Photocatalytic Crystalline and Amorphous TiO2 Nanotubes Prepared by Electrospinning and Atomic Layer Deposition

In this work core/shell composite polymer/TiO₂ nanofibers and from those TiO₂ nanotubes were prepared. First, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) fibers were synthetized by electrospinning. They were covered with a 100 nm thick amorphous TiO₂ layer by atomic layer deposition at 50 °C. Later the polymer core was removed by two different methods: dissolution and annealing. In the case of dissolution in water, the as-prepared TiO₂ nanotubes remained amorphous, while when annealing was used to remove the polymers, the TiO₂ crystallized in anatase form. Due to this, the properties of amorphous and crystalline TiO₂ nanotubes with exactly the same structure and morphology could be compared. The samples were investigated by SEM-EDX, ATR-IR, UV-Vis, XRD and TG/DTA-MS. Finally, the photocatalytic properties of the TiO₂ nanotubes were studied by decomposing methyl-orange dye under UV light. According to the results, crystalline anatase TiO₂ nanotubes reached the photocatalytic performance of P25, while amorphous TiO₂ nanotubes had observable photocatalytic activity.     

Electron beam induced in-vacuo Ag deposition on TiO2 from ionic liquids

The present work describes electron beam induced Ag deposition from [BMIM][BF₄] ionic liquid containing AgBF₄ on anatase TiO₂ surfaces. The procedure is directly performed in the ultra high vacuum chamber of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Based on the experiments with reference surfaces (Au and amorphous TiO₂) that do not show successful Ag deposition, it is proposed that the deposition mechanism is of pseudo-photocatalytic nature.     

Unconventional Route to Oxygen-Vacancy-Enabled Highly Efficient Electron Extraction and Transport in Perovskite Solar Cells

The ability to effectively transfer photoexcited electrons and holes is an important endeavor toward achieving high-efficiency solar energy conversion. Now, a simple yet robust acid-treatment strategy is used to judiciously create an amorphous TiO₂ buffer layer intimately situated on the anatase TiO₂ surface as an electron-transport layer (ETL) for efficient electron transport. The facile acid treatment is capable of weakening the bonding of zigzag octahedral chains in anatase TiO₂, thereby shortening staggered octahedron chains to form an amorphous buffer layer on the anatase TiO₂ surface. Such amorphous TiO₂-coated ETL possesses an increased electron density owing to the presence of oxygen vacancies, leading to efficient electron transfer from perovskite to TiO₂. Compared to pristine TiO₂-based devices, the perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with acid-treated TiO₂ ETL exhibit an enhanced short-circuit current and power conversion efficiency.     

X-ray induced photocatalysis on TiO2 and TiO2 nanotubes: Degradation of organics and drug release

The photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide under X-ray radiation is of great interest for biomedical applications. In the present work we explore the use of compact TiO₂ layers and TiO₂ nanotubes for X-ray induced photocatalysis, in particular the degradation of organics and monolayer chain scission for drug release. The radiation was done with a conventional X-ray source and doses up to 50 × 10^?3 J/kg. The results show the feasibility of X-ray catalysis on TiO₂ and X-ray induced monolayer chain scission by the release of surface attached Zn–porphyrin molecules. Furthermore, a higher efficiency for anatase films and nanotubes is obtained than for amorphous morphologies.     

Unconventional Route to Oxygen‐Vacancy‐Enabled Highly Efficient Electron Extraction and Transport in Perovskite Solar Cells

The ability to effectively transfer photoexcited electrons and holes is an important endeavor toward achieving high‐efficiency solar energy conversion. Now, a simple yet robust acid‐treatment strategy is used to judiciously create an amorphous TiO₂ buffer layer intimately situated on the anatase TiO₂ surface as an electron‐transport layer (ETL) for efficient electron transport. The facile acid treatment is capable of weakening the bonding of zigzag octahedral chains in anatase TiO₂, thereby shortening staggered octahedron chains to form an amorphous buffer layer on the anatase TiO₂ surface. Such amorphous TiO₂‐coated ETL possesses an increased electron density owing to the presence of oxygen vacancies, leading to efficient electron transfer from perovskite to TiO₂. Compared to pristine TiO₂‐based devices, the perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with acid‐treated TiO₂ ETL exhibit an enhanced short‐circuit current and power conversion efficiency.     

Effect of crystal form and particle size of titanium dioxide on the photodegradation behaviour of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer/low density polyethylene composite

The photodegradation behaviour of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/low density polyethylene (LDPE) composite containing four different types of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) was investigated through colour difference, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and mechanical tests. The results showed that the performance losses of composites were qualitatively correlated with the degradation degree. The vinyl acetate (VA) groups in EVA were sensitive to UV light and the photodegradation mainly occurred in the amorphous region. The chain scission and annealing effect facilitated the secondary crystallization of composites. The heterogeneous nucleation effect of TiO₂ on the crystallization of composites was related to the particle size of TiO₂. The micro rutile TiO₂, micro anatase TiO₂ and their mixture (rutile/anatase = 13/87) exhibited a photo-stabilising effect, while the nano mixed crystals TiO₂ (rutile/anatase = 20/80) had an opposite effect.     

纳米掺铁二氧化钛的sol-gel法制备与表征(Ⅰ)热重红外联用分析掺铁二氧化钛凝胶的热分解和晶化特性

本文通过热分析、红外联用和X射线衍射分析了不同煅烧温度下的纳米掺铁二氧化钛样品,研究了sol-gel方法制备的纯二氧化钛和掺铁二氧化钛干凝胶的热分解和晶化过程.结果表明,干凝胶有较为明显的两个阶段的热分解.在实验条件下得到的二氧化钛干凝胶粉为无定形,无定形二氧化钛加热晶化过程是一个持续的过程,没有明显的晶化温度.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Photocatalytic Behavior of SiO2@nitrized-TiO2 Nanocomposites Obtained by a Straightforward Novel Approach

We report on the facile synthesis of SiO₂@nitrized-TiO₂ nanocomposite (NST) by calcination of TiO₂ xerogel with OctaAmmonium POSS® (N-POSS; POSS=polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes). The as-obtained nanoporous mixed oxide is constituted by uniformly distributed SiO₂ and nitrized-TiO₂, where the silica component is present in an amorphous state and TiO₂ in an anatase/rutile mixed phase (92.1 % vs. 7.9 %, respectively) with very small anatase crystallites (3.7 nm). The TiO₂ lattice is nitrized both at interstitial and substitutional positions. NST features a negatively charged surface with a remarkable surface area (406 m² g⁻¹), endowed with special adsorption capabilities towards cationic dyes. Its photocatalytic behavior was tested by following the degradation of standard aqueous methylene blue and methyl orange solutions under UV and visible light irradiation, according to ISO 10678:2010. For comparison, analogous investigations were carried out on a silica-free N−TiO₂, obtained by using NH₄Cl as nitrogen source.     

Effect of amines on the peroxo-titanates and photoactivity of annealed TiO2

The aim of this study was to explore the influence of various n-propylamines (mono, di, and tri) and tert-butylamine on the properties of prepared peroxo-titanates and annealed TiO₂. Detailed structural characterization (SEM, TEM with EDX, XRD) confirmed the 2D-foil morphology of TiO₂ nanocrystals and the CHNS analysis together with XPS showed presence of carbon (under 1 wt%). The annealed TiO₂ showed excellent photocatalytic activity and up to four times higher decomposition rate constant upon UV irradiation than the P25. Favourable growth of TiO₂ crystals was observed especially when propylamine and tert-butylamine were used (as precursors for the peroxo-titanates). Increased photocatalytic efficiency of the highly crystalline nano-TiO₂ was confirmed due to high-reactive anatase facets and the morphology composed of microsheets formed by interconnected nanocrystals. The photoinduced electron transfer was confirmed via EPR spectroscopy. This synthesis’ procedure offers a novel preparation method of highly photoactive C-doped TiO₂ achieved relatively easily after annealing of lyophilized amino-peroxo-titanate.     

光驱动多孔无定形TiO2的形成机制与光催化性能的研究

以钛酸正丁醇和乙二醇为原料,采用溶剂热法合成了钛乙二醇盐(TG)前躯体,在高压汞灯照射下制备出无定形TiO2。利用X射线衍射(XRD)、扫描电镜(SEM)和透射电镜(TEM)、紫外-可见吸收光谱(UV-Vis)、表面光电压谱(SPS)、N2吸附-脱附对所得材料进行了结构和性能的表征。借助X射线吸收精细结构(XAFS)对无定形TiO2的形成机制进行了分析,并通过硝基苯的还原反应考察了材料的光催化性能。结果表明:在紫外光驱动无定形TiO2的形成过程中,中心元素Ti4+的配位环境发生变化,由八面体结构转变为四面体结构;由于特殊的孔道结构使得多孔无定形TiO2显示出较好的光催化活性。     

Mapping of the Photoinduced Electron Traps in TiO2 by Picosecond X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is the most popular material for applications in solar‐energy conversion and photocatalysis, both of which rely on the creation, transport, and trapping of charges (holes and electrons). The nature and lifetime of electron traps at room temperature have so far not been elucidated. Herein, we use picosecond X‐ray absorption spectroscopy at the Ti K‐edge and the Ru L₃‐edge to address this issue for photoexcited bare and N719‐dye‐sensitized anatase and amorphous TiO₂ nanoparticles. Our results show that 100 ps after photoexcitation, the electrons are trapped deep in the defect‐rich surface shell in the case of anatase TiO₂, whereas they are inside the bulk in the case of amorphous TiO₂. In the case of dye‐sensitized anatase or amorphous TiO₂, the electrons are trapped at the outer surface. Only two traps were identified in all cases, with lifetimes in the range of nanoseconds to tens of nanoseconds.     

Photodegradation of dye pollutants on one-dimensional TiO2 nanoparticles under UV and visible irradiation

Titanium dioxides (TiO₂) nanoparticles with one-dimensional (1D) geometry, nanorods and nanostripes, were used as photocatalysts to photodegrade Rhodamine B (RhB) under ultraviolet (UV) and visible irradiation. The nanorods catalyst exhibited very interesting photocatalytic properties: under the UV irradiation its catalytic activity was slightly below that of the well-known TiO₂ catalyst P25, while under visible light it exhibited a better activity than P25.This fact indicates that the nanorods have a superior ability to utilize less energetic but more abundant visible light. Moreover, the 1D TiO₂ nanoparticles can be readily separated from aqueous suspensions by sedimentation after the reaction. With these advantages the 1D TiO₂ catalysts have a great potential for environmental applications. Various analytical techniques were employed to characterize TiO₂ catalysts and monitor the photocatalytic reaction. It was found that the catalytic performance of the catalysts is greatly dependent on their structures: The superior activity of P25 (consists of anatase and rutile nanocrystals) under UV light results probably from the interfacial interaction between anatase and rutile nanocrystals in this solid, which do not exist in the nanorods (only anatase). The titanate nanostripes (titanate) can absorb UV photons with shorter wavelength only.     

Remarkable Charge Separation and Photocatalytic Efficiency Enhancement through Interconnection of TiO2 Nanoparticles by Hydrothermal Treatment

Although tremendous effort has been directed to synthesizing advanced TiO₂, it remains difficult to obtain TiO₂ exhibiting a photocatalytic efficiency higher than that of P25, a benchmark photocatalyst. P25 is composed of anatase, rutile, and amorphous TiO₂ particles, and photoexcited electron transfer and subsequent charge separation at the anatase–rutile particle interfaces explain its high photocatalytic efficiency. Herein, we report on a facile and rational hydrothermal treatment of P25 to selectively convert the amorphous component into crystalline TiO₂, which is deposited between the original anatase and rutile particles to increase the particle interfaces and thus enhance charge separation. This process produces a new TiO₂ exhibiting a considerably enhanced photocatalytic efficiency. This method of synthesizing this TiO₂, inspired by a recently burgeoning zeolite design, promises to make TiO₂ applications more feasible and effective.     

Formation of Superhydrophobic-Superhydrophilic Pattern on Flowerlike Alumina Thin Film by the Sol-Gel Method

We have prepared superhydrophobic surfaces which become superhydrophilic by heat-treatment at 500°C or irradiation of UV-light. When hydrolyzed fluoroalkyltrimethoxysilane (FAS) was coated on Al₂O₃ gel film with a roughness of 20 to 50 nm, the films showed superhydrophobicity and high transparency; the contact angle for water of the film was 165° and the transmittance for the visible light was higher than 92%. When the FAS-coated thin films were heat-treated at temperatures higher than 500°C, the films became superhydrophilic; the contact angle for water on the films was smaller than 5°. Thin films of amorphous TiO₂ or anatase TiO₂ were coated between Al₂O₃ gel and FAS layer, and the contact angle for water was also about 160°. UV irradiation using high-pressure mercury lamp on these films resulted in the contact angle to be smaller than 5°. When UV light was irradiated through a photomask, superhydrophobic-superhydrophilic micropatterns applicable as a stamper for printing or a substrate of micro-optical components were successfully obtained on the films.     

Photocatalytic Inactivation Efficiency of Anatase Nano-TiO2 Sol on the H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus

This study was conducted to investigate efficiency of TiO₂nanomaterial as a novel environment-friendly disinfectant to control avian influenza (AI) by its photochemical sterilization ability. Anatase nano-TiO₂sol, a neutral, viscous aqueous colloid of 1.6% TiO₂, was synthesized from peroxotitanic acid solution according to the Ichinose method. Transmission electron microscope images showed that the TiO₂particles were spindle-shaped with an average size of 50 nm. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the crystal phase of TiO₂particles was anatase type with photocatalytic effect. A photocatalytic film of nano-TiO₂sol was tested as a means of inactivating H₉N₂avian influenza virus (AIV). Inactivation capabilities were examined with 365 nm ultraviolet (UV) radiation under black light by adjusting the UV intensity, the UV irradiation time and the quantity of AIV. The titer change of AIV was determined by hemagglutination tests. Cytopathic effect of Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was monitored by inverted fluorescence microscope. The results showed that anatase nano-TiO₂sol significantly inactivated AIV under UV irradiation of 365 nm. The inactivation of AIV viruses reached up to 100%. Therefore, anatase nano-TiO₂sol is a potentially environment-friendly antivirus agent to prevent AI.     

Fabrication and characterization of TiO2 photocatalytic thin film prepared from peroxo titanic acid sol

A novel sol–gel technique using the PTA (peroxo titanic acid) sol as precursor for the fabrication of TiO₂ photocatalytic thin film is introduced in this paper. The peroxo titanic acid sol was synthesized from titanyl sulfate (TiOSO₄), ammonia and peroxide solution (H₂O₂). The transparent and porous TiO₂ thin film was prepared via a sol–gel technique using PTA sol and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as precursor and template, respectively. The TiO₂ thin film samples were characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–visible spectrophotometry (UV–vis), X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) and thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) technique. The PTA sol displayed amorphous TiO₂ below 100 °C. The anatase phase formed at 200 °C to 700 °C. The crystallinity of anatase phase was improved with increasing temperature. The anatase crystals on the surface of TiO₂ film were strip-like, the size being about 100 nm in length and 40 nm in diameter. Addition of PEG to the PTA sol developed porous structures in the film and changed the size and shape of the particles. The surface of the film contained Ti, O and C elements and Na element that diffused into the film from the glass substrate. The photocatalytic performance of TiO₂ film was tested for the degradation of 10 mg/L methyl orange. The degradation of methyl orange solution reached 98.9% after irradiated for 180 min under UV light. The porous TiO₂ thin film exhibited high photocatalytic activity towards degrading methyl orange.     

Photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds by Au-TiO2/sepiolite composites as the highly efficient catalysts

Photocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange (MO) and Congo red (CR) as typical model organic contaminants was investigated in aqueous solution within a cooperating Au/TiO₂/sepiolite heterostructure system under UV light irradiation. The Au/TiO₂/sepiolite composites with a single-crystalline (anatase) framework was synthesized by a facile sol-gel method using titanium tetrachloride as a TiO₂ precursor and depositing metal Au on the surface of TiO₂ nanostructures via a facile chemical reduction process. The crystal structure, surface area, light adsorption and the photoinduced charge separation rate of the photocatalyst prepared were characterized in detail. As compared with the pristine TiO₂, the Au/TiO₂/sepiolite hybrid material exhibited good photocatalytic efficiency (90%) for the UV-light photooxidation of methyl orange, which is four-fold of that of reference TiO₂. In addition, Au/TiO₂/sepiolite hybrid material also shows a good photodegradation performance toward Congo red removal. The highly efficient photocatalytic activity is associated with the strong adsorption ability of sepiolite for aromatic dye molecules, fast photogenerated charge separation due to the formation of Schottky junction between TiO₂ and metallic Au. This work suggests that the combination of the excellent adsorption properties of sepiolite and the efficient separation effect of noble metallic nanoparticles provides a versatile strategy for the synthesis of novel and highly efficient photocatalysts.     

Unifying the Nitrogen Reduction Activity of Anatase and Rutile TiO2 Surfaces

TiO₂ is a model transition metal oxide that has been applied frequently in both photocatalytic and electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reactions (NRR). However, the phase which is more NRR active still remains a puzzle. This work presents a theoretical study on the NRR activity of the (001), (100), (101), and (110) surfaces of both anatase and rutile TiO₂. We found that perfect surfaces are not active for NRR, while the oxygen vacancy can promote the reaction by providing excess electrons and low-coordinated Ti atoms that enhance the binding of the key intermediate (HNN*). The NRR activity of the eight facets can be unified into a single scaling line. The anatase TiO₂(101) and rutile TiO₂(101) surfaces were found to be the most and the second most active surfaces with a limiting potential of −0.91 V and −0.95 V respectively, suggesting that the TiO₂ NRR activity is not very phase-sensitive. For photocatalytic NRR, the results suggest that the anatase TiO₂(101) surface is still the most active facet. We further found that the binding strength of key intermediates scale well with the formation energy of oxygen vacancy, which is determined by the oxygen coordination number and the degree of relaxation of the surface after the creation of oxygen vacancy. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the activity of TiO₂ surfaces. The results should be helpful for the design of more efficient TiO₂-based NRR catalysts.     

Cooperation among N,F and Fe in tri-doped TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> photocatalyst

TiO₂ photocatalysts tri-doped with N, F and Fe were synthesized by a sol–gel method. The cooperation of N, F and Fe in tri-doped TiO₂ was verified by monitoring NH₃ decomposition, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy, and by the simulation based on the density functional theory (DFT). The results from NH₃ decomposition revealed that the cooperation of N, F and Fe broadened the optical response of TiO₂ to the visible light range and also enhanced the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ under UV light. The reusability of the tri-doped TiO₂ sample after three cycles under UV and visible light irradiation was very good. XRD patterns and SEM and HRTEM images indicated that the tri-doped sample was nanometric anatase with a small amount of rutile with an average particle size of 18 nm. Tri-doping with N, F and Fe suppressed the phase transition from anatase to rutile and also resulted in some more lattice defects. XPS analysis showed that the N, F and Fe atoms were doped into the TiO₂ lattice. UV–Vis absorption spectra of the tri-doped TiO₂ showed that its optical absorption edge was moved up to 640 nm and its UV absorption was also enhanced. The DFT results confirmed that the cooperation of Fe 3d and N 2p orbits narrowed the band gap of TiO₂ and the F 2p orbit broadened the upper valence bands. The synergistic electron density around N, F and Fe in tri-doped TiO₂ was capable of enhancing the photochemical stability and reusability of TiO₂.     

CO2在纳米SiO2/TiO2悬浮体系中的光催化还原

用水热法合成了氧化硅改性的具有高比表面积、高催化活性的锐钛型二氧化钛, 并在其悬浮体系中将CO₂光催化还原合成甲醇. 采用XRD, TEM, 物理吸附, UV-Vis吸收光谱和FTIR等表征手段对催化剂结构特征进行了研究. 结果表明: 添加氧化硅后, 氧化硅和二氧化钛之间形成Si—O—Ti键, 抑制了TiO₂晶粒生长, 提高了锐钛型TiO₂的比表面积, 且随着含硅量的增加, SiO₂/TiO₂的UV吸收逐步蓝移, 禁带宽度增加. 还原反应结果表明: SiO₂/TiO₂具有光催化还原活性, 且随着含硅量的增加先增加后减小, 当SiO₂质量分数为3.5%时, SiO₂/TiO₂复合催化剂反应活性最强, 5 h内甲醇产量可达到21.0 mg/L, 并有少量甲醛生成.