Graphitic-C<Subscript>3</Subscript>N<Subscript>4</Subscript> quantum dots decorated {001}-faceted TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanosheets as a 0D/2D composite with enhanced solar photocatalytic activity

Zero-dimensional (0D)/two-dimensional (2D) heterojunctions have attracted great attention in photocatalysis due to their superior interfacial effects. In this work, 0D g-C₃N₄ quantum dots (CNQDs) were firstly used to modify {001}-faceted 2D TiO₂ nanosheets by a simple solvothermal method. During the controlled growth of TiO₂ nanosheets with exposed reactive {001} facets, the CNQDs can be simultaneously assembled on the surface of TiO₂ nanosheets in a highly dispersive way. The 0D/2D composite containing only 0.5% of CNQDs shows the optimized solar photocatalytic activity for the degradation of rhodamine B and 4-chlorophenol. More importantly, the 0D/2D composite exhibits a better solar photocatalytic activity than the bulk g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ nanosheets composite. This improvement can be ascribed to the close interfacial contact and strong interaction between the highly dispersed CNQDs and the TiO₂ nanosheets, which could lead to efficient separation of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs, provide more catalytic active sites, and enhance the absorption of solar light. The 0D/2D composite also shows good stability for its practical applications.     

g-C3N4/Ag/TiO2复合材料的构筑及其光催化性能（英文）

以合成的g-C3N4纳米片和Ag/TiO2空心微球为原料,采用机械搅拌的方法构筑了g-C3N4/Ag/TiO2三元复合光催化剂。采用X射线衍射(XRD)、傅里叶变换红外光谱(FT-IR)、扫描电镜(SEM)、X射线光电子能谱(XPS)、紫外-可见光漫反射(UV-Vis DRS)和光致发光光谱(PL)对g-C3N4/Ag/TiO2进行了表征。研究表明,g-C3N4/Ag/TiO2是由Ag/TiO2微球和g-C3N4纳米片复合而成的。与TiO2相比,其可见光响应范围延长,光生载流子的分离速率加快。在室温下,用降解罗丹明B的反应考察了g-C3N4/Ag/TiO2的可见光催化活性。研究表明,光照180 min时,g-C3N4(0.5%)/Ag/TiO2显示了最高的光催化活性(91.9%),分别是TiO2和Ag/TiO2的7.5和1.8倍。光催化活性的提高与合理的异质结构建和Ag的导电性能有关。     

Unique Properties of 2 D Layered Titanate Nanosheets as a Building Block for the Optimization of the Photocatalytic Activity and Photostability of TiO2‐Based Nanohybrids

In comparison with the hybridization with 0D TiO₂ nanoparticle, 2D layered TiO₂ nanosheets are much more effective in the improvement of the photocatalytic activity and photostability of semiconducting compounds. The 2D TiO₂–Ag₃PO₄ nanohybrid described in this paper shows a greater decrease in the electron‐hole recombination upon hybridization and a stronger chemical interaction between the components than the 0D homologue. This result confirms the benefits of 2D layered TiO₂ nanosheets as a building block for efficient hybrid‐type photocatalyst materials.     

One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of willow branch-shaped MoS2/CdS heterojunctions for photocatalytic H2 production under visible light irradiation

Willow branch-shaped MoS₂/CdS heterojunctions are successfully synthesized for the first time by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoelectrochemical and photoluminescence spectroscopy tests. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activities of the samples were evaluated under visible light irradiation. The resulting MoS₂/CdS heterojunctions exhibit a much improved photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity than that obtained with CdS and MoS₂. In particular, the optimized MC-5 (5 at.% MoS₂/CdS) photocatalyst achieved the highest hydrogen production rate of 250.8 μmol h^-1, which is 28 times higher than that of pristine CdS. The apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) at 420 nm was 3.66%. Further detailed characterizations revealed that the enhanced photocatalytic activity of the MoS₂/CdS heterojunctions could be attributed to the efficient transfer and separation of photogenerated charge carriers resulting from the core-shell structure and the close contact between MoS₂ nanosheets and CdS single-crystal nanorods, as well as to increased visible light absorption. A tentative mechanism for photocatalytic H₂ evolution by MoS₂/CdS heterojunctions was proposed. This work will open up new opportunities for developing more efficient photocatalysts for water splitting.     

Monolayer HNb3O8 for Selective Photocatalytic Oxidation of Benzylic Alcohols with Visible Light Response

Monolayer HNb₃O₈ 2D nanosheets have been used as highly chemoselective and active photocatalysts for the selective oxidation of alcohols. The nanosheets exhibit improved photocatalytic activity over their layered counterparts. Results of in situ FTIR, DRS, ESR, and DFT calculations show the formation of surface complexes between the Lewis acid sites on HNb₃O₈ 2D nanosheets and alcohols. These complexes play a key role in the photocatalytic activity of the material. Furthermore, the unique structural features of the nanosheets contributed to their high photocatalytic activity. An electron transition from the coordinated alcohol species to surface Nb atoms takes place and initiates the aerobic oxidation of alcohols with high product selectivity under visible light irradiation. This reaction process is distinct from that of classic semiconductor photocatalysis.     

SnO2/TiO2纳米管复合光催化剂的性能及失活再生

基于微波水热法和微乳液法合成SnO₂/TiO₂纳米管复合光催化剂. 通过X射线衍射（XRD）、配有能量色散X射线光谱仪（EDX）的透射电镜（TEM）和电化学手段对光催化剂进行表征. 以甲苯为模型污染物,考察光催化剂在紫外光（UV）和真空远紫外光（VUV）下的性能及失活再生. 结果表明,SnO₂/TiO₂纳米管复合光催化剂形成三元异质结（锐钛矿相TiO₂（A-TiO₂）/金红石相TiO₂（R-TiO₂）、A-TiO₂/SnO₂和R-TiO₂/SnO₂异质结）,促使光生电子-空穴对的有效分离,提高光催化活性. SnO₂/TiO₂表现出最佳的光催化性能,UV和VUV条件下的甲苯降解率均达100%,CO₂生成速率（k₂）均为P25的3倍左右. 但由于UV光照矿化能力不足,中间产物易在催化剂表面累积. 随着UV光照时间的增加,SnO₂/TiO₂逐渐失活,20 h 后k₂由138.5 mg·m^-3·h^-1下降到76.1 mg·m^-3·h^-1. 利用VUV再生失活的SnO₂/TiO₂,过程中产生的·OH、O₂^-·、O（¹D）、O（³P）、O₃等活性物质可氧化吸附于催化剂活性位的难降解中间产物,使催化剂得以再生,12 h后k₂恢复到143.6 mg·m^-3·h^-1. UV和VUV的协同效应使UV降解耦合VUV再生成为一种可持续的光催化降解污染物模式.     

Hierarchical MoS2@TiO2 Heterojunctions for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance and Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Hierarchical MoS₂@TiO₂ heterojunctions were synthesized through a one‐step hydrothermal method by using protonic titanate nanosheets as the precursor. The TiO₂ nanosheets prevent the aggregation of MoS₂ and promote the carrier transfer efficiency, and thus enhance the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic activity of the nanostructured MoS₂. The obtained MoS₂@TiO₂ has significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of rhodamine B (over 5.2 times compared with pure MoS₂) and acetone (over 2.8 times compared with pure MoS₂). MoS₂@TiO₂ is also beneficial for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution (26 times compared with pure MoS₂, based on the cathodic current density). This work offers a promising way to prevent the self‐aggregation of MoS₂ and provides a new insight for the design of heterojunctions for materials with lattice mismatches.     

2D/2D atomic double-layer WS2/Nb2O5 shell/core nanosheets with ultrafast interfacial charge transfer for boosting photocatalytic H2 evolution

Low-efficiency charge transfer is a critical factor to limit the photocatalytic H₂ evolution activity of semiconductor photocatalysts. The interface design is a promising approach to achieve high charge-transfer efficiency for photocatalysts. Herein, a new 2D/2D atomic double-layer WS₂/Nb₂O₅ shell/core photocatalyst (DLWS/Nb₂O₅) is designed. The atom-resolved HAADF-STEM results unravel the presence of an unusual 2D/2D shell/core interface in DLWS/Nb₂O₅. Taking advantage of the advanced femtosecond-resolved ultrafast TAS spectra, the average lifetime of charge carriers for DLWS/Nb₂O₅ (180.97 ps) is considerably shortened as compared to that of Nb₂O₅ (230.50 ps), strongly indicating that the 2D/2D shell/core interface enables DLWS/Nb₂O₅ to achieve ultrafast charge transfer from Nb₂O₅ to atomic double-layer WS₂, thus yielding a high photocatalytic H₂ evolution rate of 237.6 μmol/h, up to 10.8 times higher than that of pure Nb₂O₅ nanosheet. This study will open a new window for the development of high-efficient photocatalytic systems through the interface design.     

The effects of solvent on photocatalytic properties of Bi2WO6/TiO2 heterojunction under visible light irradiation

Bi₂WO₆/TiO₂ heterojunction photocatalysts with two different microstructures were controllably fabricated via a facile two-step synthetic route. XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, BET-surface, DRS, PL spectra, photoelectrochemical measurement (Mott-Schottky), and zeta-potential analyzer were employed to clarify structural and morphological characteristics of the obtained products. The results showed that Bi₂WO₆ nanoparticles/nanosheets grew on the primary TiO₂ nanorods. The TiO₂ nanorods used as a synthetic template inhibit the growth of Bi₂WO₆ crystals along the c-axis, resulting in Bi₂WO₆/TiO₂ heterostructure with one-dimensional (1D) morphology. The photocatalytic properties of Bi₂WO₆/TiO₂ heterojunction photocatalysts were strongly dependent on their shapes and structures. Compared with bare Bi₂WO₆ and TiO₂, Bi₂WO₆/TiO₂ composite have stronger adsorption ability and better visible light photocatalytic activities towards organic dyes. The Bi₂WO₆/TiO₂ composite prepared in EG solvent with optimal Bi:Ti ratio of 2:12 (S-TB2) showed the highest photocatalytic activity, which could totally decompose Rhodamine B within 10 min upon irradiation with visible light (λ > 422 nm), and retained the high photocatalytic performance after five recycles, confirming its stability and practical usability. The results of PL indicated that Bi₂WO₆ and TiO₂ could combine well to form a heterojunction structure which facilitated electron–hole separation, and lead to the increasing photocatalytic activity.     

Pure and modified TiO2 photocatalysts and their environmental applications

Semiconductor photocatalysis is a process that harnesses light energy in chemical conversions. In particular, its applications to environmental remediation have been intensively investigated. The characteristics of TiO₂, the most popular photocatalyst, is briefly described and selected studies on the degradation/conversion of various recalcitrant pollutants using pure and modified TiO₂ photocatalysts, which were carried out in this group, are reviewed. Photocatalytic reactions are multi-phasic and take place at interfaces of not only water/TiO₂ and air/TiO₂ but also solid/TiO₂. Examples of photocatalytic reactions of various organic and inorganic substrates that are converted through the photocatalytic oxidation or reduction are introduced. TiO₂ has been modified in various ways to improve its photocatalytic activity. Surface modifications of TiO₂ that include surface platinization, surface fluorination, and surface charge alteration are discussed and their applications to pollutants degradation are also described in detail.     

花状CeO2/TiO2异质结的构筑及光催化性能

采用溶剂热法制备了三维花状CeO₂/TiO₂异质结光催化剂,然后以甲基橙(MO)为模拟有机污染物,在氙灯照射下考察了其光催化活性。结果表明,花状结构由纳米片和纳米颗粒复合而成,纳米片上均匀地附着CeO₂颗粒。Ce/Ti的物质的量之比(n_Ce/n_Ti)和溶剂热时间影响异质结的光催化性能,当n_Ce/n_Ti=0.1、溶剂热时间为6 h时,CeO₂/TiO₂的光催化活性达到最佳,氙灯照射50 min的降解率达95%,光催化活性优于纯TiO₂,这主要是CeO₂和TiO₂形成了异质结,有利于光生电子和空穴的分离。     

CNTs表面改性与TiO2-CNTs异质结光催化性能

碳纳米管(CNTs)混酸(H₂SO₄/HNO₃, 体积比为3:1)超声辅助纯化及氧化植入活性基团－COOH, 进一步借助其转化为酰氯基团, 分别于CNTs 表面共价嫁接亲水性赖氨酸及亲脂性正十八胺基团, 赋予赖氨酸表面改性CNTs 显著水溶(6.85 mg·mL-1)和十八胺表面改性CNTs 显著醇溶(10.15 mg·mL^-1)性能. 运用低温水热法以亲水性CNTs 复合TiO₂, 溶胶-凝胶法以亲脂性CNTs 复合TiO₂, 观察到复合催化剂光催化性能随CNTs 溶剂分散性能增加而明显提升. 运用傅里叶变换红外(FTIR)、激光拉曼、X射线衍射(XRD)、Brunauer-Emmett-Teller 低温氮气吸附、透射电镜(TEM)及X光电子能谱(XPS)等手段表征, 系统探讨CNTs 的表面改性机制及CNTs 溶解分散性能与复合催化剂的光活性的关联. 认为表面改性CNTs 借助Ti－O－C键合促进其与纳米TiO₂的异质结合, 从而充分利用CNTs的大比表面积及电荷传输性能促进催化剂的污染物光催化降解.     

Prolonging charge-separation states by doping lanthanide-ions into {001}/{101} facets-coexposed TiO2 nanosheets for enhancing photocatalytic H2 evolution

Ultrathin TiO₂ nanosheets with coexposed {001}/{101} facets have attracted considerable attention because of their high photocatalytic activity. However, the charge-separated states in the TiO₂ nanosheets must be extended to further enhance their photocatalytic activity for H₂ evolution. Herein, we present a successful attempt to selectively dope lanthanide ions into the {101} facets of ultrathin TiO₂ nanosheets with coexposed {001}/{101} facets through a facile one-step solvothermal method. The lanthanide doping slightly extended the light-harvesting region and markedly improved the charge-separated states of the TiO₂ nanosheets as evidenced by UV-vis absorption and steady-state/transient photoluminescence spectra. Upon simulated sunlight irradiation, we observed a 4.2-fold enhancement in the photocatalytic H₂ evolution activity of optimal Yb³⁺-doped TiO₂ nanosheets compared to that of their undoped counterparts. Furthermore, when Pt nanoparticles were used as cocatalysts to reduce the H₂ overpotential in this system, the photocatalytic activity enhancement factor increased to 8.5. By combining these results with those of control experiments, we confirmed that the extended charge-separated states play the main role in the enhancement of the photocatalytic H₂ evolution activity of lanthanide-doped TiO₂ nanosheets with coexposed {001}/{101} facets.     

Thermal expansion-quench of nickel metal-organic framework into nanosheets for efficient visible light CO2 reduction

Metal-organic framework nanosheets (MOF NNs) offer potential opportunities for many applications,but an efficient strategy for the scalable preparation of few-layered two-dimensional (2D) MOF NNs are still a major challenge.Herein,we present an efficient top-down method for the synthesis of the Ni-BDC(Ni₂(OH)₂(1,4-BDC);1,4-BDC=1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) nanosheets utilizing a novel thermal expansionquench method of the flowerlike bulky MOFs in liquid N₂.The obtain...     

集成二维层状CdS/WO3S型异质结及金属化Ti3C2MXene基欧姆结高效光催化产氢

开发低成本的半导体光催化剂以实现可见光下高效、持久的光催化分解水产氢是一个非常具有挑战性的课题.近年来,具有高产氢活性的CdS光催化剂引起了人们的研究兴趣.但是光生电子-空穴对快速复合、反应活性位点不足以及严重的光腐蚀等问题,严重地制约了CdS在光催化领域的实际应用.构建S型异质结和负载助催化剂被认为是促进光生电子空穴分离和加速产氢动力学的有效策略.本文通过在低成本的WO₃和Ti₃C₂MXene(MX)纳米片上生长CdS纳米片,设计并构建了具有二维耦合界面的2D/2D/2D层状异质结光催化剂,以实现高效的可见光光催化分解水产氢.首先通过水热煅烧和刻蚀的方法分别制备了WO₃和MX纳米片,然后以乙酸镉和硫脲为原料在乙二胺溶剂中通过水热法合成了MX-CdS/WO₃层状异质结光催化剂.在可见光下,以乳酸为牺牲剂测试了光催化剂的产氢活性且经过4次连续的循环反应,MX-CdS/WO₃体系展现出良好的活性及稳定性.在可见光的照射下,MX-CdS/WO₃层状异质结光催化剂最高的可见光光催化分解水产氢速率达到了27.5 mmol/g/h,是纯CdS纳米片的11倍.与此同时,在450 nm的光照下,表观量子效率达到了12.0%.为了深入探讨其高效产氢机理,通过X射线衍射、X射线光电子能谱、原子力显微镜、透射电镜、高分辨电子显微镜等对MX-CdS/WO₃体系的组成和结构进行分析.结果表明,实验成功地合成了CdS,WO₃和MX三种纳米片及其复合材料.通过紫外-可见漫反射光谱研究了样品材料的光吸收能力.通过表面光电压、稳态及瞬态荧光光谱等研究了材料的电荷载流子复合和转移行为,发现MX-CdS/WO₃的光生电子空穴对相比与纯CdS或者二元复合材料具有更高的分离效率.UPS和ESR等表征结果说明,材料内部电场的方向和在光照条件下光生载流子的迁移方向,从而证实了S型异质结和欧姆结的成功构建.综上,在MX-CdS/WO₃光催化剂体系中,S型异质结形成较强的界面电场能够有效促进CdS纳米片与WO₃纳米片之间光生电子-空穴对的分离.同时,二维Ti₃C₂MXene纳米片作为辅助催化剂,通过与CdS/WO₃纳米片构建欧姆结,进而提供大量的电子转移途径和更多的析氢反应活性位点,使得CdS光催化剂的光催化活性和稳定性得到了很大的提升.通过构建S型内建电场、欧姆结和2D/2D界面可以协同提高CdS纳米片的光催化性能,从而加速光生电子在异质结中的分离和利用.本文所采用基于S型异质结与欧姆结基助催化剂之间的耦合策略可以作为一种通用策略扩展到其它传统半导体光催化剂的改性中,从而推进高效光催化产氢材料的有效合成.     

Influence of High-energy electron-beam on photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films on carbon-fiber deposited by atomic layer deposition

High-energy electron-beam with energy of 1 MeV was used for modifying surface structure of TiO₂ thin films on carbon fiber prepared by using atomic layer deposition under atmospheric pressure. TiO₂ nanoparticles (∼20 nm) on carbon fiber underwent structural modification of the surface upon electron-beam treatment, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic activity. In contrast, a thicker film of TiO₂ did not show such changes in surface structure and photocatalytic activity by electron-beam treatment. We demonstrate that electron-beam can be used for modifying surface structure of photocatalysts consisting of nanoparticles for improvement of their activity.     

Tuning the Surface Structure of Nitrogen‐Doped TiO2 Nanofibres—An Effective Method to Enhance Photocatalytic Activities of Visible‐Light‐Driven Green Synthesis and Degradation

Nitrogen‐doped TiO₂ nanofibres of anatase and TiO₂(B) phases were synthesised by a reaction between titanate nanofibres of a layered structure and gaseous NH₃ at 400–700 °C, following a different mechanism than that for the direct nitrogen doping from TiO₂. The surface of the N‐doped TiO₂ nanofibres can be tuned by facial calcination in air to remove the surface‐bonded N species, whereas the core remains N doped. N‐Doped TiO₂ nanofibres, only after calcination in air, became effective photocatalysts for the decomposition of sulforhodamine B under visible‐light irradiation. The surface‐oxidised surface layer was proven to be very effective for organic molecule adsorption, and the activation of oxygen molecules, whereas the remaining N‐doped interior of the fibres strongly absorbed visible light, resulting in the generation of electrons and holes. The N‐doped nanofibres were also used as supports of gold nanoparticle (Au NP) photocatalysts for visible‐light‐driven hydroamination of phenylacetylene with aniline. Phenylacetylene was activated on the N‐doped surface of the nanofibres and aniline on the Au NPs. The Au NPs adsorbed on N‐doped TiO₂(B) nanofibres exhibited much better conversion (80 % of phenylacetylene) than when adsorbed on undoped fibres (46 %) at 40 °C and 95 % of the product is the desired imine. The surface N species can prevent the adsorption of O₂ that is unfavourable for the hydroamination reaction, and thus, improve the photocatalytic activity. Removal of the surface N species resulted in a sharp decrease of the photocatalytic activity. These photocatalysts are feasible for practical applications, because they can be easily dispersed into solution and separated from a liquid by filtration, sedimentation or centrifugation due to their fibril morphology.     

Preparation and characterization of titania/tetratitanate nanocomposites

Nanocomposite titania/tetratitanate particles were prepared by utilizing the electrostatic interaction of the colloidal tetratitanate nanosheets and TiO₂ powders through dispersing TiO₂ into tetratitanate solution at pH4. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, chemical analysis, and photocatalytic activity measurement. The crystallites of Ti₄O₉^2? in the form of tetratitanate nanosheets have lateral size around 100 nm. The visible light responsive photocatalytic activity of rutile nanoparticles could be improved by forming nanocomposite with layered tetratitanate. The high specific surface area of this kind of composite and a certain amount of mesopores in nanocomposite powder could be responsible for better performance in the NO elimination.     

Thin Heterojunctions and Spatially Separated Cocatalysts To Simultaneously Reduce Bulk and Surface Recombination in Photocatalysts

Efficient charge separation and light absorption are crucial for solar energy conversion over solid photocatalysts. This paper describes the construction of Pt@TiO₂@In₂O₃@MnO_x mesoporous hollow spheres (PTIM‐MSs) for highly efficient photocatalytic oxidation. TiO₂–In₂O₃ double‐layered shells were selectively decorated with Pt nanoparticles and MnO_x on the inner and outer surfaces, respectively. The spatially separated cocatalysts drive electrons and holes near the surface to flow in opposite directions, while the thin heterogeneous shell separates the charges generated in the bulk phase. The synergy between the thin heterojunctions and the spatially separated cocatalysts can simultaneously reduce bulk and surface/subsurface recombination. In₂O₃ also serves as a sensitizer to enhance light absorption. The PTIM‐MSs exhibit high photocatalytic activity for both water and alcohol oxidation.     

FeNi层状双氢氧化物/TiO2复合光催化剂的制备及其制氢性能

层状双氢氧化物(LDH)的光生电子-空穴对易复合,虽然纳米薄片的结构促进了载流子分离,但其光催化效率仍然较低。我们利用LDH薄片结构的优势,将FeNi LDH和TiO₂通过静电自组装复合,设计制备出新型高效的FeNi LDH/TiO₂复合光催化材料,评价了其光催化分解水产氢性能。对其结构、光催化性能和光电化学等进行了详细表征。结果表明,FeNi LDH的高比表面积、复合物的异质结结构都有利于光生电荷的转移。光催化产氢结果表明,FeNi LDH/TiO₂复合材料的产氢速率(22.6mmol·g^-1·h^-1)分别比纯TiO₂(0.1 mmol·g^-1·h^-1)和FeNi LDH(0.05 mmol·g^-1·h^-1)提高了226和452倍,表明了异质结在提高LDH光催化效率方面的重要作用。