GaN/Surface-modified graphitic carbon nitride heterojunction: Promising photocatalytic hydrogen evolution materials

The coupling of two-dimensional (2D) layered materials is an effective way to realize photocatalytic hydrogen production. Herein, using first-principles calculations, the photocatalytic properties of GaN/CNs heterojunctions formed by two different graphite-like carbon nitride materials and GaN monolayer are discussed in detail. The results show that the GaN/C₂N heterojunction can promote the effective separation of photogenerated electron and hole pairs, which is attributed to its type-II band orientation and high carrier mobility. However, the low overpotential of GaN/C₂N for photocatalytic hydrogen production limits the photocatalytic performance. On this basis, we adjust the CBM position of the GaN/C₂N heterojunction by applying an electric field to enhance its hydrogen evolution capability. In addition, the GaN/g-C₃N₄ is a type-I heterojunction, which is suitable for the field of optoelectronic devices. This work broadens the field of vision for the preparation of highly efficient photocatalysts.     

Plasmonic semiconductor: A tunable non-metal photocatalyst

Doped semiconductor, a newly discovered plasmonic nanomaterial, has attracted tremendous interest due to its tunable properties. In the field of photocatalysis, the perfect combination of metal-like and semiconductor properties makes it the replacement and supplement of metal plasmonic nanomaterials. This new plasmonic photocatalysis offers high conversion efficiencies and wide optical absorption range with low fabrication costs. This article reviews the recent developments and achievements by which the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in non-metal plasmonic nanomaterial for photocatalytic applications, including pure non-metal plasmonic photocatalysts and various enhancement strategies such as doping, co-catalyst, heterojunction, LSPR coupling and upconversion luminescence enhancement. It broadens the horizons for plasmonics in the study of photocatalysis and even in energy-related applications.     

Gadolinia-modified ceria photocatalyst for removal of lead (II) ions from aqueous solutions

Gd₂O₃-modified CeO₂ particles are prepared by a solid-state reaction method, and are used to remove Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions by a photoelectrodeposition. The UV–photocatalytic activity for Pb(II) ion removal of the Gd₂O₃-modified CeO₂ is significantly higher than that of pure CeO₂. A solid solution Gd_0.1Ce_0.9O_1.95 phase coexisting with the CeO₂ matrix phase shows a high ability of photoelectrodeposition for the Pb(II) ions removal, compared to the two-phases mixture of Gd₂O₃–CeO₂. The high photocatalytic activity is also supported by a strong photoluminescence (PL) signal from the Gd_0.1Ce_0.9O_1.95–CeO₂. The high activity can be due to a formation of heterojunctions between p-type Gd_0.1Ce_0.9O_1.95 and n-type CeO₂, promoting transfer of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and efficiency restraining recombination of the charges.     

Ag2CO3-derived Ag/g-C3N4 composite with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production from water splitting

In this paper, Ag-based g-C₃N₄ composites have been successfully fabricated through two deferent synthetic methods: (i) a facile and efficient precipitation-calcination strategy (denoted as D–CN–xAg, x represents the dosage of Ag₂CO₃, the same below), (ii) a calcination method (denoted as Z–CN–xAg). All Ag-based g-C₃N₄ composites exhibit the enhanced photocatalytic activities under visible-light irradiation. Moreover, the optimal dosage of Ag₂CO₃ in the D–CN–xAg composite is found to be 5%, the corresponding hydrogen production capacity is 153.33 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, which is 4.6 times higher than that of Z–CN–5%Ag composite. This might be attributed to appropriate content of metallic Ag and more active sites exposed on the surface of D–CN–5%Ag composite. Meanwhile, combining with photoelectrochemical results, it could be inferred that LSPR effect and the intimate interfacial between metallic Ag and g-C₃N₄ in the system play also important role for the improvement of photocatalytic activity. These results demonstrate that the appropriate loading of metallic Ag originated from Ag₂CO₃ into g-C₃N₄ could accelerate the separation and transfer of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, leading to the improvement of photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production from water splitting. Finally, a possible photocatalytic mechanism is proposed.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of Ag2CO3-TiO2 loaded reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites with highly efficient photocatalytic activity

Abstract

In this work, a growth of Ag₂CO₃-TiO₂ NPs over GO sheets and reduction of GO were simultaneously achieved by the hydrothermal process at 130 °C for 4?h. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared Ag₂CO₃-TiO₂ NPs decorated reduced graphene oxide (Ag₂CO₃-TiO₂/rGO) composite was studied by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) solution under visible light irradiation. A remarkable enhancement in the photocatalytic activity of the TiO₂ was achieved after sensitizing with Ag₂CO₃ and loading in rGO sheets which is attributed to the reduced charge recombination, enhanced dye adsorption, and the improvement in the light harvesting capacity of the composite.     

Photoluminescent and photocatalytic properties of bismuth doped strontium aluminates blended with titanium dioxide

Bismuth co-doped long persistent phosphor (LPP) powders were obtained by a combustion synthesis technique followed by a post-annealing under carbon atmosphere. Bismuth content was varied from 1.0 to 15.0 mol%. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the powders show mainly a mixture of three phases: the SrAl₂O_4, the SrAl₁₄O₂₅ and the Sr₂Al₆O₁₁ crystalline phases. Photocatalyst composites were obtained by wet mixing of TiO₂ anatase and LPP powders followed by annealing in air at 450 °C. Photoluminescence measured spectra under 380 nm excitation show a tunable emission from green (510 nm) to greenish-blue (463 nm) in which peak wavelength localization is related to the Bi content. Photoluminescence intensity decreases as Bi content increases. Degradation of methylene blue solutions, irradiated by UV light (254 nm), was monitored by the decrease of its 650 nm absorption peak in regular periods. The best photocatalytic activity is observed when in the composite blend a 2.0 mol% of Bi content was used, and complete methylene degradation is reached after 210 min. These photocatalyst composite powders are potential candidates to clean-up wastewater applications, and might be potential candidates for photocatalytic hydrogen generation in aqueous solutions.     

SrTiO3-CaCr0.5Nb0.5O3 solid solutions as p-type photocatalysts for Z-scheme water splitting under visible light illumination

P-type semiconductivity has been observed in solid solution series (SrTiO3)1-x(CaCr0.5Nb0.5O3)x (0.0 ≤x ≤ 0.15),which all adopt cubic symmetry and own intense absorption in the visible light region.These solid solutions are superior H2 evolution photocatalysts under visible light illumination (λ ≥400 nm).An AQE as high as 1.02 ％ at 420 ± 20 nm has been achieved at optimal composition(SrTiO3)0.85(CaCr0.5Nb0.5O3)0.15 which significantly surpasses the parent compounds.Stoichiometric H2/O2 production under visible light illumination has been successfully realized using Z-scheme system containing (SrTiO3)0.85(CaCr0.5Nb0.5O3)0.15,WO3 and I-/IO3-redox couple.     

Photocatalytic microreactor using anodized TiO2 nanotube array

Photocatalytic microreactor using an anodized TiO₂ nanotube/Ti bi-layered plate was fabricated. The inner diameter and length of TiO₂ nanotube were controllable by the anodization voltage and time. The photocatalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol was conducted in the microreactor. The experimental results were well fitted by a model assuming parabolic velocity profile and zero-order kinetics of surface reaction. The photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ nanotube was enhanced as the surface area was increased by anodization voltage and time.