Synthesis of 2D material based Bi2O3/MXene nanohybrids and their applications for the removal of industrial effluents

2D material-based Bi₂O₃/MXene nanohybrids were successfully fabricated through an ultrasonication method. MXene (Ti₃C₂Tx) nanosheets were prepared via simple H.F. etching while bismuth oxide nanoflowers were prepared by the co-precipitation method. The structure, morphologies, and optical properties of all the prepared samples were analyzed by various advance techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). To check the photocatalytic efficiency of prepared material was performed for both colored and colorless dyes. A significant increase in photocatalytic properties were observed for methylene blue and benzoic acid. The prepared nanohybrid showed 1.6 folds higher efficiency than bismuth oxide nanopetals. The relatively higher utilization e?ciency of sunlight and the rapid separation rate of photogenerated electron and hole pairs helped to enhance the photocatalytic performance synergistically. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of all samples was also carried out using the disc diffusion method against K. pneumonia and S. aureus. Improved properties could be attributed to an increase in d-spacing of 2D MXene layers by inserting nanopetals which reduced the restacking of MXene layers. Furthermore, multiple functional groups on the surface of MXene will also play an important role in enhancing the properties of its nanohybrids. We expect that the as-synthesized nanohybrid will attract researchers’ attentions for the degradation of industrial pollutants.     

Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of Na+ co-doped CaTiO3:Eu3+ photocatalysts for methylene blue degradation

The Na⁺ co-doped CaTiO₃:Eu³⁺ powders were produced through the solution combustion method. The phase structure and optical properties of the synthesized samples were adequately characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL) spectra, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflection spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD patterns revealed that a low level of Eu³⁺ doping could not cause lattice distortion of CaTiO₃. Photoluminescence (PL) displayed the CaTiO₃:0.5% Eu³⁺ sample synthesized at 900 °C has the weakest PL emission and the low electrons and holes recombination rate. The morphology of the sample was small nanoscale spherical particles. The UV–vis diffuse reflection spectra proved that doping Na⁺ and Eu³⁺ enlarged the absorption region and reduced band energy of pure CaTiO₃. The photocatalytic properties of Na⁺ co-doped CaTiO₃:Eu³⁺ samples were investigated via degrading methylene blue (MB) under ultraviolet light irradiation. The CaTiO₃:0.5% Eu³⁺, 0.5% Na⁺ sample, by contrast, exhibited the greatest photocatalytic property and the degradation rate was as high as 96.62%, which makes it a promising multi-functional material (photocatalytic material and red phosphor) for decreasing organic pollution in water.     

Synthesis of CuO/MXene nanocomposite to study its photocatalytic and antibacterial properties

In this work, bare copper oxide CuO nanoparticles, MXene nanosheets and their CuO/MXene nanocomposite were synthesized for enhanced photocatalytic activity. CuO nanoparticles were prepared hydrothermally, MXene was synthesized via HF etching, and their nanocomposite was formed via a simple ultrasonication route. The as-prepared materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques to analyse their structural and functional group features. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was used to evaluate the surface morphologies of all the samples. UV–visible spectroscopic analysis was used to calculate the band gap energies of CuO, MXene and CuO/MXene. The enhanced surface area of the synthesized nanocomposite supported excellent photocatalytic activity. The maximum degradation of methylene blue by CuO/MXene was recorded at approximately 1 h. The higher degradation rate of methylene blue by the nanocomposite is due to the effective intercalation of nanoparticles between the MXene nanosheets, resulting in increased electron trapping ability of the photocatalyst.     

Wet chemical synthesis of Gd+3 doped vanadium Oxide/MXene based mesoporous hierarchical architectures as advanced supercapacitor material

In this paper, Gd³⁺ doped V₂O₅/Ti₃C₂T_x MXene (GVO/MX) hierarchical architectures have been synthesized by wet chemical approach. As prepared GVO/MX composite, along undoped VO and unsupported GVO were well characterized by XRD, FESEM, EDX, FT-IR and BET techniques. Electrochemical performance of VO, GVO and GVO/MX was evaluated by CV, GCD and EIS measurements. Among the three electrodes, GVO/MX composite exhibited highest electrochemical activity with the optimum specific capacitance of 1024 Fg^-1 at 10 mVs^?1. The specific capacitance of GVO/MX was ～1.7 and ～3 times higher than unsupported GVO (585 Fg^-1) and VO (326 Fg^-1), respectively. The cyclic life of GVO/MX with capacitance retention 96.12% was observed at 60 mVs^?1. EIS measurements showed reduction in electrochemical impedance for GVO/MX as compared to GVO and VO. The corresponding impedance values of Rct and Resr for GVO/MX were calculated as 18 Ω and 1.8 Ω, respectively. The superior capacitive ability of GVO/MX can be ascribed to its unique morphology, short diffusion path and high surface area of fabricated composite. Considering it, the present work provides a feasible strategy to fabricate highly effective electrode materials for next generation energy storage devices.     

Synthesis,characterization, photocatalytic and antibacterial properties of copper Ferrite/MXene (CuFe2O4/Ti3C2) nanohybrids

The synthesis of CuFe₂O₄/MXene nanohybrids was carried out via an ultrasonication approach. The prepared composite material exhibited an outstanding photocatalytic performance and antibacterial activity compared to individual CuFe₂O₄ (CF) and MXene. The CF nanonuts (Nns) assisted the reduced aggregation of MXene layers. The structural and morphological analysis of the presented nanohybrids were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy. The obtained sheet-to-sheet linkage provided an opportunity for the degradation of organic dyes. The photocatalyst CF/MXene nanohybrids exhibited 4.5-fold higher photocatalytic activity than pristine CF. The mechanism of degradation of methylene blue dye by CF/MXene was explained through kinetic studies. This work will offer significant scientific contributions to researchers working on water desalination.     

Synthesis of novel ZnO/carbon xerogel composites: Effect of carbon content and calcination temperature on their structural and photocatalytic properties

This paper reports the development of new ZnO/carbon xerogel composites (XZn w) for photocatalytic applications. The use of black wattle tannin as a precursor to the carbon xerogel aimed at reducing costs and environmental impacts. The composites were characterized by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), BET surface area, scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic performance of the materials was evaluated in the decomposition process of methylene blue, a known toxic pollutant. The impacts of the catalyst dosage and calcination temperature on the photocatalytic process were also examined systematically. The X-ray profiles of the XZn w evidenced the existence of the hexagonal structure of the zinc oxide (wurtzite) in the composites. The XPS and XRD analyses confirmed the incorporation of carbon in the zinc oxide crystalline structure. The higher carbon content resulted in a larger surface area. All composites presented the ability to absorb radiation in less energetic wavelengths, contrary to pure zinc oxide that only absorbs radiation of wavelengths below 420?nm. The optimal dosage and calcination temperature were found to be 0.2?g?L^?1 and 300?°C. All the developed composites displayed significant photocatalytic activities in the decomposition of methylene blue under both visible and solar light. The composites had superior photocatalytic efficiency under visible light when compared to pure zinc oxide. The XZn 0.5 presented the best degradation efficiency under visible radiation. All materials presented similar photocatalytic responses under solar light, evidencing the synergy between the carbon xerogel and the zinc oxide. The photocatalytic mechanism was evaluated by trapping experiments to be mainly controlled by the electron vacancies that are generated during the photoexcitation of the composites.     

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.     

Development of niobium doped tin oxide nanostructure via hydrothermal route for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and antimicrobial study

In this work, we discuss the effect of niobium (Nb) doping concentrations of 2% and 4% on the physicochemical characteristics and photocatalytic properties of tin dioxide nanostructure, which were successfully developed by a basic hydrothermal route. Nb-doped SnO₂ were characterized with regards to their optical, structural and photocatalytic features. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses display that both pristine and doped tin dioxide had a fine crystalline structure having tetragonal structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that materials exhibited the irregular shaped nanoparticles morphology. Optical absorption analysis using UV–visible spectroscopy revealed a redshift in the bandgap energy for Nb³⁺ doped SnO₂ nanoparticles. Methylene blue aqueous (MB) dye was degraded by 93.78% in 120 min when exposed to 4% Nb doped SnO₂ NPs under visible light. The 4% Nb doped SnO₂ shows elevated photocatalytic activity owing to their greater surface area containing greater active zones responsible for adsorption of larger dye species and good structural stability. Similarly, the 4% Nb doped SnO₂ photocatalysts maintained their excellent stability and photodegradation efficiency over 89% even after being subjected to 5th cycles. The scavenger analysis demonstrates that the superoxide (O₂) radical, a major active substance, performed a crucial role in the mineralization of the aqueous MB dye. The 4% Nb doped SnO₂ also shows remarkable antimicrobial activity. Our finding suggests that doping strategy considered as efficient method that can help to increase the photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity.     

Adsorption of selected dyes on Ti3C2Tx MXene and Al-based metal-organic framework

MXene and metal organic framework (MOF) were used as the main adsorbents to remove synthetic dyes from model wastewater. Methylene blue (MB) and acid blue 80 (AB) were used as the model cationic and anionic synthetic dyes, respectively. To investigate the physicochemical properties of the adsorbents used, we carried out several characterizations using microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, a porosimetry, and a zeta potential analyzer. The surface area of MXene and MOF was 9 and 630 m² g⁻¹, respectively, and their respective isoelectric points were approximately pH 3 and 9. Thus, MXene and MOF exhibited high capacity for MB (~140 mg g⁻¹) and AB (~200 mg g⁻¹) adsorption, respectively due to their electrostatic attractions when the concentrations of the adsorbents and adsorbates were 25 and 10 mg L⁻¹. Furthermore, the MOF was able to capture the MB due mainly to hydrophobic interactions. In terms of the advantages of each adsorbent according to our experimental results, MXene exhibited fast kinetics and high selectivity. Meanwhile, the MOF had a high adsorption capacity for both MB and AB. The adsorption mechanisms of both adsorbents for the removal of MB and AB were clearly explained by the results of our analyses of solution pH, ionic strength, and the presence of divalent cation, anion, or humic acids, as well as other characterizations (i.e., Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy). According to our results, MOF and MXene can be used as economical treatments for wastewater containing organic pollutants regardless of charge (e.g., MB and AB), and positively charged one (e.g., MB), respectively.     

Green nickel/nickel oxide nanoparticles for prospective antibacterial and environmental remediation applications

The extensive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics has resulted in antibiotic resistance for many human pathogenic bacteria making multi-drug resistance an increasing issue in the management of various infectious diseases. The current research focused on the green synthesis of nickel/nickel oxide nanoparticles (Ni^o/NiO nanoparticles) using seeds extract of Lactuca Serriola, bactericidal effect on human pathogenic bacteria and the photocatalytic activity. Highly crystalline nature of Ni^o/NiO nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Infrared spectra of seeds extract of Lactuca Serriola (LS) evidenced the presence of many functional groups of phytochemicals acting as reducing or capping agents. From field emission scanning electron microscopic (FESEM) images of Ni^o/NiO nanoparticles, it was clearly observed that the particles were slightly spherical in shape with size <100 nm. The Ni^o/NiO nanoparticles were also tested against eight pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Basilus subtilis, Basilus pumilus, Micrococcus luteus, E. coli and Bordetella bronchiseptica) which displayed significant antibacterial activity at low doses and almost complete inhibition at optimized concentration. From the bandgap study, the reduced bandgap energy value of 1.57 eV indicated its potential semiconductor photocatalytic behavior. Higher degradation efficiency against the model contaminant crystal violet dye, possibility of multiple degradation mechanisms and simple recovery suggested that the green synthesized Ni^o/NiO nanoparticles might be best suitable candidates for environmental remediation applications.     

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.     

Fabrication of binary metal substituted CdO with superior aptitude for dye degradation and antibacterial activity

With the widespread increase in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains and extent of the water contamination by organic pollutants, a considerable effort is required for the development of effective and safe materials to treat infections and remove water pollutants. Herein, we have developed doped and co-doped cadmium oxide CdM₁M₂O (M₁ = Mn, M₂ = Al, Sr, Ba) nanostructures with antibacterial activity against three bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus vulgaris) and photocatalytic activity against methylene blue dye under direct sunlight irradiation. A very inexpensive and simple wet chemical approach was employed to fabricate the doped and co-doped nanostructures. The results of the antibacterial tests on Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Proteus vulgaris bacteria indicated that all the prepared nanostructures possessed superb antibacterial properties. The Cd_1-(x+y) Mn_xAl_yO nanostructures exhibited excellent degradation efficiency with typical organic dye (methylene blue) within 1 h of direct sunlight irradiation. The efficient synergistic antibacterial and photocatalytic activities coupled with their recyclability demonstrated the potential of Cd_1-(x+y) Mn_xAl_yO nanostructures for practical use in polluted water remediation and environmental protection applications. The simple method used for synthesizing the nanostructures to enhance their antibacterial and photocatalytic activities can potentially be extended to fabricate other photocatalysts and antibacterial agents.     

Electro-catalytic degradation of methylene blue wastewater assisted by Fe2O3-modified kaolin

The electrochemical oxidation of methylene blue (MB) wastewater assisted by Fe₂O₃-modified kaolin in a 200 mL electrolytic batch reactor with graphite plate as electrodes was investigated. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of pH, current density and introduction of NaCl on the efficiency of the electrochemical degradation process were also studied. It was found that Fe₂O₃-modified kaolin has higher catalytic activity in the electrochemical degradation of MB wastewater. 96.47% chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was obtained in 40 min of electrochemical treatment of MB wastewater at pH 3, current density was equal to 69.23 mA cm⁻².     

Improved photoelectrocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by Ti3C2Tx/Bi12TiO20 composite anodes

In order to effectively reduce the high recombination rate of photogenerated carriers when Bi₁₂TiO₂₀ (BTO) was excited by visible light, Ti₃C₂T_x/BTO/fluorine-doped tin oxide photoanodes were conveniently prepared with the aid of mechanical coating by gentle ultrasonic mixing. Systematic characterization and the degradation of methylene blue in a photoelectrochemical cell were performed. The results showed that the Ti₃C₂T_x/BTO composite exhibited a strong light absorption ability and the effective separation of photogenerated carriers. The optimal anode (6 wt% Ti₃C₂T_x/BTO) degraded 85.4% of methylene blue within 120 min at an applied electric field of 1 V, with a reaction rate that was 3.5 times that of BTO. It was proved that Ti₃C₂T_x, as a useful co-catalyst, creates an internal electric field at the contact interface with BTO and an external electric field, which are responsible for the enhanced photoelectrocatalytic degradation capacity of the composite anode materials.     

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。     

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.     

Synthesis,characterization and demonstration of self-cleaning TiO2 coatings on glass and glazed ceramic tiles

An effort was made not only to demonstrate the performance of the self-cleaning coatings on building materials such as ceramic glazed tiles and glass windows, but also to understand the fundamental issues that are still alive in the field of self-cleaning surfaces based on photocatalysis. Nano TiO₂ transparent thin films were generated by dip, spray and flow coating method. The present results indicate that the inconsistent results in the self-cleaning studies may be due to the effect of aggregation of model pollutant (methylene blue) dye on TiO₂ surface. The effect of aliovalent metal ion (Ni²⁺, Fe³⁺, Nb⁵⁺) doping on phase formation, polymorphic transition, visible light absorbance and optical transparency of TiO₂ film were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV visible absorption spectroscopy. The improved visible light activity of doped TiO₂ thin film was correlated to the Ti(Ni/Fe)O₃ phase formation, UV and visible light absorbance, variation in the optical energy band gap and the probable light scattering associated with grain size.     

Controlled synthesis of (CuO-Cu2O)Cu/ZnO multi oxide nanocomposites by facile combustion route: A potential photocatalytic,antimicrobial and anticancer activity

Photocatalytic activity of (CuO-Cu₂O)Cu/ZnO hetero-junction nanocomposites along with their luminescent, biological applications in the progress of anticancer and antibacterial agents is investigated. The Cu and Zn bi-components modified (CuO-Cu₂O)Cu/ZnO nanocomposites were synthesized via facile combustion route in the presence of controlled fuel to oxidizer ratio and were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), High resolution Transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), photoluminescence (PL) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The PL and UV–Visible diffused reflectance spectral (UV–Vis-DRS) techniques were used to measure the optical sensitivity and tuning of band gap in the samples. The excellent photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue and industrial waste water under Sunlight irradiation depends on the mass ratios of Cu/Zn. The findings show that the addition of a certain proportion of CuO, Cu₂O, ZnO, and Cu can promote efficiency in Sunlight harvesting and separation of charge carriers. Process parameters namely catalyst quantity, dye concentration and a proposal for the mechanism of degradation pathway, experiments for trapping and enhancer are investigated. The study of photoluminescence, CIE and CCT calculations suggests that the present nanocomposite may find applications as phosphor material in warm white LEDs. The second segment of this study deals with the investigation of antibacterial performance of composites upon Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The results indicate that nanocomposites can be used in antibacterial control systems and as an important growth inhibitor in various microorganisms. The cytotoxic effect of the (CuO-Cu₂O)Cu/ZnO (CCCZ11) nanocomposite was determined by colorimetric and flow cytometric cell cycle analysis. Our experimental results show that the nanocomposite can induce apoptosis and suppress the proliferation of HeLa cells. The applications of nanocomposites based on Cu, an abundant and inexpensive metal has created much interest in various multifunctional applications.     

Novel 0D/2D Bi2WO6/MoSSe Z-scheme heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic degradation and photoelectrochemical activity

The catalytic activity of a single catalyst could be optimized by constructing a Z-scheme heterojunction structure with another adaptive material. 0D Bi₂WO₆ nanoparticles exhibit good oxidation ability, while 2D MoSSe nanoplates with low internal resistance show excellent reduction ability. Herein, novel 0D/2D Bi₂WO₆/MoSSe Z-scheme heterojunction catalysts (BMSS) with different Mo: Bi molar ratios were developed by combining the advantages of pure Bi₂WO₆ and MoSSe. The matched energy bands may provide the possibility to construct heterojunction, and the internal electric fields could facilitate the separation and transmission of internal carriers. Energy band structure analyses and electron spin resonance (ESR) results have further confirmed the existence of the above Z-scheme heterojunction structure and internal electric field. More importantly, as-prepared BMSS catalysts were proved to have excellent oxidation and reduction ability from photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical results. With an optimized MoSSe loading ratio of 3.66%, the BMSS3 catalyst showed 4.13 times of photocurrent density than that of pure Bi₂WO₆ and displayed an excellent degradation rate (0.0377 min^?1). It can be concluded that BMSS catalysts will have promising applications in photoelectrochemistry and photocatalysis.     

Preparation of novel Cu/TiO2 mischcrystal composites and antibacterial activities for Escherichia coli under visible light

In this paper, novel copper/titanium dioxide (Cu/TiO₂) composites were facilely prepared by simple sol-gel hydrothermal method. The crystalline phases, surface morphology and antibacterial activity of Cu/TiO₂ were investigated systematically. Interestingly, the as-prepared Cu/TiO₂ materials were made up with three different crystalline phases, including cuprite Cu₂Cl(OH)₃, Cu₂₊₁O, and anatase TiO₂. Next, the ‘zone of inhibition’ experiment was performed against E. coli using Cu/TiO₂ catalysts with different Cu doping concentration as the antibacterial agents. Our results show that the Cu/TiO₂-3.00 catalyst possesses optimal antibacterial ability against E. coli, which may be connected with the strong oxidizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) destroying the bacteria and photogenerated charge separation and recombination.