One-step synthesis of ZnO and Ag/ZnO heterostructures and their photocatalytic activity

By following a one-step, novel methodology, ZnO and Ag/ZnO heterostructures were successfully synthesized at room-temperature. This route is simple, effective, high yield (91%), environmentally friendly (green synthesis) and consists of a mechanically assisted metathesis reaction. The metathesis reaction used in this investigation showed two results: the in-situ generation of alkaline nitrates, LiNO₃/NaNO₃, and the direct crystallization of the desired Zn-based compounds in milling media; revealing a true mechanochemical synthesis of ZnO and Ag/ZnO (1.25, 2.50 and 4.50 mol% of Ag) heterostructures. Particles showed spherical-like morphologies and sizes smaller than 20 nm. The Ag/ZnO heterostructures exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than ZnO for degrading methylene blue (MB) dye. It was also shown that the presence of Ag (up to 1.25 mol%) nanoparticles (NPs) in ZnO accelerates the photodegradation reaction and then slows down with further increases in Ag contents. The 1.25-Ag/ZnO sample (10 mg) showed the highest photocatalytic activity (96%) for degrading MB (100 ml, 10 mg L^?1) within 100 min under UV–Vis light irradiation (λ = 310 nm).     

Green synthesis of reduced graphene oxide supported TiO2/Co3O4 nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and crystal violet

The hybrid rGO-TiO₂/Co₃O₄ nanocomposite was successfully synthesized through co-precipitation method. The structural, morphological, compositional and optical properties of the as synthesized nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible spectrophotometer (UV–vis) and photoluminescence (PL). XRD, EDS and FTIR confirms the existence of rGO-TiO₂/Co₃O₄ in the prepared nanocomposite. FESEM confirms that the TiO₂/Co₃O₄ nanocomposite are adsorbed on the surface of the rGO. UV–Vis and PL spectra revealed that the absorbance and emission occurred at visible region, which greatly supports the photocatalytic dye degradation through the electron-hole separation. The percentage decolorization of methylene blue dye solution was higher with lesser time compared to crystal violet dye. This result concludes that the commercialization of rGO/TiO₂/Co₃O catalyst may useful for treating various dyes in industries.     

One-pot solvothermal synthesis of carbon dots/Ag nanoparticles/TiO2 nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic performance

In this paper, we reported a “green” and facile method for one-pot solvothermal synthesis of carbon dots (CDs)/Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs)/titanium dioxide (TiO₂, commercial Degussa P25) ternary nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic performance. The characterizations of this ternary photocatalyst were studied at length and our results revealed that the crystalline phase of TiO₂ component remained unchanged after the reaction. While the newborn AgNPs and CDs were tightly attached onto the surface of TiO₂ nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activities of photocatalysts were tested by measurements of photo-degradation on methylene blue (MB) under ultraviolet (UV) and visible light. It was showed that the photocatalytic performance of the ternary photocatalyst was superior to that of single TiO₂ or CDs/TiO₂ binary photocatalyst. It was probably attributed to the synergistic effect of the photoelectrical properties of CDs and the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of AgNPs, which could both enhance the absorption of visible light and hinder the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs.     

Bi-functional green-synthesis of Co3O4 NPs for photocatalytic and electrochemical applications

Wastewater of industries, which is polluted with different dyes is becoming a severe issue, which should be tackled on priority bases such as to provide an eco-friendly environment. In addition to this, in search of an efficient green synthesized capacitive electrode material, we have synthesized cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) nano-materials by employing green chili and sunflower seeds extracts. The as synthesized samples are labeled as Co-P, Co-GC and Co-SF. The successful fabrication of these samples was tested by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Xray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS). These tests have explored successful fabrication of Co₃O₄-based samples comprised on nanoparticles (NPs) in the range of 35–45 nm. Optical properties were studied by UV–vis spectroscope and Co-SF sample has exhibited lowest energy band gap i.e 2.41 eV. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis has explored that Co₃O₄ NPs prepared by sunflower extracts have offered lowest recombination rate. Among of Co-P, Co-GC and Co-SF photocatalysts, Co-SF has shown excellent photodegradation activity, which is 90% against a water pollutant name as methylene blue (MB) under UV–Vis light. This sample also has shown a good catalytic stability i.e 80.7%. Moreover, for electrochemical performance analysis, cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) tests were also performed. Among of Co-P, Co-GC and Co-SF samples, Co-SF sample has offered 1080.32 F/g specific capacitance and 86.70% capacitance retention at higher scan rate i.e 10 A/g. Additionally, this optimized sample has also maintained 83.51% capacitance even after 5000 GCD cycles performed at 1 A/g, and good conductive nature. These extraordinary results have provided new platform for water purification and energy storage appliances.     

Fabrication of novel SnWO4/ZnO using Muntingia calabura L. leaf extract with enhanced photocatalytic methylene blue degradation under visible light irradiation

In this study, SnWO₄/ZnO heterostructure has been successfully constructed using Muntingia calabura L. leaf extract (MCE). We conducted phytochemical tests to qualitatively detect the presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins, which play an essential role in the formation of SnWO₄/ZnO. The photocatalytic activities of pristine SnWO₄, pristine ZnO, and SnWO₄/ZnO heterostructure were evaluated for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. To investigate the photocatalytic activity of SnWO₄/ZnO heterostructure in the visible region, the adsorption effect of SnWO₄/ZnO was also studied. SnWO₄/ZnO heterostructure shows the highest degradation percentage of 82.86% within 120 min compared to pristine SnWO₄ and ZnO, which exhibit the degradation percentage of 69.48 and 40.41%, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic of MB degradation is attributed to the formation of SnWO₄/ZnO heterostructure as a result of the decreased optical bandgap from 3.06 to 2.68 eV due to the low recombination rate of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. SnWO₄/ZnO shows a remarkable photocatalyst for dyes degradation with remarkable stability after four consecutive cycles. Importantly, this work demonstrates a simple eco-friendly, and low-cost green synthesis method to produce SnWO₄/ZnO with excellent photocatalytic activity and stability for dyes degradation under visible light irradiation.     

A unique Cu2O/TiO2 nanocomposite with enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation

A unique Cu₂O/TiO₂ nanocomposite with high photocatalytic activity was synthesized via a two-step chemical solution method and used for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dye. The structure, morphology, composition, optical and photocatalytic properties of the as-prepared samples were investigated in detail. The results suggested that the Cu₂O/TiO₂ nanocomposite is composed of hierarchical TiO₂ hollow microstructure coated by a great many Cu₂O nanoparticles. The photocatalytic performance of Cu₂O/TiO₂ nanocomposite was evaluated by the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light, and compared with those of the pure TiO₂ and Cu₂O photocatalysts synthesized by the identical synthetic route. Within 120 min of reaction time, nearly 100% decolorization efficiency of MB was achieved by Cu₂O/TiO₂ photocatalyst, which is much higher than that of pure TiO₂ (26%) or Cu₂O (32%). The outstanding photocatalytic efficiency was mainly ascribed to the unique architecture, the extended photoresponse range and efficient separation of the electron-hole pairs in the Cu₂O/TiO₂ heterojunction. In addition, the Cu₂O/TiO₂ nanocomposite also retains good cycling stability in the photodegradation of MB.     

Ag nanoparticles loaded TiO2/MWCNT ternary nanocomposite: A visible-light-driven photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic performance and stability

A visible light active photocatalyst, Ag/TiO₂/MWCNT was synthesized by loading of Ag nanoparticles onto TiO₂/MWCNT nanocomposite. The photocatalytic activity of Ag/TiO₂/MWCNT ternary nanocomposite was evaluated for the degradation of methylene blue dye under UV and visible light irradiation. Ag/TiO₂/MWCNT ternary nanocomposite exhibits (~9 times) higher photocatalytic activity than TiO₂/MWCNT and (~2 times) higher than Ag/TiO₂ binary nanocomposites under visible light irradiation. The enhancement in the photocatalytic activity is attributed to the synergistic effect between Ag nanoparticles and MWCNT, which enhance the charge separation efficiency by Schottky barrier formation at Ag/TiO₂ interface and role of MWCNT as an electron reservoir. Effect of different scavengers on the degradation of methylene blue dye in the presence of catalyst has been investigated to find the role of photogenerated electrons and holes. Simultaneously, the Ag/TiO₂/MWCNT shows excellent photocatalytic stability. This work highlights the importance of Ag/TiO₂/MWCNT ternary nanocomposite as highly efficient and stable visible-light-driven photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dyes.     

纳米TiO2/SO42-的合成及光催化降解性能研究

研究了以工业级钛酸异丙酯为前驱体,正丙醇为溶剂,浓硫酸作催化剂和抑制剂,乙酰丙酮为稳定剂,采用溶胶-凝胶法制备纳米TiO2/SO42-。利用XRD、SEM、FT-IR、UV-vis、N2吸附-脱附测定BET表面积对所制备的材料进行了表征。结果表明:纳米TiO2/SO42-催化剂在可见光区的吸收较强,所制备的催化剂与未经改性的TiO2相比,吸收边从350 nm红移到430 nm左右,其红移效果显著。在紫外灯照射下进行了光催化降解亚甲基蓝溶液的催化剂性能研究,探讨了pH值、反应温度、亚甲基蓝初始质量浓度以及催化剂用量对降解率的影响。结果表明:光催化降解亚甲基蓝在中性条件下的降解率较高,碱性环境下达到最佳;最佳反应温度为35~55℃;初始浓度越大降解率越小;处理30 mL亚甲基蓝溶液所需催化剂为30 mg。     

ZnO,Al/ZnO and W/Ag/ZnO nanocomposite and their comparative photocatalytic and adsorptive removal for Turquoise Blue Dye

In the present investigation, ZnO, Al/ZnO, and W/Ag/ZnO nanocomposites were prepared and employed as an adsorbent and photocatalyst for the removal of Turquoise Blue Dye (TBD) as a function of various process variables. The dye removal (maximum) was observed at pH range 2–3, adsorbent dose of 0.05–0.1 g, contact time 60 min, 170–200 mg/L initial TBD dye concentration at 30 ⁰C. The adsorption of dye on to nanocomposite followed pseudo second order kinetics and Langmuir equilibrium model. The thermodynamics study revealed the spontaneous and exothermic dye adoption nature on to nanocomposites. On the other hand, the TBD dye photocatalytic removal was efficient in pH range 2–3, catalyst dose 0.05 g, 5 mg/L dye initial concentration within 60 min of visible light exposure. The TBD dye degradation followed first-order kinetics model. The SEM and FTIR analysis were also performed of dye loaded and unloaded ZnO, Al/ZnO, and W/Ag/ZnO along with desorption study of using NaOH as eluting agent. The W/Ag/ZnO showed higher efficiency (adsorption and photocatalysis) versus ZnO and Al/ZnO and results revealed that the nanocomposites are efficient, which could be applied for the adsorptive and photocatalytic remediation of dyes from industrial effluents.     

A novel approach for solution combustion synthesis of tungsten oxide nanoparticles for photocatalytic and electrochromic applications

Tungsten oxide (WO₃) and tungsten oxide hydrate (WO₃.H₂O) nanoparticles were synthesized via a novel solution combustion synthesis (SCS) method. Various organic fuels (i.e. oxalic acid, glycine, and citric acid) and heat sources were used to obtain different morphologies of nanoparticles. Combustion thermodynamic relations were explained based on propellant chemistry. Adiabatic temperature (T_ad) and specific impulse (I_sp) were also obtained. The synthesized nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–Visible spectrophotometer. XRD patterns indicated that the structures were transformed from orthorhombic and amorphous structures to monoclinic and tetragonal ones, respectively, upon combustion on the hot plate. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra provided evidence of WO₆ octahedral. SEM images showed different microstructures from sponge or rock-like to fine spherical particles with up to 100 nm size. The obtained band gap of all samples was higher than 2.6 eV which is the band gap of bulk tungsten oxide. The synthesized WO₃ nanoparticles showed over 50% photocatalytic efficiency for the degradation of azo dye. The results exhibited that the nanoparticles can be used to make the electroactive layer for electrochromic applications.     

A benign approach for novel synthesis of Eu3+ doped MgNb2O6: Its photoluminescence and photocatalytic studies

The Present work involves the production of Eu³⁺ (1–11 mol %) doped MgNb₂O₆ nanophosphors (NPs) by combustion technique using ODH as a fuel for the first time and well characterized. The average crystallite and the energy gap of the samples were found to be in the range of 20–45 nm and 4.65–5.66 eV respectively, TEM results reflects the same crystallite size values. The effect of doping was confirmed by the characteristic emission peaks recorded at ~535, 590, 614, 642 and 698 nm may be attributed to the 4f–4f intra shell transitions (⁵D₀→⁷F_j=0,1,2,3,4) of Eu³⁺ cations when bombarded at 395 nm energy. Judd–Ofelt parameters (Ω₂, Ω₄), transition probabilities (A_T), quantum efficiency (η), luminescence lifetime (τ_rad) are discussed in detail. From the emission spectra, CIE (Commission International de I’ Eclairage) chromaticity co-ordinates and Correlated color temperature (CCT) were estimated. Langmuir-Hinshelwood model was used to study the photocatalytic degradation of AR-88 dye. The above results confirmed that the present phosphor can be potentially used for display and photocatalytic applications.     

The preparation,characterization and photocatalytic activity of radical-shaped CeO2/ZnO microstructures

This paper uses a wet-chemical precipitation route to prepare radical-shaped ZnO microprisms and to deposit Cerium oxide (CeO₂) on the surface of ZnO, to form CeO₂/ZnO microstructures. The samples are characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Their catalytic activity is also evaluated using methylene blue (MB) as a detection reagent. CeO₂/ZnO systems exhibit higher UV absorption and transparency in the visible region. The experimental results show that the deposition of CeO₂ nanospecies is successful and that the radical-shaped microstructures of ZnO are well maintained. The CeO₂/ZnO microstructures exhibit a much greater intensity of UV-light absorptivity and much higher photocatalytic activity than those of radical-shaped ZnO microprisms.     

The Z-scheme heterojunction between TiO2 nanotubes and Cu2O nanoparticles mediated by Ag nanoparticles for enhanced photocatalytic stability and activity under visible light

The photocatalytic reduction method was used to introduce Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) into the Cu₂O-TiO₂ nanotubes (Cu₂O-TNT) prepared by electrodeposition. The Z-scheme heterojunction Cu₂O-Ag-TNT (CAT-4–60) catalysts were prepared. The mechanism of the transition from the traditional P-N heterojunction enhanced by noble metal to the Z-scheme heterojunction was studied. In addition, the Z-scheme heterojunction CAT-4–60 showed the highest light absorption and the highest photoelectrochemical activity under visible light, and the photoluminescence intensity was significantly reduced. Compared with the traditional P-N heterojunction CAT-2–60, not only the photocatalytic activity of the dual Z-scheme CAT-4–60 catalyst was improved, and the removal rate of MB was 98.58% higher than TNT (45.81%), CT-60 (69.49%), AT-2 (75.1%) and CAT-2–60 (91.2%),but also the stability of Cu₂O in CAT-4–60 was significantly enhanced. This work reveals the potential application of noble metal nanoparticles to enhance the Z-scheme heterojunction under visible light-driven photocatalysis, and provides new insights to the transition from traditional P-N heterojunctions to Z-scheme heterojunctions.     

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.     

Fabrication and photocatalytic properties of novel ZnO/ZnAl2O4 nanocomposite with ZnAl2O4 dispersed inside ZnO network

Novel ZnO/ZnAl₂O₄ nanocomposites with ZnAl₂O₄ nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed inside a network of ZnO are fabricated by thermal treatment of a single‐source precursor of ZnAl‐layered double hydroxides (ZnAl‐LDHs) at 800°C. The effects of the Zn/Al molar ratio of the LDH precursors on the structure, composition, morphology, textural as well as UV‐absorbing properties and photocatalytic activities of the nanocomposites are investigated in detail. The results show that the ZnO/ZnAl₂O₄ nanocomposites derived from the ZnAl‐LDHs precursors have superior photocatalytic performances to either single phase ZnO or similar ZnO/ZnAl₂O₄ samples fabricated by chemical coprecipitation or physical mixing method. The heterojunction nanostructure and the strong coupling between the ZnO and ZnAl₂O₄ phase derived from ZnAl‐LDHs precursors are proposed to contribute the efficient spatial separation between the photo‐generated electrons and holes, which can concomitantly improve the photocatalytic activities. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012     

Temperature-dependent growth of ZnO structures by thermal oxidation of Zn coatings electrodeposited on steel substrates and their photocatalytic activities

In this work, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures were successfully synthesized by thermal oxidation of zinc (Zn) coated steel substrates. Zn coatings were electrodeposited on the mild carbon steel sheet in the sulfate bath by DC current. The zinc coated samples were oxidized in air at distinct annealing temperatures between 400 °C and 800 °C. The phase structure and surface morphology of the ZnO films were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photocatalytic activity of these ZnO layers was examined by means of decomposition of methylene blue (MB) aqueous solutions under UV lamp irradiation for various duration. The findings illustrated that annealing temperatures had a big effect on the morphology and structure of the ZnO layers. The annealed layers showed significantly enhanced photoactivity activity than the pure Zn layer under UV-irradiation. The sample with ZnO nanostructures oxidized at 800 °C exhibited a better photocatalytic degradation of MB than the other samples. This paper can provide an important contribution to the development of efficient photocatalysts for the solution of the environmental pollution problems.     

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.     

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of high-efficiency Ag3PO4/CeO2 heterojunction photocatalyst

The Ag₃PO₄/CeO₂ heterojunction photocatalyst prepared by an ultrasound-assisted method exhibits an enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to pure Ag₃PO₄, CeO₂, and Ag₃PO₄/CeO₂ obtained without ultrasound action. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy (UV–vis), and the effects of ultrasound on the physicochemical properties and photocatalytic activity of Ag₃PO₄/CeO₂ are discussed. Results show that the ultrasound-assisted synthesis method significantly improves the photocatalytic ability. The mechanism about the improvement was discussed in details.     

Construction of g-C3N4/TiO2/Ag composites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity and antibacterial properties

In this study, the multifunctional carbon nitride based composite graphitic-C₃N₄ (g-C₃N₄)/TiO₂/Ag was prepared through a simple and efficient vacuum freeze-drying route. TiO₂ and Ag nanoparticles were demonstrated to decorate onto the surface of g-C₃N₄ sheet. In the ultraviolet–visible absorption test, a narrower band gap and red-shift of light absorption edge were observed for g-C₃N₄/TiO₂/Ag compared to pristine g-C₃N₄ and single-component modified g-C₃N₄/TiO₂. The photodegradation property of g-C₃N₄/TiO₂/Ag was investigated toward the degradation of methylene blue (abbreviated as MB) under the irradiation of visible light. These results indicated that the degradation performance of organic dyes for g-C₃N₄/TiO₂/Ag was obviously improved compared with g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ and g-C₃N₄. The reaction rate constant of MB degradation for g-C₃N₄/TiO₂/Ag was 4.24 times higher than that of pristine g-C₃N₄. In addition, such rationally constructed nanocomposite presented evidently enhanced antibacterial performance against the Gram-negative Escherichia coli. Concentration dependent antibacterial performance was systematically investigated. And 84% bacterial cell viability loss had been observed at 500 μg/mL g-C₃N₄/TiO₂/Ag within 2 h visible light irradiation.