Photoinduced Electron Transfer in Perylene‐TiO2 Nanoassemblies

The photosensitization effect of three perylene dye derivatives on titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) has been investigated. The dyes used, 1,7‐dibromoperylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxy dianhydride (1), 1,7‐dipyrrolidinylperylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxy dianhydride (2) and 1,7‐bis(4‐tert‐butylphenyloxy)perylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxy dianhydride (3) have in common bisanhydride groups that convert into TiO₂ binding groups upon hydrolysis. The different substituents on the bay position of the dyes enable tuning of their redox properties to yield significantly different driving forces for photoinduced electron transfer (P_eT). Recently developed TiO₂ NPs having a small average size and a narrow distribution (4 ± 1 nm) are used in this work to prepare the dye‐TiO₂ systems under study. Whereas successful sensitization was obtained with 1 and 2 as evidenced by steady‐state spectral shifts and transient absorption results, no evidence for the attachment of 3 to TiO₂ was observed. The comparison of the rates of P_eT (k_PeT) for 1‐ and 2‐TiO₂ systems studied in this work with those obtained for previously reported analogous systems, having TiO₂ NPs covered by a surfactant layer (Hernandez et al. [2012] J. Phys. Chem. B., 117, 4568–4581), indicates that k_PeT for the former systems is slower than that for the later. These results are interpreted in terms of the different energy values of the conduction band edge in each system.     

Visible‐light‐driven self‐cleaning SERS substrate of silver nanoparticles and graphene oxide decorated nitrogen‐doped titania nanotube array

Graphene oxide (GO) and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) sequentially decorated nitrogen‐doped titania nanotube array (N‐TiO₂ NTA) had been designed as visible‐light‐driven self‐cleaning surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate for a recyclable SERS detection application. N‐TiO₂ NTA was fabricated by anodic oxidation and then doping nitrogen treatment in ammonia atmosphere, acting as a visible‐light‐driven photocatalyst and supporting substrate. Ag/GO/N‐TiO₂ NTA was prepared by decorating GO monolayer through an impregnation process and then depositing Ag NPs through a polyol process on the surface of N‐TiO₂ NTA, acting as the collection of organic molecule and Raman enhancement. The SERS activity of Ag/GO/N‐TiO₂ NTA was evaluated using methyl blue as an organic probe molecule, revealing the analytical enhancement factor of 4.54 × 10⁴. Ag/GO/N‐TiO₂ NTA was applied as active SERS substrate to determine a low‐affinity organic pollutant of bisphenol A, revealing the detection limit of as low as 5 × 10^?7 m . Ag/GO/N‐TiO₂ NTA could also achieve self‐cleaning function for a recycling utilization through visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic degradation of the adsorbed organic molecules. Ag/GO/N‐TiO₂ NTA has been successfully reused for five times without an obvious decay in accuracy and sensitivity for organic molecule detection. The unique properties of this SERS substrate enable it to have a promising application for the sensitive and recyclable SERS detection of low‐affinity organic molecules. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fabrication of Au‐Nanoparticle/TiO2‐Nanotubes Electrodes Using Electrochemical Methods and Their Application for Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Hydroquinone

Gold nanoparticle (Au‐NPs)‐Titanium oxide nanotube (TiO₂‐NTs) electrodes are prepared by using galvanic deposition of gold nanoparticles on TiO₂‐NTs electrodes as support. Scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy results indicate that nanotubular TiO₂ layers consist of individual tubes of about 60–90 nm diameters and gold nanoparticles are well‐dispersed on the surface of TiO₂‐NTs support. The electrooxidation of hydroquinone of Au‐NPs/TiO₂‐NTs electrodes is investigated by different electrochemical methods. Au‐NPs/TiO₂‐NTs electrode can be used repeatedly and exhibits stable electrocatalytic activity for the hydroquinone oxidation. Also, determination of hydroquinone in skin cream using this electrode was evaluated. Results were found to be satisfactory and no matrix effects are observed during the determination of hydroquinone content of the “skin cream” samples.     

One‐Pot Synthesis of Nitrogen‐doped TiO2 Nanowires with Enhanced Photocurrent Generation

A nitrogen‐doped TiO₂ (N‐TiO₂) nanowire film was synthesized via a one‐pot hydrothermal method using triethylamine as nitrogen source. The effect of the concentration of the triethylamine on the films was evaluated. In addition, the N‐TiO₂ nanowires were characterized using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. A 3.2× enhancement of the photocurrent for N‐TiO₂ (0.6) was achieved over the as‐prepared TiO₂ nanowire, under AM1.5G solar illumination. This was due to nitrogen doping, which could narrow the bandgap of titania to extend the adsorption of the catalyst to the visible light region.     

Fabrication of Heterostructured Fe2TiO5–TiO2 Nanocages with Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performance for Solar Energy Conversion

Photocatalysts with well‐designed compositions and structures are desirable for achieving highly efficient solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion. Heterostructured semiconductor photocatalysts with advanced hollow structures possess beneficial features for promoting the activity towards photocatalytic reactions. Here we develop a facile synthetic strategy for the fabrication of Fe₂TiO₅–TiO₂ nanocages (NCs) as anode materials in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting cells. A hydrothermal reaction is performed to transform MIL‐125(Ti) nanodisks (NDs) to Ti–Fe–O NCs, which are further converted to Fe₂TiO₅–TiO₂ NCs through a post annealing process. Owing to the compositional and structural advantages, the heterostructured Fe₂TiO₅–TiO₂ NCs show enhanced performance for PEC water oxidation compared with TiO₂ NDs, Fe₂TiO₅ nanoparticles (NPs) and Fe₂TiO₅–TiO₂ NPs.     

SiO2/TiO2 Hollow Nanoparticles Decorated with Ag Nanoparticles: Enhanced Visible Light Absorption and Improved Light Scattering in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

Hollow SiO₂/TiO₂ nanoparticles decorated with Ag nanoparticles (NPs) of controlled size (Ag@HNPs) were fabricated in order to enhance visible‐light absorption and improve light scattering in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). They exhibited localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and the LSPR effects were significantly influenced by the size of the Ag NPs. The absorption peak of the LSPR band dramatically increased with increasing Ag NP size. The LSPR of the large Ag NPs mainly increased the light absorption at short wavelengths, whereas the scattering from the SiO₂/TiO₂ HNPs improved the light absorption at long wavelengths. This enabled the working electrode to use the full solar spectrum. Furthermore, the SiO₂ layer thickness was adjusted to maximize the LSPR from the Ag NPs and avoid corrosion of the Ag NPs by the electrolyte. Importantly, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) increased from 7.1 % with purely TiO₂‐based DSSCs to 8.1 % with HNP‐based DSSCs, which is an approximately 12 % enhancement and can be attributed to greater light scattering. Furthermore, the PCEs of Ag@HNP‐based DSSCs were 11 % higher (8.1 vs. 9.0 %) than the bare‐HNP‐based DSSCs, which can be attributed to LSPR. Together, the PCE of Ag@HNP‐based DSSCs improved by a total of 27 %, from 7.1 to 9.0 %, due to these two effects. This comparative research will offer guidance in the design of multifunctional nanomaterials and the optimization of solar‐cell performance.     

Shape‐ and Functionality‐Controlled Organization of TiO2–Porphyrin–C60 Assemblies for Improved Performance of Photochemical Solar Cells

Shape‐ and functionality‐controlled organization of porphyrin derivatives–C₆₀ supramolecular assemblies using TiO₂ nanotubes and nanoparticles has been achieved for the development of photochemical solar cells. The differences in the efficiency of light‐energy conversion of these solar cells are explained on the basis of the geometrical orientation of the porphyrins with respect to the TiO₂ surface and the supramolecular complex formed with C₆₀. The maximum photon‐conversion efficiency (IPCE) of 60 % obtained with TiO₂ nanotube architecture is higher than the value obtained with nanoparticle architecture. The results presented in this study show the importance of substrate morphology in promoting electron transport within the mesoscopic semiconductor film.     

The Effect of Heavy Atoms on Photoinduced Electron Injection from Nonthermalized and Thermalized Donor States of MII–Polypyridyl (M=Ru/Os) Complexes to Nanoparticulate TiO2 Surfaces: An Ultrafast Time‐Resolved Absorption Study

We have synthesized ruthenium(II)– and osmium(II)–polypyridyl complexes ([M(bpy)₂ L ]²⁺, in which M=Os^II or Ru^II, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridyl, and L =4‐(2,2′‐bipyridinyl‐4‐yl)benzene‐1,2‐diol) and studied the interfacial electron‐transfer process on a TiO₂ nanoparticle surface using femtosecond transient‐absorption spectroscopy. Ruthenium(II)‐ and osmium(II)‐based dyes have a similar molecular structure; nevertheless, we have observed quite different interfacial electron‐transfer dynamics (both forward and backward). In the case of the Ru^II/TiO₂ system, single‐exponential electron injection takes place from photoexcited nonthermalized metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) states. However, in the case of the Os^II/TiO₂ system, electron injection takes place biexponentially from both nonthermalized and thermalized MLCT states (mainly ³MLCT states). Larger spin–orbit coupling for the heavier transition‐metal osmium, relative to that of ruthenium, accounts for the more efficient population of the ³MLCT states in the Os^II‐based dye during the electron‐injection process that yields biexponential dynamics. Our results tend to suggest that appropriately designed Os^II–polypyridyl dye can be a better sensitizer molecule relative to its Ru^II analogue not only due to much broader absorption in the visible region of the solar‐emission spectrum, but also on account of slower charge recombination.     

Structural Control of Hierarchically‐Ordered TiO2 Films by Water for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

A facile way of controlling the structure of TiO₂ by changing the amount of water to improve the efficiency of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is reported. Hierarchically ordered TiO₂ films with high porosity and good interconnectivity are synthesized in a well‐defined morphological confinement arising from a one‐step self‐assembly of preformed TiO₂ (pre‐TiO₂) nanocrystals and a graft copolymer, namely poly(vinyl chloride)‐g‐poly(oxyethylene methacrylate). The polymer–solvent interactions in solution, which are tuned by the amount of water, are shown to be a decisive factor in determining TiO₂ morphology and device performance. Systematic control of wall and pore size is achieved and enables the bifunctionality of excellent light scattering properties and easy electron transport through the film. These properties are characterized by reflectance spectroscopy, incident photon‐to‐electron conversion efficiency, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses. The TiO₂ photoanode that is prepared with a higher water ratio, [pre‐TiO₂]:[H₂O]=1:0.3, shows a larger surface area, greater light scattering, and better electron transport, which result in a high efficiency (7.7 %) DSSC with a solid polymerized ionic liquid. This efficiency is much greater than that of commercially available TiO₂ paste (4.0 %).     

Surface Modification of TiO2 Nanoparticles with Vitamin B12: Relationships between Vitamin B12 Content and Its Optical Properties

Anatase TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) with particle size of 10–20 nm were prepared via sol gel technique. The as‐synthesized NPs were immerged in vitamin B₁₂ (VB₁₂) solutions with different concentrations. The in‐ fluences of the solution concentration on photoluminescence and photocatalytic activity of the modified NPs were studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results demonstrated that TiO₂ NPs adsorb VB₁₂ molecules and that a new band is formed at ～2300 cm^?1. The VB₁₂ loading process led to dimin‐ ishing of the aggregation of NPs and formation of a fibre shape structure. The best photoactivity and PL effect among the modified samples was related to sample ‘d’. The optimum processing conditions to achieve this sample was found to be VB₁₂ concentration of 5 g/L.     

Development of an Aluminium Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles‐modified Screen Printed Carbon Electrode for Electrochemical Sensing of Vanillin in Food Samples

A new chemically modified electrode based on titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂‐NPs) has been developed. Aluminium was incorporated into the TiO₂‐NPs to prepare aluminium doped TiO₂ nanoparticles (Al‐TiO₂‐NPs). Aluminium doped TiO₂ nanoparticles‐modified screen printed carbon electrode (Al‐TiO₂‐NPs/SPCE) was employed as easy, efficient and rapid sensor for electrochemical detection of vanillin in various types of food samples. Al‐TiO₂‐NPs were characterized by energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and analyses showing that the average particle sizes varied for the Al‐NPs (7.63 nm) and Al‐TiO₂‐NPs (7.47 nm) with spherical crystal. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) were used to optimize the analytical procedure. A detection limit of vanillin was 0.02 μM, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.50 %, obtained for a 5.0 μM concentration of vanillin. The electrochemical behaviour of several compounds, such as vanillic acid, vanillic alcohol, p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde and p‐hydroxybenzoic, etc., generally present in natural vanilla samples, were also studied to check the interferences with respect to vanillin voltammetric signal. The applicability was demonstrated by analysing food samples. The obtained results were compared with those provided by a previous method based on liquid chromatography for determination of vanillin.     

Graphene‐mesoporous anatase TiO2 nanocomposite: A highly efficient and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for one‐pot multicomponent synthesis of benzodiazepine derivatives

The potential to bias chemical reaction pathways is a significant goal for physicists and material researchers to design revolutionary materials. Recently, two‐dimensional materials have appeared as a promising candidate for exploring novel catalyst activity in organic reaction. In this context, herein we report an easy and efficient synthesis of substituted benzodiazepines in high yields through the graphene‐based mesoporous TiO₂ nanocomposite (Gr@TiO₂ NCs) catalyst. To validate the merits of the Gr@TiO₂ NCs as a catalyst, we have also designed TiO₂ nanoparticle (NPs) under similar conditions. Successful comprehension realization of Gr@TiO₂ NCs and TiO₂ NPs were concluded from the XRD, SEM, HR‐TEM, EDS elemental mapping, FT‐IR, Raman, UV–Vis and TGA analysis. Gr@TiO₂ NCs has the propitious catalyst performance (~98%) over the TiO₂ NPs (~77%), which could be scrutinized in terms of graphene support toward the TiO₂ NPs and enable the large contact area between graphene and TiO₂ NPs. Incorporated graphene maintaining TiO₂ as a catalytically active and attracting electron to site isolation, as well as protecting TiO₂ from oxidative degradation during the reaction. Moreover, the role of graphene is suggested to prolonged reaction duration, yield and unaltered throughout the reaction because of the π‐π interaction between graphene and TiO₂ NPs. Additionally, the catalyst is recycled by filtration and reprocessed six times without having a significant loss in its catalytic activity.     

Fabrication of Ag Nanoparticles Embedded in TiO2 Nanotubes: Using Electrospun Nanofibers for Controlling Plasmonic Effects

Composites of electrospun poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) fibers and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were used as a soft template for coating with TiO₂ by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Whereas the as‐deposited TiO₂ layers on PEO fibers and Ag NPs were completely amorphous, the TiO₂ layers were transformed into polycrystalline TiO₂ nanotubes (NTs) with embedded Ag NPs after calcination. Their plasmonic effect can be controlled by varying the thickness of the dielectric Al₂O₃ spacer between Ag NPs and dye molecules by means of the ALD process. Electronic and spectroscopic analyses demonstrated enhanced photocurrent generation and solar‐cell performance due to the intense electromagnetic field of the dye resulting from the surface plasmon effect of the Ag NPs.     

Photocatalytic Degradation of Glyphosate in Water by N‐Doped SnO2/TiO2 Thin‐Film‐Coated Glass Fibers

Photocatalytic degradation of glyphosate contaminated in water was investigated. The N‐doped SnO₂/TiO₂ films were prepared via sol–gel method, and coated on glass fibers by dipping method. The effects of nitrogen doping on coating morphology, physical properties and glyphosate degradation rates were experimentally determined. Main variable was the concentration of nitrogen doping in range 0–40 mol%. Nitrogen doping results in shifting the absorption wavelengths and narrowing the band gap energy those lead to enhancement of photocatalytic performance. The near optimal 20N/SnO₂/TiO₂ composite thin film exhibited about two‐ and four‐folds of glyphosate degradation rates compared to the undoped SnO₂/TiO₂ and TiO₂ films when photocatalytic treatment were performed under UV and solar irradiations, respectively, due to its narrowest band gap energy (optical absorption wavelength shifting to visible light region) and smallest crystallite size influenced by N‐doping.     

UVB Irradiation Enhances TiO2 Nanoparticle‐induced Disruption of Calcium Homeostasis in Human Lens Epithelial Cells

Currently, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) have been widely used in various applications including cosmetics, food additives and biomedicine. However, there are few reports available using TiO₂ NPs to treat ocular diseases. Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is the most frequent complication after cataract surgery, which is induced by the proliferation and migration of lens epithelial cells. Thus, inhibiting the proliferation of lens epithelial cells will efficiently reduce the occurrence of PCO. In this study, we investigated the effects of TiO₂ NPs on HLE B‐3 cells with or without ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation in vitro. We found that TiO₂ NPs can inhibit HLE B‐3 cell growth, cause the elevation of intracellular [Ca²⁺], produce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), further reduce Ca²⁺‐ATPase activity and decrease the expression of plasma membrane calcium ATPase 1 (PMCA1), finally disrupt the intracellular calcium homeostasis and induce cell damage. Importantly, UVB irradiation can apparently enhance these effects on HLE B‐3 cells in the presence of TiO₂ NPs. Taken together, the generation of excessive ROS and the disruption of intracellular calcium homeostasis may be both involved in TiO₂ nanoparticle‐induced HLE B‐3 cell damage under UVB irradiation.     

Dye‐Sensitized TiO2 Nanotube Solar Cells: Rational Structural and Surface Engineering on TiO2 Nanotubes

Owing to well‐defined structural parameters and enhanced electronic properties, highly ordered TiO₂ nanotube arrays have been employed to substitute TiO₂ nanoparticles for use in dye‐sensitized solar cells. To further improve the performance of dye‐sensitized TiO₂ nanotube solar cells, efforts have been directed toward the optimization of TiO₂ photoanodes, dyes, electrolytes, and counter electrodes. Herein, we highlight recent progress in rational structural and surface engineering on anodic TiO₂ nanotube arrays and their effects on improving the power conversion efficiency of dye‐sensitized TiO₂ nanotube solar cells.     

Chiral Carbonaceous Nanotubes Modified with Titania Nanocrystals: Plasmon‐Free and Recyclable SERS Sensitivity

Chiral carbonaceous nanotubes (CNT) were successfully used in plasmon‐free surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for the first time. Further modification of TiO₂ nanocrystals on the chiral CNTs successfully realized the recycling of SERS substrate as chiral CNT/TiO₂ hybrids. The high SERS sensitivity of methylene blue (MB) over the chiral CNT/TiO₂ hybrids is ascribed to the laser‐driven birefringence induced by the helical structure, which provides much more opportunities for the occurrence of Raman scattering. The TiO₂ nanocrystals highly dispersed on the surface and inside the hollow cavity of chiral CNTs can completely degrade the MB under the solar light irradiation, leading to the self‐cleaning of SERS substrate. The present research opens a new way for the application of chiral inorganic materials in plasmon‐free SERS detection.     

Synthesis of highly dispersed,block copolymer‐grafted TiO2 nanoparticles within neat block copolymer films

The objective of the study is to formulate exclusive block copolymer (BCP) nanocomposites by dispersing bcp end‐grafted nanoparticles (bcp‐g‐nps) of PMMA‐b‐PS‐g‐TiO₂ within PS‐b‐PMMA matrix. PMMA‐b‐PS‐g‐TiO₂ is synthesized using a “grafting‐to” approach and characterized by XPS and TGA to establish that the copolymer chains were bonded to NPs. Good dispersion of bcp‐g‐nps in PMMA and PS‐PMMA bcp films is observed, in contrast to poor dispersion in PS films. In PS‐PMMA films, the compatible and identical bcp nature of the end‐grafted polymer, and large NP size caused it to span across entire PS‐PMMA domains. Poor and good dispersion in PS and PMMA matrices, respectively, can be rationalized by the fact that NPs interactions are driven by the PMMA at the outer corona of the bcp‐g‐nps. Developing bcp‐g‐nps as a strategic route to preparation of highly dispersed high permittivity NPs like titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in bcp matrix can have important ramifications for energy storage devices. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 468–478     

Preparation of photocrosslinked sol‐gel composites based on urethane‐acrylic matrix,silsesquioxane sequences,TiO2, and Ag/Au Nanoparticles for use in photocatalytic applications

An acid urethane oligodimethacrylate based on poly(ethylene glycol) was synthesized and used in the preparation of hybrid composites containing silsesquioxane sequences and titania domains formed through sol‐gel reactions along with silver/gold nanoparticles (Ag/Au NPs) in situ photogenerated during the UV‐curing process. The photopolymerization kinetics studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and photoDSC showed that the photoreactivity of the investigated formulations depends on the amount of titanium butoxide (5–20 wt %) added in the system subjected to UV irradiation. The introduction of 1 wt % AgNO₃/AuBr₃ in formulations slightly improved the degree of conversion but diminished the polymerization rates. The formation of hybrid materials comprising predominantly amorphous TiO₂/SiO₂ NPs, with or without Ag/Au NPs, was confirmed through specific analyses. The evaluation of photocatalytic activity demonstrated that the synthesized hybrid films are suitable for the complete removal of organic pollutants (phenolic compounds) from water under UV irradiation (200–350 min) at low intensity (found in the solar radiation). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 1189–1204     

Constructing Ordered Three‐Dimensional TiO2 Channels for Enhanced Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Performance in CO2 Conversion Induced by Au Nanoparticles

As a typical photocatalyst for CO₂ reduction, practical applications of TiO₂ still suffer from low photocatalytic efficiency and limited visible‐light absorption. Herein, a novel Au‐nanoparticle (NP)‐decorated ordered mesoporous TiO₂ (OMT) composite (OMT‐Au) was successfully fabricated, in which Au NPs were uniformly dispersed on the OMT. Due to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect derived from the excited Au NPs, the TiO₂ shows high photocatalytic performance for CO₂ reduction under visible light. The ordered mesoporous TiO₂ exhibits superior material and structure, with a high surface area that offers more catalytically active sites. More importantly, the three‐dimensional transport channels ensure the smooth flow of gas molecules, highly efficient CO₂ adsorption, and the fast and steady transmission of hot electrons excited from the Au NPs, which lead to a further improvement in the photocatalytic performance. These results highlight the possibility of improving the photocatalysis for CO₂ reduction under visible light by constructing OMT‐based Au‐SPR‐induced photocatalysts.