Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes by Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>: YAlO<Subscript>3</Subscript>/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO coated composites under solar irradiation

In this work, the Er³⁺: YAlO₃/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO coated composites were prepared by the sol-gel method. Then, they were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Photo-degradation of azo fuchsine (AF) as a model dye under solar light irradiation was studied to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the Er³⁺: YAlO₃/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO coated composites. It was found that the photocatalytic activity of Co- and Fe-doped ZnO composites can be obviously enhanced by upconversion luminescence agent (Er³⁺: YAlO₃). Besides, the photocatalytic activity of Er³⁺: YAlO₃/Fe-doped ZnO is better than that of Er³⁺: YAlO₃/Co-doped ZnO. The influence of experiment conditions, such as the concentration of Er³⁺: YAlO₃, heat-treatment temperature and time on the photocatalytic activity of the Er³⁺: YAlO₃/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO coated composites was studied. In addition, the effects of solar light irradiation time, dye initial concentration, Er³⁺: YAlO₃/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO amount on the photocatalytic degradation of azo fuchsine in aqueous solution were investigated in detail. Simultaneously, some other organic dyes, such as Methyl Orange (MO), Rhodamine B (RM-B), Acid Red B (AR-B), Congo Red (CR), and Methyl Blue (MB) were also studied. The possible excitation principle of Er³⁺: YAlO₃/Co- and Fe-doped ZnO coated composites under solar light irradiation and the photocatalytic degradation mechanism of organic dyes were discussed.     

Facile synthesis of Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/Cu<Subscript>2</Subscript>O nanocomposite and its visible light photocatalytic activity for the degradation of cationic dyes

Iron oxide-loaded Cu₂O photocatalysts were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. The binary mixed metal oxide photocatalyst was characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, FTIR, UV–Vis-DRS, particle size and zeta potential measurements. XRD analysis showed that Fe₂O₃/Cu₂O catalysts were phase pure and highly crystalline in nature. FE-SEM images revealed the formation of nanospherical Fe₂O₃ over the Cu₂O surface during hydrothermal reaction. From UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy studies, the optical band gap of the Fe₂O₃/Cu₂O photocatalyst was found to be slightly red-shifted to 1.85 eV, after loading of Fe₂O₃. The zeta potential analysis revealed that the surface of the Fe₂O₃/Cu₂O photocatalyst was negatively charged in neutral solution. The loading of n-type Fe₂O₃ on p-type Cu₂O augments the charge carrier separation at the interface, which was evident from the enhanced photodegradation of organic pollutants (Methylene blue and Rhodamine B dyes) under visible light irradiation.     

A study on the degradation of methamidophos in the presence of nano-TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> catalyst doped with Re

A new Re-doped nano-TiO₂ photocatalyst was synthesized by immersion method. The novel doped nano-TiO₂ photocatalyst utilizing visible light was firstly prepared. The doped nano-TiO₂ powder was charactered by XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis, and its photocatalytic activity was tested through the photocatalytic degradation of methamidophos as a model compound under ultraviolet irradiating and in sunlight, respectively. In order to compare the photocatalytic activities, the same experiment was carried out for undoped nano-TiO₂. The degradation ratio of methamidophos in the presence of doped nano-TiO₂ reached 64.40% under sunlight for 12 h, which was 2.64% in the presence of undoped nano-TiO₂. The degradation ratio of methamidophos in the presence of doped nanoTiO₂ reached 90.39% under UV irradiationat 2.5 h, which was 51.29% in the presence of undoped nano-TiO₂. All the results show that the doped TiO₂ is a promising photocatalyst using sunlight for treating the organophosphorous pesticide wastewater. The article is published in the original.     

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.     

Preparation and characterization of highly photoactive nanocrystalline TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> powders by solvent evaporationinduced crystallization method

Highly photoactive bi-phase nanocrystalline TiO₂ photocatalyst was prepared by a solvent evaporation-induced crystallization (SEIC) method, and calcined at different temperatures. The obtained TiO₂ photocatalyst was characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and BET surface areas. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the photocatalytic oxidation of acetone in air. The results show that solvent evaporation can promote the crystallization and phase transformation of TiO₂ at 100°C. When calcination temperatures are below 600°C, the prepared TiO₂ powders show bimodal pore size distributions in the mesoporous region. At 700°C, the pore size distributions exhibit monomodal distribution of the inter-aggregated pores due to the collapse of the intra-aggregated pores. At 100°C, the obtained TiO₂ photocatalyst by this method shows good photocatalytic activity, and at 400°C, its photocatalytic activity exceeds that of Degussa P25. This may be attributed to the fact that the prepared TiO₂ photocatalyst has higher specific surface areas, smaller crystallite size and bimodal pore size distribution.     

Fabrication,characterization, and photocatalytic performance of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> hybridized with SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Nanostructures TiO₂–SiO₂ photocatalysts were successfully synthesized using the sol-gel method, hydro-calcination, co-precipitation and room-temperature solid-phase synthesis technology. X-ray powder diffraction pattern (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), photoluminescence (PL) spectra, thermal analyses (TG–DTA), scanning electron micrographs (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) were used to characterize the as-synthesized catalysts. Photocatalytic performances of the catalysts were evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under s imulated natural light and the degradation rate of MO is 97.2%. The composites showed a good stability: after five recycling runs there are no significant decreases in the photocatalytic activity. The photodegradation of methylene blue, rhodamine B, methyl violet, naphthol green B, basic fuchsin, malachite green, and methyl red were also tested, and the degradation rate of dyes could reach over 94.2 %. A possible mechanism for the photocatalysis with the TiO₂–SiO₂ was proposed.     

Novel,Facile and Swift Technique for Synthesis of CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Nanocubes Immobilized on Zeolite for Removal of CR and MO Dye

CeO₂/zeolite nanocomposite was successfully prepared by the mixing-calcination method. The structural characteristics of photocatalyst were investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM and EDX. Photocatalytic degradation experiments were carried out with varying amounts of the CeO₂/zeolite, the ratio of 3:1 (CeO₂/zeolite) was exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity towards dye degradation. Synergistic effect of CeO₂/zeolite played a key role in photocatalytic degradation. The main reactive oxygen species was determined by trapping experiments. Additionally, the recyclability was tested up to the fourth cycle. The CeO₂/zeolite nanocomposite is a promising photocatalyst for removing trace and unprocessed organic contaminants in the industrial dye waste water treatment. The efficiency of CeO₂/zeolite nanocomposite offers a potential economical route to degrade organic contaminants and recovering photocatalyst simultaneously.     

Preparation of AgBr/DyVO<Subscript>4</Subscript> composite and its excellent photocatalytic activity in RhB degradation under visible light

A AgBr/DyVO₄ composite photocatalyst was synthesized by a hydrothermal method for the first time. The physical and chemical structure and optical properties of the composite catalysts were investigated by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM and UV–Vis. It was found that the prepared photocatalyst is a ternary composite of DyVO₄, AgBr and Ag. A photodegradation experiment and a cyclic test verified that the composite catalyst has high activity and stability, indicating that the photocatalyst has a wide application potential. The optimal AgBr/DyVO₄ sample can degrade 85% of RhB (20 ppm) under visible light irradiation for 12 min. The degradation rate reaches 0.290 min^?1, which is 14.5 times higher than that of AgBr. The high activity can be ascribed to the coupling effect between AgBr, DyVO₄ and Ag, which leads to high separation efficiency of electrons and holes.     

Photocatalytic reduction of nitro aromatic compounds to amines using a nanosized highly active CdS photocatalyst under sunlight and blue LED irradiation

A variety of aromatic nitro compounds were chemoselectively reduced to the corresponding anilines using conveniently prepared nanosized CdS as a photocatalyst under the sunlight and blue LED irradiation. The results demonstrated that synthesized CdS nanostructures have the potential to provide a promising visible light driven photocatalyst for chemoselective reduction of nitro aromatics in the presence of nitrile and carbonyl groups to the corresponding amines under both sunlight and blue LED irradiation. Photoreduction of nitro aromatics by the prepared nanosized CdS with high surface area was faster than when using the commercially available CdS under both sunlight and LED irradiation. Nanosized CdS photocatalyst was prepared by a simple method without any capping agent. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDAX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N₂ absorption—desorption, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and flat band potential methods were employed for the characterization, which revealed that the prepared CdS nanoparticles have a well-resolved cubic structure with the size of around 10–30 nm and a band gap of 2.37 eV.     

Degradation of hazardous organic dyes with solar‐driven advanced oxidation process catalyzed by the mixed metal–organic frameworks

phosphonate‐based bimetallic metal‐ organic frameworks, namely STA‐12(M₁, M₂) (M₁, M₂ = Mn, Fe, Co), show photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and Methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution under natural sunlight irradiation. The degradation of the dyes, appears to be faster with STA‐12(Fe, Mn) than other synthesized MOFs. Thus, photo‐Fenton oxidative discoloration of dyes has been studied by H₂O₂ catalyzed with the STA‐12(Fe, Mn). The process is first order with respect to dyes and the synergistic index in the STA‐12(Fe, Mn)/sunlight/H₂O₂system reached as high as 472%. Mineralization of dyes was discussed by spectroscopic and TOC measurement. Besides, the efficiency of STA‐12(Fe, Mn) used in photocatalytic process was attentively investigated through the characterization of reactive radicals, the stability and reusability of the photocatalyst, also the effect of operational parameters such as H₂O₂ dosage, solution pH and initial dye concentration. This work demonstrates the first example of facilitating photo‐Fenton‐like excitation of H₂O₂ via phosphonate based mixed metal organic frameworks as photocatalysts and explained a new opportunity for solar‐induced AOP environmental remediation and protection.     

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.     

ZnO-Bi2O3/graphitic carbon nitride photocatalytic system with H2O2-assisted enhanced degradation of Indigo carmine under visible light

Indigo carmine in aqueous solution was effectively degraded using ZnO-Bi₂O₃/Graphitic Carbon Nitride heterojunction structure by visible light/H₂O₂ system. The mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of Indigo carmine shows the responsible species for the degradation of Indigo carmine in the ZnO-Bi₂O₃-xC₃N₄/H₂O₂/visible light system (x = 0, 1, 2, and 3) is the hydroxyl radicals which were generated from the reaction of e⁻ and h⁺ with H₂O₂. Under optimal conditions, ZnO-Bi₂O₃-2C₃N₄/H₂O₂/Vis system degraded more than 93% of Indigo carmine in 180 min. Besides, the kinetic of the photocatalytic process was detailed. These results demonstrate that the ZnO-Bi₂O₃-2C₃N₄/H₂O₂/visible light system may become a promising approach to achieve efficient environmental remediation as an environmentally friendly oxidant.     

Structural characterization and photocatalytic properties of novel Bi<Subscript>2</Subscript>FeVO<Subscript>7</Subscript>

Bi₂FeVO₇ was prepared by a solid-state reaction technique for the first time and the structural and photocatalytic properties of Bi₂FeVO₇ were studied. The results shows that this compound crystallized in the tetragonal crystal system with space group I4/mmm. Moreover, the band gap of Bi₂FeVO₇ was estimated to be about 2.22(6) eV. For the photocatalytic water splitting reaction, H₂ or O₂ evolution was observed from pure water with Bi₂FeVO₇ as the photocatalyst by ultraviolet light irradiation. Degradation of aqueous methylene blue (MB) dye by photocatalytic way over this compound was further studied under visible light irradiation. Bi₂FeVO₇ shows higher catalytic activity compared to TiO₂ (P-25) for MB photocatalytic degradation under visible light irradiation. Complete removal of aqueous MB was realized after visible light irradiation for 170 min with Bi₂FeVO₇ as the photocatalyst. The reduction of the total organic carbon (TOC) and the formation of inorganic products, SO ₄ ²⁻ and NO ₃ ⁻ revealed the continuous mineralization of aqueous MB during the photocatalytic course.     

Vanadium-containing polyphosphomolybdate immobilized on TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticles: A recoverable and efficient catalyst for Photochemical,Sonochemical and photosonochemical degradation of dyes under irradiation of UV light

A new photocatalyst, nanoporous anatase TiO₂ crystalline particles coupled by Na₅PV₂Mo₁₀O₄₀ Keggin units, TiO₂-PVMo, was prepared by combination of the methods of sol-gel and hydrothermal treatment. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), FT-IR spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and cyclovoltametery (CV). This photocatalyst exhibited a good photocatalytic (UV region) and sonocatalytic activity in the decomposition of different dyes in aqueous systems. The TiO₂-PVMo composite showed higher photocatalytic and sonocatalytic activity than pure polyoxometalate or pure TiO₂.     

Nanosized TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> particles decorated on SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> spheres (TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>): synthesis and photocatalytic activities

Nanosized TiO₂ and nano-anatase TiO₂ decorated on SiO₂ spherical core shells were synthesized by using a sol–gel method. The synthesized pure TiO₂ nano particle and TiO₂ grafted on SiO₂ sphere with various ratios have been characterized for their structure and morphologies by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their surface areas were measured using the BET method. The photocatalytic activity of all nanocomposites was investigated using methylene blue as a model pollutant. The synthesized TiO₂/SiO₂ particles appeared to be more efficient in the degradation of methylene blue pollutant, as compared to pure TiO₂ particles.     

Red water treatment by photodegradation process in presence of modified TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticles and validation of treatment efficiency by MLR technique

An active photocatalyst under sunlight irradiation was proposed for treatment of red water of TNT production process. The nanoparticles of TiO₂/S_0.05,Zn_0.05 were prepared by the sol–gel method and were verified by XRD pattern, TEM image, EDXS analysis, BET analysis and DRS spectra. The proposed photocatalyst showed the surface area of 146 m² g^?1, anatase and rutile phases and band-gap energy of 2.92 eV. The prepared nanoparticles were used as photocatalyst in treatment of red water under UV lamp and sun irradiations. The photodegradation process was optimized in conditions of 5 g L^?1 of photocatalyst, irradiation time of 4 h and dilution times of 1000 of real samples. The treatment efficiency of 76 and 69 % and rate constants of 0.368 and 0.319 h^?1 were obtained under UV and sun irradiations, respectively. The multiple linear regression as a statistic technique was used for study of validation and verification of four factors of mole fraction of S dopant, the irradiation intensity of UV lamp, the dose of photocatalyst and dilution times on samples as predictor’s on the treatment efficiency of red water as the response variable. The output of MLR showed the obtained P values <0.05 in confidence level of 95 % for all of the variables. Thus, the null hypothesis is rejected, and a meaningful addition is observed in the model because changes in the predictor’s value are related to changes in the response variable.     

Enhancement of SrTiO<Subscript>3</Subscript>/BiPO<Subscript>4</Subscript> heterostructure for simulated organic wastewater degradation under UV light irradiation

A novel SrTiO₃/BiPO₄ heterostructure with different amounts of SrTiO₃ have been successfully prepared through the hydrothermal process. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated by degrading the methylene blue dye solution under UV light. Results showed that the samples displayed excellent photocatalytic degradation efficiency due to the highly efficient suppression of the recombination of electron–hole pairs. A possible mechanism of SrTiO₃/BiPO₄ heterojunctions was discussed. The research indicated that the as-prepared SrTiO₃/BiPO₄ heterogeneous photocatalyst can be used as an effective material for degrading industrial organic wastewater.     

Efficient solar photocatalyst based on Ag<Subscript>3</Subscript>PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>/graphene nanosheets composite for photocatalytic decolorization of dye pollutants

Silver orthophosphate-graphene nanosheets composite (Ag₃PO₄-GNs) has been fabricated using a facile hydrothermal method. The Ag₃PO₄-GNs were characterized using XRD, UV–vis DRS and SEM. The photocatalytic activity of Ag₃PO₄-GNs was evaluated by photocatalytic decolorization of dye aqueous solutions under simulated solar light irradiation. It was observed that Ag₃PO₄ nanoparticles in Ag₃PO₄-GNs were attached on the surface of graphene nanosheets.The introduction of graphene nanosheets enhanced remarkably the visible light absorption region of Ag₃PO₄-GNs compared with bare Ag₃PO₄. The photocatalytic activity of Ag₃PO₄-GNs is nearly twice as high as that of the pure Ag₃PO₄. The removal efficiency can reach more than 90 % by Ag₃PO₄-GNs under simulated solar light irradiation within 25 min, which might mainly be attributed to high adsorption capacity, extended light absorption range and efficient charge separation. After irradiation for 60 min, 84.70 % TOC mineralization was achieved by Ag₃PO₄-GNs. Based on the results of detection of active species, the direct oxidization of dye pollutants in aqueous solution by holes takes a major role in the whole decolorization process by Ag₃PO₄-GNs. As a result, Ag₃PO₄-GNs with the high photocatalytic activity are proven to be an excellent light photocatalyst for potentially scalable removal of dyes in aqueous solutions and other environmental remediation under simulated solar light irradiation.     

Biosynthesis of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticles using <Emphasis Type="Italic">Justicia gendarussa</Emphasis> leaves for photocatalytic and toxicity studies

Eco-friendly biosynthesis of polycrystalline titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) was synthesised using Justicia gendarussa (J. gendarussa) leaf extract as oxidizing agents. They were compared with TiO₂ NPs synthesized using the glacial acetic acid and also studied was the combined effect of synthesis of TiO₂ NPs. The crystalline nature and structural formation of TiO₂ NPs synthesized by different methods were confirmed by the X-ray diffraction technique, and functional groups of materials were confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The synthesized materials were investigated for photocatalytic activity for methylene blue under UV irradiation and toxicity activity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The result indicates that TiO₂ NPs synthesised by J. gendarussa showed superior and enhanced activity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Biosynthesized TiO₂ NPs showed higher photodegradation of dyes when compared with other TiO₂ NPs synthesized by different methods. This is due to the alterations in band gap; structural changes and surface area in nanoparticles that increased the activity. Also, nanosphere/disc like morphology of TiO₂ NPs is confirmed using TEM.     

Corncob-to-xylose residue (CCXR) derived porous biochar as an excellent adsorbent to remove organic dyes from wastewater

Biochar was prepared from corncob-to-xylose residue (CCXR) by KOH activation and anaerobic pyrolysis method. The effect of activation temperature on the microstructure of the biochar was studied. Results showed that the biochar prepared at 850°C (850NBC) possessed high specific surface area and exhibited excellent adsorption property. The maximum adsorption capacity of 2249 mg g⁻¹ was obtained when 850NBC was used for treating methylene blue (MB) solution. Adsorption isotherm fittings revealed that Langmuir and Freundlich models were applicable to 850NBC adsorption process, and the adsorption process was limited by adsorption site and the biochar surface functional groups. Furthermore, 850NBC showed good adsorption property when it was used to treat the other organic dyes of Congo red (751 mg g⁻¹), Orange II (735 mg g⁻¹), Indigo carmine (662 mg g⁻¹) and Methyl Orange (465 mg g⁻¹). Biochar 850NBC also possessed an acceptable recyclability which maintained 68.7% absorption capacity after 6 cycles when it was used to treat MB solution. These results proposed that 850NBC is expected to be a promising potential adsorbent for treating organic dyes waste water.