Advanced Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2.7</Subscript>/Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript> composite film with enhanced visible-light-driven activity for the degradation of organic dyes

Bi₂O_2.7/Bi₂Ti₂O₇ composite photocatalyst films are synthesized by sol–gel dip-coating. The ratio of adding Bi and Ti precursors can be controlled during the preparation process. The phase structure is confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectrum shows that the composite catalysts present light absorption in the visible region. The obtained Bi₂O_2.7/Bi₂Ti₂O₇ composite films possess superior photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B, owing to the visible light response of Bi₂O_2.7 and the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes between the two components. As a result, the Bi₂O_2.7/Bi₂Ti₂O₇ (Bi/Ti = 1:1) displays the highest photocatalytic activity under visible light or UV light irradiation for the degradation of different organic dyes, including methyl blue, methyl orange and acid orange 7.     

Entrapment of Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanoparticles in TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanotubes for visible light-driven photocatalysis

In this study, we prepared nanoparticles of the visible light-responsive photocatalyst, Bi₂O₃ entrapped in anatase TiO₂ nanotubes (Bi₂O₃-in-TNTs) via a vacuum-assisted precursor-filling process followed by annealing. Owing to the unique tubular electronic structure of TiO₂ nanotubes, the interior of the nanotube is in an electron-deficient state, which was confirmed by XPS spectra and H₂-TPR. Electrochemical impedance studies showed that the Bi₂O₃-in-TNTs demonstrated a more efficient separation of photogenerated carriers than when Bi₂O₃ nanoparticles were deposited on the outer wall of TiO₂ nanotubes (Bi₂O₃-out-TNTs). Due to the confinement effect of TiO₂ nanotubes, which inhibits photogenerated carriers’ recombination, the Bi₂O₃-in-TNTs exhibited a better photocatalytic performance for the photo-degradation of methyl orange under visible light compared to Bi₂O₃-out-TNTs.     

Photocatalysis enhancement of CaAl<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Eu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Nd<Superscript>3+</Superscript>@TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> composite powders

CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, Nd³⁺@TiO₂ composite powders were synthesized by a sol–gel method under mild conditions (i.e. low temperature and ambient pressure). The as-prepared powders were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic behavior of the TiO₂-base surfaces was evaluated by the degradation of nitrogen monoxide gas. It suggested that CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, Nd³⁺@TiO₂ composite powders were composed of anatase titania and that CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, Nd³⁺. TiO₂ particles were deposited on the surface of CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, Nd³⁺ to form uniform film. CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, Nd³⁺@TiO₂ composite powders exhibited higher photocatalytic activity compared with pure TiO₂ under visible light. And the result also clearly indicated that the long afterglow phosphor absorbed and stored lights for the TiO₂ to remain photocatalytic activity in the dark.     

Thermal analysis of doped Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

New environmentally inorganic pigments based on Bi₂O₃ doped by metal ions, such as Zr⁴⁺ and Dy³⁺ have been developed and characterized using the methods thermal analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, and spectral reflectance data. The compounds having formula Bi_2−x Dy _x/2Zr_3x/8O₃ (x = 0.2, 0.6, 1.0, and 1.2) were prepared by the solid state reaction. Methods of thermal analysis were used for determination of the temperature region of the pigment formation and thermal stability of compounds. The incorporation of doped ions in Bi₂O₃ changes the color from yellow to orange and also contributes to a growth of their thermal stability. This property gives a direction for coloring ceramic glazes.     

Composition and structure of solid solutions in the Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-V<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>5+</Superscript></Stack>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> system with the structure sillenite

In the Bi₂O₃-SiO₂-V₂⁵⁺+O₅ system, single crystal solid solutions of the sillenite family of the general composition Bi₂₄(Bi,Si,V)₂O₄₀ are obtained by a hydrothermal method and for the first time characterized by neutron and X-ray diffraction analysis. The tetrahedral position is found to contain vanadium ions with different formal charges (V⁴⁺ and V⁵⁺) responsible for green and orange colors, respectively, of the samples. For the first time, for some sillenites of this system dissymmetrization of the structure (a transition from the I23 space group into P23) is revealed, which is caused by the presence of several atoms in one crystallographic position and also by crystal growth conditions.     

Preparation of novel visible-light-driven In<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–CaIn<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> composite photocatalyst by sol–gel method

Novel visible-light-activated In₂O₃–CaIn₂O₄ photocatalysts were developed in this paper through a sol–gel method. The photocatalytic activities of In₂O₃–CaIn₂O₄ composite photocatalysts were investigated based on the decomposition of methyl orange under visible light irradiation (λ > 400 nm). The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results revealed that the In₂O₃–CaIn₂O₄ composite samples with different In₂O₃ and CaIn₂O₄ content can be obtained by controlling the synthesis temperature, and the composite photocatalysts extended the light absorption spectrum toward the visible region. The photocatalytic tests indicated that the composite samples demonstrated high visible-light activity for decomposition of methyl orange. The significant enhancement in the In₂O₃–CaIn₂O₄ photo-activity under visible light irradiation can be ascribed to the efficient separation of photo-generated carriers in the In₂O₃ and CaIn₂O₄ coupling semiconductors.     

Preparation and adsorption of magnetic Co<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>-chitosan nanoparticles

In this paper, magnetic chitosan microspheres were prepared by the emulsification cross-linking technique, with glutaraldehyde as the cross-linking agent, liquid paraffin as the dispersant, and the Span-80 as emulsifier. The time of cross-linking and the ratio of Co_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄/chitosan were investigated. The morphology was studied by different instruments. The adsorption performance was investigated and the effects of initial concentration of methyl orange, the time of cross-linking, and the amount of adsorbent were discussed. It is found that the product has uniform morphology when the ratio of magnetic Co_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄/chitosan is 1 : 2 and the time of cross-linking is 5 h; At room temperature, magnetic Co_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄–chitosan has a good adsorption toward methyl orange when the magnetic Co_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄/chitosan dosage is 20 mg.     

Effect of Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> addition on structure and magnetic properties of Ni<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Zn<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanofibers

Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanofibers with addition of 0–5 wt% Bi₂O₃ were synthesized by calcination of the electrospun polyvinylpyrrolidone/inorganic composite nanofibers at the temperature below the melting point of Bi₂O₃. The effects of Bi₂O₃ addition on the phase structure, morphology and magnetic properties of the nanofibers were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, selected area electron diffraction and vibrating sample magnetometer. It is found that the nanofiber diameter, crystallite size and magnetic parameters can be effectively tuned by simply adjusting the amount of Bi₂O₃ addition. The average diameter of Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanofibers doped with different contents of Bi₂O₃ ranges from 40 to 63 nm and gradually decreases with increasing Bi₂O₃ content. The addition of Bi₂O₃ does not induce the phase change and all the samples are a single-phase spinel structure. The amorphous Bi₂O₃ tends to concentrate on the nanoparticle surface and/or grain boundary and can retard the particles motion as well as the grain growth, resulting in a considerable reduction in grain size compared to the pristine sample. The specific saturation magnetization and coercivity of the nanofibers gradually decrease with the increase of Bi₂O₃ amount. Such behaviors are explained on the basis of chemical composition, surface effect, domain structure and crystal anisotropy.     

Mass spectrometric investigation of vaporization in the Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> system

The thermodynamics of vaporization in the Bi₂O₃-Fe₂O₃ quasibinary system was studied by high-temperature mass-spectrometry. The partial pressures of the constituents of a saturated vapor over the system at 1100 K were determined. Based on the experimental data, the following parameters were calculated: the activities of the components of the Bi₂O₃-Fe₂O₃ system condensed phase, the standard enthalpies of some heterogeneous reactions, and standard enthalpies of formation and enthalpies of formation for crystalline BiFeO₃ and Bi₂Fe₄O₉ from individual oxides. An optimal temperature for the solid-phase synthesis of bismuth ferrites from simple oxides is recommended.     

Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/BiFeO<Subscript>3</Subscript> heterostructure: preparation,characterization, and photocatalytic activity

Bi₂O₃/BiFeO₃ composite was successfully fabricated by a conventional sol–gel method and structural properties were characterized based on X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer, nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurement, and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Bi₂O₃/BiFeO₃ had a good absorption for visible light, which was benefit to photocatalytic activity. The highest degradation efficiency was obtained when the content of Bi₂O₃ in Bi₂O₃/BiFeO₃ was 63.9%. Effect of experimental conditions was investigated, and the highest photocatalytic activity of Bi₂O₃/BiFeO₃ was observed at photocatalyst dosage of 0.5 g/L, initial BPA concentration of 10 mg/L, and solution pH of 6.3. Bi₂O₃/BiFeO₃ photocatalyst exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for BPA, and the reaction rate constant over Bi₂O₃/BiFeO₃ composite was 2.23, 3.65, and 8.71 times higher than that of BiFeO₃, Bi₂O₃ and commercial TiO₂ (P25), respectively. Bi₂O₃/BiFeO₃ showed high photocatalytic activity after three cycles, suggesting that it was a stable photocatalyst. The possible photocatalytic mechanism has been discussed on the basis of the theoretical calculation and the experimental results. The hydroxyl and superoxide radicals together with photogenerated holes played significant roles in the photocatalytic reaction.     

Catalytic Properties of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> Nanoparticles in Plasma Chemical Treatment

We proposed here a new process coupling dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma with magnetic photocatalytic material nanoparticles for improving yield in DBD degradation of methyl orange (MO). TiO₂ doped Fe₃O₄ (TiO₂/Fe₃O₄) was prepared by the sol-gel method and used as a new type of magnetic photocatalyst in DBD system. It was found that the introduction of TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ in DBD system could effectively make use of the energy generated in DBD process and improve hydroxyl radical contributed by the main surface Fenton reaction, photocatalytic reaction and catalytic decomposition of dissolved ozone. Most part of MO (88%) was degraded during 30 min at peak voltage of 13 kV and TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ load of 100 mg/L, with a rate constant of 0.0731 min^?1 and a degradation yield of 7.23 g/(kW h). The coupled system showed higher degradation efficiency for MO removal.     

Phase relations in the CaO-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> system in the subsolidus region

Phase relations in the CaO-Bi₂O₃-B₂O₃ system have been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction and differential thermal analyses, and the isothermal section at 600°C has been constructed. The formation of ternary compounds at the component ratios 1CaO: 1Bi₂O₃: 1B₂O₃ (CaBi₂B₂O₇) and 1CaO: 1Bi₂O₃: 2B₂O₃ (CaBi₂B₄O₁₀) has been established X-ray diffraction characteristics of these phases are presented.     

Physicochemical properties and mixed electronic and ionic conduction of composite ceramics in the system ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>CuO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Composites ZrO₂-(Bi₂CuO₄+ 20 wt % Bi₂O₃) (50–80 vol % ZrO₂) are synthesized and their physicochemical properties are studied. It is demonstrated that the composites comprise triple-phase mixtures of ZrO₂ of a monoclinic modification, Bi₂CuO₄, and solid solution Bi_2?x Zr _x O_{3 + x/2} and retain their mechanical strength up to 800°C. Impedance spectroscopy is used to examine their electroconductivity at 700–800°C in the interval of partial oxygen pressures extending from 37 to 2.1 × 10⁴ Pa. Contributions made by electronic and ionic constituents to their overall conductivity are evaluated. The best specimens’ conductivity is ～0.01 S cm^?1, with the electronic and ionic transport numbers nearly equal. The composite consisting of 50 vol % ZrO₂ and 50 vol % (Bi₂CuO₄ + 20 wt % Bi₂CuO₄) is tested in the role of an oxygen-separating membrane. The selective flux of oxygen in the temperature interval 750–800°C amounts to (2.2–6.3) × 10^?8 mol cm^?2 s^?1, testifying that these materials may be used as gas-separating membranes.     

Microstructure and Conduction of Composites Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>CuO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Near the Eutectic Melting Point

Microstructure and conduction of ceramic composites Bi₂CuO₄ + xBi₂O₃ (x = 5, 10, 15, 20 wt %) near the eutectic melting point (770°C) are studied. Bismuth oxide, initially randomly distributed over the ceramics bulk, after quenching from temperatures exceeding the eutectic melting point, becomes localized at triple junctions and grain boundaries in Bi₂CuO₄, which is caused by wetting grain boundaries and forming a liquid-channel structure. The jumpwise change in the composites’ conductivity near 730 and 770°C caused by polymorphic transformation of Bi₂O₃ and the eutectic melting with simultaneous formation of a liquid-channel structure. Transport numbers of the oxygen ion are measured at 770°C by coulomb-volumetric method. The conduction by oxygen ions increases in the composites with decreasing average size of Bi₂CuO₄ crystallites.__________Translated from Elektrokhimiya, Vol. 41, No. 5, 2005, pp. 596–601.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Lyskov, Metlin, Belousov, Tret’yakov.     

Thermoanalytical study of the synthesis of Na<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Bi<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>TiO<Subscript>3</Subscript> ferroelectric

The study presents results of examination on Na_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ (NBT) ferroelectric synthesis through intermediate binary compound Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ (BIT). The first stage of the study related to obtaining BIT from oxide precursors, i.e. Bi₂O₃ and TiO₂. The second stage included obtaining NBT from Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂, Na₂CO₃ and TiO₂. Two polymorphic modifications of TiO₂ (anatase, rutile) and diversified initial homogenization of raw material batches were applied during examination.     

Thermal synthesis of the (Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>1–x</Subscript>(Er<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>x</Subscript> pigments

The synthesis of new compounds based on Bi₂O₃ is investigated because they can be used as new environmentally friendly inorganic pigments. Chemical compounds of the (Bi₂O₃)_1–x(Er₂O₃)_x type were synthetized. The host lattice of these pigments is Bi2O3 that is doped by Er³⁺ ions. The incorporation of doped ions provides interesting colours and contributes to an increase in the thermal stability of these compounds. The simultaneous TG-DTA measurements were used for determination of the temperature region of the pigment formation and thermal stability of pigments.     

Thermal stability of Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of an α-Bi₂O₃ sample revealed staged phase transitions in the range 720–800°C (at 720, 780, and 800°C) and the elimination of oxygen to the composition Bi₂O_2.967 during heating to 895°C in air at 16 K/min. In dynamic vacuum (p = 1.33 Pa) at 780–800°C, Bi₂O₃ consecutively transforms to a phase with the cubic γ-Bi₂O₃ structure and tetragonal Bi₂O_2.3?2.4. In the latter, electron diffraction in a transmission electron microscope (ED/TEM) shows a superstructure with the superstructure vector q ₁₁₀ ≈ 1/9, which indicates an ordered arrangement of oxygen vacancies.     

Synthesis processes and transport properties of solid solutions in the Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-GeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript> system

The results of studies of solid solutions with the overall composition of Bi₄V_{2 ? x} Ge _x O_{11 ? δ} and Bi₄Ge_{3 ? x} V _x O_{12 + δ} are presented. The process of phase formation are studied during the synthesis of solid solution using the ceramic method and through liquid precursors. Crystallochemical parameters of the obtained compounds are determined. The size distribution of the particles is studied. Conductivity of annealed of polycrystalline samples as a function of temperature and composition is studied using the impedance spectroscopy method. The shape of impedance complex plane plots of the samples obtained in different ways is studied and analyzed.     

Conductivity of Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-NiO composites

The conductivity and transport number of oxygen ions of Bi₂O₃-(10, 30, 50) vol % NiO composites are measured using the four-probe and coulomb-volumetric methods at various temperatures. It is shown that the Bi₂O₃-50 vol % NiO composite exhibits a high mixed ionic-electronic conductivity in the temperature range from 730 to 800°C.     

Low temperature synthesis of nanosized ZnNb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript> photocatalysts by a citrate complex method

Nanosized ZnNb₂O₆ photocatalysts (band gaps ~4.0 eV) were successfully synthesized via a citrate complex method. Their particle sizes ranged from 50 to 150 nm. The result of Mott–Schottky measurement revealed that the flat-band potential of ZnNb₂O₆ was ca. −1.3 V versus Ag/AgCl at pH 6.6. The photocatalytic activities of the samples for the degradation of methyl orange were evaluated under UV-light (λ = 254 nm). It was found that the sample obtained at 850 °C showed the highest photocatalytic activity due to its opportune crystallinity and surface area. Furthermore, ·OH radicals were detected as the major oxidation agents responsible for the decomposition of methyl orange.