Electrospun nanofibers of p-type NiO/n-type ZnO heterojunctions with enhanced photocatalytic activity

One-dimensional electrospun nanofibers of p-type NiO/n-type ZnO heterojunctions with different molar ratios of Ni to Zn were successfully synthesized using a facile electrospinning technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance (DR) spectroscopy, resonant Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and surface photovoltage spectroscopy (SPS) were used to characterize the as-synthesized nanofibers. The results indicated that the p-n heterojunctions formed between the cubic structure NiO and hexangular structure ZnO in the NiO/ZnO nanofibers. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the as-electrospun NiO/ZnO nanofibers for the degradation of rhodamine B (RB) was much higher than that of electrospun NiO and ZnO nanofibers, which could be ascribed to the formation of p-n heterojunctions in the NiO/ZnO nanofibers. In particular, the p-type NiO/n-type ZnO heterojunction nanofibers with the original Ni/Zn molar ratio of 1 exhibited the best catalytic activity, which might be attributed to their high separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes. Notably, the electrospun nanofibers of p-type NiO/n-type ZnO heterojunctions could be easily recycled without a decrease of the photocatalytic activity due to their one-dimensional nanostructural property.     

球状SiO2@ZnO核壳结构的制备及其光催化活性

使用Stober法水热反应制备球状SiO2@ZnO核壳结构,通过样品对罗丹明B水溶液的降解研究其光催化活性,使用X-射线衍射（XRD）、扫描电子显微镜（SEM）、X-射线能量色散谱（EDS）、光致发光谱（PL）及紫外-可见分光光度计（UV—vis）等测试手段对材料物性进行表征,结果表明,SiO2表面包覆的ZnO层结晶良好,且不与SiO2核发生反应,表面致密、厚度均匀,保持了SiO2微球体的形貌特征;球状SiO2@ZnO核壳结构的吸收边和紫外发光峰位置相比于ZnO均发生红移,禁带宽度减小;通过光催化实验分析可知,球状SiO2@ZnO核壳结构光催化剂对罗丹明B水溶液的降解率有所提高,光照3h其降解率高达11％。     

Fabrication of novel ZnO/MnWO4 nanocomposites with p-n heterojunction: Visible-light-induced photocatalysts with substantially improved activity and durability

We report, for the first time, binary ZnO/MnWO₄ nanocomposites with p-n heterojunction fabricated by a simple ultrasonic-calcination route. The phase structure, morphology, and optical along with textural properties were comprehensively characterized. The photocatalytic performance was studied via degradations of rhodamine B, methyl blue and methyl orange (RhB, MB, MO), and fuchsine pollutants under visible-light illumination. The ZnO/MnWO₄ nanocomposites exhibited better photocatalytic performance than their single components and the nanocomposite with 30?wt% MnWO₄ showed the highest activity. Photocatalytic performance of this nanocomposite is 22.5, 17.7, 26.8, and 23.9 times higher than that of the ZnO sample in degradations of RhB, MB, MO, and fuchsine dyes, respectively. The improved photocatalytic performance was ascribed to the formation of p-n heterojunction between ZnO and MnWO₄ with high charge separation efficiency as well as strong visible-light absorption ability. The possible mechanism for the improved photocatalytic performance was proposed. This study revealed that the novel ZnO/MnWO₄p-n heterojunction can act as a promising visible-light-active photocatalyst for environmental applications.     

Unique and hierarchically structured novel Co<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>/NiO nanosponges with superior photocatalytic activity against organic contaminants

In the present study, novel Co₃O₄/NiO nanosponges designed for the photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants were synthesized by a simple precipitation technique. The formation of sponge-like nanostructures was clearly evident through the TEM analysis. The photocatalytic efficiency was tested against rhodamine B (RhB) and congo red (CR) dye solutions. Co₃O₄/NiO nanosponges showed excellent and enhanced photocatalytic efficacy compared to those of Co₃O₄, NiO nanoparticles, and standards like TiO₂ and ZnO. The influence of paramount important operational parameters was explored and the conditions for the best photocatalytic efficiency were optimized. The trapping experiment revealed that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) identified was $OH radical. These findings certainly open up a new way for synthesizing a morphology dependent photocatalyst.     

Fabrication of novel ZnO/BiOBr/C-Dots nanocomposites with considerable photocatalytic performances in removal of organic pollutants under visible light

In this study, ternary ZnO/BiOBr/C-Dots photocatalysts were successfully prepared by a simple strategy. Then, their characteristics such as structure, morphology, chemical, optical, textural, and photocatalytic performances were fully investigated. This study demonstrated that the ZnO/BiOBr/C-Dots nanocomposites showed remarkably increased photocatalytic performances compared with the ZnO and ZnO/BiOBr samples. In decolorization of RhB upon visible light, the highest activity was obtained when the volume of C-Dots was 0.25?mL, which was about 39.7 and 2.7?times premier than the ZnO and ZnO/BiOBr photocatalysts, respectively. In the ternary nanocomposites, the increased performance was mainly ascribed to the formed heterojunction between the counterparts, up conversion characteristics of C-Dots, and visible-light harvesting ability of BiOBr. The reactive species trapping experiments proved that O₂^? was the major species involved in the photocatalysis reaction. At last, the ternary nanocomposite displayed remarkable stability for recycling runs.     

异质结型NiO/ZnO复合纳米纤维的制备及光催化性能

采用静电纺丝技术, 以聚乙烯醇(PVA)和醋酸锌[Zn(CH₃COO)₂]为前驱体, 制备纯ZnO纳米纤维, 并以其为基质, 醋酸镍为镍源, 通过溶剂热法制备了NiO/ZnO复合纳米纤维. 利用X射线衍射(XRD)、扫描电镜(SEM)、高分辨透射电镜(HRTEM)和荧光光谱(PL)等分析测试手段对样品的结构和形貌进行表征。以罗丹明Ｂ的脱色降解为模式反应, 考察了样品的光催化性能。结果表明: NiO粒子均匀地负载到ZnO纳米纤维上, 得到了异质结型NiO/ZnO复合纳米纤维光催化材料, 与纯ZnO纳米纤维相比光催化活性明显提高, 且易于分离、回收和再利用。循环使用3次, RB的脱色率仍保持在89%以上。     

Synthesis of [60]fullerene-ZnO nanocomposite under electric furnace and photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized by a reaction between an aqueous-alcoholic solution of zinc nitrate and sodium hydroxide under ultrasonic irradiation at room temperature. The morphology, optical properties of the ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-vis spectroscopy. The [60]fullerene and zinc oxide nanocomposite were synthesized in an electric furnace at 700 degrees C for two hours. The [60]fullerene-ZnO nanocomposite was characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM. In addition, the [60]fullerene-ZnO nanocomposite was investigated as a catalyst in the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes using UV-vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the [60]fullerene-ZnO nanocomposite was compared with that of ZnO nanoparticles, heated ZnO nanoparticles after synthesis, pure [60]fullerene, and heated pure [60]fullerene in organic dyes such as methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and rhodamine B (RhB) under ultraviolet light at 254 nm.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of ZnO/CuO nanocomposite for the degradation of textile dye on visible light illumination

The photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes such as methylene blue and methyl orange in the presence of various percentages of composite catalyst under visible light irradiation was carried out. The catalyst ZnO nanorods and ZnO/CuO nanocomposites of different weight ratios were prepared by new thermal decomposition method, which is simple and cost effective. The prepared catalysts were characterized by different techniques such as X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. Further, the most photocatalytically active composite material was used for degradation of real textile waste water under visible light illumination. The irradiated samples were analysed by total organic carbon and chemical oxygen demand. The efficiency of the catalyst and their photocatalytic mechanism has been discussed in detail.     

Photodegradation pathway of rhodamine B with novel Au nanorods @ ZnO microspheres driven by visible light irradiation

A series of Au–ZnO photocatalysts were successfully synthesized from ZnO microspheres impregnated with Au nanorods by the seed-mediated method, and their photocatalytic activity of degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) was investigated. The nanocomposite catalyst exhibited high photocatalytic activity and degraded 92% of RhB solution under visible light irradiation in 330 min. The enhancement of photocatalytic effects was mainly ascribed to the surface plasmon resonance effect of Au nanorods; therefore, Au–ZnO spheres can absorb resonant photons and transfer the electron to the conduction band (CB) of ZnO leading to the separation of electrons and holes under visible light. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic performance was beneficial from the flower-like porous structure of ZnO, which enhances adsorption of the dye molecules and dissolved oxygen on the catalyst surface and facilitates the electron/hole transfer. Furthermore, the degradation pathway was proposed on the basis of the intermediates during the photodegradation process using liquid chromatography analysis coupled with mass spectroscopy (LC–MS). The degradation mechanism of pollutant is ascribed to the superoxide radicals (^·O^2?), which is the main oxidative species for the N-deethylated degradation of RhB. Moreover, the Au–ZnO photocatalysts demonstrated excellent photostability after five cycles. This work provides a facile and effective approach for removal of organic dyes under visible light and thus can be potentially used in the environmental purification.     

Synthesis,characterisation and antimicrobial activity of manganese- and iron-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles

The present work reports study on antimicrobial activity of pure and doped ZnO nanocomposites. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone capped Mn- and Fe-doped ZnO nanocomposites were synthesised using simple chemical co-precipitation technique. The synthesised materials were characterised using transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and ultraviolet (UV) visible spectroscopy. The XRD and TEM studies reveal that the synthesised ZnO nanocrystals have a hexagonal wurtzite structure with average crystalline size ～7–14 nm. EDXRF and FTIR study confirmed the doping and the incorporation of impurity in ZnO nanostructure. The antimicrobial activities of nanoparticles (NPs) were studied against fungi, gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria using the standard disc diffusion method. The photocatalytic activities of prepared NPs were evaluated by degradation of methylene blue dye in aqueous solution under UV light irradiation. Experimental results demonstrated that ZnO NPs doped with 10% of Mn and Fe ions showed maximum antimicrobial and photodegradation efficiency in contrast with that of the 1% loading. The enhancement in antimicrobial effect and photocatalytic degradation is attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species due to the synergistic effects of Mn and Fe loading.     

Synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic activity of g-$$\hbox {C}_{3}\mathrm{N}_{4}$$ hybridized CdS nanoparticles

The highly effective g-\(\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}\) hybridized CdS photocatalysts were synthesized via a successive calcination and hydrothermal process. The as-prepared photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performance of the \(\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}\)/CdS nanocomposites was evaluated by the photodegradation of RhB under visible light irradiation. The results showed that photocatalytic ability of the \(\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}\)/CdS nanocomposites was higher than that of pure \(\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}\) and CdS. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the high separation efficiency of the photo-excited electron-hole pairs. A possible mechanism of the photocatalytic degradation of RhB on \(\hbox {C}_{3}\hbox {N}_{4}/\)CdS nanocomposites was also proposed.     

Effect of leavening agent on structural and photocatalytic properties of ZnO nanorods

In the present work, we have demonstrated a simple, facile, one-step, rapid and cost effective synthesis of ZnO nanorods through the thermal decomposition of zinc acetate and leavening agent (NaHCO₃). The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were deposited on the surface of ZnO nanorods by photocatalytic reduction of Ag (I) to Ag(0). As synthesized ZnO nanorods and Ag–ZnO nanocomposites were characterized by using X-ray Diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscope and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of the ZnO nanorods and Ag–ZnO nanocomposites were evaluated for the photodegradation of Methyl Orange (MO) under UV and sunlight irradiation. The use of common leavening agent helps to prevent the aggregation of ZnO nanorods, further it hinders crystallite growth and narrowing the diameter of nanorods by the evolution of carbon dioxide during calcination. The ZnO nanorods and Ag–ZnO nanocomposite exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic activity and separation of photogenerated electron and hole pairs. Due to effect of leavening agent and AgNPs deposited on surface of ZnO nanorods finds best catalyst for the 99% degradation of MO within 30 min compared to ZnO.     

Synthesis of Ce-doped GN/ZnO architectures with enhanced photocatalytic activity

The novel flower-like GN/ZnO architectures composed of curved cone are synthesized with hydrothermal method at 120?°C for 4?h. The GN/ZnO composite was doped with GN during preparation, the photocatalytic activity of GN/ZnO was evaluated by photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated visible light. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of α-CNTs/SnO₂ for degradation of RhB was up to 90% within 50?min, which was much higher than that of pure compound. It was significantly found that the introduction of GN, which may suppressed the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs on the interface of SnO₂, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity.     

One-step microwave synthesis of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic performance

Ag/ZnO nanocomposites have been successfully prepared via a facile microwave method without any post-synthesis treatment. This is a facile and rapid process requiring only low power of microwave irradiation (120 W). The formation mechanism of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites was clearly discussed. The photocatalytic performance of the Ag/ZnO nanocomposites with different Ag contents for degradation of methylene blue was systematically evaluated. The Ag/ZnO nanocomposites showed enhanced photocatalytic activities compared with pure ZnO. Specifically, the photocatalytic activities of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites increased with increasing Ag content from 0.5 to 1.5 %. However, further increasing Ag content to 2.0 % induced the formation of more agglomerates, which could act as recombination centers of photoexcited electron–hole pairs, leading to decreased photocatalytic activity. It is believed that this facile, rapid microwave-assisted strategy is scalable and can be applied to synthesize other noble metal/semiconductor oxide nanocomposites for different applications.     

Rapid and eco-friendly synthesis of NiO/ZnO nanocomposite and its application in decolorization of dye

In this work NiO/ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized via simple, rapid and eco-friendly microwave-assisted method. Prepared NiO/ZnO nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Vibrating sample magnetometer analysis showed the ferromagnetic behavior of nanocomposite. In the following, prepared nanocomposite was used for photodegradation of methylene blue and rhodamin B under ultraviolet light irradiation. The results showed that nanocomposite has excellent photocatalyst performance.     

RGO/ZnO纳米棒复合材料的合成及光催化性能

采用水热合成法制备ZnO纳米棒及RGO/ZnO纳米棒复合材料。研究不同含量的RGO对RGO/ZnO纳米棒复合材料光催化活性的影响。采用X射线衍射仪(XRD)、场发射电子显微镜(FESEM)、光电子能谱仪(XPS)及漫反射紫外-可见吸收光谱(UV-Vis)检测手段对RGO/ZnO进行表征。结果显示:RGO与ZnO纳米棒成功复合。加入GO的含量不同,获得的RGO/ZnO样品在可见光区域的吸光度值不同。以甲基橙作为模拟污染物的光催化结果表明,RGO/ZnO复合材料具有高的紫外-可见光光降解效率,加入GO与ZnO的质量比为3%时,样品紫外-可见光光催化性能最佳,120min内甲基橙基本可以完全降解;且在波长大于400nm可见光照射下,RGO/ZnO具有一定的可见光活性,180min内其降解甲基橙效率最大可达26.2%。同时,RGO/ZnO具有较好的光稳定性。     

Preparation and characterization of graphene/NiO nanocomposites

Graphene-based nanocomposites are emerging as a new class of materials that hold promise for many applications. In this article, we present a facile approach for the preparation of graphene/NiO nanocomposites using graphite oxide and nickel chloride as starting materials. The as-synthesized composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform-Infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry analyses. It was shown that graphene sheets were decorated by the in situ-formed NiO nanoparticles to form a film-like composite structure and as a result, the restacking of the as-reduced graphene sheets was effectively prevented. The NiO-coated graphene nanocomposites can be expected to remarkably improve the electrochemical properties of NiO and would be the promising candidates for a variety of applications in future nanotechnology.     

Growth of Cu2O nanoparticle on reduced graphene sheets with high photocatalytic activity for degradation of Rhodamine B

Cu₂O–reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposite was synthesized by a simple one-pot solvothermal method. The morphology and properties of Cu₂O/RGO nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscope, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared nanocomposites were investigated by photodegrading Rhodamine B under visible light. Results show that Cu₂O/RGO nanocomposites exhibited a remarkably enhanced photocatalytic efficiency compared with pure Cu₂O nanoparticles and commercial P25. Moreover, we found that the content of graphene oxide introduced into composite material was a crucial factor for its improved photocatalytic performance.     

Facile fabrication of functionalized graphene sheets (FGS)/ZnO nanocomposites with photocatalytic property

Functionalized graphene sheets (FGS)/ZnO nanocomposites were fabricated via thermal treatment method, using graphene oxide as a precursor of graphene, Zn(NH(3))(4)CO(3) as a precursor of zinc oxide, and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) as an intermediate to combine zinc with carbon materials. Thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize crystal structure and morphology of FGS/ZnO nanocomposites. It was shown that the well-dispersed ZnO nanoparticles were deposited on FGS homogeneously. The composites exhibited photocatalytic activity to decompose rhodamine 6G efficiently under low-power ultraviolet (UV) light. This facile and low-cost method makes the composite a perfect candidate in applications of catalysis and other areas.     

Facile preparation of Ag/ZnO nanoparticles via photoreduction

Ag/ZnO nanoparticles can be obtained via photocatalytic reduction of silver nitrate at ZnO nanorods when a solution of AgNO₃ and nanorods ZnO suspended in ethyleneglycol is exposed to daylight. The mean size of the deposited sphere like Ag particles is about 5 nm. However, some of the particles can be as large as 20 nm. The ZnO nanorods were pre-prepared by basic precipitation from zinc acetate di-hydrate in the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide. They are about 50–300 nm in length and 10–50 nm in width. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and photoluminescence (PL) were used to characterize the resulting Ag/ZnO nanocomposites.