Photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dinitrophenol

Contamination of the food supply from agricultural waste is an increasing concern worldwide. Numerous hazardous chemicals enter the environment from various industrial sources daily. Many of these pollutants, including 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP), are water soluble, toxic, and not easily biodegradable. The solar photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-DNP was investigated in a solution of titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) that was prepared to be an optically clear aqueous solution of nanosized particles of TiO(2). In order to achieve optimal efficiency of the photodegradation, the effects of light intensity and pH were conducted. All experiments were carried out in a batch mode. At a pH of 8, maximum removal of 70% of 2,4-DNP was achieved within 7h of irradiation time. The nearly homogeneous solution of 5.8nm TiO(2) particles, size determined by XDS, were very effective in the photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-DNP.     

Pt/Fe_2O_3/TiO_2的制备、表征及其光催化活性研究

报道了担载不同贵金属或过渡金属氧化物的TiO2 催化剂对空气中微量甲醛的光催化氧化的研究结果。实验发现 ,TiO2 上担载Fe2 O3 或Pt时对甲醛均有较高的光催化氧化活性。同时担载双组分的光催化剂Pt Fe2 O3 TiO2 ,由于 2种组分的协同作用 ,具有更高的光催化活性。研究了催化剂制备因素、催化剂的结构及表面特性对催化活性的影响     

Photo-induced formation of hydroxyapatite on TiO2 synthesized by a chemical–hydrothermal treatment

The formation of hydroxyapatite (HAp) on TiO₂ surfaces under continuous ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was investigated. Pure Ti substrates were chemically treated with H₂O₂/HNO₃ at 353 K for 20 min to form a TiO₂ gel layer. The specimens were then hydrothermally treated with an aqueous NH₃ solution in an autoclave at 453 K for 12 h. An adhesive and sufficiently crystallized anatase-type TiO₂ film could be synthesized on the Ti surface. The specimens were immersed in simulated body fluid in darkness or under UV irradiation with a centered wavelength of λ = 365 nm. Under dark conditions, a thin homogeneous HAp film was formed, with just a few spherical clusters of HAp. The UV illumination promoted the formation of HAp clusters, which may be due to the generation of functional Ti–OH or Ti–O groups on the TiO₂ surface. On the other hand, the UV light produced electron-hole pairs in the TiO₂, and the photogenerated holes that migrated to the surface repelled the Ca²⁺ ions in the solution. As a consequence, the UV irradiation suppressed the formation of a HAp thin film.     

纳米SnO2包覆TiO2光催化剂的制备及光催化活性研究

利用均匀沉淀法制备了纳米SnO2包覆TiO2的光催化剂，通过XRD、紫外光谱、色谱-质谱和光催化氧化焦化废水实验，分析和检验了该光催化剂的光催化活性。结果表明：SnO2包覆TiO2对光催化活性的提高是可行的，SnO2包覆量大于5％时提高效果较明显。     

Photocatalytic activity of manganese, chromium and cobalt-doped anatase titanium dioxide nanoporous electrodes produced by re-anodization method

Transition metal-doped TiO₂ electrodes were prepared by re-anodization and characterized. The structure of these electrodes was investigated by X-ray diffraction and electron diffraction, which mainly showed typical characteristic anatase reflections without any dopant-related peaks. The amount of transition metal dopant in TiO₂ was kept at approximately 1.0 at.%, as measured by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The effects of different types of dopants on the photocatalytic activity were revealed by measuring the degradation of an organic aqueous solution containing a dye (acid red G) using a combination of ultraviolet (UV) light energy in the presence of these electrodes. The photocatalytic efficiency was remarkably enhanced by the incorporation of Mn ²⁺ and Cr³⁺. Mn²⁺ showed the most significant enhancement. However, Co²⁺ accelerated the rate of acid red G degradation only slightly. Langmuir-Hinshelwood rate expression was employed for the degradation of acid red G by UV/TiO₂ electrodes system. The adsorption equilibrium constant, the rate constant, and the initial degradation rate were determined for different electrodes. The effect of the concentration of Mn²⁺ on the degradation of acid red G was also investigated and the results showed that there is an optimal value (about 1.0 at.%) of the concentration of Mn²⁺ for inducing faster degradation of the dye. The enhanced photocatalytic degradation rate of acid red G in the presence of transition metals is attributed to the increase of the charge separation in these systems.     

Responding Depth of Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Self-assembled Films

The electrostatically self-assembly method is getting strategically important to prepare multilayer thin films. With careful choice of component materials, this method should allow for the preparation of multilayer thin films with a variety of excellent technological properties. Ti02/PSS multilayer thin films with ordered structure were prepared by electrostatic self-assembly method. UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atom force microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize the structure and performance of the multilayer films. Because electrostatically self-assembly method allows molecular-level control over the film composition and thickness, this paper studied the responding depth of photocatalytic activity of Ti02 self-assembled films in detail.     

Photocatalytic removal of hazardous dye cyanosine from industrial waste using titanium dioxide

In this paper, photocatalytic degradation studies of a hazardous water soluble xanthene dye cyanosine in aqueous suspensions of titanium dioxide under a variety of conditions, viz., catalyst concentration, substrate concentration, pH, temperature and electron acceptor hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) have been reported. It was observed that photocatalytic degradation by TiO2 is an effective, economic and faster mode of removing cyanosine from aqueous solution. The optimum conditions for the degradation of the dye was dye concentration 1x10(-4)M, pH 8, catalyst concentration 0.04g/L and temperature +/-30 degrees C. Chemical oxygen demand and dye absorbance of the photodegraded dye solution substantially decreased.     

Photocatalytic degradation of selected pharmaceuticals using green fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles

Heterogeneous photocatalysis is one of the popular alternative treatment methods for wastewater. It utilizes semiconductor material as the catalyst and metal oxide such as zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), emerged as the commonly used catalyst. In this study, a series of biogenic ZnO NPs was fabricated through precipitation method with pullulan as the biomaterial. The amount of zinc salt in the presence of pullulan was varied to study its impact on the generated ZnO NPs. The results showed that without pullulan, the average particle size of ZnO NPs obtained was 110.86 nm. With 0.84 M zinc salt in 50 g/L of pullulan, the ZnO NPs average particle size significantly reduced to 58.13 nm. The surface area of all synthesized ZnO NPs ranging from 14.84 to 19.99 m² g^?1. The photocatalytic activities of all synthesized ZnO NPs were evaluated through the photodegradation of two drugs, amoxicillin (AMX) and paracetamol (PCT). Through the comparison of drugs’ photodegradation with all synthesized ZnO NPs, ZnO NPs produced with 0.67 M zinc salt in 50 g/L of pullulan showed the highest degradation percentage of 85.7% and 96.8% for AMX and PCT respectively. The best photodegradation conditions for the drugs were 30 ppm drugs concentration, pH 9 (for AMX) and pH 5 (for PCT) and 50 mg catalyst dosage. Based on these results, biogenic ZnO NPs has high potential to be used in the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater.     

Photocatalytic activity studies of TiO2 thin films prepared by r.f. magnetron reactive sputtering

A series of transparent titanium dioxide thin films have been obtained on microscope glass slides by means of r.f. magnetron reactive sputtering using Ar and O₂ mixed gases. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO₂ thin films was evaluated by the degradation of rhodamine B dye wastewater. The influences of substrate temperatures and total sputtering pressures on the photocatalytic activity of the TiO₂ films were investigated. It was observed that substrate temperature had little influences on the photocatalytic activity, but the photocatalytic activity of the TiO₂ thin films was improved by decreasing the total sputtering pressure.     

Photocatalytic decomposition of 2-chlorophenol in aqueous solution by UV/TiO2 process with applied external bias voltage

The decomposition of 2-chlorophenol by UV/TiO2 process with the application of external bias voltage was examined in this study. Experiments were conducted in a batch reactor using TiO2-coated titanium sheet as anode and platinum sheet as cathode. The anode photocatalysis of 2-chlorophenol was totally inhibited for experiments conducted with the application of external anodic bias voltage lower than the flat band potential of TiO2. The decomposition rate of 2-chlorophenol was then increased with increasing external anodic bias voltage applied up to 0.0 V (versus SCE). The application of external bias voltage higher than 1.0 V did not markedly promote the photocatalysis of 2-chlorophenol possibly because the photocurrent induced was constant. Experimental results indicated that the decomposition of 2-chlorophenol was more effective for experiments conducted in acidic solutions due to the lower flat band potential of TiO2 and the higher photocurrent induced. The presence of electron scavengers in aqueous solution, such as oxygen molecules, may increase the decomposition rate of 2-chlorophenol. However, the effect of dissolved oxygen was diminished for experiments conducted with applied external bias voltage. The photocatalytic decomposition rate of 2-chlorophenol was enhanced linearly with the increasing UV light intensity when the external bias voltage was applied.     

Photocatalytic behavior of different titanium dioxide layers

Many recently developed applications are related to the photocatalytic behavior of semiconductive oxides. Among the different oxides, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is one of the most interesting due to its high photocatalytic efficiency towards a great number of reactions and to its hydrophilic properties. Aim of this work is the evaluation and comparison of the photocatalytic properties of different crystalline titanium dioxide films, directly grown on titanium substrates by surface anodization (eventually followed by thermal annealing) and by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) on titanium and silicon substrates, followed by thermal annealing. The structure and morphology of the layers were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction and photocatalytic tests on stearic acid mineralization were performed. Results showed that the PLD layers possess a higher photocatalytic efficiency than anodized titanium. This can be attributed to the microstructured/microporous morphology of the related surfaces. Instead, PLD TiO₂ layers with a relatively high content of the rutile phase have a reduced photocatalytic efficiency with respect to mainly anatase containing layers.     

Photocatalytic degradation for methylene blue using zinc oxide prepared by codeposition and sol-gel methods

Zinc oxide nanoparticle was obtained by zinc hydrate deposited on the silica nanoparticle surface and zinc hydrate was dispersed in starch gel. The structure of zinc oxide particle was characterized by nitrogen adsorption-desorption and XRD, the morphology was observed by TEM. The result showed that the zinc oxide nanoparticle deposited on the silica nanoparticle surface was well-dispersed and less than 50nm, displayed higher photocatalytic activity for methylene blue degradation. However, the zinc oxide nanoparticle in a size of 60nm was derived from starch gel and showed poorer photocatalytic activity. It provided a simple and effective route to prepare zinc oxide nanoparticle with higher photocatalytic activity through depositing zinc oxide on the silica particle surface, moreover, the catalyst is easier to recover due to its higher density.     

Photocatalytic ozone sensor based on mesoporous indium oxide: Influence of the relative humidity on the sensing performance

Mesoporous In₂O₃, synthesized by a nanocasting procedure, is used as a resistive gas sensor for ozone in very low concentrations (from 20 ppb to 2.4 ppm) at room temperature. Its sensing performance is substantially increased by illumination with blue light (460 nm, 2.7 eV). For low ozone concentrations the sensor response increases with increasing humidity. However, higher humidity also results in the occurrence of a saturation of the response at lower ozone concentrations; this is rationalized by assuming a poisoning of surface active sites by hydroxyl groups.     

Degradation of C.I. Reactive Red 2 through photocatalysis coupled with water jet cavitation

The decolorization of an azo dye, C.I. Reactive Red 2 was investigated using TiO(2) photocatalysis coupled with water jet cavitation. Experiments were performed in a 4.0 L solution under ultraviolet power of 9 W. The effects of TiO(2) loading, initial dye concentration, solution pH, geometry of cavitation tube, and the addition of anions on the degradation of the dye were evaluated. Degradation of the dye followed a pseudo-first order reaction. The photocatalysis coupled with water jet cavitation elevated degradation of the dye by about 136%, showing a synergistic effect compared to the individual photocatalysis and water jet cavitation. The enhancement of photocatalysis by water jet cavitation could be due to the deagglomeration of catalyst particles as well as the better contact between the catalyst surfaces and the reactants. Venturi tube with smaller diameter and shorter length of throat tube favored the dye decolorization. The degradation efficiency was found to increase with decreasing initial concentration and pH. The presence of NO(3)(-) and SO(4)(2-) enhanced the degradation of RR2, while Cl(-), and especially HCO(3)(-) significantly reduced dye decolorization. The results of this study indicated that the coupled photocatalysis and water jet cavitation is effective in degrading dye in wastewater and provides a promising alternative for treatment of dye wastewater at a large scale.     

Enhancing the photovoltaic performances of dye-sensitized solar-cells by modifying the TiO2 electrode-sensitized dye interface

Enhanced photovoltaic performances of N719 dye-sensitized solar-cells were achieved by modifying the titanium oxide (TiO₂) electrode-sensitized dye interface. Surface of TiO₂ thin film electrode was coated with a calcium oxide (CaO) or lithium fluoride (LiF) thin layer, respectively, in a thermal deposition chamber. As compared to a cell using a bare TiO₂ nanoparticle (NTP) electrode, the solar energy conversion efficiency (η)? was enhanced by 15.1% and 12.8% for the surface of a NTP electrode coated with CaO and LiF, respectively. Moreover, for the surface of a TiO₂ nanotube electrode respectively coated with CaO and LiF, the efficiency was enhanced by 4.8% and 11.6%. This increase in efficiency is attributed to an increase in the adsorption of N719 dye on the CaO or LiF coated TiO₂ thin film electrodes, and the formation of a potential barrier by a CaO or LiF interlayer at the TiO₂ electrode-sensitized dye interface.     

Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanofilms deposited onto polyvinyl chloride and glass substrates

Using Successive-Ionic-Layer-Adsorption-and-Reaction deposition technique, TiO₂ films on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and glass substrates were prepared. The photocatalytic and antibacterial activities of TiO₂ films on PVC were evaluated by monitoring the photo-decomposition of 2-(phosphonomethylamino)acetic acid and Micrococcus lutes (odor causing bacteria). Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under UV source over as-made, hydrothermal and furnace annealed TiO₂ films, and commercial TiO₂ pellets were examined.     

Response surface optimization of electrochemical treatment of textile dye wastewater

The electrochemical treatment of textile dye wastewater containing Levafix Blue CA, Levafix Red CA and Levafix Yellow CA reactive dyes was studied on iron electrodes in the presence of NaCl electrolyte in a batch electrochemical reactor. The wastewater was synthetically prepared in relatively high dye concentrations between 400mg/L and 2000mg/L. The electrochemical treatment of textile dye wastewater was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), where current density and electrolyte concentration were to be minimized while dye removal and turbidity removal were maximized at 28 degrees C reaction temperature. Optimized conditions under specified cost driven constraints were obtained for the highest desirability at 6.7mA/cm(2), 5.9mA/cm(2) and 5.4mA/cm(2) current density and 3.1g/L, 2.5g/L and 2.8g/L NaCl concentration for Levafix Blue CA, Levafix Red CA and Levafix Yellow CA reactive textile dyes, respectively.     

Ultrafast degradation of common organic dyes in presence of gadolinium oxide/graphene oxide in water

Gadolinium oxide/graphene oxide (Gd₂O₃/GO) nanocomposite has been prepared by a simple method in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and employed as an excellent catalyst for common organic dyes degradation under ultrasound. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) data revealed that the Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles were successfully attached on the surface of GO sheets. The High efficiencies of common dyes (methylene blue, methyl orange, methyl violet rhodamine B, fuchsin base, thymolphthalein, crystal violet and eosin) degradation within 15?min illustrated that the as-synthesized nanocomposite was an ultrafast, stable, recyclable, and economical material for environment related applications.     

Photocatalytic oxidation of nitric oxide with immobilized titanium dioxide films synthesized by hydrothermal method

Gas-phase photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) of nitric oxide (NO) with immobilized TiO2 films was studied in this paper. The immobilized TiO2 films were synthesized by hydrothermal method. The characterization for the physicochemical properties of catalysts prepared under different hydrothermal conditions were carried out by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller measurements (BET) and scanning electron micrograph (SEM). It was found that the PCO efficiency of the catalyst was mainly depended on the hydrothermal conditions. The optimal values of hydrothermal temperature and hydrothermal time were 200 degrees C and 24 h, respectively. Furthermore, it was also known that the photocatalytic efficiency would decrease remarkably when the calcination temperature was over than 450 degrees C. Under the optimal conditions (hydrothermal condition: 200 degrees C for 24 h; calcination temperature: 450 degrees C), the photocatalytic efficiency of catalyst could reach 60% higher than that of Degussa P25.     

Photodecomposition effects of graphene oxide coated on TiO2 thin film prepared by electron-beam evaporation method

Morphological, structural and photocatalytic properties of graphene oxide (GO)/TiO₂ thin-film deposited on quartz substrate were investigated. The TiO₂ film was prepared by electron-beam evaporation and the GO film by spin coating method. The photocatalytic activities of the GO/TiO₂ film were evaluated by photodecomposition of methylene blue. There was synergistic effect between TiO₂ and GO which causes a rapid photo-induced charge separation and the reduction of the recombination of electron-hole pairs under the UV-visible light irradiation. GO on TiO₂ film also promotes the properties of adsorption of the dye, photon scattering probability, and interacting surface area. As a result, it leads to the enhancement of the efficiency of the photodegradation in GO/TiO₂ film.