Photocatalytic effects of plasma-heated TiO2−x particles under visible light irradiation

The photocatalytic characteristics of partially reduced TiO₂ (TiO_2?x ) by plasma treatment and plasma-heated treatment were investigated in the visible-light region. For the visible-light photocatalytic activity of TiO_2?x , plasmaheated treatment shows stronger than plasma treatment significantly. The TiO_2?x by plasma-heated treatment shows broader red-shifted absorption bands than one by plasma treatment in the visible-light region. The surface color of TiO_2?x by plasma treatment and plasma-heated treatment changed from white to sky blue, and to navy, respectively. After exposure to air, the surface color of TiO_2?x changed from sky blue to white for plasma treatment and from navy to beige for plasma-heated treatment.     

Sol–gel reverse micelle preparation and characterization of N-doped TiO2: Efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue in water under visible light

A series of N-substituted titanium (IV) 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediolate Ti(C₃₂H₆₈O₈) precursor were synthesized by the sol–gel reverse micelle (SGRM) method. The ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid (Na₂EDTA) has been used as a source of nitrogen n species. The obtained solids were calcined at 500 ?C for 1 h to obtain photoactive phases. The effect of nitrogen content (N/Ti = 0.025; 0.03; 0.05 atomic ratios) is examined. The materials were characterized by XRD, BET, TG/DTA and UV–vis reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Photocatalytic decolourisation of methylen blue (MB) in aqueous solution was carried out using nano, doped TiO₂. Experimental results revealed that N/Ti = 0.05 atomic ratio N-doped TiO₂ required shorter irradiation time for complete decolourisation of MB than pure nano TiO₂ and commercial (Degussa P-25) TiO₂.     

Photocatalytic decomposition of NO under visible light irradiation on the Cr‐ion‐implanted TiO2 thin film photocatalyst

Transparent TiO₂ thin film photocatalysts were prepared on transparent porous Vycor glass (PVG) by the ionized cluster beam (ICB) method. In order to improve the photocatalytic performance of these thin films under visible light irradiation, transition metal ions such as Cr and V were implanted into the deep bulk inside of the films using an advanced metal‐ion‐implantation technique. The UV‐vis absorption spectra of these metal‐ion‐implanted TiO₂ thin films were found to shift smoothly toward visible light regions, its extent depending on the amount and kinds of metal ions implanted. Using these metal‐ion‐implanted TiO₂ thin films as photocatalysts, the photocatalytic decomposition of NO_x into N₂ and O₂ was successfully carried out under visible light (λ 450 nm) irradiation at 275 K. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Preparation of nano-Ag-Bi2WO6–TiO2/starch bionanocomposite membranes and mechanism of enhancing visible light degradation of ethylene

Ag–Bi₂WO₆–TiO₂ (ABT) ternary composite photocatalyst was prepared using solvothermal and surface deposition method. Then, the nano photocatalyst was doped into the starch film liquid through internal loading method, and finally, ABT/starch composite film was constructed using tape casting method for visible light catalytic degradation of ethylene. Characterize and analyze the structure and physical properties of nano ABT/starch composite membranes prepared with different ABT loading amounts, and optimize the reaction conditions (ABT addition amount, light intensity, initial concentration of ethylene) on the visible light catalytic degradation performance for ethylene of the composite membrane. The results show that the nano ABT particles and starch molecules have good biocompatibility, and they can be well fused to form a film, without changing the crystal structure of ABT and generating other chemical bond. The results of photocatalytic degradation of ethylene showed that when the loading amount of ABT was 5 wt%, the light intensity was 60.5 mw/cm², and the initial concentration of ethylene was 0.15 mg/L, the ABT/starch film had the best ethylene degradation performance, with a K′ value of 5.6111 × 10⁻⁴ min⁻¹, which is 17.9 times that of the blank starch film. Under the optimal preparation conditions, the thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break of the starch composite film is 168.33 μm, 5.01 Mpa, 32.4%, respectively, and the maximum thermal decomposition temperature is 320.5 °C, which meets the requirements for food packaging materials. After 4 cycles, the catalytic degradation of ethylene by starch composite membrane only decreased by 13.98%, indicating good reusability.     

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

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

Photocatalytic behavior of TiO_2 and ZnO prepared with different methods under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation

IntroductionIn recent years photocatalytic oxidation hasreceived considerable attention as an alternativeremediation technology since the method offers anumber of advantages over conventionaltechnologies [1,2] Elimination o…     

Li–Y doped and codoped TiO2 thin films: Enhancement of photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

Sol−gel synthesis based on the self-assembling template method has been applied to synthesize Li–Y doped and co-doped TiO₂ not only to improve simultaneously the structural and electronic properties of TiO₂ nanomaterials but also to achieve Li–Y doping of titania with high photocatalytic reactivity. The characterization of the samples was performed by GXRD, GSDR, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy. According to the GXRD patterns, all the observed reflections can be indexed using the anatase form of TiO₂, Which is confirmed by ground state diffuse reflectance and micro-Raman spectra. The Li–Y doped titania materials immobilized as nanostructured thin films on glass substrates exhibit high photocatalytic efficiency for the degradation of toluidine and benzoic acid under visible light irradiation. The development of these visible light-activated nanocatalysts has the potential of providing environmentally benign routes for water treatment.     

Synthesis and characterization of V–C60/TiO2 photocatalysts designed for degradation of methylene blue

C₆₀/TiO₂ and V–C₆₀/TiO₂ composite photocatalysts were prepared with titanium (IV) n-butoxide (TNB) by a sol–gel method. Fullerene had absorptive and semiconducting properties, and vanadium could enhance the photogenerated electron transfer. The V–C₆₀/TiO₂ composite shows a good photo-degradation activity. XRD patterns of the composites showed that the C₆₀/TiO₂ composite contained a mixture of anatase and rutile phase forms while the V–C₆₀/TiO₂ composite contained a typical single and clear anatase phase. The surface properties seen by SEM and FE-SEM present a characterization of the texture on C₆₀/TiO₂ and V–C₆₀/TiO₂ composites and showed a homogenous composition in the particles for the titanium sources used. The EDX spectra for the elemental identification showed the presence of C and Ti with strong V peaks for the V–C₆₀/TiO₂ composite. From the photocatalytic results, the excellent activity of the C₆₀/TiO₂ and V–C₆₀/TiO₂ composites for degradation of methylene blue under UV irradiation could be attributed to both the effects between photocatalysis of the supported TiO₂ and charge transfer of the fullerene, and the introduction of vanadium to enhance the photogenerated electrons transfer.     

Preparation and visible light photocatalytic activity of Ag/TiO₂/graphene nanocomposite

Great efforts have been made to develop efficient visible light-activated photocatalysts in recent years. In this work, a new nanocomposite consisting of anatase TiO(2), Ag, and graphene was prepared for use as a visible light-activated photocatalyst, which exhibited significantly increased visible light absorption and improved photocatalytic activity, compared with Ag/TiO(2) and TiO(2)/graphene nanocomposites. The increased absorption in visible light region is originated from the strong interaction between TiO(2) nanoparticles and graphene, as well as the surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag nanoparticles that are mainly adsorbed on the surface of TiO(2) nanoparticles. The highly efficient photocatalytic activity is associated with the strong adsorption ability of graphene for aromatic dye molecules, fast photogenerated charge separation due to the formation of Schottky junction between TiO(2) and Ag nanoparticles and the high electron mobility of graphene sheets, as well as the broad absorption in the visible light region. This work suggests that the combination of the excellent electrical properties of graphene and the surface plasmon resonance effect of noble metallic nanoparticles provides a versatile strategy for the synthesis of novel and efficient visible light-activated photocatalysts.     

Enhanced performance of g-C3N4/TiO2 photocatalysts for degradation of organic pollutants under visible light☆

Photocatalytic degradation is one of the most promising remediation technologies in terms of advanced oxida-tion processes (AOPs) for water treatment. In this study, novel graphitic carbon nitride/titanium dioxide (g-C3N4/TiO2) composites were synthesized by a facile sonication method. The physicochemical properties of the photocatalyst with different mass ratios of g-C3N4 to TiO2 were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 sorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV–vis DRS. The photocatalytic performances were evaluated by degradation of methylene blue. It was found that g-C3N4/TiO2 with a mass ratio of 1.5:1 exhib-ited the best degradation performance. Under UV, the degradation rate of g-C3N4/TiO2 was 6.92 and 2.65 times higher than g-C3N4 and TiO2, respectively. While under visible light, the enhancement factors became 9.27 (to g-C3N4) and 7.03 (to TiO2). The improved photocatalytic activity was ascribed to the interfacial charge transfer between g-C3N4 and TiO2. This work suggests that hybridization can produce promising solar materials for envi-ronmental remediation.     

Preparation of cobalt coated TiO2 and WO3–TiO2 nanotube films via photo-assisted deposition with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light illumination

Highly ordered TiO₂ and WO₃–TiO₂ nanotubes were prepared by one-step electrochemical anodizing method and cobalt has been successfully deposited on these nanotubes by photo-assisted deposition process. The morphology, crystal structure, elemental composition and light absorption capability of samples were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy methods. All cobalt loaded samples show an appearance of red shift relative to the unloaded samples. The degradation of methylene blue was used as a model reaction to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of these novel visible-light-responsive photocatalysts. Results showed that the photocatalytic activity of bare WO₃–TiO₂ samples is higher than that with undoped TiO₂ sample. Compared with unmodified TiO₂ and WO₃–TiO₂, the Co/TiO₂ and Co/WO₃–TiO₂ samples exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methylene blue. Kinetic research showed that the reaction rate constant of Co/WO₃–TiO₂ is approximately 2.26 times higher than the apparent reaction rate constant of bare WO₃–TiO₂. This work provides an insight into designing and synthesizing new TiO₂–WO₃ nanotubes-based hybrid materials for effective visible light-activated photocatalysis. The catalysts prepared in this study exhibit industrially relevant interests due to the low cost and high photocatalytic activity.     

Effect of different iron precursors on the synthesis and photocatalytic activity of Fe–TiO2 nanotubes under visible light

Fe–TiO₂ nanotubes (Fe-TNTs) were developed to entitled photocatalytic reactions using a visible range of the solar spectrum. This work reports on the effect of different Fe precursors on the synthesis, characterization, kinetic study, material and photocatalytic properties of Fe-TNTs prepared by electrochemical method using three different Fe precursors i.e. (iron nitrate [Fe(NO₃)₃⋅9H₂O], iron sulfate [FeSO₄⋅7H₂O], and potassium iron ferricyanide [K₃Fe(CN)₆]). X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy are used to examine the influence of the Fe precursor on the Fe-TNTs material characterization. Different Fe-TNT properties, such as enhanced photoactivity, good crystallization, and composition of titania structures (anatase and rutile) could be acquired from different iron precursors. Among the three iron precursors, Fe(NO₃)₃ provided with the only anatase phase, yields the highest photocatalytic activity. Congo red is used as a model compound to check the photocatalytic efficiency of synthesized materials because it has a complex aromatic structure which makes it difficult to be biodegraded or oxidized with the aid of chemicals. The photocatalytic efficiency of all Fe-TNT can be arranged in the following order: TNT-FeN > TNT-FeS > TNT-FeK > TNT. The kinetic rate constant of congo red degradation using the Fe-TNT with Fe(NO₃)₃ was 0.44 h⁻¹ with a half-life of 1.57 h⁻¹     

Preparation and performance of PANI–PVA composite film doped with HCl

The polyaniline (PANI)–poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite film doped with HCl was prepared by adopting PVA as matrix. Effects of PVA content and film drying temperature on properties of HCl–PANI–PVA composite film were studied. A comparison was made for tensile strength, elasticity, conductivity and thermal stability of PVA, HCl–PANI or HCl–PANI–PVA. PVA film presented the highest tensile strength and elasticity (150.8?MPa and 300.0%), but its conductivity was the lowest. The conductivity of HCl–PANI–PVA was the highest (1500?S?m^?1), and tensile strength and elasticity of HCl–PANI–PVA were higher than those of HCl–PANI. The order of their thermal stability is PVA?>?HCl–PANI?>?HCl–PANI–PVA before 260°C, and the order of their thermal stability is HCl–PANI?>?HCl–PANI–PVA?>?PVA after 260°C. At the same time, the structure and conductive mechanism of composite materials were characterised and analysed through infrared and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> porous ceramic/Ag–AgCl composite for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of dyes under visible light irradiation

TiO₂ porous ceramic/Ag–AgCl composite was prepared by incorporating AgCl nanoparticles within the bulk of TiO₂ porous ceramic followed by reducing Ag⁺ in the AgCl particles to Ag⁰ species under visible light irradiation. The porous TiO₂ ceramic was physically robust and chemically durable, and the porous structure facilitated the implantation of AgCl NPs. Compared with the bare TiO₂ ceramic, TiO₂ porous ceramic/Ag–AgCl composite exhibited higher photocatalytic performance for the degradation of MO and RhB under visible light irradiation. The reaction rate constants k of MO and RhB degradation over TiO₂ porous ceramic/Ag–AgCl composite was respectively 6.25 times and 3.62 times higher than those recorded over the bare TiO₂ porous ceramic. The photocatalytic activity showed virtually no decline after four times cyclic experiments under visible light irradiation. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the TiO₂ porous ceramic/Ag–AgCl composite.     

Novel direct Z-scheme AgI/N–TiO2 photocatalyst for removal of polluted tetracycline under visible irradiation

In the study, we doped N into TiO₂ lattice to narrow its band gap energy. Then, the synthesized N doped TiO₂ material was combined with AgI to form AgI/N–TiO₂ (ANT) direct Z scheme materials. The synthesized materials were utilized for photocatalytic removal of tetracycline (TC) using visible irradiation as an excitation source. We also conducted radical scavenging experiments to determine photocatalytic degradation mechanism. We investigated that these photo-excited electrons (e⁻) in N–TiO₂ conduction band tended to combine with the left holes (h⁺) in AgI valence band maintaining h⁺ in the valence band of the N–TiO₂ and e⁻ in the conduction band of the AgI. The remained e⁻ and h⁺ have high redox potential to initiate for photocatalytic decomposition of TC. Thus, the TC degradation by the ANT materials were significant greater than those by single components (AgI or N–TiO₂). We also investigated that the TC degradation by the ANT-30 material, which the AgI: N–TiO₂ molar ratio was 30%, exhibited that highest degradation efficiency. Finally, the ANT photocatalyst exhibited excellent stability during TC degradation processes supporting for its promising potential application in practical systems.     

Enhanced structural,optical, and photocatalytic activity of novel Cd–Zn co-doped Mg0.25 Fe1.75O4 for degradation of RhB dye under visible light irradiation

Cd_xZn_1-xMg_0.25Fe_1.75O₄ (where x = 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00) have been successfully produced by a facile hydrothermal technique for a thorough comparison of structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties (degradation of Rhodamine B -RhB dye under visible light irradiation). X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) confirmed the formation of cubic spinel structure for all of the samples. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy verified the presence of metal-oxygen (M–O) bonding in the prepared samples with two frequency bands corresponding to phonon vibrational stretching in both the octahedral and tetrahedral lattice positions. UV–Visible Spectrophotometer and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy investigated the bandgap variation (2.7 eV-1.7 eV) and emission spectrum peaks appearing in the range of 405–471 nm region. The comparison in the photo-degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) revealed the superior performance (98% degradation of RhB dye in 80 min having a K value of 0.04966 with excellent reusability) of Cd_0.50Zn_0.50Mg_0.25Fe_1.75O₄ sample having 50/50 dopant ratio of Cd and Zn in the parent Mg Ferrite, attributed to the lowest bandgap, longer lifetime of charge carriers, active octahedral lattice site, electron/hole pair recombination preventions, and the least value of ohmic impedance at higher frequency.     

Preparation of α-SnWO4 hierarchical spheres by Bi3+-doping and their enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light

Bi-doped α-SnWO₄ porous spheres assembled by thin plates were prepared by a simple hydrothermal process without any template. The effects of Bi³⁺ ions on the microstructure and photocatalytic activity of α-SnWO₄ were investigated. The doping of Bi can induce a shape transformation from nanoplates of pure α-SnWO₄ to hierarchical spheres of Bi-doped samples. The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared samples were evaluated by photocatalytic de-colorization of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. Bi-doped α-SnWO₄ samples exhibit better photocatalytic property than pure α-SnWO₄, and the optimal Bi-doping concentration is around 0.5 at%. The enhanced photocatalytic properties of Bi-doped α-SnWO₄ spheres can be ascribed to the porous hierarchical structure and the introduction of defects induced by Bi-doping, which improve visible-light absorption and allow the efficient charge separation of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Bi-doped α-SnWO₄ has a great potential in industrial water treatment due to its satisfactory recyclability and stability.     

Preparation and characteristics of sol–gel derived Zn2SiO4 doped with Ni2+

The changing presented during the heating of sol–gel derived Zn₂SiO₄ doped with Ni²⁺ have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). When calcining temperature <700 °C, the XRD patterns of the sample show the characteristic peaks of ZnO crystal and non-crystalline SiO₂. When calcining temperature >900 °C, XRD pattern of the sample shows the characteristic peaks of α-Zn₂SiO₄ crystal phase. Also, the excitation and emission spectra of the undoped and Ni²⁺-doped samples have been investigated. Stable green–yellow–red emission has been observed from Zn₂SiO₄ crystalline phase. A novel photoluminescence (PL) phenomenon has been observed from Ni²⁺-doped Zn₂SiO₄.     

One-step fabrication of Ce–N-codoped TiO2 nano-particle and its enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance and mechanism

Ce, N codoped TiO₂ nano-particles were fabricated through sol–gel strategy in the absence of water. Results revealed that Ce was not implanted into the lattice of TiO₂ and existed as the forms of small cluster CeO₂ which uniformly diffused onto the surface or interstitial site of TiO₂, while N dopants were successfully incorporated into the structure of TiO₂ by substituting the lattice oxygen atoms and existed as the forms of N–Ti–O bonds, thereby resulting in the formation of impurity level above the valence band of TiO₂ and enhancement of visible photocatalytic (PC) performance. The enhanced visible PC mechanism was discussed.