Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of CeO2/alumina nanocomposite: Synthesized via facile mixing-calcination method for dye degradation

In this present study, an effort has been made to novel CeO₂/alumina nanocomposite photocatalyst was fabricated through mixing-calcination method. The XRD, IR, SEM, TEM, EDX and XPS results designated that these synthesized materials are formed effectively. The photocatalytic results for the degradation of dye solution indicate that the most dynamic ratio is CeO₂:Al₂O₃ (2.5:1) under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation was made under dark and in the presence of light to establish the photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized photocatalyst. The improved performance of CeO₂/alumina nanocomposite is attributed to the separation efficiency of photo-induced charge carriers and it inhibit charge recombination. The major active species are determined by radical scavengers trapping experiments were revealed that superoxide radical (O₂^?) and hydroxyl radical (OH) are playing a vital role in the degradation of dye solution. The stability of catalyst was confirmed by consecutive runs of CeO₂/alumina nanocomposite.     

ZnO/Ag nanocomposite: An efficient catalyst for degradation studies of textile effluents under visible light

Degradation of model organic dye and industry effluent was studied using different weight percentages of Ag into ZnO as a catalyst. In this study, the catalysts were prepared by thermal decomposition method, which was employed for the first time in the preparation of ZnO/Ag nanocomposite catalysts. The physical and chemical properties of the prepared samples were studied using various techniques. The specific surface area, which plays an important role in the photocatalytic degradation, was studied using BET analysis and 10 wt.% Ag into ZnO showed the best degrading efficiency. The optical absorption (UV–vis) and emission (PL) properties of the samples were studied and results suggest better photocatalytic properties for 10 wt.% Ag sample compared to other samples.     

Synthesis of AgBr/ZnO nanocomposite with visible light-driven photocatalytic activity

AgBr/ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized via chemical precipitation from pure ZnO nanowires, AgNO₃, and NaBr. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy results confirmed the forming of AgBr/ZnO nanocomposite. High resolution transmission electron microscopy results of the as-synthesized AgBr/ZnO nanocomposite revealed that AgBr nanoparticles were attached to the surface of ZnO nanowires. UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra of both pure ZnO and AgBr/ZnO nanocomposite displayed a band gap edge at about 350-380 nm. However, compared with pure ZnO, an additional broad tail from approximately 400 nm to 700 nm appeared in the UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrum of AgBr/ZnO nanocomposite. The photocatalytic studies indicated that the as-synthesized AgBr/ZnO nanocomposite was a kind of promising photocatalyst in remediation of water polluted by some chemically stable azo dyes under visible light.     

Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity in AgI/BiOCOOH composite

AgI/BiOCOOH composite photocatalysts have been synthesized via a simple deposition-precipitation method. The crystal structure, microstructure, element valance, light and electrical properties of as prepared samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, UV–Vis DRS, PL, EIS and photocurrent response. The loading of AgI nanoparticles endowed BiOCOOH with good visible light absorption and photocatalytic activity for degrading rhodamine B. The composition with Ag:Bi?=?1:1 exhibited the best photocatalytic activity. The enhanced photocatalytic performance could be mainly attributed to the effective separation of the photogenerated carriers at the heterojunction. O^2? and h⁺ were suggested as the main reactive species in the photocatalytic reaction. In addition, the photocatalysts showed excellent stability over multiple reaction cycles.     

ZnO/CdO composite nanorods for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under visible light

Nanorods of ZnO and ZnO/CdO were synthesized by thermal decomposition of their respective acetate without any catalyst at 350 °C. It is a simple and low cost method to prepare ZnO and ZnO/CdO nanorods. The decomposition temperature of acetate and the formation of oxides were determined by thermogravimetric analysis before the synthesis process. The prepared samples were characterized by different techniques. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO/CdO was tested by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous medium under visible light and the efficiency of the catalyst has been discussed in detail. The method is simple, fast and cost effective when compared to other methods.     

纳米ZnO可见光催化活性的改善及其降解性能

由于半导体ZnO禁带宽度较宽,因而其可见光催化活性较差.本文分别采用N掺杂、碳包覆、贵金属修饰以及半导体复合等方式来改善纳米ZnO的可见光催化活性,并以罗丹明B为降解污染物,对比了不同材料可见光催化降解有机污染物的效率.研究结果显示以氨水为氮源,通过水热法制备的氮掺杂N-ZnO光催化剂,相比于纯ZnO,对可见光吸收增强...     

Visible light induced photocatalytic performance of Mn-SnO2@ZnO nanocomposite for high efficient cationic dye degradation

In this work, we have synthesized Mn-doped SnO₂@ZnO nanocomposite for photo degradation of Methylene blue and Rhodamine B dyes upon visible light irradiation. The crystal structure, functional group, optical absorption, defect related emission, morphology, purity and binding energy state of synthesized samples were identified by using various analytical tools. The crystal structure revealed the rutile tetragonal, hexagonal wurtzite for SnO₂ and ZnO samples and the average crystal sizes were found in the range of 23.3 nm to 16.7 nm for the synthesized samples. The optical absorption peaks were shifted to higher wavelength side and optical band gap values were found between 3.52 eV and 2.77 eV which confirm the formation of hetero-junction of SnO₂@ZnO composites. The field emission scanning electron spectroscopy (FESEM) revealed the spherical grain morphology for pure and composite samples. The energy dispersive spectra (EDS) and element mapping confirms the purity of the synthesized samples. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that the composition and energy state of Mn⁴⁺, Sn⁴⁺ and Zn²⁺ for composite samples. The photocatalytic degradation results clearly indicate that the Mn-doped SnO₂@ZnO nanocomposite has higher degradation efficiency of 98% and 92% for the Methylene blue and Rhodamine B dyes, respectively and is higher than the other synthesized samples. The present study reveals a low cost and highly efficient photo-catalyst which works up on visible light irradiation for the purification of waste water from industries.

     

The recyclable cotton cellulose nanofibers/ZnO/CuS nanocomposites with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity

The cotton cellulose nanofibers(CCNFs)/ZnO/CuS nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated by the electrospun-hydrothermal method and successive ionic layer adsorption. The results of XRD, SEM and TEM indicate that the CuS are successfully combined with the ZnO. The photocatalytic activity of the CCNFs/ZnO/CuS nanocomposites is investigated by the degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation, and it is demonstrated to be significantly enhanced after the CuS is introduced. Furthermore, the direct interfacial charge transfer of the ZnO/CuS is considered as the main reason for the enhancement.     

Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of novel Pt/C-doped TiO2/PtCl4 three-component nanojunction system for degradation of toluene in air

C-doped TiO(2) nanoparticles prepared by partial oxidation of TiC were modified with Pt species by impregnation-calcination method in order to enhance the visible light photocatalytic activity. The physicochemical properties of as-prepared samples were characterized by various techniques in detail. The results indicated that a novel Pt/C-doped TiO(2)/PtCl(4) three-component nanojunction system was formed, where C-doped TiO(2) and PtCl(4) behaved as two visible light responsive components, and Pt metal as electron-transfer system. The three-component nanojunctioned photocatalyst system exhibited six times higher visible light activity than that of the pristine C-doped TiO(2) in degradation of toluene in air. The dramatically enhanced activity can be attributed to the increased utilization of visible light, the enhanced charge carrier separation and transfer process. Further more, the band structure and photocatalysis mechanism over the three-component nanojunction system was proposed and discussed. This work may provide new insights into the design of novel multi-component photocatalyst system with efficient visible light activity.     

Creation of passivated Nb/N p-n co-doped ZnO nanoparticles and their enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light illumination

Passivated niobium/nitrogen (Nb-N) p-n co-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles were created by a simple precipitation process with in-situ self-formed NaCl “cage” to confine the nanoparticle growth followed by the heat treatment in a flow of ammonia gas. Enhanced optical absorbance into the visible light region was observed in the Nb/N co-doped ZnO nanoparticle photocatalyst due to the Nb/N co-doping effect. It demonstrated a largely enhanced photocatalytic performance in the disinfection of Escherichia coli bacteria under visible light illumination, which could be attributed to the passivated co-doping of Nb-N to suppress the photogenerated charge carrier recombination on dopants. This robust approach for passivated p-n co-doping may also be applied to other material systems for a wide range of technical applications.     

Heat treatment of nanometer anatase powder and its photocatalytic activity for degradation of acid red B dye under visible light irradiation

The phase transformation of nanometer TiO₂ powder from anatase to rutile was realized by heat treatment, and a new nanometer TiO₂ photocatalyst that could be excited by visible light was obtained. The heat-treated TiO₂ powder at different transition stage was characterized by powder x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The test of photocatalytic activity of the heat-treated TiO₂ powder was carried out by the photocatalytic degradation of acid red B dye in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The nanometer anatase TiO₂ heat-treated at 500°C for 30 min exhibited much higher activity than those of pure anatase and mechanically mixed (anatase and rutile) TiO₂. The remarkable improvement of photocatalytic activity was mainly illustrated by the special interphase between rutile and anatase, which not only restrains the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs but also reduces the adsorbability of nanometer anatase TiO₂ powder to a certain extent. More significantly, the anticipatory interlaced energy level of heat-treated TiO₂ particles is convenient for capturing photons of low energy and thus achieves the intention of using visible light. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

海绵状Ag2O/ZnO复合光催化剂的制备及对甲醛的可见光降解

为克服纳米ZnO晶体可见光光催化活性低的缺点,以六水合硝酸锌、六亚甲基四胺和二水合草酸为原料,采用液相共沉淀-热分解法制备了六方纤锌矿型海绵状ZnO,然后在碱性条件下复合纳米Ag₂O颗粒,得到海绵状Ag₂O/ZnO复合光催化剂,并采用XRD、FTIR、紫外-可见漫反射（UV-Vis DRS）、FESEM、TEM和BET测量仪对其进行了表征;采用可见光光源,甲醛（HCHO）液体为光催化反应模型物,研究了不同摩尔比下Ag₂O/ZnO复合光催化剂的暗吸附及光催化性能。结果表明,随着Ag₂O相对含量的增加,HCHO暗吸附效果出现先增大后减小的趋势,当Ag₂O与ZnO摩尔比为1∶5时,HCHO去除率达到43.34%;另一方面,在可见光下Ag₂O/ZnO复合光催化剂对HCHO的降解率呈先增大后减小的趋势,其中Ag₂O与ZnO的摩尔比为1∶10时取得最佳降解效果,经过90 min的可见光光照后HCHO降解率达到78%,总的HCHO去除率为85%。      

Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of Zn2SnO4 via sulfur anion-doping

Sulfur anion doped Zn₂SnO₄ was prepared by calcining the mixture of thiourea and spinel Zn₂SnO₄ at 300 °C under argon atmosphere and characterized by XRD, XPS and DRS. It was found that S^2? was incorporated interstitially into the bulk phase of Zn₂SnO₄. After the doping of S^2?, the band gap of Zn₂SnO₄ was sharply decreased to 2.7 eV compared with that of undoped Zn₂SnO₄ (~ 3.6 eV). The photocatalytic activity of S-doped Zn₂SnO₄ was enhanced for photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation.     

Preparation of novel CdS-graphene/TiO2 composites with high photocatalytic activity for methylene blue dye under visible light

In this study, CdS combined graphene/TiO₂ (CdS-graphene/TiO₂) composites were prepared by a sol–gel method to improve on the photocatalytic performance of TiO₂. These composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The photocatalytic activities were examined by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. The photodegradation rate of MB under visible light irradiation reached 90·1% during 150 min. The kinetics of MB degradation were plotted alongside the values calculated from the Langmuir–Hinshelwood equation. 0·1 CGT sample showed the best photocatalytic activity, which was attributed to a cooperative reaction between the increase of photo-absorption effect by graphene and photocatalytic effect by CdS.     

Preparation and visible photocatalytic dye degradation of Mn-TiO2/sepiolite photocatalysts

The performance of Mn-TiO₂/sepiolite photocatalysts prepared by the sol-gel method and calcinated at different temperatures was studied in the photocatalytic degradation of direct fast emerald green dye under visible light irradiation, and a series of analytical techniques such as XRD, SEM, FTIR, TG-DSC, XPS, UV-vis-DRS and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the morphology, structure and optical properties of the photocatalysts. It is found that the anatase TiO₂ was formed in all photocatalysts. Mn⁴⁺ might incorporate into the lattice structure of TiO₂ and partially replace Ti⁴⁺, thus causing the defects in the crystal structure and the broadening of the spectral response range of TiO₂. At the same time, TiO₂ particles were dispersed on the surface of the sepiolite, which immobilized TiO₂ particles with sepiolite via the bond of Ti−O−Si. Mn-TiO₂/sepiolite calcined at 400 °C exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity and the degradation rate of direct fast emerald green is up to 98.13%. Meanwhile, it also shows good stability and universality.     

铜修饰钒酸铋/膨润土复合材料的制备及可见光催化脱硫性能研究

采用水热法制备了铜修饰钒酸铋/膨润土(Cu-BiVO_4/BTT)复合材料,借助X射线衍射(XRD)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、X射线光电子能谱(XPS)和紫外-可见漫反射吸收光谱(DRS)对其进行表征。XRD分析显示,所制备的催化剂中BiVO_4均保持单斜结构,SEM结果证实了钒酸铋负载到了膨润土上,XPS结果显示Cu元素以CuO形式存在于催化剂表面,DRS结果显示复合材料在可见光区域的吸收增强。研究表明,当Cu与Bi的摩尔比为1.2时,复合材料光催化活性最高,经可见光照射3h,对模型汽油脱硫率达91%。     

Synthesis and characterization of heterogeneous ZnO/CuO hierarchical nanostructures for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant

In the current study, ZnO, CuO and ZnO/CuO mixed metal oxide nano-composites with different molar ratio of Zn/Cu (10:1, 8:1, 6:1, 4:1, 2:1) were prepared via low temperature hydrothermal synthesis technique. The consequences of different synthesis conditions such as molar ratio, pH and processing temperature on physicochemical properties of ZnO/CuO nano-composites were also studied. The surface morphology, elemental composition, crystal structure, chemical states and optical characteristics of the prepared nano-composite materials were determined using various techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–visible diffused reflectance spectra (UVDRS). A morphological change in bitter gourd structured ZnO as well as improved optical response of ZnO after incorporation of CuO was observed. The decreased recombination rate of charge carriers, effectual generation of photoinduced charge carriers, formation of hetero-junction system and unique morphology are the responsible factors for improved photodegradation characteristics of prepared ZnO/CuO nano-composites. Role of active species and pH of dye solution in degradation process was also studied.     

Enhanced visible light responsive photocatalysis by ZnO:Mg/RGO nanocomposites

Mg and RGO activated ZnO nanocomposites were prepared using a low-cost soft chemical method. As per the structural studies the samples exhibit wurtzite structure of ZnO with hexagonal crystal system. No secondary phases were observed. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared samples were assessed through the degradation of cationic dyes, methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) under visible light irradiation. The studies revealed that the ZnO:Mg/RGO nanocomposite exhibits enhanced photocatalytic as well as antibacterial behavior compared to bare ZnO. The optical, structural and surface morphological studies support the reports on the photocatalytic and antibacterial activities of the synthesized samples.     

Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of industrial dye by g-C3N4/TiO2 nanocomposite: Role of shape of TiO2

The photocatalytic degradation of toxic dyes has brought a new revolution to reduce water pollution. To degrade industrial dyes, TiO₂ is an important photocatalyst but the role of morphology is also important in degradation. We have synthesized g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ nanocomposite (1:1) having different shapes of TiO₂ (nanorods (NR), nanospheres (NS), and nanotubes (NT)), to show the effect of morphology on its photocatalytic activity. To improve the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO₂ in visible light, we have incorporated g-C₃N₄, a visible light active photocatalyst. The HRTEM, FESEM and Electron Diffraction studies with color mapping indicate successful synthesis of g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ nanocomposites. The increased photocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposites regarding the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye under visible light irradiation is due to the incorporation of g-C₃N₄ with different shapes of TiO₂. The studies show that, the shape of TiO₂ has a remarkable effect in photodegradation. The best degradation performance (～97%) was obtained from g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ -nanotubes composite with a rate constant of 0.0403?min^?1 within 80?min, whereas degradation efficiency of other shapes of TiO₂ like NS (92%) and NR (94.5%) were also found to be greater than that of commercial TiO₂ (P25) composite (74%). Results from UV–Vis absorption study, X-ray Diffraction studies, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and BET analysis suggest that the improvement in photocatalytic activity of composite is due to increased light absorption in visible region and increase in surface area (137.1?m²/g). Results from different scavengers study (DMSO, ascorbic acid and methanol) indicate that electron and superoxide ions act as main reactive species in photodegradation of RhB dye. The reusability efficiency of the catalyst shows 86% degradation after 5 consecutive cycles. The effect of pH and catalyst concentration was also determined which shows that maximum degradation occurs at pH?～?7 (98%) and degradation efficiency is increased with increase of catalyst dose from 0.1?mg/ml to 0.6?mg/ml and after that saturation occur due to increase in opacity and scattering of light. A comparative study was done with literature which suggests that this nanocomposites act as one of the best photocatalysts for degradation of toxic dyes.     

Effect of surface plasmon resonance on the photocatalytic activity of Au/TiO2 under UV/visible illumination

In this study, gold-loaded titanium dioxide was prepared by an impregnation method to investigate the effect of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) on photoactivity. The deposited gold nanoparticles (NPs) absorb visible light because of SPR. The effects of both the gold content and the TiO2 size of Au/TiO2 on SPR and the photocatalytic efficiency were investigated. The morphology, crystal structure, light absorption, emission from the recombination of a photoexcited electron and hole, and the degree of aggregation were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible-diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-VIS-DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and turbidimetry, respectively. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the decolorization of methyl orange solution over modified titania under UV and UV/GLED (green light emitting diode) illumination. Au/TiO2 NPs exhibited an absorption peak (530-570 nm) because of SPR. The results of our photocatalytic experiments indicated that the UV-inducedly photocatalytic reaction rate was improved by simultaneously using UV and green light illumination; this corresponds to the adsorption region of SPR. Au/TiO2 could use the enhanced electric field amplitude on the surface of the Au particle in the spectral vicinity of its plasmon resonance and thus improve the photoactivity. Experimental results show that the synergistic effect between UV and green light for the improvement of photoactivity increases with increasing the SPR absorption, which in turn is affected by the Au content and TiO2 size.