Fabrication of dual Z-scheme photocatalyst via coupling of BiOBr/Ag/AgCl heterojunction with P and S co-doped g-C3N4 for efficient phenol degradation

Advances in noble metal mediated Z-scheme photocatalytic system have ushered in a climax on environmental remediation. Herein, graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) and phosphorus sulphur co-doped graphitic carbon nitride (PSCN) were synthesized via calcination process. GCN, PSCN and Z-scheme visible light driven (VLD) ternary BiOBr/PSCN/Ag/AgCl nanophotocatalyst were characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS). BiOBr/PSCN/Ag/AgCl nanocomposite exhibited superior visible light driven photocatalytic ability as compared to pristine PSCN, AgCl and BiOBr towards degradation of phenol. The results explicated promising photocatalytic activity along with space separation of photocarriers caused via formation of BiOBr/PSCN/Ag/AgCl Z-scheme heterojunction. The visible light absorption efficacy of BiOBr/PSCN/Ag/AgCl photocatalyst was confirmed by photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Finally, recycling experiments were explored for the mechanistic detailing of phenol photodegradation employing BiOBr/PSCN/Ag/AgCl photocatalyst. After seven successive cycles photodegradation efficacy of photocatalyst was reduced to 90% from 98%. Proposed mechanism of BiOBr/PSCN/Ag/AgCl nanophotocatalyst for degradation of phenol was discussed. OH and O₂⁻ radicals were main reactive species responsible for photocatalytic phenol degradation.     

Modification of multiwall carbon nanotubes via soap‐free emulsion polymerization of acrylonitrile

A novel method for the synthesis of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)‐coated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via a simple soap‐free emulsion polymerization is presented for the first time. The polymerization was initiated with conventional anionic ammonium persulfate (APS) at 65 °C. The modification of PAN on MWCNT surfaces was confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Raman spectroscopy. It is found that all the surfaces of the MWCNTs were coated by PAN chains, and the PAN coating thickness could be controlled by simply adjusting the polymerization time. The obtained PAN‐coated MWCNTs could be well dispersed in water. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2057–2062, 2010     

ZnO-rich CdS-ZIF-8 catalyst for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

CdS-ZIF-8 photocatalyst was prepared by introducing a ZnO-rich zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) during synthesis of CdS by a facile solvothermal method, using ZnO-rich ZIF-8 and cadmium acetate [Cd(Ac)₂] as support and CdS precursor, respectively. The introduction of ZnO-rich ZIF-8 and the photodegradation performance of the catalyst for methylene blue (MB) organic dye were systemically investigated. The CdS-ZIF-8 catalysts were also characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption–desorption measurements, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The results indicated that CdS-ZIF-8 contained ZIF-8, CdS, and ZnO phases. The CdS in CdS-ZIF-8 catalysts exhibited smaller particle size compared with pure CdS. Furthermore, compared with pure CdS, CdS-ZIF-8-30 with introduction of ZnO-rich ZIF-8 exhibited higher surface area (77.3 m²/g) and pore volume (0.103 cm³/g). EDX and FT-IR results suggested that a CdS/ZnO heterostructure was formed, which effectively reduced recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Radical trapping experimental data and band edge position analysis revealed that Z-scheme behavior also played a role in the system. Relying on the combined effect of their structure, the photodegradation efficiency of all the CdS-ZIF-8 catalysts was obviously superior to that of pure CdS for degradation of MB under visible-light irradiation. Photodegradation results illustrated that CdS-ZIF-8 with introduction of 30 mg ZnO-rich ZIF-8 (denoted as CdS-ZIF-8-30) exhibited optimal photodegradation activity.     

Mesoporous titania photocatalyst: effect of relative humidity and aging on the preparation of mesoporous titania and on its photocatalytic activity performance

Mesoporous TiO₂ has been synthesized by the sol–gel method, using a nonionic triblock copolymer P123 as surfactant template under acidic conditions. The as-prepared samples were characterized by thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA), nitrogen absorption–desorption (BET), field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the mesoporous TiO₂ was evaluated by degradation of methylene blue under high-intensity UV light irradiation; the amount of methylene blue was measured by UV–visible spectroscopy. TG–DTA analysis revealed that the surfactant had been removed partly in as-synthesized samples. BET analysis proved that all the samples retained mesoporosity with a narrow pore-size distribution (4.5–6.3 nm) and high surface area (103–200 m²/g). All calcined mesoporous TiO₂ had high photocatalytic activity in the photodegradation of methylene blue.     

Silver Quantum Cluster (Ag9)‐Grafted Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation and Dye Degradation

We report the visible‐light photocatalytic properties of a composite system consisting of silver quantum clusters [Ag₉(H₂MSA)₇] (H₂MSA=mercaptosuccinic acid) embedded on graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (AgQCs‐GCN). The composites were prepared through a simple chemical route; their structural, chemical, morphological, and optical properties were characterized by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Embedment of [Ag₉(H₂MSA)₇] on graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (GCN) resulted in extended visible‐light absorption through multiple single‐electron transitions in Ag quantum clusters and an effective electronic structure for hydroxyl radical generation, which enabled increased activity in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange dye molecules compared with pristine GCN and silver nanoparticle‐grafted GCN (AgNPs‐GCN). Similarly, the amount of hydrogen generated by using AgQCs‐GCN was 1.7 times higher than pristine GCN. However, the rate of hydrogen generated using AgQCs‐GCN was slightly less than that of AgNPs‐GCN because of surface hydroxyl radical formation. The plausible photocatalytic processes are discussed in detail.     

Studies on photocatalytic performance and photodegradation kinetics of zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared by microwave-assisted sol–gel technique using ethylene glycol

ZnO nanoparticles with an average particle size of 27 nm were fabricated using a microwave-assisted sol–gel method in the presence of ethylene glycol. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Monshi’s equation, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The band gap energy of the nanoparticles was measured to be 3.27 eV by UV–Vis absorption and reflection spectroscopy. Photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was assessed by degrading nitrophenol in aqueous solution under UV-C irradiation. The effects of initial nitrophenol concentration, amount of photocatalyst, and of pH on the photodegradation process were investigated. Degradation samples were analyzed by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Nitrophenol was removed by 98 % within 240 min. The degradation kinetics were studied and fitted well to pseudo-first-order and Langmuir–Hinshelwood models.     

静电纺丝法制备Mn2O3纳米纤维及其磁性研究

采用溶胶-凝胶过程和静电纺丝技术相结合方法, 以聚丙烯腈和醋酸锰为前驱物, 制得了PAN/Mn(CH₃COO)₂复合纳米纤维. 将该复合纤维高温煅烧, 获得了Mn₂O₃纳米纤维. 采用扫描电镜(SEM)、红外光谱(FTIR)、差热-热重(TG-DTA)和X射线衍射(XRD)分析等对样品进行了表征. 结果表明, Mn₂O₃纳米纤维为规则的一维结构, 直径分布均匀, 具有铁磁性-反铁磁性-顺磁性相互转化的特性.     

Jute stick extract assisted hydrothermal synthesis of zinc oxide nanoflakes and their enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial efficacy

In this paper, we used green and hydrothermal methodology to prepare zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoflakes (NFs) with jute stick extract (J–ZnO NFs) as growth substrate. The prepared materials were characterized using different analytical techniques including ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The characteristic absorption peak for ZnO NFs and J–ZnO NFs were observed from the UV–vis spectrum at 373 and 368 nm respectively. The hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure of ZnO NFs and J–ZnO NFs was confirmed by XRD analysis. FESEM and TEM analyses of synthesized J–ZnO NFs confirmed their NFs shape and collectively flower-like structure formation by the assembly of NFs of J–ZnO on cellulose of jute stick extract substrate. The FTIR analysis revealed the functional groups of jute stick extract biomolecules, mainly cellulose, are responsible for the formation of collectivel flower like J–ZnO NFs structure. The XPS analysis revealed the surface and chemical compositions (Zn, C, and O) of J–ZnO NFs. The photocatalytic performance of ZnO NFs and J–ZnO NFs samples was carried out by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye solution under UV light irradiation. The degradation efficiency of ZnO NFs and J–ZnO NFs was obtained 79 % and 89 %, respectively, for 5 h. Notably, the degradation efficiency of the J–ZnO NFs was 98 % after 8 h of irradiation, which is very inspiring. The both NFs exhibited first-order kinetics with MB photodegradation. We also examined the possible antibacterial activity of both samples against Escherichia coli (E. coli) pathogens, which demonstrated a significant result with a 17 mm and 19 mm zone of inhibition by ZnO NFs and J–ZnO NFs respectively.     

光稳定二氧化钛纳米管负载钯催化剂光降解甲基橙过程中的活性物种(英文)

采用光沉积法制备了光稳定二氧化钛纳米管负载钯催化剂.通过X射线衍射、紫外-可见漫反射光谱、透射电子显微镜(TEM)、氮气吸附-脱附、X射线光电子能谱(XPS)、光致发光光谱和光电流等表征手段研究了催化剂的结构和性质.TEM表明二氧化钛纳米管经光照后仍然保持良好的管状结构;XPS结果表明大部分Pd以零价形式存在.以甲基橙溶液作为模拟废液研究了催化剂在紫外光及模拟日光条件下的光催化活性.当Pd的负载量为0.3 wt%时,催化剂的光催化活性最高并且优于P25的光催化活性.另外,通过在光降解过程中加入不同的捕获剂研究了不同氧化活性组分的作用.结果表明,光生空穴(hrb+)在光催化降解过程中起主要作用.     

掺杂羧基化碳纳米管的纳米碳纤维前驱体的制备及表征

为获得结构完整、 性能优良的纳米碳纤维前驱体, 采用静电纺丝法制备了掺杂羧基化多壁碳纳米管(MWCNTs)的聚丙烯腈(PAN)纳米纤维. 用扫描电子显微镜、 偏振红外光谱、 透射电子显微镜、 拉曼光谱及拉伸性能测试等对杂化纳米纤维的微观结构和力学性能进行了研究, 分析了MWCNTs含量的影响. 实验结果表明, 5%(质量分数)的MWCNTs掺杂量为杂化纳米纤维直径的突变点, 且MWCNTs的加入有利于PAN分子链的取向, MWCNTs在PAN纤维中大体上沿纤维轴向取向分布. 3%MWCNTs/PAN杂化纳米纤维的拉伸强度和拉伸模量分别达到88.6 MPa和3.21 GPa.     

The Construction of Au/Carbon Nanocomposite Material,Characterization and Their Application in Catalytic Reaction of Styrene Epoxidation

The composite nanofibers from Au nanoparticles/carbon nanofibers (Au/CNFs) were fabricated through electrospinning, chemical reduction and high-temperature calcination methods. The polyacrylonitrile acted as the carbon precursor polymer. A series of characterization methods, which include UV–Vis diffuses reflectance spectra, UV–Vis spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction respectively, were used to investigate the morphology and properties of catalysts. The result showed that the gold nanoparticles were well-distributed in/on the CNFs. In the end, the composite material was applied to epoxidation of styrene to investigate its catalytic activity.     

Facile Synthesis of BiOI Nanoparticles at Room Temperature and Evaluation of their Photoactivity Under Sunlight Irradiation

In this study, highly photoactive BiOI nanoparticles (NPs) under sunlight irradiation were synthesized by a facile precipitation method using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) at room temperature. The as‐prepared catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transition electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS). The results of XRD showed that PVP did not have any significant effect on tetragonal crystalline structure of BiOI. Also, using different amounts of PVP in the synthesis led to different morphologies and sizes of BiOI particles. It was found that using 0.2 g of PVP in the synthesis method changed morphology from 1‐μm platelets to NPs with size under 10 nm. In addition, the photocatalytic performance of prepared photocatalysts was evaluated in the photodegradation of reactive blue 19 (RB19) dye under sunlight irradiation. The BiOI synthesized using 0.2 g PVP (BiOI0.2) showed higher degradation efficiency compared to BiOI prepared without any additive. Excellent visible light photocatalytic properties of nano‐scaled BiOI0.2 samples compared to BiOI platelets could be attributed to higher surface‐to‐volume ratio and narrow band‐gap energy of as‐prepared BiOI0.2 NPs.     

Green synthesis of activated carbon doped tungsten trioxide photocatalysts using leaf of basil (Ocimum basilicum) for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under sunlight

Tungsten oxide (WO₃) nanoparticles were prepared hydrothermally by basil leaves extract, and Activated Carbon (AC) was prepared by the carbonization of date pits. Moreover, 1, 2 and 3% of AC doped WO₃ nanoparticles have been fabricated under hydrothermal conditions. The obtained samples have been characterized by using different techniques such as x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTGA), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), BET surface area, and Ultra-Violet spectroscopy (UV–Vis). It was observed that band-gap energy of the fabricated materials decreases by increasing AC amount. Similarly, BET surface area and porosity results showed increasing the content of AC, surface area, pore size and pore volume were decreased. The functional groups, determined by FT-IR, played a significant role in the photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic performance of fabricated samples was used for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) at neutral pH under visible light radiations, and it is observed that WO₃/3%AC photocatalyst showed the highest degradation of MB. Both, capped phytochemicals of basil extract and the nanocomposites, were improved the photocatalytic performance, about 94% photodegradation was observed within 25 min under the reaction conditions. The photocatalyst was stable and about 85% and 81% photodegradation of MB were found under the two times of reusability tests.     

Synthesis,characterization and photocatalytic application of TiO2/magnetic graphene for efficient photodegradation of crystal violet

A magnetized nano‐photocatalyst based on TiO₂/magnetic graphene was developed for efficient photodegradation of crystal violet (CV). Scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and elemental mapping were used to characterize the prepared magnetic nano‐photocatalyst. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized magnetic nano‐photocatalyst was evaluated using the decomposition of CV as a model organic pollutant under UV light irradiation. The obtained results showed that TiO₂/magnetic graphene exhibited much higher photocatalytic performance than bare TiO₂. Incorporation of graphene enhanced the activity of the prepared magnetic nano‐photocatalyst. TiO₂/magnetic graphene can be easily separated from an aqueous solution by applying an external magnetic field. Effects of pH, magnetized nano‐photocatalyst dosage, UV light irradiation time, H₂O₂ amount and initial concentration of dye on the photodegradation efficiency were evaluated and optimized. Efficient photodegradation (>98%) of the selected dye under optimized conditions using the synthesized nano‐photocatalyst under UV light irradiation was achieved in 25 min. The prepared magnetic nano‐photocatalyst can be used in a wide pH range (4–10) for degradation of CV. The effects of scavengers, namely methanol (OH^? scavenger), p‐benzoquinone (O₂^?? scavenger) and disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (hole scavenger), on CV photodegradation were investigated.     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel mid‐chain macrophotoinitiator of polyacrylonitrile by Ce(IV)/HNO3 redox system

The polymerization of acrylonitrile initiated by cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate in combination with dihydroxy functional photoinitiator namely, 2‐hydroxy‐1‐[4‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]‐2‐methyl propan‐1‐one (HE‐HMPP), Irgacure 2959, has been investigated in aqueous nitric acid. A novel mid‐chain macrophotoinitiator of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was obtained. The effects of acrylamide (AAm), HE‐HMPP, Ce(IV), and HNO₃ concentrations and temperature on the polymerization rate, monomer conversion, and intrinsic viscosities were investigated. The photodegradation and IR, H NMR, UV, and fluorescence spectroscopic studies revealed that PAN with desired photoinitiator functionality in the middle of the chain was obtained. The obtained PAN was used as prepolymer for photoinduced free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and AAm to produce block copolymers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5404–5413, 2008     

静电纺丝制备g-C3N4/C纳米纤维及其可见光降解性能

采用g-C₃N₄纳米片与聚丙烯腈进行静电复合纺丝,再经预氧化和碳化制得g-C₃N₄/C纳米纤维。利用傅立叶变换红外光谱仪（FTIR）、X射线衍射仪（XRD）、拉曼光谱（Raman）和扫描电子显微镜（SEM）对样品结构和形貌进行表征,通过紫外-可见漫反射光谱（UV-Vis DRS）分析可见光响应性。研究表明,复合纳米纤维对罗丹明B表现出较好的可见光降解活性,源于无定形相/石墨相混合结构的碳基体能够降低g-C₃N₄的光生电子-空穴对复合的几率。复合纳米纤维膜在光催化降解搅拌条件下始终能保持完整,经过多次回收和光催化实验,对罗丹明B的光降解率依然较高,表现出较优异的循环利用稳定性。     

Fe2O3/ZnO/ZnFe2O4 composites for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes under visible light

In this study, novel ternary Fe₂O₃/ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄ (ZFO) composites were successfully prepared through a simple hydrothermal reaction with subsequent thermal treatment. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) measurement, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS). The photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (Rh B) under visible light irradiation indicated that the ZFO composites calcined at 500 °C has the best photocatalytic activity (the photocatalytic degradation efficiency can reach up to 95.7% within 60 min) and can maintain a stable photocatalytic degradation efficiency for at least three cycles. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of ZFO composites toward dye decomposition follows the order cationic Rh B > anionic methyl orange. Finally, using different scavengers, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were identified as the primary active species during the degradation reaction of Rh B.     

静电纺丝制备g-C3N4/C纳米纤维及其可见光降解性能

采用g-C_3N_4纳米片与聚丙烯腈进行静电复合纺丝,再经预氧化和碳化制得g-C_3N_4/C纳米纤维。利用傅立叶变换红外光谱仪(FTIR)、X射线衍射仪(XRD)、拉曼光谱(Raman)和扫描电子显微镜(SEM)对样品结构和形貌进行表征,通过紫外-可见漫反射光谱(UV-Vis DRS)分析可见光响应性。研究表明,复合纳米纤维对罗丹明B表现出较好的可见光降解活性,源于无定形相/石墨相混合结构的碳基体能够降低g-C_3N_4的光生电子-空穴对复合的几率。复合纳米纤维膜在光催化降解搅拌条件下始终能保持完整,经过多次回收和光催化实验,对罗丹明B的光降解率依然较高,表现出较优异的循环利用稳定性。     

Surfactant-assisted synthesis of polyaniline nanofibres without shaking and stirring: effect of conditions on morphology and conductivity

Polyaniline (PANI) nanofibres were synthesised by the chemical oxidative polymerisation method using ammonium peroxydisulphate (APS) as an oxidant/initiator. In this work, a surfactant-assisted method without shaking and stirring was used for the synthesis of PANI nanofibres. The effect was investigated of various parameters such as monomer/oxidant ratio, polymerisation temperature, and the presence of surfactant (Triton X-100 as a non-ionic surfactant) on the morphology and electrical conductivity of nanofibres. The morphology of PANI nanofibres was characterised by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that the morphology of PANI nanofibres was significantly influenced by the aniline/APS mole ratio, polymerisation temperature and presence of the surfactant during synthesis. The results showed that more regular and consistent nanofibres were obtained using a monomer/oxidant ratio of 4 at ambient temperature of polymerisation. PANI nanofibres with diameters in the range of 10?C100 nm and length up to several ??m were obtained. PANI nanofibres were also characterised using FTIR and UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy. The electrochemical behaviour of PANI nanofibres was studied by cyclic voltammetry. It was found that the electrical conductivity of PANI nanofibres increased with the increasing monomer/oxidant ratio and decreasing polymerisation temperature, respectively.     

Fibrils separated from polyacrylonitrile fiber by ultrasonic etching in dimethylsulphoxide solution

A novel method for the separation of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibrils from fibers by ultrasonic etching in a 90 wt % aqueous dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) solution at 75 °C ± 2 °C for 6 h with a frequency of 40 kHz is demonstrated. These fibrils with a diameter of about 450 nm were systematically investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). It was found that the fibrils consisted of microfibrils with about 200 nm diameter, including periodic lamellae with thickness of 30–45 nm perpendicular to the fiber axis. The PAN fiber crystallinity and crystal size slightly decreased under the ultrasonic etching. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 617–619, 2010