrier lifetime, have been experimentally measured by synthesizing Ta3N5 thin films. Very low kinetic properties with very low transport properties and fast carrier recombination explained why overall water splitting has never been achieved with Ta3N5 as a photocatalyst to date. The extent to which the surface states of Ta3N5 photocatalysts affect

Particulate photocatalysts for overall water splitting

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Shanshan; Takata, Tsuyoshi; Domen, Kazunari

2017-10-01

The conversion of solar energy to chemical energy is a promising way of generating renewable energy. Hydrogen production by means of water splitting over semiconductor photocatalysts is a simple, cost-effective approach to large-scale solar hydrogen synthesis. Since the discovery of the Honda-Fujishima effect, considerable progress has been made in this field, and numerous photocatalytic materials and water-splitting systems have been developed. In this Review, we summarize existing water-splitting systems based on particulate photocatalysts, focusing on the main components: light-harvesting semiconductors and co-catalysts. The essential design principles of the materials employed for overall water-splitting systems based on one-step and two-step photoexcitation are also discussed, concentrating on three elementary processes: photoabsorption, charge transfer and surface catalytic reactions. Finally, we outline challenges and potential advances associated with solar water splitting by particulate photocatalysts for future commercial applications.

Design and Development of Mixed-Metal Oxide Photocatalysts: the Band Engineering Approach

Science.gov (United States)

Boltersdorf, Jonathan Andrew

(I), Pb(II), Sn(II), Bi(III); B = Ta, Nb), Pb3Ta 4O13, PbTa2O6, Bi7Ta 3O18, and Sn2TiO4. The impact of the dimensionality of the structural features on the photocatalytic activities of the metal-oxides will be examined. A comparison of the influence of Ag(I), Pb(II), Sn(II), and Bi(III) cations in combination with Ti(IV), Nb(V), and Ta(V) cations on the optical properties and photocatalytic rates of the mixed-metal oxides will be presented. The results of these investigations have led to new insights into synthetic strategies for the development of new metal-oxide photocatalysts, which have aided in understanding the effects of transition and post-transition metals, structural features, and flux-mediated synthesis methods on the optical and photocatalytic properties of metal oxides for solar fuel production.

GAS SEPARATION MEMBRANES COMPRISING PERMEABILITY ENHANCING ADDITIVES

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Wessling, Matthias; Sterescu, D.M.; Stamatialis, Dimitrios

2007-01-01

The present invention relates to polymer compositions comprising a (co)polymer comprising (a) an arylene oxide moiety and (b) a dendritic (co)polymer, a hyperbranched (co)polymer or a mixture thereof, and the use of these polymer compositions as membrane materials for the separation of gases. The

Heterogeneous semiconductor photocatalysts for hydrogen production from aqueous solutions of electron donors

Science.gov (United States)

Kozlova, E. A.; Parmon, V. N.

2017-09-01

Current views on heterogeneous photocatalysts for visible- and near-UV-light-driven production of molecular hydrogen from water and aqueous solutions of inorganic and organic electron donors are analyzed and summarized. Main types of such photocatalysts and methods for their preparation are considered. Particular attention is paid to semiconductor photocatalysts based on sulfides that are known to be sensitive to visible light. The known methods for increasing the quantum efficiency of the target process are discussed, including design of the structure, composition and texture of semiconductor photocatalysts and variation of the medium pH and the substrate and photocatalyst concentrations. Some important aspects of the activation and deactivation of sulfide photocatalysts and the evolution of their properties in the course of hydrogen production processes in the presence of various types of electron donors are analyzed. The bibliography includes 276 references.

Reduced graphene oxide wrapped Cu2O supported on C3N4: An efficient visible light responsive semiconductor photocatalyst

Science.gov (United States)

Ganesh Babu, S.; Vinoth, R.; Surya Narayana, P.; Bahnemann, Detlef; Neppolian, B.

2015-10-01

Herein, Cu2O spheres were prepared and encapsulated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The Cu2O-rGO-C3N4 composite covered the whole solar spectrum with significant absorption intensity. rGO wrapped Cu2O loading caused a red shift in the absorption with respect to considering the absorption of bare C3N4. The photoluminescence study confirms that rGO exploited as an electron transport layer at the interface of Cu2O and C3N4 heterojunction. Utmost, ˜2 fold synergistic effect was achieved with Cu2O-rGO-C3N4 for the photocatalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol in comparison with Cu2O-rGO and C3N4. The Cu2O-rGO-C3N4 photocatalyst was reused for four times without loss in its activity.

A facile method for synthesis of graphene-coated hexagonal ZnO photocatalyst with enhanced photodegradation activity

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Yunlong; Zhang, Yuzhi

2017-12-01

A kind of hexagonal ZnO (HZO) was synthesized in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)/H2O mixed solvent for a high exposure of polar ±(0001) facets to get a high-efficiency photocatalyst. The amine-functionalized HZO particles were coated with graphene oxide (GO) by electrostatic force-induced self-assemby and thermal reduction to form HZO@Gr core/shell structure. The as-prepared HZO and HZO@Gr were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis/DRS). The results indicate that the graphene on HZO@Gr remains high quality and the optical properties of the composite change a lot with sunlight absorption improving, bandgap and photoluminescence (PL) intensity decreasing. The obtained HZO photocatalyst shows good photocatalytic activity for methylene blue (MB) under UV-visible irradiation. Furthermore, the HZO@Gr photocatalyst exhibits the best photodegradation rate of MB reaching up to 98.2% within 50 minutes. The graphene-coated HZO structure could offer new directions which would further extend the scope for synthesis of various ZnO/graphene composites with improved properties useful for various applications.

Au/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals as an efficient anode photocatalyst in direct methanol fuel cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Wei-Ta; Lin, Yin-Kai; Yang, Ting-Ting; Pu, Ying-Chih; Hsu, Yung-Jung

2013-10-04

Au/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals with controllable shell thicknesses were synthesized using a cysteine-assisted hydrothermal method. Incorporating Au/ZnS nanocrystals into the traditional Pt-catalyzed half-cell reaction led to a 43.3% increase in methanol oxidation current under light illumination, demonstrating their promising potential for metal/semiconductor hybrid nanocrystals as the anode photocatalyst in direct methanol fuel cells.

Solvothermal fabrication of activated semi-coke supported TiO{sub 2}-rGO nanocomposite photocatalysts and application for NO removal under visible light

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yang, Weiwei; Li, Chunhu, E-mail: lichunhu@ouc.edu.cn; Wang, Liang; Sun, ShengNan; Yan, Xin

2015-10-30

Highlights: • Activated semi-coke supported TiO{sub 2}-rGO photocatalysts were fabricated by one-step solvothermal method. • The photocatalytic performance for NO removal was studied under visible light irradiation. • The introduction of rGO is responsible for superior photocatalytic activity. • Optimum operational parameters at 70 °C, with 8% O{sub 2} and 8% relative humidity were obtained. • Thermal vapor regeneration is the most suitable generation method. - Abstract: The photocatalysts of activated semi-coke supported TiO{sub 2}-rGO nanocomposite (TiO{sub 2}-rGO/ASC) with different contents of reduced graphene oxide were fabricated by one-step solvothermal method for NO removal under visible light irradiation. It was confirmed that 8% content of reduced graphene oxide presented the best NO photooxidation performance under visible light irradiation at 70 °C with 350–400 mg/m{sup 3} NO,5% O{sub 2} and 5% relative humidity. The reasons for improved activity were discussed, alloyed with the mechanism of producing CO. Detailed structural information of TiO{sub 2}-rGO/ASC photocatalysts was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–Vis DRS) and photoluminescence (PL), which indicated that the introduction of rGO was responsible for well dispersion, smaller crystalline size, red shift of absorption band and suppressing quick photo-induced charges recombination of TiO{sub 2}-rGO/ASC photocatalysts. Optimization of operational parameters with 70 °C, 8% O{sub 2} and 8% relative humidity were also obtained. Deactivation of TiO{sub 2}-rGO/ASC photocatalysts for NO removal was investigated by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Regeneration experiments showed that thermal vapor regeneration would be optimal method owing to excellent regenerative capacity and inexpensive procedure.

Graphene Modified TiO2 Composite Photocatalysts: Mechanism, Progress and Perspective

Science.gov (United States)

Tang, Bo; Chen, Haiqun; Peng, Haoping; Wang, Zhengwei; Huang, Weiqiu

2018-01-01

Graphene modified TiO2 composite photocatalysts have drawn increasing attention because of their high performance. Some significant advancements have been achieved with the continuous research, such as the corresponding photocatalytic mechanism that has been revealed. Specific influencing factors have been discovered and potential optimizing methods are proposed. The latest developments in graphene assisted TiO2 composite photocatalysts are abstracted and discussed. Based on the primary reasons behind the observed phenomena of these composite photocatalysts, probable development directions and further optimizing strategies are presented. Moreover, several novel detective technologies—beyond the decomposition test—which can be used to judge the photocatalytic performances of the resulting photocatalysts are listed and analyzed. Although some objectives have been achieved, new challenges still exist and hinder the widespread application of graphene-TiO2 composite photocatalysts, which deserves further study. PMID:29439545

Preparation of magnetic composite based on zinc oxide nanoparticles and chitosan as a photocatalyst for removal of reactive blue 198

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nguyen, Van Cuong; Nguyen, Ngoc Lam Giang; Hue Pho, Quoc

2015-01-01

In this study a novel magnetic composite used as a photocatalyst with combination of zinc oxide nanoparticles and chitosan (ZnO/Fe 3 O 4 /CS) was synthesized by a simple co-precipitation method. The role of the prepared magnetic nanocomposite is to improve the removal efficiency of textile dye due to the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles and reusable capacity of Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles. Constituents and structure properties of ZnO/Fe 3 O 4 /CS were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Magnetic property of the prepared composite was determined by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The results demonstrated that ZnO/Fe 3 O 4 /CS nanocomposite dramatically improved the removal efficiency of reactive blue 198 dye (RB198) with high photocatalytic activity and easy separation by a permanent magnet. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of the prepared composite was also performed under different parameters such as contact time, initial pH, the amount of composite and initial concentration of RB198. Interestingly, ZnO/Fe 3 O 4 /CS nanocomposite still showed high removal efficiency after recycling three times and performed in a real textile dyeing wastewater. (paper)

Phenol degradation by TiO2 photocatalysts combined with different pulsed discharge systems.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Yi; Lu, Jiani; Wang, Xiaoping; Xin, Qing; Cong, Yanqing; Wang, Qi; Li, Chunjuan

2013-11-01

Films of TiO2 nanotubes distributed over the inner surface of a discharge reactor cylinder (CTD) or adhered to a stainless steel electrode surface (PTD) in a discharge reactor were compared with a single-discharge (SD) system to investigate their efficiencies in phenol degradation. Morphology studies indicated that the TiO2 film was destroyed in the PTD system, but that there was no change in the CTD system after discharge. X-ray diffraction results revealed that the anatase phase of the original sample was preserved in the CTD system, but that an anatase-to-rutile phase transformation occurred in the PTD system after discharge. The highest efficiencies of phenol degradation and total organic carbon (TOC) mineralization were observed in the CTD system, and there was no decrease in phenol degradation efficiency upon reuse of a TiO2 film, indicating high catalysis activity and stability of the TiO2 photocatalysts in the combined treatment. TiO2 photocatalysts favored the formation of hydrogen peroxide and disfavored the formation of ozone. A greater degree of oxidation of intermediates and higher energy efficiency in phenol oxidation were observed with the TiO2-plasma systems, especially in the CTD system, compared to those with the SD system. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Application of Photocatalysts and LED Light Sources in Drinking Water Treatment

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gopal Achari

2013-09-01

Full Text Available This study investigates a cross-section of TiO2 compositions for which existing evidence suggests the prospect of improved performance compared to standard Degussa P25. In the context of a program aimed toward a 365 nm LED based photo-reactor, the question is whether a distinctly superior photocatalyst composition for drinking water treatment is now available that would shape design choices. An answer was sought by synthesizing several photocatalysts with reported high reactivity in some context in the literature, and by performing photocatalysts reactivity tests using common pollutants of water system including Natural Organic Matter (NOM and Emerging Contaminants (ECs from the pesticide and pharmaceutical classes. 365 nm Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs were used as the irradiation source. Since LEDs are now available in the UV, we did not examine the TiO2 modifications that bring band gap excitation into the region beyond 400 nm. The results suggest that the choice of the photocatalyst should be best made to fit the reactor design and photocatalyst mounting constraints such as mass transport, reactive surface, and light field. No photocatalyst composition overall, superior for all classes emerged.

2011 Final Report - Nano-Oxide Photocatalysis for Solar Energy Conversion

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Eckstein, James N.; Suslick, Kenneth S.

2011-10-19

We have very recently discovered a new hydrogen-producing photocatalyst is BiNbO4. BiNbO4 powders prepared by solid state reaction were tested for photocatalytic activity in methanol solutions under UV irradiation. When the material is tested without the presence of a Pt co-catalyst, photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution is superior to that of TiO2. It was also found that BiNbO4 photodegrades into metallic Bi and reduced Nb oxides after use; materials were characterized by SEM, XRD, and XPS. Adding Pt to the surface of the photocatalyst increases photocatalytic activity and importantly, helps to prevent photodegradation of the oxide material. With 1 wt. % Pt loading, photodegradation is essentially absent. BiNbO4 photodegrades into metallic Bi and reduced Nb oxides after use; materials were characterized by SEM, XRD, and XPS. Adding Pt to the surface of the photocatalyst increases photocatalytic activity and importantly, helps to prevent photodegradation of the oxide material. With 1 wt. % Pt loading, photodegradation is essentially absent.

Dye-sensitized photocatalyst for effective water splitting catalyst

Science.gov (United States)

Watanabe, Motonori

2017-12-01

Renewable hydrogen production is a sustainable method for the development of next-generation energy technologies. Utilising solar energy and photocatalysts to split water is an ideal method to produce hydrogen. In this review, the fundamental principles and recent progress of hydrogen production by artificial photosynthesis are reviewed, focusing on hydrogen production from photocatalytic water splitting using organic-inorganic composite-based photocatalysts.

The use of nanoscale visible light-responsive photocatalyst TiO2-Pt for the elimination of soil-borne pathogens.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ya-Lei Chen

Full Text Available Exposure to the soil-borne pathogens Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia cenocepacia can lead to severe infections and even mortality. These pathogens exhibit a high resistance to antibiotic treatments. In addition, no licensed vaccine is currently available. A nanoscale platinum-containing titania photocatalyst (TiO(2-Pt has been shown to have a superior visible light-responsive photocatalytic ability to degrade chemical contaminants like nitrogen oxides. The antibacterial activity of the catalyst and its potential use in soil pathogen control were evaluated. Using the plating method, we found that TiO(2-Pt exerts superior antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli compared to other commercially available and laboratory prepared ultraviolet/visible light-responsive titania photocatalysts. TiO(2-Pt-mediated photocatalysis also affectively eliminates the soil-borne bacteria B. pseudomallei and B. cenocepacia. An air pouch infection mouse model further revealed that TiO(2-Pt-mediated photocatalysis could reduce the pathogenicity of both strains of bacteria. Unexpectedly, water containing up to 10% w/v dissolved soil particles did not reduce the antibacterial potency of TiO(2-Pt, suggesting that the TiO(2-Pt photocatalyst is suitable for use in soil-contaminated environments. The TiO(2-Pt photocatalyst exerted superior antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of human pathogens, including B. pseudomallei and B. cenocepacia. Soil particles (<10% w/v did not significantly reduce the antibacterial activity of TiO(2-Pt in water. These findings suggest that the TiO(2-Pt photocatalyst may have potential applications in the development of bactericides for soil-borne pathogens.

Reduced graphene oxide wrapped Cu2O supported on C3N4: An efficient visible light responsive semiconductor photocatalyst

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

S. Ganesh Babu

2015-10-01

Full Text Available Herein, Cu2O spheres were prepared and encapsulated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO. The Cu2O–rGO–C3N4 composite covered the whole solar spectrum with significant absorption intensity. rGO wrapped Cu2O loading caused a red shift in the absorption with respect to considering the absorption of bare C3N4. The photoluminescence study confirms that rGO exploited as an electron transport layer at the interface of Cu2O and C3N4 heterojunction. Utmost, ∼2 fold synergistic effect was achieved with Cu2O–rGO–C3N4 for the photocatalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol in comparison with Cu2O–rGO and C3N4. The Cu2O–rGO–C3N4 photocatalyst was reused for four times without loss in its activity.

Performance of photocatalyst based carbon nanodots from waste frying oil in water purification

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aji, Mahardika Prasetya; Wiguna, Pradita Ajeng; Susanto,; Rosita, Nita; Suciningtyas, Siti Aisyah; Sulhadi

2016-01-01

Carbon Nanodots (C-Dots) from waste frying oil could be used as a photocatalyst in water purification with solar light irradiation. Performance of C-Dots as a photocatalyst was tested in the process of water purification with a given synthetic sewage methylene blue. The tested was also conducted by comparing the performance C-Dots made from frying oil, waste fryng oil as a photocatalyst and solution of methylene blue without photocatalyst C-Dots. Performance of C-Dots from waste frying oil were estimated by the results of absorbance spectrum. The results of measurement absorbance spectrum from the process of water purification with photocatalyst C-Dots showed that the highest intensity at a wavelength 664 nm of methylene blue decreased. The test results showed that the performance of photocatalyst C-Dots from waste frying oil was better in water purification. This estimated that number of particles C-dots is more in waste frying oil because have experieced repeated the heating process so that the higher particles concentration make the photocatalyst process more effective. The observation of the performance C-Dots from waste frying oil as a photocatalyst in the water purification processes become important invention for solving the problems of waste and water purification.

Performance of photocatalyst based carbon nanodots from waste frying oil in water purification

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aji, Mahardika Prasetya, E-mail: mahardika190@gmail.com; Wiguna, Pradita Ajeng; Susanto,; Rosita, Nita; Suciningtyas, Siti Aisyah; Sulhadi [Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science Universitas Negeri Semarang, Jalan Raya Sekaran Gunungpati 50229 Indonesia (Indonesia)

2016-04-19

Carbon Nanodots (C-Dots) from waste frying oil could be used as a photocatalyst in water purification with solar light irradiation. Performance of C-Dots as a photocatalyst was tested in the process of water purification with a given synthetic sewage methylene blue. The tested was also conducted by comparing the performance C-Dots made from frying oil, waste fryng oil as a photocatalyst and solution of methylene blue without photocatalyst C-Dots. Performance of C-Dots from waste frying oil were estimated by the results of absorbance spectrum. The results of measurement absorbance spectrum from the process of water purification with photocatalyst C-Dots showed that the highest intensity at a wavelength 664 nm of methylene blue decreased. The test results showed that the performance of photocatalyst C-Dots from waste frying oil was better in water purification. This estimated that number of particles C-dots is more in waste frying oil because have experieced repeated the heating process so that the higher particles concentration make the photocatalyst process more effective. The observation of the performance C-Dots from waste frying oil as a photocatalyst in the water purification processes become important invention for solving the problems of waste and water purification.

Performance of Ag-TiO2 Photocatalysts towards the Photocatalytic Disinfection of Water under Interior-Lighting and Solar-Simulated Light Irradiations

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Camilo A. Castro

2012-01-01

Full Text Available This paper reports the characterization and photoactivity of Ag-TiO2 materials using different amounts of silver during the hydrothermal synthesis. Photocatalysts were characterized by means of TEM, XPS, XRD, DRS, and N2 sorption isotherms to determine the textural properties. The photocatalyst's configuration was observed to be as anatase-brookite mixed phase particles with Ag partially oxidized aggregates on the TiO2 surface, which increased visible light absorption of the material. Moreover, photoproduction of singlet oxygen was followed by EPR analysis under visible light irradiations following the formation of TEMPOL. Such photoproduction was totally decreased by using the singlet oxygen scavenger DABCO. Photocatalysts were tested towards the photocatalytic disinfection of water suing a solar light simulator and an interior-light irradiation setup. Results evidenced an increase in the photooxidative effect of TiO2, while dark processes evidenced that part of the inactivation process is due to the Ag-TiO2 surface bactericidal effect and possible lixiviated Ag+.

Nanostructure sensitization of transition metal oxides for visible-light photocatalysis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hongjun Chen

2014-05-01

Full Text Available To better utilize the sunlight for efficient solar energy conversion, the research on visible-light active photocatalysts has recently attracted a lot of interest. The photosensitization of transition metal oxides is a promising approach for achieving effective visible-light photocatalysis. This review article primarily discusses the recent progress in the realm of a variety of nanostructured photosensitizers such as quantum dots, plasmonic metal nanostructures, and carbon nanostructures for coupling with wide-bandgap transition metal oxides to design better visible-light active photocatalysts. The underlying mechanisms of the composite photocatalysts, e.g., the light-induced charge separation and the subsequent visible-light photocatalytic reaction processes in environmental remediation and solar fuel generation fields, are also introduced. A brief outlook on the nanostructure photosensitization is also given.

Fabrication and Characteristics of Macroporous TiO2 Photocatalyst

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Guiyun Yi

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Macroporous TiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized by a facile nanocasting method using polystyrene (PS spherical particles as the hard template. The synthesized photocatalyst was characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM, scanning electron microscopy (SEM, thermogravimetry-differential thermogravimetry (TG-DTG, X-ray diffraction (XRD, and N2-sorption. TEM, SEM, and XRD characterizations confirmed that the macroporous TiO2 photocatalyst is composed of anatase phase. The high specific surface area of 87.85 m2/g can be achieved according to the N2-sorption analysis. Rhodamine B (RhB was chosen as probe molecule to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 catalysts. Compared with the TiO2 materials synthesized in the absence of PS spherical template, the macroporous TiO2 photocatalyst sintered at 500°C exhibits much higher activity on the degradation of RhB under the UV irradiation, which can be assigned to the well-structured macroporosity. The macroporous TiO2 material presents great potential in the fields of environmental remediation and energy conversion and storage.

Photocatalytic efficiency of titania photocatalysts in saline waters

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Albrbar Asma Juma

2014-01-01

Full Text Available The photocatalytic efficiency of the recently synthesized TiO2 powder, named P160, of the degradation of dye Dye C.I. Reactive orange 16 in natural and artificial seawater was investigated in comparison to its efficiency in deionized water and the efficiency of a standard TiO2 powder Degusa P25. It was shown that the photocatalytic efficiency of P160 was slightly higher than that of P25, probably due to slightly higher specific surface area, higher pore volume and larger pores of the powder P160. The efficiency of both photocatalysts in natural and artificial seawater was significantly lower than that in deionized water. The overall rate of dye degradation for both types of photocatalysts is litle higher in artificial seawater than in natural seawater, which shows the influence of organic compounds naturally present in seawater on the photocatalysts activity. A saturation Langmuir-type relationship between the initial degradation rate and the initial dye concentration indicates that the adsorption plays a role in the photocatalytic reaction. The photodegradation rate constant k, which represents the maximum reaction rate, has similar values for P25 and P160 in all types of water due to the similar properties of the photocatalysts. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br III 45019

Simple Response Surface Methodology: Investigation on Advance Photocatalytic Oxidation of 4-Chlorophenoxyacetic Acid Using UV-Active ZnO Photocatalyst.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Kian Mun; Hamid, Sharifah Bee Abd

2015-01-19

The performance of advance photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA) strongly depends on photocatalyst dosage, initial concentration and initial pH. In the present study, a simple response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to investigate the interaction between these three independent factors. Thus, the photocatalytic degradation of 4-CPA in aqueous medium assisted by ultraviolet-active ZnO photocatalyst was systematically investigated. This study aims to determine the optimum processing parameters to maximize 4-CPA degradation. Based on the results obtained, it was found that a maximum of 91% of 4-CPA was successfully degraded under optimal conditions (0.02 g ZnO dosage, 20.00 mg/L of 4-CPA and pH 7.71). All the experimental data showed good agreement with the predicted results obtained from statistical analysis.

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.

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

Photocatalytic composites based on titania nanoparticles and carbon nanomaterials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nguyen, Bich Ha; Nguyen, Van Hieu; Vu, Dinh Lam

2015-01-01

In this article we present a review on recent experimental works toward the formation of visible light responsive composite photocatalysts on the basis of titania nanoparticles and carbon nanomaterials of different types. The research results achieved in last years has shown that the nanocomposite photocatalysts comprising titania nanoparticles and graphene or graphene oxide sheets, and also nanoparticles of noble metals and metallic oxides, exhibited the evident priority compared to the others. Therefore our review emphasizes the research on these promising visible light responsive nanophotocatalysts. (review)

Method of making Tl-Sr-Ca-Cu-oxide superconductors comprising heating at elevated pressures in a sealed container

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lechtev, W.L.; Osofsky, M.S.; Skelton, E.F.; Toth, L.E.

1992-01-01

This patent describes a method of forming a Tl-Sr-Ca-Cu-oxide high T c superconductor. It comprises forming a reaction mixture of the oxides of Sr, Cu, Ca, and Tl in stoichiometric proportions to make a Tl-Sr-Ca-Cu-oxide high T c superconducting compound; compressing the reaction mixture into a hard body; placing the hard body into a container for containing thallium vapor; evacuating and sealing the hard body in the container; heating the hard body and the container at a temperature of about 800 degrees C to about 950 degrees C and under pressure of at least about 30,000 psi until the container metal around the hard body and the oxides of Tl, Sr, Ca, and Cu react to form a superconducting compound; and cooling the superconducting compound to room temperature and returning the superconducting compound to atmospheric pressure

Mixed phase titania nanocomposite codoped with metallic silver and vanadium oxide: New efficient photocatalyst for dye degradation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yang Xia [School of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024 (China); School of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024 (China); Ma Fengyan; Li Kexin; Guo Yingna; Hu Jianglei; Li Wei [School of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024 (China); Huo Mingxin [School of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024 (China); Guo Yihang, E-mail: guoyh@nenu.edu.cn [School of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024 (China)

2010-03-15

Titania nanocomposite codoped with metallic silver and vanadium oxide was prepared by a one-step sol-gel-solvothermal method in the presence of a triblock copolymer surfactant (P123). The resulting Ag/V-TiO{sub 2} three-component junction system exhibited an anatase/rutile (weight ratio of 73.8:26.2) mixed phase structure, narrower band gap (2.25 eV), and extremely small particle sizes (ca. 12 nm) with metallic Ag particles well distributed on the surface of the composite. The Ag/V-TiO{sub 2} nanocomposite was used as the visible- and UV-light-driven photocatalyst to degrade dyes rhodamine B (RB) and coomassie brilliant blue G-250 (CBB) in an aqueous solution. At 1.8% Ag and 4.9% V doping, the Ag/V-TiO{sub 2} system exhibited the highest visible- as well as UV-light photocatalytic activity; additionally, the activity of the three-component system exceeded that of Degussa P25, pure TiO{sub 2}, single-doped TiO{sub 2} system (Ag/TiO{sub 2} or V-TiO{sub 2}) as well as P123-free-Ag/V-TiO{sub 2} codoped system. The reasons for this enhanced photocatalytic activity were revealed.

Photobiocatalytic alcohol oxidation using LED light sources

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Rauch, M.C.R.; Schmidt, S.; Arends, I.W.C.E.; oppelt, K.; Kara, S; Hollmann, F.

2016-01-01

The photocatalytic oxidation of NADH using a flavin photocatalyst and a simple blue LED light source is reported. This in situ NAD+ regeneration system can be used to promote biocatalytic, enantioselective oxidation reactions. Compared to the traditional use of white light bulbs this method enables

Development of photocatalysts for selective and efficient organic transformations.

Science.gov (United States)

Munir, Shamsa; Dionysiou, Dionysios D; Khan, Sher Bahadar; Shah, Syed Mujtaba; Adhikari, Bimalendu; Shah, Afzal

2015-07-01

One of the main goals of organic chemists is to find easy, environmentally friendly, and cost effective methods for the synthesis of industrially important compounds. Photocatalysts have brought revolution in this regard as they make use of unlimited source of energy (the solar light) to carry out the synthesis of organic compounds having otherwise complex synthetic procedures. However, selectivity of the products has been a major issue since the beginning of photocatalysis. The present article encompasses state of the art accomplishments in harvesting light energy for selective organic transformations using photocatalysts. Several approaches for the development of photocatalysts for selective organic conversions have been critically discussed with the objective of developing efficient, selective, environmental friendly and high yield photocatalytic methodologies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermoelectric material comprising scandium doped zinc cadmium oxide

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

2016-01-01

There is presented a composition of scandium doped Zinc Cadmium Oxide with the general formula ZnzCdxScyO which the inventors have prepared, and for which material the inventors have made the insight that it is particularly advantageous as an n-type oxide material, such as particularly advantageous...

Construction of Z-scheme Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/N-doped graphene photocatalysts with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity by tuning the nitrogen species

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Song, Shaoqing [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070 (China); Key Laboratory of Radioactive Geology and Exploration Technology Fundamental Science for National Defense, East China Institute of Technology, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330013 (China); Meng, Aiyun [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070 (China); Jiang, Shujuan [Key Laboratory of Radioactive Geology and Exploration Technology Fundamental Science for National Defense, East China Institute of Technology, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330013 (China); Cheng, Bei [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070 (China); Jiang, Chuanjia, E-mail: jiangcj2016@yahoo.com [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070 (China)

2017-02-28

Highlights: • Z-scheme photocatalyst composed of Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3} and N-doped graphene (NG). • Pyridinic nitrogen species of NG spontaneously promoted plasmonic Ag formation. • Graphitic N of NG facilitated the Z-scheme transfer option and O{sub 2} adsorption. • Z-scheme Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}-NG showed high photocatalytic performance. - Abstract: Semiconductor-based photocatalysis has great potential in various environmental and energy applications, and Z-scheme photocatalysts have many advantages over single-component photocatalysts. The construction of a highly efficient Z-scheme photocatalytic system depends on the geometric structure arrangement, microscopic and crystalline form of the stoichiometric species, and it has not been elucidated whether the Z-scheme photocatalysts can be designed by tuning the electronic structures of cocatalysts alone. Here, using N-doped graphene (NG) as cocatalyst, we successfully constructed Z-scheme Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}-NG photocatalysts with enhanced activity for the photooxidative degradation of phenol pollutant. It was found that the pyridinic nitrogen species (N{sub p}) of NG could spontaneously reduce Ag{sup +} to produce plasmonic Ag nanoparticles on Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}-NG, while the efficiency of the photogenerated charge separation, Z-scheme transfer option, and O{sub 2} adsorption were promoted by the graphitic nitrogen species (N{sub g}). Therefore, the as-designed Z-scheme Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}-NG photocatalysts showed much higher activity than Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3} and its composites with graphene oxide (GO) or reduced GO as cocatalysts in the photocatalytic degradation of phenol. Hence, our results provide a new strategy for exploring advanced Z-scheme photocatalysts with NG as cocatalyst by rationally tuning the N{sub p} and N{sub g} species.

Advances in Magnetically Separable Photocatalysts: Smart, Recyclable Materials for Water Pollution Mitigation

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Gcina Mamba

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Organic and inorganic compounds utilised at different stages of various industrial processes are lost into effluent water and eventually find their way into fresh water sources where they cause devastating effects on the ecosystem due to their stability, toxicity, and non-biodegradable nature. Semiconductor photocatalysis has been highlighted as a promising technology for the treatment of water laden with organic, inorganic, and microbial pollutants. However, these semiconductor photocatalysts are applied in powdered form, which makes separation and recycling after treatment extremely difficult. This not only leads to loss of the photocatalyst but also to secondary pollution by the photocatalyst particles. The introduction of various magnetic nanoparticles such as magnetite, maghemite, ferrites, etc. into the photocatalyst matrix has recently become an area of intense research because it allows for the easy separation of the photocatalyst from the treated water using an external magnetic field. Herein, we discuss the recent developments in terms of synthesis and photocatalytic properties of magnetically separable nanocomposites towards water treatment. The influence of the magnetic nanoparticles in the optical properties, charge transfer mechanism, and overall photocatalytic activity is deliberated based on selected results. We conclude the review by providing summary remarks on the successes of magnetic photocatalysts and present some of the future challenges regarding the exploitation of these materials in water treatment.

Synthesis of Nb doped TiO2 nanotube/reduced graphene oxide heterostructure photocatalyst with high visible light photocatalytic activity

Science.gov (United States)

Niu, Xiaoyou; Yan, Weijing; Zhao, Hongli; Yang, Jingkai

2018-05-01

Limited by the narrowed photoresponse range and unsatisfactory recombination of photoinduced electron-hole pairs, the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 is still far below what is expected. Here, we initially doped TiO2 nanotubes (TNTS) by transition metal ion Nb, then it is coupled with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to construct a heterostructure photocatalyst. The defect state presented in TiO2 leading to the formation of localized midgap states (MS) in the bandgap, which regulating the band structure of TiO2 and extending the optical absorption to visible light region. The internal charge transport and transfer behavior analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) reveal that the coupling of rGO with TNTS results in the formation of electron transport channel in the heterostructure, which makes a great contribution to the photoinduced charge separation. As expected, the Nb-TNTS/rGO exhibits a stable and remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity in the visible-light irradiation degradation of methylene blue (MB), up to ∼5 times with respect to TNTS, which is attributed to the effective inhibition of charge recombination, the reduction of bandgap and higher redox potential, as well as the great adsorptivity.

Preparation, characterization and activity evaluation of CaZrTi2O7 photocatalyst

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen Shifu; Ji Mingsong; Yuang Yunguang; Liu Wei

2012-01-01

CaZrTi 2 O 7 photocatalyst sample was prepared by a polymerizable complex method. The photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence emission spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, N 2 adsorption measurements, and terephthalic acid probed fluorescence technique. The photocatalytic activity of the sample was evaluated by photocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange and photocatalytic reduction of Cr 2 O 7 2− and nitrobenzene. The results showed that when the reaction solution was illuminated by UV light for 50 min, the photooxidation efficiency of methyl orange and the photoreduction efficiency of Cr 2 O 7 2− were 83.1% and 87.9%, respectively. When methanol was used as the holes scavengers and the illumination time was 10 h in the photocatalytic reduction experiment of nitrobenzene, the production efficiency of aniline was 70.3%. The effect of the heat treatment conditions on the photocatalytic activity was also investigated. The optimum preparation condition for CaZrTi 2 O 7 sample is 800 °C for 12 h. The mechanisms of influence on the photocatalytic activity of the sample were also discussed with the valance band theory. - Highlights: ► CaZrTi 2 O 7 photocatalyst was prepared by a polymerizable complex method. ► The heat treatment has a significant influence on the photocatalytic activity. ► The optimal heat treatment condition is approximately 800 °C for 12 h. ► The CaZrTi 2 O 7 has the band bap of about 2.89 eV with particle size of about 80 nm.

Illuminating Electron Microscopy of Photocatalysts

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Cavalca, Filippo

Photocatalysts are of fundamental interest for sustainable energy research because of their wide range of applications and great potential for state of the art and future usages [1]. By means of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) it is possible to give a deep insight in the structure, composi...

Sulfonated graphene oxide-ZnO-Ag photocatalyst for fast photodegradation and disinfection under visible light.

Science.gov (United States)

Gao, Peng; Ng, Kokseng; Sun, Darren Delai

2013-11-15

Synthesis of efficient visible-light-driven photocatalyst is urgent but challenging for environmental remediation. In this work, for the first time, the hierarchical plasmonic sulfonated graphene oxide-ZnO-Ag (SGO-ZnO-Ag) composites were prepared through nanocrystal-seed-directed hydrothermal method combining with polyol-reduction process. The results indicated that SGO-ZnO-Ag exhibited much faster rate in photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and disinfection of Escherichia coli (E. coli), than ZnO, SGO-ZnO and ZnO-Ag. SGO-ZnO-Ag totally degraded RhB dye and kill 99% of E. coli within 20 min under visible light irradiation. The outstanding performances of SGO-ZnO-Ag were attributed to the synergetic merits of SGO sheets, ZnO nanorod arrays and Ag nanoparticles. Firstly, the light absorption ability of SGO-ZnO-Ag composite in the visible region was enhanced due to the surface plasmon resonance of Ag. In addition, the hierarchical structure of SGO-ZnO-Ag composite improved the incident light scattering and reflection. Furthermore, SGO sheets facilitated charge transfer and reduce electron-hole recombination rate. Finally, the tentative mechanism was proposed and verified by the photoluminescence (PL) measurement as well as the theoretical finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation. In view of above, this work paves the way for preparation of multi-component plasmonic composites and highlights the potential applications of SGO-ZnO-Ag in photocatalytic wastewater treatment field. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Visible-light photoredox catalyzed synthesis of pyrroloisoquinolines via organocatalytic oxidation/[3 + 2] cycloaddition/oxidative aromatization reaction cascade with Rose Bengal

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Carlos Vila

2014-05-01

Full Text Available Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline alkaloids have been prepared via a visible light photoredox catalyzed oxidation/[3 + 2] cycloaddition/oxidative aromatization cascade using Rose Bengal as an organo-photocatalyst. A variety of pyrroloisoquinolines have been obtained in good yields under mild and metal-free reaction conditions.

CuS/RGO hybrid photocatalyst for full solar spectrum photoreduction from UV/Vis to near-infrared light.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Jie; Liu, Baibai; Ren, Zhenxing; Ni, Mengying; Li, Can; Gong, Yinyan; Qin, Wei; Huang, Yongli; Sun, Chang Q; Liu, Xinjuan

2018-05-01

To make full use of the solar energy, it remains a great challenge for semiconductor photocatalysts to harvest the full solar light spectrum from ultraviolet (UV) to visible even the near infrared (NIR) wavelength. Here we show firstly the CuS/RGO (reduced graphene oxide) hybrid photocatalyst synthesized via a microwave assisted method with full solar light (UV-Vis-NIR) active for efficient Cr(VI) reduction. The CuS/RGO displays high absorption and catalytic activity in the UV, visible and even the NIR light regions. As co-catalyst, RGO can separate and inhibit the recombination of charge carriers, consequently improving the catalytic activity. Only 1wt% RGO emersions can reduce 90% of Cr(VI) under the radiation of light over the full spectrum. Findings may provide a new strategy and substance to expand the utilization range of solar light from UV to visible even the NIR energy. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Activated carbon-based magnetic TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst codoped with iodine and nitrogen for organic pollution degradation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Xuejiang, E-mail: wangxj@tongji.edu.cn; Song, Jingke; Huang, Jiayu; Zhang, Jing; Wang, Xin; Ma, RongRong; Wang, Jiayi; Zhao, Jianfu, E-mail: zhaojianfu@tongji.edu.cn

2016-12-30

Highlights: • Iodine-nitrogen codoped magnetic photocatalyst was prepared. • A suitable I/Ti ratio was required for good performance of I{sub x}-N-T/CMAC. • I{sub 0.1}-N-T/CMAC own the best photocatalytic performance and can be separated easily. • Both Cl{sup −} and SO{sub 4}{sup 2−} have negative effect on the photocatalytic degradation of SA. • Suitable concentration of humic acid could enhance the photodegradation of SA. - Abstract: Magnetic photocatalyst − iodine and nitrogen codoped TiO{sub 2} based on chitosan decorated magnetic activated carbon (I-N-T/CMAC) was prepared via simple coprecipitation and sol-gel method. The characteristics of photocatalysts were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N{sub 2} adsorption–desorption isotherm, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). It turned out that the prepared material had large surface area, enhanced absorption of visible light, and magnetically separable properties when mole ratio of I/Ti was 0.1. Iodine-nitrogen codoped magnetic photocatalyst was used for the removal of salicylic acid (SA), and the rate of adsorption reaction for SA by I{sub 0.1}-N-T/CMAC followed the pseudo second-order kinetic. Under visible light irradiation, 89.71% SA with initial concentration = 30 mg/L could be removed by I{sub 0.1}-N-T/CMAC, and photodegradation rate of SA on I{sub 0.1}-N-T/CMAC composites was 0.0084 min{sup −1} which is about 4 times higher than that of magnetic photocatalyst with nitrogen doped only. The effects of SA initial concentration, pH, coexisting anions and humic acid to the degradation of SA with the prepared material were also investigated. Main oxidative species in the photodegradation process are ·OH and h{sup +}.

Thickness-dependent photocatalytic performance of graphite oxide for degrading organic pollutants under visible light.

Science.gov (United States)

Oh, Junghoon; Chang, Yun Hee; Kim, Yong-Hyun; Park, Sungjin

2016-04-28

Photocatalysts use sustainable solar light energy to trigger various catalytic reactions. Metal-free nanomaterials have been suggested as cost-effective and environmentally friendly photocatalysts. In this work, we propose thickness-controlled graphite oxide (GO) as a metal-free photocatalyst, which is produced by exfoliating thick GO particles via stirring and sonication. All GO samples exhibit photocatalytic activity for degrading an organic pollutant, rhodamine B under visible light, and the thickest sample shows the best catalytic performance. UV-vis-NIR diffuse reflectance absorption spectra indicate that thicker GO samples absorb more vis-NIR light than thinner ones. Density-functional theory calculations show that GO has a much smaller band gap than that of single-layer graphene oxide, and thus suggest that the largely-reduced band gap is responsible for this trend of light absorption.

Synthesis and characterization of Cu2O/TiO2 photocatalysts for H2 evolution from aqueous solution with different scavengers

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Yanping; Wang, Baowei; Liu, Sihan; Duan, Xiaofei; Hu, Zongyuan

2015-01-01

A series of Cu2O/TiO2 photocatalysts with different molar fraction of Cu2O were prepared by a facile modified ethanol-induced approach followed by a calcination process. The chemical state of copper compound was proved to be cuprous oxide by the characterization of X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). Furthermore, these composite oxides were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption desorption and UV-vis techniques to study the morphologies, structures, and optical properties of the as-prepared samples. The results indicated that the photocatalytic activity of n-type TiO2 was significantly enhanced by combined with p-type Cu2O, due to the efficient p-n heterojunction. The p-n heterojunction between Cu2O and TiO2 can enhance visible-light adsorption, efficiently suppress charge recombination, improve interfacial charge transfer, and especially provide plentiful reaction active sites on the surface of photocatalyst. As a consequence, the prepared 2.5-Cu2O/TiO2 photocatalyst exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution rate and reached 2048.25 μmol/(g h), which is 14.48 times larger than that of pure P25. The apparent quantum yield (AQY) of the 2.5-Cu2O/TiO2 sample at 365 nm was estimated to be 4.32%. In addition, the influence of different scavengers, namely methanol, anhydrous ethanol, ethylene glycol and glycerol, on the photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution rate was discussed.

Optimized nanostructured TiO2 photocatalysts

Science.gov (United States)

Topcu, Selda; Jodhani, Gagan; Gouma, Pelagia

2016-07-01

Titania is the most widely studied photocatalyst. In it’s mixed-phase configuration (anatase-rutile form) -as manifested in the commercially available P25 Degussa material- titania was previously found to exhibit the best photocatalytic properties reported for the pure system. A great deal of published research by various workers in the field have not fully explained the underlying mechanism for the observed behavior of mixed-phase titania photocatalysts. One of the prevalent hypothesis in the literature that is tested in this work involves the presence of small, active clusters of interwoven anatase and rutile crystallites or “catalytic “hot-spots””. Therefore, non-woven nanofibrous mats of titania were produced and upon calcination the mats consisted of nanostructured fibers with different anatase-rutile ratios. By assessing the photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical properties of these samples the optimized photocatalyst was determined. This consisted of TiO2 nanostructures annealed at 500˚C with an anatase /rutile content of 90/10. Since the performance of this material exceeded that of P25 complete structural characterization was employed to understand the catalytic mechanism involved. It was determined that the dominant factors controlling the photocatalytic behavior of the titania system are the relative particle size of the different phases of titania and the growth of rutile laths on anatase grains which allow for rapid electron transfer between the two phases. This explains how to optimize the response of the pure system.

In-situ functionalization of mesoporous hexagonal ZnO synthesized in task specific ionic liquid as a photocatalyst for elimination of SO2, NOx, and CO

Science.gov (United States)

Kowsari, Elaheh; Abdpour, Soheil

2017-12-01

A novel mesoporous structure of zinc oxide was synthesized in hydrothermal autocalve in the presence of a functional ionic liquid (FIL) {[CH2CH2] O2 (mm)2}. This FIL with ether groups was used simultaneously as a designer templating agent and a source of the hydroxyl radical. The presence of this ionic liquid led to producing ethylene glycol in the reaction media, which adsorb on the surface of mesoporous hexagonal ZnO plates. These mesoporous structures can adsorb pollutant gases and increase photocatalytic oxidation of pollutant gases in compare with commercial ZnO nanoparticles and agglomerated nanoparticles synthesized in this work. XPS data confirmed ethylene glycol production by the ionic liquid, which could prove a role for ionic liquids as designers. The estimated BET surface area values of ZnO hexagonal mesoporous plates and agglomerated particles were 84 m2/g and 12 m2/g respectively. Optical properties of the mesoporous structures were analyzed by photoluminescence spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance UV-visible spectroscopy. The performance of these structures as efficient photocatalysts was further demonstrated by their removal of NOx, SO2, and CO under UV irradiation. The removal of NOx, SO2, and CO under UV irradiation was 56%, 81%, and 35% respectively, after 40 min of irradiation time. Reusability of the photocatalyst was determined; the results show no significant decrease of activity of photocatalyst. after five cycles.

Visible-light induced photocatalysis of AgCl@Ag/titanate nanotubes/nitrogen-doped reduced graphite oxide composites

Science.gov (United States)

Pan, Hongfei; Zhao, Xiaona; Fu, Zhanming; Tu, Wenmao; Fang, Pengfei; Zhang, Haining

2018-06-01

High recombination rate of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and relatively narrow photoresponsive range of TiO2-based photocatalysts are the remaining challenges for their practical applications. To address such challenges, photocatalysts consisting of AgCl covered Ag nanoparticles (AgCl@Ag), titanate nanotubes (TiNT), and nitrogen-doped reduced graphite oxide (rGON) are fabricated through alkaline hydrothermal process, followed by deposition and in situ surface-oxidation of silver nanoparticles. In the synthesized photocatalysts, the titanate nanotubes have average length of about 100 nm with inner diameters of about 5 nm and the size of the formed silver nanoparticles is in the range of 50-100 nm. The synthesized photocatalyst degrades almost all the model organic pollutant Rhodamine B in 35 min and remains 90% of photocatalytic efficiency after 5 degradation cycles under visible light irradiation. Since the oxidant FeCl3 applied for oxidation of surface Ag to AgCl is difficult to be completely removed due to the high adsorption capacity of TiNT and rGON, the effect of reside Fe atoms on photocatalytic activity is evaluated and the results reveal that the residue Fe atom only affect the initial photodegradation performance. Nevertheless, the results demonstrate that the formed composite catalyst is a promising candidate for antibiosis and remediation in aquatic environmental contamination.

Thermally modified titania photocatalysts for phenol removal from water

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Joanna Grzechulska-Damszel

2006-01-01

Full Text Available Two kinds of titanium dioxide were used as starting materials for thermal modification: Tytanpol A11 supplied by Chemical Factory “Police” S.A. (Poland and Degussa P25 supplied by Degussa AG (Germany. The photocatalytic activity of titania materials modified by thermal treatment was tested in the reaction of photocatalytic oxidation of phenol. It was found that the highest activity in the reaction of photocatalytic decomposition of phenol, in case of Tytanpol A11, shows the samples of material modified at temperatures of 700 and 750°C. These catalysts were more active than untreated A11, whereas materials modified at higher temperatures show lower activity. In the case of P25, all thermally treated materials were less active than the unmodified material. The photocatalyst samples were characterized by UV-Vis/DR, FTIR/DRS, and XRD methods.

Modified solvothermal synthesis of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) magnetic nanoparticles photocatalysts for degradation of methylene blue with H2O2/visible light

Science.gov (United States)

Kalam, Abul; Al-Sehemi, Abdullah G.; Assiri, Mohammed; Du, Gaohui; Ahmad, Tokeer; Ahmad, Irfan; Pannipara, M.

2018-03-01

Different grads of magnetic nano-scaled cobalt ferrites (CoFe2O4) photocatalysts were synthesized by modified Solvothermal (MST) process with and without polysaccharide. The indigenously synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm method. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study showed the Fe-O stretching vibration 590-619 cm-1, confirming the formation of metal oxide. The crystallite size of the synthesized photocatalysts was found in the range between 20.0 and 30.0 nm. The surface area of obtained magnetic nanoparticles is found to be reasonably high in the range of 63.0-76.0 m2/g. The results shown that only MST-2 is the most active catalyst for photo-Fenton like scheme for fast photodegradation action of methylene blue dye, this is possible due to optical band gap estimated of 2.65 eV. Captivatingly the percentage of degradation efficiency increases up to 80% after 140 min by using MST-2 photocatalyst. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under visible light irradiation with cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles followed first order kinetic constant and rate constant of MST-2 is almost 2.0 times greater than MST-1 photocatalyst.

Supported black phosphorus nanosheets as hydrogen-evolving photocatalyst achieving 5.4% energy conversion efficiency at 353 K.

Science.gov (United States)

Tian, Bin; Tian, Bining; Smith, Bethany; Scott, M C; Hua, Ruinian; Lei, Qin; Tian, Yue

2018-04-11

Solar-driven water splitting using powdered catalysts is considered as the most economical means for hydrogen generation. However, four-electron-driven oxidation half-reaction showing slow kinetics, accompanying with insufficient light absorption and rapid carrier combination in photocatalysts leads to low solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency. Here, we report amorphous cobalt phosphide (Co-P)-supported black phosphorus nanosheets employed as photocatalysts can simultaneously address these issues. The nanosheets exhibit robust hydrogen evolution from pure water (pH = 6.8) without bias and hole scavengers, achieving an apparent quantum efficiency of 42.55% at 430 nm and energy conversion efficiency of over 5.4% at 353 K. This photocatalytic activity is attributed to extremely efficient utilization of solar energy (~75% of solar energy) by black phosphorus nanosheets and high-carrier separation efficiency by amorphous Co-P. The hybrid material design realizes efficient solar-to-chemical energy conversion in suspension, demonstrating the potential of black phosphorus-based materials as catalysts for solar hydrogen production.

Synthesis and characterization of Cu{sub 2}O/TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts for H{sub 2} evolution from aqueous solution with different scavengers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Yanping; Wang, Baowei, E-mail: wangbw@tju.edu.cn; Liu, Sihan; Duan, Xiaofei; Hu, Zongyuan

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Cu{sub 2}O/TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst are prepared by a facile ethanol reduction method. • The heterojunction between p-type Cu{sub 2}O and n-type TiO{sub 2} improves activity of TiO{sub 2}. • An optimal molar fraction of Cu{sub 2}O is reported in Cu{sub 2}O/TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts. • The effect of different alcohols scavengers on activity of Cu{sub 2}O/TiO{sub 2} is discussed. - Abstract: A series of Cu{sub 2}O/TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts with different molar fraction of Cu{sub 2}O were prepared by a facile modified ethanol-induced approach followed by a calcination process. The chemical state of copper compound was proved to be cuprous oxide by the characterization of X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). Furthermore, these composite oxides were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N{sub 2} adsorption desorption and UV–vis techniques to study the morphologies, structures, and optical properties of the as-prepared samples. The results indicated that the photocatalytic activity of n-type TiO{sub 2} was significantly enhanced by combined with p-type Cu{sub 2}O, due to the efficient p–n heterojunction. The p–n heterojunction between Cu{sub 2}O and TiO{sub 2} can enhance visible-light adsorption, efficiently suppress charge recombination, improve interfacial charge transfer, and especially provide plentiful reaction active sites on the surface of photocatalyst. As a consequence, the prepared 2.5-Cu{sub 2}O/TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity for H{sub 2} evolution rate and reached 2048.25 μmol/(g h), which is 14.48 times larger than that of pure P25. The apparent quantum yield (AQY) of the 2.5-Cu{sub 2}O/TiO{sub 2} sample at 365 nm was estimated to be 4.32%. In addition, the influence of different scavengers, namely methanol, anhydrous ethanol, ethylene glycol and glycerol, on the photocatalytic activity for H{sub 2} evolution rate was

Porphyrin Diacid-Polyelectrolyte Assemblies: Effective Photocatalysts in Solution

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Sabine Frühbeißer

2016-05-01

Full Text Available Developing effective and versatile photocatalytic systems is of great potential in solar energy conversion. Here we investigate the formation of supramolecular catalysts by electrostatic self-assembly in aqueous solution: Combining positively charged porphyrins with negatively charged polyelectrolytes leads to nanoscale assemblies where, next to electrostatic interactions, π–π interactions also play an important role. Porphyrin diacid-polyelectrolyte assemblies exhibit a substantially enhanced catalytic activity for the light-driven oxidation of iodide. Aggregates with the hexavalent cationic porphyrin diacids show up to 22 times higher catalytic activity than the corresponding aggregates under neutral conditions. The catalytic activity can be increased by increasing the valency of the porphyrin and by choice of the loading ratio. The structural investigation of the supramolecular catalysts took place via atomic force microscopy and small angle neutron scattering. Hence, a new facile concept for the design of efficient and tunable self-assembled photocatalysts is presented.

Ag2WO4 nanorods decorated with AgI nanoparticles: Novel and efficient visible-light-driven photocatalysts for the degradation of water pollutants

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Shijie Li

2018-04-01

Full Text Available To develop efficient and stable visible-light-driven (VLD photocatalysts for pollutant degradation, we synthesized novel heterojunction photocatalysts comprised of AgI nanoparticle-decorated Ag2WO4 nanorods via a facile method. Various characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, and UV–vis DRS were used to investigate the morphology and optical properties of the as-prepared AgI/Ag2WO4 catalyst. With AgI acting as the cocatalyst, the resulting AgI/Ag2WO4 heterostructure shows excellent performance in degrading toxic, stable pollutants such as rhodamine B (RhB, methyl orange (MO and para-chlorophenol (4-CP. The high performance is attributed to the enhanced visible-light absorption properties and the promoted separation efficiency of charge carriers through the formation of the heterojunction between AgI and Ag2WO4. Additionally, AgI/Ag2WO4 exhibits durable stability. The active species trapping experiment reveals that active species (O2•− and h+ dominantly contribute to RhB degradation. The AgI/Ag2WO4 heterojunction photocatalyst characterized in this work holds great potential for remedying environmental issues due to its simple preparation method and excellent photocatalytic performance.

TiO2 Photocatalyst Nanoparticle Separation: Flocculation in Different Matrices and Use of Powdered Activated Carbon as a Precoat in Low-Cost Fabric Filtration

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Carlos F. Liriano-Jorge

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Separation of photocatalyst nanoparticles is a problem impeding widespread application of photocatalytic oxidation. As sedimentation of photocatalyst particles is facilitated by their flocculation, the influence of common constituents of biologically pretreated wastewaters (NaCl, NaHCO3, and their combination with humic acid sodium salt on flocculation was tested by the pipet method. Results showed that the impact of these substances on TiO2 nanoparticle flocculation is rather complex and strongly affected by pH. When humic acid was present, TiO2 particles did not show efficient flocculation in the neutral and slightly basic pH range. As an alternative to photocatalyst separation by sedimentation, precoat vacuum filtration with powdered activated carbon (PAC over low-cost spunbond polypropylene fabrics was tested in the presence of two PAC types in aqueous NaCl and NaHCO3 solutions as well as in biologically treated greywater and in secondary municipal effluent. PAC concentrations of ≥2 g/L were required in order to achieve a retention of nearly 95% of the TiO2 nanoparticles on the fabric filter when TiO2 concentration was 1 g/L. Composition of the aqueous matrix and PAC type had a slight impact on precoat filtration. PAC precoat filtration represents a potential pretreatment for photocatalyst removal by micro- or ultrafiltration.

Growth of metal and semiconductor nanostructures using localized photocatalysts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shelnutt, John A. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States); Wang, Zhongchun [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States); Medforth, Craig J. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

2006-03-08

Our overall goal has been to understand and develop a light-driven approach to the controlled growth of novel metal and semiconductor nanostructures and nanomaterials. In this photochemical process, bio-inspired porphyrin-based photocatalysts reduce metal salts in aqueous solutions at ambient temperatures when exposed to visible light, providing metal nucleation and growth centers. The photocatalyst molecules are pre-positioned at the nanoscale to control the location of the deposition of metal and therefore the morphology of the nanostructures that are grown. Self-assembly, chemical confinement, and molecular templating are some of the methods we are using for nanoscale positioning of the photocatalyst molecules. When exposed to light, each photocatalyst molecule repeatedly reduces metal ions from solution, leading to deposition near the photocatalyst and ultimately the synthesis of new metallic nanostructures and nanostructured materials. Studies of the photocatalytic growth process and the resulting nanostructures address a number of fundamental biological, chemical, and environmental issues and draw on the combined nanoscience characterization and multi-scale simulation capabilities of the new DOE Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at Sandia National Laboratories and the University of Georgia. Our main goals are to elucidate the processes involved in the photocatalytic growth of metal nanomaterials and provide the scientific basis for controlled nanosynthesis. The nanomaterials resulting from these studies have applications in nanoelectronics, photonics, sensors, catalysis, and micromechanical systems. Our specific goals for the past three years have been to understand the role of photocatalysis in the synthesis of dendritic metal (Pt, Pd, Au) nanostructures grown from aqueous surfactant solutions under ambient conditions and the synthesis of photocatalytic porphyrin nanostructures (e.g., nanotubes) as templates for fabrication of photo-active metal

Black tungsten nitride as a metallic photocatalyst for overall water splitting operable at up to 765 nm

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Yu Lei; Li, Yu Hang; Wang, Xue Lu; Chen, Ai Ping; Yang, Hua Gui [Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai (China); Nie, Ting; Gong, Xue Qing [Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Centre for Computational Chemistry and Research Institute of Industrial Catalysis, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai (China); Zheng, Li Rong [Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (China)

2017-06-19

Semiconductor photocatalysts are hardly employed for overall water splitting beyond 700 nm, which is due to both thermodynamic aspects and activation barriers. Metallic materials as photocatalysts are known to overcome this limitation through interband transitions for creating electron-hole pairs; however, the application of metallic photocatalysts for overall water splitting has never been fulfilled. Black tungsten nitride is now employed as a metallic photocatalyst for overall water splitting at wavelengths of up to 765 nm. Experimental and theoretical results together confirm that metallic properties play a substantial role in exhibiting photocatalytic activity under red-light irradiation for tungsten nitride. This work represents the first red-light responsive photocatalyst for overall water splitting, and may open a promising venue in searching of metallic materials as efficient photocatalysts for solar energy utilization. (copyright 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Air environment purification using photocatalyst. Hikari shokubai ni yoru taiki kankyo joka

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Takeuchi, K [National Institute for Resources and Environment, Tsukuba (Japan)

1993-12-02

Noticing that metal oxides have photocatalysis for reduction in NOx concentration and examining effects of the TiO2 selected on removal of pollutant, the paper proposes a direct purification method for the air environment. Since TiO2 causes electron excitation meeting near ultraviolet irradiation, it manifests a catalytic function for various oxidation/reduction reactions. Details of the reaction mechanism are unknown, various active oxygen species generated on the surface of TiO2 under light irradiation oxidize NOx and acquire it as nitric acid on the surface. It is found that mixture of activated carbon of low hygroscopicity with TiO2 is effective to prevent a tendency of NO to desorb before NO becomes nitric acid. What 40% of the catalyst with fluorine resin is formed into like a sheet shows a high removal rate even in the amount of ultraviolet irradiation in a winter cloudy day in the wide range of 0.5 - 95.0% of NOx and SO2, and if the photocatalyst is applied to the side wall of city buildings, the NOx concentration is estimated to be reduced by as much as 20%. 5 refs., 3 figs.

Preparation of MIL-53(Fe)-Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites by a Simple Self-Assembly Strategy for Increasing Interfacial Contact: Efficient Visible-Light Photocatalysts.

Science.gov (United States)

Liang, Ruowen; Shen, Lijuan; Jing, Fenfen; Qin, Na; Wu, Ling

2015-05-13

In this work, MIL-53(Fe)-reduced graphene oxide (M53-RGO) nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated by a facile and efficient electrostatic self-assembly strategy for improving the interfacial contact between RGO and the MIL-53(Fe). Compared with D-M53-RGO (direct synthesis of MIL-53(Fe)-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites via one-pot solvothermal approach), M53-RGO nanocomposites exhibit improved photocatalytic activity compared with the D-M53-RGO under identical experimental conditions. After 80 min of visible light illumination (λ ≥ 420 nm), the reduction ratio of Cr(VI) is rapidly increased to 100%, which is also higher than that of reference sample (N-doped TiO2). More significantly, the M53-RGO nanocomposites are proven to perform as bifunctional photocatalysts with considerable activity in the mixed systems (Cr(VI)/dyes) under visible light, which made it a potential candidate for industrial wastewater treatment. Combining with photoelectrochemical analyses, it could be revealed that the introduction of RGO would minimize the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Additionally, the effective interfacial contact between MIL-53(Fe) and RGO surface would further accelerate the transfer of photogenerated electrons, leading to the enhancement of photocatalytic activity of M53-RGO toward photocatalytic reactions. Finally, a possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism is also investigated in detail.

Novel TiO2/C nanocomposites: synthesis, characterization, and application as a photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants.

Science.gov (United States)

da Costa, Elias; Zamora, Patricio P; Zarbin, Aldo J G

2012-02-15

Novel TiO(2)/carbon nanocomposites were prepared through the pyrolysis of TiO(2)/poly(furfuryl alcohol) hybrid materials, which were obtained by the sol-gel method, starting from titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) and furfuryl alcohol (FA) precursors. Six different TiO(2)/C samples were prepared based on different TiO(2) nanoparticle sizes and TiO(2)/FA ratios. All of the samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction, infrared, and Raman spectroscopy. The results indicated effective FA polymerization onto the TiO(2) (anatase) nanoparticles, polymer conversion to disordered carbon following the pyrolysis, and a simultaneous TiO(2) anatase-rutile phase transition. The resulting TiO(2)/carbon composites were used as photocatalysts in the advanced oxidative process (AOP) for the degradation of reactive organic dyes in aqueous solution. The results indicate excellent photocatalytic performance (degradation of 99% of the dye after 60 min) with several advantages over traditional TiO(2)-based photocatalysts. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diatomite-immobilized BiOI hybrid photocatalyst: Facile deposition synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Baoying; Huang, Hongwei; Guo, Yuxi; Zhang, Yihe

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • A novel diatomite-immobilized BiOI hybrid photocatalyst has been prepared by a facile one-step deposition process for the first time. • The diatomite-immobilized BiOI hybrid photocatalyst exhibits much better photocatalytic performance. • This enhancement should be attributed to that diatomite can play as an excellent carrier platform to increase the reactive sites and promote the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. • This work shed new light on facile fabrication of novel composite photocatalyst based on natural mineral. - Abstract: A novel diatomite-immobilized BiOI hybrid photocatalyst has been prepared by a facile one-step deposition process for the first time. The structure, morphology and optical property of the products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared BiOI/diatomite photocatalysts was studied by photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) and monitoring photocurrent generation under visible light (λ > 420 nm). The results revealed that BiOI/diatomite composites exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to the pristine BiOI sample. This enhancement should be attributed to that diatomite can play as an excellent carrier platform to increase the reactive sites and promote the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. In addition, the corresponding photocatalytic mechanism was proposed based on the active species trapping experiments. This work shed new light on facile fabrication of novel composite photocatalyst based on natural mineral.

Diatomite-immobilized BiOI hybrid photocatalyst: Facile deposition synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Baoying; Huang, Hongwei, E-mail: hhw@cugb.edu.cn; Guo, Yuxi; Zhang, Yihe, E-mail: zyh@cugb.edu.cn

2015-10-30

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • A novel diatomite-immobilized BiOI hybrid photocatalyst has been prepared by a facile one-step deposition process for the first time. • The diatomite-immobilized BiOI hybrid photocatalyst exhibits much better photocatalytic performance. • This enhancement should be attributed to that diatomite can play as an excellent carrier platform to increase the reactive sites and promote the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. • This work shed new light on facile fabrication of novel composite photocatalyst based on natural mineral. - Abstract: A novel diatomite-immobilized BiOI hybrid photocatalyst has been prepared by a facile one-step deposition process for the first time. The structure, morphology and optical property of the products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared BiOI/diatomite photocatalysts was studied by photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) and monitoring photocurrent generation under visible light (λ > 420 nm). The results revealed that BiOI/diatomite composites exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to the pristine BiOI sample. This enhancement should be attributed to that diatomite can play as an excellent carrier platform to increase the reactive sites and promote the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. In addition, the corresponding photocatalytic mechanism was proposed based on the active species trapping experiments. This work shed new light on facile fabrication of novel composite photocatalyst based on natural mineral.

A full-sunlight-driven photocatalyst with super long-persistent energy storage ability.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Jie; Liu, Yuan; Zhu, Zhijian; Zhang, Guozhu; Zou, Tao; Zou, Zhijun; Zhang, Shunping; Zeng, Dawen; Xie, Changsheng

2013-01-01

A major drawback of traditional photocatalysts like TiO2 is that they can only work under illumination, and the light has to be UV. As a solution for this limitation, visible-light-driven energy storage photocatalysts have been developed in recent years. However, energy storage photocatalysts that are full-sunlight-driven (UV-visible-NIR) and possess long-lasting energy storage ability are lacking. Here we report, a Pt-loaded and hydrogen-treated WO3 that exhibits a strong absorption at full-sunlight spectrum (300-1,000 nm), and with a super-long energy storage time of more than 300 h to have formaldehyde degraded in dark. In this new material system, the hydrogen treated WO3 functions as the light harvesting material and energy storage material simultaneously, while Pt mainly acts as the cocatalyst to have the energy storage effect displayed. The extraordinary full-spectrum absorption effect and long persistent energy storage ability make the material a potential solar-energy storage and an effective photocatalyst in practice.

Modified solvothermal synthesis of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles photocatalysts for degradation of methylene blue with H2O2/visible light

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Abul Kalam

2018-03-01

Full Text Available Different grads of magnetic nano-scaled cobalt ferrites (CoFe2O4 photocatalysts were synthesized by modified Solvothermal (MST process with and without polysaccharide. The indigenously synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR, UV–visible (UV–vis spectroscopy and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm method. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study showed the Fe-O stretching vibration 590–619 cm−1, confirming the formation of metal oxide. The crystallite size of the synthesized photocatalysts was found in the range between 20.0 and 30.0 nm. The surface area of obtained magnetic nanoparticles is found to be reasonably high in the range of 63.0–76.0 m2/g. The results shown that only MST-2 is the most active catalyst for photo-Fenton like scheme for fast photodegradation action of methylene blue dye, this is possible due to optical band gap estimated of 2.65 eV. Captivatingly the percentage of degradation efficiency increases up to 80% after 140 min by using MST-2 photocatalyst. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB dye under visible light irradiation with cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles followed first order kinetic constant and rate constant of MST-2 is almost 2.0 times greater than MST-1 photocatalyst. Keywords: Cobalt ferrite, Photocatalysis, Kinetics, Optical properties, Surface area studies

TiO2 Based Photocatalyst: From Synthesis and Characterization to Optimization and Design

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Su, Ren

2012-01-01

TiO2 based photocatalyst has attracted gerat attentions from both fundamental and an applied aspects in water/air purifications and energy production. In this thesis, series of well-defined TiO2 photocatalyst with various parameters (i.e., polymorph composition, shape, impurity concentration, sur...

Constructing three-dimensional porous graphene-carbon quantum dots/g-C3N4 nanosheet aerogel metal-free photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Science.gov (United States)

He, Huijuan; Huang, Langhuan; Zhong, Zijun; Tan, Shaozao

2018-05-01

Photocatalysis has been widely considered to be an effective way for solving the worldwide environmental pollution issues. Herein, a new type of three-dimensional (3D) ternary graphene-carbon quantum dots/g-C3N4 nanosheet (GA-CQDs/CNN) aerogel visible-light-driven photocatalyst was synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal method. In this unique ternary photocatalyst, both carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) could improve the visible light absorption and promote the charge separation. Furthermore, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) could act as a supportor for the 3D framework. Such a ternary system overcame the drawbacks of bulk g-C3N4 (BCN) and achieved the enhanced photocatalytic activity and long-term stability. As a result, the methyl orange (MO) removal ratio of GA-CQDs/CNN-24% was up to 91.1%, which was about 7.6 times higher than that of bulk g-C3N4 (BCN) under the identical conditions. Moreover that GA-CQDs/CNN-24% exhibited inappreciable loss of photocatalytic activity after four-cycle degradation processes. Finally, the photocatalytic mechanism of GA-CQDs/CNN-24% was interpreted both theoretically and experimentally.

High photoactive and visible-light responsive graphene/titanate nanotubes photocatalysts: preparation and characterization.

Science.gov (United States)

Qianqian, Zhai; Tang, Bo; Guoxin, Hu

2011-12-30

A series of graphene/titanate nanotubes (TNTs) photocatalysts using graphene and nanoscale TiO(2) or P25 as original materials were fabricated by hydrothermal method. Both low hydrothermal temperature and proper amount of graphene are propitious to better photoactivity. The photocatalytic activities of these nanocomposites far exceed that of P25, pure TNTs and reported TiO(2)-based nanocomposites for the degradation of Rhodamine-B under visible-light irradiation. These prepared photocatalysts were characterized by TEM, XRD, XPS, BET, FTIR and UV-vis diffuse reflection spectra, and the results indicate that the outstanding photoactivities in visible-light region result from sensitization effect of graphene rather than impurity level in the band gap of TNTs. Furthermore, large BET surface areas of these photocatalysts (almost 10 times larger than that of previously reported graphene/TiO(2) nanoparticles) evidently enhance their absorption abilities and photocatalytic performances (the rate constants of degrading Rhodamine-B are at least 5 times higher than that of previously reported photocatalysts). These photocatalysts show good stability, and their photoactivities do not obviously decrease after four times of repeated uses. A detailed photocatalytic mechanism is suggested, as well. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photocatalytic Degradation of DIPA Using Bimetallic Cu-Ni/TiO2 Photocatalyst under Visible Light Irradiation

Science.gov (United States)

Bustam, Mohamad Azmi; Chong, Fai Kait; Man, Zakaria B.; Khan, Muhammad Saqib; Shariff, Azmi M.

2014-01-01

Bimetallic Cu-Ni/TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized using wet impregnation (WI) method with TiO2 (Degussa-P25) as support and calcined at different temperatures (180, 200, and 300°C) for the photodegradation of DIPA under visible light. The photocatalysts were characterized using TGA, FESEM, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and temperature programmed reduction (TPR). The results from the photodegradation experiments revealed that the Cu-Ni/TiO2 photocatalysts exhibited much higher photocatalytic activities compared to bare TiO2. It was found that photocatalyst calcined at 200°C had the highest photocatalyst activities with highest chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal (86.82%). According to the structural and surface analysis, the enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to its strong absorption into the visible region and high metal dispersion. PMID:25105158

Photocatalytic Degradation of DIPA Using Bimetallic Cu-Ni/TiO2 Photocatalyst under Visible Light Irradiation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nadia Riaz

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Bimetallic Cu-Ni/TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized using wet impregnation (WI method with TiO2 (Degussa-P25 as support and calcined at different temperatures (180, 200, and 300°C for the photodegradation of DIPA under visible light. The photocatalysts were characterized using TGA, FESEM, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR and temperature programmed reduction (TPR. The results from the photodegradation experiments revealed that the Cu-Ni/TiO2 photocatalysts exhibited much higher photocatalytic activities compared to bare TiO2. It was found that photocatalyst calcined at 200°C had the highest photocatalyst activities with highest chemical oxygen demand (COD removal (86.82%. According to the structural and surface analysis, the enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to its strong absorption into the visible region and high metal dispersion.

Sonochemical synthesis of solar-light-driven Ago-PbMoO4 photocatalyst

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gyawali, Gobinda; Adhikari, Rajesh; Joshi, Bhupendra; Kim, Tae Ho; Rodríguez-González, Vicente; Lee, Soo Wohn

2013-01-01

Highlights: • Solar light responsive Ag o -PbMoO 4 photocatalyst synthesized by sonochemical method. • UV–vis DRS reveals the strong absorption band due to SPR effect of Ag nanoparticles. • Ag o -PbMoO 4 possess higher photocatalytic activity over PbMoO 4 . • Enhanced photo-activity is explained on the basis of SPR effect of Ag nanoparticle. -- Abstract: Ag o -PbMoO 4 photocatalysts were synthesized by facile sonochemical method with different mol.% of Ag nanoparticles dispersed on the surface of PbMoO 4 . The synthesized powders were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Spectroscopy, X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS) to investigate the crystal structure, morphology, chemical composition, and optical properties of the photocatalyst. Photocatalytic activities of the Ag o -PbMoO 4 samples were evaluated by the degradation of Indigo Carmine (IC) dye under simulated solar light irradiation. It has been observed that the sample containing 0.3 mol.% of Ag showed the best photocatalytic activity as compared to other samples. The results suggest that the dispersion of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of PbMoO 4 significantly enhances the photocatalytic activity of PbMoO 4 . Increase in photocatalytic activity of Ag o -PbMoO 4 photocatalyst has been explained on the basis of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect caused by the silver nanoparticles present in the photocatalyst

XAFS Study on TiO2 Photocatalyst Loaded on Zeolite Synthesized from Steel Slag

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kuwahara, Yasutaka; Ohmichi, Tetsutaro; Mori, Kosuke; Katayama, Iwao; Yamashita, Hiromi

2007-01-01

The convenient route for the synthesis of Y-zeolites by utilizing steel slag as a material source was developed. Through hydrothermal treatment, well-crystallized Y-zeolite was obtained. We also synthesized TiO2-loaded Y-zeolites by an impregnation method. The structure of titanium oxide species highly dispersed on the zeolite, which couldn't be detected by XRD patterns, was investigated by XAFS analysis. Photocatalytic activity for decomposition of 2-propanol in liquid phase was found to be enhanced by the hydrophobic surface property of zeolite. It has been demonstrated that the zeolite synthesized from steel slag would be applicable as a promising support of TiO2 photocatalyst

N-doped TiO2 photo-catalyst for the degradation of 1,2-dichloroethane under fluorescent light

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lin, Yi-Hsing; Chiu, Tang-Chun; Hsueh, Hsin-Ta; Chu, Hsin

2011-01-01

The photo-catalytic degradation of 1,2-dichloroethane (1, 2-DCE) using nitrogen-doped TiO 2 photo-catalysts under fluorescent light irradiation was investigated. Highly pure TiO 2 and nitrogen-doped TiO 2 were prepared by a sol-gel method and characterized by thermo-gravimetric/differential-thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results indicate that the photo-catalysts were mainly nano-size with an anatase-phase structure. The degradation reaction of 1,2-DCE was operated under visible-light irradiation, and the photo-catalytic oxidation was conducted in a batch photo-reactor with various nitrogen doping ratios (N/Ti = 0-25 mol%). The relative humidity (RH) was controlled at 0-20% and the oxygen concentration was controlled at 0-21%. The photo-degradation with nitrogen-doped TiO 2 showed superior photo-catalytic activity compared to that for pure TiO 2 . TiO 2 doped with 15 mol% nitrogen exhibited the best photo-catalytic efficiency under the tested conditions. The products from the 1,2-DCE photo-catalytic oxidation were CO 2 and water; the by-products included dichloromethane, methyl chloride, ethyl chloride, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen chloride. The reaction pathway of 1,2-DCE indicates that oxygen molecules are the major factor that causes the degradation of 1,2-DCE in the gas phase.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Toluene, Butyl Acetate and Limonene under UV and Visible Light with Titanium Dioxide-Graphene Oxide as Photocatalyst

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Birte Mull

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Photocatalysis is a promising technique to reduce volatile organic compounds indoors. Titanium dioxide (TiO2 is a frequently-used UV active photocatalyst. Because of the lack of UV light indoors, TiO2 has to be modified to get its working range shifted into the visible light spectrum. In this study, the photocatalytic degradation of toluene, butyl acetate and limonene was investigated under UV LED light and blue LED light in emission test chambers with catalysts either made of pure TiO2 or TiO2 modified with graphene oxide (GO. TiO2 coated with different GO amounts (0.75%–14% were investigated to find an optimum ratio for the photocatalytic degradation of VOC in real indoor air concentrations. Most experiments were performed at a relative humidity of 0% in 20 L emission test chambers. Experiments at 40% relative humidity were done in a 1 m³ emission test chamber to determine potential byproducts. Degradation under UV LED light could be achieved for all three compounds with almost all tested catalyst samples up to more than 95%. Limonene had the highest degradation of the three selected volatile organic compounds under blue LED light with all investigated catalyst samples.

Non-covalent doping of graphitic carbon nitride with ultrathin graphene oxide and molybdenum disulfide nanosheets: an effective binary heterojunction photocatalyst under visible light irradiation.

Science.gov (United States)

Hu, S W; Yang, L W; Tian, Y; Wei, X L; Ding, J W; Zhong, J X; Chu, Paul K

2014-10-01

A proof of concept integrating binary p-n heterojunctions into a semiconductor hybrid photocatalyst is demonstrated by non-covalent doping of graphite-like carbon nitride (g-C3N4) with ultrathin GO and MoS2 nanosheets using a facile sonochemical method. In this unique ternary hybrid, the layered MoS2 and GO nanosheets with a large surface area enhance light absorption to generate more photoelectrons. On account of the coupling between MoS2 and GO with g-C3N4, the ternary hybrid possesses binary p-n heterojunctions at the g-C3N4/MoS2 and g-C3N4/GO interfaces. The space charge layers created by the p-n heterojunctions not only enhance photogeneration, but also promote charge separation and transfer of electron-hole pairs. In addition, the ultrathin MoS2 and GO with high mobility act as electron mediators to facilitate separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs at each p-n heterojunction. As a result, the ternary hybrid photocatalyst exhibits improved photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation compared to other reference materials. The results provide new insights into the large-scale production of semiconductor photocatalysts. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Supported Photocatalyst for Removal of Emerging Contaminants from Wastewater in a Continuous Packed-Bed Photoreactor Configuration

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mª Emma Borges

2015-02-01

Full Text Available Water pollution from emerging contaminants (ECs or emerging pollutants is an important environmental problem. Heterogeneous photocatalytic treatment, as advanced oxidation treatment of wastewater effluents, has been proposed to solve this problem. In this paper, a heterogeneous photocatalytic process was studied for emergent contaminants removal using paracetamol as a model contaminant molecule. TiO2 photocatalytic activity was evaluated using two photocatalytic reactor configurations: Photocatalyst solid suspension in wastewater in a stirred photoreactor and TiO2 supported on glass spheres (TGS configuring a packed bed photoreactor. The surface morphology and texture of the TGS were monitored by scanning electron microscope (SEM. The influence of photocatalyst amount and wastewater pH were evaluated in the stirred photoreactor and the influence of wastewater flowrate was tested in the packed bed photoreactor, in order to obtain the optimal operation conditions. Moreover, results obtained were compared with those obtained from photolysis and adsorption studies, using the optimal operation conditions. Good photocatalytic activities have been observed and leads to the conclusion that the heterogeneous photocatalytic system in a packed bed is an effective method for removal of emerging pollutants.

Oxidative degradation of salicylic acid by sprayed WO{sub 3} photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mohite, S.V.; Rajpure, K.Y., E-mail: rajpure@yahoo.com

2015-10-15

Highlights: • The photoactivity of sprayed WO{sub 3} thin film. • Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of salicylic acid. • Reaction kinetics and mineralization of pollutants by COD. - Abstract: The WO{sub 3} thin films were deposited using spray pyrolysis technique. The prepared WO{sub 3} thin films were characterized using photoelectrochemical (PEC), X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and UV–vis absorbance spectroscopy techniques. PEC measurements of WO{sub 3} films deposited at different deposition temperatures were carried out to study photoresponse. The maximum photocurrent (I{sub ph} = 261 μA/cm{sup 2}) was observed for the film deposited at the 225 °C. The monoclinic crystal structure of WO{sub 3} has been confirmed from X-ray diffraction studies. AFM studies were used to calculate particle size and average roughness of the films. Optical absorbance was studied to estimate the bandgap energy of WO{sub 3} thin film which was about 2.65 eV. The photoelectrocatalytic activity of WO{sub 3} film was studied by degradation of salicylic acid with reducing concentrations as function of reaction time. The WO{sub 3} photocatalyst degraded salicylic acid to about 67.14% with significant reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) value.

Structural, optical, and improved photocatalytic properties of CdS/SnO_2 hybrid photocatalyst nanostructure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Venkata Reddy, Ch.; Ravikumar, R.V.S.S.N.; Srinivas, Ganganagunta; Shim, Jaesool; Cho, Migyung

2017-01-01

Highlights: • CdS, SnO_2, and a CdS/SnO_2 hybrid photocatalyst were synthesized using a two-step technique. • The dislocation density, strain values are higher for CdS/SnO_2 hybrid photocatalyst. • The CdS/SnO_2 has a higher surface area and smaller crystallite size compared to pristine CdS. • The CdS/SnO_2 catalyst greatly reduced recombination of electron and hole pairs. - Abstract: CdS, SnO_2 and CdS/SnO_2 hybrid photocatalyst nanostructure were synthesized using a two-step (co-precipitation/hydrothermal) method. The as-prepared materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), surface analysis (BET), photoluminescence spectra (PL), UV–Vis diffusion reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and photocatalytic activity. The band gap energies calculated from the DRS results are 3.30, 2.15, and 2.99 eV for pristine SnO_2, CdS, and the CdS/SnO_2 hybrid photocatalyst, respectively. The CdS/SnO_2 hybrid photocatalyst showed more efficient charge carrier separation and improved photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO). The highest degradation rate constant was achieved for the CdS/SnO_2 hybrid photocatalyst (0.02434 min"−"1) compared to CdS (0.01381 min"−"1) and SnO_2 (0.00878 min"−"1). The present study provides insights for improving the photocatalytic activity and photo-stability of CdS/SnO_2 hybrid photocatalyst.

Solar Water Splitting Using Semiconductor Photocatalyst Powders

KAUST Repository

Takanabe, Kazuhiro

2015-07-01

Solar energy conversion is essential to address the gap between energy production and increasing demand. Large scale energy generation from solar energy can only be achieved through equally large scale collection of the solar spectrum. Overall water splitting using heterogeneous photocatalysts with a single semiconductor enables the direct generation of H from photoreactors and is one of the most economical technologies for large-scale production of solar fuels. Efficient photocatalyst materials are essential to make this process feasible for future technologies. To achieve efficient photocatalysis for overall water splitting, all of the parameters involved at different time scales should be improved because the overall efficiency is obtained by the multiplication of all these fundamental efficiencies. Accumulation of knowledge ranging from solid-state physics to electrochemistry and a multidisciplinary approach to conduct various measurements are inevitable to be able to understand photocatalysis fully and to improve its efficiency.

Photocatalytic discoloration of reactive blue 5g dye in the presence of mixed oxides and with the addition of iron and silver

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Souza, M.C.P; Lenzi, G.G.; Jorge, L.M.M.; Santos, O.A.A.; Colpini, L.M.S.

2011-01-01

This work reports the use of cerium-titania-alumina-based systems modified with Ag and Fe by the wetness impregnation method for the discoloration of blue 5G dye. The techniques employed to characterize the photocatalysts were: temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific surface area, average pore volume, and average pore diameter. The characterization results indicated that the photocatalysts had different crystalline structures and textural properties. Discoloration with the mixed oxide photocatalyst CeO 2 -TiO 2 -Al 2 O 3 gave a result similar to that of TiO 2 . On the other hand, the addition of Ag and Fe to the mixed oxide increased the discoloration and reaction rates of reactive blue 5G dyes. (author)

Photocatalytic discoloration of reactive blue 5g dye in the presence of mixed oxides and with the addition of iron and silver

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Souza, M.C.P; Lenzi, G.G.; Jorge, L.M.M.; Santos, O.A.A. [Universidade Estadual de Maringa (UEM), PR (Brazil). Dept. de Engenharia Quimica; Colpini, L.M.S. [Universidade Federal do Parana (UFPR), Palotina, PR (Brazil). Curso Superior de Tecnologia em Biocombustiveis

2011-07-15

This work reports the use of cerium-titania-alumina-based systems modified with Ag and Fe by the wetness impregnation method for the discoloration of blue 5G dye. The techniques employed to characterize the photocatalysts were: temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific surface area, average pore volume, and average pore diameter. The characterization results indicated that the photocatalysts had different crystalline structures and textural properties. Discoloration with the mixed oxide photocatalyst CeO{sub 2}-TiO{sub 2}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} gave a result similar to that of TiO{sub 2}. On the other hand, the addition of Ag and Fe to the mixed oxide increased the discoloration and reaction rates of reactive blue 5G dyes. (author)

Microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis of Ag/AgCl/WO3 photocatalyst and its photocatalytic activity under simulated solar light

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Adhikari, Rajesh; Gyawali, Gobinda; Sekino, Tohru; Wohn Lee, Soo

2013-01-01

Simulated solar light responsive Ag/AgCl/WO 3 composite photocatalyst was synthesized by microwave assisted hydrothermal process. The synthesized powders were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS), and BET surface area analyzer to investigate the crystal structure, morphology, chemical composition, optical properties and surface area of the composite photocatalyst. This photocatalyst exhibited higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of rhodamine B under simulated solar light irradiation. Dye degradation efficiency of composite photocatalyst was found to be increased significantly as compared to that of the commercial WO 3 nanopowder. Increase in photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst was explained on the basis of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect caused by the silver nanoparticles present in the composite photocatalyst. Highlights: ► Successful synthesis of Ag/AgCl/WO 3 nanocomposite. ► Photocatalytic experiment was performed under simulated solar light. ► Nanocomposite photocatalyst was very active as compared to WO 3 commercial powder. ► SPR effect due to Ag nanoparticles enhanced the photocatalytic activity.

Fiscal 1999 achievement report on the venture business assisting type regional consortium - Minor business creation base type. Development of hypersensitive photocatalyst using oxide semiconductor thin film having nanostructure; 1999 nendo chiiki consortium kenkyu kaihatsu jigyo seika hokokusho. Nano bisai kozo wo yusuru sankabutsu handotai usumaku ni yoru chokokando hikari shokubai no kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2001-03-01

The thin film structure of photocatalytic titanium oxide, capable of efficiently decomposing hazardous pollutants or the like, is refined to have a nanometric scale structure for a larger specific surface for the development of a photocatalytic thin film or powder film and for the development of decomposition capable air cleaner using a thus developed photocatalytic film. Described in this report are the results of a study conducted to elucidate the fabrication conditions, nanostructures, and photocatalytic features of titanium oxide thin films formed by spray thermolysis, RF (radio frequency) sputtering, reactive sputtering, and sol-gel process, a study of hazardous pollutant decomposing capability and nanostructure, the establishment of fabrication technologies, and the construction of a prototype air cleaner with the results of the said studies applied thereto. Among the various fabrication methods, the technology involving a hypersensitive thin film photocatalyst was established by combining the reactive sputtering method and the sol-gel method. It was found that the formation of prismatic crystals in the sol-gel method was the most important in achieving high performance in the hypersensitive thin film photocatalyst. (NEDO)

High throughput photo-oxidations in a packed bed reactor system.

Science.gov (United States)

Kong, Caleb J; Fisher, Daniel; Desai, Bimbisar K; Yang, Yuan; Ahmad, Saeed; Belecki, Katherine; Gupton, B Frank

2017-12-01

The efficiency gains produced by continuous-flow systems in conducting photochemical transformations have been extensively demonstrated. Recently, these systems have been used in developing safe and efficient methods for photo-oxidations using singlet oxygen generated by photosensitizers. Much of the previous work has focused on the use of homogeneous photocatalysts. The development of a unique, packed-bed photoreactor system using immobilized rose bengal expands these capabilities as this robust photocatalyst allows access to and elaboration from these highly useful building blocks without the need for further purification. With this platform we were able to demonstrate a wide scope of singlet oxygen ene, [4+2] cycloadditions and heteroatom oxidations. Furthermore, we applied this method as a strategic element in the synthesis of the high-volume antimalarial artemisinin. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Light-Induced Reduction of Cuprous Oxide in an Environmental Transmission Electron Microscope

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Cavalca, Filippo Carlo; Laursen, Anders Bo; Wagner, Jakob Birkedal

2013-01-01

Photocatalysts for solar fuel production are subject to intensive investigation as they constitute one viable route for solar energy harvesting. Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) is a working photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution but it photocorrodes upon light illumination in an aqueous environment....... Environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM) makes it possible to obtain insight into the local structure, composition and reactivity of catalysts in their working environment, which is of fundamental interest for sustainable energy research and is essential for further material optimization. Herein...

Chlorobenzene degeradation by non-thermal plasma combined with EG-TiO2/ZnO as a photocatalyst: Effect of photocatalyst on CO2 selectivity and byproducts reduction.

Science.gov (United States)

Ghorbani Shahna, Farshid; Bahrami, Abdulrahman; Alimohammadi, Iraj; Yarahmadi, Rassuol; Jaleh, Babak; Gandomi, Mastaneh; Ebrahimi, Hossein; Ad-Din Abedi, Kamal

2017-02-15

The non-thermal plasma (NTP) technique, which suffers from low selectivity in complete oxidation of volatile organic compounds to CO 2 and H 2 O, creates unwanted and harmful byproducts. NTP in concert with photocatalyst can resolve this limitation due to additional oxidation. TiO 2 and ZnO nanoparticles were coated on the surface of the expanded graphite and placed downstream of the NTP reactor under UV light. In this study, to compare the performance of NTP and the combined system, chlorobenzene removal, selectivity of CO 2 and byproducts formation were investigated. The results showed that the combined system enhanced both the removal efficiency and CO 2 selectivity. The output gas of the NTP reactor contained chlorobenzene, phosgene, O 3 , NO, NO 2 , CO, CO 2 , HCL and CL. The bulk of these byproducts was oxidized on the surface of the nanocomposite; as a result, the content of the byproducts in the output gas of the combined system decreased dramatically. The removal efficiency and CO 2 selectivity increased by rising the applied voltage and residence time because the collision between active species and pollutant molecules increases. Based on these results, the combined system is preferred due to a higher performance and lower formation of harmful byproducts. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photocatalysis of Modified Transition Metal Oxide Surfaces

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Batzill, Matthias [Univ. of South Florida, Tampa, FL (United States). Dept. of Physics

2018-02-28

The goal of this project has been to establish a cause-effect relationship for photocatalytic activity variations of different structures of the same material; and furthermore gain fundamental understanding on modification of photocatalysts by compositional or surface modifications. The reasoning is that gaining atomic scale understanding of how surface and bulk modifications alter the photo reactivity will lead to design principles for next generation photocatalysts. As a prototypical photocatalyst the research focused on TiO₂ synthesized in well-defined single crystalline form to enable fundamental characterizations.We have obtained results in the following areas: (a) Preparation of epitaxial anatase TiO₂ samples by pulsed laser deposition. (b) Comparison of hydrogen diffusion on different crystallographic surface. (c) Determining the stability of the TiO₂(011)-2x1 reconstruction upon interactions with adsorbates. (d) Characterization of adsorption and (thermal and photo) reaction of molecules with nitro-endgroups, (e) Exploring the possibility of modifying planar model photocatalyst surfaces with graphene to enable fundamental studies on reported enhanced photocatalytic activities of graphene modified transition metal oxides, (f) gained fundamental understanding on the role of crystallographic polymorphs of the same material for their photocatalytic activities.

Eosin Y photoredox catalyzed net redox neutral reaction for regiospecific annulation to 3-sulfonylindoles via anion oxidation of sodium sulfinate salts.

Science.gov (United States)

Rohokale, Rajendra S; Tambe, Shrikant D; Kshirsagar, Umesh A

2018-01-24

An eosin Y photoredox catalyzed net redox neutral process for 3-sulfonylindoles via the anionic oxidation of sodium sulfinate salts and its radical cascade cyclization with 2-alkynyl-azidoarenes was developed with visible light as a mediator. The reaction offers metal and oxidant/reductant free, visible light mediated vicinal sulfonamination of alkynes to 2-aryl/alkyl-3-sulfonylindoles and proceeds via the generation of a sulfur-centered radical through direct oxidation of the sulfinate anion by an excited photocatalyst with a reductive quenching cycle. The mild conditions, use of an organic dye as photo-catalyst, bench stability and easily accessible starting materials make the present approach green and attractive.

An overview on cellulose-based material in tailoring bio-hybrid nanostructured photocatalysts for water treatment and renewable energy applications.

Science.gov (United States)

Mohamed, Mohamad Azuwa; Abd Mutalib, Muhazri; Mohd Hir, Zul Adlan; M Zain, M F; Mohamad, Abu Bakar; Jeffery Minggu, Lorna; Awang, Nor Asikin; W Salleh, W N

2017-10-01

A combination between the nanostructured photocatalyst and cellulose-based materials promotes a new functionality of cellulose towards the development of new bio-hybrid materials for various applications especially in water treatment and renewable energy. The excellent compatibility and association between nanostructured photocatalyst and cellulose-based materials was induced by bio-combability and high hydrophilicity of the cellulose components. The electron rich hydroxyl group of celluloses helps to promote superior interaction with photocatalyst. The formation of bio-hybrid nanostructured are attaining huge interest nowadays due to the synergistic properties of individual cellulose-based material and photocatalyst nanoparticles. Therefore, in this review we introduce some cellulose-based material and discusses its compatibility with nanostructured photocatalyst in terms of physical and chemical properties. In addition, we gather information and evidence on the fabrication techniques of cellulose-based hybrid nanostructured photocatalyst and its recent application in the field of water treatment and renewable energy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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.

Effect of Cu insertion on structural, local electronic/atomic structure and photocatalyst properties of TiO{sub 2}, ZnO and Ni(OH){sub 2} nanostructures: XANES-EXAFS study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sharma, Aditya; Varshney, Mayora [Advanced Analysis Centre, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792 (Korea, Republic of); Shin, Hyun Joon, E-mail: shj001@postech.ac.kr [Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Byeong-Hyeon [Advanced Analysis Centre, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792 (Korea, Republic of); Chae, Keun Hwa, E-mail: khchae@kist.re.kr [Advanced Analysis Centre, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792 (Korea, Republic of); Won, Sung Ok, E-mail: sowon@kist.re.kr [Advanced Analysis Centre, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792 (Korea, Republic of)

2017-04-15

We report detailed investigations on the synthesis, structural, morphology, electronic/atomic structure and photocatalyst properties of Cu doped TiO{sub 2}, ZnO and Ni(OH){sub 2} nanostructures. All of the samples were synthesized by using the chemical precipitation method. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and photocatalyst measurements. XRD studies revealed single phase nature of the samples and omitted the presence of trivial metallic or binary oxide phases. TiO{sub 2} set of samples have shown nanorod kind of morphology, however TEM images of ZnO and Ni(OH){sub 2} set of samples depicted the spherical morphology of particles. XANES spectra at the Cu K-edge and Cu L-edge, along with the atomic multiplet calculations, revealed the predominance of Cu{sup 2+} ions in all of the samples, within the entire doping range. Ti L-edge and Ti K-edge XANES confirmed the existence of Ti{sup 4+} ions in the pure and Cu doped TiO{sub 2} samples with anatase local structure. Zn L-edge XANES results confirmed the divalent character of Zn ions in the pure and Cu doped ZnO, which is further validated by the Zn K-edge XANES. Ni L-edge and Ni K-edge XANES conveyed the +2 valence state of Ni ions in the pure and Cu doped Ni (OH){sub 2} samples. EXAFS analysis at the Cu K-edge nullifies the formation of Cu metallic clusters and other trivial phases, suggesting random distribution of Cu atoms in the oxide materials. Though, local atomic arrangement of Cu ions is disparate in the different oxide compounds. As an application of the pure and Cu doped TiO{sub 2}, ZnO and Ni(OH){sub 2} nanostructures, towards the degradation of water pollutant dyes, we demonstrate that all of the samples can serve as effective photocatalyst materials towards the degradation of methyl orange aqueous pollutant dye under the UV-light irradiation

Solar detoxification of fuel-contaminated groundwater using fixed-bed photocatalysts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Crittenden, J. C. [Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan (United States); Zhang, Y.; Hand, D. W.; Perram, D. L.; Marchand, E. G.

1996-05-15

A field test of a solar photocatalytic process for detoxification of water was conducted at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, where benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) compounds were found in the fuel-contaminated groundwater. Platinized titanium dioxide supported on silica gel is packed in tubular photoreactors and used for single-pass operations. Catalyst fouling, destruction inhibition, and water pretreatment are investigated in addition to BTEX destruction. Ionic species were found to be primarily responsible for photocatalyst fouling and destruction inhibition. A simple pretreatment unit was developed for removing turbidity, adding oxidant, and ionic species. By using pretreatment, the reactor system operated efficiently, and no loss in catalyst photoactivity was found during the month-long test. On a rainy day, BTEX compounds of a total influent concentration of more than 2 mg/L were destroyed within 6.5 minutes of empty-bed contact time. Test results with various flow rates, reactor diameters, influent concentrations, solar irradiances, and weather conditions confirm the application potential of the process.

Solar detoxification of fuel-contaminated groundwater using fixed-bed photocatalysts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Crittenden, J.C.; Zhang, Y.; Hand, D.W.; Perram, D.L.; Marchand, E.G.

1996-01-01

A field test of a solar photocatalytic process for detoxification of water was conducted at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, where benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) compounds were found in the fuel-contaminated groundwater. Platinized titanium dioxide supported on silica gel is packed in tubular photoreactors and used for single-pass operations. Catalyst fouling, destruction inhibition, and water pretreatment are investigated in addition to BTEX destruction. Ionic species were found to be primarily responsible for photocatalyst fouling and destruction inhibition. A simple pretreatment unit was developed for removing turbidity, adding oxidant, and ionic species. By using pretreatment, the reactor system operated efficiently, and no loss in catalyst photoactivity was found during the month-long test. On a rainy day, BTEX compounds of a total influent concentration of more than 2 mg/L were destroyed within 6.5 minutes of empty-bed contact time. Test results with various flow rates, reactor diameters, influent concentrations, solar irradiances, and weather conditions confirm the application potential of the process

Photocatalyst based on TiO2 nanotube arrays co-decorated with CdS quantum dots and reduced graphene oxide irradiated by γ rays for effective degradation of ethylene

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Quan; Ye, Shengying; Song, Xianliang; Luo, Shucan

2018-06-01

We report herein a means of transforming TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs) from an amorphous state to an anatase crystal state (denoted as ∗TNAs), and present a single-step synthetic route for preparing CdS quantum dots (CdS QDs) as well as reduced graphene oxide (rGO) through gamma-ray irradiation. The as-prepared ∗TNAs, CdS QDs, and rGO, which had all been subjected to gamma-ray irradiation, were then assembled together to produce the desired heterojunction (denoted as CdS QDs/rGO-∗TNAs). X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), ultraviolet/visible diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy (UV/Vis DRS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), micro-Raman spectrometry (RS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been applied to characterize the appearance and performance of this photocatalyst. The photocatalytic activity of CdS QDs/rGO-∗TNAs towards ethylene degradation has been measured by placing it in a simulated cold-storage environment, the temperature and humidity of which were set at about 3 ± 1 °C and 75-90%, respectively. The results showed that the rate constant (K) of ethylene degradation could reach up to 1.07 × 10-3 min-1 with CdS QDs/rGO-∗TNAs, as compared to 2.30 × 10-4 min-1 with ∗TNAs and 6.25 × 10-4 min-1 with CdS QDs-∗TNAs, indicating that the constructed CdS QDs/rGO-∗TNAs constitutes a promising photocatalyst for ethylene removal in a cold storage environment.

Formulation and method for preparing gels comprising hydrous aluminum oxide

Science.gov (United States)

Collins, Jack L.

2014-06-17

Formulations useful for preparing hydrous aluminum oxide gels contain a metal salt including aluminum, an organic base, and a complexing agent. Methods for preparing gels containing hydrous aluminum oxide include heating a formulation to a temperature sufficient to induce gel formation, where the formulation contains a metal salt including aluminum, an organic base, and a complexing agent.

Fe(III/TiO2-Montmorillonite Photocatalyst in Photo-Fenton-Like Degradation of Methylene Blue

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Is Fatimah

2015-01-01

Full Text Available A photodegradation process of methylene blue (MB in aqueous solution using Fe(III/TiO2-montmorillonite photocatalyst is presented. The photocatalyst material was prepared using Indonesian natural montmorillonite in TiO2 pillarization process followed by Fe(III ion exchange. Kinetic study on MB degradation was conducted and evaluated by three kinetic models: the pseudo-first- and second-order equations and the Elovich equation. From the results, it is concluded that the degradation under the photo-Fenton-like process utilizing Fe(III/TiO2-montmorillonite photocatalyst conformed to the Elovich kinetic model.

Facile synthesis of porous TiO_2 photocatalysts using waste sludge as the template

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Xiaopeng; Huang, Shouqiang; Zhu, Nanwen; Lou, Ziyang; Yuan, Haiping

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: Waste sludge is introduced to synthesize the waste sludge templated TiO_2 photocatalyst with porous structure, which possesses better photocatalytic activity compared to pure TiO_2. - Highlights: • Waste sludge is introduced to synthesize the TiO_2 photocatalyst. • Waste sludge templated TiO_2 sample possesses porous structure. • Waste sludge templated TiO_2 sample exhibits high photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: A resource utilization method of waste sludge is present by the synthesis of waste sludge templated TiO_2 photocatalysts. The organic materials in waste sludge are used as the pore-forming agents, and the transition metals included in the remaining waste sludge through calcination (WSC) can serve as the dopants for the WSC-TiO_2 (WSCT) photocatalyst. The visible and UV–visible light driven photocatalytic activities of WSCT are much better compared to those of pure TiO_2 and WSC, and it is originated from the higher light absorption property and the efficient electron–hole pair separation provided by waste sludge.

ZnO Film Photocatalysts

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bosi Yin

2014-01-01

Full Text Available We have synthesized high-quality, nanoscale ultrathin ZnO films at relatively low temperature using a facile and effective hydrothermal approach. ZnO films were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectra (PL, and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The products demonstrated 95% photodegradation efficiency with Congo red (CR after 40 min irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation experiments of methyl orange (MO and eosin red also were carried out. The results indicate that the as-obtained ZnO films might be promising candidates as the excellent photocatalysts for elimination of waste water.

Bare TiO2 and graphene oxide TiO2 photocatalysts on the degradation of selected pesticides and influence of the water matrix

Science.gov (United States)

Cruz, Marta; Gomez, Cristina; Duran-Valle, Carlos J.; Pastrana-Martínez, Luisa M.; Faria, Joaquim L.; Silva, Adrián M. T.; Faraldos, Marisol; Bahamonde, Ana

2017-09-01

The photocatalytic activity of a home-made titanium dioxide (TiO2) and its corresponding composite based on graphene oxide (GO), the GO-TiO2 catalyst, has been investigated under UV-vis in the photodegradation of a mixture of four pesticides classified by the European Union as priority pollutants: diuron, alachlor, isoproturon and atrazine. The influence of two water matrices (ultrapure or natural water) was also studied. Natural water led to a decrease on the degradation of the studied pollutants when the bare TiO2 photocatalyst was employed, since this water contains both inorganic and organic species that are dissolved and commonly restrain the photocatalytic process. On the contrary, the photo-efficiency of the GO-TiO2 composite seems to be less affected by water matrix variation, with very good initial pesticide photodegradation rates under both natural and ultrapure water matrices. A comparative study between GO-TiO2 and the commercial Evonik TiO2 P25 catalyst was also carried out to analyze the photocatalytic degradation of these pesticides under visible light illumination conditions. Once again, a higher photocatalytic activity was found for the GO-TiO2 composite.

Tethering metal ions to photocatalyst particulate surfaces by bifunctional molecular linkers for efficient hydrogen evolution

KAUST Repository

Yu, Weili

2014-08-19

A simple and versatile method for the preparation of photocatalyst particulates modified with effective cocatalysts is presented; the method involves the sequential soaking of photocatalyst particulates in solutions containing bifunctional organic linkers and metal ions. The modification of the particulate surfaces is a universal and reproducible method because the molecular linkers utilize strong covalent bonds, which in turn result in modified monolayer with a small but controlled quantity of metals. The photocatalysis results indicated that the CdS with likely photochemically reduced Pd and Ni, which were initially immobilized via ethanedithiol (EDT) as a linker, were highly efficient for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from Na2S-Na2SO3-containing aqueous solutions. The method developed in this study opens a new synthesis route for the preparation of effective photocatalysts with various combinations of bifunctional linkers, metals, and photocatalyst particulate materials. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Tethering metal ions to photocatalyst particulate surfaces by bifunctional molecular linkers for efficient hydrogen evolution

KAUST Repository

Yu, Weili; Isimjan, Tayirjan T.; Del Gobbo, Silvano; Anjum, Dalaver Hussain; Abdel-Azeim, Safwat; Cavallo, Luigi; Garcia Esparza, Angel T.; Domen, Kazunari; Xu, Wei; Takanabe, Kazuhiro

2014-01-01

A simple and versatile method for the preparation of photocatalyst particulates modified with effective cocatalysts is presented; the method involves the sequential soaking of photocatalyst particulates in solutions containing bifunctional organic linkers and metal ions. The modification of the particulate surfaces is a universal and reproducible method because the molecular linkers utilize strong covalent bonds, which in turn result in modified monolayer with a small but controlled quantity of metals. The photocatalysis results indicated that the CdS with likely photochemically reduced Pd and Ni, which were initially immobilized via ethanedithiol (EDT) as a linker, were highly efficient for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from Na2S-Na2SO3-containing aqueous solutions. The method developed in this study opens a new synthesis route for the preparation of effective photocatalysts with various combinations of bifunctional linkers, metals, and photocatalyst particulate materials. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Structural, optical, and improved photocatalytic properties of CdS/SnO{sub 2} hybrid photocatalyst nanostructure

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Venkata Reddy, Ch., E-mail: cvrphy@gmail.com [School of Mechanical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 712-749 (Korea, Republic of); Ravikumar, R.V.S.S.N. [Department of Physics, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar 522510 (India); Srinivas, Ganganagunta [Engineering Department, lbra College of Technology, lbra 400 (Oman); Shim, Jaesool, E-mail: jshim@ynu.ac.kr [School of Mechanical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 712-749 (Korea, Republic of); Cho, Migyung, E-mail: mgcho@tu.ac.kr [Department of Game Engineering, Tongmyong University, Busan 608-711 (Korea, Republic of)

2017-07-15

Highlights: • CdS, SnO{sub 2}, and a CdS/SnO{sub 2} hybrid photocatalyst were synthesized using a two-step technique. • The dislocation density, strain values are higher for CdS/SnO{sub 2} hybrid photocatalyst. • The CdS/SnO{sub 2} has a higher surface area and smaller crystallite size compared to pristine CdS. • The CdS/SnO{sub 2} catalyst greatly reduced recombination of electron and hole pairs. - Abstract: CdS, SnO{sub 2} and CdS/SnO{sub 2} hybrid photocatalyst nanostructure were synthesized using a two-step (co-precipitation/hydrothermal) method. The as-prepared materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), surface analysis (BET), photoluminescence spectra (PL), UV–Vis diffusion reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and photocatalytic activity. The band gap energies calculated from the DRS results are 3.30, 2.15, and 2.99 eV for pristine SnO{sub 2}, CdS, and the CdS/SnO{sub 2} hybrid photocatalyst, respectively. The CdS/SnO{sub 2} hybrid photocatalyst showed more efficient charge carrier separation and improved photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO). The highest degradation rate constant was achieved for the CdS/SnO{sub 2} hybrid photocatalyst (0.02434 min{sup −1}) compared to CdS (0.01381 min{sup −1}) and SnO{sub 2} (0.00878 min{sup −1}). The present study provides insights for improving the photocatalytic activity and photo-stability of CdS/SnO{sub 2} hybrid photocatalyst.

Modeling Geometric Arrangements of TiO2-Based Catalyst Substrates and Isotropic Light Sources to Enhance the Efficiency of a Photocatalystic Oxidation (PCO) Reactor

Science.gov (United States)

Richards, Jeffrey T.; Levine, Lanfang H.; Husk, Geoffrey K.

2011-01-01

The closed confined environments of the ISS, as well as in future spacecraft for exploration beyond LEO, provide many challenges to crew health. One such challenge is the availability of a robust, energy efficient, and re-generable air revitalization system that controls trace volatile organic contaminants (VOCs) to levels below a specified spacecraft maximum allowable concentration (SMAC). Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO), which is capable of mineralizing VOCs at room temperature and of accommodating a high volumetric flow, is being evaluated as an alternative trace contaminant control technology. In an architecture of a combined air and water management system, placing a PCO unit before a condensing heat exchanger for humidity control will greatly reduce the organic load into the humidity condensate loop ofthe water processing assembly (WPA) thereby enhancing the life cycle economics ofthe WPA. This targeted application dictates a single pass efficiency of greater than 90% for polar VOCs. Although this target was met in laboratory bench-scaled reactors, no commercial or SBIR-developed prototype PCO units examined to date have achieved this goal. Furthermore, the formation of partial oxidation products (e.g., acetaldehyde) was not eliminated. It is known that single pass efficiency and partial oxidation are strongly dependent upon the contact time and catalyst illumination, hence the requirement for an efficient reactor design. The objective of this study is to maximize the apparent contact time and illuminated catalyst surface area at a given reactor volume and volumetric flow. In this study, a Ti02-based photocatalyst is assumed to be immobilized on porous substrate panels and illumination derived from linear isotropic light sources. Mathematical modeling using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses were performed to investigate the effect of: 1) the geometry and configuration of catalyst-coated substrate panels, 2) porosity of the supporting substrate, and 3

Research Progress on Visible-light Responding ZnO-based Nanocomposite Photocatalyst

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

ZHAO Yan-ru

2017-06-01

Full Text Available In this review, different types and properties, photocatalysis and functional mechanism of ZnO-based nanocomposite were summarized. Besides, the research advances were discussed in applications of visible-light responding ZnO-based nanocomposite in fields of degradation of organic pollutants,photocatalytic hydrogen production and antibacterial agents, and the way of thinking and suggestions for further research on ZnO-based nanocomposite photocatalyst were put forward. With the developing of basic research and application, ZnO-based nanocomposite photocatalyst will be widely used in the fields of high efficiency catalyst, environmental purification, solar energy conversion and so on.

Transmission electron microscopy characterization of photocatalysts for water splitting

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Cavalca, Filippo; Laursen, Anders Bo; Dahl, Søren

, it is necessary to understand the fundamentals of their reaction mechanisms, chemical behavior, structure and morphology before, during and after reaction using in situ investigations. Here, we focus on the in situ characterization of photocatalysts [1] in an environmental transmission electron microscope (ETEM......) [2]. Such fundamental insight can be used for further material optimization with respect to performance and stability [3]. In this work, we combine conventional TEM analysis of photocatalysts with environmental TEM (ETEM) and photoactivation using light. A novel type of TEM specimen holder...... that enables in situ illumination is developed to study light-induced phenomena in photoactive materials at the nanoscale under working conditions. Our experiments are aimed at exposing a specimen to light and detecting resulting microstructural and chemical changes using in situ TEM techniques...

A photocatalyst-enzyme coupled artificial photosynthesis system for solar energy in production of formic acid from CO2.

Science.gov (United States)

Yadav, Rajesh K; Baeg, Jin-Ook; Oh, Gyu Hwan; Park, No-Joong; Kong, Ki-jeong; Kim, Jinheung; Hwang, Dong Won; Biswas, Soumya K

2012-07-18

The photocatalyst-enzyme coupled system for artificial photosynthesis process is one of the most promising methods of solar energy conversion for the synthesis of organic chemicals or fuel. Here we report the synthesis of a novel graphene-based visible light active photocatalyst which covalently bonded the chromophore, such as multianthraquinone substituted porphyrin with the chemically converted graphene as a photocatalyst of the artificial photosynthesis system for an efficient photosynthetic production of formic acid from CO(2). The results not only show a benchmark example of the graphene-based material used as a photocatalyst in general artificial photosynthesis but also the benchmark example of the selective production system of solar chemicals/solar fuel directly from CO(2).

Silver Modified Degussa P25 for the Photocatalytic Removal of Nitric Oxide

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Neil Bowering

2007-01-01

Full Text Available A study of the photocatalytic behaviour of silver modified titanium dioxide materials for the decomposition and reduction of nitric oxide (NO gas has been carried out. The effects of silver loading, calcination temperature, and reaction conditions have been investigated. Prepared photocatalysts were characterised using XRD, TEM, and XPS. A continuous flow reactor was used to determine the photocatalytic activity and selectivity of NO decomposition in the absence of oxygen as well as NO reduction using CO as the reducing agent, over the prepared photocatalysts. XRD and TEM analysis of the photocatalysts showed that crystalline silver nitrate particles were present on the titanium dioxide surface after calcination at temperatures of up to 200∘C. The silver nitrate particles are thermally decomposed to form metallic silver clusters at higher temperatures. XPS analysis of the photocatalysts showed that for each of the temperatures used, both Ag+ and Ag0 were present and that the Ag0/Ag+ ratio increased with increasing calcination temperature. The presence of metallic silver species on the TiO2 surface dramatically increased the selectivity for N2 formation of both decomposition and reduction reactions. When CO was present in the reaction gas, selectivities of over 90% were observed for all the Ag-TiO2 photocatalysts that had been calcined at temperatures above 200∘C. Unfortunately these high selectivities were at the expense of photocatalytic activity, with lower NO conversion rates than those achieved over unmodified TiO2 photocatalysts.

Plasmonic photocatalyst-like fluorescent proteins for generating reactive oxygen species

Science.gov (United States)

Leem, Jung Woo; Kim, Seong-Ryul; Choi, Kwang-Ho; Kim, Young L.

2018-03-01

The recent advances in photocatalysis have opened a variety of new possibilities for energy and biomedical applications. In particular, plasmonic photocatalysis using hybridization of semiconductor materials and metal nanoparticles has recently facilitated the rapid progress in enhancing photocatalytic efficiency under visible or solar light. One critical underlying aspect of photocatalysis is that it generates and releases reactive oxygen species (ROS) as intermediate or final products upon light excitation or activation. Although plasmonic photocatalysis overcomes the limitation of UV irradiation, synthesized metal/semiconductor nanomaterial photocatalysts often bring up biohazardous and environmental issues. In this respect, this review article is centered in identifying natural photosensitizing organic materials that can generate similar types of ROS as those of plasmonic photocatalysis. In particular, we propose the idea of plasmonic photocatalyst-like fluorescent proteins for ROS generation under visible light irradiation. We recapitulate fluorescent proteins that have Type I and Type II photosensitization properties in a comparable manner to plasmonic photocatalysis. Plasmonic photocatalysis and protein photosensitization have not yet been compared systemically in terms of ROS photogeneration under visible light, although the phototoxicity and cytotoxicity of some fluorescent proteins are well recognized. A comprehensive understanding of plasmonic photocatalyst-like fluorescent proteins and their potential advantages will lead us to explore new environmental, biomedical, and defense applications.

A novel thermal decomposition approach for the synthesis of silica-iron oxide core–shell nanoparticles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kishore, P.N.R.; Jeevanandam, P.

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Silica-iron oxide core–shell nanoparticles have been synthesized by a novel thermal decomposition approach. ► The silica-iron oxide core–shell nanoparticles are superparamagnetic at room temperature. ► The silica-iron oxide core–shell nanoparticles serve as good photocatalyst for the degradation of Rhodamine B. - Abstract: A simple thermal decomposition approach for the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles consisting of silica as core and iron oxide nanoparticles as shell has been reported. The iron oxide nanoparticles were deposited on the silica spheres (mean diameter = 244 ± 13 nm) by the thermal decomposition of iron (III) acetylacetonate, in diphenyl ether, in the presence of SiO 2 . The core–shell nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, field emission-scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements. The results confirm the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles on the silica core. The core–shell nanoparticles are superparamagnetic at room temperature indicating the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles on silica. The core–shell nanoparticles have been demonstrated as good photocatalyst for the degradation of Rhodamine B.

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.

An Unusual Strong Visible-Light Absorption Band in Red Anatase TiO2 Photocatalyst Induced by Atomic Hydrogen-Occupied Oxygen Vacancies.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Yongqiang; Yin, Li-Chang; Gong, Yue; Niu, Ping; Wang, Jian-Qiang; Gu, Lin; Chen, Xingqiu; Liu, Gang; Wang, Lianzhou; Cheng, Hui-Ming

2018-02-01

Increasing visible light absorption of classic wide-bandgap photocatalysts like TiO 2 has long been pursued in order to promote solar energy conversion. Modulating the composition and/or stoichiometry of these photocatalysts is essential to narrow their bandgap for a strong visible-light absorption band. However, the bands obtained so far normally suffer from a low absorbance and/or narrow range. Herein, in contrast to the common tail-like absorption band in hydrogen-free oxygen-deficient TiO 2 , an unusual strong absorption band spanning the full spectrum of visible light is achieved in anatase TiO 2 by intentionally introducing atomic hydrogen-mediated oxygen vacancies. Combining experimental characterizations with theoretical calculations reveals the excitation of a new subvalence band associated with atomic hydrogen filled oxygen vacancies as the origin of such band, which subsequently leads to active photo-electrochemical water oxidation under visible light. These findings could provide a powerful way of tailoring wide-bandgap semiconductors to fully capture solar light. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Preparation And Characterization of Cu-Fe/ TiO2 Photocatalyst for Visible Light Deep Desulfurization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hayyiratul Fatimah Mohd Zaid; Kait, C.F.; Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib

2016-01-01

A photooxidative system for deep desulfurization of model diesel fuel was explored. Nanoparticles of anatase titania (TiO 2 ) were synthesized via sol-gel hydrothermal method. The TiO 2 was further modified with bimetallic Cu-Fe using wet-impregnation method followed by calcination process in order to extend the activity region of the photocatalyst to visible-light. A series of bimetallic 2.2 wt % Cu-Fe/ TiO 2 photocatalysts with different Cu:Fe mass compositions were characterized for their physical, chemical and optical properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), diffuse reflectance UV-visible spectroscopy (DR-UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. The performance of the photocatalysts was evaluated for photooxidation of dibenzothiophene (DBT) as the sulfur species from model oil in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, H 2 O 2 under 500 W visible light illumination. The highest sulfur conversion of 82.36 % was observed for photocatalyst with 10:1Cu:Fe mass composition. (author)

Easily recycled Bi2O3 photocatalyst coatings prepared via ball milling followed by calcination

Science.gov (United States)

Cheng, Lijun; Hu, Xumin; Hao, Liang

2017-06-01

Bi2O3 photocatalyst coatings derived from Bi coatings were first prepared by a two-step method, namely ball milling followed by the calcination process. The as-prepared samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, XPS and UV-Vis spectra, respectively. The results showed that monoclinic Bi2O3 coatings were obtained after sintering Bi coatings at 673 or 773 K, while monoclinic and triclinic mixed phase Bi2O3 coatings were obtained at 873 or 973 K. The topographies of the samples were observably different, which varied from flower-like, irregular, polygonal to nanosized particles with the increase in calcination temperature. Photodegradation of malachite green under simulated solar irradiation for 180 min showed that the largest degradation efficiency of 86.2% was achieved over Bi2O3 photocatalyst coatings sintered at 873 K. The Bi2O3 photocatalyst coatings, encapsulated with Al2O3 ball with an average diameter around 1 mm, are quite easily recycled, which provides an alternative visible light-driven photocatalyst suitable for practical water treatment application.

Tungsten oxide thin films grown by thermal evaporation with high resistance to leaching

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Correa, Diogo S. [Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), RS (Brazil). Centro de Ciencias Quimicas, Farmaceuticas e de Alimentos; Pazinato, Julia C.O.; Freitas, Mauricio A. de; Radtke, Claudio; Garcia, Irene T.S., E-mail: irene@iq.ufrgs.br [Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil). Instituto de Quimica; Dorneles, Lucio S. [Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), RS (Brazil). Centro de Ciencias Naturais e Exatas

2014-05-15

Tungsten oxides show different stoichiometries, crystal lattices and morphologies. These characteristics are important mainly when they are used as photocatalysts. In this work tungsten oxide thin films were obtained by thermal evaporation on (100) silicon substrates covered with gold and heated at 350 and 600 °C, with different deposition times. The stoichiometry of the films, morphology, crystal structure and resistance to leaching were characterized through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and O{sup 16} (α,α')O{sup 16} resonant nuclear reaction. Films obtained at higher temperatures show well-defined spherical nanometric structure; they are composed of WO{sub 3.1} and the presence of hydrated tungsten oxide was also observed. The major crystal structure observed is the hexagonal. Thin films obtained through thermal evaporation present resistance to leaching in aqueous media and excellent performance as photocatalysts, evaluated through the degradation of the methyl orange dye. (author)

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of SrTiO3 photocatalyst by topotactic preparation

Science.gov (United States)

Cao, Jiafeng; Huang, Xianshan; Liu, Yi; Wu, Jianguang; Ji, Yuexia

2016-11-01

Novel SrTiO3 (ST) photocatalysts with different shapes such as plates, rods and cubes were successfully synthesized based on a topotactic approach. The rod-like ST particles formed in situ at the plates show superior photocatalytic activities towards the decomposition of Rhodamine B than the plate-like and the cubic particles under visible-light irradiation, which could be attributed to the crystal orientation exposing highly active sites accompanied by the crystallite growth in molten salt. The results reveal an effective approach for fabrication of novel photocatalysts of perovskite structure with enhanced photocatalytic activities.

Composite photocatalyst containing Eosin Y and multiwalled carbon nanotubes loaded with CuO/NiO: Mixed metal oxide as an active center of H2 evolution from water

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kang Shizhao; Chen Lili; Li Xiangqing; Mu Jin

2012-01-01

A composite photocatalyst containing Eosin Y as a sensitizer, multiwalled carbon nanotubes as a supporter material or electron transfer channel, and CuO/NiO as an active center of H 2 evolution from water was fabricated and characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope. Meanwhile, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water over this catalyst was explored using triethanolamine as a sacrificial reagent under visible irradiation. A rate of H 2 evolution of approximately 1.0 mmol g -1 h -1 was achieved under optimal conditions. Furthermore, for practical purposes, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution was studied as a function of content of CuO/NiO, mass ratio of CuO to NiO, pH of solution, concentration of triethanolamine and dosage of Eosin Y, respectively. The results show that mixed metal oxides are a kind of promising active centers of H 2 evolution from water in the photocatalytic system studied.

Composite photocatalyst containing Eosin Y and multiwalled carbon nanotubes loaded with CuO/NiO: Mixed metal oxide as an active center of H2 evolution from water

Science.gov (United States)

Kang, Shi-Zhao; Chen, Lili; Li, Xiangqing; Mu, Jin

2012-06-01

A composite photocatalyst containing Eosin Y as a sensitizer, multiwalled carbon nanotubes as a supporter material or electron transfer channel, and CuO/NiO as an active center of H2 evolution from water was fabricated and characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope. Meanwhile, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water over this catalyst was explored using triethanolamine as a sacrificial reagent under visible irradiation. A rate of H2 evolution of approximately 1.0 mmol g-1 h-1 was achieved under optimal conditions. Furthermore, for practical purposes, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution was studied as a function of content of CuO/NiO, mass ratio of CuO to NiO, pH of solution, concentration of triethanolamine and dosage of Eosin Y, respectively. The results show that mixed metal oxides are a kind of promising active centers of H2 evolution from water in the photocatalytic system studied.

Assessment of the abatement of acelsulfame K using cerium doped ZnO as photocatalyst

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Calza, P.; Gionco, C.; Giletta, M.; Kalaboka, M.; Sakkas, V.A.; Albanis, T.; Paganini, M.C.

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of Ce doped ZnO. • The abatement of ACE K is assessed in ultrapure water and in river water matrix. • Demonstrated higher degradation activity than P25 under visible light. • The degradation activity is less affected in river water than for P25. - Abstract: In the present study, we investigated the possibility to abate Acesulfame K, a persistent emerging contaminant, in aqueous media using zinc oxide based materials. For this purpose, bare and Ce-doped zinc oxide was prepared via an easy and cheap hydrothermal process using different cerium salts as precursors. Their photocatalytic performance was evaluated in different media, namely ultrapure and river water under both UV–vis and visible light. Commercial TiO_2 P25 was also employed and used as a reference photocatalyst for comparison purposes. The obtained results pointed out that cerium doped zinc oxide composites exhibit higher performance than TiO_2 P25, especially under visible light and in the presence of organic matter, when the activity of the latter is greatly depressed. In particular, ZnO doped with cerium (1%) was the most effective material, and could be a promising alternative to TiO_2 P25, especially in the treatment of natural waters.

A metallic metal oxide (Ti5O9)-metal oxide (TiO2) nanocomposite as the heterojunction to enhance visible-light photocatalytic activity.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, L H; Deng, Z X; Xiao, J X; Yang, G W

2015-01-26

Coupling titanium dioxide (TiO2) with other semiconductors is a popular method to extend the optical response range of TiO2 and improve its photon quantum efficiency, as coupled semiconductors can increase the separation rate of photoinduced charge carriers in photocatalysts. Differing from normal semiconductors, metallic oxides have no energy gap separating occupied and unoccupied levels, but they can excite electrons between bands to create a high carrier mobility to facilitate kinetic charge separation. Here, we propose the first metallic metal oxide-metal oxide (Ti5O9-TiO2) nanocomposite as a heterojunction for enhancing the visible-light photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles and we demonstrate that this hybridized TiO2-Ti5O9 nanostructure possesses an excellent visible-light photocatalytic performance in the process of photodegrading dyes. The TiO2-Ti5O9 nanocomposites are synthesized in one step using laser ablation in liquid under ambient conditions. The as-synthesized nanocomposites show strong visible-light absorption in the range of 300-800 nm and high visible-light photocatalytic activity in the oxidation of rhodamine B. They also exhibit excellent cycling stability in the photodegrading process. A working mechanism for the metallic metal oxide-metal oxide nanocomposite in the visible-light photocatalytic process is proposed based on first-principle calculations of Ti5O9. This study suggests that metallic metal oxides can be regarded as partners for metal oxide photocatalysts in the construction of heterojunctions to improve photocatalytic activity.

Testing methods for antimicrobial activity of TiO2 photocatalyst

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Markov Siniša L.

2014-01-01

Full Text Available In recent years, a lot of commercial TiO2 photocatalyst products have been developed and extensively studied for prospective and safe antimicrobial application in daily life, medicine, laboratories, food and pharmaceutical industry, waste water treatments and in development of new self-cleaning and antimicrobial materials, surfaces and paints. This paper reviews the studies published worldwide on killing microorganisms, methods for testing the antimicrobial activity, light sources and intensities, as well as calculation methods usually used when evaluating the antimicrobial properties of the TiO2-based products. Additionally, some strengths and weaknesses of the available methods for testing the antimicrobial activity of TiO2 photocatalyst products have been pointed out.[Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III45008

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.

Au/BiOCl heterojunction within mesoporous silica shell as stable plasmonic photocatalyst for efficient organic pollutants decomposition under visible light

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yan, Xiaoqing; Zhu, Xiaohui; Li, Renhong; Chen, Wenxing

2016-01-01

Highlights: • A heterojunction of Au/BiOCl was fabricated within the mesoporous silica shell. • The compact contact between Au and BiOCl enables electrons back flow from Au to BiOCl. • Au/BiOCl@mSiO 2 plasmonic photocatalyst shows efficient visible light photoactivity. • Hydroxyl radicals are the main oxidants in formaldehyde and Rhodamine B decomposition. - Abstract: A new mesoporous silica protected plasmonic photocatalyst, Au/BiOCl@mSiO 2 , was prepared by a modified AcHE method and a subsequent UV light induced photodeposition process. The surfactant-free heterojunction allows the electrons spontaneously flow from Au to nearby BiOCl surface, leading to the accumulation of positive charges on Au surface, and negative charges on Bi species under visible light. Au/BiOCl@mSiO 2 exhibits high visible light photocatalytic efficiency in complete oxidation of aqueous formaldehyde and Rhodamin B. We showed that a positive relationship exists between the LSPR effect and rate enhancements, and leads to a hypothesis that the metallic Au LSPR enhances the photocatalytic rates on nearby semiconductors by transferring energetic electrons to BiOCl and increasing the steady-state concentration of active ·OH species by a multi-electron reduction of molecular oxygen. The ·OH species is the main oxidant in photocatalytic transformations, whose intensity is greatly enhanced in the dye-involving systems due to the synergetic effect between LSPR and dye sensitization processes. In addition, the mesoporous SiO 2 shell not only inhibits the over growth of BiOCl nanocrystals within the silica frameworks, but also protects the dissolution of chloride or Au species into aqueous solution, which ultimately makes the Au/BiOCl@mSiO 2 catalysts rather stable during photocatalysis.

One-pot solvothermal synthesis of highly efficient, daylight active and recyclable Ag/AgBr coupled photocatalysts with synergistic dual photoexcitation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Caihong; Ai, Lunhong; Li, Lili; Jiang, Jing

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Ag/AgBr photocatalysts were controllably synthesized by solvothermal process. • Ag/AgBr composites showed excellent daylight driven photocatalytic activity. • The remarkable activity is attributed to the synergistic dual photoexcitation. -- Abstract: Efficient light harvesting has been considered to be critical for manipulating the photocatalytic behavior of photocatalysts, because it directly determines the generation of reactive redox charge carriers involved in photoreaction process. In this study, we present a successful example on efficient conversion of solar energy by Ag/AgBr coupled photocatalysts that hold unique synergistic dual photoexcitation. A series of Ag/AgBr coupled photocatalysts were controllably synthesized by an easily manipulated mild solvothermal process. The physicochemical properties of the as-prepared Ag/AgBr coupled photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results showed the solvothermal reaction time played key role for control of crystalline structure, morphology, composition, and visible light absorption ability of the resulting photocatalysts. The as-prepared Ag/AgBr coupled photocatalysts exhibited remarkable photocatalytic performance and good reusability for decomposing organic dyes in aqueous solution under the irradiation of commercial 20 W cool daylight fluorescent lamp, owing to the synergistic dual photoexcitation cooperating between plasmonic Ag nanoparticles and narrow-band-gap AgBr

Constructing Solid-Gas-Interfacial Fenton Reaction over Alkalinized-C3N4 Photocatalyst To Achieve Apparent Quantum Yield of 49% at 420 nm.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Yunxiang; Ouyang, Shuxin; Xu, Hua; Wang, Xin; Bi, Yingpu; Zhang, Yuanfang; Ye, Jinhua

2016-10-03

Efficient generation of active oxygen-related radicals plays an essential role in boosting advanced oxidation process. To promote photocatalytic oxidation for gaseous pollutant over g-C 3 N 4 , a solid-gas interfacial Fenton reaction is coupled into alkalinized g-C 3 N 4 -based photocatalyst to effectively convert photocatalytic generation of H 2 O 2 into oxygen-related radicals. This system includes light energy as power, alkalinized g-C 3 N 4 -based photocatalyst as an in situ and robust H 2 O 2 generator, and surface-decorated Fe 3+ as a trigger of H 2 O 2 conversion, which attains highly efficient and universal activity for photodegradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Taking the photooxidation of isopropanol as model reaction, this system achieves a photoactivity of 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than that of pristine g-C 3 N 4 , which corresponds to a high apparent quantum yield of 49% at around 420 nm. In-situ electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and sacrificial-reagent incorporated photocatalytic characterizations indicate that the notable photoactivity promotion could be ascribed to the collaboration between photocarriers (electrons and holes) and Fenton process to produce abundant and reactive oxygen-related radicals. The strategy of coupling solid-gas interfacial Fenton process into semiconductor-based photocatalysis provides a facile and promising solution to the remediation of air pollution via solar energy.

Alignment of Carbon Nanotubes Comprising Magnetically Sensitive Metal Oxides in Nanofluids

Science.gov (United States)

Hong, Haiping (Inventor); Peterson, G. P. " Bud" (Inventor)

2016-01-01

The present invention is a nanoparticle mixture or suspension or nanofluid comprising nonmagnetically sensitive nanoparticles, magnetically sensitive nanoparticles, and surfactant(s). The present invention also relates to methods of preparing and using the same.

Visible Light Induced Green Transformation of Primary Amines to Imines Using a Silicate Supported Anatase Photocatalyst

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sifani Zavahir

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Catalytic oxidation of amine to imine is of intense present interest since imines are important intermediates for the synthesis of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. However, considerable efforts have been made to develop efficient methods for the oxidation of secondary amines to imines, while little attention has until recently been given to the oxidation of primary amines, presumably owing to the high reactivity of generated imines of primary amines that are easily dehydrogenated to nitriles. Herein, we report the oxidative coupling of a series of primary benzylic amines into corresponding imines with dioxygen as the benign oxidant over composite catalysts of TiO2 (anatase-silicate under visible light irradiation of λ > 460 nm. Visible light response of this system is believed to be as a result of high population of defects and contacts between silicate and anatase crystals in the composite and the strong interaction between benzylic amine and the catalyst. It is found that tuning the intensity and wavelength of the light irradiation and the reaction temperature can remarkably enhance the reaction activity. Water can also act as a green medium for the reaction with an excellent selectivity. This report contributes to the use of readily synthesized, environmentally benign, TiO2 based composite photocatalyst and solar energy to realize the transformation of primary amines to imine compounds.

Visible light induced green transformation of primary amines to imines using a silicate supported anatase photocatalyst.

Science.gov (United States)

Zavahir, Sifani; Zhu, Huaiyong

2015-01-26

Catalytic oxidation of amine to imine is of intense present interest since imines are important intermediates for the synthesis of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. However, considerable efforts have been made to develop efficient methods for the oxidation of secondary amines to imines, while little attention has until recently been given to the oxidation of primary amines, presumably owing to the high reactivity of generated imines of primary amines that are easily dehydrogenated to nitriles. Herein, we report the oxidative coupling of a series of primary benzylic amines into corresponding imines with dioxygen as the benign oxidant over composite catalysts of TiO2 (anatase)-silicate under visible light irradiation of λ > 460 nm. Visible light response of this system is believed to be as a result of high population of defects and contacts between silicate and anatase crystals in the composite and the strong interaction between benzylic amine and the catalyst. It is found that tuning the intensity and wavelength of the light irradiation and the reaction temperature can remarkably enhance the reaction activity. Water can also act as a green medium for the reaction with an excellent selectivity. This report contributes to the use of readily synthesized, environmentally benign, TiO2 based composite photocatalyst and solar energy to realize the transformation of primary amines to imine compounds.

Tuning functionality of photocatalytic materials: an infrared study on hydrocarbon oxidation

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Amrollahi Buky, Rezvaneh

2016-01-01

The focus of the research described in this thesis was on the engineering and design of effective photocatalysts able to catalyze the oxidative conversion of hydrocarbons. The prepared catalysts were synthesized by using different procedures involving sol gel precursors, and impregnation or

Diatomite-immobilized BiOI hybrid photocatalyst: Facile deposition synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic activity

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Baoying; Huang, Hongwei; Guo, Yuxi; Zhang, Yihe

2015-10-01

A novel diatomite-immobilized BiOI hybrid photocatalyst has been prepared by a facile one-step deposition process for the first time. The structure, morphology and optical property of the products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared BiOI/diatomite photocatalysts was studied by photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) and monitoring photocurrent generation under visible light (λ > 420 nm). The results revealed that BiOI/diatomite composites exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to the pristine BiOI sample. This enhancement should be attributed to that diatomite can play as an excellent carrier platform to increase the reactive sites and promote the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. In addition, the corresponding photocatalytic mechanism was proposed based on the active species trapping experiments. This work shed new light on facile fabrication of novel composite photocatalyst based on natural mineral.

Metal–organic frameworks as heterogeneous photocatalysts : Advantages and challenges

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Nasalevich, M.A.; Van der Veen, M.; Kapteijn, F.; Gascon, J.

2014-01-01

The use of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as heterogeneous photocatalysts is critically reviewed. First we revisit the general assumption of MOFs behaving truly as semiconductors, demonstrating that such semiconducting behaviour only occurs in a very limited subset of materials. Further, the main

Solar photocatalytic water oxidation over Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 composite materials mediated by metallic Ag and graphene

Science.gov (United States)

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

2018-02-01

Solar-driven water splitting over semiconductor-based photocatalysts provides direct conversion of solar energy to chemical energy, in which electron-hole separation and charge transport are critical for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of semiconducting materials. Moreover, the search for active photocatalysts that efficiently oxidize water remains a challenging task. Here, we demonstrate that a series of Ag3PO4/Ag/graphene/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) heterostructured materials can drive photocatalytic water oxidation efficiently under LED illumination. The water oxidation behavior of as-prepared composite photocatalysts in relation to the added amount of g-C3N4 and the roles of electron mediators was investigated in detail. Based on the illuminated Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism, the photogenerated electrons and holes can be separated effectively and the electron-hole recombination of bulk material is suppressed. The reduced metallic Ag nanoparticles were found to function as the center for the accumulation of electrons from Ag3PO4 and holes from g-C3N4. By exploiting the proper addition of g-C3N4 into the composite, photocatalytic oxygen evolution performance over the heterostructured materials could be suitably tuned, which resulted in highly efficient water oxidation.

Animal Bone Supported SnO2 as Recyclable Photocatalyst for Degradation of Rhodamine B Dye.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Yun; Wang, Hui; Cao, Mengdie; Zhang, Yichi; Cao, Feifei; Zheng, Xinsheng; Hu, Jinfei; Dong, Jiangshan; Xiao, Zhidong

2015-09-01

SnO2 nanoparticles supported on an animal bone which serves as inexpensive and environment-friendly natural products were developed by a facile hydrothermal approach. As a promising photocatalyst, the novel SnO2/porcine bone material exhibited high photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye under UV-Vis irradiation. About 97.3% of RhB can be effectively decomposed by the catalysis with the SnO2/porcine bone in 90 min, while only 51.5% of RhB can be degraded by pure SnO2 nanoparticles. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity was incremental with the increase of cycle times in previous five cycles. It is mainly because the photocatalyst which has been used for several times possesses a stronger ability of light absorption and utilization compared to the fresh catalyst according to the results of the characterization and relative experiments. It is noteworthy that the animal bone support can improve the activity for the photocatalyst, which would provide further impetus to alternate synthesis strategies for photocatalysts and make the photocatalysis process faster, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly.

Composite photocatalyst containing Eosin Y and multiwalled carbon nanotubes loaded with CuO/NiO: Mixed metal oxide as an active center of H{sub 2} evolution from water

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kang Shizhao [School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, 100 Haiquan Road, Shanghai 201418 (China); Chen Lili [Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237 (China); Li Xiangqing [School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, 100 Haiquan Road, Shanghai 201418 (China); Mu Jin, E-mail: mujin@sit.edu.cn [School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, 100 Haiquan Road, Shanghai 201418 (China)

2012-06-01

A composite photocatalyst containing Eosin Y as a sensitizer, multiwalled carbon nanotubes as a supporter material or electron transfer channel, and CuO/NiO as an active center of H{sub 2} evolution from water was fabricated and characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope. Meanwhile, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water over this catalyst was explored using triethanolamine as a sacrificial reagent under visible irradiation. A rate of H{sub 2} evolution of approximately 1.0 mmol g{sup -1} h{sup -1} was achieved under optimal conditions. Furthermore, for practical purposes, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution was studied as a function of content of CuO/NiO, mass ratio of CuO to NiO, pH of solution, concentration of triethanolamine and dosage of Eosin Y, respectively. The results show that mixed metal oxides are a kind of promising active centers of H{sub 2} evolution from water in the photocatalytic system studied.

Black Phosphorus: Critical Review and Potential for Water Splitting Photocatalyst

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tae Hyung Lee

2016-10-01

Full Text Available A century after its first synthesis in 1914, black phosphorus has been attracting significant attention as a promising two-dimensional material in recent years due to its unique properties. Nowadays, with the development of its exfoliation method, there are extensive applications of black phosphorus in transistors, batteries and optoelectronics. Though, because of its hardship in mass production and stability problems, the potential of the black phosphorus in various fields is left unexplored. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of crystal structure, electronic, optical properties and synthesis of black phosphorus. Recent research works about the applications of black phosphorus is summarized. Among them, the possibility of black phosphorous as a solar water splitting photocatalyst is mainly discussed and the feasible novel structure of photocatalysts based on black phosphorous is proposed.

Plasmon-enhanced Solar Fuel Production with Gold-metal Oxide Hybrid Nanomaterials

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Engelbrekt, Christian; Law, Matt; Zhang, Jingdong

, provide new catalytic routes and expands the scope of solar photocatalysis. We prepare metal oxide SNPs, gold PNPs and their hybrids through mild aqueous syntheses to develop efficient photocatalyst for solar fuel production. Focus is placed on the synergetic interplay between SNPs and PNPs, understanding...

Recent advances in visible-light-responsive photocatalysts for hydrogen production and solar energy conversion--from semiconducting TiO2 to MOF/PCP photocatalysts.

Science.gov (United States)

Horiuchi, Yu; Toyao, Takashi; Takeuchi, Masato; Matsuoka, Masaya; Anpo, Masakazu

2013-08-28

The present perspective describes recent advances in visible-light-responsive photocatalysts intended to develop novel and efficient solar energy conversion technologies, including water splitting and photofuel cells. Water splitting is recognized as one of the most promising techniques to convert solar energy as a clean and abundant energy resource into chemical energy in the form of hydrogen. In recent years, increasing concern is directed to not only the development of new photocatalytic materials but also the importance of technologies to produce hydrogen and oxygen separately. Photofuel cells can convert solar energy into electrical energy by decomposing bio-related compounds and livestock waste as fuels. The advances of photocatalysts enabling these solar energy conversion technologies have been going on since the discovery of semiconducting titanium dioxide materials and have extended to organic-inorganic hybrid materials, such as metal-organic frameworks and porous coordination polymers (MOF/PCP).

Nanoscale strontium titanate photocatalysts for overall water splitting.

Science.gov (United States)

Townsend, Troy K; Browning, Nigel D; Osterloh, Frank E

2012-08-28

SrTiO(3) (STO) is a large band gap (3.2 eV) semiconductor that catalyzes the overall water splitting reaction under UV light irradiation in the presence of a NiO cocatalyst. As we show here, the reactivity persists in nanoscale particles of the material, although the process is less effective at the nanoscale. To reach these conclusions, Bulk STO, 30 ± 5 nm STO, and 6.5 ± 1 nm STO were synthesized by three different methods, their crystal structures verified with XRD and their morphology observed with HRTEM before and after NiO deposition. In connection with NiO, all samples split water into stoichiometric mixtures of H(2) and O(2), but the activity is decreasing from 28 μmol H(2) g(-1) h(-1) (bulk STO), to 19.4 μmol H(2) g(-1) h(-1) (30 nm STO), and 3.0 μmol H(2) g(-1) h(-1) (6.5 nm STO). The reasons for this decrease are an increase of the water oxidation overpotential for the smaller particles and reduced light absorption due to a quantum size effect. Overall, these findings establish the first nanoscale titanate photocatalyst for overall water splitting.

Hydrogen production from water splitting over Eosin Y-sensitized mesoporous-assembled perovskite titanate nanocrystal photocatalysts under visible light irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Puangpetch, Tarawipa [Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom 73000 (Thailand); Sommakettarin, Pichayaon [The Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University, Soi Chula 12, Phyathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 (Thailand); Chavadej, Sumaeth; Sreethawong, Thammanoon [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)

2010-11-15

The photocatalytic water splitting is a promising process for producing H{sub 2} from two abundant renewable sources of water and solar light, with the aid of a suitable photocatalyst. In this work, a combination of sensitizer addition and noble metal loading was employed to modify perovskite photocatalysts in order to achieve the enhancement of photocatalytic H{sub 2} production under visible light irradiation. The dependence of the H{sub 2} production on type of mesoporous-assembled perovskite titanate nanocrystal photocatalysts (MgTiO{sub 3}, CaTiO{sub 3}, and SrTiO{sub 3}), calcination temperature of photocatalyst, Pt loading, type and concentration of electron donor (diethanolamine, DEA; and triethanolamine, TEA), concentration of sensitizer (Eosin Y, E.Y.), photocatalyst dosage, and initial solution pH, was systematically studied. The experimental results showed that the 0.5 wt.% Pt-loaded mesoporous-assembled SrTiO{sub 3} nanocrystal synthesized by a single-step sol-gel method and calcined at 650 C exhibited the highest photocatalytic H{sub 2} production activity from a 15 vol% DEA aqueous solution with dissolved 0.5 mM E.Y. Moreover, the optimum photocatalyst dosage and initial solution pH for the maximum photocatalytic H{sub 2} production activity were found to be 6 g/l and 11.6, respectively. (author)

A Ti-doped γ-Fe2O3/SDS nano-photocatalyst as an efficient adsorbent for removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions.

Science.gov (United States)

Mirbagheri, Naghmeh Sadat; Sabbaghi, Samad

2018-05-01

Synthetic dyes are among the most important environmental pollutants in wastewaters. Consequently, elimination of the synthetic dyes from wastewaters using non-toxic materials and eco-friendly technologies has been of considerable interests. In this study, magnetically separable Ti-doped γ-Fe 2 O 3 photocatalysts were synthesized for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from a dye-contaminated aqueous solution (as a model of dye-polluted wastewaters). Compared to the pristine γ-Fe 2 O 3 , the 1.78 v% Ti-doped γ-Fe 2 O 3 significantly increased the adsorption of MB by 57% in the dark condition as a result of the improved BET surface area in this photocatalyst. Moreover, the contact time required for the photocatalytic degradation of MB by the 1.78 v% Ti-doped γ-Fe 2 O 3 decreased due to the higher concentration of charge carriers in this photocatalyst than that of the pristine γ-Fe 2 O 3 . The effect of different experimental parameters on the adsorption property and photocatalytic activity of the 1.78 v% Ti-doped γ-Fe 2 O 3 photocatalyst showed that the solution pH had a remarkable influence on the removal performance of this photocatalyst. Surface treatment of the 1.78 v% Ti-doped γ-Fe 2 O 3 with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) resulted in the formation of a negatively charged Ti-doped γ-Fe 2 O 3 /SDS photocatalyst, which showed a higher tendency for the adsorption and removal of MB than the untreated photocatalyst. Moreover, the MB removal efficiency of this photocatalyst was among the best performances that have been reported for the γ-Fe 2 O 3 -based photocatalysts. The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by various techniques, and a plausible mechanism for the removal of MB from aqueous solutions by the Ti-doped γ-Fe 2 O 3 /SDS photocatalyst was purposed. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transition metal-modified zinc oxides for UV and visible light photocatalysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Bloh, J Z; Dillert, R; Bahnemann, D W

2012-11-01

In order to use photocatalysis with solar light, finding more active and especially visible light active photocatalysts is a very important challenge. Also, studies of these photocatalysts should employ a standardized test procedure so that their results can be accurately compared and evaluated with one another. A systematic study of transition metal-modified zinc oxide was conducted to determine whether they are suitable as visible light photocatalysts. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO modified with eight different transition metals (Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Ru, Ti, Zr) in three different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1 at.%) was investigated under irradiation with UV as well as with visible light. The employed activity test is the gas-phase degradation of acetaldehyde as described by the ISO standard 22197-2. The results suggest that the UV activity can be improved with almost any modification element and that there exists an optimal modification ratio at about 0.1 at.%. Additionally, Mn- and Ru-modified ZnO display visible light activity. Especially the Ru-modified ZnO is highly active and surpasses the visible light activity of all studied titania standards. These findings suggest that modified zinc oxides may be a viable alternative to titanium dioxide-based catalysts for visible light photocatalysis. Eventually, possible underlying mechanisms are proposed and discussed.

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.

Enhanced Solar-to-Hydrogen Generation with Broadband Epsilon-Near-Zero Nanostructured Photocatalysts

KAUST Repository

Tian, Yi

2017-05-08

The direct conversion of solar energy into fuels or feedstock is an attractive approach to address increasing demand of renewable energy sources. Photocatalytic systems relying on the direct photoexcitation of metals have been explored to this end, a strategy that exploits the decay of plasmonic resonances into hot carriers. An efficient hot carrier generation and collection requires, ideally, their generation to be enclosed within few tens of nanometers at the metal interface, but it is challenging to achieve this across the broadband solar spectrum. Here the authors demonstrate a new photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution based on metal epsilon-near-zero metamaterials. The authors have designed these to achieve broadband strong light confinement at the metal interface across the entire solar spectrum. Using electron energy loss spectroscopy, the authors prove that hot carriers are generated in a broadband fashion within 10 nm in this system. The resulting photocatalyst achieves a hydrogen production rate of 9.5 µmol h-1  cm-2 that exceeds, by a factor of 3.2, that of the best previously reported plasmonic-based photocatalysts for the dissociation of H2 with 50 h stable operation.

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of TiO{sub 2} nanotube based heterojunction photocatalyst via the coupling of graphene and FTO

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Niu, Xiaoyou [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004 (China); Yu, Jianyuan [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004 (China); Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Tangshan University, Tangshan 063000 (China); Wang, Likun; Fu, Chen; Wang, Jixia; Wang, Li [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004 (China); Zhao, Hongli, E-mail: zhaohongli@ysu.edu.cn [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004 (China); State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao 066004 (China); Yang, Jingkai, E-mail: yangjk@ysu.edu.cn [National Defense Science and Technology, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004 (China)

2017-08-15

Highlights: • The rGO-TONT composites have been deposited onto FTO. • Photocatalytic reaction rate shows 3 times greater than TONT. • Chemical interaction between rGO and TONT was analyzed. • Electron transfer process in rGO-TONT/FTO heterojunction was discussed. - Abstract: The TiO{sub 2} nanotube (TONT) based heterojunction photocatalyst was developed via the coupling of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and SnO{sub 2}:F film (FTO). Based on the characterization of Raman analysis, XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS and ESR, the crystal phase, morphology, heterojunction interfacial interaction and the photoinduced electron chemical environment of the samples are studied. In the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) solution under UV irradiation, the rGO-TONT/FTO heterojunction photocatalyst exhibits the improved photocatalytic reaction rate, 3 times greater than that of pure TONT. The enhanced photocatalytic mechanism was discussed by PL. The effectively separate charge in heterojunction structure of rGO-TONT/FTO is responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic activity. Wherein, the abundant oxygen vacancies at TiO{sub 2} surface and the chemically bonded interface in rGO-TONT heterojunction also contributes to the interfacial electron transfer. Besides, the introduction of rGO enhanced its optical absorption capacity.

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

Heterostructured Fe3O4/Bi2O2CO3 photocatalyst: Synthesis, characterization and application in recyclable photodegradation of organic dyes under visible light irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhu, Gangqiang; Hojamberdiev, Mirabbos; Katsumata, Ken-ichi; Cai, Xu; Matsushita, Nobuhiro; Okada, Kiyoshi; Liu, Peng; Zhou, Jianping

2013-01-01

Heterostructured Fe 3 O 4 /Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 photocatalyst was synthesized by a two-step method. First, Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles with the size of ca. 10 nm were synthesized by chemical method at room temperature and then heterostructured Fe 3 O 4 /Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 photocatalyst was synthesized by hydrothermal method at 180 °C for 24 h with the addition of 10 wt% Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles into the precursor suspension of Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 . The pH value of synthesis suspension was adjusted to 4 and 6 with the addition of 2 M NaOH aqueous solution. By controlling the pH of synthesis suspension at 4 and 6, sphere- and flower-like Fe 3 O 4 /Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 photocatalysts were obtained, respectively. Both photocatalysts demonstrate superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. The UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra of the photocatalysts confirm that all the heterostructured photocatalysts are responsive to visible light. The photocatalytic activity of the heterostructured photocatalysts was evaluated for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) in aqueous solution over the photocatalysts under visible light irradiation. The heterostructured photocatalysts prepared in this study exhibit highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MB and MO, and they can be easily recovered by applying an external magnetic field. - Highlights: • Sphere- and flower-like Fe 3 O 4 /Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 was synthesized by hydrothermal method. • Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles with the size of ca. 10 nm were synthesized by chemical method. • Photocatalysts demonstrate superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. • Photocatalysts exhibit highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity. • Photocatalysts can be easily recovered by applying an external magnetic field

Tuning the properties of visible-light-responsive tantalum (oxy)nitride photocatalysts by non-stoichiometric compositions: A first-principles viewpoint

KAUST Repository

Harb, Moussab

2014-01-01

Finding an ideal photocatalyst for achieving efficient overall water splitting still remains a great challenge. By applying accurate first-principles quantum calculations based on DFT with the screened non-local hybrid HSE06 functional, we bring rational insights at the atomic level into the influence of non-stoichiometric compositions on essential properties of tantalum (oxy)nitride compounds as visible-light-responsive photocatalysts for water splitting. Indeed, recent experiments show that such non-stoichiometry is inherent to the nitridation methods of tantalum oxide with unavoidable oxygen impurities. We considered here O-enriched Ta3N5 and N-enriched TaON materials. Although their structural parameters are found to be very similar to those of pure compounds and in good agreement with available experimental studies, their photocatalytic features for visible-light-driven overall water splitting reactions show different behaviors. Further partial nitration of TaON leads to a narrowed band gap, but partially oxidizing Ta3N5 causes only subtle changes in the gap. The main influence, however, is on the band edge positions relative to water redox potentials. The pure Ta3N5 is predicted to be a good candidate only for H+ reduction and H2 evolution, while the pure TaON is predicted to be a good candidate for water oxidation and O2 evolution. Non-stoichiometry has here a positive influence, since partially oxidized tantalum nitride, Ta(3-x)N(5-5x)O5x (for x ≥ 0.16) i.e. with a composition in between TaON and Ta3N5, reveals suitable band edge positions that correctly bracket the water redox potentials for visible-light-driven overall water splitting reactions. Among the various explored Ta(3-x)N(5-5x)O5x structures, a strong stabilization is obtained for the configuration displaying a strong interaction between the O-impurities and the created Ta-vacancies. In the lowest-energy structure, each created Ta-vacancy is surrounded by five O-impurity species substituting

Composite nanomaterials of semiconductors and noble metals as plasmonic photocatalysts

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Engelbrekt, Christian; Law, Matt; Zhang, Jingdong

behavior, and can be more stable under operating conditions. Composite photocatalysts of semiconductor nanoparticles (SNPs) and PNPs exploit broadly the solar spectrum, provide new catalytic routes and expand the scope of solar photocatalysis. The newly initiated project aims at developing composite...

Illuminating Electron Microscopy of Photocatalysts

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Cavalca, Filippo

.1% of the surface of the planet with a device that converts solar energy into a useable form at 10% efficiency would give more than the present worldwide consumption of fossil energy. Photocatalysts are of fundamental interest for sustainable energy research because they provide a viable route for converting solar...... energy into chemical bonds. By means of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) it is possible to gain insight in the fundamentals of their reaction mechanisms, chemical behaviour, structure and morphology before, during and after reaction using in situ investigations. In particular, the environmental TEM...... the microscope that allows electron microscopy under nonconventional TEM conditions and new kinds of in situ spectroscopy....

Amorphous Semiconductors: From Photocatalyst to Computer Memory

Science.gov (United States)

Sundararajan, Mayur

Amorphous semiconductors are useful in many applications like solar cells, thin film displays, sensors, electrophotography, etc. The dissertation contains four projects. In the first three projects, semiconductor glasses which are a subset of amorphous semiconductors were studied. The last project is about exploring the strengths and constraints of two analysis programs which calculate the particle size information from experimental Small Angle X-ray Scattering data. By definition, glasses have a random atomic arrangement with no order beyond the nearest neighbor, but strangely there exists an Intermediate Range Order (IRO). The origin of IRO is still not clearly understood, but various models have been proposed. The signature of IRO is the First Sharp Diffraction Peak(FSDP) observed in x-ray and neutron scattering data. The FSDP of TiO 2 SiO2 glass photocatalyst with different Ti:Si ratio from SAXS data was measured to test the theoretical models. The experimental results along with its computer simulation results strongly supported one of two leading models. It was also found that the effect of doping IRO on TiO2 SiO2 is severe in mesoporous form than the bulk form. Glass semiconductors in mesoporous form are very useful photocatalysts due to their large specific surface area. Solar energy conversion of photocatalysts greatly depends on their bandgap, but very few photocatalysts have the optical bandgap covering the whole visible region of solar spectrum leading to poor efficiency. A physical method was developed to manipulate the bandgap of mesoporous photocatalysts, by using the anisotropic thermal expansion and stressed glass network properties of mesoporous glasses. The anisotropic thermal expansion was established by S/WAXS characterization of mesoporous silica (MCM-41). The residual stress in the glass network of mesoporous glasses was already known for an earlier work. The new method was initially applied on mesoporous TiPO4, and the results were

Low temperature synthesis of fluorite-type Ce-based oxides of ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

M MALATHI

F-type oxides can be considered as multi-functional materials due to the ... The photoluminescence property of the rare earth ions was also studied, and the color coordinates were calculated using CIE ... active photocatalysts with a view to utilize solar light. Hence ... It consists of a cylindrical quartz double walled tube with.

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.

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.

Indoor air purification using heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation. Part I: Experimental study

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Yu, Q.; Brouwers, H.J.H.

2009-01-01

Heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) has shown to be a promising air purifying technology in outdoor conditions using TiO2 as photocatalyst activated with UV light. Also to indoor air quality more and more attention is paid because of the very important role it plays on human health, and it

Indoor air purificaton using heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation, Part 2: Kinetic study

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Yu, Q.; Ballari, M.; Brouwers, H.J.H.

2010-01-01

In part I to this article [1], the application of the heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) theory for the indoor air quality improvement was presented. With a modified TiO2 that can be activated by visible light as the photocatalyst coated on a special wall paper, and one typical indoor air

Electron microscopy of Mg/TiO2 photocatalyst morphology for deep desulfurization of diesel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yin, Yee Cia; Kait, Chong Fai; Fatimah, Hayyiratul; Wilfred, Cecilia

2015-01-01

A series of Mg/TiO 2 photocatalysts were prepared and characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The average particle sizes of the photocatalysts were ranging from 25.7 to 35.8 nm. Incorporation of Mg on TiO 2 did not lead to any surface lattice distortion to TiO 2 . HRTEM data indicated the presence of MgO and Mg(OH) 2 mixture at low Mg loading while at higher Mg loading, the presence of lamellar Mg-oxyhydroxide intermediates and Mg(OH) 2

Ruthenium(II)-tris-bipyridine and titaniumdioxide - photocatalysts for solar induced water remediation; Ruthenium(II)-tris-bipyridin und Titandioxid - Photokatalysatoren zum solarinduzierten Abbau von Schadstoffen

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bossmann, S [Lehrstuhl fuer Umweltmesstechnik, Engler-Bunte-Inst., Karlsruhe Univ. (Germany)

1997-01-01

The photophysical and photochemical properties of photocatalysts capable of working under solar-light-irradiation are of great interest. An especially promising application is the development of low-cost `Advanced Oxidation Procedures` (AOP). The aim of this endeavor is the detoxification of hazardous chemicals in wastewaters, which cannot be treated by conventional techniques. The mineralization of the most (highly) toxic chemicals to CO{sub 2}, H{sub 2}O and simple inorganic compounds is favored by thermodynamics, however various difficulties such as kinetic barriers and hindered diffusion exist in systems for heterogeneous photocatalysis. In that respect, Ruthenium(II)-tris-bipyridine ([Ru(bpy){sub 3}]{sup 2+}) and TiO{sub 2} - codoped photocatalysts offer several advantages. The photoreactive centers consist of supramolecular units of [Ru(bpy){sub 3}]{sup 2+} and TiO{sub 2} - nanocrystals. Pollutants, such as our model compound 2,4-Dimethylaniline, diffuse through the framework of zeolite Y and undergo oxidative degradation at the reactive centers of the photocatalysts in the presence of H{sub 2}O{sub 2}. Under the aspect of application, the size of the zeolite Y-particles (diameter: 1x10{sup -6} m in average) permits their easy handling in filtration and recyling operations. (orig.) [Deutsch] Die photophysikalischen und -chemischen Eigenschaften von Katalysatoren, die das Licht der Sonne als kostenguenstige Energiequelle ausnutzen, treten immer staerker in den Vordergrund des Interesses. Dies gilt vor allem fuer ihren Einsatz in `Advanced Oxidation Technologies` (AOT`s) zur Entgiftung toxischer Substanzen im Abwasser. Die Mineralisation der meisten (hoch)giftigen Chemikalien zu CO{sub 2}, H{sub 2}O und einfachen anorganischen Verbindungen ist zwar thermodynamisch beguenstigt, es treten jedoch sowohl kinetische Hemmschwellen als auch Diffusionshindernisse in der heterogenen Photokatalyse auf. Ruthenium(II)-tris-bipyridin ([Ru(bpy){sub 3}]{sup 2+}) und TiO{sub 2

Current status and prospect on photo-catalyst application in environmental problems; Kankyo mondai ni okeru hikari shokubai oyo no ganjo to tenbo

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Watanabe, T. [Toto Ltd., Kitakyushu (Japan)

1995-09-30

This paper summarizes application of photo-catalysts in environmental problems. The paper lists examples of the application in residential environments. Photo-catalytic decomposition is possible by using ultraviolet rays contained in room illumination if the bacterial presence is sparse. The examples thereof may be cited as follows: if colon bacilli are suspended on a tile with TiO2 photo-catalyst sintered in it and exposed to room illumination, the bacteria are disinfected; using photo-catalysts in a bathroom suppresses deposition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa; a photo-catalyst tile (TiO2 loaded with Cu) and light irradiation reduce intensity of tobacco smoke odor; and adsorbents may be used simultaneously if intermediate products are odor generating substances. The examples of applying photo-catalysts to regional environments may be quoted as follows: growth of algae in a Petri dish is suppressed by presence of Cu loaded TiO2 under room illumination; this leads to an expectation on its effect in a relatively clean water environment; glass beads loaded with a TiO2 photo-catalyst placed in a gold fish breeding tank reduces turbidity, the number of colon bacilluses, and COD value; and the mortality in gold fish shows no change. With an objective of application to exterior building materials, photo-catalyst applied tiles were left outdoors for 160 days. Nitric acid ions were detected that are thought to have been generated by decomposition of microorganisms that have deposited on the tiles. 6 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.

New type ternary NiAlCe layered double hydroxide photocatalyst for efficient visible-light photoreduction of CO2 into CH4

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Ji; (Bill Yang, Y. J.

2018-02-01

New type of ternary NiAlCe layered double hydroxide photocatalyst was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal reaction. The obtained photocatalyst shows efficient visible-light activity for CO2 reduction to CH4. We have investigated the optimal Ce content in the catalyst and analyzed the mechanism by materials characterization. Additionally, a novel alkali etching method was used to construct the porous structure. The effect of the porosity and morphologies on the activity is investigated. It is found that the ternary NiAlCe layered double hydroxide photocatalyst with porosity showing the best photocatalytic activity among all the samples. Based on the characterization and first principle calculation, the detailed photocatalytic mechanism of the ternary NiAlCe layered double hydroxide photocatalyst is deduced.

Facile one-pot synthesis of nickel-incorporated titanium dioxide/graphene oxide composites: Enhancement of photodegradation under visible-irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pham, Thanh-Truc [School of Chemical Engineering, University of Ulsan, Daehakro 93, Nam-gu, Ulsan 44610 (Korea, Republic of); Nguyen-Huy, Chinh [School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, UNIST, 50 UNIST-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 44919 (Korea, Republic of); Shin, Eun Woo, E-mail: ewshin@ulsan.ac.kr [School of Chemical Engineering, University of Ulsan, Daehakro 93, Nam-gu, Ulsan 44610 (Korea, Republic of)

2016-07-30

Highlights: • Ni-incorporated TiO{sub 2}/graphene oxide materials were prepared by facile one-pot method. • Raman spectra identified a small fraction of NiTiO{sub 3} at high Ni containing materials. • Graphene oxide acted as adsorption sites and inhibited the agglomeration of Ni particles. • The formation of NiTiO{sub 3} at high Ni content improved photoactivity under visible light. - Abstract: Nickel (Ni)—incorporated titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2})/graphene oxide composite photocatalysts were prepared by anchoring the TiO{sub 2} and Ni onto the surface of graphene oxide (GO) sheets by a straightforward microwave-assisted, one-pot method for the first time. The as-prepared composite photocatalysts with high Ni content (40–50 wt%) showed good adsorption capacity in the dark and high reaction rate constants under visible illumination while the composite photocatalysts with low Ni content (5–10 wt%) exhibited weak activity. An anatase phase, a small amount of rutile phase and Ni metal were detected using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Raman measurements identified a small fraction of NiTiO{sub 3} only at high Ni content. The formation of NiTiO{sub 3} and the increase in the specific surface area (SSA) for 40 and 50 wt% Ni-loaded catalysts improved the adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity upon exposure to visible light, resulting in very effective removal of dye contaminants under visible light irradiation. Increasing the Ni content up to 40 and 50 wt% induced not only a structural change affording high porosity but also a narrowing of the band gap to 2.51 eV. Meanwhile, the presence of GO in the composite photocatalysts inhibited the agglomeration of Ni particles even at high Ni content, resulting in similar Ni particle sizes regardless of the Ni content. At the same time, Ni metal accelerated the reduction of the GO sheets, as evidenced by the Raman data.

Photoactivity of N-doped ZnO nanoparticles in oxidative and reductive reactions

Science.gov (United States)

Oliveira, Jéssica A.; Nogueira, André E.; Gonçalves, Maria C. P.; Paris, Elaine C.; Ribeiro, Caue; Poirier, Gael Y.; Giraldi, Tania R.

2018-03-01

N-doped ZnO is a prospective material for photocatalytic reactions. However, only oxidative paths are well investigated in the literature. This paper describes a comparative study about ZnO and ZnO:N potential for oxidative and reductive reactions, probed by rhodamine B dye photodegradation and CO2 photoreduction. The materials were prepared by the polymeric precursor method, using urea as a nitrogen source, and different heat treatments were used to observe their effects on surface decontamination, crystallinity, particle sizes and shapes, and photocatalytic performance. ZnO and ZnO:N presented a wurtzite crystalline structure and nanometric-scale particles. Samples submitted to higher temperatures showed lower specific surface areas, but higher crystallinity and lower contents of species adsorbed on their surfaces. On the other hand, the photocatalysts annealed in shorter times presented smaller crystallite sizes and lower crystallinity. These factors influenced the photoactivity in both conditions, i.e., oxidation and reduction reactions, under the ultraviolet and visible light, indicating that structural factors influenced the adequate charge separation and consequent photocatalytic activity since the as-synthesized samples were versatile photocatalysts in both redox reactions.

Stability of alginate-titanium dioxide based photocatalyst beads for water treatment application under UV irradiation

OpenAIRE

WENG HOONG LAM

2017-01-01

Immobilizing TiO2 photocatalyst in alginate beads has been considered to be a green approach for the separation and recycling of the photocatalyst in UV water treatment. However, the feasibility of using alginate beads in industry is largely dependent on their photo-stability during operation. This study aimed to provide a better understanding on the degradation of alginate/TiO2 beads under UV irradiation and to improve beads stability. The beads stability can be improved by increasing the al...

Highly efficient visible-light-induced photocatalytic activity of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}/BiVO{sub 4} heterojunction photocatalysts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chaiwichian, Saranyoo [Department of Physics and Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai50200 (Thailand); Inceesungvorn, Burapat [Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200 (Thailand); Wetchakun, Khatcharin [Program of Physics, Faculty of Science, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Ubon Ratchathani 34000 (Thailand); Phanichphant, Sukon [Materials Science Research Center, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200 (Thailand); Kangwansupamonkon, Wiyong [National Nanotechnology Center, Thailand Science Park, Phahonyotin Road, Klong 1, Klong Luang, Phathumthani 12120 (Thailand); Wetchakun, Natda, E-mail: natda_we@yahoo.com [Department of Physics and Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai50200 (Thailand)

2014-06-01

Highlights: • Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}/BiVO{sub 4} heterojunction photocatalysts were obtained using hydrothermal method. • Physicochemical properties played a significant role on photocatalytic efficiency. • Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}/BiVO{sub 4} heterogeneous structures were greatly enhanced for degradation of MB. • A tentative mechanism of charge transfer process in MB degradation was proposed. - Abstract: The Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}/BiVO{sub 4} heterojunction photocatalysts were synthesized by hydrothermal method. Physical properties of the heterojunction photocatalyst samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The XRD results indicated that BiVO{sub 4} retain monoclinic and tetragonal structures, while Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6} presented as orthorhombic structure. The Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) adsorption–desorption of nitrogen gas for specific surface area determination at the temperature of liquid nitrogen was performed on all samples. UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS) were used to identify the absorption range and band gap energy of the heterojunction photocatalysts. The photocatalytic performance of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}/BiVO{sub 4} heterojunction photocatalysts was studied via the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. The results indicated that the heterojunction photocatalyst at 0.5:0.5 mole ratio of Bi{sub 2}WO{sub 6}:BiVO{sub 4} shows the highest photocatalytic activity.

Hydrogen Production via Water Dissociation Using Pt–TiO2 Photocatalysts: An Oxidation–Reduction Network

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

J. F. Guayaquil-Sosa

2017-10-01

Full Text Available Several TiO2 based semiconductors with different Pt loadings are prepared using incipient impregnation, wet impregnation and the sol-gel method. These photocatalysts are evaluated in the Photo-CREC-Water II Photoreactor for hydrogen production via water dissociation, using an organic renewable scavenger (ethanol. Results obtained show the influence of the photocatalyst preparation in the production of hydrogen and in the observed quantum yields. Furthermore, it is established that the reaction networks leading to hydrogen production, using various photocatalysts, share common features. This analysis is developed by both identifying and quantifying different chemical species and their changes with irradiation time. Key species in this oxidation–reduction network are hydrogen, hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, methane, ethane, acetaldehyde and carbon dioxide. On this basis, it is shown that under an inert gas atmosphere, ethanol consumption is sub-stoichiometric. This points towards simultaneous ethanol consumption and the formation of the ethanol scavenger.

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.

Approach to photocatalysis at the molecular level. Design of photocatalysts, detection of intermediate species, and reaction mechanisms

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Anpo, Masakazu [Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Osaka Prefecture, Gakuen-cho, Sakai, Osaka (Japan)

1995-08-01

The characterization of the Cu{sup +}/ZSM-5 catalysts prepared via reduction of ion-exchanged Cu{sup 2+}/ZSM-5 samples and highly dispersed Ti-oxide catalysts anchored on Vycor glass has been undertaken by in-situ photoluminescence, EPR, XAFS (XANES and FT-EXAFS), and FT-IR spectroscopy. UV-irradiation of the Cu{sup +}/ZSM-5 catalyst in the presence of NO leads to the direct photocatalytic decomposition of NO into N{sub 2} and O{sub 2} at normal temperatures. UV-irradiation of the highly dispersed anchored Ti-oxide catalyst in the presence of CO{sub 2} and H{sub 2}O also leads to the evolution of CH{sub 4}, CO, and CH{sub 3}OH at normal temperatures. The clarification of the coordination structure of the active surface sites and the direct detection of the reaction precursors and intermediate species in these photocatalytic systems contributed significantly in characterizing the molecular scale reaction mechanisms. Based on these results, the design of highly concentrated and efficient photocatalysts has successfully been achieved by application of the sol-gel method

Titanium Dioxide Supported on Different Porous Materials as Photocatalyst for the Degradation of Methyl Green in Wastewaters

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Haithem Bel Hadjltaief

2015-01-01

Full Text Available TiO2 nanoparticles were immobilized on two porous materials used as catalyst supports, namely, activated carbon (AC and natural clay (NC, through an impregnation process using TiO2 (P25 as precursor. The so-prepared composite materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM, transition electron microscopy (TEM, and nitrogen physisorption, that is, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET surface area determination. SEM and TEM observation evidenced that TiO2 was deposited on AC and NC surface. XRD results confirmed that TiO2 existed in a mixture of anatase and rutile phases. The specific surface area of photocatalysts decreased drastically in comparison with the original materials. The photocatalytic activity of these materials was assayed in the oxidation of Methyl Green (MG dye in aqueous medium under UV irradiation. TiO2/AC exhibited higher photocatalytic oxidation activity than TiO2 at neutral pH. Total mineralization of MG was confirmed by means of COD analysis, pointing to these materials as an efficient, cost-effective, and environment friendly alternative for water treatment.

Gas-Phase Photocatalytic Oxidation of Dimethylamine: The Reaction Pathway and Kinetics

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anna Kachina

2007-01-01

Full Text Available Gas-phase photocatalytic oxidation (PCO and thermal catalytic oxidation (TCO of dimethylamine (DMA on titanium dioxide was studied in a continuous flow simple tubular reactor. Volatile PCO products of DMA included ammonia, formamide, carbon dioxide, and water. Ammonia was further oxidized in minor amounts to nitrous oxide and nitrogen dioxide. Effective at 573 K, TCO resulted in the formation of ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water. The PCO kinetic data fit well to the monomolecular Langmuir-Hinshelwood model, whereas TCO kinetic behaviour matched the first-order process. No deactivation of the photocatalyst during the multiple long-run experiments was observed.

Photocatalytic selective oxidation of phenol in suspensions of titanium dioxide with exposed {0 0 1} facets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ye, Hengpeng; Lu, Shaoming

2013-01-01

Anatase TiO 2 nanocrystals with exposed {0 0 1} facets were tailored by hydrothermal treatment of Ti(OC 4 H 9 ) 4 –HF–H 2 O mixed solution. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The effect of structure of the photocatalyst on the photocatalytic selective oxidation of phenol under UV irradiation was studied. The experiment results showed that (1) the percentage of the exposed {0 0 1} facets of the nanocrystal increases with increasing the nominal atomic ratio of fluorine to titanium (R F ), (2) catechol and hydroquinone are main intermediates detected during photocatalytic oxidation of phenol, and (3) both photocatalytic oxidation of phenol and selectivity (yield) of catechol are positively correlated with the percentage of exposed {0 0 1} facets of the high-energy TiO 2 nanocrystals. The enhanced conversion of phenol and selectivity (yield) of catechol were ascribed to the synergistic effects of the exposed high-energy {0 0 1} facets and surface fluorination. This study may provide new insight into the selective oxidation of organics.

Hydrogen evolution from water splitting on nanocomposite photocatalysts

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wenfeng Shangguan

2007-01-01

Full Text Available The photocatalytic production of H2 in one step is potentially one of the most promising ways for the conversion and storage of solar energy. The paper overviews our recent studies on the photocatalysts splitting water into hydrogen under irradiation. The attention was mainly focused on the promotion effects of nanosized modifications in the interlayer and surface of photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution with visible light. The photocatalytic activity depended significantly on modification techniques, such as loading, proton exchange, and intercalation. The formation of a "nest" on the particle surface promoted a uniform distribution and strong combination of the nanosized particles on the surface of catalysts. By the methods of intercalation and pillaring as well as by selecting both host and guest, a large variety of molecular designed host–guest systems were obtained. Cadmium sulfide (CdS-intercalated composites showed higher activity and stability. This activity of K4Ce2M10O30 (M=Ta, Nb evolving H2 under visible light irradiation was enhanced by the incorporation of Pt, RuO2 and NiO as co-catalysts. Especially, the nanosized NiOx (Ni–NiO double-layer structure greatly prompted the photocatalytic H2 evolution significantly.

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

Zinc oxide tetrapods as efficient photocatalysts for organic pollutant degradation

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Fangzhou; Leung, Yu Hang; Djurisić, Aleksandra B.; Liao, Changzhong; Shih, Kaimin

2014-03-01

Bisphenol A (BPA) and other organic pollutants from industrial wastewater have drawn increasing concern in the past decades regarding their environmental and biological risks, and hence developing strategies of effective degradation of BPA and other organic pollutants is imperative. Metal oxide nanostructures, in particular titanium oxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO), have been demonstrated to exhibit efficient photodegradation of various common organic dyes. ZnO tetrapods are of special interest due to their low density of native defects which consequently lead to lower recombination losses and higher photocatalytic efficiency. Tetrapods can be obtained by relatively simple and low-cost vapor phase deposition in large quantity; the micron-scale size would also be advantageous for catalyst recovery. In this study, the photodegradation of BPA with ZnO tetrapods and TiO2 nanostructures under UV illumination were compared. The concentration of BPA dissolved in DI water was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at specified time intervals. It was observed that the photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO tetrapods eventually surpassed Degussa P25 in free-standing form, and more than 80% of BPA was degraded after 60 min. Photodegradation of other organic dye pollutants by tetrapods and P25 were also examined. The superior photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO tetrapods for degradation of BPA and other organic dye pollutants and its correlation with the material properties were discussed.

Fabrication of BiOBr nanosheets@TiO{sub 2} nanobelts p–n junction photocatalysts for enhanced visible-light activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhao, Yang [School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China); Huang, Xiang [School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China); School of Science, Tibet University, Lhasa 850000 (China); Tan, Xin [School of Science, Tibet University, Lhasa 850000 (China); Yu, Tao, E-mail: yutao@tju.edu.cn [School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China); Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072 (China); Li, Xiangli [School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China); Yang, Libin [College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Chemistry, Tianjin 300457 (China); Wang, Shucong [School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China)

2016-03-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • BiOBr nanosheets@TiO{sub 2} nanobelts p–n junction photocatalysts have been synthesized. • The p–n junction photocatalysts improved water splitting and dye degradation activity. • BiOBr amount in the BiOBr@TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts was investigated. - Abstract: The construction of p–n junction structure is a smart strategy for improving the photocatalytic activity, since p–n junctions can inhibit the recombination of photo-induced charges. Herein, BiOBr nanosheets@TiO{sub 2} nanobelts p–n junction photocatalysts were prepared by assembling BiOBr nanosheets on the surface of TiO{sub 2} nanobelts via a hydrothermal route followed by a co-precipitation process. BiOBr@TiO{sub 2} p–n junction photocatalysts exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity in photocatalytic H{sub 2} production over water splitting and photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. Mott–Schottky plots confirmed the formation of p–n junctions in the interface of BiOBr and TiO{sub 2}. The enhanced photocatalytic performance can be ascribed to the 1D nanostructure and the formation of p–n junctions. This work shows a potential application of low cost BiOBr as a substitute for noble metals in photocatalytic H{sub 2} production under visible light irradiation.

The effect of water on the performance of TiO2 in photocatalytic selective alkane oxidation

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Carneiro, J.T.; Carneiro, Joana T.; Yang, Chieh-Chao; Moulijn, Jacob A.; Mul, Guido

2011-01-01

Deactivation of TiO2 is hampering practical implementation of photocatalytic alternatives for energetically intensive selective oxidation processes. In the present study, humidification of the air stream is demonstrated to be a solution to this problem for well-defined photocatalysts, such as

Photocatalytic H 2 production from water splitting under visible light irradiation using Eosin Y-sensitized mesoporous-assembled Pt/TiO 2 nanocrystal photocatalyst

Science.gov (United States)

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.

Preparation, characterization of a ceria loaded carbon nanotubes nanocomposites photocatalyst and degradation of azo dye Acid Orange 7

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wen Tao

2016-06-01

Full Text Available A ceria loaded carbon nanotubes (CeO2/CNTs nanocomposites photocatalyst was prepared by chemical precipitation, and the preparation conditions were optimized using an orthogonal experiment method. HR-TEM, XRD, UV-Vis/DRS, TGA and XPS were used to characterize the photocatalyst. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption was employed to determine the BET specific surface area. The results indicated that the photocatalyst has no obvious impurities. CeO2 was dispersed on the carbon nanotubes with a good loading effect and high loading efficiency without agglomeration. The catalyst exhibits a strong ability to absorb light in the ultraviolet region and some ability to absorb light in the visible light region. The CeO2/CNTs nanocomposites photocatalyst was used to degrade azo dye Acid Orange 7 (40 mg/L. The optical decolorization rate was 66.58% after xenon lamp irradiation for 4 h, which is better than that of commercial CeO2 (43.13%. The results suggested that CeO2 loading on CNTs not only enhanced the optical decolorization rate but also accelerated the separation of CeO2/CNTs and water.

Synthesis of hierarchically meso-macroporous TiO2/CdS heterojunction photocatalysts with excellent visible-light photocatalytic activity.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Haixin; Cui, Shu; Yang, Lan; Li, Guodong; Li, Nan; Li, Xiaotian

2018-02-15

Photocatalysts with a hierarchically porous structure have attracted considerable attention owing to their wide pore size distribution and high surface area, which enhance the efficiency of transporting species to active sites. In this study, hierarchically meso-macroporous TiO 2 photocatalysts decorated with highly dispersed CdS nanoparticles were synthesized via hydrolysis, followed by a hydrothermal treatment. The textural mesopores and interconnected pore framework provided more accessible active sites and efficient mass transport for the photocatalytic process. The light collection efficiency was enhanced because of multiple scattering of incident light in the macropores. Moreover, the formation of a heterojunction between the CdS and TiO 2 nanoparticles extended the photoresponse of TiO 2 to the visible-light range and enhanced the charge separation efficiency. Therefore, the hierarchically meso-macroporous TiO 2 /CdS photocatalysts exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of rhodaming B under visible-light irradiation. Trapping experiments demonstrated that superoxide radicals (O 2 - ) and hydroxyl radicals (OH) were the main active species in photocatalysis. A reasonable photocatalytic mechanism of TiO 2 /CdS heterojunction photocatalysts was also presented. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Biotemplated Morpho Butterfly Wings for Tunable Structurally Colored Photocatalysts.

Science.gov (United States)

Rodríguez, Robin E; Agarwal, Sneha P; An, Shun; Kazyak, Eric; Das, Debashree; Shang, Wen; Skye, Rachael; Deng, Tao; Dasgupta, Neil P

2018-02-07

Morpho sulkowskyi butterfly wings contain naturally occurring hierarchical nanostructures that produce structural coloration. The high aspect ratio and surface area of these wings make them attractive nanostructured templates for applications in solar energy and photocatalysis. However, biomimetic approaches to replicate their complex structural features and integrate functional materials into their three-dimensional framework are highly limited in precision and scalability. Herein, a biotemplating approach is presented that precisely replicates Morpho nanostructures by depositing nanocrystalline ZnO coatings onto wings via low-temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD). This study demonstrates the ability to precisely tune the natural structural coloration while also integrating multifunctionality by imparting photocatalytic activity onto fully intact Morpho wings. Optical spectroscopy and finite-difference time-domain numerical modeling demonstrate that ALD ZnO coatings can rationally tune the structural coloration across the visible spectrum. These structurally colored photocatalysts exhibit an optimal coating thickness to maximize photocatalytic activity, which is attributed to trade-offs between light absorption and catalytic quantum yield with increasing coating thickness. These multifunctional photocatalysts present a new approach to integrating solar energy harvesting into visually attractive surfaces that can be integrated into building facades or other macroscopic structures to impart aesthetic appeal.

Studies on the Preparation of Magnetic Photocatalysts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Watson, S.; Scott, J.; Beydoun, D.; Amal, R.

2005-01-01

A crystalline titanium dioxide coating was deposited onto silica insulated magnetite particles to prepare a stable magnetic photocatalyst. The direct deposition of crystalline titanium dioxide was conducted by aging dispersions of insulated magnetite particles in a titanium sol-gel precursor mixture at 60-90 deg. C. The coating process was found to be influenced by pH, alkoxide precursor concentration, aging time and reaction temperature. A mechanism for the formation of the titanium dioxide coating has been proposed. The photocatalytic performance of the prepared particles was found to be related to the preparation conditions

Band alignment investigations of heterostructure NiO/TiO2 nanomaterials used as efficient heterojunction earth-abundant metal oxide photocatalysts for hydrogen production.

Science.gov (United States)

Uddin, Md T; Nicolas, Y; Olivier, C; Jaegermann, W; Rockstroh, N; Junge, H; Toupance, T

2017-07-26

Earth-abundant NiO/anatase TiO 2 heteronanostructures were prepared by a straightforward one-pot sol-gel synthetic route followed by a suitable thermal post-treatment. The resulting 0.1-4 wt% NiO-decorated anatase TiO 2 nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, Raman and UV-visible spectroscopy and N 2 sorption analysis, and showed both nanocrystallinity and mesoporosity. The careful determination of the energy band alignment diagram by a suitable combination of XPS/UPS and absorption spectroscopy data revealed significant band bending at the interface of the p-n NiO/anatase TiO 2 heterojunction nanoparticles. Furthermore, these heterojunction photocatalysts exhibited an improved photocatalytic activity in H 2 production by methanol photoreforming compared to pure anatase TiO 2 and commercial P25. Thus, an average H 2 production rate of 2693 μmol h -1 g -1 was obtained for the heterojunction of a 1 wt% NiO/anatase photocatalyst, which is one of the most efficient NiO/anatase TiO 2 systems ever reported. An enhanced dissociation efficiency of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs resulting from an internal electric field developed at the interface of the NiO/anatase TiO 2 p-n heterojunctions is suggested to be the reason of this enhanced photocatalytic activity.

Influence of electron storing, transferring and shuttling assets of reduced graphene oxide at the interfacial copper doped TiO2 p-n heterojunction for increased hydrogen production.

Science.gov (United States)

Babu, Sundaram Ganesh; Vinoth, Ramalingam; Kumar, Dharani Praveen; Shankar, Muthukonda V; Chou, Hung-Lung; Vinodgopal, Kizhanipuram; Neppolian, Bernaurdshaw

2015-05-07

Herein we report simple, low-cost and scalable preparation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supported surfactant-free Cu2O-TiO2 nanocomposite photocatalysts by an ultrasound assisted wet impregnation method. Unlike the conventional preparation techniques, simultaneous reduction of Cu(2+) (in the precursor) to Cu(+) (Cu2O), and graphene oxide (GO) to rGO is achieved by an ultrasonic method without the addition of any external reducing agent; this is ascertained by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. UV-visible diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) studies (Tauc plots) provide evidence for the loading of Cu2O tailoring the optical band gap of the photocatalyst from 3.21 eV to 2.87 eV. The photoreactivity of the as-prepared Cu2O-TiO2/rGO samples is determined via H2 evolution from water in the presence of glycerol as a hole (h(+)) scavenger under visible light irradiation. Very interestingly, the addition of rGO augments the carrier mobility at the Cu2O-TiO2 p-n heterojunction, which is evidenced by the significantly reduced luminescence intensity of the Cu2O-TiO2/rGO photocatalyst. Hence rGO astonishingly enhances the photocatalytic activity compared with pristine TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and Cu2O-TiO2, by factors of ∼14 and ∼7, respectively. A maximum H2 production rate of 110 968 μmol h(-1) gcat(-1) is obtained with a 1.0% Cu and 3.0% GO photocatalyst composition; this is significantly higher than previously reported graphene based photocatalysts. Additionally, the present H2 production rate is much higher than those of precious/noble metal (especially Pt) assisted (as co-catalysts) graphene based photocatalysts. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, this is the highest H2 production rate (110 968 μmol h(-1) gcat(-1)) achieved by a graphene based photocatalyst through the splitting of water under visible light irradiation.

Influence of electron storing, transferring and shuttling assets of reduced graphene oxide at the interfacial copper doped TiO2 p-n heterojunction for increased hydrogen production

Science.gov (United States)

Babu, Sundaram Ganesh; Vinoth, Ramalingam; Praveen Kumar, Dharani; Shankar, Muthukonda V.; Chou, Hung-Lung; Vinodgopal, Kizhanipuram; Neppolian, Bernaurdshaw

2015-04-01

Herein we report simple, low-cost and scalable preparation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supported surfactant-free Cu2O-TiO2 nanocomposite photocatalysts by an ultrasound assisted wet impregnation method. Unlike the conventional preparation techniques, simultaneous reduction of Cu2+ (in the precursor) to Cu+ (Cu2O), and graphene oxide (GO) to rGO is achieved by an ultrasonic method without the addition of any external reducing agent; this is ascertained by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. UV-visible diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) studies (Tauc plots) provide evidence for the loading of Cu2O tailoring the optical band gap of the photocatalyst from 3.21 eV to 2.87 eV. The photoreactivity of the as-prepared Cu2O-TiO2/rGO samples is determined via H2 evolution from water in the presence of glycerol as a hole (h+) scavenger under visible light irradiation. Very interestingly, the addition of rGO augments the carrier mobility at the Cu2O-TiO2 p-n heterojunction, which is evidenced by the significantly reduced luminescence intensity of the Cu2O-TiO2/rGO photocatalyst. Hence rGO astonishingly enhances the photocatalytic activity compared with pristine TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and Cu2O-TiO2, by factors of ~14 and ~7, respectively. A maximum H2 production rate of 110 968 μmol h-1 gcat-1 is obtained with a 1.0% Cu and 3.0% GO photocatalyst composition; this is significantly higher than previously reported graphene based photocatalysts. Additionally, the present H2 production rate is much higher than those of precious/noble metal (especially Pt) assisted (as co-catalysts) graphene based photocatalysts. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, this is the highest H2 production rate (110 968 μmol h-1 gcat-1) achieved by a graphene based photocatalyst through the splitting of water under visible light irradiation.

Adsorption and degradation of model volatile organic compounds by a combined titania-montmorillonite-silica photocatalyst

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen Jiangyao; Li Guiying; He Zhigui; An Taicheng

2011-01-01

Highlights: → Adsorptive combined titania-montmorillonite-silica photocatalysts synthesized. → All catalysts had relatively high adsorption capacities of multinary VOCs. → All catalysts preferred to adsorb the VOCs with higher polarity. → CTMS80 can effectively photocatalytically remove VOCs of various components. - Abstract: A series of adsorptive photocatalysts, combined titania-montmorillonite-silica were synthesized. The resultant photocatalysts consisted of more and more spherically agglomerated TiO 2 particles with increasing of TiO 2 content, and anatase was the only crystalline phase with nano-scale TiO 2 particles. With increasing of the cation exchange capacity to TiO 2 molar ratio, specific surface area and pore volume increased very slightly. In a fluidized bed photocatalytic reactor by choosing toluene, ethyl acetate and ethanethiol as model pollutants, all catalysts had relatively high adsorption capacities and preferred to adsorb higher polarity pollutants. Langmuir isotherm model better described equilibrium data compared to Freundlich model. Competitive adsorptions were observed for the mixed pollutants on the catalysts, leading to decrease adsorption capacity for each pollutant. The combined titania-montmorillonite-silica photocatalyst exhibited excellent photocatalytic removal ability to model pollutants of various components. Almost 100% of degradation efficiency was achieved within 120 min for each pollutant with about 500 ppb initial concentration, though the efficiencies of multi-component compounds slightly decreased. All photocatalytic reactions followed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. Degradation rate constants of multi-component systems were lower than those for single systems, following the order of toluene < ethyl acetate < ethanethiol, and increased with the increase of adsorption capacities for different pollutants of various components.

Electron microscopy of Mg/TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst morphology for deep desulfurization of diesel

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yin, Yee Cia, E-mail: gabrielle.ciayin@gmail.com [Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 31750 Tronoh, Perak (Malaysia); Kait, Chong Fai, E-mail: chongfaikait@petronas.com.my; Fatimah, Hayyiratul, E-mail: hayyiratulfatimah@yahoo.com; Wilfred, Cecilia, E-mail: cecili@petronas.com.my [Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 31750 Tronoh, Perak (Malaysia)

2015-07-22

A series of Mg/TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts were prepared and characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The average particle sizes of the photocatalysts were ranging from 25.7 to 35.8 nm. Incorporation of Mg on TiO{sub 2} did not lead to any surface lattice distortion to TiO{sub 2}. HRTEM data indicated the presence of MgO and Mg(OH){sub 2} mixture at low Mg loading while at higher Mg loading, the presence of lamellar Mg-oxyhydroxide intermediates and Mg(OH){sub 2}.

Study of gamma irradiation effect on commercial TiO2 photocatalyst

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bello Lamo, M.P.; Williams, P.; Reece, P.; Lumpkin, G.R.; Sheppard, L.R.

2014-01-01

The aim of this work is to understand the effect of gamma irradiation on commercial TiO 2 photocatalyst for water treatment applications. Previous studies concluded that gamma-irradiation is able to modify the electronic properties of TiO 2 based photocatalysts and consequently their photocatalytic performance. However, there are some discrepancies in the literature where on one hand a significant enhancement of the material properties is reported and on the other hand only a weak effect is observed. In this study a surface effect on TiO 2 is confirmed by using low and medium gamma irradiation doses. - Highlights: • Gamma irradiated TiO 2 is investigated for photocatalytic water treatment. • By low gamma doses, no change in surface properties is observed. • However, a surface defect is found for gamma irradiated TiO 2 at higher doses. • XPS measurements showed an increase of hydroxyl groups. • That may cause a variation of its adsorption capacity

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.

Wide band gap Ga2O3 as efficient UV-C photocatalyst for gas-phase degradation applications.

Science.gov (United States)

Jędrzejczyk, Marcin; Zbudniewek, Klaudia; Rynkowski, Jacek; Keller, Valérie; Grams, Jacek; Ruppert, Agnieszka M; Keller, Nicolas

2017-12-01

α, β, γ, and δ polymorphs of 4.6-4.8 eV wide band gap Ga 2 O 3 photocatalysts were prepared via a soft chemistry route. Their photocatalytic activity under 254 nm UV-C light in the degradation of gaseous toluene was strongly depending on the polymorph phase. α- and β-Ga 2 O 3 photocatalysts enabled achieving high and stable conversions of toluene with selectivities to CO 2 within the 50-90% range, by contrast to conventional TiO 2 photocatalysts that fully deactivate very rapidly on stream in similar operating conditions with rather no CO 2 production, no matter whether UV-A or UV-C light was used. The highest performances were achieved on the high specific surface area β-Ga 2 O 3 photocatalyst synthesized by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) as porogen before precipitation, with stable toluene conversion and mineralization rate into CO 2 strongly overcoming those obtained on commercial β-Ga 2 O 3 . They were attributed to favorable physicochemical properties in terms of high specific surface area, small mean crystallite size, good crystallinity, high pore volume with large size mesopore distribution and appropriate surface acidity, and to the possible existence of a double local internal field within Ga 3+ units. In the degradation of hydrogen sulfide, PEG-derived β-Ga 2 O 3 takes advantage from its high specific surface area for storing sulfate, and thus for increasing its resistance to deactivation and the duration at total sulfur removal when compared to other β-Ga 2 O 3 photocatalysts. So, we illustrated the interest of using high surface area β-Ga 2 O 3 in environmental photocatalysis for gas-phase depollution applications.

Mesoporous CeTiSiMCM-48 as novel photocatalyst for degradation of organic compounds

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mureseanu, Mihaela; Parvulescu, Viorica; Radu, Teodora; Filip, Mihaela; Carja, Gabriela

2015-01-01

This work presents novel photocatalysts containing Ti and/or Ce embedded in the mesoporous silica framework (TiSiMCM-48, CeSiMCM-48 and CeTiSiMCM-48) that were prepared via a facile sol–gel process in the presence of ionic structure directing agents. The structural properties of the obtained materials were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), EDAX analysis, X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS), ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS) and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results indicated that Ce and Ti were highly dispersed or incorporated into the framework of the cubic SiMCM-48, with an enhanced light-trapping effect both in the UV and Vis regions. When applied to the photocatalytic degradation of phenol, the best results were obtained for the bimetallic hybrid. The best activity of CeTiSiMCM-48 photocatalyst was ascribed to improved electron–hole pair separation efficiency and formation of more reactive oxygen species due to the presence of Ce 4+ /Ce 3+ . The mesoporous support increases the dispersability of the photoactive Ti 4+ or Ce 4+ /Ce 3+ species on the catalyst surface and the accessibility of the substrate to the active sites. Furthermore, the catalysts can be easily recovered and reused for four cycles without significant loss of activity. - Highlights: • Novel photocatalysts containing Ti and/or Ce embedded in the mesoporous MCM-48 silica. • Ce 4+ /Ce 3+ improved electron–hole pair separation and reactivity of oxygen species. • The mesoporous support increases the dispersability of the photoactive species. • The photocatalyst was highly active and stable for phenol degradation under UV irradiation. • TiCeSiMCM-48 can be recycled up to four cycles without significant loss of activity

Doped titanium oxide photcatalysts: Preparation, structure and interaction with viruses

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Qi

Since the discovery of photoelectrochemical splitting of water on n-titanium oxide (n-TiO2) electrodes by Fujishima and Honda in 1972, there has been much interest in semiconductor-based materials as photocatalysts for both solar energy conversion and environmental applications in the past several decades. Among various semiconductor-based photocatalysts, TiO2 is the only candidate suitable for industrial use because of its high chemical stability, good photoactivity, relatively low cost, and nontoxicity. However, the photocatalytic capability of TiO 2 is limited to only ultraviolet (UV) light (wavelength, lambda, strategy to use atomic force microscope (AFM) to conduct in-situ observation of viruses on semiconductor surfaces in aqueous environment was developed, which combines information from both height profile and phase profile and solves the difficulty of observing small nanosized biomolecules on substrates with similar feature sizes.

Continuous-Flow Photocatalytic Degradation of Organics Using Modified TiO2 Nanocomposites

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Imran Ali

2018-01-01

Full Text Available In this study, TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs were fabricated on a Ti sheet following the anodic oxidation method and were decorated with reduced graphene oxide (RGO, graphene oxide (GO, and bismuth (Bi via electrodeposition. The surface morphologies, crystal structures, and compositions of the catalyst were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, photoluminance spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The TNTs loaded with RGO, GO, and Bi were used in a continuous-flow system as photocatalysts for the degradation of methylene blue (MB dye. It was found that the TNTs are efficient photocatalysts for the removal of color from water; upon UV irradiation on TNTs, the MB removal ratio was ~89%. Moreover, the photocatalytic activities of the decorated TNTs were higher than that of pristine TNTs in visible light. In comparison with TNTs, the rate of MB removal in visible light was increased by a factor of 3.4, 3.2, and 2.9 using RGO-TNTs, Bi-TNTs, and GO-TNTs, respectively. The reusability of the catalysts were investigated, and their quantum efficiencies were also calculated. The cylindrical anodized TNTs were excellent photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants. Thus, it was concluded that the continuous-flow photocatalytic reactor comprising TNTs and modified TNTs is suitable for treating wastewater in textile industries.

Degradation and removal of Ceftriaxone sodium in aquatic environment with Bi2WO6/g-C3N4 photocatalyst.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Yanyan; Liang, Xuhua; Wang, Yongbo; Shi, Huanxian; Liu, Enzhou; Fan, Jun; Hu, Xiaoyun

2018-08-01

Modern chemistry aims to identify outstanding photocatalytic materials for antibiotic degradation given the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Herein, highly efficient heterojunction photocatalysts composed of Bi 2 WO 6 nanoflowers (BW) and g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets (CNNs) were successfully synthesized. The Bi 2 WO 6 /g-C 3 N 4 (BW/CNNs) were presented for Ceftriaxone sodium degradation in the aquatic environment at low concentrations under visible light irradiation. The 40%-BW/CNNs showed excellent photocatalytic activity, and approximately 94.50% Ceftriaxone sodium was degraded under visible lightirradiation for 120 min. h + and O 2 - played major roles compared with ·OH in the photocatalytic process. The degradation mechanism and the intermediate products were proposed to better understand the reaction process. Moreover, the as-prepared photocatalysts were highly stable in recycling photocatalytic experiments. Therefore, the photocatalysts prepared in the study showed outstanding photocatalytic activity and potential applications in inhibiting environmental pollution. In addition, this work provides a new insight for constructing other high-performance, low-cost photocatalysts for wastewater treatment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Real-Time Visualization of Active Species in a Single-Site Metal–Organic Framework Photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yang, Sizhuo [Department of Chemistry, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States; Pattengale, Brian [Department of Chemistry, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States; Lee, Sungsik [X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60349, United States; Huang, Jier [Department of Chemistry, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States

2018-02-06

In this work, we report a new single-site photocatalyst (Co-Ru-UIO- 67(bpy)) based on a metal-organic framework platform with incorporated molecular photosensitizer and catalyst. We show that this catalyst not only demonstrates exceptional activity for light-driven H2 production but also can be recycled without loss of activity. Using the combination of optical transient absorption spectroscopy and in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we not only captured the key CoI intermediate species formed after ultrafast charge transfer from the incorporated photosensitizer but also identified the rate-limiting step in the catalytic cycle, providing insight into the catalysis mechanism of these single-site metal-organic framework photocatalysts.

Preparation of heteropolyacid/TiO{sub 2}/fly-ash-cenosphere photocatalyst for the degradation of ciprofloxacin from aqueous solutions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wu Di; Huo Pengwei; Lu Ziyang; Gao Xun [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China); Liu Xiaolin [School of Biology and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212013 (China); Shi Weidong [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China); Yan Yongsheng, E-mail: huopw@ujs.edu.cn [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China)

2012-07-01

The TiO{sub 2}/fly-ash cenosphere photocatalysts modified with heteropolyacid were synthesized by sol-gel followed solvothermal method at 40 Degree-Sign C. Their chemical composition and optical absorption were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS), Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that heteropolyacid modification could facilitate the absorption edge of TiO{sub 2}/fly-ash cenosphere photocatalyst to shift the visible light region. Heteropolyoxanion could be loaded on the titanium dioxide surface, by which could hinder the recombination rate of excited electron holes. The photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2}/fly-ash cenospheres modified with heteropolyacid was observed for the degradation of ciprofloxacin (CPFX) under visible light irradiation. The result from degradation of CPFX suggested that the photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2}/fly-ash cenospheres modified with silicotungstic acid was superior. The synergistic effects of heteropolyacid in modified TiO{sub 2}/fly-ash cenospheres photocatalyst particles were responsible for improving visible light photocatalytic activity. Besides, the novel photocatalyst was easy to recycle during post treatment because the fly-ash cenosphere was adopted for carrier.

Photocatalytic Ethanol Oxidative Dehydrogenation over Pt/TiO2: Effect of the Addition of Blue Phosphors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

J. J. Murcia

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Ethanol oxidative dehydrogenation over Pt/TiO2 photocatalyst, in the presence and absence of blue phosphors, was performed. The catalyst was prepared by photodeposition of Pt on sulphated TiO2. This material was tested in a gas-solid photocatalytic fluidized bed reactor at high illumination efficiency. The effect of the addition of blue phosphors into the fluidized bed has been evaluated. The synthesized catalysts were extensively characterized by different techniques. Pt/TiO2 with a loading of 0.5 wt% of Pt appeared to be an active photocatalyst in the selective partial oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde improving its activity and selectivity compared to pure TiO2. In the same way, a notable enhancement of ethanol conversion in the presence of the blue phosphors has been obtained. The blue phosphors produced an increase in the level of ethanol conversion over the Pt/TiO2 catalyst, keeping at the same time the high selectivity to acetaldehyde.

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

Chlorobenzene degeradation by non-thermal plasma combined with EG-TiO{sub 2}/ZnO as a photocatalyst: Effect of photocatalyst on CO{sub 2} selectivity and byproducts reduction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ghorbani Shahna, Farshid; Bahrami, Abdulrahman [Center of Excellence for Occupational Health and Research Center for Health Science, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Alimohammadi, Iraj; Yarahmadi, Rassuol [Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Jaleh, Babak; Gandomi, Mastaneh [Faculty of Science, Physics Department, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Ebrahimi, Hossein, E-mail: hossein.ebrahimi@yahoo.com [Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Ad-Din Abedi, Kamal [Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Kurdistan University of Medical sciences, Sanandaj (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2017-02-15

Highlights: • TiO{sub 2} and ZnO Nano particles were coated on the surface of expanded graphite. • Expanded graphite-TiO{sub 2}/ZnO nano composite under UV light was placed downstream non-thermal plasma reactor. • Chlorobenzene removal and selectivity of CO{sub 2} were enhanced in combined system. • Produced harmful byproducts from plasma reactor were reduced dramatically in combined system. - Abstract: The non-thermal plasma (NTP) technique, which suffers from low selectivity in complete oxidation of volatile organic compounds to CO{sub 2} and H{sub 2}O, creates unwanted and harmful byproducts. NTP in concert with photocatalyst can resolve this limitation due to additional oxidation. TiO{sub 2} and ZnO nanoparticles were coated on the surface of the expanded graphite and placed downstream of the NTP reactor under UV light. In this study, to compare the performance of NTP and the combined system, chlorobenzene removal, selectivity of CO{sub 2} and byproducts formation were investigated. The results showed that the combined system enhanced both the removal efficiency and CO{sub 2} selectivity. The output gas of the NTP reactor contained chlorobenzene, phosgene, O{sub 3}, NO, NO{sub 2}, CO, CO{sub 2}, HCL and CL. The bulk of these byproducts was oxidized on the surface of the nanocomposite; as a result, the content of the byproducts in the output gas of the combined system decreased dramatically. The removal efficiency and CO{sub 2} selectivity increased by rising the applied voltage and residence time because the collision between active species and pollutant molecules increases. Based on these results, the combined system is preferred due to a higher performance and lower formation of harmful byproducts.

Integrating a Photocatalyst into a Hybrid Lithium-Sulfur Battery for Direct Storage of Solar Energy.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Na; Wang, Yarong; Tang, Daiming; Zhou, Haoshen

2015-08-03

Direct capture and storage of abundant but intermittent solar energy in electrical energy-storage devices such as rechargeable lithium batteries is of great importance, and could provide a promising solution to the challenges of energy shortage and environment pollution. Here we report a new prototype of a solar-driven chargeable lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery, in which the capture and storage of solar energy was realized by oxidizing S(2-) ions to polysulfide ions in aqueous solution with a Pt-modified CdS photocatalyst. The battery can deliver a specific capacity of 792 mAh g(-1) during 2 h photocharging process with a discharge potential of around 2.53 V versus Li(+)/Li. A specific capacity of 199 mAh g(-1), reaching the level of conventional lithium-ion batteries, can be achieved within 10 min photocharging. Moreover, the charging process of the battery can proceed under natural sunlight irradiation. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Graphene–Ag/ZnO nanocomposites as high performance photocatalysts under visible light irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ahmad, M.; Ahmed, E.; Hong, Z.L.; Khalid, N.R.; Ahmed, W.; Elhissi, A.

2013-01-01

Highlights: •Synthesis of Graphene–Ag/ZnO composite photocatalysts by facile one-step nontoxic approach. •Enhanced visible light absorption and efficient charge separation of ZnO by graphene modification and silver doping. •Effective utilization of photo-induced conduction band electron and valance band hole to photocatalytic degradation process. •Excellent photocatalytic performance of composites over pure ZnO. •The reduction in COD and TOC confirms the destruction of the organic molecules in the effluents along with colour removal. -- Abstract: Visible-light-responsive Graphene–Ag/ZnO nanocomposites were fabricated using a facile, one-pot, nontoxic solvothermal process for the photodegradation of organic dyes. During the solvothermal process reduction of graphene oxide and loading of Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles on two-dimensional graphene sheets were achieved. Electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, BET surface area measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction were used to confirm that the Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles as randomly dispersed and effectively decorated on graphene sheets via covalent bonds between Zn and C atoms. Optical properties studied using UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy confirmed that the absorption edge of Ag-doped ZnO shifted to visible-light region with the incorporation of graphene. The as-synthesized Graphene–Ag/ZnO nanocomposites showed unprecedented photodecomposition efficiency compared to the Ag-doped ZnO, pristine ZnO and commercial ZnO under visible-light. The textile mill effluent containing organic substances was also treated using photocatalysis and the reduction in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the treated effluent revealed a complete destruction of the organic molecules along with colour removal. This dramatically enhanced photoactivity of the composite which is attributed to retarded charge recombination rate

Kinetics of the decoloration of reactive dyes over visible light-irradiated TiO2 semiconductor photocatalyst

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chatterjee, Debabrata; Patnam, Vidya Rupini; Sikdar, Anindita; Joshi, Priyanka; Misra, Rohit; Rao, Nageswara N.

2008-01-01

Photocatalytic decoloration kinetics of triazine (Reactive Red 11, Reactive Red 2, and Reactive Orange 84) and vinylsulfone type (Reactive Orange 16 and Reactive Black 5) of reactive dyes have been studied spectrophotometrically by following the decrease in dye concentration with time. At ambient conditions, over 90-95% decoloration of above dyes have been observed upon prolonged illumination (15 h) of the reacting system with a 150 W xenon lamp. It was found that the decoloration reaction followed first-order kinetics. The values of observed rate constants were found to be dependent of the structure of dyes at low dye concentration, but independent at higher concentration. It also reports for the first time the decoloration of two different dyes together in a binary dye mixture using visible light-irradiated TiO 2 photocatalyst. Rate of decoloration of two different dyes together in a binary dye mixture using visible light-irradiated TiO 2 photocatalyst is governed by the adsorptivity of the particular dye onto the surface of the TiO 2 photocatalyst

Continuous-flow photocatalytic treatment of pharmaceutical micropollutants: Activity, inhibition, and deactivation of TiO2 photocatalysts in wastewater effluent

KAUST Repository

Carbonaro, Sean

2013-01-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysts have been shown to be effective at degrading a wide range of organic micropollutants during short-term batch experiments conducted under ideal laboratory solution conditions (e.g., deionized water). However, little research has been performed regarding longer-term photocatalyst performance in more complex matrices representative of contaminated water sources (e.g., wastewater effluent, groundwater). Here, a benchtop continuous-flow reactor was developed for the purpose of studying the activity, inhibition, and deactivation of immobilized TiO2 photocatalysts during water treatment applications. As a demonstration, degradation of four pharmaceutical micropollutants (iopromide, acetaminophen, sulfamethoxazole, and carbamazepine) was monitored in both a pH-buffered electrolyte solution and a biologically treated wastewater effluent (WWE) to study the effects of non-target constituents enriched in the latter matrix. Reactor performance was shown to be stable over 7d when treating micropollutants in buffered electrolyte, with 7-d averaged kobs values (acetaminophen=0.97±0.10h-1; carbamazepine=0.50±0.04h-1; iopromide=0.49±0.03h-1; sulfamethoxazole=0.79±0.06h-1) agreeing closely with measurements from short-term circulating batch reactions. When reactor influent was switched to WWE, treatment efficiencies decreased to varying degrees (acetaminophen=40% decrease; carbamazepine=60%; iopromide=78%; sulfamethoxazole=54%). A large fraction of the catalyst activity was recovered upon switching back to the buffered electrolyte influent after 4d, suggesting that much of the observed decrease resulted from reversible inhibition by non-target constituents (e.g., scavenging of photocatalyst-generated OH). However, there was also a portion of the decrease in activity that was not recovered, indicating WWE constituents also contributed to photocatalyst deactivation (acetaminophen=6% deactivation; carbamazepine=24%; iopromide=16

Enhanced xylene removal by photocatalytic oxidation using fiber-illuminated honeycomb reactor at ppb level

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu, Yi-Ting; Yu, Yi-Hui; Nguyen, Van-Huy; Lu, Kung-Te; Wu, Jeffrey Chi-Sheng; Chang, Luh-Maan; Kuo, Chi-Wen

2013-01-01

Graphical abstract: We have designed a fiber-illuminated honeycomb reactor (FIHR) in which the removal efficiency of m-xylene is significantly enhanced to 96.5% as compared to 22.0% for UV irradiation only. The results indicate that photocatalysts not only play the role to substantially oxidize m-xylene, but also alter the chemical properties of xylene under UV illumination. -- Highlights: • The combination of optical fiber and honeycomb significantly enhanced the performance of VOCs photodegradation. • The removal efficiency of m-xylene is enhanced to 96.5% as compared to 22.0% for UV irradiation alone. • Fiber-illuminated honeycomb reactor is the first step toward an industrial-scale technology on the removal of xylene. -- Abstract: The removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at ppb level is one of the most critical challenges in clean rooms for the semiconductor industry. Photocatalytic oxidation is an innovative and promising technology for ppb-level VOCs degradation. We have designed a fiber-illuminated honeycomb reactor (FIHR) in which the removal efficiency of m-xylene is significantly enhanced to 96.5% as compared to 22.0% for UV irradiation only. The results indicate that photocatalysts not only play the role to substantially oxidize m-xylene, but also alter the chemical properties of xylene under UV illumination. Using the FIHR with Mn-TiO 2 photocatalyst not only increased the m-xylene removal efficiency, but also increased the CO 2 selectivity. Interestingly, Mn-TiO 2 in FIHR also showed a very good reusability, 93% removal efficiency was still achieved in 72-h in reaction. Thus, the FIHR gave very high removal efficiency for xylene at ppb level under room temperature. The FIHR has great potential application in the clean room for the air purification system in the future

Enhanced xylene removal by photocatalytic oxidation using fiber-illuminated honeycomb reactor at ppb level

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wu, Yi-Ting [Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan (China); Yu, Yi-Hui [Department of Civil Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan (China); Nguyen, Van-Huy [Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10617, Taiwan (China); Lu, Kung-Te [Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan (China); Wu, Jeffrey Chi-Sheng, E-mail: cswu@ntu.edu.tw [Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan (China); Chang, Luh-Maan [Department of Civil Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan (China); Kuo, Chi-Wen [Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Hsinchu 30078, Taiwan (China)

2013-11-15

Graphical abstract: We have designed a fiber-illuminated honeycomb reactor (FIHR) in which the removal efficiency of m-xylene is significantly enhanced to 96.5% as compared to 22.0% for UV irradiation only. The results indicate that photocatalysts not only play the role to substantially oxidize m-xylene, but also alter the chemical properties of xylene under UV illumination. -- Highlights: • The combination of optical fiber and honeycomb significantly enhanced the performance of VOCs photodegradation. • The removal efficiency of m-xylene is enhanced to 96.5% as compared to 22.0% for UV irradiation alone. • Fiber-illuminated honeycomb reactor is the first step toward an industrial-scale technology on the removal of xylene. -- Abstract: The removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at ppb level is one of the most critical challenges in clean rooms for the semiconductor industry. Photocatalytic oxidation is an innovative and promising technology for ppb-level VOCs degradation. We have designed a fiber-illuminated honeycomb reactor (FIHR) in which the removal efficiency of m-xylene is significantly enhanced to 96.5% as compared to 22.0% for UV irradiation only. The results indicate that photocatalysts not only play the role to substantially oxidize m-xylene, but also alter the chemical properties of xylene under UV illumination. Using the FIHR with Mn-TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst not only increased the m-xylene removal efficiency, but also increased the CO{sub 2} selectivity. Interestingly, Mn-TiO{sub 2} in FIHR also showed a very good reusability, 93% removal efficiency was still achieved in 72-h in reaction. Thus, the FIHR gave very high removal efficiency for xylene at ppb level under room temperature. The FIHR has great potential application in the clean room for the air purification system in the future.

A study of parameter setting and characterization of visible-light driven nitrogen-modified commercial TiO2 photocatalysts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kuo, Yu-Lin; Su, Te-Li; Kung, Fu-Chen; Wu, Tsai-Jung

2011-01-01

Highlights: → A cost-effective and highly-efficient visible-light driven nitrogen-modified TiO 2 photocatalyst was prepared by a simple hydrolysis method. → The obtained optimum conditions applied to Taguchi method for preparing visible-light driven photocatalyst were undergone by the process of stirring for 1 day using 4M ammonium as the nitrogen source, and then calcining at 400 ° C for 2 h. → Several materials technologies of characterizing N-TiO2 photocatalyst have been used to realize the modification of TiO2 by ammonia water as the nitrogen source. - Abstract: An optimal condition applied to the Taguchi method with an L 9 orthogonal array for preparing a visible-light driven nitrogen-modified TiO 2 (N-TiO 2 ) photocatalyst by a simple hydrolysis method has been examined for material characteristics and a photodecolorization test of methyl blue (MB) under various visible light source (fluorescent and blue LED lamps) irradiations. Results of the material characterization showed that the absorption of prepared N-TiO 2 powder exhibited a significant extension into visible light regimes with an optical bandgap (Eg) of around 2.96 eV, which subsequently improved the visible-light photocatalytic activity of N-TiO 2 samples. The superior photocatalytic properties, the pseudo first-order reaction rate constants (k) and photodecolorization efficiency (η%) of a N-TiO 2 photocatalyst during the photodecolorization test of methyl blue (MB) under two different visible light irradiations were very evident compared to those for pure TiO 2 . For photodecolorization of practical dyeing from the waste water from the dyeing and finishing industry, a higher photodecolorization efficiency of N-TiO 2 powder toward Direct blue-86 (DB-86) (Direct Fast Turquoise Blue GL) dye was also achieved.

One-pot, facile fabrication of a Ag3PO4-based ternary Z-scheme photocatalyst with excellent visible-light photoactivity and anti-photocorrosion performance

Science.gov (United States)

Xie, Mingyuan; Zhang, Tailiang

2018-04-01

Ag3PO4 can-not be widely used as an efficient photocatalyst in practical applications because of its susceptibility to photocorrosion. In this study, a novel, ternary Z-scheme photocatalytic system containing graphene oxide (GO), Ag3PO4 and SnS2 was fabricated by a one-pot, mild, in-situ precipitation method successfully. Using Rhodamine B (RhB) as the target of elimination, GO/Ag3PO4/SnS2 exhibited outstanding photocatalytic and anti-photocorrosion properties compared with those of Ag3PO4, Ag3PO4/SnS2 and GO/Ag3PO4. RhB was thoroughly degraded over the optimized GO/Ag3PO4/SnS2 nanocomposite after only 15 min under visible-light irradiation; this result is approximately 2.14, 3.33 and 5.83 times faster than that of GO/Ag3PO4, Ag3PO4/SnS2 and Ag3PO4, respectively. After three reuses, the photocatalytic activity of the ternary composite slightly decreased but remained 2.36, 4.08 and 12.70 times higher than those of the reused GO/Ag3PO4, Ag3PO4/SnS2 and Ag3PO4, respectively. In this system, the efficient separation and migration of the photoinduced current carriers in Ag3PO4 was realized through a double Z-scheme electron-transfer mechanism in which the GO nanosheets acted as the photocatalyst and electron mediator, thereby enhancing the photoactivity and stability of Ag3PO4. The present study provides a new perspective for enhancing photocatalytic and anti-photocorrosion performances in perishable photocatalysts for organic sewage and other environmental contamination treatments.

Facile fabrication of CuPp–TiO2 mesoporous composite: An excellent and robust heterostructure photocatalyst for 4-nitrophenol degradation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yu, Mi-Mi; Wang, Chen; Li, Jun; Yuan, Lin; Sun, Wan-Jun

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: An excellent and robust mesoporous CuPp–TiO 2 photocatalyst was prepared by the self-assemble of TiO 2 with Copper(II) porphyrin following a solvothermal treatment. The HRTEM images of the CuPp–TiO 2 revealed the CuPp combined with TiO 2 are crystalline, which is heterojunction structure. The special structure improves the photocatalytic activity of the catalyst observably. As shown in a heterojunction-type photocatalytic system, the photogenerated electrons in the CB of the CuPp migrate to the CB of the TiO 2 forming reduction sites, while the photogenerated holes in the VB of TiO 2 move to the VB of CuPp through the heterojunction structure forming oxidation sites. As a result, the photogenerated electrons and holes are spatially isolated, which greatly inhibits their undesirable recombination. The photodegradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) illustrated the prepared CuPp–TiO 2 has superior photocatalytic activity and wonderful cycling performance with the photocatalytic efficiency of 86.69% even after six cycles. - Highlights: • A novel mesoporous photocatalyst CuPp–TiO 2 with large surface area was prepared. • The CuPp–TiO 2 was obtained by self-assembly following a solvothermal treatment. • There exists heterojunction structure in CuPp–TiO 2 . • The CuPp–TiO 2 exhibits outstanding photocatalytic activity and stability. - Abstract: An excellent mesoporous CuPp–TiO 2 photocatalyst was prepared by the self-assemble of TiO 2 with metalloporphyrin-copper(II) following a solvothermal treatment. The c-CuPp–TiO 2 was obtained by calcinating CuPp–TiO 2 at 450 °C to investigate the effect of CuPp on photocatalytic activity. The SEM images indicate that CuPp–TiO 2 is microspheres with mean diameter of 29.01 nm. The TEM images reveal that there exists the heterojunction structure in CuPp–TiO 2 , which improved catalytic activity of CuPp–TiO 2 obviously. Additionally, N 2 adsorption–desorption isotherm curves show high

Rapid photo-degradation of 2-chlorophenol under visible light irradiation using cobalt oxide-loaded TiO2/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite from aqueous media.

Science.gov (United States)

Sharma, Ajit; Lee, Byeong-Kyu

2016-01-01

The photocatalytic removal of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) from water environment was investigated by TiO2-RGO-CoO. Cobalt oxide-loaded TiO2 (TiO2-CoO) supported with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was synthesized using a sol-gel method and then annealed at 500 °C for 5 min. The material characteristics were analyzed by UV-Vis analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Incorporation of cobalt oxide and RGO into the TiO2 system (TiO2-RGO-CoO) lowered the band gap energy to 2.83 eV, which greatly enhanced the visible light absorption. The TiO2-RGO-CoO photocatalyst showed complete removal of 20 mg/L 2-CP within 8 h with the addition of 0.01% H2O2 under 100 W visible light irradiation. The photo-degradation efficiency of 2-CP (10 mg/L) was 35.2, 48.9, 58.9 and 98.2% for TiO2, TiO2-RGO, TiO2-CoO and TiO2-RGO-CoO, respectively, in the presence of visible light irradiation at solution pH of 6.0. The TiO2-RGO-CoO photocatalyst retained its high removal efficiency even after five photocatalytic cycles. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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.

Sputtered indium oxide films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gillery, F.H.

1986-01-01

A method is described for depositing on a substrate multiple layer films comprising at least one primary layer of a metal oxide and at least one primary layer of a metal other than the metal of the oxide layer. The improvement described here comprises improving the adhesion between the metal oxide and metal layers by depositing between the layers an intermediate metal-containing layer having an affinity for both the metal and metal oxide layers. An article of manufacture is described comprising a nonmetallic substrate, and deposited thereon in any order: a. at least one coating layer of metal; b. at least one coating layer of an oxide of a metal other than the metal of the metal layer; and c. deposited between the metal and metal oxide layers an intermediate metal-containing layer having an affinity for both the metal and metal oxide layers

Fabrication of Z-scheme plasmonic photocatalyst Ag@AgBr/g-C3N4 with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, Yuxin; Guo, Wan; Guo, Yingna; Zhao, Yahui; Yuan, Xing; Guo, Yihang

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Z-scheme plasmonic photocatalyst of Ag@AgBr/g-C 3 N 4 is prepared for the first time. • Ag@AgBr/g-C 3 N 4 shows enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity. • Photocatalytic mechanism based on the experimental results is revealed. • Photocatalytic degradation pathway of MO is put forward. - Abstract: A series of Ag@AgBr grafted graphitic carbon nitride (Ag@AgBr/g-C 3 N 4 ) plasmonic photocatalysts are fabricated through photoreducing AgBr/g-C 3 N 4 hybrids prepared by deposition–precipitation method. The phase and chemical structures, electronic and optical properties as well as morphologies of Ag@AgBr/g-C 3 N 4 heterostructures are well-characterized. Subsequently, the photocatalytic activity of Ag@AgBr/g-C 3 N 4 is evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) and rhodamin B (RB) under visible-light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ag@AgBr/g-C 3 N 4 compared with g-C 3 N 4 and Ag@AgBr is obtained and explained in terms of the efficient visible-light utilization efficiency as well as the construction of Z-scheme, which keeps photogenerated electrons and holes with high reduction and oxidation capability, evidenced by photoelectrochemical tests and free radical and hole scavenging experiments. Based on the intermediates identified in the reaction system, the photocatalytic degradation pathway of MO is put forward

Strain Engineering for Phosphorene: The Potential Application as a Photocatalyst

OpenAIRE

Sa, Baisheng; Li, Yan-Ling; Qi, Jingshan; Ahuja, Rajeev; Sun, Zhimei

2014-01-01

Phosphorene has been attracted intense interest due to its unexpected high carrier mobility and distinguished anisotropic optoelectronic and electronic properties. In this work, we unraveled strain engineered phosphorene as a photocatalyst in the application of water splitting hydrogen production based on density functional theory calculations. Lattice dynamic calculations demonstrated the stability for such kind of artificial materials under different strains. The phosphorene lattice is unst...

Oxidation of S(IV) in Seawater by Pulsed High Voltage Discharge Plasma with TiO2/Ti Electrode as Catalyst

Science.gov (United States)

Gong, Jianying; Zhang, Xingwang; Wang, Xiaoping; Lei, Lecheng

2013-12-01

Oxidation of S(IV) to S(VI) in the effluent of a flue gas desulfurization(FGD) system is very critical for industrial applications of seawater FGD. This paper reports a pulsed corona discharge oxidation process combined with a TiO2 photocatalyst to convert S(IV) to S(VI) in artificial seawater. Experimental results show that the oxidation of S(IV) in artificial seawater is enhanced in the pulsed discharge plasma process through the application of TiO2 coating electrodes. The oxidation rate of S(IV) using Ti metal as a ground electrode is about 2.0×10-4 mol · L-1 · min-1, the oxidation rate using TiO2/Ti electrode prepared by annealing at 500°C in air is 4.5×10-4 mol · L-1 · min-1, an increase with a factor 2.25. The annealing temperature for preparing TiO2/Ti electrode has a strong effect on the oxidation of S(IV) in artificial seawater. The results of in-situ emission spectroscopic analysis show that chemically active species (i.e. hydroxyl radicals and oxygen radicals) are produced in the pulsed discharge plasma process. Compared with the traditional air oxidation process and the sole plasma-induced oxidation process, the combined application of TiO2 photocatalysts and a pulsed high-voltage electrical discharge process is useful in enhancing the energy and conversion efficiency of S(IV) for the seawater FGD system.

Synthesis of molecularly imprinted photocatalysts containing low TiO_2 loading: Evaluation for the degradation of pharmaceuticals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Coelho de Escobar, Cícero; Lansarin, Marla Azário; Zimnoch dos Santos, João Henrique

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Molecularly imprinted photocatalyst (MIP) containing low TiO_2 loading were prepared by acid-catalyzed sol–gel process. • Seven pharmaceutical compounds were evaluated as a template. • Comparing to the P25, MIP has shown an increase of adsorption up to 752%. • Comparing to the P25, MIP has shown an increase of degradation up to 427%. • The presence of specific cavities on the silica domain could explain the better results for MIP. - Abstract: A molecularly imprinted (MI) photocatalyst containing a low TiO_2 loading (7.00–16.60 mg L"−"1 of TiO_2) was prepared via an acid-catalyzed sol–gel route using different classes of pharmaceutical compounds (i.e., Atorvastatin, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Tioconazole, Valsartan, Ketoconazole and Gentamicine) as the template. Herein, our main goal was to test the hypothesis that photocatalysts based on molecular imprinting may improve the degradation performance of pharmaceutical compounds compared to that of a commercial sample (Degussa P25) due to presence of specific cavities in the silica domain. To elucidate certain trends between the performance of photocatalysts and their structural and textural properties, as well the effect of the structure of the drugs on molecular imprinting, the data were analyzed in terms of pore diameter, pore volume, surface area, zeta potential and six-membered ring percentage of silica. In comparison to the commercial sample (P25), we have shown that adsorption and degradation were enhanced from 48 to 752% and from 5 to 427%, respectively. A comparison with the control system (non-imprinted) indicates that the increased performance of the MI systems was due to the presence of specific cavities on the silica domain, and the textural and structural aspects also support this conclusion. The MI photocatalyst was reusable for seven cycles of reuse in which approximately 60% of its photocatalytic efficiency was preserved for the system containing Diclofenac as the template.

Evaluating photo-degradation of COD and TOC in petroleum refinery wastewater by using TiO2/ZnO photo-catalyst.

Science.gov (United States)

Aljuboury, Dheeaa Al Deen Atallah; Palaniandy, Puganeshwary; Abdul Aziz, Hamidi Bin; Feroz, Shaik; Abu Amr, Salem S

2016-09-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of combined solar photo-catalyst of titanium oxide/zinc oxide (TiO 2 /ZnO) with aeration processes to treat petroleum wastewater. Central composite design with response surface methodology was used to evaluate the relationships between operating variables for TiO 2 dosage, ZnO dosage, air flow, pH, and reaction time to identify the optimum operating conditions. Quadratic models for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) removals prove to be significant with low probabilities (TOC removal rates of 99% and 74%, respectively. The TOC and COD removal rates correspond well with the predicted models. The maximum removal rate for TOC and COD was 99.3% and 76%, respectively at optimum operational conditions of TiO 2 dosage (0.5 g/L), ZnO dosage (0.54 g/L), air flow (4.3 L/min), reaction time (170 min) and pH (6.8). The new treatment process achieved higher degradation efficiencies for TOC and COD and reduced the treatment time comparing with other related processes.

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)

Antibacterial properties of F-doped ZnO visible light photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Podporska-Carroll, Joanna, E-mail: joannapcarroll@gmail.com [Center for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST), DIT FOCAS Institute, Kevin St., Dublin (Ireland); Myles, Adam [Center for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST), DIT FOCAS Institute, Kevin St., Dublin (Ireland); School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin St., Dublin (Ireland); Quilty, Brid [School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin (Ireland); McCormack, Declan E.; Fagan, Rachel [Center for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST), DIT FOCAS Institute, Kevin St., Dublin (Ireland); School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin St., Dublin (Ireland); Hinder, Steven J. [The Surface Analysis Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH (United Kingdom); Dionysiou, Dionysios D., E-mail: dionysios.d.dionysiou@uc.edu [Environmental Engineering and Science Program, Department of Biomedical, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DBCEE), 705 Engineering Research Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0012 (United States); Pillai, Suresh C., E-mail: Pillai.Suresh@itsligo.ie [Center for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST), DIT FOCAS Institute, Kevin St., Dublin (Ireland); Nanotechnology Research Group, Department of Environmental Science, PEM Centre, Institute of Technology Sligo, Sligo (Ireland)

2017-02-15

Highlights: • F doped ZnO nano-powders were obtained by a modified sol–gel method. • These materials were found to be effective against S. aureus and E. coli. • Enhanced visible light photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties were obtained. • The toxic effect of ZnO on bacteria can be due to the release of zinc cations. • Production of reactive oxidation species influences bacterial viability. - Abstract: Nanocrystalline ZnO photocatalysts were prepared by a sol–gel method and modified with fluorine to improve their photocatalytic anti-bacterial activity in visible light. Pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) were employed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of synthesized materials. The interaction with biological systems was assessed by analysis of the antibacterial properties of bacteria suspended in 2% (w/w) powder solutions. The F-doping was found to be effective against S. aureus (99.99% antibacterial activity) and E. coli (99.87% antibacterial activity) when irradiated with visible light. Production of reactive oxygen species is one of the major factors that negatively impact bacterial growth. In addition, the nanosize of the ZnO particles can also be toxic to microorganisms. The small size and high surface-to-volume ratio of the ZnO nanoparticles are believed to play a role in enhancing antimicrobial activity.

Origin of Activity and Stability Enhancement for Ag3PO4 Photocatalyst after Calcination

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pengyu Dong

2016-11-01

Full Text Available Pristine Ag3PO4 microspheres were synthesized by a co-precipitation method, followed by being calcined at different temperatures to obtain a series of calcined Ag3PO4 photocatalysts. This work aims to investigate the origin of activity and stability enhancement for Ag3PO4 photocatalyst after calcination based on the systematical analyses of the structures, morphologies, chemical states of elements, oxygen defects, optical absorption properties, separation and transfer of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, and active species. The results indicate that oxygen vacancies (VO˙˙ are created and metallic silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs are formed by the reaction of partial Ag+ in Ag3PO4 semiconductor with the thermally excited electrons from Ag3PO4 and then deposited on the surface of Ag3PO4 microspheres during the calcination process. Among the calcined Ag3PO4 samples, the Ag3PO4-200 sample exhibits the best photocatalytic activity and greatly enhanced photocatalytic stability for photodegradation of methylene blue (MB solution under visible light irradiation. Oxygen vacancies play a significantly positive role in the enhancement of photocatalytic activity, while metallic Ag has a very important effect on improving the photocatalytic stability. Overall, the present work provides some powerful evidences and a deep understanding on the origin of activity and stability enhancement for the Ag3PO4 photocatalyst after calcination.

Preparation, characterization and visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity of a novel Fe(III) porphyrin-sensitized TiO{sub 2} nanotube photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wei, Meng [National Engineering Lab of Textile Fiber Materials & Processing Technology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018 (China); Wan, Junmin, E-mail: wwjm2001@126.com [National Engineering Lab of Textile Fiber Materials & Processing Technology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018 (China); State Key Laboratory of advanced Textiles Materials and Manufacture Technology, MOE, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018 (China); Hu, Zhiwen; Peng, Zhiqin; Wang, Bing [National Engineering Lab of Textile Fiber Materials & Processing Technology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018 (China); Wang, Huigang [State Key Laboratory of advanced Textiles Materials and Manufacture Technology, MOE, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018 (China)

2017-01-01

Highlights: • FeTCPP-TNT photocatalysts are synthesized. • FeTCPP and tube-like structure are helpful to induce interfacial charge transfer at surface junction. • FeTCPP and tube-like structure are favorable for enhancing photocatalytic activity. • The photocatalytic mechanism of FeTCPP-TNT is proposed. • The photocatalyst are proven to be effective and chemically-stable catalysts. - Abstract: Iron(III) meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (FeTCPP) loaded on the surface of TiO{sub 2} nanotubes (TNTs) has been successfully prepared through improved hydrothermal and heating reflux process. The new photocatalyst has been characterized and analyzed by TEM/EDS, BET, XRD, FT-IR, DRS, PL, XPS and EPR. The photocatalytic activity of FeTCPP/TNT nanocomposite was evaluated by the photodegradation of MB under visible light irradiation. The degradation results showed a purification of more than 90% MB in simulating wastewater, and confirmed that the prepared FeTCPP/TNT nanocomposite has acquired superior photocatalytic activitiy. The 6 times cycled results suggested the great stability of the photocatalyst. These results confirmed the FeTCPP played an important role in capturing photons and expanding the absorption wavelength to the visible light region, and the FeTCPP/TNT photocatalyst is also beneficial for the electron transfer and long-distance transmission, and could efficiently increase the separation of the electron-hole pairs, and accelerate the decomposition of organic pollutants. In addition, nano-sized structures can increase adsorption capability.

Opposite effect of photocorrosion on photocatalytic performance among various AgxMyOz/TiO2 (M = C, P) photocatalysts: A novel effective method for preparing Ag/TiO2 composite

Science.gov (United States)

Feng, Caixia; Pang, Yuhua; Wang, Yan; Sun, Mingming; Zhang, Chenyan; Zhang, Ling; Zhou, Yanmei; Li, Deliang

2016-07-01

Three kinds of hybrids, Ag2CO3/TiO2, Ag2C2O4/TiO2 and Ag3PO4/TiO2 comprising of P25-TiO2 and silver-containing photocatalyst, (together coded as AgxMyOz/TiO2 (M = C, P)) were prepared via a facile precipitation method. The photocatalytic activity and stability of the as-prepared AgxMyOz/TiO2 was compared by monitoring the oxidation of propylene under visible light irradiation. Results showed that both Ag2CO3/TiO2 and Ag2C2O4/TiO2 exhibit perfect performance with a high propylene degradation removal rate of 88% and 78%, respectively, during four successive experimental runs. On the contrary, for Ag3PO4/TiO2, the photocatalytic activity gradually declines to 8% from 32% under the same conditions. In order to explore the reason for the above remarkable difference in activity and stability over AgxMyOz/TiO2, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) were used to investigate the change of AgxMyOz/TiO2 before and after irradiation. It was found that three silver-containings, Ag2CO3, Ag2C2O4 and Ag3PO4 on the surface of TiO2, all experienced photo-corrosion to various extents during irradiation process. Surprisingly, the effect of photo-corrosion on visible light activity and stability among various AgxMyOz/TiO2 is very different. For both Ag2CO3 and Ag2C2O4, they are easily decomposed into metallic Ag and CO2, and gaseous CO2 escaped from catalyst leaving silver nanoparticles on the surface of TiO2 resulted in the formation of plasmonic photocatalyst Ag/TiO2. The synergetic effect between surface plasma resonance of silver and interfacial electron transfer over the obtained Ag/TiO2 heterojunctions is in favor of the superior photocatalytic performance under visible light. While for Ag3PO4/TiO2, Ag3PO4 on the surface of TiO2 is partially photo-decomposed into Ag and phosphorus oxide and the phosphorus oxide covering on the surface of undecomposed Ag3PO4/TiO2 deactivates its photocatalytic performance

Direct Z-scheme TiO2/CdS hierarchical photocatalyst for enhanced photocatalytic H2-production activity

Science.gov (United States)

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.

Modularized and water-cooled photo-catalyst cleaning devices for aquaponics based on ultraviolet light-emitting diodes

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Henglong; Lung, Louis; Wei, Yu-Chien; Huang, Yi-Bo; Chen, Zi-Yu; Chou, Yu-Yang; Lin, Anne-Chin

2017-08-01

The feasibility of applying ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LED's) as triggering sources of photo-catalyst based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) nano-coating specifically for water-cleaning process in an aquaponics system was designed and proposed. The aquaponics system is a modern farming system to integrate aquaculture and hydroponics into a single system to establish an environmental-friendly and lower-cost method for farming fish and vegetable all together in urban area. Water treatment in an aquaponics system is crucial to avoid mutual contamination. we proposed a modularized watercleaning device composed of all commercially available components and parts to eliminate organic contaminants by using UV-LED's for TiO2 photo-catalyst reaction. This water-cleaning module consisted of two coaxial hollowed cylindrical pipes can be submerged completely in water for water treatment and cooling UV-LED's. The temperature of the UV-LED after proper thermal management can be reduced about 16% to maintain the optimal operation condition. Our preliminary experimental result by using Methylene Blue solution to simulate organic contaminants indicated that TiO2 photo-catalyst triggered by UV-LED's can effectively decompose organic compound and decolor Methylene Blue solution.

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

A study of parameter setting and characterization of visible-light driven nitrogen-modified commercial TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kuo, Yu-Lin, E-mail: ylkuo@mail.ntust.edu.tw [Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, No. 43, Sec. 4, Keelung Rd., Taipei 106, Taiwan (China); Su, Te-Li [Department of Cosmetic Application and Management, St. Mary' s Medicine, Nursing and Management College, Yilan 266, Taiwan (China); Kung, Fu-Chen [Department of Health Developing and Health Marketing, Kainan University, Taoyuan County 338, Taiwan (China); Wu, Tsai-Jung [Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, No. 43, Sec. 4, Keelung Rd., Taipei 106, Taiwan (China)

2011-06-15

Highlights: {yields} A cost-effective and highly-efficient visible-light driven nitrogen-modified TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst was prepared by a simple hydrolysis method. {yields} The obtained optimum conditions applied to Taguchi method for preparing visible-light driven photocatalyst were undergone by the process of stirring for 1 day using 4M ammonium as the nitrogen source, and then calcining at 400{sup Degree-Sign }C for 2 h. {yields} Several materials technologies of characterizing N-TiO2 photocatalyst have been used to realize the modification of TiO2 by ammonia water as the nitrogen source. - Abstract: An optimal condition applied to the Taguchi method with an L{sub 9} orthogonal array for preparing a visible-light driven nitrogen-modified TiO{sub 2} (N-TiO{sub 2}) photocatalyst by a simple hydrolysis method has been examined for material characteristics and a photodecolorization test of methyl blue (MB) under various visible light source (fluorescent and blue LED lamps) irradiations. Results of the material characterization showed that the absorption of prepared N-TiO{sub 2} powder exhibited a significant extension into visible light regimes with an optical bandgap (Eg) of around 2.96 eV, which subsequently improved the visible-light photocatalytic activity of N-TiO{sub 2} samples. The superior photocatalytic properties, the pseudo first-order reaction rate constants (k) and photodecolorization efficiency ({eta}%) of a N-TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst during the photodecolorization test of methyl blue (MB) under two different visible light irradiations were very evident compared to those for pure TiO{sub 2}. For photodecolorization of practical dyeing from the waste water from the dyeing and finishing industry, a higher photodecolorization efficiency of N-TiO{sub 2} powder toward Direct blue-86 (DB-86) (Direct Fast Turquoise Blue GL) dye was also achieved.

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.

Monolayer CS as a metal-free photocatalyst with high carrier mobility and tunable band structure: a first-principles study

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Xiao-Le; Ye, Xiao-Juan; Liu, Chun-Sheng; Yan, Xiao-Hong

2018-02-01

Producing hydrogen fuel using suitable photocatalysts from water splitting is a feasible method to harvest solar energy. A desired photocatalyst is expected to have suitable band gap, moderate band edge position, and high carrier mobility. By employing first-principles calculations, we explore a α-CS monolayer as a metal-free efficient photocatalyst. The α-CS monolayer shows good energetic, dynamic, and thermal stabilities and is insoluble in water, suggesting its experimental practicability. Monolayer and bilayer α-CS present not only appropriate band gaps for visible and ultraviolet light absorption but also moderate band alignments with water redox potentials in pH neutral water. Remarkably, the α-CS monolayer exhibits high (up to 8453.19 cm2 V-1s-1 for hole) and anisotropic carrier mobility, which is favorable to the migration and separation of photogenerated carriers. In addition, monolayer α-CS experiences an interesting semiconductor-metal transition by applying uniaxial strain and external electric field. Moreover, α-CS under certain strain and electric field is still dynamically stable with the absence of imaginary frequencies. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the graphite (0 0 1) surface is a potential substrate for the α-CS growth with the intrinsic properties of α-CS maintaining. Therefore, our results could pave the way for the application of α-CS as a promising photocatalyst.

Mesoporous metal oxides and processes for preparation thereof

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Suib, Steven L.; Poyraz, Altug Suleyman

2018-03-06

A process for preparing a mesoporous metal oxide, i.e., transition metal oxide. Lanthanide metal oxide, a post-transition metal oxide and metalloid oxide. The process comprises providing an acidic mixture comprising a metal precursor, an interface modifier, a hydrotropic ion precursor, and a surfactant; and heating the acidic mixture at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to form the mesoporous metal oxide. A mesoporous metal oxide prepared by the above process. A method of controlling nano-sized wall crystallinity and mesoporosity in mesoporous metal oxides. The method comprises providing an acidic mixture comprising a metal precursor, an interface modifier, a hydrotropic ion precursor, and a surfactant; and heating the acidic mixture at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to control nano-sized wall crystallinity and mesoporosity in the mesoporous metal oxides. Mesoporous metal oxides and a method of tuning structural properties of mesoporous metal oxides.

Photocatalytic degradation of mixed gaseous carbonyl compounds at low level on adsorptive TiO2/SiO2 photocatalyst using a fluidized bed reactor.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Maolin; An, Taicheng; Fu, Jiamo; Sheng, Guoying; Wang, Xinming; Hu, Xiaohong; Ding, Xuejun

2006-06-01

An adsorptive silica-supported titania photocatalyst TiO(2)/SiO(2) was prepared by using nanosized titania (anatase) immobilized on silica gel by the sol-gel technique with the titanium tetra isopropoxide as the main raw material and acetic acid as the acid catalyst. Meanwhile the structure and properties of the TiO(2)/SiO(2) photocatalyst were studied by means of many modern analysis techniques such as TEM, XRD, and BET. Gas-solid heterogeneous photocatalytic decomposition of four carbonyl compounds mixture at low concentration levels over ultraviolet irradiated TiO(2)/SiO(2) photocatalyst were carried out with high degradation efficiencies in a coaxial triple-cylinder-type fluidized bed photocatalytic reactor, which provided efficient continuous contact of ultraviolet photons, silica-supported titania photocatalyst, and gaseous reactants. Experimental results showed that the photocatalyst had a high adsorption performance and a good photocatalytic activity for four carbonyl compounds mixture. Some factors influencing the photocatalytic decomposition of the mixed carbonyl compounds, i.e. the gas flowrate, relative humidity, concentration of oxygen, and illumination time, were discussed in detail. It is found that the photocatalytic reaction rate of four carbonyl compounds decreased in this order: propionaldehyde, acetone, acetaldehyde and formaldehyde.

Preparation and Photocatalytic Property of Sr(Zr1-xYx)O3/TiO2/CdS heterojunction photocatalysts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen Yonggang; Liu Suwen; Zhang Haiping; Xiu Zhiliang; Yu Xiaojun; Wang Enhua; Li Tanggang

2010-01-01

A novel composite heterojunction photocatalysts Sr(Zr 1-x Y x )O 3 /TiO 2 /CdS was prepared by sol-gel combustion method. Its photoatalytic properties under visible light were investigated through degradation of methyl orange. XRD, SEM, Uv-Vis and PL techniques were used to characterize the structure and optical properties of the sample. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of prepared composite photocatalysts under visible light is 2.85 times of that of pure TiO 2 .

Solid polymer electrolyte composite membrane comprising a porous support and a solid polymer electrolyte including a dispersed reduced noble metal or noble metal oxide

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Han; Mittelsteadt, Cortney K; Norman, Timothy J; Griffith, Arthur E; LaConti, Anthony B

2015-02-24

A solid polymer electrolyte composite membrane and method of manufacturing the same. According to one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a thin, rigid, dimensionally-stable, non-electrically-conducting support, the support having a plurality of cylindrical, straight-through pores extending perpendicularly between opposing top and bottom surfaces of the support. The pores are unevenly distributed, with some or no pores located along the periphery and more pores located centrally. The pores are completely filled with a solid polymer electrolyte, the solid polymer electrolyte including a dispersed reduced noble metal or noble metal oxide. The solid polymer electrolyte may also be deposited over the top and/or bottom surfaces of the support.

A practical pathway for the preparation of Fe_2O_3 decorated TiO_2 photocatalyst with enhanced visible-light photoactivity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cheng, Li; Qiu, Shoufei; Chen, Juanrong; Shao, Jian; Cao, Shunsheng

2017-01-01

Shifting the ultra-violet of titania to visible light driven photocatalysis can be realized by coupling with metallic or non-metallic elements. However, time-consuming multi-step process and significant loss of UV photocatalytic activity of such TiO_2-based photocatalysts severely hinder their practical applications. In this work, we explore the idea of creating a practical method for the preparation of Fe_2O_3 decorated TiO_2 (TiO_2/Fe_2O_3) photocatalyst with controlled visible-light photoactivity. This method only involves the calcination of the mixture (commercial P25 powders and magnetic Fe_3O_4 nanoparticles) prepared by a mechanical process. The morphology and properties of TiO_2/Fe_2O_3 composites were characterized by Transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results confirm the fusion of TiO_2 and Fe_2O_3, which promotes photo-generated electrons/holes migration and separation. Because of the strong synergistic effect, the as-synthesized TiO_2/Fe_2O_3 composites manifest an enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity. Especially, the TiO_2/Fe_2O_3 photocatalyst is very easy to be constructed via an one-step protocol that efficiently overcomes the time-consuming multi-step processes used in existed strategies for the preparation of Fe_2O_3/TiO_2 photocatalysts, providing a new insight into the practical application of TiO_2/Fe_2O_3 visible light photocatalyst. - Highlights: • We introduced a practical preparation of Fe_2O_3 decorated TiO_2 photocatalyst. • TiO_2/Fe_2O_3 was developed using commercial precursors in a high efficient manner. • Visible-light activity of TiO_2/Fe_2O_3 could be tuned by changing amount of Fe_3O_4 precursor. • TiO_2/Fe_2O_3 exhibited a higher visible-light photocatalytic activity than P25.

Synthesis of molecularly imprinted photocatalysts containing low TiO{sub 2} loading: Evaluation for the degradation of pharmaceuticals

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Coelho de Escobar, Cícero; Lansarin, Marla Azário [Departamento de Engenharia Química—Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Eng. Luis Englert s/n, 90040-040 Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil); Zimnoch dos Santos, João Henrique, E-mail: jhzds@iq.ufrgs.br [Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre CEP 91500-000 (Brazil)

2016-04-05

Highlights: • Molecularly imprinted photocatalyst (MIP) containing low TiO{sub 2} loading were prepared by acid-catalyzed sol–gel process. • Seven pharmaceutical compounds were evaluated as a template. • Comparing to the P25, MIP has shown an increase of adsorption up to 752%. • Comparing to the P25, MIP has shown an increase of degradation up to 427%. • The presence of specific cavities on the silica domain could explain the better results for MIP. - Abstract: A molecularly imprinted (MI) photocatalyst containing a low TiO{sub 2} loading (7.00–16.60 mg L{sup −1} of TiO{sub 2}) was prepared via an acid-catalyzed sol–gel route using different classes of pharmaceutical compounds (i.e., Atorvastatin, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Tioconazole, Valsartan, Ketoconazole and Gentamicine) as the template. Herein, our main goal was to test the hypothesis that photocatalysts based on molecular imprinting may improve the degradation performance of pharmaceutical compounds compared to that of a commercial sample (Degussa P25) due to presence of specific cavities in the silica domain. To elucidate certain trends between the performance of photocatalysts and their structural and textural properties, as well the effect of the structure of the drugs on molecular imprinting, the data were analyzed in terms of pore diameter, pore volume, surface area, zeta potential and six-membered ring percentage of silica. In comparison to the commercial sample (P25), we have shown that adsorption and degradation were enhanced from 48 to 752% and from 5 to 427%, respectively. A comparison with the control system (non-imprinted) indicates that the increased performance of the MI systems was due to the presence of specific cavities on the silica domain, and the textural and structural aspects also support this conclusion. The MI photocatalyst was reusable for seven cycles of reuse in which approximately 60% of its photocatalytic efficiency was preserved for the system containing

Transparent conducting oxides and production thereof

Science.gov (United States)

Gessert, Timothy A.; Yoshida, Yuki; Coutts, Timothy J.

2014-06-10

Transparent conducting oxides and production thereof are disclosed. An exemplary method of producing a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) material may comprise: providing a TCO target doped with either a high-permittivity oxide or a low-permittivity oxide in a process chamber. The method may also comprise depositing a metal oxide on the target in the process chamber to form a thin film having enhanced optical properties without substantially decreasing electrical quality.

Bactericidal performance of visible-light responsive titania photocatalyst with silver nanostructures.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ming-Show Wong

Full Text Available BACKGROUND: Titania dioxide (TiO(2 photocatalyst is primarily induced by ultraviolet light irradiation. Visible-light responsive anion-doped TiO(2 photocatalysts contain higher quantum efficiency under sunlight and can be used safely in indoor settings without exposing to biohazardous ultraviolet light. The antibacterial efficiency, however, remains to be further improved. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using thermal reduction method, here we synthesized silver-nanostructures coated TiO(2 thin films that contain a high visible-light responsive antibacterial property. Among our tested titania substrates including TiO(2, carbon-doped TiO(2 [TiO(2 (C] and nitrogen-doped TiO(2 [TiO(2 (N], TiO(2 (N showed the best performance after silver coating. The synergistic antibacterial effect results approximately 5 log reductions of surviving bacteria of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii. Scanning electron microscope analysis indicated that crystalline silver formed unique wire-like nanostructures on TiO(2 (N substrates, while formed relatively straight and thicker rod-shaped precipitates on the other two titania materials. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results suggested that proper forms of silver on various titania materials could further influence the bactericidal property.

Composite materials comprising two jonal functions and methods for making the same

Science.gov (United States)

Fareed, Ali Syed; Garnier, John Edward; Schiroky, Gerhard Hans; Kennedy, Christopher Robin; Sonuparlak, Birol

2001-01-01

The present invention generally relates to mechanisms for preventing undesirable oxidation (i.e., oxidation protection mechanisms) in composite bodies. The oxidation protection mechanisms include getterer materials which are added to the composite body which gather or scavenge undesirable oxidants which may enter the composite body. The getterer materials may be placed into at least a portion of the composite body such that any undesirable oxidant approaching, for example, a fiber reinforcement, would be scavenged by (e.g., reacted with) the getterer. The getterer materials) may form at least one compound which acts as a passivation layer, and/or is able to move by bulk transport (e.g., by viscous flow as a glassy material) to a crack, and sealing the crack, thereby further enhancing the oxidation protection of the composite body. One or more ceramic filler materials which serve as reinforcements may have a plurality of super-imposed coatings thereon, at least one of which coatings may function as or contain an oxidation protection mechanism. Specifically, a coating comprising boron nitride which has been engineered or modified to contain some silicon exhibits improved corrosion resistance, specifically to oxygen and moisture. The coated materials may be useful as reinforcing materials in high performance composites to provide improved mechanical properties such as fracture toughness. The present invention also relates to improved composites which incorporate these materials, and to their methods of manufacture.

Synthesis and characterization of Ag/AgBrO{sub 3} photocatalyst with high photocatalytic activity

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); 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 [College of Science, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457 (China)

2016-10-01

A new Ag/AgBrO{sub 3} photocatalyst was prepared by mixing aqueous solutions of AgNO{sub 3} and NaBrO{sub 3}. The catalyst’s structure and performance were investigated with X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The UV–vis absorption spectrum of Ag/AgBrO{sub 3} exhibits a band gap of 3.97 eV. The results show that the Ag/AgBrO{sub 3} semiconductor can be excited by ultraviolet–visible light. The photodegradation of Rhodamine B displayed much higher photocatalytic activity than that of N-doped TiO{sub 2} under the same experimental conditions. Moreover, ·OH and ·O{sub 2}{sup −} generated in the photocatalysis played a key role of the photodegradation of Rhodamine B. - Highlights: • Ag/AgBrO{sub 3} with higher photodegradation ability was synthesized. • ·OH and ·O{sub 2}{sup −} radicals were the main active species in the oxidation of RhB. • The possible reaction mechanism was discussed in details.

Photocatalytic decomposition of N2O over TiO2/g-C3N4 photocatalysts heterojunction

Science.gov (United States)

Kočí, K.; Reli, M.; Troppová, I.; Šihor, M.; Kupková, J.; Kustrowski, P.; Praus, P.

2017-02-01

TiO2/g-C3N4 photocatalysts with the various TiO2/g-C3N4 weight ratios from 1:2 to 1:6 were fabricated by mechanical mixing in water suspension followed by calcination. Pure TiO2 was prepared by thermal hydrolysis and pure g-C3N4 was prepared from commercial melamine by thermal annealing at 620 °C. All the nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoelectrochemical measurements and nitrogen physisorption. The prepared mixtures along with pure TiO2 and g-C3N4 were tested for the photocatalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide under UVC (λ = 254 nm), UVA (λ = 365 nm) and Vis (λ > 400 nm) irradiation. The TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites showed moderate improvement compared to pure g-C3N4 but pure TiO2 proved to be a better photocatalyst under UVC irradiation. However, under UVA irradiation conditions, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2/g-C3N4 (1:2) nanocomposite exhibited an increase compared to pure TiO2. Nevertheless, further increase of g-C3N4 amount leads/led to a decrease in reactivity. These results are suggesting the nanocomposite with the optimal weight ratio of TiO2 and g-C3N4 have shifted absorption edge energy towards longer wavelengths and decreased the recombination rate of charge carriers compared to pure g-C3N4. This is probably due to the generation of heterojunction on the TiO2/g-C3N4 interface.

Photocatalytic organic transformation by layered double hydroxides: highly efficient and selective oxidation of primary aromatic amines to their imines under ambient aerobic conditions.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Xiu-Jie; Chen, Bin; Li, Xu-Bing; Zheng, Li-Qiang; Wu, Li-Zhu; Tung, Chen-Ho

2014-06-25

We report the first application of layered double hydroxide as a photocatalyst in the transformation of primary aromatic amines to their corresponding imines with high efficiency and selectivity by using oxygen in an air atmosphere as a terminal oxidant under light irradiation.

Establishing efficient cobalt based catalytic sites for oxygen evolution on a Ta3N5 photocatalyst

KAUST Repository

Nurlaela, Ela; Ould-Chikh, Samy; Llorens, Isabelle; Hazemann, Jean-louis; Takanabe, Kazuhiro

2015-01-01

In a photocatalytic suspension system with a powder semiconductor, the interface between the photocatalyst semiconductor and catalyst should be constructed to minimize resistance for charge transfer of excited carriers. This study demonstrates an in-depth understanding of pretreatment effects on the photocatalytic O2 evolution reaction (OER) activity of visible-light-responsive Ta3N5 decorated with CoOx nanoparticles. The CoOx/Ta3N5 sample was synthesized by impregnation followed by sequential heat treat-ments under NH3 flow and air flow at various temperatures. Various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and X-ray photoelectron spec-troscopy (XPS), were used to clarify the state and role of cobalt. No improvement in photocatalytic activity for OER over the bare Ta3N5 was observed for the as-impregnated CoOx/Ta3N5, likely because of insufficient contact between CoOx and Ta3N5. When the sample was treated in NH3 at high temperature, a substantial improvement in the photocatalytic activity was observed. After NH3 treatment at 700 °C, the Co0-CoOx core-shell agglomerated cobalt structure was identified by XAS and STEM. No metallic cobalt species was evident after the photocatalytic OER, indicating that the metallic cobalt itself is not essential for the reaction. Accordingly, mild oxidation (200 °C) of the NH3-treated CoOx/Ta3N5 sample enhanced photocatalytic OER activity. Oxidation at higher temperatures drastically eliminated the photocatalytic activity, most likely because of unfavorable Ta3N5 oxidation. These results suggest that the intimate contact between cobalt species and Ta3N5 facilitated at high temperature is beneficial to enhancing hole transport and that the cobalt oxide provides electrocatalytic sites for OER.

Establishing efficient cobalt based catalytic sites for oxygen evolution on a Ta3N5 photocatalyst

KAUST Repository

Nurlaela, Ela

2015-08-05

In a photocatalytic suspension system with a powder semiconductor, the interface between the photocatalyst semiconductor and catalyst should be constructed to minimize resistance for charge transfer of excited carriers. This study demonstrates an in-depth understanding of pretreatment effects on the photocatalytic O2 evolution reaction (OER) activity of visible-light-responsive Ta3N5 decorated with CoOx nanoparticles. The CoOx/Ta3N5 sample was synthesized by impregnation followed by sequential heat treat-ments under NH3 flow and air flow at various temperatures. Various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and X-ray photoelectron spec-troscopy (XPS), were used to clarify the state and role of cobalt. No improvement in photocatalytic activity for OER over the bare Ta3N5 was observed for the as-impregnated CoOx/Ta3N5, likely because of insufficient contact between CoOx and Ta3N5. When the sample was treated in NH3 at high temperature, a substantial improvement in the photocatalytic activity was observed. After NH3 treatment at 700 °C, the Co0-CoOx core-shell agglomerated cobalt structure was identified by XAS and STEM. No metallic cobalt species was evident after the photocatalytic OER, indicating that the metallic cobalt itself is not essential for the reaction. Accordingly, mild oxidation (200 °C) of the NH3-treated CoOx/Ta3N5 sample enhanced photocatalytic OER activity. Oxidation at higher temperatures drastically eliminated the photocatalytic activity, most likely because of unfavorable Ta3N5 oxidation. These results suggest that the intimate contact between cobalt species and Ta3N5 facilitated at high temperature is beneficial to enhancing hole transport and that the cobalt oxide provides electrocatalytic sites for OER.

Enhanced xylene removal by photocatalytic oxidation using fiber-illuminated honeycomb reactor at ppb level.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Yi-Ting; Yu, Yi-Hui; Nguyen, Van-Huy; Lu, Kung-Te; Wu, Jeffrey Chi-Sheng; Chang, Luh-Maan; Kuo, Chi-Wen

2013-11-15

The removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at ppb level is one of the most critical challenges in clean rooms for the semiconductor industry. Photocatalytic oxidation is an innovative and promising technology for ppb-level VOCs degradation. We have designed a fiber-illuminated honeycomb reactor (FIHR) in which the removal efficiency of m-xylene is significantly enhanced to 96.5% as compared to 22.0% for UV irradiation only. The results indicate that photocatalysts not only play the role to substantially oxidize m-xylene, but also alter the chemical properties of xylene under UV illumination. Using the FIHR with Mn-TiO2 photocatalyst not only increased the m-xylene removal efficiency, but also increased the CO2 selectivity. Interestingly, Mn-TiO2 in FIHR also showed a very good reusability, 93% removal efficiency was still achieved in 72-h in reaction. Thus, the FIHR gave very high removal efficiency for xylene at ppb level under room temperature. The FIHR has great potential application in the clean room for the air purification system in the future. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enhanced photocatalytic performances and magnetic recovery capacity of visible-light-driven Z-scheme ZnFe2O4/AgBr/Ag photocatalyst

Science.gov (United States)

He, Jie; Cheng, Yahui; Wang, Tianzhao; Feng, Deqiang; Zheng, Lingcheng; Shao, Dawei; Wang, Weichao; Wang, Weihua; Lu, Feng; Dong, Hong; Zheng, Rongkun; Liu, Hui

2018-05-01

High efficiency, high stability and easy recovery are three key factors for practical photocatalysts. Z-scheme heterostructure is one of the most promising photocatalytic systems to meet all above requirements. However, efficient Z-scheme photocatalysts which could absorb visible light are still few and difficult to implement at present. In this work, the composite photocatalysts ZnFe2O4/AgBr/Ag were prepared through a two-step method. A ∼92% photodegradation rate on methyl orange was observed within 30 min under visible light, which is much better than that of individual ZnFe2O4 or AgBr/Ag. The stability was also greatly improved compared with AgBr/Ag. The increased performance is resulted from the suitable band alignment of ZnFe2O4 and AgBr, and it is defined as Z-scheme mechanism which was demonstrated by detecting active species and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Besides, ZnFe2O4/AgBr/Ag is ferromagnetic and can be recycled by magnet. These results show that ZnFe2O4/AgBr/Ag is a potential magnetically recyclable photocatalyst which can be driven by visible light.

Cross-Linked ZnO Nanowalls Immobilized onto Bamboo Surface and Their Use as Recyclable Photocatalysts

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chunde Jin

2014-01-01

Full Text Available A novel recyclable photocatalyst was fabricated by hydrothermal method to immobilize the cross-linked ZnO nanowalls on the bamboo surface. The resultant samples were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS, and Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR techniques. FTIR spectra demonstrated that the cross-linked wurtzite ZnO nanowalls and bamboo surface were interconnected with each other by hydrogen bonds. Meanwhile, the cross-linked ZnO nanowalls modified bamboo (CZNB presented a superior photocatalytic ability and could be recycled at least 3 times with a photocatalytic efficiency up to 70%. The current research provides a new opportunity for the development of a portable and recycled biomass-based photocatalysts which can be an efficiently degraded pollutant solution and reused several times.

ZnO doped SnO2 nanoparticles heterojunction photo-catalyst for environmental remediation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lamba, Randeep; Umar, Ahmad; Mehta, S.K.; Kansal, Sushil Kumar

2015-01-01

ZnO doped SnO 2 nanoparticles were synthesized by facile and simple hydrothermal technique and used as an effective photocatalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of harmful and toxic organic dye. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized in detail using different techniques for morphological, structural and optical properties. The characterization results revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles possess both crystal phases of tetragonal rutile phase of pure SnO 2 and wurtzite hexagonal phase of ZnO. In addition, the nanoparticles were synthesized in very high quantity with good crystallinity. The photocatalytic activity of prepared nanoparticles was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. Detailed photocatalytic experiments based on the effects of irradiation time, catalyst dose and pH were performed and presented in this paper. The detailed photocatalytic experiments revealed that the synthesized ZnO doped SnO 2 nanoparticles heterojunction photocatalyst exhibit best photocatalytic performance when the catalyst dose was 0.25 g/L and pH = 10. ZnO doped SnO 2 nanoparticles heterojunction photocatalyst was also compared with commercially available TiO 2 (PC-50), TiO 2 (PC-500) and SnO 2 and interestingly ZnO doped SnO 2 nanoparticles exhibited superior photocatalytic performance. The presented work demonstrates that the prepared ZnO doped SnO 2 nanoparticles are promising material for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and toxic chemicals. - Highlights: • Synthesis of well-crystalline ZnO-doped SnO 2 nanoparticles. • Excellent morphological, crystalline and photoluminescent properties. • Efficient environmental remediation using ZnO-doped SnO 2 nanoparticles.

Toward Highlighting the Ultrafast Electron Transfer Dynamics at the Optically Dark Sites of Photocatalysts

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Canton, Sophie E.; Zhang, Xiaoyi; Zhang, Jianxin

2013-01-01

Building a detailed understanding of the structure–function relationship is a crucial step in the optimization of molecular photocatalysts employed in water splitting schemes. The optically dark nature of their active sites usually prevents a complete mapping of the photoinduced dynamics. In this...

TiO2 assisted photo-oxidative pretreatment of wheat straw for biogas production

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Awais, Muhammad; Alvarado-Morales, Merlin; Tsapekos, Panagiotis

Photo-catalytic oxidation is an advanced oxidation process in which a catalyst is used to absorb light energy and oxidize the target substrates such as organic polymers. A number of metal oxides and metal ions can efficiently increase substrate’s depolymerisation during the process of photo...... to be markedly higher in the pretreated samples that were exposed for 180min with 1.5 wt% and 2 wt% of TiO2 compared to the untreated wheat straw. Moreover, it was concluded that the products of lignin oxidation and also, the presence of TiO2 did not inhibit the AD process. Finally, UV treatment or TiO2 alone......-catalytic oxidation. Titanium oxide (TiO2) is a photo-catalyst that in its rutile and anatase forms presents the property to enhance the photo-oxidation of lignin-containing substrates. Due to lignin is one of the major obstacles in methane production from lignocellulosic biomass, its destruction is a necessary step...

Barium oxide, calcium oxide, magnesia, and alkali oxide free glass

Science.gov (United States)

Lu, Peizhen Kathy; Mahapatra, Manoj Kumar

2013-09-24

A glass composition consisting essentially of about 10-45 mole percent of SrO; about 35-75 mole percent SiO.sub.2; one or more compounds from the group of compounds consisting of La.sub.2O.sub.3, Al.sub.2O.sub.3, B.sub.2O.sub.3, and Ni; the La.sub.2O.sub.3 less than about 20 mole percent; the Al.sub.2O.sub.3 less than about 25 mole percent; the B.sub.2O.sub.3 less than about 15 mole percent; and the Ni less than about 5 mole percent. Preferably, the glass is substantially free of barium oxide, calcium oxide, magnesia, and alkali oxide. Preferably, the glass is used as a seal in a solid oxide fuel/electrolyzer cell (SOFC) stack. The SOFC stack comprises a plurality of SOFCs connected by one or more interconnect and manifold materials and sealed by the glass. Preferably, each SOFC comprises an anode, a cathode, and a solid electrolyte.

FY1995 studies on surface structures and mechanism of photocatalytic action of semiconductor oxides; 1995 nendo handotai hikari shokubai no hyomen kozo seigyo to sayo kiko kaimei ni kansuru kenkyu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1997-03-01

Development of the semiconductor photocatalyst such as titanium dioxide is important for photo-energy conversion and purification of the environment. We make clear that the mechanism of the photocatalysis using a spectroscopic or physico-chemical methods, and we developed the new photocatalyst with the control of the surface area, porosity, infinitesimal content, and surface modification of the catalyst surface. Titanium dioxide thin film photocatalysts were prepared by the dip coating method. Surface structure of the thin film was formed by the aggregated TiO{sub 2} anatase particle, its size was around 5 nm. This thin films effectively oxidazed NO, its photocatalytic activity is higher than that of commercial photocatalyst. Metal oxide anchored TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts (RuO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2}) were prepared by the co-precipitation method. Effective charge separation of the RuO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} were confirmed by the measurement of ESR. The RuO{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst successfully reduced CO{sub 2} and preserved its activity for much longer period than metal loaded catalyst. Hybrid photofunctionalized material was prepared by anchoring porphyrin moieties on the titanium dioxide surface. The relative quantum yield of electron transfer from porphyrin to the titanium dioxide conduction band has been markedly increased by water treatment of quanternized porphyrin-titanium dioxide covalently linked systems owing to removal of adsorbed porphyrin domains. (NEDO)

Photocatalytic Oxidation of a Volatile Organic Component of Acetaldehyde Using Titanium Oxide Nanotubes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yifeng Wang

2007-01-01

Full Text Available Titanium oxide nanotubes are prepared and treated with Au (Au/nanotube sample and Pt (Pt/nanotube sample, and the photoactivity of these catalysts compared to a standard Degussa P25 photocatalyst is investigated. The samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, field emission gun scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM. Both high-resolution TEM images and high-angle annular dark-field (HAAD images were recorded for the specimens. Oxidation of acetaldehyde was used to test the efficiency of the catalysts. Nanotube samples showed better photoactivity than the standard P25, because the P25 titania deactivates quickly. Enhanced reactivity of the nanotube is related to surface charge polarity developed on outer and inner surfaces due to the difference in overlap of oxygen anions that resulted from curving of octahedral sheets. A tentative and qualitative surface polarity model is proposed for enhancing electron-hole pair separation. The inner surface benefits reduction; whereas, the outer surface benefits oxidation reactions. Both the metal identity and the size of the metal particles in the nanotubes affected the photocatalytic activity. Specifically, the addition of platinum increased the activity significantly, and increased the total yield. The addition of gold had lesser impact compared to the platinum. Formation of Pt large nanoparticles on the nanotube surfaces reduces the oxidation reactivity.

Development of new generation of perovskite based noble metal/semiconductor photocatalysts for visible-light-driven hydrogen production

Science.gov (United States)

Shen, Peichuan

In recent decades, semiconductor photocatalysis has attracted a growing attention as a possible alternative to existing methods of hydrogen production, hydrocarbon conversion and organic compound oxidation. Many types of photocatalysts have been developed and tested for photocatalytic applications. However, most of them do not have notable activity in visible light region, which limits their practical applications. Development of photocatalysts, which can be activated by visible light provides a promising way forward to utilize both UV and visible portions of solar spectrum. In this thesis, two main methods to advance visible light driven photocatalysis, such as bandgap modification through doping and co-catalyst development, are investigated. The photocatalysts studied in this thesis included CdS and SrTiO3, which were extensively investigated and characterized. Rhodium doped strontium titanate was synthesized through different preparation methods. The synthesized samples have been investigated by various characterization techniques including XRD, TEM, STEM, XPS and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The effect of preparation conditions, such as doping concentration, calcination temperature and pH have been investigated and optimized. In addition, the photocatalytic activities for hydrogen production of the samples synthesized by different preparation methods were also studied. Among the preparation methods, polymerizable complex (PC) method was found to be the most effective synthesis method for SrTiO3: Rh. The samples prepared by PC method had higher photocatalytic activity as compared to that of samples synthesized by solid state reaction method and hydrothermal method. The reasons might be attributed to more effective doping and higher surface area. The results of this work suggest that PC method can also be applied to develop other perovskite materials for photocatalytic applications. Co-catalyst development for enhancement of photocatalytic hydrogen production is also

Preparation and photocatalytic property of a novel dumbbell-shaped ZnO microcrystal photocatalyst

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sun, Jian-Hui; Dong, Shu-Ying; Wang, Yong-Kui

2009-01-01

achieved 68.0%, 99.0% and 98.5%, the TOC removal efficiencies achieved 43.2%, 59.4% and 70.6%, respectively. Compared to commercial ZnO, 16-22% higher TOC removal efficiency was obtained by the dumbbell-shaped ZnO. The results indicated that the prepared dumbbell-shaped ZnO microcrystal photocatalyst...

TiO2-PANI/Cork composite: A new floating photocatalyst for the treatment of organic pollutants under sunlight irradiation.

Science.gov (United States)

Sboui, Mouheb; Nsib, Mohamed Faouzi; Rayes, Ali; Swaminathan, Meenakshisundaram; Houas, Ammar

2017-10-01

A novel photocatalyst based on TiO 2 -PANI composite supported on small pieces of cork has been reported. It was prepared by simple impregnation method of the polyaniline (PANI)-modified TiO 2 on cork. The TiO 2 -PANI/Cork catalyst shows the unique feature of floating on the water surface. The as-synthesized catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron micrograph (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS) and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. Characterization suggested the formation of anatase highly dispersed on the cork surface. The prepared floating photocatalyst showed high efficiency for the degradation of methyl orange dye and other organic pollutants under solar irradiation and constrained conditions, i.e., no-stirring and no-oxygenation. The TiO 2 -PANI/Cork floating photocatalyst can be reused for at least four consecutive times without significant decrease of the degradation efficiency. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Ce, Ti modified MCM-48 mesoporous photocatalysts: Effect of the synthesis route on support and metal ion properties

Science.gov (United States)

Mureseanu, Mihaela; Filip, Mihaela; Somacescu, Simona; Baran, Adriana; Carja, Gabriela; Parvulescu, Viorica

2018-06-01

New Ti-MCM-48 and CeTi-MCM-48 photocatalysts were obtained by impregnation of the MCM-48 silica support synthesized by a hydrothermal process with aqueous solution of Ti and Ce precursors. The immobilization of metal cations presented a low effect on the porosity, morphology and structure of MCM-48 mesoporous silica support as was evidenced by N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM electron microscopy. EDAX analysis and X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS) indicated that titanium cations were present on the mesoporous silica surface only as Ti4+ species and the effect of ceria on titanium speciation was different, compared to the CeTi-MCM-48 sample, previously obtained by direct synthesis. The photocatalytic properties of mono- and bimetallic catalysts were evaluated in degradation of phenol from water and correlated with the active metallic species concentration, distribution, speciation and their interaction with the support or each other. An advanced oxidation mechanism for phenol degradation by radical species was proposed.

Nano-sized quaternary CuGa2In3S8 as an efficient photocatalyst for solar hydrogen production

KAUST Repository

Kandiel, Tarek

2014-09-03

The synthesis of quaternary metal sulfide (QMS) nanocrystals is challenging because of the difficulty to control their stoichiometry and phase structure. Herein, quaternary CuGa2In3S8 photocatalysts with a primary particle size of ≈4nm are synthesized using a facile hot-injection method by fine-tuning the sulfur source injection temperature and aging time. Characterization of the samples reveals that quaternary CuGa2In3S8 nanocrystals exhibit n-type semiconductor characteristics with a transition band gap of ≈1.8eV. Their flatband potential is located at -0.56V versus the standard hydrogen electrode at pH6.0 and is shifted cathodically by 0.75V in solutions with pH values greater than 12.0. Under optimized conditions, the 1.0wt% Ru-loaded CuGa2In3S8 photocatalyst exhibits a photocatalytic H2 evolution response up to 700nm and an apparent quantum efficiency of (6.9±0.5)% at 560nm. These results indicate clearly that QMS nanocrystals have great potential as nano-photocatalysts for solar H2 production. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

In-situ anatase phase stabilization of titania photocatalyst by sintering in presence of Zr4+ organic salts

Science.gov (United States)

Strini, Alberto; Sanson, Alessandra; Mercadelli, Elisa; Bendoni, Riccardo; Marelli, Marcello; Dal Santo, Vladimiro; Schiavi, Luca

2015-08-01

The direct in-situ stabilization of an anatase-based nanocrystalline photocatalyst (Degussa P25) was obtained by sintering the catalyst powder in presence of Zr4+ organic salts. This approach allows the doping of an already-formed nanocrystalline photocatalyst instead of introducing the dopant in the crystal lattice during the catalyst synthesis. The procedure was demonstrated by the production of thick ceramic layers using the screen printing technique. This new method allows to easily stabilize the anatase phase 200 °C higher than the undoped P25 maintaining the same photocatalytic activity. The process was studied using specifically formulated screen-printing inks added with Zr4+ organic salt at 1% and 2% Zr/Ti molar ratio. The anatase phase stability was investigated in the 500-900 °C temperature range analysing the resulting catalysts with XRD, TEM and (S)TEM-EDS. The catalytic activity of the screen-printed layers was assessed by measuring the degradation of toluene in air at ambient concentration (500 nmol m-3) and low UV-A irradiance (180 μW cm-2). The described in-situ stabilization method could be potentially applied to any deposition process involving already formed anatase photocatalyst, allowing higher sintering temperature and then an improved mechanical stability of the active layers without photocatalytic activity degradation.

Nanosheet-Assembled ZnO Microflower Photocatalysts

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Siwen Zhang

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Large scale ZnO microflowers assembled by numerous nanosheets are synthesized through a facile and effective hydrothermal route. The structure and morphology of the resultant products are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD and scanning electron microscope (SEM. Photocatalytic properties of the as-synthesized products are also investigated. The results demonstrate that eosin red aqueous solution can be degraded over 97% after 110 min under UV light irradiation. In addition, methyl orange (MO and Congo red (CR aqueous solution degradation experiments also are conducted in the same condition, respectively. It showed that nanosheet-assembled ZnO microflowers represent high photocatalytic activities with a degradation efficiency of 91% for CR with 90 min of irradiation and 90% for MO with 60 min of irradiation. The reported ZnO products may be promising candidates as the photocatalysts in waste water treatment.

Synthesis of CdSe-TiO_2 Photocatalyst and Their Enhanced Photocatalytic Activities under UV and Visible Light

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lim, Chang Sung; Chen, Ming Liang; Oh, Won Chun

2011-01-01

In this study, CdSe-TiO_2 photocatalyst were synthesized by a facile solvothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrophotometer. The photocatalytic activity was investigated by degrading methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution under irradiation of UV light as well as visible light. The absorbance of degraded MB solution was determined by UV-vis spectrophotometer. The results revealed that the CdSe- TiO_2 photocatalyst exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than TiO_2 both under irradiation of UV light as well as visible light

Eosin Y-catalyzed visible-light-mediated aerobic oxidative cyclization of N,N-dimethylanilines with maleimides.

Science.gov (United States)

Liang, Zhongwei; Xu, Song; Tian, Wenyan; Zhang, Ronghua

2015-01-01

A novel and simple strategy for the efficient synthesis of the corresponding tetrahydroquinolines from N,N-dimethylanilines and maleimides using visible light in an air atmosphere in the presence of Eosin Y as a photocatalyst has been developed. The metal-free protocol involves aerobic oxidative cyclization via sp(3) C-H bond functionalization process to afford good yields in a one-pot procedure under mild conditions.

Method of forming a nanocluster comprising dielectric layer and device comprising such a layer

NARCIS (Netherlands)

2009-01-01

A method of forming a dielectric layer (330) on a further layer (114, 320) of a semiconductor device (300) is disclosed. The method comprises depositing a dielectric precursor compound and a further precursor compound over the further layer (114, 320), the dielectric precursor compound comprising a

NOx photocatalytic degradation on gypsum plates modified by TiO2-N,C photocatalysts

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Janus Magdalena

2015-09-01

Full Text Available In presented studies the photocatalytic decomposition of NOx on gypsum plates modified by TiO2-N,Cphotocatalysts were presented. The gypsum plates were obtained by addition of 10 or 20 wt.% of different types of titanium dioxide, such as: pure TiO2 and carbon and nitrogen co-modified TiO2 (TiO2-N,C to gypsum. TiO2-N,C photocatalysts were obtained by heating up the starting TiO2 (Grupa Azoty Zakłady Chemiczne Police S.A in the atmosphere of ammonia and carbon at the temperature: 100, 300 i 600ºC. Photocatalyst were characterized by FTIR/DRS, UVVis/DR, BET and XRD methods. Moreover the compressive strength tests of modified gypsum were also done. Photocatalytic activity of gypsum plates was done during NOx decomposition. The highest photocatalytic activity has gypsum with 20 wt.% addition of TiO2-N,C obtained at 300ºC.

Slow photon amplification of gas-phase ethanol photo-oxidation in titania inverse opal photonic crystals

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jovic, Vedran, E-mail: vjov001@aucklanduni.ac.nz [School of Chemical Sciences, Science Centre, Building 301, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland 92019 (New Zealand); Idriss, Hicham, E-mail: IdrissH@sabic.com [Corporate Research and Development (CRD), Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) at KAUST (Saudi Arabia); Waterhouse, Geoffrey I.N., E-mail: g.waterhouse@auckland.ac.nz [School of Chemical Sciences, Science Centre, Building 301, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland 92019 (New Zealand); The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology (New Zealand); Dodd Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies (New Zealand)

2016-11-10

Here we describe the successful fabrication of six titania inverse opal (TiO{sub 2} IO) photocatalysts with fcc[1 1 1] pseudo photonic band gaps (PBGs) tuned to span the UV–vis region. Photocatalysts were fabricated by a colloidal crystal templating and sol-gel approach – a robust and highly applicable bottom-up scheme which allowed for precise control over the geometric and optical properties of the TiO{sub 2} IO photocatalysts. Optical properties of the TiO{sub 2} IO thin films were investigated in detail by UV–vis transmittance and reflectance measurements. The PBG along the fcc[1 1 1] direction in the TiO{sub 2} IOs was dependent on the inter-planar spacing in the [1 1 1] direction, the incident angle of light and the refractive index of the medium filling the macropores in the IOs, in agreement with a modified Bragg’s law expression. Calculated photonic band structures for the photocatalysts revealed a PBG along the Γ → L direction at a/λ ∼ 0.74, in agreement with the experimental optical data. By coupling the low frequency edge of the PBG along the [1 1 1] direction with the electronic absorption edge of anatase TiO{sub 2}, a two-fold enhancement in the rate of gas phase ethanol photo-oxidation in air was achieved. This enhancement appears to be associated with a ‘slow photon’ effect that acts to both enhance TiO{sub 2} absorption and inhibit spontaneous emission (i.e. suppress electron-hole pair recombination).

Preparation and characterization of tungsten-loaded titanium dioxide photocatalyst for enhanced dye degradation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saepurahman; Abdullah, M.A.; Chong, F.K.

2010-01-01

Tungsten-loaded TiO 2 photocatalyst has been successfully prepared and characterized. TEM analysis showed that the photocatalysts were nanosize with the tungsten species forming layers of coverage on the surface of TiO 2 , but not in clustered form. This was confirmed by XRD and FT-Raman analyses where tungsten species were well dispersed at lower loading ( 3 at higher loadings (>12 mol%). In addition, loading with tungsten could stabilize the anatase phase from transforming into inactive rutile phase and did not shift the optical absorption to the visible region as shown by DRUV-vis analysis. PZC value of TiO 2 was found at 6.4, but the presence of tungsten at 6.5 mol% WO 3 , decreased the PZC value to 3. Tungsten-loaded TiO 2 was superior to unmodified TiO 2 with 2-fold increase in degradation rate of methylene blue, and equally effective for the degradation of different class of dyes such as methyl violet and methyl orange at 1 mol% WO 3 loading.

2nd international workshop on graphene and C3N4-based photocatalysts

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Jiaguo; Jaroniec, Mietek

2018-02-01

Since 2009 graphene and C3N4-based photocatalysts have attracted a lot of attention in scientific and engineering communities because of their applications in photocatalysis. Graphene and C3N4-based photocatalysis was the main theme of the 2nd International Workshop on Graphene and C3N4-based Photocatalysts (IWGCP2) held at the Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China on March 24-27, 2017. The IWGCP2 workshop was jointly organized by Wuhan University of Technology, Jianghan University, Changsha University and Kent State University, and was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), Wuhan University of Technology, Jianghan University, Changsha University, Beijing Perfectlight, ThermoFisher, LumaSense Technologies, Anhui Kemi, Zhenjiang Silver Jewelry, Instytut Fotonowy (Poland) and others. More than 240 colleagues from four continents (Asia, America, Australia and Europe) participated in this workshop, and presented 6 plenary lectures, 12 keynote lectures, 14 invited lectures, 5 oral lectures and 113 posters. A tradition of this meeting is the poster competition, which resulted in selecting 10 best posters.

Catalytic routes and oxidation mechanisms in photoreforming of polyols

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sanwald, Kai E.; Berto, Tobias F.; Eisenreich, Wolfgang; Gutiérrez, Oliver Y.; Lercher, Johannes A.

2016-12-01

Photocatalytic reforming of biomass-derived oxygenates leads to H₂ generation and evolution of CO₂ via parallel formation of organic intermediates through anodic oxidations on a Rh/TiO₂ photocatalyst. The reaction pathways and kinetics in the photoreforming of C₃–C₆ polyols were explored. Polyols are converted via direct and indirect hole transfer pathways resulting in (i) oxidative rupture of C–C bonds, (ii) oxidation to a-oxygen functionalized aldoses and ketoses (carbonyl group formation) and (iii) light-driven dehydration. Direct hole transfer to chemisorbed oxygenates on terminal Ti(IV)-OH groups, generating alkoxy-radicals that undergo ß-C–C-cleavage, is proposed for the oxidative C–C rupture. Carbonyl group formation and dehydration are attributed to indirect hole transfer at surface lattice oxygen sites [Ti_ _ _O_ _ _Ti] followed by the generation of carbon-centered radicals. Polyol chain length impacts the contribution of the oxidation mechanisms favoring the C–C bond cleavage (internal preferred over terminal) as the dominant pathway with higher polyol carbon number.

From trash to resource: recovered-Pd from spent three-way catalysts as a precursor of an effective photo-catalyst for H 2 production

KAUST Repository

Gombac, V.; Montini, T.; Falqui, Andrea; Loche, D.; Prato, M.; Genovese, Alessandro; Mercuri, M. L.; Serpe, A.; Fornasiero, P.; Deplano, P.

2016-01-01

The successful production of a nanostructured and highly dispersed Pd-TiO2 photo-catalyst, using [Pd(Me2dazdt)2](I3)2 (Me2dazdt = N,N′-dimethyl-perhydrodiazepine-2,3-dithione) salt, obtained through the selective and safe recovery of palladium from model exhaust three-way catalysts (TWCs), is reported here. The photo-catalyst prepared by the impregnation/photo-reduction of palladium on the support showed improved performance in H2 production from methanol and in glycerol photo-reforming compared to reference photo-catalysts obtained from conventional Pd-salts. The reported results represent a case of successful palladium “recovery and re-employment” and thus constitute an example of green chemistry by providing, in one route, the environmentally friendly recovery of a critical metal and its employment in the renewable energy field.

From trash to resource: recovered-Pd from spent three-way catalysts as a precursor of an effective photo-catalyst for H 2 production

KAUST Repository

Gombac, V.

2016-01-06

The successful production of a nanostructured and highly dispersed Pd-TiO2 photo-catalyst, using [Pd(Me2dazdt)2](I3)2 (Me2dazdt = N,N′-dimethyl-perhydrodiazepine-2,3-dithione) salt, obtained through the selective and safe recovery of palladium from model exhaust three-way catalysts (TWCs), is reported here. The photo-catalyst prepared by the impregnation/photo-reduction of palladium on the support showed improved performance in H2 production from methanol and in glycerol photo-reforming compared to reference photo-catalysts obtained from conventional Pd-salts. The reported results represent a case of successful palladium “recovery and re-employment” and thus constitute an example of green chemistry by providing, in one route, the environmentally friendly recovery of a critical metal and its employment in the renewable energy field.

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.

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

The Simplest Way to Iodine-Doped Anatase for Photocatalysts Activated by Visible Light

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Štengl, Václav; Grygar, Tomáš

2011-01-01

Roč. 2011, - (2011), 685935-1-685935-13 ISSN 1110-662X R&D Projects: GA ČR GA203/08/0334 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z40320502 Keywords : titanium-dioxide * aqueous-solution * orange-II * TiO2 photocatalysts * Raman spectroscopy * optical - properties Subject RIV: CA - Inorganic Chemistry Impact factor: 1.769, year: 2011

pH-regulated antimony oxychloride nanoparticle formation on titanium oxide nanostructures: a photocatalytically active heterojunction

KAUST Repository

Buchholcz, Balázs

2017-02-06

Improving the catalytic activity of heterogeneous photocatalysts has become a hot topic recently. To this end, considerable progress has been made in the efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers by e.g. the realization of heterojunction photocatalysts. V-VI-VII compound semiconductors, namely, bismuth oxyhalides, are popular photocatalysts. However, results on antimony oxyhalides [SbOX (X = Br, Cl, I)], the very promising alternatives to the well-known BiOX photomodifiers, are scarce. Here, we report the successful decoration of titanium oxide nanostructures with 8-11 nm diameter SbOX nanoparticles for the first time ever. The product size and stoichiometry could be controlled by the pH of the reactant mixture, while subsequent calcination could transform the structure of the titanate nanotube (TiONT) support and the prepared antimony oxychloride particles. In contrast to the ease of composite formation in the SbOX/TiONT case, anatase TiO could not facilitate the formation of antimony oxychloride nanoparticles on its surface. The titanate nanotube-based composites showed activity in a generally accepted quasi-standard photocatalytic test reaction (methyl orange dye decolorization). We found that the SbOCl/TiONT synthesized at pH = 1 is the most active sample in a broad temperature range.

Synthesis of supported silver nano-spheres on zinc oxide nanorods for visible light photocatalytic applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Saoud, Khaled [Virginia Commonwealth University-Qatar, Doha (Qatar); Alsoubaihi, Rola [Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA (United States); Bensalah, Nasr [Qatar University, Doha (Qatar); Bora, Tanujjal [Chair in Nanotechnology, Water Research Center, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khoudh-123 (Oman); Bertino, Massimo [Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA (United States); Dutta, Joydeep, E-mail: dutta@squ.edu.om [Chair in Nanotechnology, Water Research Center, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khoudh-123 (Oman)

2015-03-15

Highlights: • Synthesis of supported Ag NPs on ZnO nanorods using open vessel microwave reactor. • Use of the Ag/ZnO NPs as an efficient visible light photocatalyst. • Complete degradation of methylene blue in 1 h with 0.5 g/L Ag/ZnO NPs. - Abstract: We report the synthesis of silver (Ag) nano-spheres (NS) supported on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods through two step mechanism, using open vessel microwave reactor. Direct reduction of ZnO from zinc nitrates was followed by deposition precipitation of the silver on the ZnO nanorods. The supported Ag/ZnO nanoparticles were then characterized by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, photoluminescence and UV–vis spectroscopy. The visible light photocatalytic activity of Ag/ZnO system was investigated using a test contaminant, methylene blue (MB). Almost complete removal of MB in about 60 min for doses higher than 0.5 g/L of the Ag/ZnO photocatalyst was achieved. This significant improvement in the photocatalytic efficiency of Ag/ZnO photocatalyst under visible light irradiation can be attributed to the presence of Ag nanoparticles on the ZnO nanoparticles which greatly enhances absorption in the visible range of solar spectrum enabled by surface plasmon resonance effect from Ag nanoparticles.

Novel three-dimensionally ordered macroporous Fe{sup 3+}-doped TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts for H{sub 2} production and degradation applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yan, Xiaoqing; Xue, Chao; Yang, Bolun; Yang, Guidong, E-mail: guidongyang@xjtu.edu.cn

2017-02-01

Highlights: • 3DOM Fe{sup 3+}-doped TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst was prepared. • 3DOM structure showed high activity for decomposition of the RhB and the generation of H{sub 2}. • 3DOM structure provided interfacial reaction sites and optical absorption active sites. • The energy level from Fe{sup 3+} centers were existed in the band gap of TiO{sub 2}. • 3DOM structure promoted the separation of charge carriers. - Abstract: Novel three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) Fe{sup 3+}-doped TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts were prepared using a colloidal crystal template method with low-cost raw material including ferric trichloride, isopropanol, tetrabutyl titanate and polymethyl methacrylate. The as-prepared 3DOM Fe{sup 3+}-doped TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts were characterized by various analytical techniques. TEM and SEM results showed that the obtained photocatalysts possess well-ordered macroporous structure in three dimensional orientations. As proved by XPS and EDX analysis that Fe{sup 3+} ions have been introduced TiO{sub 2} lattice and the doped Fe{sup 3+} ions can act as the electron acceptor/donor centers to significantly enhance the electron transfer from the bulk to surface of TiO{sub 2}, resulting in more electrons could take part in the oxygen reduction process thereby decreasing the recombination rate of photogenerated charges. Meanwhile, the 3DOM architecture with the feature of interfacial chemical reaction active sites and optical absorption active sites is remarkably favorable for the reactant transfer and light trapping in the photoreaction process. As a result, the 3DOM Fe{sup 3+}-doped TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts show the considerably higher photocatalytic activity for decomposition of the Rhodamine B (RhB) and the generation of hydrogen under visible light irradiation due to the synergistic effects of open, interconnected macroporous network and metal ion doping.

Facile synthesis of BiOF/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}/reduced graphene oxide photocatalyst with highly efficient and stable natural sunlight photocatalytic performance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hu, Limin; Dong, Shuying; Li, Qilu; Feng, Jinglan; Pi, Yunqing; Liu, Menglin [School of Environment, Henan Normal University, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environmental and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang, Henan 453007 (China); Sun, Jingyu, E-mail: sunjy-cnc@pku.edu.cn [Center for Nanochemistry (CNC), College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871 (China); Sun, Jianhui, E-mail: sunjh@htu.cn [School of Environment, Henan Normal University, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environmental and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang, Henan 453007 (China)

2015-06-05

Highlights: • A dual Bi-based ball-shaped material BiOF/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} were facilely synthesized. • The composition effect of BiOF/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}/RGO hybrid were probed for the first time. • The photocatalytic performances were evaluated upon natural sunlight irradiation. • The composites showed a twofold augmentation in the degradation efficiency. • The hybrid photocatalyst can be easily recycled for three times. - Abstract: A facile and efficient route for the controllable synthesis of BiOF/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanostructures by hydrolysis method was reported, where the as-prepared BiOF/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} was subsequently incorporated with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets to form BiOF/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}/RGO composites. The obtained BiOF/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} and BiOF/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}/RGO composites were well characterized with the aid of various techniques to probe their crystallographic, morphological, chemical and optical properties. Photocatalytic capacities of the pure BiOF/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} and BiOF/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}/RGO composites have been investigated by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB)-contained wastewater under natural sunlight irradiation. A twofold augmentation of degradation efficiency was in turn observed for BiOF/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}/RGO composites compared with that of pure BiOF/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} under the natural sunlight irradiation. The optimum conditions, the effects of the active species and stabilities in photocatalytic performances of the BiOF/Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}/RGO composites have also been probed.

Enhanced magnetic separation and photocatalytic activity of nitrogen doped titania photocatalyst supported on strontium ferrite.

Science.gov (United States)

Abd Aziz, Azrina; Yong, Kok Soon; Ibrahim, Shaliza; Pichiah, Saravanan

2012-01-15

An enhanced ferromagnetic property, visible light active TiO(2) photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by supporting strontium ferrite (SrFe(12)O(19)) onto TiO(2) doped with nitrogen (N) and compared with N-doped TiO(2). The synthesized catalysts were further characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), BET surface area analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) and visible light spectroscopy analysis for their respective properties. The XRD and EDS revealed the structural and inorganic composition of N-TiO(2) supported on SrFe(12)O(19). The supported N-TiO(2) exhibited a strong ferromagnetic property with tremendous stability against magnetic property losses. It also resulted in reduced band gap (2.8 eV) and better visible light absorption between 400 and 800 nm compared to N-doped TiO(2). The photocatalytic activity was investigated with a recalcitrant phenolic compound namely 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) as a model pollutant under direct bright and diffuse sunlight exposure. A complete degradation of 2,4-DCP was achieved with an initial concentration of 50mg/L for both photocatalysts in 180 min and 270 min respectively under bright sunlight. Similarly the diffuse sunlight study resulted in complete degradation for supported N-TiO(2) and >85% degradation N-TiO(2), respectively. Finally the supported photocatalyst was separated under permanent magnetic field with a mass recovery ≈ 98% for further reuse. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison study on photocatalytic oxidation of pharmaceuticals by TiO{sub 2}-Fe and TiO{sub 2}-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites immobilized on optical fibers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lin, Lu; Wang, Huiyao, E-mail: huiyao@nmsu.edu; Jiang, Wenbin; Mkaouar, Ahmed Radhi; Xu, Pei, E-mail: pxu@nmsu.edu

2017-07-05

Highlights: • Incorporating rGO or Fe{sup 3+} ions in TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst could enhance photocatalysis. • TiO{sub 2}-rGO exhibited higher photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation. • TiO{sub 2}-Fe demonstrated more suitable for visible light irradiation. • Reduced recombination rate contributed to enhanced photocatalysis of TiO{sub 2}-rGO. • Narrower band gap accounted for increased photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2}-Fe. - Abstract: Incorporating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) or Fe{sup 3+} ions in TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst could enhance photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants in aqueous solutions. This study characterized the photocatalytic activities of TiO{sub 2}-Fe and TiO{sub 2}-rGO nanocomposites immobilized on optical fibers synthesized by polymer assisted hydrothermal deposition method. The photocatalysts presented a mixture phase of anatase and rutile in the TiO{sub 2}-rGO and TiO{sub 2}-Fe nanocomposites. Doping Fe into TiO{sub 2} particles (2.40 eV) could reduce more band gap energy than incorporating rGO (2.85 eV), thereby enhancing utilization efficiency of visible light. Incorporating Fe and rGO in TiO{sub 2} decreased significantly the intensity of TiO{sub 2} photoluminescence signals and enhanced the separation rate of photo-induced charge carriers. Photocatalytic performance of the synthesized nanocomposites was measured by the degradation of three pharmaceuticals under UV and visible light irradiation, including carbamazepine, ibuprofen, and sulfamethoxazole. TiO{sub 2}-rGO exhibited higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of pharmaceuticals under UV irradiation, while TiO{sub 2}-Fe demonstrated more suitable for visible light oxidation. The results suggested that the enhanced photocatalytic performance of TiO{sub 2}-rGO could be attributed to reduced recombination rate of photoexcited electrons-hole pairs, but for TiO{sub 2}-Fe nanocomposite, narrower band gap would contribute to increased photocatalytic

The influence of the UV irradiation intensity on photocatalytic activity of ZnAl layered double hydroxides and derived mixed oxides

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hadnađev-Kostić Milica S.

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Layered double hydroxides (LDHs have been studied to a great extent as environmental-friendly complex materials that can be used as photocatalysts or photocatalyst supports. ZnAl layered double hydroxides and their derived mixed oxides were chosen for the investigation of photocatalytic performances in correlation with the UV intensities measured in the South Pannonia region. Low supersaturation coprecipitation method was used for the ZnAl LDH synthesis. For the characterization of LDH and thermal treated samples powder X-ray diffraction (XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM, electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS, nitrogen adsorption-desorption were used. The decomposition of azodye, methylene blue was chosen as photocatalytic test reaction. The study showed that the ZnAl mixed oxide obtained by thermal decomposition of ZnAl LDH has stable activity in the broader UV light irradiation range characterizing the selected region. Photocatalytic activity could be mainly attributed to the ZnO phase, detected both in LDH and thermally treated samples. The study showed that the ZnAl mixed oxide obtained by the calcination of ZnAl LDH has a stable activity within the measured UV light irradiation range; whereas the parent ZnAl LDH catalyst did not perform satisfactory when low UV irradiation intensity is implied.

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.

Eosin Y-catalyzed visible-light-mediated aerobic oxidative cyclization of N,N-dimethylanilines with maleimides

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zhongwei Liang

2015-04-01

Full Text Available A novel and simple strategy for the efficient synthesis of the corresponding tetrahydroquinolines from N,N-dimethylanilines and maleimides using visible light in an air atmosphere in the presence of Eosin Y as a photocatalyst has been developed. The metal-free protocol involves aerobic oxidative cyclization via sp3 C–H bond functionalization process to afford good yields in a one-pot procedure under mild conditions.

Atomistic characterization of the active-site solvation dynamics of a model photocatalyst

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Brandt van Driel, Tim; Kjær, Kasper Skov; Hartsock, Robert W.

2016-01-01

The interactions between the reactive excited state of molecular photocatalysts and surrounding solvent dictate reaction mechanisms and pathways, but are not readily accessible to conventional optical spectroscopic techniques. Here we report an investigation of the structural and solvation dynami...... of the iridium atoms by the acetonitrile solvent and demonstrate the viability of using diffuse X-ray scattering at free-electron laser sources for studying the dynamics of photocatalysis....

Polyethylene imine-grafted ACF@BiOI{sub 0.5}Cl{sub 0.5} as a recyclable photocatalyst for high-efficient dye removal by adsorption-combined degradation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Hongyan [Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Suzhou University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123 (China); Li, Najun, E-mail: linajun@suda.edu.cn [Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Suzhou University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123 (China); State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123 (China); Chen, Dongyun; Xu, Qingfeng [Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Suzhou University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123 (China); State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123 (China); Lu, Jianmei, E-mail: lujm@suda.edu.cn [Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Suzhou University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123 (China); State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123 (China)

2017-05-01

Highlights: • A recyclable photocatalyst was facilely fabricated by immobilization and grafting. • Contribution from each component in the composite towards enhanced performance. • High removal efficiency was achieved under adsorption-combined degradation. • The composite photocatalyst can be easily separated from water for direct reuse. - Abstract: A recyclable photocatalyst with adsorption property was prepared for high-efficient complete removal of anionic dyes from water by synergetic adsorption and photocatalytic degradation. Firstly, binary bismuth oxyhalide composed as BiOI{sub 0.5}Cl{sub 0.5} was immobilized on activated carbon fibers (ACF) to get a recyclable photocatalyst (ACF@BiOI{sub 0.5}Cl{sub 0.5}) via one-step solvothermal method. Then it was modified with branched polyethylene imine (PEI) whose abundant amino groups can adsorb contaminants from water by electrostatic interaction. SEM images showed that the nanosheets-based flower-like photocatalytic microspheres uniformly distributed on the ACF surface after grafting of small amount of PEI. But from TGA results we can deduce that the percentage of PEI grafted onto ACF@BiOI{sub 0.5}Cl{sub 0.5} is about 18 wt%. During the synergistic process, the grafted PEI and immobilized BiOI{sub 0.5}Cl{sub 0.5} are worked as the adsorbent and the photocatalyst, respectively. In addition, ACF, as flexible, conductive and corrosion-resistant supports, are beneficial to the photocatalytic degradation process. So the obtained composite PEI-g-ACF@BiOI{sub 0.5}Cl{sub 0.5} has a high removal efficiency of contaminants under visible light irradiation with the synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation. And after facial separation without centrifuge, it can be reused without regeneration because of the real-time complete degradation of the adsorbed contaminants on the surface of the composite photocatalyst.

Synthesis of nano-TiO2 photocatalysts with tunable Fe doping concentration from Ti-bearing tailings

Science.gov (United States)

Sui, Yulei; Liu, Qingxia; Jiang, Tao; Guo, Yufeng

2018-01-01

In this work, highly pure nano-TiO2 photocatalysts with varying Fe doping concentration were successfully synthesized from low-cost Ti-bearing tailings by an acidolysis-hydrothermal route. The effects of H2SO4 concentration, leaching temperature, acid/tailings ratio and leaching time on the recovery of TiO2 from the tailings were investigated. Synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, EDS, XPS, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The results showed that the material prepared is characteristic anatase with the average size of 20 nm and the Fe doping concentration in the synthesized nano-TiO2 is tunable. The photocatalytic activity of synthesized nano-TiO2 photocatalyst was also evaluated by the photodegradation of Rhodamine B under visible light and UV light irradiation. Our study demonstrates a low-cost approach to synthesize highly efficient and visible light responsive catalysts.

Photocatalytic Role of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Synthetic Activated Carbon to Remove Antibiotic from Aquatic Environment

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohammad Reza Samarghandi

2017-10-01

Full Text Available Background & Aims of the Study: The presence of antibiotics in the environment, especially in aquatic environments is a major concern for health and the environment. The advanced oxidation process due to the ease of use, economical advantages and high performance have attracted a lot of attention. The purpose of this study was Evaluating of the photocatalytic role of zinc oxide on synthetic activated carbon to remove antibiotic from aquatic environment. Materials & Methods: This experimental study was done in batch reactor that has a 1 L volume. In this study effect of parameters such as initial pH (3-9, initial concentration of cefazolin (20-200 mg/L, modified photocatalyst concentration (20-100 mg/L and reaction time (10-60 min was investigated. In this study a low-pressure mercury lamp with the power of 55 watts in stainless case has been used. The cefazolin concentrations in different steps were measured using UV-Vis spectrophotometer in Wavelength of 262 nm. Results: The results showed that the highest removal efficiency (96% of cefazolin was at the pH=3, 0.1 mg/L of modified photocatalyst, retention time of 60 min and cefazolin concentrations of 100 mg/L. In the case of changing any of the above mentioned values, process efficiency was decreased. Conclusion: The results showed that the photocatalytic process of zinc oxide nanoparticles on synthetic activated carbon can be used as an advanced oxidation process to effectively remove pollutants like cefazolin and other similar pollutants.

Fiscal 1999 research result report. Research on improvement of boiling heat transfer characteristics by photocatalyst wall; 1999 nendo hikari shokubai hekimen ni yoru futto netsu dentatsu tokusei kaizen ni kansuru kenkyu chosa hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

Research was made on improvement of the wettability and boiling heat transfer characteristics of a photocatalyst wall. Measurement experiment of the wettability was made for anatase type titan oxide-coated Al, SUS and Pb plates, rutil type titan oxide-flame coated SUS plate, raw plate, and oxide-plasma coated titan plate. In the ground experiment, the contact angles of distilled water and oil on specimen surfaces were measured. In the microgravity experiment, falling droplet images were recorded by using the facility of Japan Microgravity Center (JAMIC). For obtaining the effect of radioactive emission, UV irradiation, {gamma} ray and neutron beam irradiation by nuclear reactor, and {gamma} ray irradiation by Co-60 were carried out. As the experiment result, the rutil type titan oxide-flame coated SUS plate, nonconductor-coated titan plate, and zircaloy plate showed large improvement of the wettability by {gamma} ray irradiation with Co-60. It was also confirmed that in particular, titan shows the large effect of radioactive emission, and the wettability deteriorates rapidly after {gamma} ray irradiation. (NEDO)

Effects of donor doping and acceptor doping on rutile TiO2 particles for photocatalytic O2 evolution by water oxidation

Science.gov (United States)

Amano, Fumiaki; Tosaki, Ryosuke; Sato, Kyosuke; Higuchi, Yamato

2018-02-01

Crystalline defects of photocatalyst particles may be considered to be the recombination center of photoexcited electrons and holes. In this study, we investigated the photocatalytic activity of cation-doped rutile TiO2 photocatalysts for O2 evolution from an aqueous silver nitrate solution under ultraviolet light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of rutile TiO2 was enhanced by donor doping of Ta5+ and Nb5+ with a valence higher than that of Ti4+, regardless of increased density of electrons and Ti3+ species (an electron trapped in Ti4+ sites). Conversely, acceptor doping of lower valence cations such as In3+ and Ga3+ decreased photocatalytic activity for O2 evolution by water oxidation. The doping of equal valence cations such as Sn4+ and Ge4+ hardly changed the activity of non-doped TiO2. This study demonstrates that Ti3+ species, which is a crystalline defect, enhanced the photocatalytic activity of semiconductor oxides, for example rutile TiO2 with large crystalline size.

Staged membrane oxidation reactor system

Science.gov (United States)

Repasky, John Michael; Carolan, Michael Francis; Stein, VanEric Edward; Chen, Christopher Ming-Poh

2012-09-11

Ion transport membrane oxidation system comprising (a) two or more membrane oxidation stages, each stage comprising a reactant zone, an oxidant zone, one or more ion transport membranes separating the reactant zone from the oxidant zone, a reactant gas inlet region, a reactant gas outlet region, an oxidant gas inlet region, and an oxidant gas outlet region; (b) an interstage reactant gas flow path disposed between each pair of membrane oxidation stages and adapted to place the reactant gas outlet region of a first stage of the pair in flow communication with the reactant gas inlet region of a second stage of the pair; and (c) one or more reactant interstage feed gas lines, each line being in flow communication with any interstage reactant gas flow path or with the reactant zone of any membrane oxidation stage receiving interstage reactant gas.

Compositions comprising free-standing two-dimensional nanocrystals

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Barsoum, Michel W.; Gogotsi, Yury; Abdelmalak, Michael Naguib; Mashtalir, Olha

2017-12-05

The present invention is directed to methods of transferring urea from an aqueous solution comprising urea to a MXene composition, the method comprising contacting the aqueous solution comprising urea with the MXene composition for a time sufficient to form an intercalated MXene composition comprising urea.

Nano-design of quantum dot-based photocatalysts for hydrogen generation using advanced surface molecular chemistry

KAUST Repository

Yu, Weili; Noureldine, Dalal; Isimjan, Tayirjan T.; Lin, Bin; Del Gobbo, Silvano; Abulikemu, Mutalifu; Hedhili, Mohamed N.; Anjum, Dalaver H.; Takanabe, Kazuhiro

2015-01-01

Efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation in a suspension system requires a sophisticated nano-device that combines a photon absorber with effective redox catalysts. This study demonstrates an innovative molecular linking strategy for fabricating photocatalytic materials that allow effective charge separation of excited carriers, followed by efficient hydrogen evolution. The method for the sequential replacement of ligands with appropriate molecules developed in this study tethers both quantum dots (QDs), as photosensitizers, and metal nanoparticles, as hydrogen evolution catalysts, to TiO2 surfaces in a controlled manner at the nano-level. Combining hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions on the surface, CdSe-ZnS core-shell QDs and an Au-Pt alloy were attached to TiO2 without overlapping during the synthesis. The resultant nano-photocatalysts achieved substantially high-performance visible-light-driven photocatalysis for hydrogen evolution. All syntheses were conducted at room temperature and in ambient air, providing a promising route for fabricating visible-light-responsive photocatalysts.

Systematic research on Ag2X (X = O, S, Se, Te) as visible and near-infrared light driven photocatalysts and effects of their electronic structures

Science.gov (United States)

Jiang, Wei; Wu, Zhaomei; Zhu, Yingming; Tian, Wen; Liang, Bin

2018-01-01

Four silver chalcogen compounds, Ag2O, Ag2S, Ag2Se and Ag2Te, can be utilized as visible-light-driven photocatalysts. In this research, the electronic structures of these compounds were analyzed by simulation and experiments to systematically reveal the relationship between photocatalytic performance and energetic structure. All four chalcogenides exhibited interesting photocatalytic activities under ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared light. However, their photocatalytic performances and stability significantly depended on the band gap width, and the valence band and conduct band position, which was determined by their composition. Increasing the X atomic number from O to Te resulted in the upward movement of the valence band top and the conduct band bottom, which resulted in narrower band gaps, a wider absorption spectrum, a weaker photo-oxidization capacity, a higher recombination probability of hole and electron pairs, lower quantum efficiency, and worse stability. Among them, Ag2O has the highest photocatalytic performance and stability due to its widest band gap and lowest position of VB and CB. The combined action of photogenerated holes and different radicals, depending on the different electronic structures, including anion ozone radical, hydroxide radical, and superoxide radical, was observed and understood. The results of experimental observations and simulations of the four silver chalcogen compounds suggested that a proper electronic structure is necessary to obtain a balance between photocatalytic performance and absorbable light region in the development of new photocatalysts.

A Non-Heme Iron Photocatalyst for Light-Driven Aerobic Oxidation of Methanol

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Chen, Juan; Stepanovic, Stepan; Draksharapu, Apparao; Gruden, Maja; Browne, Wesley R

2018-01-01

Non-heme (L)FeIIIand (L)FeIII-O-FeIII(L) complexes (L=1,1-di(pyridin-2-yl)-N,N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)ethan-1-amine) underwent reduction under irradiation to the FeIIstate with concomitant oxidation of methanol to methanal, without the need for a secondary photosensitizer. Spectroscopic and DFT

BALLISTIC RESISTANT ARTICLES COMPRISING TAPES

NARCIS (Netherlands)

VAN DER EEM, JORIS; HARINGS, JULES; JANSE, GERARDUS; TJADEN, HENDRIK

2015-01-01

The invention pertains to a ballistic-resistant moulded article comprising a compressed stack of sheets comprising reinforcing tapes having a tensile strength of at least 1.0 GPa, a tensile modulus of at least 40 GPa, and a tensile energy-to-break of at least 15 J/g, the direction of the tapes

Photodegradation of Malachite Green by Nanostructured Bi2WO6 Visible Light-Induced Photocatalyst

OpenAIRE

Yijie Chen; Yaqin Zhang; Chen Liu; Aimin Lu; Weihua Zhang

2012-01-01

Bi2WO6 photocatalyst was first utilized to degrade malachite green. The effects of the concentration of malachite green, the pH value, and the concentration of Bi2WO6 on the photocatalytic efficiency were investigated. This study presents a strategy to eliminate highly toxic and persistent dyes such as malachite green.

Controlled hydrodynamic conditions on the formation of iron oxide nanostructures synthesized by electrochemical anodization: Effect of the electrode rotation speed

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lucas-Granados, Bianca; Sánchez-Tovar, Rita; Fernández-Domene, Ramón M.; García-Antón, Jose

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Novel iron anodization process under controlled dynamic conditions was evaluated. • Iron oxide nanostructures composed mainly by hematite were synthesized. • Different morphologies were obtained depending on the electrode rotation speed. • A suitable photocatalyst was obtained by stirring the electrode at 1000 rpm.. - Abstract: Iron oxide nanostructures are of particular interest because they can be used as photocatalysts in water splitting due to their advantageous properties. Electrochemical anodization is one of the best techniques to synthesize nanostructures directly on the metal substrate (direct back contact). In the present study, a novel methodology consisting of the anodization of iron under hydrodynamic conditions is carried out in order to obtain mainly hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) nanostructures to be used as photocatalysts for photoelectrochemical water splitting applications. Different rotation speeds were studied with the aim of evaluating the obtained nanostructures and determining the most attractive operational conditions. The synthesized nanostructures were characterized by means of Raman spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, photoelectrochemical water splitting, stability against photocorrosion tests, Mott-Schottky analysis, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and band gap measurements. The results showed that the highest photocurrent densities for photoelectrochemical water splitting were achieved for the nanostructure synthesized at 1000 rpm which corresponds to a nanotubular structure reaching ∼0.130 mA cm −2 at 0.54 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). This is in agreement with the EIS measurements and Mott-Schottky analysis which showed the lowest resistances and the corresponding donor density values, respectively, for the nanostructure anodized at 1000 rpm.

Controlled hydrodynamic conditions on the formation of iron oxide nanostructures synthesized by electrochemical anodization: Effect of the electrode rotation speed

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lucas-Granados, Bianca; Sánchez-Tovar, Rita; Fernández-Domene, Ramón M.; García-Antón, Jose, E-mail: jgarciaa@iqn.upv.es

2017-01-15

Highlights: • Novel iron anodization process under controlled dynamic conditions was evaluated. • Iron oxide nanostructures composed mainly by hematite were synthesized. • Different morphologies were obtained depending on the electrode rotation speed. • A suitable photocatalyst was obtained by stirring the electrode at 1000 rpm.. - Abstract: Iron oxide nanostructures are of particular interest because they can be used as photocatalysts in water splitting due to their advantageous properties. Electrochemical anodization is one of the best techniques to synthesize nanostructures directly on the metal substrate (direct back contact). In the present study, a novel methodology consisting of the anodization of iron under hydrodynamic conditions is carried out in order to obtain mainly hematite (α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}) nanostructures to be used as photocatalysts for photoelectrochemical water splitting applications. Different rotation speeds were studied with the aim of evaluating the obtained nanostructures and determining the most attractive operational conditions. The synthesized nanostructures were characterized by means of Raman spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, photoelectrochemical water splitting, stability against photocorrosion tests, Mott-Schottky analysis, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and band gap measurements. The results showed that the highest photocurrent densities for photoelectrochemical water splitting were achieved for the nanostructure synthesized at 1000 rpm which corresponds to a nanotubular structure reaching ∼0.130 mA cm{sup −2} at 0.54 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). This is in agreement with the EIS measurements and Mott-Schottky analysis which showed the lowest resistances and the corresponding donor density values, respectively, for the nanostructure anodized at 1000 rpm.

Photocatalytic decomposition of N{sub 2}O over TiO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} photocatalysts heterojunction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kočí, K., E-mail: kamila.koci@vsb.cz [Institute of Environmental technologies, VŠB Technical University of Ostrava 17. listopadu 15/2172, 708 00 Ostrava (Czech Republic); Reli, M.; Troppová, I.; Šihor, M. [Institute of Environmental technologies, VŠB Technical University of Ostrava 17. listopadu 15/2172, 708 00 Ostrava (Czech Republic); Kupková, J. [Nanotechnology center, VŠB Technical University of Ostrava 17. listopadu 15/2172, 708 00 Ostrava (Czech Republic); Kustrowski, P. [Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, ul. Ingardena 3, 30-060 Kraków (Poland); Praus, P. [Institute of Environmental technologies, VŠB Technical University of Ostrava 17. listopadu 15/2172, 708 00 Ostrava (Czech Republic); Department of Chemistry, VŠB Technical University of Ostrava 17. listopadu 15/2172, 708 00 Ostrava (Czech Republic)

2017-02-28

Highlights: • TiO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} photocatalysts with the various TiO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} weight ratios. • N{sub 2}O photocatalytic decomposition under UVC and UVA irradiation. • Heterojunction on the TiO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} interface play an important role. • Optimal ratio of TiO{sub 2}:g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} was 1:2 for the highest activity at UVA irradiation. - Abstract: TiO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} photocatalysts with the various TiO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} weight ratios from 1:2 to 1:6 were fabricated by mechanical mixing in water suspension followed by calcination. Pure TiO{sub 2} was prepared by thermal hydrolysis and pure g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} was prepared from commercial melamine by thermal annealing at 620 °C. All the nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoelectrochemical measurements and nitrogen physisorption. The prepared mixtures along with pure TiO{sub 2} and g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} were tested for the photocatalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide under UVC (λ = 254 nm), UVA (λ = 365 nm) and Vis (λ > 400 nm) irradiation. The TiO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanocomposites showed moderate improvement compared to pure g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} but pure TiO{sub 2} proved to be a better photocatalyst under UVC irradiation. However, under UVA irradiation conditions, the photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} (1:2) nanocomposite exhibited an increase compared to pure TiO{sub 2}. Nevertheless, further increase of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} amount leads/led to a decrease in reactivity. These results are suggesting the nanocomposite with the optimal weight ratio of TiO{sub 2} and g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} have shifted absorption edge energy towards longer wavelengths and decreased the recombination rate of charge carriers compared to pure g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}. This is

Facile one-step hydrothermal synthesis toward strongly coupled TiO2/graphene quantum dots photocatalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Min, Shixiong; Hou, Jianhua; Lei, Yonggang; Ma, Xiaohua; Lu, Gongxuan

2017-01-01

Highlights: • TiO 2 /GQDs composites were prepared by a facile one-step hydrothermal method. • GQDs were strongly coupled onto the surface of TiO 2 nanoparticles by this method. • The TiO 2 /GQDs showed enhanced light absorption and charge separation efficiency. • The TiO 2 /GQDs exhibited higher photocatalytic H 2 evolution activity than pure TiO 2 . • GQDs play synergistic roles by acting as both photosensitizer and electron acceptor. - Abstract: The coupling of semiconductor photocatalysts with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) has been proven to be an effective strategy to enhance the photocatalytic and photoelectrical conversion performances of the resulted composites; however, the preparation of semiconductor/GQDs composites usually involves several time-inefficient and tedious post-treatment steps. Herein, we present a facile one-step hydrothermal route for the preparation of GQDs coupled TiO 2 (TiO 2 /GQDs) photocatalysts using 1,3,6-trinitropyrene (TNP) as the sole precursor of GQDs. During the hydrothermal process, TNP molecules undergo an intramolecular fusion to form GQDs, which simultaneously decorate on the surface of TiO 2 nanoparticles, leading to a strong surface interaction between the two components. The effective coupling of GQDs on TiO 2 can effectively extend the light absorption of the TiO 2 to visible region and enhance the charge separation efficiency of TiO 2 /GQDs composites as a result of GQDs acting as a photosensitizer and an excellent electron acceptor. These key advances make the TiO 2 /GQDs photocatalyst highly active towards the H 2 evolution reaction, resulting in 7 and 3 times higher H 2 evolution rate and photocurrent response at optimal GQDs content than TiO 2 alone, respectively. This study provides a new methodology for the development of high-performance GQDs modified semiconductor photocatalysts for energy conversion applications.

A P25/(NH4)xWO3 hybrid photocatalyst with broad spectrum photocatalytic properties under UV, visible, and near-infrared irradiation.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Linfen; Liu, Bin; Liu, Tongyao; Ma, Xinlong; Li, Hao; Yin, Shu; Sato, Tsugio; Wang, Yuhua

2017-04-03

In this study, a series of hybrid nanostructured photocatalysts P25/(NH 4 ) x WO 3 nanocomposites with the average crystallite size of P25 and (NH 4 ) x WO 3 of the sample was calculated to be about 30 nm and 130 nm, were successfully synthesized via a simple one-step hydrothermal method. The as-obtained samples was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which implies that the P25/(NH 4 ) x WO 3 nanocomposites are fabricated with favourable nanosizd interfacial. The XPS results confirmed that the obtained sample consists of mixed chemical valences of W 5+ and W 6+ , the low-valance W 5+ sites could be the origin of NIR absorption. As revealed by optical absorption results, P25/(NH 4 ) x WO 3 nanocomposites possess high optical absorption in the whole solar spectrum of 200-2500 nm. Benefiting from this unique photo-absorption property and the synergistic effect of P25 and (NH 4 ) x WO 3 , broad spectrum response photocatalytic activities covering UV, visible and near infrared regions on degradation of Rhodamine B have been realized by P25/(NH 4 ) x WO 3 nanocomposites. Meanwhile, the stability of photocatalysts was examined by the XRD and XPS of the photocatalysts after the reaction. The results show that P25/(NH 4 ) x WO 3 photocatalysts has a brilliant application prospect in the energy utilization to solve deteriorating environmental issues.

Dendritic Tip-on Polytriazine-Based Carbon Nitride Photocatalyst with High Hydrogen Evolution Activity

KAUST Repository

Bhunia, Manas Kumar

2015-11-23

Developing stable, ubiquitous and efficient water-splitting photocatalyst material that has extensive absorption in the visible-light range is desired for a sustainable solar energy-conversion device. We herein report a triazine-based carbon nitride (CN) material with different C/N ratios achieved by varying the monomer composition ratio between melamine (Mel) and 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine (TAP). The CN material with a different C/N ratio was obtained through a two-step synthesis protocol: starting with the solution state dispersion of the monomers via hydrogen-bonding supramolecular aggregate, followed by a salt-melt high temperature polycondensation. This protocol ensures the production of a highly crystalline polytriazine imide (PTI) structure con-sisting of a copolymerized Mel-TAP network. The observed bandgap narrowing with an increasing TAP/Mel ratio is well simulated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, revealing a positive shift in the valence band upon substitution of N with CH in the aromatic rings. Increasing the TAP amount could not maintain the crystalline PTI structure, consistent with DFT calculation showing the repulsion associated with additional C-H introduced in the aromatic rings. Due to the high exciton binding energy calculated by DFT for the obtained CN, the cocatalyst must be close to any portion of the material to assist the separation of excit-ed charge carriers for an improved photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic activity was improved by providing a dendritic tip-on-like shape grown on a porous fibrous silica KCC-1 spheres, and highly dispersed Pt nanoparticles (<5 nm) were photodepos-ited to introduce heterojunction. As a result, the Pt/CN/KCC-1 photocatalyst exhibited an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) as high as 22.1 ± 3% at 400 nm and the silica was also beneficial for improving photocatalytic stability. The results obtained by time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy measurements were consistent with

Fabrication and photocatalytic activity enhanced mechanism of direct Z-scheme g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/Ag{sub 2}WO{sub 4} photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhu, Bicheng [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070 (China); Department of Science and Environmental Studies The Hong Kong Institute of Education, Tai Po, N.T., Hong Kong (China); Xia, Pengfei; Li, Yao [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070 (China); Ho, Wingkei, E-mail: keithho@ied.edu.hk [Department of Science and Environmental Studies The Hong Kong Institute of Education, Tai Po, N.T., Hong Kong (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); Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589 (Saudi Arabia)

2017-01-01

Highlights: • g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} acted as a support for the in situ growth of β-Ag{sub 2}WO{sub 4}. • g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanosheets inhibited the phase transformation of β-Ag{sub 2}WO{sub 4} to α-Ag{sub 2}WO{sub 4}. • g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/Ag{sub 2}WO{sub 4} exhibited a superior photocatalytic activity. • A direct Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism could explain activity enhancement. - Abstract: Herein, a direct Z-scheme graphitic carbon nitride (g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4})/silver tungstate (Ag{sub 2}WO{sub 4}) photocatalyst was prepared by a facile in situ precipitation method using g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} as a support and silver nitrate as a precursor. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and elemental mapping demonstrated that β-Ag{sub 2}WO{sub 4} nanoparticles were evenly distributed on the surface of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanosheets, which acted as a support for the nucleation and growth of β-Ag{sub 2}WO{sub 4} and inhibited the phase transformation of metastable β-Ag{sub 2}WO{sub 4} to stable α-Ag{sub 2}WO{sub 4}. Photocatalytic experiments indicated that the g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/Ag{sub 2}WO{sub 4} nanocomposite photocatalyst displayed a better photocatalytic activity than pure g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} and Ag{sub 2}WO{sub 4} toward the degradation of methyl orange. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/Ag{sub 2}WO{sub 4} could be well explained by a direct Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism. This mechanism was related to the efficient space separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and the great oxidation and reduction capabilities of the g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/Ag{sub 2}WO{sub 4} system. This work provided new insights into the design and fabrication of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}-based direct Z-scheme photocatalysts.

Perovskite-type La{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} mesoporous photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Onozuka, K.; Kawakami, Y.; Imai, H.; Yokoi, T.; Tatsumi, T. [Chemical Resources Laboratory, Tokyo Institute of Technology, R1-10, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503 (Japan); Kondo, J.N., E-mail: jnomura@res.titech.ac.jp [Chemical Resources Laboratory, Tokyo Institute of Technology, R1-10, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503 (Japan)

2012-08-15

Crystalline particles of mesoporous La{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7}, a perovskite-type material, were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis at 210 Degree-Sign C in the presence of structure directing agent. Crystallization and simultaneous sintering occurred in the time course of the hydrothermal treatment, resulting in the improvement in crystallinity with a sacrifice of the decrease in surface area. The photocatalytic property was evaluated by hydrogen evolution from water with methanol sacrificial agent. The increase and the decrease of the material in crystallinity and surface area were responsible for the photocatalytic activity: the activity was improved by crystallization but the concurrent decrease in surface area (increase in size) of crystalline particles was disadvantageous. - Graphical abstract: A homogeneous mixture of La and Ti oxide with amorphous inorganic network was hydrothermally crystallized at low temperatures to a perovskite-type La{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7}. The small La{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} particles with high crystallinity showed a potential as a photocatalyst for H{sub 2} evolution. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Crystalline mesopourous La{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} was prepared. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Hydrothermal treatment encouraged low temperature crystallization. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Small crystalline domain was advantageous to a photocatalytic reaction.

Bridged graphite oxide materials

Science.gov (United States)

Herrera-Alonso, Margarita (Inventor); McAllister, Michael J. (Inventor); Aksay, Ilhan A. (Inventor); Prud'homme, Robert K. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

Bridged graphite oxide material comprising graphite sheets bridged by at least one diamine bridging group. The bridged graphite oxide material may be incorporated in polymer composites or used in adsorption media.

Ni supported CdIn2S4 spongy-like spheres: a noble metal free high-performance sunlight driven photocatalyst for hydrogen production.

Science.gov (United States)

Vu, Manh-Hiep; Nguyen, Chinh-Chien; Sakar, M; Do, Trong-On

2017-11-08

Nickel supported CdIn 2 S 4 (Ni-CIS) spongy-like spheres have been developed using alcoholysis followed by a sulfidation process. The formation of nanocrystalline-single phase CdIn 2 S 4 was confirmed using X-ray diffraction studies. Electron microscopy images showed that the spongy-like spheres are composed of CdIn 2 S 4 nanoparticles with average sizes of around 25 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectra indicated the presence of elements with their respective stable oxidation states that led to the formation of single phase CdIn 2 S 4 with enhanced structural integrity and chemical composition. The absorption spectra indicated the visible light activity of the material and the band gap energy is deduced to be 2.23 eV. The photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized Ni-CIS in relation to its ability to produce hydrogen under solar light irradiation is estimated to be 1060 μmol g -1 h -1 , which is around 5.5 and 3.6 fold higher than that of Pt-CIS (180 μmol g -1 h -1 ) and Pd-CIS (290 μmol g -1 h -1 ), respectively, as obtained in this study. Accordingly, the mechanism of the observed efficiency of the Ni-CIS nanoparticles is also proposed. The recyclability test showed consistent hydrogen evolution efficiency over 3 cycles (9 h), which essentially revealed the excellent photo- and chemical-stability of the photocatalyst. The strategy to utilize non-noble metals such as Ni, rather than noble-metals, as a co-catalyst opens up a new possibility to develop low cost and high-performance sunlight-driven photocatalysts as achieved in this study.

A practical pathway for the preparation of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} decorated TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst with enhanced visible-light photoactivity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cheng, Li; Qiu, Shoufei [Institute of Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China); Chen, Juanrong, E-mail: Juanrongchen@ujs.edu.cn [School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China); Shao, Jian [Institute of Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China); Cao, Shunsheng, E-mail: sscaochem@hotmail.com [Institute of Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China)

2017-04-01

Shifting the ultra-violet of titania to visible light driven photocatalysis can be realized by coupling with metallic or non-metallic elements. However, time-consuming multi-step process and significant loss of UV photocatalytic activity of such TiO{sub 2}-based photocatalysts severely hinder their practical applications. In this work, we explore the idea of creating a practical method for the preparation of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} decorated TiO{sub 2} (TiO{sub 2}/Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}) photocatalyst with controlled visible-light photoactivity. This method only involves the calcination of the mixture (commercial P25 powders and magnetic Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles) prepared by a mechanical process. The morphology and properties of TiO{sub 2}/Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} composites were characterized by Transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results confirm the fusion of TiO{sub 2} and Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, which promotes photo-generated electrons/holes migration and separation. Because of the strong synergistic effect, the as-synthesized TiO{sub 2}/Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} composites manifest an enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity. Especially, the TiO{sub 2}/Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} photocatalyst is very easy to be constructed via an one-step protocol that efficiently overcomes the time-consuming multi-step processes used in existed strategies for the preparation of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}/TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts, providing a new insight into the practical application of TiO{sub 2}/Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} visible light photocatalyst. - Highlights: • We introduced a practical preparation of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} decorated TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst. • TiO{sub 2}/Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} was developed using commercial precursors in a high efficient manner. • Visible-light activity of TiO{sub 2}/Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} could be tuned by changing amount of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} precursor. • TiO{sub 2}/Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} exhibited a higher

Promoting Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting by Controlled Magnesium Incorporation in SrTiO3 Photocatalysts

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Han, Kai; Lin, Yen Chun; Yang, Chia Min; Jong, Ronald; Mul, Guido; Mei, Bastian

2017-01-01

SrTiO3 is a well-known photocatalyst inducing overall water splitting when exposed to UV irradiation of wavelengths <370 nm. However, the apparent quantum efficiency of SrTiO3 is typically low, even when functionalized with nanoparticles of Pt or Ni@NiO. Here, we introduce a simple solid-state

SISGR - Design and Characterization of Novel Photocatalysts With Core-Shell Nanostructures

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zaera, Francisco [Univ. of California, Riverside, CA (United States). Dept. of Chemistry; Bardeen, Christopher J. [Univ. of California, Riverside, CA (United States). Dept. of Chemistry; Yin, Yadong [Univ. of California, Riverside, CA (United States). Dept. of Chemistry

2017-03-15

The overall goal of this project has been to develop new a new and novel class of well-characterized nanostructured Metal@TiO₂ core-shell and yolk-shell photocatalysts to address two fundamental issues presently limiting this field: (1) the fast recombination of electron-hole pairs once generated by light absorption, and (2) the recombination of H₂ and O₂ on the metal surface once produced. These model samples are also used to study the fundamentals of the photocatalytic processes.

The effects of the bacterial interaction with visible-light responsive titania photocatalyst on the bactericidal performance

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cheng Chia-Liang

2009-01-01

Full Text Available Abstract Bactericidal activity of traditional titanium dioxide (TiO2 photocatalyst is effective only upon irradiation by ultraviolet light, which restricts the potential applications of TiO2 for use in our living environments. Recently carbon-containing TiO2 was found to be photoactive at visible-light illumination that affords the potential to overcome this problem; although, the bactericidal activity of these photocatalysts is relatively lower than conventional disinfectants. Evidenced from scanning electron microscopy and confocal Raman spectral mapping analysis, we found the interaction with bacteria was significantly enhanced in these anatase/rutile mixed-phase carbon-containing TiO2. Bacteria-killing experiments indicate that a significantly higher proportion of all tested pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri and Acinetobacter baumannii, were eliminated by the new nanoparticle with higher bacterial interaction property. These findings suggest the created materials with high bacterial interaction ability might be a useful strategy to improve the antimicrobial activity of visible-light-activated TiO2.

Antibacterial Activity of Hydrophobic Composite Materials Containing a Visible-Light-Sensitive Photocatalyst

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kentaro Yamauchi

2011-01-01

Full Text Available The conventional superhydrophobic surface offered by PTFE provides no sterilization performance and is not sufficiently repellent against organic liquids. These limit PTFE's application in the field of disinfection and result a lack of durability. N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst added PTFE composite material was developed to remedy these shortcomings. This paper reports the surface characteristics, and the bactericidal and self-cleaning performance of the newly-developed composite material. The material exhibited a contact angle exceeding 150 degrees consistent with its hydrophobicity despite the inclusion of the hydrophilic N-doped TiO2. The surface free energy obtained for this composite was 5.8 mN/m. Even when exposed to a weak fluorescent light intensity (100 lx for 24 hours, the viable cells of gram-negative E. coli on the 12% N-doped TiO2-PTFE film were reduced 5 logs. The higher bactericidal activity was also confirmed on the gram-positive MRSA. Compared with the N-doped TiO2 coating only, the inactivation rate of the composite material was significantly enhanced. Utilizing the N-doped TiO2 with the PTFE composite coating could successfully remove, by UV illumination, oleic acid adsorbed on its surface. These results demonstrate the potential applicability of the novel N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst hydrophobic composite material for both indoor antibacterial action and outdoor contamination prevention.

Preparation of Ag{sub 2}O/Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/MWNTs composite photocatalysts for enhancement of ciprofloxacin degradation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Huiqin [School of Materials Science & Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China); Li, Jinze [School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China); Huo, Pengwei, E-mail: huopw1@163.com [School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China); Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China); Yan, Yongsheng [School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China); Institute of Green Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China); Guan, Qingfeng [School of Materials Science & Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China)

2016-03-15

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Ag{sub 2}O/Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/MWNTs were prepared by calcination of the obtained precipitate. • The holes were main contributor for the degradation processes of ciprofloxacin. • The synergistic effect enhanced the activity and stability of composites. - Abstract: The Ag{sub 2}O/Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNTs) composite photocatalysts were prepared by calcination of the obtained precipitate. The structures and morphology of as-prepared composite photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Ag{sub 2}O/Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/MWNTs composite photocatalysts exhibit higher degradation rate of ciprofloxacin (CIP) than the pure Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}, Ag{sub 2}O/Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3} and Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/MWNTs under visible light irradiation. The amount of loaded Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3} onto MWNTs and calcined time for Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/MWNTs were systematically investigated, and the optimal amount of loaded Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3} and calcined time of Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/MWNTs are 150 wt% and 10 min, respectively. The highest photocatalytic degradation rate of CIP could reach 76% under optimal conditions. The active species trapping experiments were also analyzed, the results show that the holes are main contributor for the degradation processes of CIP, furthermore the electrons, ·O{sub 2}{sup −} and ·OH are also crucially influenced the photocatalytic degradation processes of CIP. The possible photocatalytic processes of CIP with Ag{sub 2}O/Ag{sub 2}CO{sub 3}/MWNTs composite photocatalyst are also proposed.

A novel CD4-conjugated ultraviolet light-activated photocatalyst inactivates HIV-1 and SIV efficiently.

Science.gov (United States)

Yamaguchi, Koushi; Sugiyama, Takahiro; Kato, Shinji; Kondo, Yoichi; Ageyama, Naohide; Kanekiyo, Masaru; Iwata, Misao; Koyanagi, Yoshio; Yamamoto, Naoki; Honda, Mitsuo

2008-08-01

In this study, we found that the electric potential derived from the redox reaction of ultraviolet (UV)-illuminated CD4-conjugated titanium dioxide (TiO2) inactivated a wide range of high-titered primary HIV-1 isolates, regardless of virus co-receptor usage or genetic clade. In vitro incubation of HIV-1 isolates with CD4-conjugated TiO2 (CD4-TiO2) followed by UV illumination led to inhibition of viral infectivity in both H9 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells as well as to the complete inactivation of plasma virions from HIV-1-infected individuals. Treatment with a newly established extra-corporeal circulation system with the photocatalyst in rhesus macaques completely inactivated plasma virus in the system and effectively reduced the infectious plasma viral load. Furthermore, plasma viremia and infectious viral loads were controlled following a second therapeutic photocatalyst treatment during primary SIV(mac239) infection of macaques. Our findings suggest that this therapeutic immunophysical strategy may help control human immunodeficiency viral infection in vivo.

Evaluation of the photocatalytic ability of a sol-gel-derived MgO-ZrO2 oxide material

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ciesielczyk Filip

2017-02-01

Full Text Available This paper deals with the synthesis and characterization of a novel group of potential photocatalysts, based on sol-gel-derived MgO-ZrO2 oxide material. The material was synthesized in a typical sol-gel system using organic precursors of magnesia and zirconia, ammonia as a promoter of hydrolysis and methanol as a solvent. All materials were thoroughly analyzed, including morphology and particle sizes, chemical composition, identification of characteristic functional groups, porous structure parameters and crystalline structure. The proposed methodology of synthesis resulted in obtaining pure MgO-ZrO2 oxide material with micrometric-sized particles and a relatively high surface area. The samples underwent an additional calcination process which led to the crystalline phase of zirconia being formed. The key element of the study was the evaluation of the effectiveness of decomposition of C.I. Basic Blue 9 dye. It was shown that the calcined materials exhibit both satisfactory adsorption and photocatalytic activity with respect to the decomposition of a selected model organic impurity. Total dye removal varied in the range of 50-70%, and was strongly dependent on process parameters such as quantity of photocatalyst, time of irradiation, and the addition of promoters.

Continuous-flow photocatalytic treatment of pharmaceutical micropollutants: Activity, inhibition, and deactivation of TiO2 photocatalysts in wastewater effluent

KAUST Repository

Carbonaro, Sean; Sugihara, Matthew N.; Strathmann, Timothy J.

2013-01-01

for the purpose of studying the activity, inhibition, and deactivation of immobilized TiO2 photocatalysts during water treatment applications. As a demonstration, degradation of four pharmaceutical micropollutants (iopromide, acetaminophen, sulfamethoxazole

Studies on surface structures and mechanism of photocatalytic action of semiconductor oxides; Handotai hikari shokubai no hyomen kozo seigyo to sayo kiko kaimei ni kansuru kenkyu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Takeuchi, H; Sona, S; Koike, H; Hori, H; Negishi, N; Kohara, H; Ibusuki, A [National Institute for Resources and Environment, Tsukuba (Japan); Vakhtin, A; Borovkov, V [New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, Tokyo, (Japan)

1997-02-01

Studies are made to define the working mechanism of semiconductor photocatalysts such as TiO2 and to establish designing guidelines for improving on their activity and functions. TiO2 in the air actively produces oxygen seeds for the oxidation and removal of NOx, etc. It is desired that a catalyst have a specific surface area large enough to retain the product of its action. To meet the need, a thin-film photocatalyst which is an aggregate of TiO2 crystals is produced by burning a film of a sol/gel system of reaction doped with macromolecules. This product has a larger specific surface area and is higher in pollutant-removing performance, and may be put into practical use. In another experiment, metal-carrying particles TiO2 suspended in water are employed for the reduction of CO2. Though the main product of catalysts carrying Pt or Pd is methane, a photocatalyst carrying RuO2 produces acetic acid mainly and loses less activity with the passage of time. A hybrid photocatalyst is composed of an organic pigment and inorganic semiconductor, synthesized through a covalent bond between a sililated-surface thin TiO2 film and porphyrin. It is confirmed that the newly developed process brings about an increase in electron migration efficiency. 3 figs.

Photoelectrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production using combination of CIGS2 solar cell and RuO2 photocatalyst

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dhere, Neelkanth G.; Jahagirdar, Anant H.

2005-01-01

This paper presents the development of photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell for water splitting setup using multiple band gap combination of CuIn 1-x Ga x S 2 (CIGS2) thin-film photovoltaic (PV) cell and ruthenium oxide (RuO 2 ) photocatalyst. FSEC PV Materials Lab has developed a PEC setup consisting of two illuminated CIGS2 cells, a ruthenium oxide (RuO 2 ) anode deposited on titanium sheet for oxygen evolution and a platinum foil cathode for hydrogen evolution. With this combination, a PEC efficiency of 4.29% has been achieved. This paper also presents the research aimed at further improvements in the PEC efficiency by employing highly efficient photoanode that can be illuminated by photons not absorbed at the PV cell and by increasing the concentration of electrolyte solution (pH 10). The former will be achieved by employing a p-type transparent and conducting layer at the back of PV cell to transmit the unabsorbed photons, and the latter will reduce the resistance offered by the electrolyte. Concentration of the electrolyte was increased by five times, and the I-V characteristics of both RuO 2 and RuS 2 were measured with and without illumination. The results indicate that PEC efficiencies of over 9% can be achieved using RuS 2 with illumination and five times concentrated pH 10 solution instead of pH 10 with normal concentration

BiVO4 -TiO2 Composite Photocatalysts for Dye Degradation Formed Using the SILAR Method.

Science.gov (United States)

Odling, Gylen; Robertson, Neil

2016-09-19

Composite photocatalyst films have been fabricated by depositing BiVO4 upon TiO2 via a sequential ionic layer adsorption reaction (SILAR) method. The photocatalytic materials were investigated by XRD, TEM, UV/Vis diffuse reflectance, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), XPS, photoluminescence and Mott-Schottky analyses. SILAR processing was found to deposit monoclinic-scheelite BiVO4 nanoparticles onto the surface, giving successive improvements in the films' visible light harvesting. Electrochemical and valence band XPS studies revealed that the prepared heterojunctions have a type II band structure, with the BiVO4 conduction band and valence band lying cathodically shifted from those of TiO2 . The photocatalytic activity of the films was measured by the decolourisation of the dye rhodamine 6G using λ>400 nm visible light. It was found that five SILAR cycles was optimal, with a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 0.004 min(-1) . As a reference material, the same SILAR modification has been made to an inactive wide-band-gap ZrO2 film, where the mismatch of conduction and valence band energies disallows charge separation. The photocatalytic activity of the BiVO4 -ZrO2 system was found to be significantly reduced, highlighting the importance of charge separation across the interface. The mechanism of action of the photocatalysts has also been investigated, in particular the effect of self-sensitisation by the model organic dye and the ability of the dye to inject electrons into the photocatalyst's conduction band. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Synthesis and characterization of CuGeO3 photocatalyst using Green Chemistry and its application for the degradation of direct black dye

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ashok. V. Borhade

2013-03-01

Full Text Available In this paper, we report synthesis of CuGeO3 photocatalyst by mechanochemical, solid state synthesis, method with green chemistry approach. The product obtained was characterized by various investigative techniques like UV-Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, and BET Surface area. The study confirm orthorhombic pervoskite crystal structure of photocatalyst with band gap 3.7 eV. The photocatalytic activity of the catalysts CuGeO3 was evaluated by photochemical bleaching of Direct black dye, under sun light.

Visible-Light-Driven Hydrogen Evolution Using Planarized Conjugated Polymer Photocatalysts.

Science.gov (United States)

Sprick, Reiner Sebastian; Bonillo, Baltasar; Clowes, Rob; Guiglion, Pierre; Brownbill, Nick J; Slater, Benjamin J; Blanc, Frédéric; Zwijnenburg, Martijn A; Adams, Dave J; Cooper, Andrew I

2016-01-26

Linear poly(p-phenylene)s are modestly active UV photocatalysts for hydrogen production in the presence of a sacrificial electron donor. Introduction of planarized fluorene, carbazole, dibenzo[b,d]thiophene or dibenzo[b,d]thiophene sulfone units greatly enhances the H 2 evolution rate. The most active dibenzo[b,d]thiophene sulfone co-polymer has a UV photocatalytic activity that rivals TiO 2 , but is much more active under visible light. The dibenzo[b,d]thiophene sulfone co-polymer has an apparent quantum yield of 2.3 % at 420 nm, as compared to 0.1 % for platinized commercial pristine carbon nitride.

Oxidation reactions catalyzed by cobalt ions in a photocatalytic system based on solutions of lecit hin vesicles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsvetkov, I.M.; Lymar, S.V.; Parmon, V.N.; Zamaraev, V.I.

1986-01-01

The features of the light-induced transfer of electrons through the membranes of lecithin vesicles with an electron carrier, viz., cetyl viologen, incorporated in the lipid bilayer have been studied with the use of the water-soluble trisbipyridyl complex of ruthenium (II) as a photocatalyst. It has been shown that additions of cobalt ions to the systems just indicated are capable of catalyzing the oxidation processes of organic compounds (most probably, of lecithin), the role of the oxidizing agent being played by Ru(bpy) 3 3+ , which forms upon the transfer of an electron to the acceptor Fe(CN) 6 3- through the lipid membrane The possibility of the utilization of the photocatalytic oxidation of water to oxygen under the action of visible light has been discussed

Mesoporous films of TiO2 as efficient photocatalysts for the purification of water

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Rathouský, Jiří; Kalousek, Vít; Kolář, Michal; Jirkovský, Jaromír

2011-01-01

Roč. 10, č. 3 (2011), s. 419-424 ISSN 1474-905X R&D Projects: GA ČR GA104/08/0435; GA ČR GD203/08/H032; GA MŠk 1M0577 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z40400503 Keywords : TiO2 * mesoporous films * photocatalyst Subject RIV: CF - Physical ; Theoretical Chemistry Impact factor: 2.584, year: 2011

Thin Solid Oxide Cell

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

2010-01-01

The present invention relates to a thin and in principle unsupported solid oxide cell, comprising at least a porous anode layer, an electrolyte layer and a porous cathode layer, wherein the anode layer and the cathode layer comprise an electrolyte material, at least one metal and a catalyst...... material, and wherein the overall thickness of the thin reversible cell is about 150 [mu]m or less, and to a method for producing same. The present invention also relates to a thin and in principle unsupported solid oxide cell, comprising at least a porous anode layer, an electrolyte layer and a porous...... cathode layer, wherein the anode layer and the cathode layer comprise an electrolyte material and a catalyst material, wherein the electrolyte material is doper zirconia, and wherein the overall thickness of the thin reversible cell is about 150 [mu]m or less, and to a method for producing same...

Ag/AgCl Loaded Bi2WO6 Composite: A Plasmonic Z-Scheme Visible Light-Responsive Photocatalyst

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xiangchao Meng

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Hierarchical flower-like Bi2WO6 was successfully synthesized by facile hydrothermal method at low pH. And Ag/AgCl was loaded by photoreduction on its surface. As-prepared photocatalysts were characterized by various techniques. Bi2WO6 was successfully synthesized at a size of 2-3 μm. Depositing Ag/AgCl did not destroy the crystal structure, and both Ag+ and metallic Ag0 were found. The band gap of the composite was 2.57 eV, which indicates that visible light could be the activating irradiation. In the photocatalytic activity test, the composite with 10 wt% Ag/AgCl boasted the highest removal efficiency (almost 100% in 45 min. The significant enhancement can be attributed to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR effect and the establishment of heterostructures between Ag/AgCl and Bi2WO6. A possible mechanism of photocatalytic oxidation in the presence of Ag/AgCl-Bi2WO6 was proposed. This work sheds light on the potential applications of plasmonic metals in photocatalysis to enhance their activities.

Surface Functionalization of g-C 3 N 4 : Molecular-Level Design of Noble-Metal-Free Hydrogen Evolution Photocatalysts

KAUST Repository

Chen, Yin; Lin, Bin; Yu, Weili; Yang, Yong; Bashir, Shahid M.; Wang, Hong; Takanabe, Kazuhiro; Idriss, Hicham; Basset, Jean-Marie

2015-01-01

A stable noble-metal-free hydrogen evolution photocatalyst based on graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was developed by a molecular-level design strategy. Surface functionalization was successfully conducted to introduce a single nickel active site

Methods for forming complex oxidation reaction products including superconducting articles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rapp, R.A.; Urquhart, A.W.; Nagelberg, A.S.; Newkirk, M.S.

1992-01-01

This patent describes a method for producing a superconducting complex oxidation reaction product of two or more metals in an oxidized state. It comprises positioning at least one parent metal source comprising one of the metals adjacent to a permeable mass comprising at least one metal-containing compound capable of reaction to form the complex oxidation reaction product in step below, the metal component of the at least one metal-containing compound comprising at least a second of the two or more metals, and orienting the parent metal source and the permeable mass relative to each other so that formation of the complex oxidation reaction product will occur in a direction towards and into the permeable mass; and heating the parent metal source in the presence of an oxidant to a temperature region above its melting point to form a body of molten parent metal to permit infiltration and reaction of the molten parent metal into the permeable mass and with the oxidant and the at least one metal-containing compound to form the complex oxidation reaction product, and progressively drawing the molten parent metal source through the complex oxidation reaction product towards the oxidant and towards and into the adjacent permeable mass so that fresh complex oxidation reaction product continues to form within the permeable mass; and recovering the resulting complex oxidation reaction product

Electrochemical energy storage devices comprising self-compensating polymers

Science.gov (United States)

Johnson, Paul; Bautista-Martinez, Jose Antonio; Friesen, Cody; Switzer, Elise

2018-01-30

The disclosed technology relates generally to devices comprising conductive polymers and more particularly to electrochemical devices comprising self-compensating conductive polymers. In one aspect, electrochemical energy storage device comprises a negative electrode comprising an active material including a redox-active polymer. The device additionally comprises a positive electrode comprising an active material including a redox-active polymer. The device further comprises an electrolyte material interposed between the negative electrode and positive electrode and configured to conduct mobile counterions therethrough between the negative electrode and positive electrode. At least one of the negative electrode redox-active polymer and the positive electrode redox-active polymer comprises a zwitterionic polymer unit configured to reversibly switch between a zwitterionic state in which the zwitterionic polymer unit has first and second charge centers having opposite charge states that compensate each other, and a non-zwitterionic state in which the zwitterionic polymer unit has one of the first and second charge centers whose charge state is compensated by mobile counterions.

Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of ytterbium-doped titania/diatomite composite photocatalysts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tang, Wenjian; Qiu, Kehui; Zhang, Peicong; Yuan, Xiqiang

2016-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Yb-doped TiO_2/diatomite composite photocatalysts were prepared by a sol-gel method. • Yb-doped TiO_2/diatomite photocatalysts show much higher photocatalytic activity. • The higher photodegradation rate is due to the effect of diatomite and Yb doping. - Abstract: Ytterbium-doped titanium dioxide (Yb-TiO_2)/diatomite composite materials with different Yb concentrations were prepared by sol–gel method. The phase structure, morphology, and chemical composition of the as-prepared composites were well characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflection spectroscopy. The XRD and Raman spectroscopy analysis indicated that the TiO_2 existed in the form of pure anatase in the composites. The SEM images exhibited the well deposition and dispersion of TiO_2 nanoparticles with little agglomeration on the surfaces of diatoms. The UV–vis diffuse reflection spectra showed that the band gap of TiO_2 could be narrowed by the introduction of Yb species, which was further affected by doping concentration of Yb. The photocatalytic activity of synthesized samples was investigated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV light irradiation. It was observed that the photocatalytic degradation followed a pseudo-first-order kinetics according to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. Compared to TiO_2 and TiO_2/diatomite, the Yb-TiO_2/diatomite composites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity toward degradation of MB using UV light irradiation.

Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of ytterbium-doped titania/diatomite composite photocatalysts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tang, Wenjian; Qiu, Kehui; Zhang, Peicong; Yuan, Xiqiang

2016-01-30

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Yb-doped TiO{sub 2}/diatomite composite photocatalysts were prepared by a sol-gel method. • Yb-doped TiO{sub 2}/diatomite photocatalysts show much higher photocatalytic activity. • The higher photodegradation rate is due to the effect of diatomite and Yb doping. - Abstract: Ytterbium-doped titanium dioxide (Yb-TiO{sub 2})/diatomite composite materials with different Yb concentrations were prepared by sol–gel method. The phase structure, morphology, and chemical composition of the as-prepared composites were well characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflection spectroscopy. The XRD and Raman spectroscopy analysis indicated that the TiO{sub 2} existed in the form of pure anatase in the composites. The SEM images exhibited the well deposition and dispersion of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles with little agglomeration on the surfaces of diatoms. The UV–vis diffuse reflection spectra showed that the band gap of TiO{sub 2} could be narrowed by the introduction of Yb species, which was further affected by doping concentration of Yb. The photocatalytic activity of synthesized samples was investigated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV light irradiation. It was observed that the photocatalytic degradation followed a pseudo-first-order kinetics according to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. Compared to TiO{sub 2} and TiO{sub 2}/diatomite, the Yb-TiO{sub 2}/diatomite composites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity toward degradation of MB using UV light irradiation.

TiO{sub 2} Processed by pressurized hot solvents as a novel photocatalyst for photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Reli, Martin, E-mail: martin.reli@vsb.cz [Institute of Environmental Technology, VŠB-TU Ostrava, 17. listopadu 15/2172, 708 33 Ostrava (Czech Republic); Kobielusz, Marcin [Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, ul. Ingardena 3, 30-060 Kraków (Poland); Matějová, Lenka [Institute of Environmental Technology, VŠB-TU Ostrava, 17. listopadu 15/2172, 708 33 Ostrava (Czech Republic); Daniš, Stanislav [Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University in Prague, Ke Karlovu 5, 121 16 Prague 2 (Czech Republic); Macyk, Wojciech [Centre ENET, VŠB-TU Ostrava, 17. listopadu 15/2172, 708 33 Ostrava (Czech Republic); Obalová, Lucie [Institute of Environmental Technology, VŠB-TU Ostrava, 17. listopadu 15/2172, 708 33 Ostrava (Czech Republic); Kuśtrowski, Piotr; Rokicińska, Anna [Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, ul. Ingardena 3, 30-060 Kraków (Poland); Kočí, Kamila [Institute of Environmental Technology, VŠB-TU Ostrava, 17. listopadu 15/2172, 708 33 Ostrava (Czech Republic); Centre ENET, VŠB-TU Ostrava, 17. listopadu 15/2172, 708 33 Ostrava (Czech Republic)

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Synthesis of anatase-brookite TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts has been described. • The materials photocatalyze carbon dioxide reduction to methane. • The photoactivity of the synthesized composites has been compared with the activity of anatase-rutile material (P25). • The influence of electronic structure on photocatalytic activity has been discussed. - Abstract: Anatase-brookite TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts were prepared by the sol-gel process controlled within reverse micelles and processing by pressurized hot solvents–water/methanol/water (TiO{sub 2}(M)) and water/ethanol/water (TiO{sub 2}(E)), as an unconventional alternative to common calcination. The main goal of this work was to prepare anatase-brookite mixtures by processing by two different alcohols (methanol and ethanol) and evaluate the influence of the alcohol on the photocatalytic activity. Prepared photocatalysts were characterized by organic elemental analysis, nitrogen physisorption, XRD, UV–vis, photoelectrochemical and spectroelectrochemical measurements and XPS. The prepared photocatalysts efficiency was tested on the photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide and compared with commercial TiO{sub 2} Evonik P25. Both prepared nanocomposites were more efficient towards methane production but Evonik P25 was the most efficient towards hydrogen generated through water splitting. The higher performance of anatase-brookite mixture towards methane production can be explained by (i) a higher photocatalytic activity of brookite than rutile; (ii) a large surface area of anatase-brookite composites enabling better carbon dioxide adsorption; (iii) the photoinduced electron transfer from the brookite conduction band to the anatase conduction band. On the other hand, a higher production of hydrogen in the presence of Evonik P25 is caused by a better charge separation in anatase-rutile than anatase-brookite phase compositions. TiO{sub 2}(M) appeared more active than TiO{sub 2}(E) in the

Semiconductor device comprising a pn-heterojunction

NARCIS (Netherlands)

2007-01-01

An electric device is disclosed comprising a pn-heterojunction ( 4 ) formed by a nanowire ( 3 ) of 111 -V semiconductor material and a semiconductor body ( 1 ) comprising a group IV semiconductor material. The nanowire ( 3 ) is positioned in direct contact with the surface ( 2 ) of the semiconductor

Hydrogen production over Au-loaded mesoporous-assembled SrTiO3 nanocrystal photocatalyst: Effects of molecular structure and chemical properties of hole scavengers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Puangpetch, Tarawipa; Chavadej, Sumaeth; Sreethawong, Thammanoon

2011-01-01

Graphical abstract: Formic acid, which is the smallest and completely-dissociated water-soluble carboxylic acid, exhibited the highest hydrogen production enhancement ability over the 1 wt.% Au-loaded mesoporous-assembled SrTiO 3 nanocrystal photocatalyst. Display Omitted Research highlights: → The 1 wt.% Au-loaded mesoporous-assembled SrTiO 3 nanocrystal photocatalyst was synthesized. → The molecular structure and chemical properties of hole scavengers affected H 2 production rate. → Formic acid exhibited the highest photocatalytic H 2 production enhancement ability. -- Abstract: The hydrogen production via the photocatalytic water splitting under UV irradiation using different compounds as hole scavengers (including methanol, formic acid, acetic acid, propanoic acid, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid) under a low concentration range ( 3 nanocrystal photocatalyst. The results indicated that the hydrogen production efficiency greatly depended on the molecular structure, chemical properties, and concentration of the hole scavengers. Formic acid, which is the smallest and completely-dissociated water-soluble carboxylic acid, exhibited the highest hydrogen production enhancement ability. The 2.5 vol.% aqueous formic acid solution system provided the highest photocatalytic hydrogen production rate.

Coating compositions comprising bismuth-alloyed zinc

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

2008-01-01

The present application discloses (i) a coating composition comprising a particulate zinc-based alloyed material, said material comprising 0.05-0.7% by weight of bismuth (Bi), the D50 of the particulate material being in the range of 2.5-30 µm; (ii) a coated structure comprising a metal structure...... having a first coating of the zinc-containing coating composition applied onto at least a part of the metal structure in a dry film thickness of 5-100 µm; and an outer coating applied onto said zinc-containing coating in a dry film thickness of 30-200 µm; (iii) a particulate zinc-based alloyed material......, wherein the material comprises 0.05-0.7%(w/w) of bismuth (Bi), and wherein the D50 of the particulate material is in the range of 2.5-30 µm; (iv) a composite powder consisting of at least 25%(w/w) of the particulate zinc-based alloyed material, the rest being a particulate material consisting of zinc...

High performance sulfur, nitrogen and carbon doped mesoporous anatase–brookite TiO2 photocatalyst for the removal of microcystin-LR under visible light irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

El-Sheikh, Said M.; Zhang, Geshan; El-Hosainy, Hamza M.; Ismail, Adel A.; O'Shea, Kevin E.; Falaras, Polycarpos; Kontos, Athanassios G.; Dionysiou, Dionysios D.

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Synthesis of tailor-designed C, N and S doped titania anatase–brookite nano-heterojunction photocatalyst. • Microcystin-LR was completely removed in the presence of doped sample under visible light. • The MC-LR degradation rate achieved by the doped sample was much better than that of un-doped sample under visible light. - Abstract: Carbon, nitrogen and sulfur (C, N and S) doped mesoporous anatase–brookite nano-heterojunction titania photocatalysts have been synthesized through a simple sol–gel method in the presence of triblock copolymer Pluronic P123. XRD and Raman spectra revealed the formation of anatase and brookite mixed phases. XPS spectra indicated the presence of C, N and S dopants. The TEM images demonstrated the formation of almost monodisperse titania nanoparticles with particle sizes of approximately 10 nm. N 2 isotherm measurements confirmed that both doped and undoped titania anatase–brookite materials have mesoporous structure. The photocatalytic degradation of the cyanotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) has been investigated using these novel nanomaterials under visible light illumination. The photocatalytic efficiency of the mesoporous titania anatase–brookite photocatalyst dramatically increased with the addition of the C, N and S non-metal, achieving complete degradation (∼100%) of MC-LR. The results demonstrate the advantages of the synthetic approach and the great potential of the visible light activated C, N, and S doped titania photocatalysts for the treatment of organic micropollutants in contaminated waters under visible light

Band-gap engineering and comparative investigation of Ti2Nb10O29 photocatalysts obtained by Various synthetic routes

Science.gov (United States)

Xie, Meiling; Zhu, Hekai; Fang, Minghao; Huang, Zhaohui; Liu, Yan'gai; Wu, Xiaowen

2018-03-01

Ti2Nb10O29 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by three different methods. Ti2Nb10O29 fabricated by the solvothermal method (ST-TNO) exhibited unique microspheres compared to the larger irregular particles observed for the samples annealed in air (Air-TNO) and Ar (Ar-TNO). X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) results revealed that a partial reduction process from Ti4+ into Ti3+ occurs in Ar-TNO, because of the introduction of oxygen defects. Ar-TNO exhibited visible-light absorption with a band gap of 2.85 eV, while the absorption edges of Air-TNO and ST-TNO were approximately 400 nm. Under UV light irradiation (λ semiconductors. Moreover, the novel semiconductor photocatalyst can be further applied for constructing the heterojunction and designing the band structure.

Nano-sized quaternary CuGa2In3S8 as an efficient photocatalyst for solar hydrogen production

KAUST Repository

Kandiel, Tarek; Anjum, Dalaver H.; Takanabe, Kazuhiro

2014-01-01

The synthesis of quaternary metal sulfide (QMS) nanocrystals is challenging because of the difficulty to control their stoichiometry and phase structure. Herein, quaternary CuGa2In3S8 photocatalysts with a primary particle size of ≈4nm

Novel hybrid materials based on the vanadium oxide nanobelts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zabrodina, G.S., E-mail: kudgs@mail.ru [G.A. Razuvaev Institute of Organometallic Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, Nizhny Novgorod 603950 (Russian Federation); Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod 603950 (Russian Federation); Makarov, S.G.; Kremlev, K.V. [G.A. Razuvaev Institute of Organometallic Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, Nizhny Novgorod 603950 (Russian Federation); Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod 603950 (Russian Federation); Yunin, P.A.; Gusev, S.A. [Institute for Physics of Microstructures Russian Academy of Sciences, Nizhny Novgorod 603087 (Russian Federation); Kaverin, B.S.; Kaverina, L.B. [G.A. Razuvaev Institute of Organometallic Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, Nizhny Novgorod 603950 (Russian Federation); Ketkov, S.Yu. [G.A. Razuvaev Institute of Organometallic Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, Nizhny Novgorod 603950 (Russian Federation); Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod 603950 (Russian Federation)

2016-04-15

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Flat and curved vanadium oxide nanobelts have been synthesized. • Hybrid material was prepared via decoration of flexible nanobelts with zinc phthalocyanine. • Investigations of the thermal stability, morphologies and structures were carried out. - Abstract: Novel hybrid materials based on zinc phthalocyanine and nanostructured vanadium oxides have attracted extensive attention for the development of academic research and innovative industrial applications such as flexible electronics, optical sensors and heterogeneous catalysts. Vanadium oxides nanobelts were synthesized via a hydrothermal treatment V{sub 2}O{sub 5}·nH{sub 2}O gel with surfactants (TBAB, CTAB) used as structure-directing agents, where CTAB – cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, TBAB – tetrabutylammonium bromide. Hybrid materials were prepared decoration of (CTA){sub 0.33}V{sub 2}O{sub 5} flexible nanobelts with cationic zinc phthalocyanine by the ion-exchange route. Investigations of the thermal stability, morphologies and structures of the (CTA){sub 0.33}V{sub 2}O{sub 5}, (TBA){sub 0.16}V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanobelts and zinc phthalocyanine exchange product were carried out. The hybrid materials based on the nanostructured vanadium oxide and zinc phthalocyanine were tested as photocatalysts for oxidation of citronellol and 2-mercaptoethanol by dioxygen.

Cationic electrodepositable coating composition comprising lignin

Science.gov (United States)

Fenn, David; Bowman, Mark P; Zawacky, Steven R; Van Buskirk, Ellor J; Kamarchik, Peter

2013-07-30

A cationic electrodepositable coating composition is disclosed. The present invention in directed to a cationic electrodepositable coating composition comprising a lignin-containing cationic salt resin, that comprises (A) the reaction product of: lignin, an amine, and a carbonyl compound; (B) the reaction product of lignin, epichlorohydrin, and an amine; or (C) combinations thereof.

Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Z-Scheme Overall Water Splitting Using a MgTa2O(6-x)N(y)/TaON Heterostructure Photocatalyst for H2 Evolution.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Shanshan; Qi, Yu; Hisatomi, Takashi; Ding, Qian; Asai, Tomohiro; Li, Zheng; Ma, Su Su Khine; Zhang, Fuxiang; Domen, Kazunari; Li, Can

2015-07-13

An (oxy)nitride-based heterostructure for powdered Z-scheme overall water splitting is presented. Compared with the single MgTa2O(6-x)N(y) or TaON photocatalyst, a MgTa2O(6-x)N(y)/TaON heterostructure fabricated by a simple one-pot nitridation route was demonstrated to effectively suppress the recombination of carriers by efficient spatial charge separation and decreased defect density. By employing Pt-loaded MgTa2O(6-x)N(y)/TaON as a H2-evolving photocatalyst, a Z-scheme overall water splitting system with an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 6.8% at 420 nm was constructed (PtO(x)-WO3 and IO3(-)/I(-) pairs were used as an O2-evolving photocatalyst and a redox mediator, respectively), the activity of which is circa 7 or 360 times of that using Pt-TaON or Pt-MgTa2O(6-x)N)y) as a H2-evolving photocatalyst, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest AQE among the powdered Z-scheme overall water splitting systems ever reported. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Synthesis of surface molecular imprinted TiO{sub 2}/graphene photocatalyst and its highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of target pollutant under visible light irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lai, Cui, E-mail: laicui@hnu.edu.cn [College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan (China); Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, Hunan (China); Wang, Man-Man [College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan (China); Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, Hunan (China); Zeng, Guang-Ming, E-mail: zgming@hnu.edu.cn [College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan (China); Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, Hunan (China); Liu, Yun-Guo; Huang, Dan-Lian; Zhang, Chen; Wang, Rong-Zhong; Xu, Piao; Cheng, Min; Huang, Chao; Wu, Hai-Peng; Qin, Lei [College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan (China); Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, Hunan (China)

2016-12-30

Highlights: • The surface molecular imprinting technique was successfully combined with photocatalyst. • Molecularly imprinted photocatalyst exhibits recognition ability to the target molecules. • MIP-TiO{sub 2}/GR shows higher adsorption capacity and selectivity than NIP-TiO{sub 2}/GR. • The photocatalytic activity of MIP-TiO{sub 2}/GR is enhanced for target molecules. - Abstract: The molecular imprinted TiO{sub 2}/graphene photocatalyst (MIP-TiO{sub 2}/GR) was successfully prepared with bisphenol A (BPA) as the template molecule (target pollutant) and o-phenylenediamine (OPDA) as functional monomers by the surface molecular imprinting method. The combination between BPA and OPDA led to the formation of the precursor, and the subsequent polymerization of OPDA initiated by ultraviolet radiation can ensure the realization of MIP-TiO{sub 2}/GR. The samples were characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD, BET, UV–vis DRS and Zeta potential. In addition, adsorption capacities, adsorption selectivity and visible light photocatalytic performances of MIP-TiO{sub 2}/GR and non-imprinted TiO{sub 2}/graphene (NIP-TiO{sub 2}/GR) were evaluated. Moreover, the effects of pH and initial BPA concentration on removal efficiency of BPA were also investigated. The results showed that MIP-TiO{sub 2}/GR exhibited better adsorption capacity and adsorption selectivity towards the template molecule compared to NIP-TiO{sub 2}/GR due to the imprinted cavities on the surface of MIP-TiO{sub 2}/GR. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of MIP-TiO{sub 2}/GR toward the target molecules was stronger than that of NIP-TiO{sub 2}/GR as a result of large adsorption capacity to target molecules and narrow band gap energy on MIP-TiO{sub 2}/GR. Therefore, modifying the photocatalyst by the surface molecular imprinting is a promising method to improve the molecule recognition and photocatalytic efficiency of photocatalyst for target pollutant.

Photoelectrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production using combination of CIGS2 solar cell and RuO{sub 2} photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dhere, Neelkanth G. [University of Central Florida, Florida Solar Energy Center, 1679 Clearlake Road Cocoa, FL 32922-5703 (United States)]. E-mail: dhere@fsec.ucf.edu; Jahagirdar, Anant H. [University of Central Florida, Florida Solar Energy Center, 1679 Clearlake Road Cocoa, FL 32922-5703 (United States)

2005-06-01

This paper presents the development of photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell for water splitting setup using multiple band gap combination of CuIn{sub 1-x}Ga {sub x}S{sub 2} (CIGS2) thin-film photovoltaic (PV) cell and ruthenium oxide (RuO{sub 2}) photocatalyst. FSEC PV Materials Lab has developed a PEC setup consisting of two illuminated CIGS2 cells, a ruthenium oxide (RuO{sub 2}) anode deposited on titanium sheet for oxygen evolution and a platinum foil cathode for hydrogen evolution. With this combination, a PEC efficiency of 4.29% has been achieved. This paper also presents the research aimed at further improvements in the PEC efficiency by employing highly efficient photoanode that can be illuminated by photons not absorbed at the PV cell and by increasing the concentration of electrolyte solution (pH 10). The former will be achieved by employing a p-type transparent and conducting layer at the back of PV cell to transmit the unabsorbed photons, and the latter will reduce the resistance offered by the electrolyte. Concentration of the electrolyte was increased by five times, and the I-V characteristics of both RuO{sub 2} and RuS{sub 2} were measured with and without illumination. The results indicate that PEC efficiencies of over 9% can be achieved using RuS{sub 2} with illumination and five times concentrated pH 10 solution instead of pH 10 with normal concentration.

Effects of Zn2+ and Pb2+ dopants on the activity of Ga2O3-based photocatalysts for water splitting.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Xiang; Shen, Shuai; Jin, Shaoqing; Yang, Jingxiu; Li, Mingrun; Wang, Xiuli; Han, Hongxian; Li, Can

2013-11-28

Zn-doped and Pb-doped β-Ga2O3-based photocatalysts were prepared by an impregnation method. The photocatalyst based on the Zn-doped β-Ga2O3 shows a greatly enhanced activity in water splitting while the Pb-doped β-Ga2O3 one shows a dramatic decrease in activity. The effects of Zn(2+) and Pb(2+) dopants on the activity of Ga2O3-based photocatalysts for water splitting were investigated by HRTEM, XPS and time-resolved IR spectroscopy. A ZnGa2O4-β-Ga2O3 heterojunction is formed in the surface region of the Zn-doped β-Ga2O3 and a slower decay of photogenerated electrons is observed. The ZnGa2O4-β-Ga2O3 heterojunction exhibits type-II band alignment and facilitates charge separation, thus leading to an enhanced photocatalytic activity for water splitting. Unlike Zn(2+) ions, Pb(2+) ions are coordinated by oxygen atoms to form polyhedra as dopants, resulting in distorted surface structure and fast decay of photogenerated electrons of β-Ga2O3. These results suggest that the Pb dopants act as charge recombination centers expediting the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes, thus decreasing the photocatalytic activity.

TiO2 based photo-catalysts prepared by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) on micro-fibrous substrates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sarantopoulos, Ch.

2007-10-01

This thesis deals with micro-fibrous glass substrates functionalized with TiO 2 . The oxide is deposited as a thin film onto the micro fibres by chemical vapour infiltration (CVI), yielding a photo-catalytic material usable for cleaning polluted air. We studied the relation between the structure of the material and its photo-catalytic efficiency. TiO 2 thin films were prepared at low pressure, in a hot-wall CVD reactor, using Ti(O-iPr) 4 as a precursor. They were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX, XPS and BET, and by recording the kinetics of decomposition of varied pollutants in solution (orange G, malic acid, imazapyr) and in air (toluene). The conditions favoring the growth of porous films through a columnar growth mode were established by MOCVD-depositing TiO 2 thin films on flat substrates. The subsequent works with micro fibrous thick substrates showed the uniformity of infiltration to be the main factor governing the photo-catalytic efficiency. Operating parameters that optimize infiltration do not yield columnar growth mode. A compromise is necessary. Our photo-catalysts are showing high efficiency comparable, if not higher, to those actually commercialized. These promising results are opening real perspectives for the proposed process. (author)

Solid oxide fuel cells fueled with reducible oxides

Science.gov (United States)

Chuang, Steven S.; Fan, Liang Shih

2018-01-09

A direct-electrochemical-oxidation fuel cell for generating electrical energy includes a cathode provided with an electrochemical-reduction catalyst that promotes formation of oxygen ions from an oxygen-containing source at the cathode, a solid-state reduced metal, a solid-state anode provided with an electrochemical-oxidation catalyst that promotes direct electrochemical oxidation of the solid-state reduced metal in the presence of the oxygen ions to produce electrical energy, and an electrolyte disposed to transmit the oxygen ions from the cathode to the solid-state anode. A method of operating a solid oxide fuel cell includes providing a direct-electrochemical-oxidation fuel cell comprising a solid-state reduced metal, oxidizing the solid-state reduced metal in the presence of oxygen ions through direct-electrochemical-oxidation to obtain a solid-state reducible metal oxide, and reducing the solid-state reducible metal oxide to obtain the solid-state reduced metal.

In-situ anatase phase stabilization of titania photocatalyst by sintering in presence of Zr4+ organic salts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Strini, Alberto; Sanson, Alessandra; Mercadelli, Elisa; Bendoni, Riccardo; Marelli, Marcello; Dal Santo, Vladimiro; Schiavi, Luca

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Existing commercial (P25) anatase was stabilized in-situ with Zr(IV) doping. • Highly active catalytic layers were obtained by screen-printing. • Increased thermal stability was demonstrated up to 200 °C without activity loss. • Enhanced activity was obtained because of the Zr(IV) doping. • Zirconium diffusion was assessed by STEM-EDS analysis. - Abstract: The direct in-situ stabilization of an anatase-based nanocrystalline photocatalyst (Degussa P25) was obtained by sintering the catalyst powder in presence of Zr 4+ organic salts. This approach allows the doping of an already-formed nanocrystalline photocatalyst instead of introducing the dopant in the crystal lattice during the catalyst synthesis. The procedure was demonstrated by the production of thick ceramic layers using the screen printing technique. This new method allows to easily stabilize the anatase phase 200 °C higher than the undoped P25 maintaining the same photocatalytic activity. The process was studied using specifically formulated screen-printing inks added with Zr 4+ organic salt at 1% and 2% Zr/Ti molar ratio. The anatase phase stability was investigated in the 500–900 °C temperature range analysing the resulting catalysts with XRD, TEM and (S)TEM-EDS. The catalytic activity of the screen-printed layers was assessed by measuring the degradation of toluene in air at ambient concentration (500 nmol m −3 ) and low UV-A irradiance (180 μW cm −2 ). The described in-situ stabilization method could be potentially applied to any deposition process involving already formed anatase photocatalyst, allowing higher sintering temperature and then an improved mechanical stability of the active layers without photocatalytic activity degradation

Performance of NiFe2O4-SiO2-TiO2 Magnetic Photocatalyst for the Effective Photocatalytic Reduction of Cr(VI in Aqueous Solutions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mike O. Ojemaye

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Investigation into the reduction of Cr(VI in aqueous solution was carried out through some batch photocatalytic studies. The photocatalysts used were silica coated nickel ferrite nanoparticles (NiFe2O4-SiO2, nickel ferrite titanium dioxide (NiFe2O4-TiO2, nickel ferrite silica titanium dioxide (NiFe2O4-SiO2-TiO2, and titanium dioxide (TiO2. The characterization of the materials prepared via stepwise synthesis using coprecipitation and sol-gel methods were carried out with the aid of X-ray diffraction (XRD, transmission electron microscopy (TEM, scanning electron microscopy (SEM, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM. The reduction efficiency was studied as a function of pH, photocatalyst dose, and contact time. The effects of silica interlayer between the magnetic photocatalyst materials reveal that reduction efficiency of NiFe2O4-SiO2-TiO2 towards Cr(VI was higher than that of NiFe2O4-TiO2. However, TiO2 was observed to have the highest reduction efficiency at all batch photocatalytic experiments. Kinetics study shows that photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI obeyed Langmuir-Hinshelwood model and first-order rate kinetics. Regenerability study also suggested that the photocatalyst materials can be reused.

A Stable, Narrow-Gap Oxyfluoride Photocatalyst for Visible-Light Hydrogen Evolution and Carbon Dioxide Reduction.

Science.gov (United States)

Kuriki, Ryo; Ichibha, Tom; Hongo, Kenta; Lu, Daling; Maezono, Ryo; Kageyama, Hiroshi; Ishitani, Osamu; Oka, Kengo; Maeda, Kazuhiko

2018-05-16

Mixed anion compounds such as oxynitrides and oxychalcogenides are recognized as potential candidates of visible-light-driven photocatalysts since, as compared with oxygen 2p orbitals, p orbitals of less electronegative anion (e.g., N 3- , S 2- ) can form a valence band that has more negative potential. In this regard, oxyfluorides appear unsuitable because of the higher electronegativity of fluorine. Here we show an exceptional case, an anion-ordered pyrochlore oxyfluoride Pb 2 Ti 2 O 5.4 F 1.2 that has a small band gap (ca. 2.4 eV). With suitable modification of Pb 2 Ti 2 O 5.4 F 1.2 by promoters such as platinum nanoparticles and a binuclear ruthenium(II) complex, Pb 2 Ti 2 O 5.4 F 1.2 worked as a stable photocatalyst for visible-light-driven H 2 evolution and CO 2 reduction. Density functional theory calculations have revealed that the unprecedented visible-light-response of Pb 2 Ti 2 O 5.4 F 1.2 arises from strong interaction between Pb-6s and O-2p orbitals, which is enabled by a short Pb-O bond in the pyrochlore lattice due to the fluorine substitution.

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.

Role of synergism effect of mixed metal oxides on molecular hydrogen formation from photocatalitic water splitting

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mahmudov, H.M.; Ismayilova, M.K.; Jafarova, N.A.; Azizova, K.V.

2017-01-01

The paper deals with hydrogen production using photocatalysis. In particular, we focus on the role of synergism on the reaction rate. For hydrogen production presented photocatalyst is composed of nanoAl_2O_3 and dispers TiO_2. Yet, the presence of the two mixed metal oxides together results in considerable enhancement of the reaction rate. The main reason for this is the increase of the charge carriers lifetime allowing for electron transfer to hydrogen ions and hole transfer to oxygen ions. It was investigated the mechanism of water splitting in presence of mixed nanocatalysed. It has been shown that the effect occurs during irradiation as a result of photooxidation of water with mixed metal oxides catalyst.

Amorphous semiconducting and conducting transparent metal oxide thin films and production thereof

Science.gov (United States)

Perkins, John; Van Hest, Marinus Franciscus Antonius Maria; Ginley, David; Taylor, Matthew; Neuman, George A.; Luten, Henry A.; Forgette, Jeffrey A.; Anderson, John S.

2010-07-13

Metal oxide thin films and production thereof are disclosed. An exemplary method of producing a metal oxide thin film may comprise introducing at least two metallic elements and oxygen into a process chamber to form a metal oxide. The method may also comprise depositing the metal oxide on a substrate in the process chamber. The method may also comprise simultaneously controlling a ratio of the at least two metallic elements and a stoichiometry of the oxygen during deposition. Exemplary amorphous metal oxide thin films produced according to the methods herein may exhibit highly transparent properties, highly conductive properties, and/or other opto-electronic properties.

Mechanism of NO Photocatalytic Oxidationon g-C3N4 Was Changed by Pd-QDs Modification

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yuhan Li

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Quantum dot (QD sensitization can increase the light absorption and electronic transmission of photocatalysts. However, limited studies have been conducted on the photocatalytic activity of photocatalysts after modification by noble metal QDs. In this study, we developed a simple method for fabricating Pd-QD-modified g-C3N4. Results showed that the modification of Pd-QDs can improve the NO photocatalytic oxidation activity of g-C3N4. Moreover, Pd-QD modification changed the NO oxidation mechanism from the synergistic action of h+ and O2− to the single action of ·OH. We found that the main reason for the mechanism change was that Pd-QD modification changed the molecular oxygen activation pathway from single-electron reduction to two-electron reduction. This study can not only develop a novel strategy for modifying Pd-QDs on the surface of photocatalysts, but also provides insight into the relationship between Pd-QD modification and the NO photocatalytic oxidation activity of semiconductor photocatalysts.

Facile one-step hydrothermal synthesis toward strongly coupled TiO{sub 2}/graphene quantum dots photocatalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Min, Shixiong, E-mail: sxmin@nun.edu.cn [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beifang University of Nationalities, Yinchuan, 750021, Ningxia Province (China); Hou, Jianhua; Lei, Yonggang; Ma, Xiaohua [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beifang University of Nationalities, Yinchuan, 750021, Ningxia Province (China); Lu, Gongxuan [State Key Laboratory for Oxo Synthesis and Selective Oxidation, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000 (China)

2017-02-28

Highlights: • TiO{sub 2}/GQDs composites were prepared by a facile one-step hydrothermal method. • GQDs were strongly coupled onto the surface of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles by this method. • The TiO{sub 2}/GQDs showed enhanced light absorption and charge separation efficiency. • The TiO{sub 2}/GQDs exhibited higher photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution activity than pure TiO{sub 2}. • GQDs play synergistic roles by acting as both photosensitizer and electron acceptor. - Abstract: The coupling of semiconductor photocatalysts with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) has been proven to be an effective strategy to enhance the photocatalytic and photoelectrical conversion performances of the resulted composites; however, the preparation of semiconductor/GQDs composites usually involves several time-inefficient and tedious post-treatment steps. Herein, we present a facile one-step hydrothermal route for the preparation of GQDs coupled TiO{sub 2} (TiO{sub 2}/GQDs) photocatalysts using 1,3,6-trinitropyrene (TNP) as the sole precursor of GQDs. During the hydrothermal process, TNP molecules undergo an intramolecular fusion to form GQDs, which simultaneously decorate on the surface of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles, leading to a strong surface interaction between the two components. The effective coupling of GQDs on TiO{sub 2} can effectively extend the light absorption of the TiO{sub 2} to visible region and enhance the charge separation efficiency of TiO{sub 2}/GQDs composites as a result of GQDs acting as a photosensitizer and an excellent electron acceptor. These key advances make the TiO{sub 2}/GQDs photocatalyst highly active towards the H{sub 2} evolution reaction, resulting in 7 and 3 times higher H{sub 2} evolution rate and photocurrent response at optimal GQDs content than TiO{sub 2} alone, respectively. This study provides a new methodology for the development of high-performance GQDs modified semiconductor photocatalysts for energy conversion applications.

Amperometric detection and electrochemical oxidation of aliphatic amines and ammonia on silver-lead oxide thin-film electrodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ge, Jisheng [Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (United States)

1996-01-08

This thesis comprises three parts: Electrocatalysis of anodic oxygen-transfer reactions: aliphatic amines at mixed Ag-Pb oxide thin-film electrodes; oxidation of ammonia at anodized Ag-Pb eutectic alloy electrodes; and temperature effects on oxidation of ethylamine, alanine, and aquated ammonia.

First-principles data-driven discovery of transition metal oxides for artificial photosynthesis

Science.gov (United States)

Yan, Qimin

We develop a first-principles data-driven approach for rapid identification of transition metal oxide (TMO) light absorbers and photocatalysts for artificial photosynthesis using the Materials Project. Initially focusing on Cr, V, and Mn-based ternary TMOs in the database, we design a broadly-applicable multiple-layer screening workflow automating density functional theory (DFT) and hybrid functional calculations of bulk and surface electronic and magnetic structures. We further assess the electrochemical stability of TMOs in aqueous environments from computed Pourbaix diagrams. Several promising earth-abundant low band-gap TMO compounds with desirable band edge energies and electrochemical stability are identified by our computational efforts and then synergistically evaluated using high-throughput synthesis and photoelectrochemical screening techniques by our experimental collaborators at Caltech. Our joint theory-experiment effort has successfully identified new earth-abundant copper and manganese vanadate complex oxides that meet highly demanding requirements for photoanodes, substantially expanding the known space of such materials. By integrating theory and experiment, we validate our approach and develop important new insights into structure-property relationships for TMOs for oxygen evolution photocatalysts, paving the way for use of first-principles data-driven techniques in future applications. This work is supported by the Materials Project Predictive Modeling Center and the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis through the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division, under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231. Computational resources also provided by the Department of Energy through the National Energy Supercomputing Center.

Preparation and property of magnetic photocatalyst BiOCl/Mn{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Feng, Shan; Xu, Longjun, E-mail: xulj@cqu.edu.cn; Liu, Chenglun [State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control (China); Du, Haigang [Liupanshui Normal University, Department of Mining Engineering (China); Xie, Taiping [State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control (China); Zhu, Qianqian [Chongqing University, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (China)

2017-02-15

The magnetic photocatalyst BiOCl/Mn{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} was prepared by impregnation-calcination method. The structure and properties of the prepared photocatalyst were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, UV–vis DRS, and VSM. Mn{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} inhibited the growth along (001) crystal face and promoted (110) crystal surface exposure of BiOCl. The as-prepared magnetic composite appeared flower-like microspheres assembled with nanosheets. The average crystallite size and the nanosheet thickness range of BiOCl/Mn{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} were 57.6 and 75.7–112.2 nm, respectively. The band gap energy (E{sub g}) of BiOCl/Mn{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} was 2.48 eV, which was lower than that of BiOCl. The saturation magnetization (Ms), coercive force (Hc), and remanent magnetization (Mr) of BiOCl/Mn{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} were respectively 4.64 emu g{sup −1}, 50.12 G and 0.09 emu g{sup −1}, indicating a good resistance to demagnetization and paramagnetism. The optimum synthesis condition of BiOCl/Mn{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} was obtained by orthogonal experiments, and the degradation ratio of RhB with the photocatalyst was 99.6% at 30 min. After four cycles, the degradation ratio of RhB with the recovered photocatalyst was still above 83%.

Convenient synthesis of magnetically recyclable Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@C@CdS photocatalysts by depositing CdS nanocrystals on carbonized ferrocene

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Dan [Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004 (China); Xie, Jianjian [Department of Materials Physics, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004 (China); Zhang, Yong; Qiao, Ru [Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004 (China); Li, Sheng [Department of Materials Physics, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004 (China); Li, Zhengquan, E-mail: zqli@zjnu.edu.cn [Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004 (China); Department of Materials Physics, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004 (China)

2015-10-15

Development of magnetic visible-light-driven photocatalysts is desirable to the practical application of photocatalyts for collection and recycling use. Here we present a facile approach to synthesize Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@C@CdS magnetic photocatalysts which can avoid multi-step preparation process. Through one-step solvothermal carbonization of ferrocene, the produced carbon-coated Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} clusters can serve as both magnetic cores and deposition substrates for in situ generating crystalline CdS nanocrystals on them by rapid microwave irradiation. The prepared Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@C@CdS nanoparticles exhibit a uniform core–shell structure and display good photocatalytic activity and recyclability in the degradation of organic dyes. These magnetic photocatalysts may find potential application in wastewater treatment for the future environment remedy. - Highlights: • A rapid strategy is presented to obtain multifunctional core–shell nanostructures. • Magnetic visible-light-driven Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@C@CdS nanophotocatalysts are synthesized. • Carbonized ferrocene can provide both magnetic cores and good deposition substrate. • Photocatalytic and recyclable properties of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@C@CdS nanoparticles are explored.

Risk assessment of TiO2 photocatalyst by individual micrometer-size particle analysis with on-site combination of SEM-EDX and SR-XANES microscope

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kawai, Jun; Ishii, Hideshi; Matsui, Yasuto; Terada, Yasuko; Tanabe, Teruo; Uchiyama, Iwao

2007-01-01

Applications of synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF) microscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are reported. Electron beam excited and synchrotron radiation induced X-ray emission spectra of the same yellow sand single particles are reported and compared. The Ti-K edge absorption fine structure of single microparticles of TiO 2 (rutile, anatase, and a photocatalyst aerosol) are recorded by using monochromatic synchrotron radiation of tunable energy. It is shown that the discrimination between rutile and anatase is possible. Based on the single particle speciation, the toxicity of photocatalyst aerosol powder is discussed

Facile fabrication of Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3}/SnS{sub 2} heterojunction photocatalysts with efficient photocatalytic activity under visible light

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gao, Xiaomin; Huang, Guanbo [Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China); Gao, Haihuan [Tianjin Fourth Middle School, Tianjin 300021 (China); Pan, Cheng; Wang, Huan [Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China); Yan, Jing, E-mail: yanjingls2012@163.com [Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China); Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072 (China); Liu, Yu [Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China); Qiu, Haixia [Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China); Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072 (China); Ma, Ning [Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China); Gao, Jianping [Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China); Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072 (China)

2016-07-25

In this work, Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3}/SnS{sub 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{sub 2}S{sub 3} in Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3}/SnS{sub 2} was 7.95 wt%, the as-prepared Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3}/SnS{sub 2} nanocomposite showed the best photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MO. The highly improved performance of the Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3}/SnS{sub 2} nanocomposite was mainly ascribed to the efficient charge separation. - Highlights: • Facile fabrication of novel Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3}/SnS{sub 2} heterojunction photocatalysts. • High-performance photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants. • Good recyclability of catalyst without photo-corrosion. • The photocatalytic mechanism was proposed.

Favorable recycling photocatalyst TiO2/CFA: Effects of loading percent of TiO2 on the structural property and photocatalytic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shi Jianwen; Chen Shaohua; Ye Zhilong; Wang Shumei; Wu Peng

2010-01-01

A series of photocatalysts TiO 2 /CFA were prepared using coal fly ash (CFA), waste discharged from coal-fired power plant, as substrate, and then these photocatalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction analysis, nitrogen adsorption test and ultraviolet-visible absorption analysis. The effects of loading percent of TiO 2 on the photocatalytic activity and re-use property of TiO 2 /CFA were evaluated by the photocatalytic decoloration and mineralization of methyl orange solution. The results show that the pore volume and the specific surface area of the TiO 2 /CFA both increased with the increase in the loading percent of TiO 2 , which improved the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 /CFA. However, when the loading percent of TiO 2 was too high (up to 54.51%), superfluous TiO 2 was easy to break away from CFA in the course of water treatment, which was disadvantaged to the recycling property of TiO 2 /CFA. In this study, the optimal loading percent of TiO 2 was 49.97%, and the efficiencies of photocatalytic decoloration and mineralization could be maintained above 99% and 90%, respectively, when the photocatalyst was used repeatedly, without any decline, even at the sixth cycle.

Guidelines to Develop Efficient Photocatalysts for Water Splitting

KAUST Repository

Garcia Esparza, Angel T.

2016-04-03

Photocatalytic overall water splitting is the only viable solar-to-fuel conversion technology. The research discloses an investigation process wherein by dissecting the photocatalytic water splitting device, electrocatalysts, and semiconductor photocatalysts can be independently studied, developed and optimized. The assumption of perfect catalysts leads to the realization that semiconductors are the limiting factor in photocatalysis. This dissertation presents a guideline for efficient photocatalysis using semiconductor particles developed from idealized theoretical simulations. No perfect catalysts exist; then the discussion focus on the development of efficient non-noble metal electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution from water reduction. Tungsten carbide (WC) is selective for the catalysis of hydrogen without the introduction of the reverse reaction of water formation, which is critical to achieving photocatalytic overall water splitting as demonstrated in this work. Finally, photoelectrochemistry is used to characterize thoroughly Cu-based p-type semiconductors with potential for large-scale manufacture. Artificial photosynthesis may be achieved by following the recommendations herein presented.

Facile synthesis and high activity of novel BiVO{sub 4}/FeVO{sub 4} heterojunction photocatalyst for degradation of metronidazole

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Jinhai [State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023 (China); School of Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University of Engineering Science, Bijie 551700 (China); Zhao, Wei; Guo, Yang; Wei, Zhongbo; Han, Mengshu [State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023 (China); He, Huan [State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023 (China); School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60631 (United States); Yang, Shaogui [State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023 (China); Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824 (United States); Sun, Cheng, E-mail: envidean@nju.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023 (China)

2015-10-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • BiVO{sub 4}/FeVO{sub 4} was synthesized by a facile one-step hydrothermal method. • BiVO{sub 4}/FeVO{sub 4} displays superior photocatalytic activity. • The photocatalytic mechanism were discussed in detail. - Abstract: The novel BiVO{sub 4}/FeVO{sub 4} heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method firstly. The physical and chemical properties of as-prepared samples were characterized based upon XRD, XPS, BET, SEM, EDS, TEM, UV–vis DRS and fluorescence spectrum techniques. The TEM images showed a clear interface between BiVO{sub 4} and FeVO{sub 4}, indicating that a heterojunction between BiVO{sub 4} and FeVO{sub 4} was formed during the hydrothermal reaction. In addition, the photodegradation activity of metronidazole (MNZ) was used as a measurement for photocatalytic performance of BiVO{sub 4}, FeVO{sub 4} and BiVO{sub 4}/FeVO{sub 4} heterojunction photocatalyst. It indicated that under visible light irradiation the photocatalytic activity of BiVO{sub 4}/FeVO{sub 4} heterojunction photocatalyst was very effective, and moreover, much higher than the single BiVO{sub 4} or single FeVO{sub 4}. The possible photocatalytic mechanism has been discussed on the basis of the theoretical calculation of the electronic structure, and the experimental results.

Microbially-mediated method for synthesis of non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Phelps, Tommy J.; Lauf, Robert J.; Moon, Ji-Won; Rondinone, Adam Justin; Love, Lonnie J.; Duty, Chad Edward; Madden, Andrew Stephen; Li, Yiliang; Ivanov, Ilia N.; Rawn, Claudia Jeanette

2017-09-19

The invention is directed to a method for producing non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, the method comprising: (a) subjecting a combination of reaction components to conditions conducive to microbially-mediated formation of non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, wherein said combination of reaction components comprises i) anaerobic microbes, ii) a culture medium suitable for sustaining said anaerobic microbes, iii) a metal component comprising at least one type of metal ion, iv) a non-metal component comprising at least one non-metal selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and As, and v) one or more electron donors that provide donatable electrons to said anaerobic microbes during consumption of the electron donor by said anaerobic microbes; and (b) isolating said non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, which contain at least one of said metal ions and at least one of said non-metals. The invention is also directed to non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticle compositions produced as above and having distinctive properties.

Discussion on 'Solar detoxification of fuel-contaminated groundwater using fixed-bed photocatalysts'

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Farrell, Joseph B.

1997-03-15

In a discussion of the 1997 paper by J. C. Crittenden et al. on the solar detoxification of fuel-contaminated groundwater using fixed-bed photocatalysts, the writer indicates a number of problems with the interpretation of the data and invites the authors to speculate on the reaction mechanism in the photocatalytic destruction of BTEX compounds in groundwater. In reply, Crittenden points out that it is not easy to speculate on the reaction mechanism because there are many compounds other than BTEX compounds contained in the water matrix, as well as many unknown compounds and by-products.

Sm2FeTaO7 Photocatalyst for Degradation of Indigo Carmine Dye under Solar Light Irradiation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Leticia M. Torres-Martínez

2012-01-01

Full Text Available This paper is focused to study Sm2FeTaO7 pyrochlore-type compound as solar photocatalyst for the degradation of indigo carmine dye in aqueous solution. Sm2FeTaO7 was synthesized by using conventional solid state reaction and sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction results indicated that Sm2FeTaO7 exhibit a monoclinic crystal structure. By scanning electron microscopy analysis, it was observed that sol-gel material presents particle size of around 150 nm. The specific surface area and energy bandgap values were 12 m2 g−1 and 2.0 eV, respectively. The photocatalytic results showed that indigo carmine molecule can be degraded under solar light irradiation using the synthesized materials, sol-gel photocatalyst was 8 times more active than solid state. On the other hand, when Sm2FeTaO7 was impregnated with CuO as cocatalyst the photocatalytic activity was increased because CuO acts as electron trap decreasing electron-hole pair recombination rates.

Pilot-plant evaluation of TiO2 and TiO2-based hybrid photocatalysts for solar treatment of polluted water.

Science.gov (United States)

Andronic, Luminita; Isac, Luminita; Miralles-Cuevas, Sara; Visa, Maria; Oller, Isabel; Duta, Anca; Malato, Sixto

2016-12-15

Materials with photocatalytic and adsorption properties for advanced wastewater treatment targeting reuse were studied. Making use of TiO 2 as a well-known photocatalyst, Cu 2 S as a Vis-active semiconductor, and fly ash as a good adsorbent, dispersed mixtures/composites were prepared to remove pollutants from wastewater. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, band gap energy, point of zero charge (pH pzc ) and BET porosity were used to characterize the substrates. Phenol, imidacloprid and dichloroacetic acid were used as pollutants for photocatalytic activity of the new photocatalysts. Experiments using the new dispersed powders were carried out at laboratory scale in two solar simulators and under natural solar irradiation at the Plataforma Solar de Almería, in a Compound Parabolic Collector (CPC) for a comparative analysis of pollutants removal and mineralization efficiencies, and to identify features that could facilitate photocatalyst separation and reuse. The results show that radiation intensity significantly affects the phenol degradation rate. The composite mixture of TiO 2 and fly ash is 2-3 times less active than sol-gel TiO 2 . Photodegradation kinetic data on the highly active TiO 2 are compared for pollutants elimination. Photodegradation of dichloroacetic acid was fast and complete after 90min in the CPC, while after 150min imidacloprid and phenol removal was 90% and 56% respectively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pilot-plant evaluation of TiO_2 and TiO_2-based hybrid photocatalysts for solar treatment of polluted water

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Andronic, Luminita; Isac, Luminita; Miralles-Cuevas, Sara; Visa, Maria; Oller, Isabel; Duta, Anca; Malato, Sixto

2016-01-01

Materials with photocatalytic and adsorption properties for advanced wastewater treatment targeting reuse were studied. Making use of TiO_2 as a well-known photocatalyst, Cu_2S as a Vis-active semiconductor, and fly ash as a good adsorbent, dispersed mixtures/composites were prepared to remove pollutants from wastewater. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, band gap energy, point of zero charge (pH_p_z_c) and BET porosity were used to characterize the substrates. Phenol, imidacloprid and dichloroacetic acid were used as pollutants for photocatalytic activity of the new photocatalysts. Experiments using the new dispersed powders were carried out at laboratory scale in two solar simulators and under natural solar irradiation at the Plataforma Solar de Almería, in a Compound Parabolic Collector (CPC) for a comparative analysis of pollutants removal and mineralization efficiencies, and to identify features that could facilitate photocatalyst separation and reuse. The results show that radiation intensity significantly affects the phenol degradation rate. The composite mixture of TiO_2 and fly ash is 2-3 times less active than sol-gel TiO_2. Photodegradation kinetic data on the highly active TiO_2 are compared for pollutants elimination. Photodegradation of dichloroacetic acid was fast and complete after 90 min in the CPC, while after 150 min imidacloprid and phenol removal was 90% and 56% respectively.

Gas-phase photocatalysis in μ-reactors

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Vesborg, Peter Christian Kjærgaard; Olsen, Jakob Lind; Henriksen, Toke Riishøj

2010-01-01

Gas-phase photocatalysis experiments may benefit from the high sensitivity and good time response in product detection offered by μ-reactors. We demonstrate this by carrying out CO oxidation and methanol oxidation over commercial TiO2 photocatalysts in our recently developed high-sensitivity reac......Gas-phase photocatalysis experiments may benefit from the high sensitivity and good time response in product detection offered by μ-reactors. We demonstrate this by carrying out CO oxidation and methanol oxidation over commercial TiO2 photocatalysts in our recently developed high...

TiO{sub 2} nanocomposite with reduced graphene oxide through facile blending and its photocatalytic behavior for hydrogen evolution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pei, Fuyun; Liu, Yingliang; Zhang, Li; Wang, Shengping; Xu, Shengang, E-mail: xusg@zzu.edu.cn; Cao, Shaokui, E-mail: caoshaokui@zzu.edu.cn

2013-08-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • TRG-COOH nanocomposite as a photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution is prepared. • The reduction of graphene oxide reconstructs a part of conjugated structure. • The band gap is red-shifted due to the reconstruction of conjugated structure. • RG-COOH covered and anchored by P25 blocks the aggregation and the stacking. • The photocatalytic efficiency of TRG-COOH was increased under 500 W Xenon lamp. - Abstract: TRG-COOH nanocomposite is prepared as a photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution by blending TiO{sub 2} with reduced graphene oxide (RG-COOH). TRG-COOH is characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscope (AFM), and photoluminescent spectra. XPS result shows the reduction of monolayer graphene oxide (GO). The band gap is red-shifted from 3.25 eV for P25, which consists of 20% rutile and 80% anatase, to 2.95 eV for TGO and then to 2.80 eV for TRG-COOH due to the introduction of GO and the reconstruction of conjugated structure. TEM image illustrates that RG-COOH in TRG-COOH is covered and anchored by P25, which blocks the aggregation of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles and the stacking of monolayer graphene. This allows RG-COOH to take a good role of electron-sink and electron-transporting bridge. The photocatalytic efficiency of TRG-COOH is respectively increased under Xenon lamp about 8.9 and 2.7 times compared to P25 and TGO.

Unconventionally prepared TiO2/g-C3N4 photocatalysts for photocatalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide

Science.gov (United States)

Troppová, Ivana; Šihor, Marcel; Reli, Martin; Ritz, Michal; Praus, Petr; Kočí, Kamila

2018-02-01

The TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites with the various TiO2:g-C3N4 weight ratios from 1:1 to 1:3 were prepared unconventionally by pressurized hot water processing in a flow regime. The parent TiO2 and g-C3N4 was prepared by thermal hydrolysis and thermal annealing, respectively. The nanocomposites as well as parent TiO2 and g-C3N4 were characterized using several complementary characterization methods and investigated in the photocatalytic decomposition of N2O under UVA (λ = 365 nm) irradiation. All the prepared TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites showed higher photocatalytic activity in comparison with the pure g-C3N4 and chiefly pure TiO2. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites was decreasing in the following sequence: TiO2/g-C3N4 (1:3) > TiO2/g-C3N4 (1:2) > TiO2/g-C3N4 (1:1). In comparison with the parent TiO2 or g-C3N4, the TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites' photocatalytic capability was significantly enhanced by coupling TiO2 with g-C3N4. The generation of TiO2/g-C3N4 Z-scheme photocatalyst mainly benefited from the effective separation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs and the extended optical absorption range. The TiO2/g-C3N4 (1:3) nanocomposite showed the best photocatalytic behavior in a consequence of the optimal weight ratio of TiO2:g-C3N4 and the lowest band gap energy from all nanocomposites. The N2O conversion in its presence was 70.6% after 20 h of UVA irradiation.

Planar ceramic membrane assembly and oxidation reactor system

Science.gov (United States)

Carolan, Michael Francis; Dyer, legal representative, Kathryn Beverly; Wilson, Merrill Anderson; Ohm, Ted R.; Kneidel, Kurt E.; Peterson, David; Chen, Christopher M.; Rackers, Keith Gerard; Dyer, deceased, Paul Nigel

2007-10-09

Planar ceramic membrane assembly comprising a dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material, wherein the dense layer has a first side and a second side, a porous layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material in contact with the first side of the dense layer, and a ceramic channeled support layer in contact with the second side of the dense layer. The planar ceramic membrane assembly can be used in a ceramic wafer assembly comprising a planar ceramic channeled support layer having a first side and a second side; a first dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the first side of the ceramic channeled support layer; a first outer support layer comprising porous mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material and having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the outer side of the first dense layer; a second dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the second side of the ceramic channeled layer; and a second outer support layer comprising porous mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material and having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the outer side of the second dense layer.

Oxidation catalysts and process for preparing same

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1980-01-01

Compounds particularly suitable as oxidation catalysis are described, comprising specified amounts of uranium, antimony and tin as oxides. Processes for making and using the catalysts are described. (U.K.)

Visible-light-driven TiO2/Ag3PO4/GO heterostructure photocatalyst with dual-channel for photo-generated charges separation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lu, Bingqing; Ma, Ni; Wang, Yaping; Qiu, Yiwei; Hu, Haihua; Zhao, Jiahuan; Liang, Dayu; Xu, Sheng; Li, Xiaoyun; Zhu, Zhiyan; Cui, Can

2015-01-01

Highlights: • TiO 2 /Ag 3 PO 4 /GO was synthesized with a facile two-step method. • TiO 2 /Ag 3 PO 4 /GO exhibit superior photocatalytic activity and stability. • TiO 2 /Ag 3 PO 4 /GO has dual-channel for photo-generated charges separation. • TiO 2 /Ag 3 PO 4 /GO composite reduces the consumption of Ag. - Abstract: A novel triple-component TiO 2 /Ag 3 PO 4 /graphene oxide (TiO 2 /Ag 3 PO 4 /GO) photocatalyst with dual channels for photo-generated charges separation has been synthesized to improve the photocatalytic activity and stability of Ag 3 PO 4 under visible light. The synthesis involved in-situ growth of Ag 3 PO 4 nanoparticles on GO sheets to form Ag 3 PO 4 /GO, and then deposited TiO 2 nanocrystals on the surface of Ag 3 PO 4 by hydrolysis of Ti(SO 4 ) 2 at low-temperature hydrothermal condition. The TiO 2 /Ag 3 PO 4 /GO exhibited superior photocatalytic activity and stability to bare Ag 3 PO 4 , TiO 2 /Ag 3 PO 4 and Ag 3 PO 4 /GO in degradation of Rhodamine B and phenol solutions under visible light. It is suggested that the photo-generated electrons in the conduction band of Ag 3 PO 4 can be quickly transferred to GO, while the holes in the valence band of Ag 3 PO 4 can be transferred to the valence band of TiO 2 . The dual transfer channels at the interfaces of TiO 2 /Ag 3 PO 4 /GO result in effective charges separation, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability. Furthermore, the content of noble metal Ag significantly reduces from 77 wt% in bare Ag 3 PO 4 to 55 wt% in the nanocomposite. The concept of establishing dual channels for charges separation in a triple-component heterostructure provides a promising way to develop photocatalysts with high efficiency

Simultaneous removal of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides from combustion gases

Science.gov (United States)

Clay, David T.; Lynn, Scott

1976-10-19

A process for the simultaneous removal of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides from power plant stack gases comprising contacting the stack gases with a supported iron oxide catalyst/absorbent in the presence of sufficient reducing agent selected from the group consisting of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and mixtures thereof, to provide a net reducing atmosphere in the SO.sub.x /NO.sub.x removal zone. The sulfur oxides are removed by absorption substantially as iron sulfide, and nitrogen oxides are removed by catalytic reduction to nitrogen and ammonia. The spent iron oxide catalyst/absorbent is regenerated by oxidation and is recycled to the contacting zone. Sulfur dioxide is also produced during regeneration and can be utilized in the production of sulfuric acid and/or sulfur.

Enhanced visible-light-induced photocatalytic activity of α-Fe2O3 adsorbing redox enzymes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kai Kamada

2015-03-01

Full Text Available We report fabrication of hybrid photocatalyst composed of an n-type semiconductor (α-Fe2O3 and a redox enzyme (horseradish peroxidase; HRP, and its performance for oxidation of luminol in an aqueous solution. The hybrid photocatalyst is simply formed via physical adsorption of HRP to an α-Fe2O3 sintered body. Under visible light irradiation, the bare α-Fe2O3 with a narrow bandgap photocatalytically oxidizes luminol along with blue emission that can be used as an indicator of the photocatalytic performance. The blue emission is largely strengthened after the adsorption of HRP, demonstrating that the presence of enzyme improves apparent photocatalytic activity of α-Fe2O3. The favorable effect is derived from synergistic oxidation of luminol by the biocatalysts (HRP as well as by the photocatalyst (α-Fe2O3. In this paper, influence of excitation wavelength, adsorption amount of HRP, and reaction temperature on the overall photocatalytic activity are elucidated, and then a reaction mechanism of the proposed novel hybrid photocatalyst is discussed in detail.

Nanoparticular metal oxide/anatase catalysts

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

2010-01-01

The present invention concerns a method of preparation of nanoparticular metal oxide catalysts having a narrow particle size distribution. In particular, the invention concerns preparation of nanoparticular metal oxide catalyst precursors comprising combustible crystallization seeds upon which...... the catalyst metai oxide is co-precipitated with the carrier metal oxide, which crystallization seeds are removed by combustion in a final calcining step. The present invention also concerns processes wherein the nanoparticular metal oxide catalysts of the invention are used, such as SCR (deNOx) reactions...

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

In-situ anatase phase stabilization of titania photocatalyst by sintering in presence of Zr{sup 4+} organic salts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Strini, Alberto, E-mail: alberto.strini@itc.cnr.it [Istituto per le Tecnologie della Costruzione (ITC-CNR), via Lombardia, 49, I-20098 San Giuliano Milanese (MI) (Italy); Sanson, Alessandra; Mercadelli, Elisa [Istituto di Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali Ceramici (ISTEC-CNR), via Granarolo, 64, I-48018 Faenza (RA) (Italy); Bendoni, Riccardo [Istituto di Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali Ceramici (ISTEC-CNR), via Granarolo, 64, I-48018 Faenza (RA) (Italy); Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche e Centro NAST - Università di Roma Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica, I-00133 Roma (Italy); Marelli, Marcello; Dal Santo, Vladimiro [CNR–Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Molecolari, via Golgi, 19, I-20133 Milano (Italy); Schiavi, Luca [Istituto per le Tecnologie della Costruzione (ITC-CNR), via Lombardia, 49, I-20098 San Giuliano Milanese (MI) (Italy)

2015-08-30

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Existing commercial (P25) anatase was stabilized in-situ with Zr(IV) doping. • Highly active catalytic layers were obtained by screen-printing. • Increased thermal stability was demonstrated up to 200 °C without activity loss. • Enhanced activity was obtained because of the Zr(IV) doping. • Zirconium diffusion was assessed by STEM-EDS analysis. - Abstract: The direct in-situ stabilization of an anatase-based nanocrystalline photocatalyst (Degussa P25) was obtained by sintering the catalyst powder in presence of Zr{sup 4+} organic salts. This approach allows the doping of an already-formed nanocrystalline photocatalyst instead of introducing the dopant in the crystal lattice during the catalyst synthesis. The procedure was demonstrated by the production of thick ceramic layers using the screen printing technique. This new method allows to easily stabilize the anatase phase 200 °C higher than the undoped P25 maintaining the same photocatalytic activity. The process was studied using specifically formulated screen-printing inks added with Zr{sup 4+} organic salt at 1% and 2% Zr/Ti molar ratio. The anatase phase stability was investigated in the 500–900 °C temperature range analysing the resulting catalysts with XRD, TEM and (S)TEM-EDS. The catalytic activity of the screen-printed layers was assessed by measuring the degradation of toluene in air at ambient concentration (500 nmol m{sup −3}) and low UV-A irradiance (180 μW cm{sup −2}). The described in-situ stabilization method could be potentially applied to any deposition process involving already formed anatase photocatalyst, allowing higher sintering temperature and then an improved mechanical stability of the active layers without photocatalytic activity degradation.

Preparation, characterization and activity evaluation of p-n junction photocatalyst p-CaFe2O4/n-Ag3VO4 under visible light irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen Shifu; Zhao Wei; Liu Wei; Zhang Huaye; Yu Xiaoling; Chen Yinghao

2009-01-01

p-n junction photocatalyst p-CaFe 2 O 4 /n-Ag 3 VO 4 was prepared by ball milling Ag 3 VO 4 in H 2 O doped with p-type CaFe 2 O 4 . The structural and optical properties of the photocatalyst were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-vis diffuse reflection spectrum (DRS). The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of the p-CaFe 2 O 4 /n-Ag 3 VO 4 was higher than that of Ag 3 VO 4 . When the amount of doped p-CaFe 2 O 4 was 2.0 wt.% and the p-CaFe 2 O 4 /n-Ag 3 VO 4 was ball milled for 12 h, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency was 85.4%. Effect of ball milling time on the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst was also investigated. The mechanisms of the increase in the photocatalytic activity were discussed by the p-n junction principle.

Medical preparation container comprising microwave powered sensor assembly

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

2016-01-01

The present invention relates to a medical preparation container which comprises a microwave powered sensor assembly. The microwave powered sensor assembly comprises a sensor configured to measure a physical property or chemical property of a medical preparation during its heating in a microwave ...... oven. The microwave powered sensor assembly is configured for harvesting energy from microwave radiation emitted by the microwave oven and energize the sensor by the harvested microwave energy.......The present invention relates to a medical preparation container which comprises a microwave powered sensor assembly. The microwave powered sensor assembly comprises a sensor configured to measure a physical property or chemical property of a medical preparation during its heating in a microwave...

High-efficiency and conveniently recyclable photo-catalysts for dye degradation based on urchin-like CuO microparticle/polymer hybrid composites

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Xiong; Cheng, Yuming; Li, Xuefeng; Dong, Jinfeng

2018-05-01

In this work, we developed a new type of photo-catalysts composed of the urchin-like cupric oxide (CuO) microparticle and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hybrid composites by the convenient organic-inorganic hybrid strategy, which show high-efficiency and conveniently recyclable for dye degradation including methylene blue (MB), Congo red (CR), and malachite green (MG) by visible light irradiation. The micro-structural characteristics of urchin-like CuO microparticles are crucial and dominant over the photo-degrading efficiency of hybrid catalyst because of their highly exposed {0 0 2} facet and larger specific surface area. Simultaneously, the intrinsic porous framework of PVDF membrane not only remains the excellent photo-catalytic activity of urchin-like CuO microparticles but also facilitates the enrichment of dyes on the membrane, and thereby synergistically contributing to the photo-catalytic efficiency. The microstructures of both urchin-like CuO microparticles and hybrid catalysts are systematically characterized by various techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, which evidently support the mentioned mechanism.

Layered MoSe2/Bi2WO6 composite with P-N heterojunctions as a promising visible-light induced photocatalyst

Science.gov (United States)

Xie, Taiping; Liu, Yue; Wang, Haiqiang; Wu, Zhongbiao

2018-06-01

In this paper, layered MoSe2/Bi2WO6 composites were fabricated by a simple bath sonication method for photocatalytic applications. Their photocatalytic performances were then investigated via the photocatalytic oxidation of gaseous toluene under visible-light irradiation. As a result, 1.5%-MoSe2/Bi2WO6 catalyst showed the highest activity with a degradation rate of nearly 80% during three-hour visible-light irradiation. The k value determined of 1.5%-MoSe2/Bi2WO6 was approximately 6 times higher than that of pure Bi2WO6 and 7 times higher compared with pure MoSe2. After a series of characterizations, it was concluded that the p-n heterojunctions of MoSe2/Bi2WO6 composites with strong interlayer interactions could effectively prolong the life time of photoinduced electron-hole pairs. And both the contents of surface superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were thereby increased, benefitting the photocatalytic process. Furthermore, the hydroxyl radicals and holes were found to be the major active species. This work provided a way to design photocatalyst with enhanced visible-light driven photoactivity toward indoor air pollutants purification.

CeO2-TiO2 Photocatalyst: Ionic Liquid-Mediated Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance for Diisopropanolamine Visible Light Degradation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jagath Retchahan Sivalingam

2018-01-01

Full Text Available CeO2-TiO2 photocatalyst with Ce:Ti molar ratio of 1:9 was synthesized via co-precipitation method in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium octylsulfate, [EMIM][OctSO4] (CeO2-TiO2-IL. The ionic liquid acts as a templating agent for particle growth. The CeO2-TiO2 and TiO2 photocatalysts were also synthesized without any ionic liquid for comparison. Calcination was conducted on the as-synthesized materials at 400˚C for 2 h. The photocatalysts were characterized using diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopy (DR-UV-Vis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD, and surface area and pore size analyzer (SAP. The presence of CeO2 has changed the optical property of TiO2. It has extended the absorption edge of TiO2 from UV to visible region. The calculated band gap energy decreased from 2.82 eV (TiO2 to 2.30 eV (CeO2-TiO2-IL. The FESEM morphology showed that samples forms aggregates and the surface smoothens when ionic liquid was added. The average crystallite size of TiO2, CeO2-TiO2, and CeO2-TiO2-IL were 20.8 nm, 5.5 nm, and 4 nm. In terms of performance, photodegradation of 1000 ppm of diisopropanolamine (DIPA was conducted in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 and visible light irradiation which was provided by a 500 W halogen lamp. The best performance was displayed by CeO2-TiO2-IL calcined at 400˚C. It was able to remove 82.0% DIPA and 54.8% COD after 6 h reaction.  Copyright © 2018 BCREC Group. All rights reserved Received: 26th July 2017; Revised: 22nd October 2017; Accepted: 29th October 2017; Available online: 22nd January 2018; Published regularly: 2nd April 2018 How to Cite: Sivalingam, J.R., Kait, C.F., Wilfred, C.D. (2018. CeO2-TiO2 Photocatalyst: Ionic Liquid-Mediated Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance for Diisopropanolamine Visible Light Degradation. Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis, 13 (1: 170-178 (doi:10.9767/bcrec.13.1.1396.170-178

Enhanced visible-light-response photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue on Fe-loaded BiVO4 photocatalyst

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chala, Sinaporn; Wetchakun, Khatcharin; Phanichphant, Sukon; Inceesungvorn, Burapat; Wetchakun, Natda

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Fe-loaded BiVO 4 particles were prepared by hydrothermal method. • Physicochemical properties played a significant role in photocatalytic process. • All Fe-loaded BiVO 4 samples showed higher photocatalytic activity than pure BiVO 4 . • The Fe 3+ ions may improve the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. - Abstract: Pure BiVO 4 and nominal 0.5–5.0 mol% Fe-loaded BiVO 4 samples were synthesized by hydrothermal method. All samples were characterized in order to obtain the correlation between structure and photocatalytic properties by X-ray diffraction, Brunauer, Emmett and Teller, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry, photoluminescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. The structure of all samples was single-phase monoclinic scheelite. The absorption spectrum of 5.0 mol% Fe-loaded BiVO 4 shifted to the visible region, suggesting the potential application of this material as a superior visible-light driven photocatalyst in comparison with pure BiVO 4 . Photocatalytic activities of all photocatalyst samples were examined by studying the degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. The results clearly showed that Fe-loaded BiVO 4 sample exhibited remarkably higher activity than pure BiVO 4

Sol-gel synthesis of TiO2-SiO2 photocatalyst for β-naphthol photodegradation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Qourzal, S.; Barka, N.; Tamimi, M.; Assabbane, A.; Nounah, A.; Ihlal, A.; Ait-Ichou, Y.

2009-01-01

Silica gel supported titanium dioxide particles (TiO 2 -SiO 2 ) prepared by sol-gel method was as photocatalyst in the degradation of β-naphthol in water under UV-illumination. The prepared sample has been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The supported catalyst had large surface area and good sedimentation ability. The photodegradation rate of β-naphthol under UV-irradiation depended strongly on adsorption capacity of the catalyst, and the photoactivity of the supported catalyst was much higher than that of the pure titanium dioxides. The experiments were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The photodegradation rate of β-naphthol using 60% TiO 2 -SiO 2 particles was faster than that using TiO 2 'Degussa P-25', TiO 2 'PC-50' and TiO 2 'Aldrich' as photocatalyst by 2.7, 4 and 7.8 times, respectively. The kinetics of photocatalytic β-naphthol degradation was found to follow a pseudo-first-order rate law. The effect of the TiO 2 loading on the photoactivity of TiO 2 -SiO 2 particles was also discussed. With good photocatalytic activity under UV-irradiation and the ability to be readily separated from the reaction system, this novel kind of catalyst exhibited the potential effective in the treatment of organic pollutants in aqueous systems.

Structuring β-Ga2O3 photonic crystal photocatalyst for efficient degradation of organic pollutants.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Xiaofang; Zhen, Xiuzheng; Meng, Sugang; Xian, Jiangjun; Shao, Yu; Fu, Xianzhi; Li, Danzhen

2013-09-03

Coupling photocatalysts with photonic crystals structure is based on the unique property of photonic crystals in confining, controlling, and manipulating the incident photons. This combination enhances the light absorption in photocatalysts and thus greatly improves their photocatalytic performance. In this study, Ga2O3 photonic crystals with well-arranged skeleton structures were prepared via a dip-coating infiltration method. The positions of the electronic band absorption for Ga2O3 photonic crystals could be made to locate on the red edge, on the blue edge, and away from the edge of their photonic band gaps by changing the pore sizes of the samples, respectively. Particularly, the electronic band absorption of the Ga2O3 photonic crystal with a pore size of 135 nm was enhanced more than other samples by making it locate on the red edge of its photonic band gap, which was confirmed by the higher instantaneous photocurrent and photocatalytic activity for the degradation of various organic pollutants under ultraviolet light irradiation. Furthermore, the degradation mechanism over Ga2O3 photonic crystals was discussed. The design of Ga2O3 photonic crystals presents a prospective application of photonic crystals in photocatalysis to address light harvesting and quantum efficiency problems through manipulating photons or constructing photonic crystal structure as groundwork.

One stone, two birds: silica nanospheres significantly increase photocatalytic activity and colloidal stability of photocatalysts

Science.gov (United States)

Rasamani, Kowsalya D.; Foley, Jonathan J., IV; Sun, Yugang

2018-03-01

Silver-doped silver chloride [AgCl(Ag)] nanoparticles represent a unique class of visible-light-driven photocatalysts, in which the silver dopants introduce electron-abundant mid-gap energy levels to lower the bandgap of AgCl. However, free-standing AgCl(Ag) nanoparticles, particularly those with small sizes and large surface areas, exhibit low colloidal stability and low compositional stability upon exposure to light irradiation, leading to easy aggregation and conversion to metallic silver and thus a loss of photocatalytic activity. These problems could be eliminated by attaching the small AgCl(Ag) nanoparticles to the surfaces of spherical dielectric silica particles with submicrometer sizes. The high optical transparency in the visible spectral region (400-800 nm), colloidal stability, and chemical/electronic inertness displayed by the silica spheres make them ideal for supporting photocatalysts and significantly improving their stability. The spherical morphology of the dielectric silica particles can support light scattering resonances to generate significantly enhanced electric fields near the silica particle surfaces, on which the optical absorption cross-section of the AgCl(Ag) nanoparticles is dramatically increased to promote their photocatalytic activity. The hybrid silica/AgCl(Ag) structures exhibit superior photocatalytic activity and stability, suitable for supporting photocatalysis sustainably; for instance, their efficiency in the photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue decreases by only ˜9% even after ten cycles of operation.

Hybrid process for nitrogen oxides reduction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Epperly, W.R.; Sprague, B.N.

1991-09-10

This patent describes a process for reducing the nitrogen oxide concentration in the effluent from the combustion of a carbonaceous fuel. It comprises introducing into the effluent a first treatment agent comprising a nitrogenous composition selected from the group consisting of urea, ammonia, hexamethylenetetramine, ammonium salts of organic acids, 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic hydrocarbons having at least one cyclic nitrogen, hydroxy amino hydrocarbons, NH{sub 4}-lignosulfonate, fur-furylamine, tetrahydrofurylamine, hexamethylenediamine, barbituric acid, guanidine, guanidine carbonate, biguanidine, guanylurea sulfate, melamine, dicyandiamide, biuret, 1.1{prime}-azobisformamide, methylol urea, methylol urea-urea condensation product, dimethylol urea, methyl urea, dimethyl urea, calcium cyanamide, and mixtures thereof under conditions effective to reduce the nitrogen oxides concentration and ensure the presence of ammonia in the effluent; introducing into the effluent a second treatment agent comprising an oxygenated hydrocarbon at an effluent temperature of about 500{degrees} F. to about 1600{degrees} F. under conditions effective to oxidize nitric oxide in the effluent to nitrogen dioxide and ensure the presence of ammonia at a weight ratio of ammonia to nitrogen dioxide of about 1:5 to about 5:1; and contacting the effluent with an aqueous scrubbing solution having a pH of 12 or lower under conditions effective to cause nitrogen dioxide to be absorbed therein.

W-containing oxide layers obtained on aluminum and titanium by PEO as catalysts in thiophene oxidation

Science.gov (United States)

Rudnev, V. S.; Lukiyanchuk, I. V.; Vasilyeva, M. S.; Morozova, V. P.; Zelikman, V. M.; Tarkhanova, I. G.

2017-11-01

W-containing oxide layers fabricated on titanium and aluminum alloys by Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) have been tested in the reaction of the peroxide oxidation of thiophene. Samples with two types of coatings have been investigated. Coatings I contained tungsten oxide in the matrix and on the surface of amorphous silica-titania or silica-alumina layers, while coatings II comprised crystalline WO3 and/or Al2(WO4)3. Aluminum-supported catalyst containing a smallest amount of transition metals in the form of tungsten oxides and manganese oxides in low oxidation levels showed high activity and stability.

Metal oxide semiconductors for dye degradation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Adhikari, Sangeeta; Sarkar, Debasish

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Hydrothermal synthesis of monoclinic and hexagonal WO 3 nanostructures. • Nanocuboid and nanofiber growth using different structure directing agents. • WO 3 –ZnO nanocomposites for dye degradation under UV and visible light. • High photocatalytic efficiency is achieved by 10 wt% monoclinic WO 3 . • WO 3 assists to trap hole in UV and arrests electron in visible light irradiation. - Abstract: Organic contaminants are a growing threat to the environment that widely demands their degradation by high efficient photocatalysts. Thus, the proposed research work primely focuses on the efficient degradation of methyl orange using designed WO 3 –ZnO photocatalysts under both UV and visible light irradiation. Two different sets of WO 3 nanostructures namely, monoclinic WO 3 (m-WO 3 ) and hexagonal WO 3 (h-WO 3 ) synthesizes in presence of a different structure directing agents. A specific dispersion technique allows the intimate contact of as-synthesized WO 3 and ultra-violet active commercial ZnO photocatalyst in different weight variations. ZnO nanocrystal in presence of an optimum 10 wt% m-WO 3 shows a high degree of photocatalytic activity under both UV and visible light irradiation compared to counterpart h-WO 3 . Symmetrical monoclinic WO 3 assists to trap hole in UV, but electron arresting mechanism predominates in visible irradiation. Coupling of monoclinic nanocuboid WO 3 with ZnO proves to be a promising photocatalyst in both wavelengths.

Photocatalyst based on titanium or iron semiconductors for the generation of hydrogen from water upon solar irradiation

OpenAIRE

Serra, Marco

2016-01-01

The objective of present thesis is to prepare and evaluate photocatalyst for hydrogen generation from water methanol mixture using solar light. This general objective has been accomplished by applying different methodology in material preparation as well as exploring the photocatalytic activity of novel semiconductors. In this way after a general introduction to the feed showing the relevance of solar fuels and in particular hydrogen generation, the...

Postmodification of MOF-5 using secondary complex formation using 8- hydroxyquinoline (HOQ) for the development of visible light active photocatalysts

Science.gov (United States)

Thakare, Sanjay R.; Ramteke, Shruti M.

2018-05-01

A novel HOQ@MOF-5 compound photocatalyst was successfully constructed by interacting 8- Hydroxyquinoline with MOF-5 synthesized through a room temperature method. The secondary complex formation between the Zn cluster with 8-Hydroxyquinoline harnessed visible light and acted as a mediator to transfer photoinduced electrons to MOF-5 for enhancing the photocatalytic reaction rate with visible light. HOQ@MOF-5 was characterized by various spectroscopic techniques, such as XRD showing the crystalline nature of compound, UV-Visible spectroscopy showing the 2.54 eV band gap of HOQ@MOF-5 and morphological analysis tools, such as the nanoparticle nature of the compound with 9.561 nm particle size. The photocatalytic effect was estimated using the photocatalytic degradation of phenol as a representative organic pollutant under visible light irradiation. This work provides a new compound acting as source of electrons transfer for the development of efficient photocatalysts for remediation of environmental pollution.

Artificial skin and patient simulator comprising the artificial skin

NARCIS (Netherlands)

2011-01-01

The invention relates to an artificial skin (10, 12, 14), and relates to a patient simulator (100) comprising the artificial skin. The artificial skin is a layered structure comprising a translucent cover layer (20) configured for imitating human or animal skin, and comprising a light emitting layer

Silicon carbide recovered from photovoltaic industry waste as photocatalysts for hydrogen production

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Yu [College of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064 (China); Hu, Yu [College of Material Science and Enginneering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064 (China); Zeng, Hongmei [College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064 (China); Zhong, Lin, E-mail: zhonglin@scu.edu.cn [College of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064 (China); Liu, Kewei; Cao, Hongmei [College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064 (China); Li, Wei [College of Material Science and Enginneering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064 (China); Yan, Hongjian, E-mail: hjyan@scu.edu.cn [College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064 (China)

2017-05-05

Highlights: • SiC was recovered from photovoltaic industry waste. • The recovered SiC is mainly consist of 3C-SiC, 6H-SiC and some silicon oxycarbides. • The recovered SiC shows photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution from water. - Abstract: In recent years, the focus on creating a dependable and efficient means to recycle or recover the valuable parts from the waste material has drawn significantly attention as an environmentally friendly way to deal with the industrial wastes. The silicon carbide (SiC) crystalline is one of reusable material in the slurry wastes generated during wafer slicing. Here we report the use of recovered SiC from the slurry wastes as photocatalysts to produce hydrogen in the presence of Na{sub 2}SO{sub 3}-Na{sub 2}S as electron donor. The recovered SiC were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra (XPS), UV–vis (UV–vis) spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The morphology of SiC loaded with 1 wt% Pt as cocatalyst by thermal-reduction method was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The experimental results reveal that the recovered SiC is mainly consist of 3C-SiC, 6H-SiC and some silicon oxycarbides on the surface of the SiC. The highest hydrogen production rate is 191.8 μmol h{sup −1} g{sup −1}. This study provides a way to recycle crystalline SiC from the discharged waste in the photovoltaic industry and reuse it as photocatalyst to yield hydrogen with the advantage of low energy consumption, low pollution and easy operation.

Powder of a copper oxide superconductor precursor, fabrication process and use for the preparation of superconducting oxide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dehaudt, P.

1990-01-01

The precursor powder comprises at least a copper compound (hydroxide, oxide and hydroxynitrates), at least a rare earth and/or yttrium compound (nitrates, hydroxides and hydroxynitrates) or bismuth oxide and at least an alkaline earth nitrate. It can be prepared by atomization drying of a suspension a copper precipitate or coprecipitate and other elements of the superconducting oxide in solution [fr

Pilot-plant evaluation of TiO{sub 2} and TiO{sub 2}-based hybrid photocatalysts for solar treatment of polluted water

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Andronic, Luminita, E-mail: andronic-luminita@unitbv.ro [Transilvania University of Brasov, Centre of Renewable Energy Systems and Recycling, Romania, Eroilor, 29, 500036, Brasov (Romania); Isac, Luminita [Transilvania University of Brasov, Centre of Renewable Energy Systems and Recycling, Romania, Eroilor, 29, 500036, Brasov (Romania); Miralles-Cuevas, Sara [Laboratory for Environmental Research in Arid Zones, LIMZA, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tarapaca, Arica (Chile); Visa, Maria [Transilvania University of Brasov, Centre of Renewable Energy Systems and Recycling, Romania, Eroilor, 29, 500036, Brasov (Romania); Oller, Isabel [Plataforma Solar de Almería, CIEMAT, P.O. Box 22, 04200 Tabernas, Almería (Spain); CIESOL, Joint Centre of the University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120 Almería (Spain); Duta, Anca, E-mail: a.duta@unitbv.ro [Transilvania University of Brasov, Centre of Renewable Energy Systems and Recycling, Romania, Eroilor, 29, 500036, Brasov (Romania); Malato, Sixto [Plataforma Solar de Almería, CIEMAT, P.O. Box 22, 04200 Tabernas, Almería (Spain); CIESOL, Joint Centre of the University of Almería-CIEMAT, 04120 Almería (Spain)

2016-12-15

Materials with photocatalytic and adsorption properties for advanced wastewater treatment targeting reuse were studied. Making use of TiO{sub 2} as a well-known photocatalyst, Cu{sub 2}S as a Vis-active semiconductor, and fly ash as a good adsorbent, dispersed mixtures/composites were prepared to remove pollutants from wastewater. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, band gap energy, point of zero charge (pH{sub pzc}) and BET porosity were used to characterize the substrates. Phenol, imidacloprid and dichloroacetic acid were used as pollutants for photocatalytic activity of the new photocatalysts. Experiments using the new dispersed powders were carried out at laboratory scale in two solar simulators and under natural solar irradiation at the Plataforma Solar de Almería, in a Compound Parabolic Collector (CPC) for a comparative analysis of pollutants removal and mineralization efficiencies, and to identify features that could facilitate photocatalyst separation and reuse. The results show that radiation intensity significantly affects the phenol degradation rate. The composite mixture of TiO{sub 2} and fly ash is 2-3 times less active than sol-gel TiO{sub 2}. Photodegradation kinetic data on the highly active TiO{sub 2} are compared for pollutants elimination. Photodegradation of dichloroacetic acid was fast and complete after 90 min in the CPC, while after 150 min imidacloprid and phenol removal was 90% and 56% respectively.

Partial oxidation process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Najjar, M.S.

1987-01-01

A process is described for the production of gaseous mixtures comprising H/sub 2/+CO by the partial oxidation of a fuel feedstock comprising a heavy liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel having a nickel, iron, and vanadium-containing ash or petroleum coke having a nickel, iron, and vanadium-containing ash, or mixtures thereof. The feedstock includes a minimum of 0.5 wt. % of sulfur and the ash includes a minimum of 5.0 wt. % vanadium, a minimum of 0.5 ppm nickel, and a minimum of 0.5 ppm iron. The process comprises: (1) mixing together a copper-containing additive with the fuel feedstock; wherein the weight ratio of copper-containing additive to ash in the fuel feedstock is in the range of about 1.0-10.0, and there is at least 10 parts by weight of copper for each part by weight of vanadium; (2) reacting the mixture from (1) at a temperature in the range of 2200 0 F to 2900 0 F and a pressure in the range of about 5 to 250 atmospheres in a free-flow refactory lined partial oxidation reaction zone with a free-oxygen containing gas in the presence of a temperature moderator and in a reducing atmosphere to produce a hot raw effluent gas stream comprising H/sub 2/+CO and entrained molten slag; and where in the reaction zone and the copper-containing additive combines with at least a portion of the nickel and iron constituents and sulfur found in the feedstock to produce a liquid phase washing agent that collects and transports at least a portion of the vanadium-containing oxide laths and spinels and other ash components and refractory out of the reaction zone; and (3) separating nongaseous materials from the hot raw effluent gas stream

Visible-Light-Active Titania Photocatalysts: The Case of N-Doped TiO2s—Properties and Some Fundamental Issues

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alexei V. Emeline

2008-01-01

Full Text Available This article briefly reviews some factors that have impacted heterogeneous photocatalysis with next generation TiO2 photocatalysts, along with some issues of current debate in the fundamental understanding of the science that underpins the field. Preparative methods and some characteristics features of N-doped TiO2 are presented and described briefly. At variance are experimental results and interpretations of X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS with regard to assignments of N 1s binding energies in N-doped TiO2 systems. Relative to pristine nominally clean TiO2 with absorption edges at 3.2 eV (anatase and 3.0 eV (rutile, N-doped TiO2s display red-shifted absorption edges into the visible spectral region. Several workers have surmised that the (intrinsic band gap of TiO2 is narrowed by coupling dopant energy states with valence band (VB states, an inference based on DFT computations. With similar DFT computations, others concluded that red-shifted absorption edges originate from the presence of localized intragap dopant states above the upper level of the VB band. Recent analyses of absorption spectral features in the visible region for a large number of doped TiO2 specimens, however, have suggested a common origin owing to the strong similarities of the absorption features, and this regardless of the preparative methods and the nature of the dopants. The next generation of (doped TiO2 photocatalysts should enhance overall process photoefficiencies (in some cases, since doped TiO2s absorb a greater quantity of solar radiation. The fundamental science that underpins heterogeneous photocatalysis with the next generation of photocatalysts is a rich playing field ripe for further exploration.

Development of solar-driven electrochemical and photocatalytic water treatment system using a boron-doped diamond electrode and TiO2 photocatalyst.

Science.gov (United States)

Ochiai, Tsuyoshi; Nakata, Kazuya; Murakami, Taketoshi; Fujishima, Akira; Yao, Yanyan; Tryk, Donald A; Kubota, Yoshinobu

2010-02-01

A high-performance, environmentally friendly water treatment system was developed. The system consists mainly of an electrochemical and a photocatalytic oxidation unit, with a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode and TiO(2) photocatalyst, respectively. All electric power for the mechanical systems and the electrolysis was able to be provided by photovoltaic cells. Thus, this system is totally driven by solar energy. The treatment ability of the electrolysis and photocatalysis units was investigated by phenol degradation kinetics. An observed rate constant of 5.1 x 10(-3)dm(3)cm(-2)h(-1) was calculated by pseudo-first-order kinetic analysis for the electrolysis, and a Langmuir-Hinshelwood rate constant of 5.6 microM(-1)min(-1) was calculated by kinetic analysis of the photocatalysis. According to previous reports, these values are sufficient for the mineralization of phenol. In a treatment test of river water samples, large amounts of chemical and biological contaminants were totally wet-incinerated by the system. This system could provide 12L/day of drinking water from the Tama River using only solar energy. Therefore, this system may be useful for supplying drinking water during a disaster. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

One-Pot Route towards Active TiO2 Doped Hierarchically Porous Cellulose: Highly Efficient Photocatalysts for Methylene Blue Degradation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xiaoxia Sun

2017-03-01

Full Text Available In this study, novel photocatalyst monolith materials were successfully fabricated by a non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS technique. By adding a certain amount of ethyl acetate (as non-solvent into a cellulose/LiCl/N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc solution, and successively adding titanium dioxide (TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs, cellulose/TiO2 composite monoliths with hierarchically porous structures were easily formed. The obtained composite monoliths possessed mesopores, and two kinds of macropores. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR, X-ray Diffraction (XRD, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET, and Ultraviolet-visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis measurements were adopted to characterize the cellulose/TiO2 composite monolith. The cellulose/TiO2 composite monoliths showed high efficiency of photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of methylene blue dye, which was decomposed up to 99% within 60 min under UV light. Moreover, the composite monoliths could retain 90% of the photodegradation efficiency after 10 cycles. The novel NIPS technique has great potential for fabricating recyclable photocatalysts with highly efficiency.

Enhancement of photocatalytic degradation of polyethylene plastic with CuPc modified TiO2 photocatalyst under solar light irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhao Xu; Li Zongwei; Chen Yi; Shi Liyi; Zhu Yongfa

2008-01-01

Solid-phase photocatalytic degradation of polyethylene (PE) plastic, one of the most common commercial plastic, over copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) modified TiO 2 (TiO 2 /CuPc) photocatalyst was investigated in the ambient air under solar light irradiation. Higher PE weight loss rate, greater texture change; more amount of generated CO 2 , which is the main product of the photocatalytic degradation of the composite PEC plastic can be achieved in the system of PE-(TiO 2 /CuPc) in comparison with PE-TiO 2 system. The CuPc promoted charge separation of TiO 2 and enhanced the photocatalytic degradation of PE based on the analysis of surface photovoltage spectroscopy (SPS). During the photodegradation of PE plastic, the reactive oxygen species generated on TiO 2 or TiO 2 /CuPc particle surfaces play important roles. The present study demonstrates that the combination of polymer plastic with TiO 2 /CuPc composite photocatalyst in the form of thin film is a practical and useful way to photodegrade plastic contaminants under solar light irradiation

Synthesis and characterization of novel plasmonic Ag/AgX-CNTs (X = Cl, Br, I) nanocomposite photocatalysts and synergetic degradation of organic pollutant under visible light.

Science.gov (United States)

Shi, Huixian; Chen, Jiangyao; Li, Guiying; Nie, Xin; Zhao, Huijun; Wong, Po-Keung; An, Taicheng

2013-08-14

A series of novel well-defined Ag/AgX (X = Cl, Br, I) loaded carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite photocatalysts (Ag/AgX-CNTs) were fabricated for the first time via a facile ultrasonic assistant deposition-precipitation method at the room temperature (25 ± 1 °C). X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and ultraviolet-visible light absorption spectra analysis were used to characterize the structure, morphology, and optical properties of the as-prepared photocatalysts. Results confirmed the existence of the direct interfacial contact between Ag/AgX nanoparticles and CNTs, and Ag/AgX-CNTs nanocomposites exhibit superior absorbance in the visible light (VL) region owing to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Ag nanoparticles. The fabricated composite photocatalysts were employed to remove 2,4,6-tribromophenol (TBP) in aqueous phase. A remarkably enhanced VL photocatalytic degradation efficiency of Ag/AgX-CNTs nanocomposites was observed when compared to that of pure AgX or CNTs. The photocatalytic activity enhancement of Ag/AgX-CNTs was due to the effective electron transfer from photoexcited AgX and plasmon-excited Ag(0) nanoparticles to CNTs. This can effectively decrease the recombination of electron-hole pairs, lead to a prolonged lifetime of the photoholes that promotes the degradation efficiency.

Diesel soot oxidation under controlled conditions

OpenAIRE

Song, Haiwen

2003-01-01

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University, 11/12/2003. In order to improve understanding of diesel soot oxidation, an experimental rig was designed and set up, in which the soot oxidation conditions, such as temperature, oxygen partial pressure, and CO2 partial pressure, could be varied independently of each other. The oxidizing gas flow in the oxidizer was under laminar condition. This test rig comprised a naturally-aspirated single ...

Ball bearings comprising nickel-titanium and methods of manufacture thereof

Science.gov (United States)

DellaCorte, Christopher (Inventor); Glennon, Glenn N. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

Disclosed herein is a friction reducing nickel-titanium composition. The nickel-titanium composition includes a first phase that comprises nickel and titanium in an atomic ratio of about 0.45:0.55 to about 0.55:0.45; a second phase that comprises nickel and titanium in an atomic ratio of about 0.70:0.30 to about 0.80:0.20; and a third phase that comprises nickel and titanium in an atomic ratio of about 0.52:0.48 to about 0.62:0.38. A bearing for reducing friction comprising a nickel-titanium composition comprising a first phase that comprises nickel and titanium in an atomic ratio of about 0.45:0.55 to about 0.55:0.45; a second phase that comprises nickel and titanium in an atomic ratio of about 0.70:0.30 to about 0.80:0.20; and a third phase that comprises nickel and titanium in an atomic ratio of about 0.52:0.48 to about 0.62:0.38; where the bearing is free from voids and pinholes.

Operation of staged membrane oxidation reactor systems

Science.gov (United States)

Repasky, John Michael

2012-10-16

A method of operating a multi-stage ion transport membrane oxidation system. The method comprises providing a multi-stage ion transport membrane oxidation system with at least a first membrane oxidation stage and a second membrane oxidation stage, operating the ion transport membrane oxidation system at operating conditions including a characteristic temperature of the first membrane oxidation stage and a characteristic temperature of the second membrane oxidation stage; and controlling the production capacity and/or the product quality by changing the characteristic temperature of the first membrane oxidation stage and/or changing the characteristic temperature of the second membrane oxidation stage.

Microbially-mediated method for synthesis of non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles

Science.gov (United States)

Phelps, Tommy J.; Lauf, Robert J.; Moon, Ji Won; Rondinone, Adam J.; Love, Lonnie J.; Duty, Chad Edward; Madden, Andrew Stephen; Li, Yiliang; Ivanov, Ilia N.; Rawn, Claudia Jeanette

2014-06-24

The invention is directed to a method for producing non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, the method comprising: (a) subjecting a combination of reaction components to conditions conducive to microbially-mediated formation of non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, wherein said combination of reaction components comprises i) anaerobic microbes, ii) a culture medium suitable for sustaining said anaerobic microbes, iii) a metal component comprising at least one type of metal ion, iv) a non-metal component containing at least one non-metal selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and As, and v) one or more electron donors that provide donatable electrons to said anaerobic microbes during consumption of the electron donor by said anaerobic microbes; and (b) isolating said non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, which contain at least one of said metal ions and at least one of said non-metals. The invention is also directed to non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticle compositions produced as above and having distinctive properties.

Hybrid Iron Oxide-Graphene Oxide-Polysaccharides Microcapsule: A Micro-Matryoshka for On-demand Drug Release and Antitumor Therapy In Vivo

KAUST Repository

Deng, Lin; Li, Qiujin; Al-Rehili, Safa'a; Omar, Haneen; Almalik, Abdulaziz; Alshamsan, Aws; Zhang, Jianfei; Khashab, Niveen M.

2016-01-01

microcapsule (h-MC) by a simple layer-by-layer technique comprising polysaccharides (Alg, Chi, HA), iron oxide, and graphene oxide. Electrostatic assembly of the oppositely charged polysaccharides and graphene sheets provided a robust structure to load drugs

Metal oxide semiconductors for dye degradation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Adhikari, Sangeeta; Sarkar, Debasish, E-mail: dsarkar@nitrkl.ac.in

2015-12-15

Highlights: • Hydrothermal synthesis of monoclinic and hexagonal WO{sub 3} nanostructures. • Nanocuboid and nanofiber growth using different structure directing agents. • WO{sub 3}–ZnO nanocomposites for dye degradation under UV and visible light. • High photocatalytic efficiency is achieved by 10 wt% monoclinic WO{sub 3}. • WO{sub 3} assists to trap hole in UV and arrests electron in visible light irradiation. - Abstract: Organic contaminants are a growing threat to the environment that widely demands their degradation by high efficient photocatalysts. Thus, the proposed research work primely focuses on the efficient degradation of methyl orange using designed WO{sub 3}–ZnO photocatalysts under both UV and visible light irradiation. Two different sets of WO{sub 3} nanostructures namely, monoclinic WO{sub 3} (m-WO{sub 3}) and hexagonal WO{sub 3} (h-WO{sub 3}) synthesizes in presence of a different structure directing agents. A specific dispersion technique allows the intimate contact of as-synthesized WO{sub 3} and ultra-violet active commercial ZnO photocatalyst in different weight variations. ZnO nanocrystal in presence of an optimum 10 wt% m-WO{sub 3} shows a high degree of photocatalytic activity under both UV and visible light irradiation compared to counterpart h-WO{sub 3}. Symmetrical monoclinic WO{sub 3} assists to trap hole in UV, but electron arresting mechanism predominates in visible irradiation. Coupling of monoclinic nanocuboid WO{sub 3} with ZnO proves to be a promising photocatalyst in both wavelengths.

Printhead and inkjet printer comprising such a printhead

NARCIS (Netherlands)

2007-01-01

The invention relates to a printhead comprising multiple substantially closed ink chambers (13), the ink chambers being mutually separated by at least one wall (12), wherein each of the chambers comprises an electro-mechanical converter (15), where actuation of the converter leads to a volume change

Theoretical study on the photocatalytic properties of graphene oxide with single Au atom adsorption

Science.gov (United States)

Ju, Lin; Dai, Ying; Wei, Wei; Li, Mengmeng; Jin, Cui; Huang, Baibiao

2018-03-01

The photocatalytic properties of graphene oxide (GO) with single Au atom adsorption are studied via the first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory. The present study addresses the origin of enhancement in photocatalytic efficiency of GO derived from single Au atom depositing. Compared with the clean one, the work function of the single Au atom adsorbed GO is lowered due to the charge transfer from Au to GO, indicating enhanced surface activity. The Au atom plays as an electron trapping center and a mediating role in charge transfer from photon excited GO to target species. The photogenerated electron-hole pairs can be separated effectively. For the GO configuration with atomic Au dispersion, there are some states introduced in the band gap, which are predominantly composed of Au 6s states. Through the in-gap state, the photo-generated electron transfer from the valence band of clean GO to the conductive band more easily. In addition, the reduction of the gap in the system is also presented in the current work, which indicates that the single Au atom adsorption improves light absorption for the GO based photocatalyst. These theoretical results are valuable for the future applications of GO materials as photocatalyst for water splitting.

Nanocomposite of graphene and metal oxide materials

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Jun; Aksay, Ilhan A.; Choi, Daiwon; Wang, Donghai; Yang, Zhenguo

2012-09-04

Nanocomposite materials comprising a metal oxide bonded to at least one graphene material. The nanocomposite materials exhibit a specific capacity of at least twice that of the metal oxide material without the graphene at a charge/discharge rate greater than about 10C.

Nanocomposite of graphene and metal oxide materials

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Jun; Aksay, Ilhan A.; Choi, Daiwon; Wang, Donghai; Yang, Zhenguo

2013-10-15

Nanocomposite materials comprising a metal oxide bonded to at least one graphene material. The nanocomposite materials exhibit a specific capacity of at least twice that of the metal oxide material without the graphene at a charge/discharge rate greater than about 10 C.

Manganese oxide nanowires, films, and membranes and methods of making

Science.gov (United States)

Suib, Steven Lawrence [Storrs, CT; Yuan, Jikang [Storrs, CT

2008-10-21

Nanowires, films, and membranes comprising ordered porous manganese oxide-based octahedral molecular sieves, and methods of making, are disclosed. A single crystal ultra-long nanowire includes an ordered porous manganese oxide-based octahedral molecular sieve, and has an average length greater than about 10 micrometers and an average diameter of about 5 nanometers to about 100 nanometers. A film comprises a microporous network comprising a plurality of single crystal nanowires in the form of a layer, wherein a plurality of layers is stacked on a surface of a substrate, wherein the nanowires of each layer are substantially axially aligned. A free standing membrane comprises a microporous network comprising a plurality of single crystal nanowires in the form of a layer, wherein a plurality of layers is aggregately stacked, and wherein the nanowires of each layer are substantially axially aligned.

Ionic liquids comprising heteraromatic anions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Schneider, William F.; Brennecke, Joan F.; Maginn, Edward J.; Mindrup, Elaine; Gurkan, Burcu; Price, Erica; Goodrich, Brett

2018-04-24

Some embodiments described herein relate to ionic liquids comprising an anion of a heteraromatic compound such as optionally substituted pyrrolide, optionally substituted pyrazolide, optionally substituted indolide, optionally substituted phospholide, or optionally substituted imidazolide. Methods and devices for gas separation or gas absorption related to these ionic liquids are also described herein.

Enhanced bonding between TiO2-Graphene oxide

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Naknikham, Usuma; Buffa, Vittorio; Yue, Yuanzheng

analysis. Besides, the study of Ti-O-C and Ti-C interface bonding was carried out using XPS. The band-gap energy was determined using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere. Thus, it was possible for us to determine the reactivity of the new photocatalysts under the visible light...... as photocatalysts, which can efficiently react with organic species under solar light and can enhance the adsorption of water pollutants [3]. Many studies have shown that TiO2-GO heterostructures can quickly mineralize organic dyes in solution under UV-light. However, it is not clear if these materials can provide...... the same performances under sunlight and with complex real water systems. Hence, this research aims to study the photocatalystic property on GO-TiO2 composites with aqueous solutions of selected emerging pollutants under visible light. The samples were synthesized via the in-situ sol-gel nucleation...

Photocatalytic activity of PANI loaded coordination polymer composite materials: Photoresponse region extension and quantum yields enhancement via the loading of PANI nanofibers on surface of coordination polymer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cui, Zhongping; Qi, Ji; Xu, Xinxin; Liu, Lu; Wang, Yi

2013-01-01

To enhance photocatalytic property of coordination polymer in visible light region, polyaniline (PANI) loaded coordination polymer photocatalyst was synthesized through in-situ chemical oxidation of aniline on the surface of coordination polymer. The photocatalytic activity of PANI loaded coordination polymer composite material for degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) was investigated. Compared with pure coordination polymer photocatalyst, which can decompose RhB merely under UV light irradiation, PANI loaded coordination polymer photocatalyst displays more excellent photocatalytic activity in visible light region. Furthermore, PANI loaded coordination polymer photocatalyst exhibits outstanding stability during the degradation of RhB. - Graphical abstract: PANI loaded coordination polymer composite material, which displays excellent photocatalytic activity under visible light was firstly synthesized through in-situ chemical oxidation of aniline on surface of coordination polymer. Display Omitted - Highlights: • This PANI loaded coordination polymer composite material represents the first conductive polymer loaded coordination polymer composite material. • PANI/coordination polymer composite material displays more excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MO in visible light region. • The “combination” of coordination polymer and PANI will enable us to design high-activity, high-stability and visible light driven photocatalyst in the future

Improved adhesion of metal oxide layer

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

2012-01-01

The present invention relates to: a method of preparing a coating ink for forming a zinc oxide layer, which method comprises the steps of: a) mixing zinc acetate and AlOH (OAc)2 in water or methanol and b) filtering out solids; a coating ink comprising zinc acetate and AlOH (OAc)2 in aqueous or m...

Compositions, methods, and systems comprising fluorous-soluble polymers

Science.gov (United States)

Swager, Timothy M.; Lim, Jeewoo; Takeda, Yohei

2015-10-13

The present invention generally relates to compositions, methods, and systems comprising polymers that are fluorous-soluble and/or organize at interfaces between a fluorous phase and a non-fluorous phase. In some embodiments, emulsions or films are provided comprising a polymer. The polymers, emulsions, and films can be used in many applications, including for determining, treating, and/or imaging a condition and/or disease in a subject. The polymer may also be incorporated into various optoelectronic device such as photovoltaic cells, organic light-emitting diodes, organic field effect transistors, or the like. In some embodiments, the polymers comprise pi-conjugated backbones, and in some cases, are highly emissive.

Desulfurization of AL-Ahdab Crude Oil using Oxidative Processes

OpenAIRE

Neran Khalel Ibrahim; Saja Mohsen Jabbar

2015-01-01

Two different oxidative desulfurization strategies based on oxidation/adsorption or oxidation/extraction were evaluated for the desulfurization of AL-Ahdab (AHD) sour crude oil (3.9wt% sulfur content). In the oxidation process, a homogenous oxidizing agent comprising of hydrogen peroxide and formic acid was used. Activated carbons were used as sorbent/catalyst in the oxidation/adsorption process while acetonitrile was used as an extraction solvent in the oxidation/extraction process. For the ...

Preparation of ZnO/Cu2O compound photocatalyst and application in treating organic dyes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xu Chao; Cao Lixin; Su Ge; Liu Wei; Liu Hui; Yu Yaqin; Qu Xiaofei

2010-01-01

ZnO/Cu 2 O compound photocatalysts were prepared by 'soak-deoxidize-air oxidation' with different concentrations of Cu 2+ (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mol/L). The prepared ZnO/Cu 2 O samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrometer, and photochemical reaction instrument. The results show that ZnO was hexagonal wurtzite structure and the crystallinity had no change with the increase of Cu 2+ concentration. Cu 2 O belonged to cubic structure and the crystallinity increased with the increase of Cu 2+ concentration. ZnO were rods and bulks which had diameter of about 300-400 nm, some small round Cu 2 O particles which had a diameter of about 50 nm adhered to these rods and bulks. In the compounds the mole ratio of Cu 2 O to ZnO was 0.017, 0.025, 0.076, 0.137, 0.138, and 0.136, respectively. An absorbance in the visible light region between 400 and 610 nm was seen and the reflection rate became less with the mole ratio of Cu 2 O to ZnO increasing. The photocatalytic activities of ZnO/Cu 2 O compound were evaluated using a basic organic dye, methyl orange (MO). It was found that, compared with pure ZnO, the photocatalytic properties of ZnO/Cu 2 O compound were improved greatly and some compounds were better than pure Cu 2 O.

Method of producing oxidation resistant coatings for molybdenum

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Timmons, G.A.

1989-01-01

A method is described for producing a molybdenum element having adherently bonded thereto a thermally self-healing plasma-sprayed coating consisting essentially of a composite of molybdenum and a refactory oxide material capable of reacting with molybdenum oxide under oxidizing conditions to form a substantially thermally stable refractory compound of molybdenum, the method comprising plasma-spraying a coating formed by the step-wise application of a plurality of interbonded plasma-sprayed layers of a composite of molybdenum/refractory oxide material produced from a particulate mixture thereof. The coating comprises a first layer of molybdenum plasma-sprayed bonded to the substrate of the molybdenum element, a second layer of plasma-sprayed mixture of particulate molybdenum/refactory oxide consisting essentially of predominantly molybdenum bonded to the first layer, and succeeding layers of this mixture. The next step is heating the coated molybdenum element under oxidizing conditions to an elevated temperature sufficient to cause oxygen to diffuse into the surface of the multi-layered coating to react with dispersed molybdenum therein to form molybdenum oxide and effect healing of the coating by reaction of the molybdenum oxide with the contained refractory oxide and thereby protect the substrate of the molybdenum element against oxidation

Use of advanced oxidation processes for removal of micropollutants

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Madsen, Henrik Tækker; Søgaard, Erik Gydesen

photocatalysis when illuminated with UV light, and it may furthermore be arranged so the photocatalyst is immobilized on the UV quartz tubes by coating, which removes the need for a constant addition and subsequent removal of TiO2 to the system. The effect of the current system, and the TiO2 modified system...... was investigated by degradation of the synthetic estrogen 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2). EE2 was used as the model compound since it is a very potent endocrine disruptor that has been found to have endocrine effects on fish at ppt levels. Also, the disinfection capability with photocatalysis was investigated...... of the microorganisms, photocatalysis works by oxidizing the cell membrane for microorganism adsorbed to the coated surface, which is a more inefficient process per mole UV light....

Chemical Vapor Deposition of Photocatalyst Nanoparticles on PVDF Membranes for Advanced Oxidation Processes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Giovanni De Filpo

2018-06-01

Full Text Available The chemical binding of photocatalytic materials, such as TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles, onto porous polymer membranes requires a series of chemical reactions and long purification processes, which often result in small amounts of trapped nanoparticles with reduced photocatalytic activity. In this work, a chemical vapor deposition technique was investigated in order to allow the nucleation and growth of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles onto polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF porous membranes for application in advanced oxidation processes. The thickness of obtained surface coatings by sputtered nanoparticles was found to depend on process conditions. The photocatalytic efficiency of sputtered membranes was tested against both a model drug and a model organic pollutant in a small continuous flow reactor.

The uranyl cation as a visible-light photocatalyst for C(sp{sup 3})-H fluorination

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)