Sonochemical synthesis,characterization and application of PrVO4 nanostructures as an effective photocatalyst for discoloration of organic dye contaminants in wastewater

In the current research, various conventional chemical preparation methods without ultrasound aid (precipitation, microwave, and hydrothermal) were compared with sonochemical procedure and were performed for providing of PrVO₄ nanostructures using Schiff-base ligands. The small size products with monodisperse particles (~39 nm) optimized by sonochemical fabrication method and using H₂ acacpn ligand via ultrasonic probe with power of 60 W and frequency of 18 KHz. The produced PrVO₄ nanostructures applied for degradation of diverse organic dyes through the photocatalytic process. Dye types, pH adjusting of dye, dosage of catalyst, synthesis method of nanoparticles and light source as impressive factors inquired for dye removal ability. The outcomes presented the removal efficiency of Eriochorom Black T in optimal conditions of pH = 11 and the catalysts amounts of PrVO₄ were adjusted to be 0.05 g. The PrVO₄ photocatalyst shows high removal efficiency (ca 86.92 and 89.61%) after 90 min of operation under UV light. The best-obtained framework confirmed the basic study to compare different method in order to acquire suitable catalyst materials. The simple, fast and economic strategy for synthesis PrVO₄ with high photodegradation efficiency is sonochemical method against other ways, and it could be extended to the most efficient catalyst materials for water treatment. Consequently, the PrVO₄ may suggestion a hopeful avenue for designing the novel generation, low-cost and outstanding potential photocatalyst materials for water treatment.     

Nitrogen doped TiO2 nanoparticles decorated on graphene sheets for photocatalysis applications

Nitrogen doped TiO₂ nanoparticles decorated on graphene sheets are successfully synthesized by a low-temperature hydrothermal method. The resulting GR-N/TiO₂ composites are characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The optical properties are studied using UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), which confirms that the spectral responses of the composite catalysts are extended to the visible-light region and show a significant reduction in band gap energy from 3.18 to 2.64 eV. Photoluminescence emission spectra verify that GR-N/TiO₂ composites possess better charge separation capability than pure TiO₂. The photocatalytic activity is tested by degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye under visible light irradiation. The results demonstrate that GR-N/TiO₂ composites can effectively photodegrade MO, showing an impressive photocatalytic enhancement over pure TiO₂. The dramatically enhanced activity of composite photocatalysts can be attributed to great adsorption of dyes, enhanced visible light absorption and efficient charge separation and transfer processes. This work may provide new insights into the design of novel composite photocatalysts system with efficient visible light activity.     

Monodispersed 3D MnWO4–TiO2 composite nanoflowers photocatalysts for environmental remediation

Pollutants from textile industries into water-bodies have caused huge environmental hazards. The semiconductor mediated photocatalytic purification of polluted water is a promising environmental remediation technology. In the present study MnWO₄–TiO₂ composite nanoflowers endowed with efficient photocatalytic activity have been successfully synthesized by facile hydrothermal approach. XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX spectroscopy and UV-DRS were used to characterize the as-synthesized samples. The average size of composite nanoflower is ∼2 μm while the nanorods constructing the nanoflowers had the average diameters of 90 nm. The photocatalytic activity of the MnWO₄–TiO₂ nanoflowers for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) in visible light was much higher than of pristine TiO₂ nanorods and MnWO₄ nanoflowers respectively. The superior photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the formation of a MnWO₄–TiO₂ heterojunction in the MnWO₄–TiO₂ nanoflowers.     

Preparation of highly efficient Al-doped ZnO photocatalyst by combustion synthesis

Novel Al-doped ZnO (AZO) photocatalysts with different Al concentrations (0.5–6.0 mol%) were prepared through a facile combustion method and followed by calcination at 500 °C for 3 h. The obtained nanopowders were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) combined with EDX, transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The XRD patterns of AZO nanopowders were assigned to wurtzite structure of ZnO with the smallest crystallite size about 11 nm consistent with the results from TEM. The doping of Al in ZnO crystal structure successfully suppressed the growth of ZnO nanoparticles confirmed by XRD patterns. The absorption spectra analysis showed that the optical band gap energy (E_g) for the AZO nanopowders were in the range of 3.12–3.21 eV and decreased with increasing of Al dopant. The photocatalytic activities of the samples were evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange under visible light (λ ≥ 420 nm) and sunlight irradiation. The results showed that the AZO photocatalyst doped with 4.0 mol% Al exhibited five times enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to pure ZnO. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could be attributed to extended visible light absorption, inhibition of the electron–hole pair's recombination and enhanced adsorptivity of MO dye molecule on the surface of AZO nanopowders.     

Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic activity of the neodymium-doped TiO2 hollow spheres

Nd-doped titania hollow spheres were prepared using carbon spheres as template and Nd-doped titania nanoparticles as building blocks. The Nd-doped titania nanoparticles were synthesized at low temperature. The prepared hollow spheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS). The effects of Nd content on the physical structure and photocatalytic activities of doped titania hollow sphere samples were investigated. Results showed that there was an optimal Nd-doped content (3.9 at.%) for the photocatalytic degradation of dye X-3B (C.I. Reactive Red 2). The apparent rate constant of the best one was almost 9 times as that of P25 titania. The mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of dyes under visible light irradiation was also discussed.     

A twice liquid arc discharge approach for synthesis of visible-light-active nanocrystalline Ag:ZnO photocatalyst

Ag:ZnO hybrid nanostructures were successfully prepared by a twice arc discharge method in liquid. The visible light photocatalytic activities were successfully demonstrated for the degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh. B), Methyl orange (MO), and Methylene blue (MB) as standard organic compounds under the irradiation of 90 W halogen light for 2 h. The Ag:ZnO nanostructures were characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The results revealed that the Ag:ZnO nanostructures extended the light absorption spectrum toward the visible region and significantly enhanced the Rh. B photodegradation under visible light irradiation. 3 mM Ag:ZnO nanostructures exhibited highest photocatalytic efficiency. It has been confirmed that the Ag:ZnO nanostructures could be excited by visible light (E<3.3 eV). The significant enhancement in the Ag:ZnO nanostructures photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation can be ascribed to the effect of physisorbed noble metal Ag by acting as electron traps in ZnO band gap. A mechanism for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant over Ag:ZnO photocatalyst was proposed based on our observations.     

C自掺杂TiO2纳米棒的制备与光催化性能研究

本文以TiC为前驱体和掺杂源,采用一步水热法合成了具有可见光吸收的C自掺杂金红石相TiO2纳米棒．样品的结构、形貌、化学态和光学性质等可通过X射线衍射仪（XRD）、扫描电子显微镜（SEM）、傅里叶变换红外光谱仪（FT-IR）、X射线光电子能谱仪（XPS）以及紫外可见分光光度计（UV-vis）来表征．所合成的样品具有较强的光催化活性,可通过在可见光照射下降解有机染料罗丹明B（RhB）来验证．C自掺杂TiO2所呈现的较强光催化活性是由于其具有小的能带间隙（2.74 eV）、大的比表面积和高的电子-空穴对分离率．     

C自掺杂TiO2纳米棒的制备与光催化性能研究

本文以TiC为前驱体和掺杂源,采用一步水热法合成了具有可见光吸收的C自掺杂金红石相TiO_2纳米棒.样品的结构、形貌、化学态和光学性质等可通过X射线衍射仪(XRD)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、傅里叶变换红外光谱仪(FT-IR)、X射线光电子能谱仪(XPS)以及紫外可见分光光度计(UV-vis)来表征.所合成的样品具有较强的光催化活性,可通过在可见光照射下降解有机染料罗丹明B(RhB)来验证.C自掺杂TiO_2所呈现的较强光催化活性是由于其具有小的能带间隙(2.74 eV)、大的比表面积和高的电子-空穴对分离率.     

C自掺杂TiO2纳米棒的制备与光催化性能研究

本文以TiC为前驱体和掺杂源,采用一步水热法合成了具有可见光吸收的C自掺杂金红石相TiO2纳米棒．样品的结构、形貌、化学态和光学性质等可通过X射线衍射仪（XRD）、扫描电子显微镜（SEM）、傅里叶变换红外光谱仪（FT-IR）、X射线光电子能谱仪（XPS）以及紫外可见分光光度计（UV-vis）来表征．所合成的样品具有较强的光催化活性,可通过在可见光照射下降解有机染料罗丹明B（RhB）来验证．C自掺杂TiO2所呈现的较强光催化活性是由于其具有小的能带间隙（2.74 eV）、大的比表面积和高的电子-空穴对分离率．     

Photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes using Zn-doped and undoped TiO2 nanoparticles

Undoped and Zn-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol gel method. The dopant (Zn) was taken at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 mol%. The initial precursors were titanium tetraisopropoxide and zinc acetate. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared nanoparticles was studied by observing their role in degradation of two azo dyes, i.e., Eriochrome Black T and Methyl Red under UV–visible light. The results revealed that Zn-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles exhibited better degradation as compared to undoped TiO₂ nanoparticles. In this study, 0.7 mol% Zn-doped TiO₂ showed highest photocatalytic activity. Doping of Zn allowed better separation of electron–hole pairs which results in increased oxidation and reduction reactions.     

Fabrication of Fe-doped TiO2 nanoparticles and investigation of photocatalytic decolorization of reactive red 198 under visible light irradiation

In this research, Fe-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles with various Fe concentrations (0. 0.1, 1, 5 and 10 wt%) were prepared by a sol–gel method. Then, nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), BET surface area, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The photocatalytic activity of the nano-particles was evaluated through degradation of reactive red 198 (RR 198) under UV and visible light irradiations. XRD results revealed that all samples contained only anatase phase. DRS showed that the Fe doping in the titania induced a significant red shift of the absorption edge and then the band gap energy decreased from 3 to 2.1 eV. Photocatalytic results indicated that TiO₂ had a highest photocatalytic decolorization of the RR 198 under UV irradiation whereas photocatalytic decolorization of the RR 198 under visible irradiation increased in the presence of Fe-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles. Among the samples, Fe-1 wt% doped TiO₂ nanoparticles showed the highest photocatalytic decolorization of RR198 under visible light irradiation.     

Enhanced photoresponse towards visible light in Ru doped titania nanotube

Doping of ruthenium by the ion exchange method to the hydrothermally synthesized titania nanotube (TiNT) was found to be an effective photocatalyst active under visible light for methylene blue dye decoloration. The well dispersed and well embedded ionized ruthenium particles of about ∼2-4 nm significantly reduced the band gap energy of synthesized TiNTs from 3.1 eV to 2.56 eV in (Ru(IE)/TiNT). The loading method, size of ruthenium particles and metal dispersion pattern at the nanotube textures have great influence on its photocatalytic performances exhibiting higher photocatalytic activity (>80%) of methylene blue dye. However, large aggregated ruthenium particles (sizes ∼12-60 nm) on Ru(IM)/TiNT prepared by impregnation method failed to respond in visible light. The prepared catalysts were analysed by TEM, FESEM, FE-SEMEDX, XRD, UV-vis DRS spectra, XPS and BET surface area techniques.     

Curcumin-sensitized TiO2 for enhanced photodegradation of dyes under visible light

Curcumin was coated on P25 TiO₂ by using impregnation method from freshly prepared curcumin solution. The resulting products (Cur–TiO₂–P25) was studied by several techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, specific surface area by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, and UV–Vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy. Experimental results revealed that impregnation of curcumin at 0.5, 3, 5, and 7 wt% did not affect the native phase of anatase and rutile in P25 significantly, however, it caused red shift of absorption onset in all curcumin-coated samples. The Cur–TiO₂–P25 showed enhanced adsorption efficiency and increased photocatalytic activity under visible light with optimal result at 5 wt% curcumin content. Commercial anatase and rutile coated with curcumin (Cur–TiO₂–an and Cur–TiO₂–ru) were also prepared by the same method for the use in comparative studies of photodegradation of dyes. Cur–TiO₂–an and Cur–TiO₂–ru were also characterized with some selected equipment above but not as extensively as the Cur–TiO₂–P25. Curcumin coating helped improve photocatalytic efficiencies of P25 and anatase but not for rutile. The mechanism of photocatalytic reaction was proposed that under visible light irradiation, curcumin molecule could act as dye sensitizing agent that injected electron into the conduction band of TiO₂ leading to photodegradation of dyes.     

Synthesis and characterization of the efficient visible-light-induced photocatalyst AgBr and its photodegradation activity

AgBr photocatalysts were prepared with the 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C₁₆mim]Br) reactable ionic liquid at different temperatures by one-step hydrothermal method, in which the ionic liquid acted as a precursor and a template to control the size of AgBr crystal. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Methyl orange (MO) dye was chosen as a model pollutant to investigate the photocatalytic activity and the stability of the samples under visible light irradiation. The results indicated that the AgBr photocatalysts showed high efficiency in the degradation of MO under visible light irradiation. The kinetic property of the reaction followed the first-order reaction model. During the photocatalytic degradation reaction, AgBr was transformed to the Ag⁰/AgBr composite. However, the photocatalytic efficiency was still high and the photocatalytic activity was stable. The possible photocatalytic mechanism of the photocatalysts was also eventually proposed.     

Graphene-based hollow TiO2 composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity for removal of pollutants

Catalytically active graphene-based hollow TiO₂ composites(TiO₂/RGO) were successfully synthesized via the solvothermal method. Hollow TiO₂ microspheres are uniformly dispersed on RGO. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) were used for the characterization of prepared photocatalysts. The mass of GO was optimized in the photocatalytic removal of rhodamine B (RhB) as a model dye pollutants. The results showed that graphene-based hollow TiO₂ composites exhibit a significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity in degradation of RhB under either UV or visible light irradiation. The formation of the graphene-based hollow TiO₂ composites and the photocatalytic mechanisms under UV and visible light were also discussed.     

Facile synthesis and visible-light photocatalytic activity of bismuth titanate nanorods

Highly crystalline bismuth titanate (Bi₁₂TiO₂₀, BiT) nanorods, as visible-light photocatalysts were prepared by a template-free hydrothermal process. The as-prepared BiT nanorods fabricated in high yields by simply manipulating pH values in the absence of any capping agent, were characterized by a number of techniques, such as XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, BET, and UV–Vis spectrum. In this case, hydroxide ions seem to play a pivotal role in controlling the formation of seeds and the growth of the BiT nanorods. Based on the structural analysis of nanocrystals obtained at different pH values, we proposed a plausible mechanism to account for the formation of the tunable morphologies. Most importantly, the BiT nanorods with good stability exhibited higher photocatalytic activities in the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm) than the commercial P25 TiO₂ and bulk BiT powders, demonstrating that Bi₁₂TiO₂₀ is a promising candidate as a visible-light photocatalyst.     

Synthesis of Iron(III)-Doped Titania Nanoparticles and its Application for Photodegradation of Sulforhodamine-B Pollutant

Iron(III)-doped titania nanoparticles were prepared by modified sol-gel method using titanium (IV) butoxide and inorganic precursor iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate. Spectroscopic measurements show the onset of the band-gap transition to be red-shifted (~λ = 475 nm) to the visible region with increasing iron(III) ion content. Characterizations were preformed by X-ray diffractometry, electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Photocatalysis experiments were performed with dye pollutant sulforhodamine-B in aqueous environment. Direct photocatalytic effect was observed in the dye degradation experiments when irradiated with visible light into the band gap of the iron(III)-doped titania.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of Cu-doped ZnO nanorods

Cu-doped ZnO nanorods with different Cu concentrations were synthesized through the vapor transport method. The synthesized nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and UV–vis spectroscopy. The XRD results revealed that Cu was successfully doped into ZnO lattice. The FE-SEM images showed that the undoped ZnO has needle like morphology whereas Cu-doped ZnO samples have rod like morphology with an average diameter and length of 60–90 nm and 1.5–3 μm respectively. The red shift in band edge absorption peak in UV-vis absorbance spectrum with increasing Cu content also confirm the doping of Cu in ZnO nanorods. The photocatalytic activity of pure and Cu-doped ZnO samples was studied by the photodegradation of resazurin (Rz) dye. Both pure ZnO and the Cu-doped ZnO nanorods effectively removed the Rz in a short time. This photodegradation of Rz followed the pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics. ZnO nanorods with increasing Cu doping exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity. The pseudo-first-order reaction rate constant for 15 % Cu-doped ZnO is equal to 10.17×10^?2min^?1 about double of that with pure ZnO. The increased photocatalytic activity of Cu-doped ZnO is attributed to intrinsic oxygen vacancies due to high surface to volume ratio in nanorods and extrinsic defect due to Cu doping.     

Synthesis and characterization of the Pd/InVO4-TiO2 co-doped thin films with visible light photocatalytic activities

Novel Pd/InVO₄-TiO₂ thin films with visible light photocatalytic activity were synthesized from the Pd and InVO₂ co-doped TiO₂ sol via sol-gel method. The photocatalytic activities of Pd/InVO₄-TiO₂ thin films were investigated based on the oxidative decomposition of methyl orange in aqueous solution. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis). The results indicate that the Pd/InVO₄-TiO₂ thin films are compact, uniform and consist of sphere nanoparticles with diameters about 80-100 nm. The UV-vis spectra show that the Pd/InVO₄-TiO₂ thin films extend the light absorption spectrum toward the visible region. XPS results reveal that doped Pd exist in the form of metallic palladium. The photocatalytic experiments demonstrate that Pd doping can effectively enhance the photocatalytic activities of InVO₄-TiO₂ thin films in decomposition of aqueous methyl orange under visible light irradiation. It has been confirmed that Pd/InVO₄-TiO₂ thin films could be excited by visible light (E < 3.2 eV) due to the existence of the Pd and InVO₄ doped in the films.     

Spectral analysis of the EBT3 radiochromic film irradiated with 6 MV X-ray radiation

The EBT3 radiochromic film was introduced as the next generation of EBT and EBT2 films, maintaining the composition of the active layer. X-ray radiation produces a change in its visible light absorption spectrum and optical properties being granted make the films suitable for dosimetric applications. The goal of this study is to present results of absorption spectra measurements for the EBT3 radiochromic film exposed to 6 MV X-ray radiation in the dose range from 0 to 50 Gy. Results showed that the spectrum of the EBT3 radiochromic has an intense band centered at around 636 nm and a less intense centered at around 585 nm. Spectral analysis show that in addition to the two main absorption bands, the absorption spectrum in the spectral range from 400 to 700 nm contains nine more absorption bands. Because to the symmetrical structure of the EBT3 radiochromic film, we assume that the additional absorption bands in the spectral range 400–540 nm are due to an interference pattern that is characteristic of a Fabry-Perot cavity.