C18, C8, and perfluoro reversed phases on diamond for solid-phase extraction

In spite of advances in solid-phase extraction (SPE) technology there are certain disadvantages to current SPE silica-based, column packings. The pH range over which extraction can occur is limited and each column is generally only used once. New diamond-based reversed SPE phases (C₁₈, C₈, and perfluorinated) were developed in our laboratories. Studies were done which show that these phases do not have the same limitations as traditional silica-based stationary phases. The synthesis and properties of these diamond-based phases are presented, and the stability, percent recovery, and column capacity are given for the C₁₈ phase.     

氮缺陷对GaN/g-C3N4异质结电子结构和光学性能影响的第一性原理研究

基于密度泛函理论下的第一性原理平面波超软赝势方法,研究了单层GaN、g-C₃N₄、GaN/g-C₃N₄异质结及3种氮缺陷GaN/g-C₃N₄-V_XN(X=1、2、3)异质结的稳定性、电子结构、功函数及光学性能。计算结果表明,GaN/g-C₃N₄异质结体系晶格失配率极低(0.8%),属于完全共格。与单层g-C₃N₄相比,GaN/g-C₃N₄和GaN/g-C₃N₄-V_XN(X=1、2、3)异质结的导带向低能方向偏移,价带上移,从而导致带隙减小,且态密度均显示出轨道杂化现象。GaN/g-C₃N₄和GaN/g-C₃N₄-V_XN(X=1、2、3)异质结在界面处均形成了电势差,在其内部形成了从g-C₃N₄层指向GaN层的内置电场。GaN/g-C₃N₄-V_1N异质结的界面电势差值最大且红移现象最为明显,表明GaN/g-C₃N₄-V_1N异质结相较其他2个N缺陷异质结光学性能最好。氮缺陷的引入在不同程度上提高了GaN/g-C₃N₄异质结在红外光区域的光吸收能力。     

氮缺陷对GaN/g-C3N4异质结电子结构和光学性能影响的第一性原理研究

基于密度泛函理论下的第一性原理平面波超软赝势方法,研究了单层GaN、g-C₃N₄、GaN/g-C₃N₄异质结及3种氮缺陷GaN/g-C₃N₄-V_XN （X=1、2、3）异质结的稳定性、电子结构、功函数及光学性能。计算结果表明,GaN/g-C₃N₄异质结体系晶格失配率极低（0.8%）,属于完全共格。与单层g-C₃N₄相比,GaN/g-C₃N₄和GaN/g-C₃N₄-V_XN （X=1、2、3）异质结的导带向低能方向偏移,价带上移,从而导致带隙减小,且态密度均显示出轨道杂化现象。GaN/g-C₃N₄和GaN/g-C₃N₄-V_XN （X=1、2、3）异质结在界面处均形成了电势差,在其内部形成了从g-C₃N₄层指向GaN层的内置电场。GaN/g-C₃N₄-V_1N异质结的界面电势差值最大且红移现象最为明显,表明GaN/g-C₃N₄-V_1N异质结相较其他2个N缺陷异质结光学性能最好。氮缺陷的引入在不同程度上提高了GaN/g-C₃N₄异质结在红外光区域的光吸收能力。     

In Situ Corrosion Fabrication of NaNbO3/Nb3O7F Heterojunctions with Optimized Band Realignment for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Heterostructured photocatalysis is a significant issue owing to the unique band alignment, improved spectrum absorption, and enhanced photocatalytic activity. However, the construction of uniform, controllable, and effective heterojunctions is still a huge challenge. Herein, NaNbO₃/Nb₃O₇F heterojunctions are fabricated through an in situ corrosion technique for the first time. The influence of phase transformation on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity is investigated systematically in terms of photocatalytic water splitting for H₂ production. Interestingly, the band realignment and good interfacial contact endow the NaNbO₃/Nb₃O₇F heterojunctions with a high HER activity (43.3 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹), which is about 2.4 times that of pure Nb₃O₇F and 1.36 times that of pure NaNbO₃. The results may provide some new insights into the corrosion technique and HER activity of novel heterostructured catalysts.     

Porous Mn2+ Magnet with a Pt−Cl Framework: Correlation between Water Vapor Adsorption/Desorption and Slow Magnetic Relaxation

We report the water adsorption/desorption behavior and dynamic magnetic properties of the Pt−Cl chain complex [{[Pt(en)₂][PtCl₂(en)₂]}₃][{(MnCl₅)Cl₃}₂] ⋅ 12H₂O ( 1 ). Upon heating 1 in a vacuum, we obtained the dehydrated form [{[Pt(en)₂][PtCl₂(en)₂]}₃][{(MnCl₅)Cl₃}₂] ( 1DH ). The framework structures of 1 and 1DH are identical, and both complexes underwent slow magnetic relaxation. However, the magnetic relaxation times for 1DH were shorter than those for 1 , meaning that the dynamic magnetic properties were controlled upon water vapor adsorption/desorption. From detailed analyses of the dynamic magnetic behavior, a phonon-bottleneck effect contributes to the magnetic relaxation processes. We discuss the mechanism for the changes in the magnetic relaxation processes upon dehydration in terms of the heat capacity and thermal conductivity.     

A General Preparation of Solid Solution-Oxide Heterojunction Photocatalysts through Metal–Organic Framework Transformation Induced Pre-nucleation

Solid solution-oxide heterostructures combine the advantages of solid solution and heterojunction materials to improve electronic structure and optical properties by metal doping, and enhance charge separation and transfer in semiconductor photocatalysts by creating a built-in electric field. Nevertheless, the effective design and synthesis of these materials remains a significant challenge. Here, we develop a generally applicable strategy that leverages the transformable properties of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to prepare solid solution-oxide heterojunctions with controllable structural and chemical compositions. The process consists of three main steps. First, MOFs with different topological structures and metal centers are transformed, accompanied by pre-nucleation of a metal oxide. Second, solid solution is prepared through calcination of the transformed MOFs. Finally, a heterojunction is formed by combining solid solution with another metal oxide group through endogenous overflow. DFT calculations and study on carrier dynamics show that the structure of the material effectively prevents electrons from returning to the bulk phase, exhibiting superior photocatalytic reduction performance of CO₂. This study is expected to promote the controllable synthesis and research of MOF-derived heterojunctions.     

The study of electronic and optical properties of ZnO/MoS2 and its vacancy heterostructures by first principles

Based on the first principles calculation, the effects of vacancies on the structural, electronic and optical properties of ZnO/MoS₂ heterostructure are investigated in this work. The results show that vacancies could exist stably in the heterojunctions and cause a significant decrease in bandgap. ZnO/MoS₂ with an O vacancy maintains semiconductor property with a bandgap of 0.119 eV, while heterostructure with a Zn vacancy exhibits metallic characteristic. Furthermore, the absorption capability of defective heterojunctions has been extended to infrared light region with obvious redshift. To sum up, vacancy engineering effectively changes the electronic and optical properties of ZnO/MoS₂ heterostructure, which provides a feasible approach for adjusting the optoelectronic properties of two-dimensional heterostructures and broadening their application in functional nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices.     

Construction of direct Z-Scheme photocatalysts for overall water splitting using two-dimensional van der waals heterojunctions of metal dichalcogenides

The direct Z-scheme system constructed by two-dimensional (2D) materials is an efficient route for hydrogen production from photocatalytic water splitting. In the present work, the 2D van der Waals (vdW) heterojunctions of MoSe₂/SnS₂, MoSe₂/SnSe₂, MoSe₂/CrS₂, MoTe₂/SnS₂, MoTe₂/SnSe₂, and MoTe₂/CrS₂ are proposed to be promising candidates for direct Z-scheme photocatalysts and verified by first principles calculations. Perpendicular electric field is induced in these 2D vdW heterojunctions, which enhances the efficiency of solar energy utilization. Replacing MoSe₂ with MoTe₂ not only facilitates the interlayer carrier migration, but also improves the optical absorption properties for these heterojunctions. Excitingly, the 2D vdW MoTe₂/CrS₂ heterojunction is demonstrated, for the first time, to be 2D near-infrared-light driven photocatalyst for direct Z-scheme water splitting. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Phase Behavior of Ternary Systems of the Type H2O?Oil?Nonionic Amphiphile (Microemulsions)

Liquid multicomponent systems of the type H₂O-oil-amphiphile-electrolyte are of growing interest, both in industry and in research. In applications technology, there are two problems to solve: 1. To prepare stable homogeneous solutions of H₂O and nonpolar liquids with as little amphiphile as possible which can be diluted with H₂O in all proportions without phase separation; e.g., concentrated solutions of drugs, herbicides, or insecticides. 2. To prepare stable mixtures of an aqueous, an amphiphile, and an oil phase with as little amphiphile as possible which are employed in tertiary oil recovery and in the pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, such systems may be used for performing chemical reactions in heterogeneous liquid mixtures with continuously variable properties. In research, such systems are of interest for both experimental and theoretical studies of critical phenomena, especially near so-called tricritical points. Last but not least, their properties may stimulate further research in the field of associated solutions. In this paper we summarize the results of our studies on the phase behavior of ternary systems with nonionic amphiphiles, in particular with respect to the evolution of liquid three-phase bodies. The results suggest that the tricritical points in such systems should be regarded as kinds of pivot points from which the phase behavior evolves. If this were an approach to reality, the phase behavior would be governed in more or less good approximation by universal scaling laws, irrespective of the particular microstructure of the solutions. Finally, we discuss the effect of electrolytes on the phase behavior both in a quaternary phase tetrahedron and a pseudoternary phase prism representation. Although in practice most systems consist of mixtures of oils, amphiphiles, and electrolytes, an understanding of the phase behavior of truly ternary and quaternary systems with chemically well-defined components permits at least qualitative predictions with respect to the phase behavior of the multicomponent mixtures encountered in practice.     

Review on augmentation in photocatalytic activity of CoFe2O4 via heterojunction formation for photocatalysis of organic pollutants in water

In previous years, cobalt ferrite has gained huge consideration in the field of semiconductor photocatalysis for waste water treatment. Cobalt ferrite and its derivatives own tunable magnetic properties which results in higher absorption capability in comparison with other photocatalyst semiconductors. In the current review, a brief overview of CoFe₂O₄ as a semiconductor photocatalyst is presented and ferromagnetic behaviour of CoFe₂O₄ is also discussed. Few drawbacks such as agglomeration, photocorrosion and recombination rate of electrons-holes are also discussed. For the enhancement of photocatalytic action of cobalt ferrite, the role of cobalt ferrite with type I, type II, direct Z-scheme, solid state Z-scheme heterojunctions, Schottky and p-n heterojunctions based on different heterostructures were also discussed. In conclusive outlook formation of cobalt ferrite based heterojunctions is best approach for the enhancement of photocatalytic performance. This is because heterojunction formation enhanced the rate of charge separation and thus reduced the electron–hole recombination. Herein, this review highlights the CoFe₂O₄ based heterojunctions for the photodegradation of noxious organic pollutants in water. Furthermore, the future expectations and challenges in exploiting CoFe₂O₄ nanocomposites for water treatment, also discussed in precise conclusion of this review.     

Controllable synthesis of highly crystallized mesoporous TiO_2/WO_3 heterojunctions for acetone gas sensing

Mesoporous semiconducting metal oxides(SMOs) heterojunctions are appealing sensors for gas detecting.However,due to the different hydrolysis and condensation mechanism of every metal precursor and the contradiction between high crystallinity and high surface area,the synthesis of mesoporous SMOs heterojunctions with highly o rdered mesostructures,highly crystallized frameworks,and high surface area remains a huge challenge.In this work,we develop a novel "acid-base pair"adjusted solvent evaporation induced self-assembly(EISA) strategy to prepare highly crystallized ordered mesoporous TiO_2/WO_3(OM-TiO_2/WO_3) heterojunctions.The WCl_6 and titanium isopropoxide(TIPO) are used as the precursors,respectively,which function as the "acid-base pair",enabling the coassembly with the structure directing agent(PEO-b-PS) into highly ordered meso structures.In addition,PEO-b-PS can be converted to rigid carbon which can protect the meso structures from collapse during the crystallization process.The resultant OM-TiO_2/WO_3 heterojunctions possess primitive cubic mesostructures,large pore size(～21.1 nm),highly crystalline frameworks and surface area(～98 m~2/g).As a sensor for acetone,the obtained OM-TiO_2/WO_3 show excellent re sponse/recovery perfo rmance(3 s/5 s),good linear dependence,repeatability,selectivity,and long-term stability(35 days).     

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.     

Green rapid synthesis of Cu2O/Ag heterojunctions exerting synergistic antibiosis

Semiconductor-noble metal composite has become a research focus due to its superior performance compared with its respective component. Although various methods have been developed to synthesize semiconductor-noble metal heterostructures, most of them are relatively complex multistep and use toxic reactants of high cost and risk. In this work, a series of Cu₂O/Ag heterojunctions were quickly prepared in one step via simple microwave-assisted green route. XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, XPS, etc. ...     

In situ integration of efficient photocatalyst Cu1.8S/ZnxCd1-xS heterojunction derived from a metal-organic framework

The development of photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution is a promising alternative to industrial hydrogen evolution; however, generation of high active, recyclable, inexpensive heterojunctions are still challenging. Herein, a novel strategy was developed to synthesize non-noble metal co-catalyst/solid solution heterojunctions using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as a precursor template. By adjusting the content of MOFs, a series of Cu_1.8S/Zn_xCd_1-xS heterojunctions were obtained, and the Cu_1.8S(3.7%)/Zn_0.35Cd_0.65S sample exhibits a maximum hydrogen evolution rate of 14.27 mmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ with an apparent quantum yield of 3.7% at 420 nm under visible-light irradiation. Subsequently, the relationship between the heterojunction and photocatalytic activity were investigated by detailed characterizations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which reveal that loading Cu_1.8S can efficiently extend the light absorption, meanwhile, the electrons can efficiently transfer from Zn_0.35Cd_0.65S to Cu_1.8S, thus resulting more photogenerated electrons participating in surface reactions. This result can be valuable inspirations for the exploitation of advanced materials using rationally designed nanostructures for solar energy conversion.     

Maximizing the synergistic effect on accelerated photoelectron transfer of TiO2 by double Z-scheme heterojunctions and specific oxygen vacancies

Photocatalysis is an ideal technology for environmental applications, but its efficiency is severely limited by slow kinetics and low efficiency of carrier separation. Herein, a photocatalyst (TiO₂–Bi₂Ti₂O₇-600 °C) with homotypic growth possessing double Z-scheme heterojunctions was successfully synthesized by the growth of mixed crystalline phase TiO₂ on the surface of Bi₂Ti₂O₇. The carrier separation efficiency of the heterojunctions was enhanced by the photo-ferroelectricity of Bi₂Ti₂O_7. Simultaneously, the interface-fused TiO₂/Bi₂Ti₂O₇ provided stability for carrier transport between heterojunctions. Modern instrumental characterization confirmed that oxygen vacancies mainly exist in Bi–O structural units provided by Bi₂Ti₂O₇ and that the carrier separation efficiency of the double Z-scheme heterojunctions was significantly higher than that of the single Z-scheme heterojunctions. Density-of-states calculations based on the first principle confirmed that the carrier separation efficiency was higher when the oxygen vacancies presented in the Bi–O structural units than they presented in the Ti–O structural units. TiO₂–Bi₂Ti₂O₇-600 °C could accomplish the complete degradation of Rh–B (10 mg/L) in aqueous environment within 80 min, instead of only contributing to the destruction of conjugated chromogenic groups in Rh–B. This photocatalyst with stable structure, multiple carrier transport channels, and sufficient oxygen vacancies enables the photoelectrons to concentrate on the confinement effect, opening a novel avenue for the design strategy of new-generation photocatalysts in environmental wastewater applications.     

Synergetic effect of heterojunction and doping of silver on ZnNb2O6 for superior visible-light photocatalytic activity and recyclability

This work reports the synthesis of Ag/ZnNb₂O₆ heterojunctions by solid-state approach followed with the photoreduction of silver. It was found that Ag decorated ZnNb₂O₆ catalyst was provided with dual roles of silver, including homogeneous doping of Ag ions into ZnNb₂O₆ host lattice and a large amount of heterojunctions due to the monodispersion of tiny Ag nanoparticles deposited on ZnNb₂O₆ surface, thereby showing the abnormal visible-light absorption ascribed to the interband introduction and the strong surface plasmon resonance. The photocatalytic effects of silver doping and heterojunctions in visible-light irradiation were investigated, which showed Ag(6 wt.%)/ZnNb₂O₆ catalyst had the optimal photocatalytic efficiency (96.5–98.2% within 2 h) for the photodegradation of five various dyes and high recyclability during the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange.     

Theoretical Design of an MoxW1-xS2/Graphene (x=0.25/0.75) Heterojunction with Adjustable Band Gap: Potential Candidate Materials for the Next Generation of Optoelectronic Devices

Multicomponent two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) semiconductors based on adjustable band gap are increasingly used to design optoelectronic devices with specific spectral response. Here, we have designed the Mo_xW_1-xS₂/graphene heterostructure with adjustable band gap by adopting the combination idea of alloying and multiple heterogeneous recombination. The contact type, stability and photoelectric properties of Mo_xW_1-xS₂/graphene heterojunction were investigated theoretically. At the same time, by applying external vertical electric field to Mo_xW_1-xS₂/graphene, the regulate of heterojunction Schottky contact type was realized. The results show that Mo_xW_1-xS₂/graphene heterojunction has broad application prospects in the field of photocatalysis and Schottky devices, and is suitable for being a potential candidate material for next generation of optoelectronic devices. The design of Mo_xW_1-xS₂/graphene heterostructure enables it to obtain the advanced characteristics that are lacking in the one-component intrinsic 2D TMDCs semiconductors or graphene materials, and provides a theoretical basis for the experimental preparation of such heterojunctions.     

Construction of 2D-2D TiO2 nanosheet/layered WS2 heterojunctions with enhanced visible-light-responsive photocatalytic activity

Constructing nanocomposites that combine the advantages of composite materials, nanomaterials, and interfaces has been regarded as an important strategy to improve the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂. In this study, 2D-2D TiO₂ nanosheet/layered WS₂ (TNS/WS₂) heterojunctions were prepared via a hydrothermal method. The structure and morphology of the photocatalysts were systematically characterized. Layered WS₂ (～4 layers) was wrapped on the surface of TiO₂ nanosheets with a plate-to-plate stacked structure and connected with each other by W=O bonds. The as-prepared TNS/WS₂ heterojunctions showed higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of RhB under visible-light irradiation, than pristine TiO₂ nanosheets and layered WS₂. The improvement of photocatalytic activity was primarily attributed to enhanced charge separation efficiency, which originated from the perfect 2D-2D nanointerfaces and intimate interfacial contacts between TiO₂ nanosheets and layered WS₂. Based on experimental results, a double-transfer photocatalytic mechanism for the TNS/WS₂ heterojunctions was proposed and discussed. This work provides new insights for synthesizing highly efficient and environmentally stable photocatalysts by engineering the surface heterojunctions.     

单分散g-C3N4量子点修饰一维棒状BiPO4微晶的合成及其对光催化活性增强机理

利用水热法合成了一维棒状BiPO₄微晶,在此基础上采用浸渍-被烧法进行g-C₃N₄量子点表面修饰获得新颖的g-C₃N₄/BiPO₄异质结。借助X射线衍射(XRD)、场发射扫描电镜(FE-SEM)、透射电镜(HRTEM)、能谱(EDS)、紫外-可见漫反射(UV-Vis-DRS)等测试手段对所得样品的相组成、形貌和谱学特征进行了表征。选择罗丹明B(RhB)和苯酚作为模型污染物研究了所得在可见光下的催化活性。结果表明,样品16%(w/w) g-C₃N₄/BiPO₄对RhB降解的速率常数分别是纯和的g-C₃N₄和BiPO₄的16倍和4.6倍。g-C₃N₄量子点与BiPO₄之间形成异质结,抑制了光生电子-空穴对的复合,从而提高了催化剂的活性。自由基捕获实验进一步表明,超氧负离子自由基(·O₂-)是催化降解RhB和苯酚的主要活性物种。