Infrared absorption spectra and structure of TiO2-SiO2 composites

The composites xTiO₂-(1−x)SiO₂ (x = 0.1, 0.5, 0.9) were obtained by coprecipitation from solutions of alkoxides: tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and titanium tetraisopropoxide (TIPT). Intermolecular interaction of the components of the composite is apparent in the IR absorption spectra in the 928–952 cm⁻¹ region, and is connected with bending vibrations of the Si-O-Ti bond. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 75, No. 5, pp. 724–728, September–October, 2008.     

Photocatalytic activity enhancement of Dy-doped TiO2 nanoparticles hybrid with TiO2 (B) nanobelts under UV and fluorescence irradiation

The main drawbacks of anatase titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles for being used as a photocatalyst are due to the rapid charge recombination of the electron-hole pairs and the wide band gap energy, limiting its photocatalysis application. To enhance photocatalytic activity, structure modification was performed here. Heterogeneous nanostructure of Dy-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles hybrid with Monoclinic TiO₂ nanobelts (Dy/TNBs) was fabricated via hydrothermal method. Annealing temperature was varied to investigate its effect on phase composition and morphology of the as-prepared TiO₂ catalyst. Phase composition and morphology were studied by XRD and SEM, respectively. The effect of amount of catalyst loaded on the degradation efficiency of methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous solution under UV and fluorescence illumination was investigated. The results showed that pure monoclinic TiO₂ nanobelts (TNBs) was achieved at 450 °C. Enhanced photocatalytic activity under both UV and fluorescence irradiation was found on Dy/TNB samples. The optimum Dy dosage providing the highest MB degradation rates under both irradiation sources was 0.1 mol%.     

Photocatalytic activity of α‐PbO2‐type TiO2

The α‐PbO₂‐type TiO₂ is synthesized under high‐pressure and high‐temperature environment and it shows higher photocatalytic activity as compared to rutile and anatase under UV irradiation. The reduction in α‐PbO₂‐type TiO₂ induces visible‐light photocatalytic activity. These results indicate that α‐PbO₂‐type TiO₂ is an important candidate material for use in a photocatalytic matrix.

     

负载型二氧化钛光催化材料的制备及其光催化性能研究

以球形氧化铝为载体,采用溶胶-凝胶法和浸渍涂覆过程制备了负载型二氧化钛光催化材料。以扫描电子显微镜(SEM)和X-射线衍射仪(XRD)等手段对所合成的样品形貌及晶型进行了表征。结果表明,氧化铝载体经负载二氧化钛后,在球形氧化铝表面沉积了一层粒径为10~20nm的锐钛型二氧化钛纳米颗粒。通过能量色散X射线光谱(EDX)对氧化铝载体和所合成的样品进行进一步分析,表明样品中明显存在Ti元素。另外,提高氧化铝载体在二氧化钛溶胶中的浸渍次数能够有效提高二氧化钛的负载量。当浸渍次数增加到5次时,Ti元素的含量由3.8Wt.%提高至15.7Wt.%。另外,以亚甲基蓝为目标降解物,详细研究了不同浸渍次数获得的负载型二氧化钛催化材料的催化性能。结果表明:随着浸渍次数的增加,负载型二氧化钛催化材料的表面形貌不仅得到明显改善,而且显著提高了样品的光催化活性。当浸渍次数由1次提高至4次时,亚甲基蓝的降解率由40%上升至83.1%。然而,当二氧化钛负载量达到一定程度时,由于不断浸渍导致下层的二氧化钛受光照机会和光照强度减弱,导致其光催化活性提高缓慢。当浸渍次数提高至5次时,亚甲基蓝降解率仅为85.6%。所制备的负载型二氧化钛光催化材料重复使用5次,其光催化活性保持相对稳定。     

Raman evidence of the interaction between multiwalled carbon nanotubes and nanostructured TiO2

Nanocomposites of carbon nanotubes and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) have attracted much attention due to their photocatalytic properties. Although many examples in the literature have visualized these nanocomposites by electron microscopic images, spectroscopic characterization is still lacking with regard to the interaction between the carbon nanotube and TiO₂. In this work, we show evidence of the attachment of nanostructured TiO₂ to multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by Raman spectroscopy. The nanostructured TiO₂ was characterized by both full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) and the Raman shift of the TiO₂ band at ca 144 cm⁻¹, whereas the average diameter of the crystallite was estimated as approximately 7 nm. Comparison of the Raman spectra of the MWNTs and MWNTs/TiO₂ shows a clear inversion of the relative intensities of the G and D bands, suggesting a substantial chemical modification of the outermost tubes due to the attachment of nanostructured TiO₂. To complement the nanocomposite characterization, scanning electronic microscopy and X‐ray diffraction were performed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photocatalytic activity of nanostructured TiO2 films produced by supersonic cluster beam deposition

The photocatalytic activity of thin, nanostructured films of titanium dioxide, synthesized by supersonic cluster beam deposition (SCBD) from the gas phase, has been investigated employing the photodegradation of salicylic acid as test reaction. Because of the low deposition energy, the so-deposited highly porous TiO₂ films are composed of nanoparticles maintaining their original properties in the film, which can be fully controlled by tuning the deposition and post-deposition treatment conditions. A systematic investigation on the evolution of light absorption properties and photoactivity of the films in relation to their morphology, determined by AFM analysis, and phase composition, determined by Raman spectroscopy, has been performed. The absorption and photocatalytic activity of the nanostructured films in the visible region could be enhanced either through post-deposition annealing treatment in ammonia containing atmosphere or employing mild oxidation conditions, followed by annealing in N₂ at 600 °C.     

Preparation and Properties of Antimicrobial Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/TiO2 Nanocomposites Films

Abstract

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) nanocomposite films with various contents of nano-titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and titanium dioxide doped silver (Ag-TiO₂) were prepared by a solvent casting method. The TiO₂ and Ag-TiO₂ nanoparticles were surface-modified with silane coupling agents to improve their compatibility and dispersibility in the PBAT matrix. They were denoted as mTiO₂ and mAg-TiO₂, and were characrterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The morphology of the PBAT nanocomposite films was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The crystallinity of the PBAT film increased upon the introduction of the nano-TiO₂/Ag-TiO₂. Its mechanical properties and gas barrier properties were also significantly improved. In addition, the PBAT/mTiO₂ and PBAT/mAg-TiO₂ nanocomposite films showed a strong antibacterial activity against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) food-borne pathogenic bacteria.     

In situ Electron Microscopy Investigation of Fe(III)-doped TiO2 Nanoparticles in an Aqueous Environment

Three-dimensional networks of Fe(III)-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles (2–4 nm) prepared from organic precursors are detected by Cryo-TEM (transmission electron microscopy) in an aqueous environment. High-resolution TEM studies show that the nanoparticles prefer to align along their crystallographic orientation. A novel energy transfer mechanism is suggested in which these three-dimensional networks act as antenna systems thus leading to an enhanced photocatalytic activity of the colloidal preparations.     

二氧化钛微晶结构相变与光致发光

以钛酸四丁脂为前驱体制备了二氧化钛(TiO₂)胶体,将其粉末在不同温度下作热处理,采用差热分析、X射线衍射、荧光光谱等手段对样品进行测试。结果表明,随着热处理温度升高,TiO₂由板钛矿相经锐钛矿相向金红石相转变,在808℃左右出现一级相变。原始粉末样品以及在600℃以下热处理的样品,在400nm处可观察到TiO₂纳米晶的带边发光,在470nm处可观察到表面态发光;当热处理温度达到850℃时,主晶相转变为金红石相,400nm处的带边发光峰消失,位于470nm处发光峰成为最强峰,但强度减弱,并且样品发光的波长范围明显变窄。其原因是,随着热处理温度升高,晶粒不断长大,量子限域效应减弱乃至消失,晶粒的表面状况发生变化,导致样品的荧光发射行为发生变化。     

Discovering the Determining Parameters for the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Colloids Based on an Anomalous Dependence on the Specific Surface Area

The photocatalytic (PC) performance of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles strongly depends on their specific surface, the presence of crystal defects, their crystal phase, and the exposed crystal facets. In order to understand which of these factors contributes most significantly to the PC activity of TiO₂ colloids, all of them have to be individually analyzed. This study entails the synthesis of five anatase nanocrystal samples. By maintaining the same reactant ratios as well as hydrothermal sol–gel synthesis route and only varying the autoclaving time or temperature, different crystallite sizes are obtained under comparable experimental conditions. A decrease in PC performance with increase in specific surface area is found. Such an unexpected counterintuitive result establishes the basis for a better understanding of the crucial factors that ultimately determine the PC activity. These are investigated by studying nanocrystals bulk and surface structure and morphology using a selection of complementary analysis methods (X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD)…). It is found that a change in the nanocrystal morphology from an equilibrium state truncated tetragonal bipyramid to a more elongated rod‐like structure accompanied by an increase in oxygen vacancies is responsible for an augmented PC activity of the TiO₂ nanocrystals.     

水热法制备二氧化钛纳米管-石墨烯复合光催化剂及其光催化性能

采用水热法制备了二氧化钛纳米管-石墨烯的复合光催化剂。利用X射线衍射仪、扫描电镜、透射电镜和拉曼光谱仪对复合材料进行了表征与分析,并对其光催化性能进行了测试。结果显示,同纯二氧化钛纳米管相比,二氧化钛纳米管-石墨烯的光催化性能较高。石墨烯与二氧化钛纳米管复合,充当电子受体,载流子迁移率得到提高,从而提升了光催化性能。     

FTIR和XPS对沸石合成特性及Cr(Ⅲ)去除机制的谱学表征

以粉煤灰为原料,采用优化的水热晶化法合成沸石,使用XRD,SEM和ζ电位分析沸石产品的组成特性,借助FTIR和XPS等揭示废水中Cr(Ⅲ)的去除机制。合成产品主要为NaP1型沸石,在pH值8～12区间内,ζ电位由-8.72mV降到-24.46mV。准二级方程和Langmuir等温线对试验的拟合效果更好,理论饱和吸附量为33.557 0mg.g-1。FTIR图谱表明—OH和Si—O类官能团在反应过程中有重要贡献。XPS全谱发现:结合能576.45eV为Cr(2p3/2)的特征峰,揭示了吸附过程的有效性。吸附Cr(Ⅲ)后,沸石中Si—Si和Si—O对应的结合能增加了0.25和0.60eV,含Si官能团可能与Cr(Ⅲ)发生了配位反应。O(1s)的结合能在反应后变得更低。这些证据表明:沸石对Cr(Ⅲ)的去除过程是物理吸附和化学吸附共同作用的结果。     

Synthesis and characterization of TiO2-coated magnetite clusters (nFe3O4@TiO2) as anode materials for Li-ion batteries

TiO₂-coated magnetite clusters (nFe₃O₄@TiO₂) were facilely prepared through the sol–gel reaction between Ti alkoxides (TEOT) and magnetite clusters (nFe₃O₄) with terminated alkoxy groups. The composite particles represented a core–shell nanostructure (nFe₃O₄@TiO₂) consisting of a Fe₃O₄ cluster core and a TiO₂ capsule layer. The capsule layer of nFe₃O₄@TiO₂ was increased with increasing amounts of TEOT (150, 300, 500 μl) in sol–gel reaction. The Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ (150 μl of TEOT) with a thin TiO₂ layer (ca. 10 nm) exhibited two kinds of cathodic (0.79 V and 1.61 V) and anodic (1.78 and 2.1 V) peaks attributed to the reduction and oxidation process by Fe₃O₄ core and TiO₂ layer, respectively. The thin nFe₃O₄@TiO₂ (150 μl of TEOT) exhibited the enhanced capacity retention by ca. 40% probably due to the buffering effect of TiO₂ capsule layer. However, the thick nFe₃O₄@TiO₂ (300–500 μl of TEOT) exhibited a rapid capacity fading due to the disintegrated core–shell nanostructure, i.e., unfavorable hetero-junction between TiO₂ matrix and magnetite clusters.     

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of composite TiO2–poly(vinylidenefluoride) films synthesised for applications in pesticide photocatalytic degradation

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was adopted for the analytical characterization of composite titanium dioxide–poly(vinylidenefluoride) (TiO₂–PVDF) films developed for applications in the photocatalytic degradation of pollutants.

The composites were deposited on glass substrates by casting or spin coating from TiO₂–PVDF suspensions in dimethylformamide (DMF). XPS data on the TiO₂–PVDF surface composition were used to optimize preparation conditions (composition of the TiO₂/PVDF suspension, deposition technique) in terms of titanium dioxide surface amount and film stability.

The use of spin-coating deposition and the increase of TiO₂ amount in the DMF suspensions were found to improve the titanium surface content, although high TiO₂/PVDF ratios led to film instability. PVDF–TiO₂ films were also used in preliminary photocatalytic degradation tests on isoproturon, a phenylurea herbicide, under solar UV irradiation; the results were compared to direct photolysis to evaluate the catalytic efficiency of immobilized TiO₂ and the role played by the PVDF film during the degradation process.     

Optical,thermal and mechanical characterization of Al(III)/Sb(III)-doped tris(thiourea)zinc(II) sulphate crystals

The influence of Al(III)/Sb(III)-doping on the properties of tris(thiourea)zinc(II) sulphate (ZTS) crystals grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique is reported. The as-grown crystals belong to orthorhombic system and cell parameters are, a = 7.77 Å, b = 11.13 Å, c = 15.47 Å, V = 1338 Å³ (Al(III)-doped) and a = 11.1996 Å, b = 7.770 Å, c = 15.5598 Å, V = 1368.3 Å³ (Sb(III)-doped). The structure and the crystallinity of the materials are further confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction analysis. The modes of vibrations of different functional groups present are identified by Fourier transform infrared studies. Thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis studies reveal the purity of the materials and no decomposition is observed up to the melting point. Surface morphological changes due to doping are observed by scanning electron microscopy. Microhardness study was carried out to elucidate the mechanistic behavior microhardness studies were carried out to elucidate the mechanistic behavior. Second harmonic generation activity is much better in the case of Sb(III)-doping. The specimen is also characterized by dielectric studies.     

Spectrooptical investigation of the palladium state in Pd/TiO2 and Pd/TiO2(Nb2O5) systems

The state of Pd in Pd/TiO₂ and Pd/TiO₂(Nb₂O) systems is investigated by means of electron diffuse reflection spectroscopy, x-ray electron spectroscopy, and IR spectroscopy of adsorbed CO as a function of thermal and reduction treatments. Modification of titanium dioxide TiO₂ leads to intensification of metal-support interaction, which manifests itself as an increase in the content of surface complexes of Pd strongly bound to TiO₂. As a result of electron density transfer from TiO₂ with electron-excess Ti³⁺ ions to the metal deposited, the latter acquires an enhanced reduction ability. Institute of Physical and Organic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 13, Surganov St., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 66, No. 1, pp. 84–88 January–February, 1999.     

Co与Cu掺杂ZnO薄膜的制备与光致发光研究

采用溶胶-凝胶旋涂法在玻璃衬底上制备了Co, Cu单掺杂及Co,Cu共掺杂ZnO薄膜.用金相显微镜观察了Co与Cu掺杂对ZnO薄膜形貌的影响.X射线衍射（XRD）研究揭示所有ZnO薄膜样品都存在（002）择优取向,在Cu单掺的ZnO薄膜中晶粒尺寸最大.对所有样品的室温光致发光测量都观察到较强的蓝光双峰发射和较弱的绿光发射,其中长波长的蓝光峰和绿光峰都能够通过掺杂进行控制.对不同掺杂源的ZnO薄膜发光性能进行了分析,认为蓝光峰来源于电子由导带底到锌空位能级的跃迁及锌填隙到价带顶的跃迁,绿光峰是由于掺杂造成的 关键词： ZnO薄膜 溶胶-凝胶 Co Cu掺杂 光致发光     

Electrical conductivity and photoconductivity of polymer composites containing Cu(II)/Cr(III) heteropolynuclear complexes

The electrical conductivity and photoconductivity of films of composites based on electrically neutral poly(vinyl butyral) with additions of Cu(II)/Cr(III) heteropolynuclear complexes introduced in the form of solutions or mechanically ground polycrystalline powders are studied. Photocurrents in samples prepared in different ways differ no more than tenfold. The photoconductivity of the composite films increases with decreasing distance between the metal centers in the complexes. A phenomenological model of carrier photogeneration and transport in films of polymer composites with embedded particles of heteropolynuclear complexes prepared from a solution or by grinding is proposed. The slight difference in photocurrents between samples containing the same complexes but prepared by different methods can be accounted for by the close geometric sizes of particles of the complexes.     

Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic activity of multi-walled carbon nanotube-supported tungsten trioxide composites

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-supported tungsten trioxide (WO₃) composite catalysts were prepared by liquid-phase process. WO₃ nanoparticles grew on the inner and outer surface of MWCNTs. Their photocatalytic activities in the degradation of the Rhodamine B Dye were studied. The effects of mass ratio of MWCNTs to WO₃ were discussed. X-ray diffraction, field emission transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis and ultraviolet-visible light absorption spectra were carried out to characterize the composite catalysts. The results indicated that the optimum mass ratio of MWCNTs to WO₃ is 5:100.