Hydrothermal preparation of Sn3O4/TiO2 nanotube arrays as effective photocatalysts for boosting photocatalytic dye degradation and hydrogen production

The efficient TiO₂ NTs/Sn₃O₄ photocatalysts were synthesized by the hydrothermal deposition of Sn₃O₄ on TiO₂ nanotube arrays (TiO₂ NTs), and the morphology, microstructure and photocatalytic property were adjusted by changing the alkali kind. The TiO₂ NTs/Sn₃O₄ prepared with NaOH exhibited the outstanding photoelectric conversion and photocatalytic environment remediation/H₂ evolution. The methylene blue (MB) dye and Cr(VI) could be removed by the as-prepared photocatalysts under visible light irradiation, and ?O₂^?/?OH radicals were the main active species for MB photodegradation. Furthermore, the high photocatalytic H₂ evolution rate was as high as 6.49 μmol cm^?2 h^?1. The outstanding photocatalytic activity and stability of TiO₂ NTs/Sn₃O₄ photocatalysts would exhibit attractive prospect in the wastewater remediation and electric energy/hydrogen generation.     

Increasing of Photocatalytic Performance of TiO2 Nanotubes by Doping AgS and CdS

Highly ordered titanium nanotubes (TiO₂ NTs) photocatalyst was prepared by the anodic oxidation method, and AgS, CdS, and AgS/CdS nanoparticles were doped on the surface of TiO₂ NTs by the successive ion adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The photocatalysts were characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD, and potentiostat system. The SEM and EDS analyses respectively show that the average outer diameter of prepared photocatalysts is in the range of 50–120?nm, and the presence of Ti, O, Ag, and Cd is successfully proved. The photocatalytic properties of TiO₂ NTs and doped TiO₂ NTs were studied by measuring the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) solution. The experimental results show that AgS/CdS/TiO₂ photocatalyst exhibited most efficient photocatalytic activity with 340?µA/cm² photocurrent value. AgS/CdS/TiO₂ NTs photocatalyst shows up to 22.20% higher than TiO₂ NTs, 16.42% higher than CdS/TiO₂ NTs, and 4.3% higher than AgS/TiO₂ NTs.     

Hydrothermal deposition of AgCl/AgBr co-sensitizers to modify TiO2 NTs for enhanced photocatalytic performance

AgCl/AgBr co-sensitizers were prepared on TiO₂ nanotube arrays (TiO₂ NTs/AgCl/AgBr) by the hydrothermal method. The composition, morphology, optical absorption, photoelectric and photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) performances of TiO₂ NTs/AgCl/AgBr were influenced by the concentration ratio of KCl/KBr. The investigation results revealed that the TiO₂ NTs/AgCl/AgBr photocatalyst exhibited dramatically strong visible light absorption and outstanding photoelectrochemical capacity. The photoelectrode produced high visible light surface photovoltage (-0.43 V), transient photocurrent (0.47 mA/cm²) and carrier concentration (4.39 × 10²⁰ cm^-3). The sample also showed high PEC activity in the organic dye and Cr(VI) removal, and the photocatalytic mechanism and charge carrier transfer path were described based on PEC results. The investigation would offer prospective insight to the sensitization of TiO₂ NTs, which would result in extensive attraction in the preparation and application of semiconductor materials as photoelectrodes and photocatalysts with superior photoelectrochemical performances.     

The construction of TiO2 NTs/Ag3PO4–AgBr by SILAR deposition as promising photocatalysts for hydrogen production and pollutant treatment

The construction of ternary TiO₂ NTs/Ag₃PO₄–AgBr photocatalysts was carried out by the SILAR deposition of Ag₃PO₄ and AgBr on TiO₂ nanotube arrays (TiO₂ NTs) for enhancing the photocatalytic application in H₂ evolution and dyeing wastewater remediation. The adjustment of Ag₃PO₄/AgBr deposition cycles was used to optimize the optical absorption and photocatalytic property. The TiO₂ NTs/Ag₃PO₄–AgBr (5) prepared with 5 cycle deposition of Ag₃PO₄ and AgBr exhibited the optimal photoelectric activity and photocatalytic performances. The photocatalytic rate constants for the degradation of MO, RhB and MB dyes achieved 1.35 × 10⁻², 3.30 × 10⁻² and 4.47 × 10⁻² min⁻¹, respectively, and the visible light-driven photocatalytic H₂ evolution rate achieves 46.87 μmol cm⁻² h⁻¹. •O₂⁻ radicals exhibited the key influence on the organic dye degradation, and the as-prepared photocatalysts showed exceedingly high photocatalytic activity and stability. Furthermore, the photocatalytic mechanism was proposed based on the ESR result.     

Preparation of CdS/TiO2 nanotube arrays and the enhanced photocatalytic property

In this paper, a series of CdS/TiO₂ NTs have been synthesized by SILAR method. The as-prepared CdS/TiO₂ NTs have been analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis). And their photocatalytic activities have been investigated on the degradation of methylene blue under simulated solar light irradiation. XRD results indicate that TiO₂ NTs were anatase phase, CdS nanoparticles were hexagonal phase. FESEM results indicate that low deposition concentration can keep the nanotubular structures. UV–vis results indicate that CdS can be used to improve the absorbing capability of TiO₂ NTs for visible light, and the content of CdS affects the band gap. Photocatalytic results indicate that CdS nanoparticles are conducive to improve the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO₂ NTs, and the highest degradation rate can reach 93.8%. And the photocatalytic mechanism of CdS/TiO₂ NTs to methylene blue is also described.     

Heterostructure-based 3D-CdS/TiO2 nanotubes/Ti: Photoelectrochemical performances and interface simulation investigation

Heterojunction can effectively improve the charge separation efficiency and facilitate electron transfer, producing a strong photoelectric signal. By using 3D-TiO₂ nanotubes/Ti foil as support, CdS–TiO₂ heterojunction electrodes with different CdS proportions were fabricated as photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor to respond the visible irradiation and improve the PEC performance of TiO₂ nanotubes. Density functional theory (DFT) simulation was conducted to clarify the PEC process of CdS–TiO₂NTs and revealed the important role of CdS in enhancing electron–hole separation on TiO₂ nanotubes. Owing to the 3D tubular structure of the support, 2 mM CdS–TiO₂ nanotubes/Ti PEC electrode exhibited low detection limit of 0.27 μM and good sensitivity of 328.87 μA mM^?1 cm^?2 for glucose in the range of 2–9 μM under visible illumination. The fabricated CdS–TiO₂ nanotubes/Ti biosensor also showed high selectivity and good stability, which indicated a new candidate for biosensors.     

SnS2/TiO2 nanocomposites with enhanced visible light-driven photoreduction of aqueous Cr(VI)

SnS₂/TiO₂ nanocomposites have been synthesized via microwave assisted hydrothermal treatment of tetrabutyl titanate in the presence of SnS₂ nanoplates in the solvent of ethanol at 160 °C for 1 h. The physical and chemical properties of SnS₂/TiO₂ were studied by XRD, FESEM, EDS, TEM, XPS and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The photocatalytic activity of SnS₂/TiO₂ nanocomposites were evaluated by photoreduction of aqueous Cr(VI) under visible light (λ>420 nm) irradiation. The experimental results showed that the SnS₂/TiO₂ nanocomposites exhibited excellent reduction efficiency of Cr(VI) (~87%) than that of pure TiO₂ and SnS₂. The SnS₂/TiO₂ nanocomposites were expected to be a promising candidate as effective photocatalysts in the treatment of Cr(VI) wastewater.     

Manifestation of enhanced and durable photocatalytic H2 production using hierarchically structured Pt@Co3O4/TiO2 ternary nanocomposite

A hierarchical structure composed of Pt@Co₃O₄/TiO₂ (CTP) ternary nanocomposite was synthesized and demonstrated for its enhanced and durable production of hydrogen from glycerol under simulated solar light irradiation. The rate of hydrogen production over the optimized composition was found to be 19.2 mmol h^?1 g^?1_cat. The obtained XRD and XPS results revealed the facile formation of the composite. The heterojunction formed in the ternary system remarkably enhanced the visible light absorption properties and charge separation in CTP as evidenced from their UV–visible absorption and PL spectra, respectively. The optimized union of the materials with specific properties and their intimate physical contacts might be the origin for the manifested, improved and durable photocatalytic efficiency towards hydrogen production.     

Inclusion of low cost activated carbon for improving hydrogen production performance of TiO2 nanoparticles under natural solar light irradiation

Photocatalytic studies are primarily focused on the low cost and sustainable materials with suitable bandgap and high surface area. The ultra-fast electron-hole pair recombination and limited light absorptions affect the efficiency of photocatalyst in an adverse manner, which can be unravelled by choosing an efficient combination of photocatalysts and suitable co-catalyst/support materials. The present work explores the combination of low-cost and high potential activated carbon and TiO₂ as a nanocomposite, prepared through a one-pot hydrothermal process for hydrogen production under natural solar light irradiation. Among the synthesized photocatalysts, the one calcined at 400 °C for 2 h was found to be the best catalyst, which exhibited 3.5 times higher hydrogen production rate than the pristine TiO₂ while tested with water containing 5 vol.% glycerol. Importantly, the optimized nanocomposite was also tested for hydrogen production from simulated seawater under same conditions and it showed a hydrogen production rate of 20,383 μmol g^?1 h^?1, which is 2.4 times higher than the glycerol water solution. The enhanced hydrogen production rate is due to the reduced bandgap of AC-TiO₂ nanocomposite which offered more light absorption in the visible region compared to the pristine TiO₂. The XRD, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, and PL analysis were also examined to investigate the crystallinity, purity, morphology, and charge carrier recombination life time of the synthesized catalysts.     

Novel one-step preparation of tungsten loaded TiO2 nanotube arrays with enhanced photoelectrocatalytic activity for pollutant degradation and hydrogen production

Highly ordered tungsten doped TiO₂ nanotube arrays (W-TiO₂NTs) were prepared in glycerol/fluoride electrolyte solution containing sodium tungstate via the electrochemical oxidation of a Ti substrate. The resulting arrays were characterized by XRD, SEM, and XPS. The 15 mM W-TiO₂NTs exhibited better photoelectrochemical activity than the TiO₂NTs and W-TiO₂NTs fabricated using other W concentrations under Xe illumination. The W ion was successfully introduced into the TiO₂ crystal lattice in the W^6 + form according to the XPS analysis, which enhanced the photoelectrocatalytic activity of the W-TiO₂NTs, as indicated by the efficient removal of Rhodamine B and the production of hydrogen.     

Preparation of Sn‐doped CdS/TiO2/conducting polymer fiber composites for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light irradiation

Sn‐doped CdS/TiO₂ heterojunction was synthesized on the conducting polymer fiber mat by hydrothermal method. The conducting polymer fiber mat was made by electrospinning from polyvinylidene fluoride, styrene‐maleic anhydride copolymer, and nano‐graphites as conducting fillers. The Sn‐doped CdS/TiO₂ heterojunction was characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, TGA, and UV–Vis absorption spectra. Under simulated solar light irradiation, a combination of Sn‐doped CdS/TiO₂/conducting polymer was found to be highly efficient for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from splitting of water. The photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency was up to 2885 μmol h^?1 g^?1cat. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42300.     

Blanket-like Bi2MoO6 coated on TiO2 NTA: Solvothermal construction and the enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen generation performance

Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production was recognized as an effective strategy to obtain renewable energy for solving the environmental pollution and resource shortage crisis. Herein, we explored the solvothermal deposition method to successfully prepare blanket-like Bi₂MoO₆ coated on TiO₂ nanotube arrays (TiO₂ NTA/Bi₂MoO₆), and the TiO₂ NTA/Bi₂MoO₆ photocatalyst showed outstanding visible light-driven photocatalytic water splitting capacity, and the hydrogen evolution rate achieved 129.26 μmol h^-1 cm^-2. Moreover, the sample also exhibited high photocatalytic pollutant decomposition performance. The remarkable photocatalytic performance was attributed to the synergistic effect of Bi₂MoO₆ and TiO₂ NTA in the matched energy band location for solar absorption and carrier transportation. The synthesis and photocatalytic water splitting of Bi₂MoO₆/TiO₂ NTA could afford the reproducible lesson for novel resource utilization of semiconductor photocatalysts.     

Covalently functionalized graphene by thiourea for enhancing H2-evolution performance of TiO2 photocatalyst

Graphene as a well-known electron cocatalyst can enhance the hydrogen-production performance of photocatalysts due to its excellent conductivity. For highly efficient graphene-modified TiO₂ photocatalyst, besides the speedy electron transfer via graphene, it is significant to raise the interfacial hydrogen-generation reaction rate on the graphene surface. In this paper, thiourea (TU) can covalently functionalize graphene and act as effective H⁺-adsorbed active sites to improve the hydrogen-production efficiency of graphene-modified TiO₂ (TiO₂/rGO-TU). The TiO₂/rGO-TU sample was successfully prepared by a facile nucleophilic substitution reaction between the thiol (-SH) of thiourea and carboxyl (-COOH) of graphene. The TiO₂/rGO-TU could possess the maximum H₂-generation rate of 241.83 μmol h^?1 g^?1, which was 2.33 and 6.60 times greater than that of TiO₂/rGO and TiO₂, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO₂/rGO-TU can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of graphene and thiourea, namely, the graphene functions as a cocatalyst to capture the photoexcited electrons of TiO₂ and the thiourea acts as effectual H⁺-adsorbed active sites to promote interfacial hydrogen generation. This study presents a feasible strategy for developing grephene-based photocatalysts for prospective applications in the hydrogen-production field.     

TiO2 nanotubes modified with electrochemically reduced graphene oxide for photoelectrochemical water splitting

The photocatalytic water splitting into hydrogen and oxygen using solar light is a promising method to provide clean energy carriers in the future. Herein we report on an experimental investigation of TiO₂ nanotubes (NTs) modified with electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) for photoelectrochemical water splitting. A photocurrent density of 1.44 mA cm⁻² at 1.23 V vs. RHE has been achieved for ERGO–TiO₂ NTs photoanode under standard reporting conditions, i.e., simulated AM 1.5G sunlight (intensity 100 mW cm⁻²), which is notably increased by ∼140% compared to the bare TiO₂ NTs. This efficiency is nearly ten times higher than that of the P25 nanoparticles based device. The enhanced photocurrent densities can be attributed to the reduced graphene oxide and Ti^{3 +} self-doping produced by an electrochemical reduction treatment. The ERGO modified photoanodes show excellent stability during light soaking under full sunlight.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of Ag–TiO2/graphene composite for hydrogen production under visible light irradiation

Novel photocatalysts based on silver (Ag), TiO₂, and graphene were successfully synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The influence of silver loading and graphene incorporation on photocatalytic hydrogen (H₂) production of as-prepared samples was investigated in methanolic aqueous solution under visible light irradiation (λ≥420 nm). The results showed that Ag–TiO₂/graphene composite had appreciably enhanced photocatalytic H₂ production performance under visible light illumination compared to pure TiO₂, Ag–TiO₂ and TiO₂/graphene samples. The enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production activity of Ag–TiO₂/graphene composite under visible light irradiation could be attributed to increased visible light absorption, reduced recombination of photogenerated charge carriers and high specific surface area. This novel study provides more insight for the development of novel visible light responsive TiO²⁻ graphene based photocatalysts for energy applications.     

Iron-doped TiO2 nanotubes with high photocatalytic activity under visible light synthesized by an ultrasonic-assisted sol-hydrothermal method

A series of iron-doped anatase TiO₂ nanotubes (Fe/TiO₂ NTs) catalysts with iron concentrations ranging from 0.88 to 7.00 wt% were prepared by an ultrasonic-assisted sol-hydrothermal process. The structures and the properties of the fabricated Fe/TiO₂ NTs were characterized in detail and photocatalytic activity was examined using a reactive brilliant red X-3B aqueous solution as pollutant under visible light. The lengths of the NTs were determined to range from 20 nm to 100 nm. The incorporation of the iron ions (Fe³⁺) into the TiO₂ nanotubes shifted the photon absorbing zone from the ultraviolet (UV) to the visible wavelengths, reducing the band gap energy from 3.2 to 2.75 eV. The photocatalytic activity of the Fe/TiO₂ NTs was 2–4 times higher than the values measured for the pure TiO₂ nanotubes.     

Fabrication and characterization of copper doped TiO2 nanotube arrays by in situ electrochemical method as efficient visible-light photocatalyst

Highly ordered copper doped TiO₂ nanotube arrays (CuTiO₂NTs) thin-film were prepared in an aqueous solution containing NH₄F and different concentrations of copper nitrate via the electrochemical oxidation of titanium substrates. The resulting nanotubes were characterized by FE-SEM, XRD, XPS and EDX. The CuTiO₂NTs showed a tube diameter of 40–90 nm and wall thickness of 20–30 nm. Diffuse reflectance spectra showed a shift toward longer wavelengths relative to pure TiO₂ nanotubes (TiO₂NTs). The visible light photo-catalytic activity of the CuTiO₂NTs electrodes was evaluated by the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye and the production of hydrogen. The results showed that CuTiO₂NTs samples exhibited better photo-catalytic activity than the TiO₂NTs. This work demonstrated a feasible and simple anodization method to fabricate an effective, reproducible, and inexpensive visible-light-driven photo-catalyst for hydrogen evolution and environmental applications.     

Construction of NiPx/MoS2/NiS/CdS composite to promote photocatalytic H2 production from glucose solution

Constructing multi-component photocatalyst is an efficient method to achieve high photocatalytic efficiency. In this work, CdS nanorods modified with NiS nanoparticles are first prepared to improve the photocatalytic performance, as no H₂ generates on single NiS or CdS catalyst from glucose solution. MoS₂ and NiP_x, as the cocatalysts for H₂ production, are loaded on the surface of NiS/CdS composite. With step-by-step solvothermal synthesis, four components (CdS, NiS, Mo₂S, and NiP_x) are fully combined in the NiP_x/MoS₂/NiS/CdS nanorods, generating many intimate contact interfaces. Moreover the optimized NiP_x/MoS₂/NiS/CdS performs a significantly increased photocatalytic activity, with H₂ production rate at 297 µmol h^–1 g^–1. The synergistic effects of heterostructure (NiS/CdS) and cocatalysts (MoS₂ and NiP_x) are the main reasons in enhancing photocatalytic performance, which facilitate the separation of charge carriers and prolong their lifetimes. This work provides an effective strategy to design photocatalysts with multiple components and fast charge separation for highly efficient H₂ production.     

Synthesis of novel p-n heterojunction Cu2SnS3/Ti3+-TiO2 for the complete tetracycline degradation in few minutes and photocatalytic activity under simulated solar irradiation

In this research work, p-n heterojunction Cu₂SnS₃/Ti³⁺-TiO₂ photocatalysts were synthesized by using a facile hydrothermal method to degrade tetracycline and produce hydrogen energy. The properties of Cu₂SnS₃/Ti³⁺-TiO₂ was analyzed by using XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, BET, PL and UV–vis characterization. The HPLC-MS and TOC analyzer systems were used to analyze the intermediate products during the photocatalysis deprivation and total organic carbon. The characterizations showed that the addition of self-doped Ti³⁺ and Cu₂SnS₃ into TiO₂ enhanced the material's crystallinity, increased the absorption region from 450 nm to 750 nm, increased the surface area of the material from 234 to 583 m²/g and reduced the recombination of charge carriers. Under visible light irradiation, Cu₂SnS₃/Ti³⁺-TiO₂ exhibited excellent degradation performance and stability. The increase in the efficiency of the material is due to the creation of an internal electric field induced by the p-n heterojunction and reduction in the bandgap of the material, which efficiently reduced the rate of recombination, increased the surface area for light absorption and increased the transfer of charge carriers. The Cu₂SnS₃/Ti³⁺-TiO₂ photocatalyst degraded 100 % tetracycline and produced 510 μmol/hg hydrogen energy. The Cu₂SnS₃/Ti³⁺-TiO₂ composite exhibited good stability even after six cycles Cu₂SnS₃/Ti³⁺-TiO₂ degraded 98–99 % TC under visible light irridiation. The efficiency of Cu₂SnS₃/Ti³⁺-TiO₂ was also analyzed in the outdoor environment, confirming that this material can be effectively used in practical applications.     

Effect of CdS contents on H<Subscript>2</Subscript> production from Pt-(CdS/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>) film-typed photocatalysts

Pt-(CdS/TiO₂) film-typed photocatalysts are prepared with a doctor-blade method followed by a chemical bath deposition (CBD) process, and the films are characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The film-typed structure is composed of photocatalysts and Pt metal part on a FTO substrate without additional electric device, so it is relatively simpler than the conventional photoelectrochemical cell. CdS quantum dots are introduced as a sensitizer for visible light response. Amounts of CdS quantum dots on TiO₂ surface are increased with increasing CBD cycles, but they start to aggregate after certain CdS concentration due to oversaturation phenomenon. This high CdS content induces high electron losses, and therefore it reduces amounts of hydrogen production. As a result, there is a saturation point of CdS content at Cd/Ti ratio of 0.197, and the amounts of evolved hydrogen are 5.407 μmol/cm²·h at this photocatalyst formulation.