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.     

Insight into the synthesis procedure of Fe3+/TiO2-based photocatalyst applied in the selective photo-oxidation of benzyl alcohol under sun-imitating lamp

Fe³⁺/TiO₂/zeolite Y photocatalyst synthesized by using sonophotodeposition method was compared with photocatalysts prepared by simple photodeposition and sonodeposition methods in order to clarify the role of light irradiation and ultrasounds while they are used simultaneously. To gain an insight into the mechanism of this method a detailed characterization of the photocatalysts was carried out by means of the following techniques: UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Mössbauer measurements and photocatalytic test reaction. Basing on the results from these techniques the chemical role of light and mainly mechanical role of ultrasound were observed. The selective photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol into benzaldehyde in liquid phase was a test reaction verifying the utility of the prepared materials. The best photocatalytic efficiency in this reaction was performed by photocatalyst synthesized using compilation of ultrasound energy with photoexcitation.     

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.     

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.     

Visible-light-driven titania photocatalyst co-doped with nitrogen and ferrum

Nitrogen and ferrum co-doped titania photocatalyst was prepared by the sol-gel route. The prepared photocatalyst was characterized by various techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis diffusive reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherm. The photocatalytic activity of the co-doped titania photocatalyst was evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) from aqueous solution under visible light irradiation and was compared with that of the commercial TiO₂ photocatalyst (Degussa P25). The results revealed that the nitrogen doping could lead to the response to visible light and that the ferrum doping could improve the photocatalytic performance. The effects of the component and the annealing temperature of the co-doped titania photocatalyst on the photocatalytic activity were investigated.     

Synthesis,characterization and excellent photocatalytic activity of Ag/AgBr/MoO3 composite photocatalyst

A novel composite photocatalyst Ag/AgBr/MoO₃ was successfully synthesized via a simple precipitation method at room temperature. The obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in detail. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by monitoring the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) solution under visible-light irradiation. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of Ag/AgBr/MoO₃ composite significantly enhanced and the degradation ratio of RhB reached 97.7 % after 15 min only. The excellent photocatalytic activity might be closely related to the large surface area, porosity structure and efficient separation of photoinduced electron–hole pairs. The possible reaction mechanism was also discussed.     

Efficient photocatalytic degradation of acid orange 7 on metal oxide p–n junction composites under visible light

MO(=CuO, Co₃O₄, NiO)/BiVO₄ p–n junction composites were synthesized by urea-precipitation and wet impregnation method. The physicochemical and optical properties of the as-prepared materials were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectra. The photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared materials was investigated for decomposition of azo dye, acid orange 7. The CuO/BiVO₄ and Co₃O₄/BiVO₄ p–n junction composite photocatalysts exhibited the higher photocatalytic degradation of acid orange 7 than those of BiVO₄ and NiO/BiVO₄ as-prepared samples under visible light irradiation. We also discussed the mechanism of enhanced photocatalytic activity of p–n junctioned composites based on their energy band structures.     

Enhanced visible light photocatalytic properties of Fe-doped TiO2 nanorod clusters and monodispersed nanoparticles

In order to get photocatalysts with desired morphologies and enhanced visible light responses, the Fe-doped TiO₂ nanorod clusters and monodispersed nanoparticles were prepared by modified hydrothermal and solvothermal method, respectively. The microstructures and morphologies of TiO₂ crystals can be controlled by restraining the hydrolytic reaction rates. The Fe-doped photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis), N₂ adsorption-desorption measurement (BET), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The refinements of the microstructures and morphologies result in the enhancement of the specific surface areas. The Fe³⁺-dopants in TiO₂ lattices not only lead to the significantly extending of the optical responses from UV to visible region but also diminish the recombination rates of the electrons and holes. The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by photocatalytic decomposition of formaldehyde in air under visible light illumination. Compared with P25 (TiO₂) and N-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles, the Fe-doped photocatalysts show high photocatalytic activities under visible light.     

Efficient visible light-induced degradation of phenol on N-doped anatase TiO2 with large surface area and high crystallinity

The N-doped anatase TiO₂ photocatalysts were prepared via solvothermal and ethylenediamine reflux treatment, followed by the sequential calcination in air and NH₃/N₂ atmosphere. The resulting photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The results revealed that the prepared N-doped anatase TiO₂ had characteristics of small crystallite size, large surface area, high crystallinity and visible light response. The prepared N-doped anatase TiO₂ photocatalysts showed much higher photocatalytic activity than N-doped Degussa P25 for the degradation of phenol under both ultraviolet and visible light irradiation, owing to more highly oxidizing hydroxyl radical which was the main oxidative species responsible for the degradation of phenol.     

纳米金红石TiO2光催化剂的水解合成及其性能

采用水解法在323 K制备了比表面积较大的纳米金红石TiO₂光催化剂,并通过X射线衍射（XRD）、BET比表面积测试法、紫外-可见吸收光谱（UV-Vis）、红外光谱（IR）和光电化学（PEC）测量对纳米光催化剂进行了表征。以甲基橙为光催化反应的模型化合物,在比表面积相近的条件下,对纳米金红石和锐钛矿TiO₂光催化剂的光催化活性进行了评价。光催化实验结果表明：比表面积为～95 m2·g-1时,比表面积相近的金红石和锐钛矿的紫外光催化活性相当, 但金红石的可见光催化活性明显高于锐钛矿的可见光催化活性。光电化学实验表明: 在紫外光照射下催化剂的光电流密度从弱到强的顺序与其紫外光催化活性从低到高的次序一致。     

Synthesis of fluorinated TiO2 hollow microspheres and their photocatalytic activity under visible light

Fluorinated TiO₂ hollow microspheres with three-dimensional hierarchical architecture were prepared by solvothermally treatment using solid microspheres as precursor. The obtained solid and hollow TiO₂ microspheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The photocatalytic activity of as-prepared solid and hollow TiO₂ microspheres was determined by degradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. The results showed that the surface fluorination, the existence of accessible mesopores channels, and the increased light harvesting abilities could remarkably improve the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ hollow microspheres.     

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.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of graphene–TiO2 composite under visible light irradiation

Novel graphene–TiO₂ (GR–TiO₂) composite photocatalysts were synthesized by hydrothermal method. During the hydrothermal process, both the reduction of graphene oxide and loading of TiO₂ nanoparticles on graphene were achieved. The structure, surface morphology, chemical composition and optical properties of composites were studied using XRD, TEM, XPS, DRS and PL spectroscopy. The absorption edge of TiO₂ shifted to visible-light region with increasing amount of graphene in the composite samples. The photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) was carried out using graphene–TiO₂ composite catalysts in order to study the photocatalytic efficiency. The results showed that GR–TiO₂ composites can efficiently photodegrade MO, showing an enhanced photocatalytic activity over pure TiO₂ under visible-light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the composite catalysts might be attributed to great adsorptivity of dyes, extended light absorption range and efficient charge separation due to giant π-conjugation system and two-dimensional planar structure of graphene.     

Titania deposited on soft magnetic activated carbon as a magnetically separable photocatalyst with enhanced activity

Magnetically separable composite photocatalysts, TiO₂ deposited on soft magnetic ferrite activated carbon (TFAC), were prepared by sol-gel and dip-coating technique. The prepared composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), optical absorption spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and nitrogen adsorption. These photocatalysts exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to Degussa P25 for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) in aqueous solution. The kinetics of MO degradation was well fitted to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. The samples showed good magnetic response and could be completely recovered by an external magnet. Furthermore, the photocatalysts could maintain high photocatalytic activity after five cycles, and the degradation rate of MO was still close to 90%.     

Phenol degradation under visible light irradiation in the continuous system of photocatalysis and sonolysis

The combination of photocatalysis under visible light irradiation and sonolysis in the continuous system has been used to degrade an aqueous solution of phenol. ZnFe₂O₄/TiO₂–GAC was employed as the photocatalysts which were obtained by sol–gel process and characterized by spectroscopic X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray microanalyses (SEM–EDX) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller sorptometer (BET). It was observed that the rates of phenol degradation were affected by the initial pH value of phenol solution, salt addition, gas supplying and the recycling times of the recovered photocatalyst. The kinetic law for the phenol degradation can be apparently expressed as the first-order with respect to the concentration of phenol. Degradation of phenol solution in the continuous system, i.e., photocatalysis and sonolysis has synergistic effect in comparison with the photocatalytic reaction and sonolysis, respectively.     

镧掺杂介孔TiO2光催化剂的制备、表征及其光催化性能

以钛酸四正丁酯和硝酸镧为原料, 以P123为模板剂,采用模板法合成了La掺杂型介孔TiO₂光催化剂, 借助TGA-DSC、BET、XRD及UV-Vis等测试手段对样品进行了表征,并以苯酚为模型污染物考察了镧掺杂量对样品光催化活性的影响．结果表明: La掺杂介孔TiO₂光催化剂孔径分布较均匀(～10 nm),比表面积可达165 m²/g．与纯介孔TiO₂相比,经掺杂改性后的样品在紫外光区及可见光区的吸收显著增强,对光具有更高的利用率,La掺杂可显著提高介孔TiO₂的光催化活性.     

Synthesis, characterization and degradation of Bisphenol A using Pr, N co-doped TiO2 with highly visible light activity

Praseodymium and nitrogen co-doped titania (Pr/N-TiO₂) photocatalysts, which could degrade Bisphenol A (BPA) under visible light irradiation, were prepared by the modified sol-gel process. Tetrabutyl titanate, urea and praseodymium nitrate were used as the sources of titanium, nitrogen and praseodymium, respectively. The resulting materials were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherm and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR). It was found that Pr doping inhibited the growth of crystalline size and the transformation from anatase to rutile. The degradation of BPA under visible light illumination was taken as probe reaction to evaluate the photo-activity of the co-doped photocatalyst. In our experiments, the optimal dopant amount of Pr was 1.2 mol% and the calcination temperature was 500 °C for the best photocatalytic activity. Pr/N-TiO₂ samples exhibited enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity compared to N-TiO₂, undoped TiO₂ and commercial P25. The nitrogen atoms were incorporated into the crystal of titania and could narrow the band gap energy. Pr doping could slow the radiative recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes in TiO₂. The improvement of photocatalytic activity was ascribed to the synergistic effects of nitrogen and Pr co-doping.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of In2O3-decorated TiO2

Titania (TiO₂)-based photocatalysts decorated with different amounts of indium oxide (In₂O₃) were prepared by a pore impregnating method and characterized by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The separation efficiency of photogenerated charges was investigated using benzoquinone (BQ) as scavenger. The activities of the photocatalysts were evaluated by decolorization of methyl orange (MO) aqueous solution under ultraviolet-light irradiation. Compared to TiO₂, In₂O₃/TiO₂ composites show improved photocatalytic performance due to the coupling effect of TiO₂ and In₂O₃, which greatly improves the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes.     

Visible-light-induced degradation of formaldehyde over titania photocatalyst co-doped with nitrogen and nickel

Titanium isopropoxide, ammonium carbonate and nickelous nitrate were used as the sources of titanium, nitrogen, and nickel to prepare titania photocatalyst co-doped with nitrogen and nickel by means of the modified sol-gel method. The photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis diffusive reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The prepared N-Ni co-doped photocatalyst showed optical absorption in the visible light area and exhibited excellent photocatalytic ability for the degradation of formaldehyde under visible light irradiation. The effects of annealing temperature and component on the phase composition and photocatalytic activity were investigated. The results demonstrated that nitrogen atoms was weaved into the structure of titania and led to the response to visible light. However, nickel atoms existed in the form of Ni₂O₃, dispersed on the surface of TiO₂, suppressed the recombination of photo-induced electron-hole pairs, raised the photo quantum efficiency, and led to the enhancement of photocatalytic performance. The increase of photoactivity was attributed to the synergistic effects of co-doping.     

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.