Treatment of nano-sized rutile phase TiO2 powder under ultrasonic irradiation in hydrogen peroxide solution and investigation of its sonocatalytic activity

The treated mixed-crystal TiO(2) powder with high sonocatalytic activity was obtained through utilizing ultrasonic irradiation in hydrogen peroxide solution. At the same time, some influencing factors (including heat-treated temperature and heat-treated time) on the sonocatalytic activity of treated mixed-crystal TiO(2) powder were also considered through the degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution. In this work, it was found that the sonocatalytic degradation ratio of methylene blue in the presence of treated mixed-crystal TiO(2) powder was much higher than ones in the presence of nano-sized rutile phase TiO(2) powder and with onefold ultrasonic irradiation. At last, the methylene blue in aqueous solution was completely degraded and became some simple inorganic anions such as NO(3)(-), SO(4)(2-) and Cl(-). All experiments indicated that the sonocatalytic method adopting treated mixed-crystal TiO(2) powder as sonocatalyst was an advisable choice for the treatments of non- or low-transparent wastewaters in future.     

Sonocatalytic degradation of some dyestuffs and comparison of catalytic activities of nano-sized TiO2, nano-sized ZnO and composite TiO2/ZnO powders under ultrasonic irradiation

Here, a novel sonocatalyst, composite TiO2/ZnO powder, was prepared through the combination of nano-sized TiO2 and ZnO powders. Because of the appropriate adsorbability to organic pollutants and special crystal interphase between TiO2 and ZnO particles, the composite TiO2/ZnO powder exhibits a high sonocatalytic activity under ultrasonic irradiation during the degradation of acid red B. Especially, the sonocatalytic activity of composite TiO2/ZnO powder with 4:1 molar proportion treated at 500 degrees C for 50 min showed obvious improvement compared with pure nano-sized TiO2 and ZnO powders. When the experimental conditions such as 10mg/L acid red B concentration, 1.0 g/L catalyst addition amount, pH=7.0, 20 degrees C system temperature, 100 min ultrasonic time and 50 mL total volume were adopted, the satisfactory degradation ratio and rate were obtained. All experiments indicate that the sonocatalytic method using composite TiO2/ZnO powder may be a more advisable choice for the treatments of non- or low-transparent organic wastewaters in future.     

Preparation of cube micrometer potassium niobate (KNbO3) by hydrothermal method and sonocatalytic degradation of organic dye

Cube micrometer potassium niobate (KNbO₃) powder, as a high effective sonocatalyst, was prepared using hydrothermal method, and then, was characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). In order to evaluate the sonocatalytic activity of prepared KNbO₃ powder, the sonocatalytic degradation of some organic dyes was studied. In addition, some influencing factors such as heat-treatment temperature and heat-treatment time on the sonocatalytic activity of prepared KNbO₃ powder and catalyst added amount and ultrasonic irradiation time on the sonocatalytic degradation efficiency were examined by using UV–visible spectrophotometer and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) determination. The experimental results showed that the best sonocatalytic degradation ratio (69.23%) of organic dyes could be obtained when the conditions of 5.00 mg/L initial concentration, 1.00 g/L prepared KNbO₃ powder (heat-treated at 400 °C for 60 min) added amount, 5.00 h ultrasonic irradiation (40 kHz frequency and 300 W output power), 100 mL total volume and 25–28 °C temperature were adopted. Therefore, the micrometer KNbO₃ powder could be considered as an effective sonocatalyst for treating non- or low-transparent organic wastewaters.     

Investigation on transition crystal of ordinary rutile TiO2 powder and its sonocatalytic activity

The transition crystal TiO(2) sonocatalyst was prepared utilizing the method of ultrasonic irradiation in hydrogen peroxide solution. The sonocatalytic activity of the transition crystal TiO(2) powder was validated through the degradation of methyl orange in aqueous solution by ultrasonic irradiation. The results show that the sonocatalytic activity of the transition crystal TiO(2) powder is obviously higher than that of pure rutile and anatase TiO(2) powders as well as mixed rutile and anatase TiO(2) powders according to the proportion of corresponding transition crystal TiO(2) catalyst. The degradation ratio of methyl orange in the presence of the transition crystal TiO(2) catalyst surpasses 75% within 80 min ultrasonic irradiation, while the degradation ratios are 55.93%, 51.68% and 40.88%, respectively, for rutile, mixed and anatase TiO(2) powders.     

Investigation on the transition crystal of ordinary rutile TiO2 powder by microwave irradiation in hydrogen peroxide solution and its sonocatalytic activity

The transition crystal TiO(2) catalyst with high sonocatalytic activity was obtained utilizing the microwave irradiation in hydrogen peroxide solution. At the same time a series of affecting factors (microwave irradiation time, heat-treated time and heat-treated temperature) to prepare the TiO(2) catalyst on the sonocatalytic degradation of parathion were considered in this paper. The ultrasound of low power was used as an irradiation source to induce treated TiO(2) particles to perform catalytic activity. The results show that the sonocatalytic activity of the transition crystal TiO(2) powder is obviously higher than those of pure ordinary rutile and anatase TiO(2) powders. At last, the parathion in aqueous solution was degraded completely and became some simple inorganic ions such as NO(3)(-), PO(4)(3-), SO(4)(2-), etc. The degradation ratio of parathion in the presence of the transition crystal TiO(2) catalyst attains nearly 80% within 60 min ultrasonic irradiation, while corresponding ones are only 65.23% and 53.88%, respectively, for pure ordinary rutile and anatase TiO(2) powders.     

Improvement of sonocatalytic activity of TiO2 by using Yb,N and F-doped Er3+:Y3Al5O12 for degradation of organic dyes

In this study, several up-conversion luminescence agents (Er³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂, Er³⁺:Yb_0.2Y_2.79Al₅O₁₂, Er³⁺:Yb_0.2Y_2.79Al₅N_0.01O_11.99, Er³⁺:Yb_0.2Y_2.79Al₅F_0.01O_11.99 and Er³⁺:Yb_0.2Y_2.79Al₅N_0.01F_0.01O_11.98) were synthesized using sol–gel method. And then, the corresponding sonocatalyst (Er³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂/TiO₂, Er³⁺:Yb_0.2Y_2.79Al₅O₁₂/TiO₂, Er³⁺:Yb_0.2Y_2.79Al₅N_0.01O_11.99/TiO₂, Er³⁺:Yb_0.2Y_2.79Al₅F_0.01O_11.99/TiO₂ and Er³⁺:Yb_0.2Y_2.79Al₅N_0.01F_0.01O_11.98/TiO₂ coated composites) were prepared by sol–gel coating process. The synthesized up-conversion luminescence agents and their coated composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). And that, the sonocatalytic activities were detected through the degradation of Azo Fuchsine (AF) dye in aqueous solution by UV–vis spectroscopy. Some key influences such as heat-treated temperature and heat-treated time on the sonocatalytic activity of Er³⁺:Yb_aY_2.99−aN_xF_yAl₅O_12−x−y/TiO₂ coated composite, as well as ultrasonic irradiation time and initial dye concentration on the sonocatalytic degradation were studied. The results showed that the doping of Yb, N and F into Er³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂/TiO₂ significantly enhanced the sonocatalytic activity of Er³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂/TiO₂ coated composite in the degradation of organic dyes. Particularly, Er³⁺:Yb_0.2Y_2.79Al₅N_0.01F_0.01O_11.98/TiO₂ coated composites with 3:7 M ratio heat-treated at 550 °C for 60 min showed the highest sonocatalytic activity. At last, the experiments also indicated that the Er³⁺:Yb_0.2Y_2.79Al₅N_0.01F_0.01O_11.98/TiO₂ coated composites has a good sonocatalytic activity to degrade other organic dyes under ultrasonic irradiation.     

Sonocatalytic degradation of amaranth catalyzed by La3+ doped TiO2 under ultrasonic irradiation

The relationship between the physicochemical properties and the activity of sonocatalysts is investigated and elucidated in the sonodegradation of amaranth. The sonocatalyts are composed of La(3+) doped TiO(2) synthesized via a sol-gel process. The sonocatalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron emission spectroscopy. The sonodegradation products of amaranth are analyzed by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. The presence of the La(3+) doped TiO(2) catalysts substantially enhances the sonocatalytic degradation of amaranth in aqueous suspensions. The possible sonocatalytic mechanisms for such are discussed.     

Sonocatalytic performance of Tb7O12/TiO2 composite under ultrasonic irradiation

A Tb(7)O(12)/TiO(2) composite was successfully synthesized through a hydrolysis-calcination process. The Tb(7)O(12)/TiO(2) composite catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption/reflection spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The heterogeneous sonocatalytic oxidation of amaranth in water, containing dispersed pure TiO(2) and Tb(7)O(12)/TiO(2) composite, was investigated under ultrasonic irradiation. The activity of the Tb(7)O(12)/TiO(2) catalyst is higher than that of pure TiO(2) during the sonodegradation of amaranth. The enhanced sonocatalytic activity of the composite may be attributed to the increase in charge separation efficiency and the presence of surface acidity.     

Emission of 1.53 microm originating from the lattice site of Er3+ ions incorporated in TiO2 nanocrystals

Er(3+)-ion-doped anatase TiO(2) nanocrystals were prepared by simple wet chemical synthesis. Very sharp and intense near-infrared luminescence at approximately 1.53 microm was observed that originated from the lattice site of Er(3+) ions incorporated in TiO(2) nanocrystals. Based on the high-resolution emission and excitation spectra at 10 K, an efficient energy transfer from the TiO(2) host to Er(3+) ions was verified. The luminescence decay for the I13/24-->I15/24 transition at 1.53 microm showed nonexponential characteristics, indicating a nonradiative relaxation to the defects in the nanocrystals, and the intrinsic lifetime of the I13/24 state was determined to be 1.56 ms.     

Spectroscopic properties and mechanism of Tm^3＋/Er^3＋/Yb^3＋ co-doped oxyfluorogermanate glass ceramics containing BaF2 nanocrystals

Transparent Tm^3＋/Er^3＋/yb^3＋ co-doped oxyfluorogermanate glass ceramics containing BaF2 nanocrystals are prepared. Under excitation of a 980-nm laser diode （LD）, compared with the glass before heat treatment, the Tm^3＋/Er^3＋/yb^3＋ co-doped oxyfluorogermanate glass ceramics can emit intense blue, green and red up-conversion luminescence and Stark- split peaks; X-ray diffraction （XRD） and transmission electron microscope （TEM） results show that BaF2 nanocrystals with an average diameter of 20 nm are precipitated from the glass matrix. Stark splitting of the up-conversion luminescence peaks in the glass ceramics indicates that Tm^3＋, Er^3＋ and （or） Yb^3＋ ions are incorporated into the BaF2 nanocrystals. The up-conversion luminescence intensities of Tm^3＋, Er^3＋ and the splitting degree of luminescence peaks in the glass ceramics increase significantly with the increase of heat treat temperature and heat treat time extension. In addition, the possible energy transfer process between rare earth ions and the up-conversion luminescence mechanism are also proposed.     

Direct Sensitization Up-conversion Mechanism in Er3+∶Yb3+ Co-doped Fluoride Materials

Up-conversion luminescence have been studied on Yb3+-Er3+ co-doped fluoride samples. Two infrared lasers with wavelength of 930 nm and 858 nm are carefully chosen as excitation sources. The experimental results suggest direct cooperation sensitization up-conversion rather than two-step sensitization up-conversion is responsible for the increased population of 2H11/2 (Er3+) and thus the increased green emission in the region 514～574 nm in Yb3+-Er3+ co-doped system.     

Er3+-Yb3+-Tm3+共掺CdF2:PbF2基玻璃中的荧光特性及其上转换机制

在 98 0nm半导体激光激发下 ,在Er3 Yb3 Tm3 共掺玻璃样品中得到了如下的 5条较强的上转换荧光带 ,分别是近红外 (80 0nm) ,红 (6 4 5nm) ,绿 (5 4 5和 5 2 5nm) ,蓝 (4 80nm)及紫 (4 0 7nm)。与Er3 Yb3 共掺样品相比 ,Tm3 的加入使得 4 80nm的蓝光显著增强 ,这应与Tm3 特殊的能级结构有关 ;荧光强度随激发功率变化的双对数曲线表明 4 80nm蓝光发射是双光子激发过程 ,为两个Yb3 的合作上转换敏化发光 ,随着激发功率的增加 ,4 80nm荧光的logI logP曲线的斜率将变小 ,逐渐向下“弯曲”。作者详细的分析了各条荧光带的上转换机制 ;并用速率方程讨论了稳态情况下 4 80nm蓝色上转换荧光强度随激发功率变化的关系 ,其结果与实验一致。     

Er3+/Yb3+/Tm3+共掺杂氟化物中红色上转换发光研究

氧化铒的质量增加到原来的10倍左右时发现两种配方的发光性质有明显不同。根据情况作研究了Er^3 ／Tm^3,Er^3 ／Er^3-和Er^3 ／Yb^3 /Tm^3 发光系统在980nm抽运下的荧光光谱和上转换发光的性质,以及在声子能量较低的氟化物中,3个发光系统建立的优先性和Er^3 离子浓度的关系。根据实验发现当Er^3 离子浓度由小逐渐变大时,绿光和红光的强弱比例也有明显的变化。其中作认为起决定性作用的是Er^3 离子浓度。因为在均匀体系中每个稀土离子的和另一个稀土离子的结合形成发光系统的机会是平等的,组成发光系统的稀土离子间的距离变化,即其中一种起决定作用的离子浓度变化时,那么它所组成的发光系统也就相应发生变化(稀土离子的优先结合性也会在此得到体现),从而发出的主色的光也就跟着变化。     

Direct Sensitization Up-conversion Mechanism in Er3+:Yb3+ Co-doped Fluoride Materials

Up-conversion luminescence have been studied on Yb3+-Er3+ co-doped fluoride samples. Two infrared lasers with wavelength of 930 nm and 858 nm are carefully chosen as excitation sources. The experimental results suggest direct cooperation sensitization up-conversion rather than two-step sensitization up-conversion is responsible for the increased population of 2H11/2 (Er3+) and thus the increased green emission in the region 514～574 nm in Yb3+-Er3+ co-doped system.     

(Er3+,Yb3+)共掺ZBLAN玻璃的一种新颖的类雪崩上转换发光现象

研究了Er3 vZBLAN 和(Yb3 , Er3 )vZBLAN玻璃在966 nm 半导体激光激发下的上转换发光现象, 发现在(Yb3 , Er3 )vZBLAN 玻璃样品上存在由Er3 离子间交叉弛豫导致的上转换发光随激光功率二次攀升的类雪崩上转换发光现象; 并且由稳态速率方程的数值计算得出与实验测量相吻合的结果: 当Er3 离子间的交叉弛豫P很小时, 上转换发光是随抽运激光功率的增强而逐渐趋向饱和的; 当P 较大时, (Yb3 , Er3 vZBLAN 玻璃由于Yb3 和Er3 离子间的交叉能量传递速率很大, 致使Er3 离子的上转换激发速率R很大, 造成上转换发光在达到饱和之前出现一个陡升, 这就是实验观察到的由类雪崩效应导致的上转换发光随激光功率二次攀升的现象。     

Preparation of (5.0%)Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Pt-(TiO2-Ta2O5) nanocatalysts and application in sonocatalytic decomposition of ametryn in aqueous solution

(5.0%)Er³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂/Pt-(TiO₂-Ta₂O₅) powder, as a high effective sonocatalyst, was prepared using sol-gel and calcination method. Then it was characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). In order to evaluate the sonocatalytic activity of the prepared (5.0%)Er³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂/Pt-(TiO₂-Ta₂O₅) powder, the sonocatalytic decomposition of ametryn was studied. In addition, some influencing factors such as different Ti/Ta molar ratios on the sonocatalytic activity of the prepared (5.0%)Er³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂/Pt-(TiO₂-Ta₂O₅) powder, catalyst added amount with ultrasonic irradiation time and used times on the sonocatalytic decomposition efficiency were examined by using ion chromatogram determination. The experimental results showed that the best sonocatalytic decomposition ratio of ametryn were 77.50% based on the N atom calculation and 95.00% based on the S atom calculation, respectively, when the conditions of 10.00 mg/L initial concentration, 1.00 g/L prepared (5.0%)Er³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂/Pt-(TiO₂-Ta₂O₅) powder (Ti/Ta = 1.00:0.25 heat-treated at 550 °C for 3.0 h) added amount, 150 min ultrasonic irradiation (40 kHz frequency and 300 W output power), 100 mL total volume and 25–28 °C temperature were adopted. Therefore, the (5.0%)Er³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂/Pt-(TiO₂-Ta₂O₅) composite nanoparticles could be considered as an effective sonocatalyst for decomposition of ametryn in aqueous solution.     

Up-conversion luminescence tuning in Er~(3+) -doped ceramic glass by femtosecond laser pulse at different laser powers

The up-conversion luminescence tuning of rare-earth ions is an important research topic for understanding luminescence mechanisms and promoting related applications. In this paper, we experimentally study the up-conversion luminescence tuning of Er~(3+)-doped ceramic glass excited by the unshaped, V-shaped and cosine-shaped femtosecond laser field with different laser powers. The results show that green and red up-conversion luminescence can be effectively tuned by varying the power or spectral phase of the femtosecond laser field. We further analyze the up-conversion luminescence tuning mechanism by considering different excitation processes, including single-photon absorption(SPA), two-photon absorption(TPA), excited state absorption(ESA), and energy transfer up-conversion(ETU). The relative weight of TPA in the whole excitation process can increase with the increase of the laser power, thereby enhancing the intensity ratio between green and red luminescence(I_(547)/I_(656)). However, the second ETU(ETU2) process can generate red luminescence and reduce the green and red luminescence intensity ratio I_(547)/I_(656), while the third ESA(ESA3) process can produce green luminescence and enhance its control efficiency. Moreover, the up-conversion luminescence tuning mechanism is further validated by observing the up-conversion luminescence intensity, depending on the laser power and the down-conversion luminescence spectrum under the excitation of 400-nm femtosecond laser pulse. These studies can present a clear physical picture that enables us to understand the up-conversion luminescence tuning mechanism in rare-earth ions, and can also provide an opportunity to tune up-conversion luminescence to promote its related applications.     

Er3+掺杂的锗铋酸玻璃光谱性质的研究

制备了一种新型掺Er3 锗铋酸盐玻璃。分析了吸收光谱和上转换荧光光谱,并应用Judd-Ofelt理论计算了锗铋酸盐玻璃的3个强度参量tΩ(t=2,4,6),分别为Ω2=3.35×10-20cm2,Ω4=1.34×10-20cm2以及Ω6=0.67×10-20cm2。研究了在两种不同的激发光下(980和808 nm)锗铋酸盐玻璃的发光机制。根据McCumber理论,分析了在1.55μm光通讯窗口的光谱性质,计算了能级4I13/2→4I15/2跃迁的受激发射截面,结果显示掺Er3 锗铋酸盐玻璃具有较宽的荧光半高宽和较大的受激发射截面。因此有希望成为高效的上转换发光材料和1.55μm光通讯材料。     

Characterization and relative sonocatalytic efficiencies of a new MWCNT and CdS modified TiO2 catalysts and their application in the sonocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B

TiO₂ nanoparticles modified with MWCNTs and CdS were synthesized by the sol–gel method followed by solvothermal treatment at low temperature. The chemical composition and surface structure of the CdS/CNT–TiO₂ composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction, specific surface area measurements, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Then a series of sonocatalytic degradation experiments were carried out under ultrasonic irradiation in the presence of CNT/TiO₂ and the CdS/CNT–TiO₂ composites. It was found that RhB was quickly and effectively degraded under different ultrasonic conditions. As expected, the nanosized CdS/CNT–TiO₂ photocatalyst showed enhanced activity compared with the non CdS treated CNT/TiO₂ material in the sonocatalytic degradation of RhB. The sonocatalyst CCTb with 34.68% contents of Ti heat treated at 500 °C for 1 h showed the highest sonocatalytic activity. The synergistic effect of the greater surface area and catalytic activities of the composite catalysts was examined in terms of their strong adsorption ability and interphase interaction by comparing the effects of different amounts of MWCNTs and CdS in the catalysts and their roles. The mechanism of sonocatalytic degradation over the CdS/CNT modified TiO₂ composites under different ultrasonic conditions was also discussed.     

Er^3＋／Yb^3＋共掺杂ZnO粉末的上转换发光特性

采用高温氧化法制备了Er3 /Yb3 共掺杂ZnO粉。通过X射线衍射和扫描电镜对其进行了成分和组织结构分析,发现样品主要由ZnO和YbF3组成。在ZnO中测量到少量Er3 和Yb3 ,而YbF3中无Er3 ,故发光主要是由ZnO产生的。在980nm半导体激光器的激发下,观察到由处于激发态能级4F9/2,4S3/2,2H11/2和2H9/2的Er3 离子向基态4I15/2跃迁时发出的波长依次为658,538,522和409nm的上转换发光。在488nmAr 激光器的激发下,观察到了较强的409nm的紫光,466和450nm的弱蓝光以及379nm的紫外光,分别对应于Er3 离子的2H9/2→4I15/2,2P3/2→4I11/2,4F3/2/4F5/2→4I15/2,4G11/2→4I15/2等跃迁。上转换发光强度随激发功率的变化关系表明,488nm激发下紫色上转换荧光为双光子过程,主要是通过Er3 /Yb3 离子间正向和反向的能量传递来实现的。