A series of novel double perovskite oxides NaMTi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript> (M = Eu,Sm, and Gd): preparation,characterization and photocatalytic studies under visible and solarlight irradiation

The photocatalytic activity of sol–gel synthesized double perovskite type oxides NaEuTi₂O₆(NETO), NaSmTi₂O₆ (NSTO), and NaGdTi₂O₆ (NGTO) powders on degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye was demonstrated for the first time under visible light as well as sunlight irradiation. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV–Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy equipped with X-ray energy-dispersion spectrometry. All the three samples have shown photocatalytic activity for degradation of MB under sunlight and visible light irradiation and their photocatalytic activity followed the order of NGTO > NETO > NSTO. The superior activity of NGTO is ascribed to the higher amount of hydroxyl radicals generated in the photocatalytic reaction.     

Sn<Superscript>4+</Superscript> and La<Superscript>3+</Superscript> co doped TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticles and their optical,photocatalytic and antibacterial properties under visible light

Sn⁴⁺ and La³⁺ co-doped TiO₂ photocatalytic material with nanoparticle structure have been successfully prepared using SnCl₂·2H₂O and La(NO₃)₃·6H₂O as precursors. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and UV–visible spectroscopy have been used to for the characterization of the morphology, crystal structure, particle size and optical properties of the samples. The photocatalytic properties of sample with various amount of La doped TiO₂ have been studied by photo degradation of methyl orange (MO) in water under visible light. XRD patterns showed both rutile and anatase phases for 5 mol% of Sn and 5–10 mol% of La. But anatase phase with a little rutile phase was formed for 5 mol%Sn and 10 mol%La. The prepared Sn and La co doped TiO₂ photo-catalyst showed optical absorption edge in the visible light area and exhibited excellent photo-catalytic ability for degradation of MO solution under visible irradiation. Antibacterial behavior towards E. coli was then studied under visible irradiation. The synthesized T-5%Sn-10%La powder exhibited superior antibacterial activity under visible irradiation compared to the pure TiO₂.     

Synthesis of AgBr/TiO2/(I/S) composite and its enhanced photocatalytic performance to rhodamine B

Novel AgBr/TiO₂/(I/S) composite was synthesized by deposition–precipitation method. The AgBr/TiO₂/(I/S) composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra and the N₂ adsorption/desorption instrument. Under visible light irradiation, AgBr/TiO₂/(I/S) composite displayed much higher photocatalytic activity than that of pure I/S in the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). The RhB dye was degraded by 89% in less than 100 min. All results indicated that AgBr/TiO₂/(I/S) composite have good photocatalytic activity and chemical stability. Moreover, ·O₂^? is demonstrated to be the dominant radical for the photocatalytic degradation of RhB.

     

Synthesis and characterization of M-fullerene/TiO2 photocatalysts designed for degradation azo dye

Metal-fullerene/TiO₂ composites were prepared using a sol–gel method, and their photocatalytic activity was evaluated by degradation of methylene blue (MB) solutions under UV light. The surface area, surface structure, crystal phase and elemental identification of these composites were characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The degradation effect of MB was determined using UV/Vis spectrophotometry. Photocatalytic activity was increased because of the increase in photo-absorption effect by fullerene, and the cooperative effect of the metal introduced as a dopant.     

A facile route to synthesize ternary Cu2O quantum dot/graphene-TiO2 nanocomposites with an improved photocatalytic effect

A Cu₂O quantum dot/graphene-TiO₂ composite, a novel material, was successfully synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal reaction was used to load the Cu₂O and TiO₂ particles onto graphene sheets, and the resulting photocatalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). UV spectrophotometry was employed to measure the decrease in the concentration of rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue trihydrate (MB), and reactive black B (RBB) dyes in an aqueous solution after degradation with the photocatalysts under irradiation with visible light. The results indicate that the quantum dot-sized Cu₂O is a promising material that contributes to the photocatalytic activity of Cu₂O quantum dot/graphene-TiO₂ composites.     

核壳结构CdS/ZnS@rGA的制备及光催化性能研究

为研究纳米CdS/ZnS@rGA复合材料在可见光下的光催化性能,采用一步溶剂热法合成了以ZnS为壳的CdS/ZnS核壳纳米粒子,将CdS/ZnS核壳纳米粒子附着在rGO纳米片上,并组装成CdS/ZnS@rGA复合气凝胶,用X射线衍射仪(XRD)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)等对样品进行了表征,通过亚甲基蓝(MB)的光催化降解实验表明：CdS/ZnS@rGA复合气凝胶的形成不仅可以提高CdS的光稳定性,还可以增强对MB吸附能力,同时对MB的降解有明显的促进作用。可见光反应90 min, 50 mg的CdS/ZnS@rGA对100 mL 20 mg/L MB的去除率最高达到99%。经过5次循环实验,该材料仍具有较好的可重复利用性。     

CdS-sensitized ZnO nanorod arrays coated with TiO2 layer for visible light photoelectrocatalysis

A novel ZnO/CdS/TiO₂ nanorod array composite structure was fabricated by depositing CdS-sensitized layer onto ZnO nanorod arrays via chemical bathing deposition and subsequently coated by TiO₂ protection layer via a vacuum dip-coating process. The films were characterized by x-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrum, and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. For the films severed as the photoanodes, linear sweep voltammetry and transient photocurrent (i _ph) were investigated in a three-electrode system. The photoelectrocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. The results show that the oriented ZnO nanorods are adhered by relatively uniform CdS-sensitized layer and coated with TiO₂ layer. Both the coated and uncoated CdS-sensitized ZnO nanorod arrays exhibit the visible light response and the photoelectrocatalytic activity on the degradation of MB under visible light irradiation. The ZnO/CdS/TiO₂ nanorod array film possesses stable and superior photoelectrocatalytic performance owing to the TiO₂ thin layer protecting the CdS from photocorrosion.     

Synthesis and photocatalytic behaviors of Cr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–CNT/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> composite materials under visible light

Cr₂O₃–CNT/TiO₂ composites derived from chromium acetylacetonate, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and titanium n-butoxide (TNB) were prepared, and the photocatalytic activity of the Cr₂O₃–CNT and CNT/TiO₂ composites was examined. The Cr₂O₃–CNT/TiO₂ composites were characterized by BET surface area measurement, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The photocatalytic activity was determined from the decomposition of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. Methylene blue was photodegraded successfully in the presence of the Cr₂O₃–CNT/TiO₂ composite under visible light irradiation.     

Photochemical deposition of platinum on titanium dioxide–tungsten trioxide nanocomposites: an efficient photocatalyst under visible light irradiation

Highly ordered titanium dioxide–tungsten trioxide nanotubular composites (TiO₂–WO₃) were fabricated on titanium sheets by electrochemical anodizing. Platinum nanoparticles have been successfully deposited onto TiO₂–WO₃ nanotubes by UV light photoreduction method. In this work, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer methods were adopted to characterize the samples. The degradation of methylene blue (MB) was used as a model reaction to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the obtained samples. After irradiated under visible light for 60 min, the degradation rate of MB solution on unmodified TiO₂–WO₃ and Pt/TiO₂–WO₃ reached 77 and 93 %, respectively. Under the same condition, no obvious photodegradation of MB was found for bare TiO₂ (T). Kinetic research showed that photodegradation process followed the first-order reaction; the apparent reaction rate constant of Pt/TiO₂–WO₃-1 was 4.56 × 10^?2 min^?1 which is approximately 1.75 times higher than that on the unmodified TiO₂–WO₃. This work provides an insight into designing and synthesizing new TiO₂–WO₃ nanotubes based hybrid materials for effective visible light-activated photocatalysis.     

Yolk-shell CdS@void@TiO2 composite particles with photocorrosion resistance for enhanced dye removal and hydrogen evolution

Yolk-shell CdS@void@TiO₂ (cadmium sulfide@void@titanium dioxide) composite particles (CPs), consisting of three parts: core (CdS) synthesized by solvent thermal reaction, void generated by polypyrrole (PPy) sacrificed layers and porous shell (TiO₂) by sol-gel method, were innovatively fabricated. The actual yolk-shell structure and chemical composition of the resultant CdS@void@TiO₂ were verified by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction analyses (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). CdS@void@TiO₂ CPs possessed enhanced visible light response due to its narrower energy gap (2.9 eV) than TiO₂ (3.2 eV). With the support of photocatalytic performance test results, CdS@void@TiO₂ exhibits much higher hydrogen evolution rate up to 1893.5 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ as well as dye removal efficiency both under visible and UV light irradiation than pristine TiO₂. The covering of TiO₂ shell remarkably promotes the photocorrosion resistance of CdS. The unique yolk-shell structure promotes striking photocatalytic performance in dye removal and hydrogen evolution. A possible photocatalytic mechanism about enhanced photocatalytic activity and robust photostability is also proposed.     

Preparation of graphene–TiO2 nanocomposite and photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine-B under solar light irradiation

GR–TiO₂ nanocomposite was prepared by simple chemical method using graphene oxide and titanium isopropoxide (Ti [OCH (CH₃)₂]₄) precursors. The crystalline nature of the composite was characterised by powder X-ray diffraction and the intercalation was explained by Raman spectroscopy. The morphology of the composite was analysed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The elemental and quantitative measurement of the composite was determined by electron dispersive spectroscopy. The shape and size of the particle was measured by transmission electron spectroscopy and high resolution spectroscopy. The surface area and elemental composition of the composite was studied by using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Photo-generated electrons were studied by photoluminescence spectra. The photocatalytic activity of nanocomposite was investigated by the degradation of Rhodamine-B (Rh-B) in an aqueous solution under solar light irradiation. The GR–TiO₂ demonstrates photocatalytic activity in the degradation with a removal rate of 98% under solar light irradiation as compared with pure TiO₂ (42%), graphite oxide (19%), and mechanical mixture GR + TiO₂ (60%) due to the increased light absorption intensity and reduction of electron–hole pair recombination with the intercalation of graphene and TiO₂. The results indicated that the GR–TiO₂ could be used as a catalyst to degrade Rh-B from coloured wastewater.     

Preparation and properties of sliver and nitrogen co-doped TiO2 photocatalyst

TiO₂ photocatalysts co-doped with different content of Ag and N were prepared by sol–gel method combined with microwave chemical method. The samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectrum (UV–vis) and photo-luminescence emission spectrum (PL). The photocatalytic activity was investigated by photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under irradiation of fluorescent lamp. The results indicate that Ag and N co-doping can restrain the increase of grain size, broaden the absorption spectrum to visible light region, and inhibit the recombination of the photo-generated electron–hole pairs. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of Ag–N–TiO₂ in MB degradation is remarkable improved. The degradation rate of the sample with Ag:TiO₂ = 0.05 at%, N:TiO₂ = 18.50 wt% in 5 h is 93.44%, which is much higher than that of Degussa P25 (39.40%).     

Photocatalytic degradation and mineralization of dye pollutants from wastewater under visible light using synthetic CuO-VO2/TiO2 nanotubes/nanosheets

CuO-VO₂/TiO₂ as a new nanocomposite was synthesized through hydrothermal method and identified by various spectroscopic techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), UV–visible, differential reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and Mott–Schottky. The presence of nanotubes/nanosheets in the synthesized nanocomposite was confirmed by HR-TEM. The anatase and rutile crystalline forms of TiO₂ were detected by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). XPS analysis confirmed the presence of CuO and VO₂ in the nanocomposite. The surface area and the band-gap energy of the nanocomposite were determined via N₂ adsorption–desorption analysis and DRS. The presence of a p–n junction between TiO₂ (n-type) and CuO/VO₂ (p-type) was confirmed by the Mott–Schottky analysis. The photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite against methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and cango red (CR) was studied under visible-light irradiation. The times of degradation for the decomposition of the dyes were 10–25 min. The rate constants of degradation for MB, MO, and CR were calculated as 0.34, 0.090, and 0.155 min^?1, respectively. The catalyst was recovered four times. In addition, the mineralization of the dyes was investigated by chemical oxygen demand (COD). The reaction was performed in the presence of different radical scavengers, and the ·OH was found to be the predominantly active species in the photodegradation of the dyes.

     

Adsorption and photocatalysis removal of fulvic acid by TiO2–graphene composites

The adsorption and photocatalysis of natural organic matter, fulvic acid (FA), by TiO₂–graphene (T–G) composites under UV₂₅₄ was investigated in this study. A one-step solvothermal reaction of graphene oxide (GO) and titanium(IV) butoxide (Ti(OBu)₄) in an ethanol solvent was used to prepare T–G composites. During the solvothermal process, both of the reduction of GO and depositing of T nanoparticles were achieved. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were applied to investigate the morphologies and structures of the as-prepared samples. Results from this study indicated that the as-prepared T–G composites exhibited great adsorptivity and photocatalytic activity of FA. Two removal mechanisms have been identified as significant for FA aqueous interacting with T–G composites: surface adsorption and photocatalytic degradation. It is revealed that the photocatalytic degradation of FA is correlated to surface adsorption, an effective surface adsorption resulting in a quick degradation.     

Synthesis and photocatalytic performance of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanospheres–graphene nanocomposite under visible and UV light irradiation

In this article, we present a fast and simple method to produce TiO₂ nanospheres–graphene nanocomposite with high photocatalytic activity under visible and UV light irradiation. TiO₂ nanospheres were adsorbed on graphene in sol–gel process. First, titanium (IV) butoxide underwent hydrolysis in graphene oxide (GO) ethanol solution resulting in TiO₂ nanospheres deposition on GO. Next, the material was calcinated to generate the phase transition of TiO₂ into anatase and reduce GO to graphene. The detailed characterization of the material was performed via transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-rays spectrometer, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. Interestingly, the band-gap energy of the prepared photocatalyst was drastically decreased in comparison with the commercial photocatalyst P25 from 3.05 to 2.36 eV. This influenced in the activation of the material under visible light and resulted in high photocatalytic activity in the process of phenol decomposition in visible and UV irradiation.     

Photo-electrochemical and enhanced photocatalytic activity of CdS/rGO nanocomposites prepared by hydrothermal method

CdS/rGO nanocomposites with different mass ratio of rGO were fabricated via a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. The influences of different ratios on the microstructure, photo-electrochemical, and photocatalytic properties of the as-prepared samples were investigated. The experimental results show that CdS/rGO nanocomposites are hexagonal structure, one-dimensional CdS nanorods decorated on the surface of graphene. CdS/rGO nanocomposites show excellent visible light absorption and the band gap smaller than that of pure CdS and occur red shift. The photoluminescence spectra, transient photocurrent response and electrochemical impedance spectra indicate this nanostructure can accelerate the separation and migration efficiency of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, inhibit the recombination of photogenerated carries and and enhance electron transportation in the photocatalytic reactions. CdS/rGO nanocomposites display enhanced photocatalytic activity in degradation of MO under the simulated sunlight irradiation than that of pure CdS. In addition, in the photocatalytic degradation process ·O₂^? and ·OH play the key role.

     

Titania-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite as a promising visible light-active photocatalyst for continuous degradation of VVOC in air purification process

Titania-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites have been prepared through facile hydrothermal method by a reaction between P25 as TiO₂ source and graphene oxide. Reduction of graphene oxide and its reaction with P25 nanoparticles were achieved simultaneously at high temperature and pressure during the hydrothermal process with the minimum organic solvents. Chemical bonds, crystalline structure, morphology, porosity and light absorption of composites along with their photocatalytic activity under UV and visible light irradiation were investigated. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that P25 nanoparticles, with diameters about 25 nm, were dispersed on the sheets of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) homogeneously. A stronger interaction between P25 and RGO provided a red shift about 20 nm in the absorption edge of the composites. To set up a continuous tubular reactor made from thin layer of the prepared material, composite films were coated on the external surface of a steel tube to make an annular reactor. The reactor was equipped with UV or visible light sources to investigate the photocatalytic activity of the prepared composites in a continuous air flow contaminated with specified amount of acetaldehyde as a VVOC (very volatile organic compound) model molecule. Degradation efficiency of P25–RGO with 0.5 wt% RGO was significantly high under visible light irradiation, and about 70% conversion was observed using an air flow at normal conditions with specific flow rate of 17 ml min^?1 and 500 ppm acetaldehyde, by 30 mg of the coated composite in the reactor. Composites with low amount of RGO would be an appropriate photosensitizer and electron acceptor to suppress the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs to enhance the photocatalytic performance.     

Preparation of Fe-doped TiO2 nanotube arrays and their photocatalytic activities under visible light

Fe-doped TiO₂ nanotube arrays have been prepared by the template-based liquid phase deposition method. Their morphologies, structures and optical properties were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. Their photocatalytic activities were evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue under visible light. The UV-vis absorption spectra of the Fe-doped TiO₂ nanotube arrays showed a red shift and an enhancement of the absorption in the visible region compared to the undoped sample. The Fe-doped TiO₂ nanotube arrays exhibited good photocatalytic activities under visible light irradiation, and the optimum dopant amount was found to be 5.9 at% in our experiments.     

Visible light photocatalytic degradation of paraoxon and parathion pesticides on carbon-doped TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanorod thin films

In the present work the nanostructured carbon-doped TiO₂ thin films with nanorod morphology were deposited on glass substrate by a combination of ultrasonic and chemical vapor deposition methods, and for the first time were applied for the photocatalytic degradation of paraoxon and parathion organophosphorus pesticides under visible light irradiation. X-ray Diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used for characterization of the prepared thin films. Obtained results show that presence of carbon element and also special nanorod morphology of the thin films remarkably improve the optical properties of TiO₂ in visible light region and results in the good visible light photocatalytic activity of the thin films for degradation of the pesticides. The photonic efficiencies of the prepared thin films were also examined based on the international ISO-10678:2010 standard protocol for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under UV light irradiation. The results show a maximum photonic efficiency of 0.0312% for the carbon-doped TiO₂ thin film with 570 nm thickness, which compared to a reference standard TiO₂ films indicates a 30% improvement in photonic efficiency.     

Highly efficient photocatalytic performance of graphene–Ag3VO4 composites

In the present paper, graphene–Ag₃VO₄ composites with broad-spectrum response were prepared by hydrothermal method, which performed high photocatalytic activity in decomposing Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. The graphene content exhibited an obvious influence on the photocatalytic activity. Composite with 5 wt% graphene possessed the highest activity: the degradation rate reached about 92.3 %, which was nearly 1.5 times higher than that of the pure Ag₃VO₄. The enhancement of the photocatalytic activity was attributed to the synergetic effect between graphene and Ag₃VO₄ particles. Here, graphene was served as an excellent electron acceptor and transporter, which markedly decreased the recombination efficiency of electron–hole pairs and accelerated the degradation process.