Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of sulfamethoxazole by stable hierarchical Fe2O3/Co3O4 heterojunction on nickel foam

A facile approach was successfully employed to prepare Fe₂O₃/Co₃O₄ nanosheet arrays on nickel foams (Fe₂O₃/Co₃O₄@NF), which owned such advantages as narrow band gap energies and high separation rate of photoexcited electron-hole pairs. The combination of Fe₂O₃ and Co₃O₄ dramatically enhanced the photocatalytic activity towards sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) degradation, with the highest catalytic efficiency of k = 0.0538 min⁻¹, which was much higher than that of Fe₂O₃@NF (0.0098 min⁻¹) and Co₃O₄@NF (0.0094 min⁻¹). The introduction of Ni foam could not only act as the support to anchor photocatalyst, but also work as the electron mediator to promote the transition of electron-hole pairs. Reactive species trapping experiments combined with electron paramagnetic resonance analysis confirmed ^•O₂⁻ was primarily responsible for SMZ degradation. Furthermore, Fe₂O₃/Co₃O₄@NF was effective and almost unaffected by inorganic cations and anions in aqueous solution. This study could provide a facile and promising path for the construction of self-supported metal oxide-based heterojunction with high efficiency and strong stability.     

Synthesis of Co2+-doped Fe2O3 photocatalyst for degradation of pararosaniline dye

In this paper, x (=2, 5, 7 and 10mol%) Co²⁺-doped Fe₂O₃ (xCo:Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic activity have been reported. xCo:Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles were successfully prepared by co-precipitation followed thermal decomposition method. The structural, optical and morphological properties of the prepared samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse reflectance (DR) UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained results revealed that Co²⁺ ions were well doped within the lattices of Fe₂O₃. Also, Co²⁺ ions suppress the formation of the most stable α- Fe₂O₃ and stabilize less stable γ-Fe₂O₃ at 450 °C. The photocatalytic activity of xCo:Fe₂O₃ was examined by using pararosaniline (PR) dye. It was found that photocatalytic degradation of PR depends on dopant concentration (Co²⁺ ions). Relatively, the highest photocatalytic activity was observed for 5%Co:Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles. The plausible photocatalytic degradation pathway of PR at xCo:Fe₂O₃ surface has also been proposed.     

光催化剂Sm2FeSbO7的制备及光物理和光催化性能表征

首次采用固相反应法制备了新型光催化剂Sm₂FeSbO₇,有效地降解了水中有机污染物。利用X射线衍射、扫描电镜、X射线光电子能谱、傅里叶变换红外光谱、透射电子显微镜和紫外－可见光谱仪对Sm₂FeSbO₇的结构和光催化性能进行了表征。Sm₂FeSbO₇为烧绿石型结构,立方晶系和空间群Fd3m结晶。Sm₂FeSbO₇的晶格参数a为1.035 434 nm。Sm₂FeSbO₇的带隙经估算为2.46 eV。用Sm₂FeSbO₇作为光催化剂在可见光照射下降解靛蓝胭脂红,并与氮掺杂TiO₂对比。结果表明,与掺氮TiO₂相比,Sm₂FeSbO₇在可见光照射下光催化降解靛蓝胭脂红显示出较高的光催化活性。总有机碳的减少,无机产物的逐渐形成,SO₄^2-和NO₃^-以及CO₂的演变揭示了在光催化过程中靛蓝胭脂红的连续矿化。检测了一些来自光催化降解靛蓝胭脂红的中间体,如邻硝基苯甲酸和邻硝基苯甲醛,并获得了可能的靛蓝胭脂红光催化降解路径。     

Construction of direct Z-scheme g-C3N4/TiO2 nanorod composites for promoting photocatalytic activity

Direct Z-scheme g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ nanorod composites were prepared for enhancing photocatalytic activity for pollutant removal. The characterization revealed that the g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ nanorod composite formed a close interface contact between g-C₃N₄ and TiO₂ nanorods, which was of benefit for the charge transfer and resulted in its high photocatalytic activity. The g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ nanorod composites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity for degradation of Rhodamine B (RHB) than bare g-C₃N₄ and TiO₂ nanorods. The high photocatalytic activity of g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ nanorod composites is attributed to the formation of the direct Z-scheme system, in which the electrons from the conduction band (CB) of TiO₂ combine with the holes from the valence band (VB) of C₃N₄ while the electrons from the CB of C₃N₄ and holes from the VB of TiO₂ with stronger redox ability are used to reduce and oxidize pollutants. Based on the radical-trapping experiments, the main reactive species for RHB degradation are O₂⁻ and · OH, which are produced by photoinduced electrons and holes with high redox ability. This work provides insights into the photocatalytic mechanism of composite materials for the photocatalytic removal of organic pollutants.     

Novel Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalyst Co<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>/FeWO<Subscript>4</Subscript> for Efficient Decomposition of Organic Pollutants

A highly efficient and visible light (λ ≥ 420 nm) responsive composite photocatalyst, Co₃O₄/FeWO₄ was prepared by simple impregnation method. The heterojunction semiconductors Co₃O₄/FeWO₄ demonstrated notably high photocatalytic activity over a wide range of composition than the individual component Co₃O₄ or FeWO₄ for the complete degradation of 1,4-dichlorobenzene (DCB) in aqueous phase under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of composite was optimized at 1/99 Co₃O₄/FeWO₄ composition. After 2 h of visible light irradiation 51% decomposition of 1,4-dichlorobenzene (DCB) was observed utilizing 1/99 Co₃O₄/FeWO₄ photocatalyst while the end members demonstrated a negligible degradation under the same experimental condition. The valence band (VB) and conduction band (CB) of Co₃O₄ is located above the VB and CB of FeWO₄, respectively. Both the semiconductors Co₃O₄ and FeWO₄ exhibit strong absorption over the wide range of visible light. The obviously enhanced photocatalytic performance of Co₃O₄/FeWO₄ composite has been discussed on the hole (h⁺) as well as electron (e^?) transfer mechanism between the VB and CB of individual semiconductors.     

Synthesis of Co3O4/WO3 Nanoheterojunction Photocatalyst for the Decomposition of Organic Pollutants Under Visible Light Irradiation

A highly efficient and visible light (λ ≥ 420 nm) responsive nanocomposite photocatalyst Co₃O₄/WO₃ was developed by dispersing p-type semiconductor Co₃O₄ on the surface of n-type semiconductor WO₃. The heterojunction Co₃O₄/WO₃ demonstrated higher photocatalytic activity than WO₃, Co₃O₄ and TiO₂ nanoparticles for the complete decomposition of 2-propanol in gas phase and phenol in aqueous phase and evolution of CO₂ under visible light irradiation. The highest photocatalytic efficiency of the composite Co₃O₄/WO₃ was observed when calcined at 300 °C for 2 h with 4.91 mol% Co₃O₄/WO₃. The enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of the heterojunction was discussed based on the unique relative energy band positions and profound absorption of visible light by the semiconductors.     

Highly dispersed Mn2O3−Co3O4 nanostructures on carbon matrix as heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst

This work reports the synthesis of various carbon (Vulcan XC-72 R) supported metal oxide nanostructures, such as Mn₂O₃, Co₃O₄ and Mn₂O₃−Co₃O₄ as heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts for the degradation of organic dye pollutants, namely Rhodamine B (RB) and Congo Red (CR) in wastewater. The activity results showed that the bimetallic Mn₂O₃−Co₃O₄/C catalyst exhibits much higher activity than the monometallic Mn₂O₃/C and Co₃O₄/C catalysts for the degradation of both RB and CR pollutants, due to the synergistic properties induced by the Mn−Co and/or Mn (Co)−support interactions. The degradation efficiency of RB and CR was considerably increased with an increase of reaction temperature from 25 to 45°C. Importantly, the bimetallic Mn₂O₃−Co₃O₄/C catalyst could maintain its catalytic activity up to five successive cycles, revealing its catalytic durability for wastewater purification. The structure–activity correlations demonstrated a probable mechanism for the degradation of organic dye pollutants in wastewater, involving •OH radical as well as Mn²⁺/Mn³⁺ or Co²⁺/Co³⁺ redox couple of the Mn₂O₃−Co₃O₄/C catalyst.     

光催化剂Sm2FeSbO7的制备及光物理和光催化性能表征

首次采用固相反应法制备了新型光催化剂Sm₂FeSbO₇,有效地降解了水中有机污染物。利用X射线衍射、扫描电镜、X射线光电子能谱、傅里叶变换红外光谱、透射电子显微镜和紫外-可见光谱仪对Sm₂FeSbO₇的结构和光催化性能进行了表征。Sm₂FeSbO₇为烧绿石型结构,立方晶系和空间群Fd3m结晶。Sm₂FeSbO₇的晶格参数a为1.035 434 nm。Sm₂FeSbO₇的带隙经估算为2.46 eV。用Sm₂FeSbO₇作为光催化剂在可见光照射下降解靛蓝胭脂红,并与氮掺杂TiO₂对比。结果表明,与掺氮TiO₂相比,Sm₂FeSbO₇在可见光照射下光催化降解靛蓝胭脂红显示出较高的光催化活性。总有机碳的减少,无机产物的逐渐形成,SO₄^2-和NO₃^-以及CO₂的演变揭示了在光催化过程中靛蓝胭脂红的连续矿化。检测了一些来自光催化降解靛蓝胭脂红的中间体,如邻硝基苯甲酸和邻硝基苯甲醛,并获得了可能的靛蓝胭脂红光催化降解路径。     

Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Reactive Dyes over MnTiO3/TiO2 Heterojunction Composites Under UV‐Visible Irradiation

In this study, the photocatalytic degradation of organic reactive dyes have been investigated using MnTiO₃/TiO₂ heterojunction composites in the presence of electron acceptors under UV‐Visible light irradiation. This MnTiO₃/TiO₂ heterojunction composites were prepared by annealing different mass ratios of pyrophanite MnTiO₃ (3–11 wt%) and TiO₂ at 300°C. All the MnTiO₃/TiO₂ heterojunction composites were characterized by spectral techniques like X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and diffused reflectance UV‐visible spectroscopic analysis (DRS). Among them, 9 wt% MnTiO₃/TiO₂ heterojunction composites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Reactive Blue 4 (RB 4). The photocatalytic efficiency of 9 wt% MnTiO₃/TiO₂ heterojunction composites was further enhanced by the addition of substantial amount of electron acceptors like hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and ammonium peroxydisulfate ([NH₄]₂S₂O₈). The presence of oxidants (electron acceptors) facilitates the fast degradation of dye solution even in higher concentration upto 200 mg/L. The photocatalytic activity of MnTiO₃/TiO₂ heterojunction composites was also studied for the degradation of other four different structured reactive dyes. The extent of mineralization of these organic reactive dyes during photocatalytic degradation was estimated from COD analysis. MnTiO₃/TiO₂ heterojunction composites was also found to have good photostability in the presence of oxidants.     

Preparation of Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2 composite film and influence of layer number and layer sequence on the visible-light photocatalytic activity

In this work, the Er³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂ as up-conversion luminescence agent was mixed with TiO₂ and the corresponding Er³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂/TiO₂ composite films were prepared on the one-sided surface of treated sheet glass through sol-gel dip-coating method. The prepared Er³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂/TiO₂ composite films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Their photocatalytic activities were examined through the degradation of some organic dyes under visible-light irradiation. The degradation process of organic dyes was monitored by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Furthermore, some main influence factors on the visible-light photocatalytic activity of Er³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂/TiO₂ composite film such as heat-treatment temperature and heat-treatment time were studied. The results indicate that three layer Er³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂/TiO₂ composite films with one Er³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂/TiO₂ composite film (as first layer close to sheet glass) and two pure TiO₂ film (as second and third layers) display a higher visible-light photocatalytic activity during photocatalytic degradation of Azo Fuchsine. In addition, the results showed that the visible-light photocatalytic activity of Er³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂/TiO₂ composite film related to the layer number and layer sequence on the sheet glass. Perhaps, the research results may offer some meaningful references for developing solar energy continuous flow wastewater treatment reactor.     

Evaluating the efficiency of the GO‐Fe3O4/TiO2 mesoporous photocatalyst for degradation of chlorpyrifos pesticide under visible light irradiation

In this work, the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized graphene oxide (GO)‐Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ mesoporous photocatalysts was evaluated using chlorpyrifos (CP) as a contaminant. The nano‐photocatalyst was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and specific surface area by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. Using visible light, the GO‐Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ mesoporous photocatalyst was investigated on the degradation of CP pesticide. The GO‐Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ photocatalyst displayed a good photocatalytic activity, which was achieving 97% of CP degradation after 60 min. Finally, experiments were performed to evaluate GO‐Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ mesoporous nanocatalyst activity on repeated applications; after several uses, its photocatalytic activity was retained, which indicated stability.     

Photocatalysis enhancement of CaAl<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Eu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Nd<Superscript>3+</Superscript>@TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> composite powders

CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, Nd³⁺@TiO₂ composite powders were synthesized by a sol–gel method under mild conditions (i.e. low temperature and ambient pressure). The as-prepared powders were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic behavior of the TiO₂-base surfaces was evaluated by the degradation of nitrogen monoxide gas. It suggested that CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, Nd³⁺@TiO₂ composite powders were composed of anatase titania and that CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, Nd³⁺. TiO₂ particles were deposited on the surface of CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, Nd³⁺ to form uniform film. CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, Nd³⁺@TiO₂ composite powders exhibited higher photocatalytic activity compared with pure TiO₂ under visible light. And the result also clearly indicated that the long afterglow phosphor absorbed and stored lights for the TiO₂ to remain photocatalytic activity in the dark.     

Flower-like shaped Bi12TiO20/g-C3N4 heterojunction for effective elimination of organic pollutants: Preparation,characterization, and mechanism study

Flower-like shaped Bi₁₂TiO₂₀ (Bismuth Titanate)/g-C₃N₄ (graphite-like carbon nitride) heterojunction was prepared through hydrothermal and sonification methods for the degradation of organic pollutants by visible-light irradiation. The preparation process, chemical structures, and the mechanism of photocatalytic enhancement of the heterostructures were studied systematically. Under visible-light irradiation, the novel flower-like shaped Bi₁₂TiO₂₀/g-C₃N₄ heterojunction demonstrates prominent activities for the degradation of rhodamine B and p-nitrophenol, with the introduction of flower-like shaped Bi₁₂TiO₂₀ into g-C₃N₄ composites greatly increasing the activity of pure g-C₃N₄. This activity enhancement for the heterojunction could be mainly attributed to its low recombination speed of electron–hole pairs, high adsorption ability of organic pollutants, and better optical absorption ability. Moreover, in the visible-light system of Bi₁₂TiO₂₀/g-C₃N₄, ^•OH also contributed to the degradation of pollutants, which may explain the enhanced photocatalytic activity after the introduction of Bi₁₂TiO_20, as ^•OH is inactive in pure g-C₃N₄. Furthermore, 10 wt.% Bi₁₂TiO₂₀/g-C₃N₄ showed not only high activity but also good stability for degradation of aqueous organic pollutants, implying potential applications prospect.     

Degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride by ultrafine TiO2 nanoparticles modified g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst: Influencing factors,products and mechanism insight

The unique heterojunction photocatalyst of graphite carbon nitride（g-C₃N₄） modified ultrafine TiO₂（gC₃N₄/Ti O₂） was successfully fabricated by electrochemical etching and co-annealing method. However,the effects of various environmental factors on the degradation of TC by g-C₃N₄/Ti O2and the internal reaction mechanism are still unclear. In this study, the effects of initial p H, anions, and cations on the ph...     

Visible-light-driven Oxygen Vacancy and Carbon Doping of C@TiO2-x Photocatalyst for Enhanced Pollutants Degradation Performance

Oxygen Vacancy (OVs) and carbon doping of the photocatalyst body will significantly enhance the photocatalytic efficiency. However, synchronous regulation of these two aspects is challenging. In this paper, a novel C@TiO_2-x photocatalyst was designed by coupling the surface defect and doping engineering of titania, which can effectively remove rhodamine B (RhB) and has a relatively high performance with wide pH range, high photocatalytic activity and good stability. Within 90 minutes, the photocatalytic degradation rate of RhB by C@TiO_2-x (94.1 % at 20 mg/L) is 28 times higher than that of pure TiO₂. Free radical trapping experiments and electron spin resonance techniques reveal that superoxide radicals (⋅O²⁻) and photogenerated holes (h⁺) play key roles in the photocatalytic degradation of RhB. This study demonstrates the possibility of regulating photocatalysts to degrade pollutants in wastewater based on an integrated strategy.     

钛铁矿制备二氧化钛-四氧化三铁复合材料及其光催化应用

TiO_2因具有多种优异的特性被广泛应用在半导体光催化领域,但是纳米结构的TiO_2颗粒细微,在进行光催化反应之后,难以回收再利用。本文以廉价钛铁矿为原料制备光催化剂TiO_2,同时利用副产物铁合成Fe_3O_4,并采用简单温和的浸渍法制备Fe_3O_4/TiO_2磁性复合材料。通过XRD、FT-IR、SEM、EDS等手段对材料形态结构进行表征分析,并以光降解有机污染物若丹明B为探针反应,考察其光催化性能。结果表明,质量比为1∶10的Fe_3O_4/TiO_2复合材料结构稳定、分散均匀,具有最优的光催化活性(波长356nm下反应3h,若丹明B降解率达到64.0%),并表现出良好的重复性。同时,动力学结果显示降解符合一级反应动力学。     

Synthesis of visible light-driven Eu, N co-doped TiO2 and the mechanism of the degradation of salicylic acid

Europium and nitrogen co-doped TiO₂ was successfully synthesized by the precipitation–peptization method. The structure and properties of the catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The photocatalytic efficiency was evaluated by monitoring the photocatalytic degradation of salicylic acid under visible light irradiation. It was verified that TiO₂ co-doped with nitrogen and 1% europium showed the highest photocatalytic activity. The adsorption isotherms were obtained by measuring the salicylic acid concentration before and after the dark adsorption at different original solution concentrations. The results illustrated that the doping of Eu was beneficial to the adsorption of salicylic acid. The probable degradation mechanism of salicylic acid was examined by the addition of NaF, Na₂S₂O₃, and K₂S₂O₈ as the probe molecules. It was verified that salicylic acid was first adsorbed on the surface of the catalysts, followed by the degradation by the photogenerated holes (h _vb ⁺ ).     

Cooperative coupling of photocatalytic production of H2O2 and oxidation of organic pollutants over gadolinium ion doped WO3 nanocomposite

This work reported the lanthanide ion (Gd³⁺) doped tungsten trioxide (Gd-WO₃) nanocrystal for remarkable promoted photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and simultaneous in-situ H₂O₂ production. With doped lanthanide ion (Gd³⁺), Gd-WO₃ showed a much broad and enhanced solar light absorption, which not only promoted the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of organic compounds, but also provided a suitable bandgap for direct reduction of oxygen to H₂O₂. Additionally, the isolated Gd³⁺ on WO₃ surface can efficiently weaken the *OOH binding energy, increasing the activity and selectivity of direct reduction of oxygen to H₂O₂, with a rate of 0.58 mmol L⁻¹ g⁻¹ h⁻¹. The in-situ generated H₂O₂ can be subsequently converted to ^•OH based on Fenton reaction, further contributed to the overall removal of organic pollutants. Our results demonstrate a cascade photocatalytic oxidation-Fenton reaction which can efficiently utilize photo-generated electrons and holes for organic pollutants treatment.     

Tailoring the electronic acceptor–donor heterointerface between black phosphorus and Co3O4 for boosting oxygen bifunctional electrocatalysis

Black phosphorus (BP) as an uprising two-dimensional material exhibits attractive potential in the field of electrocatalysis due to the inherent advantages of high carrier mobility and abundant lone pair electrons.However,the exposed active electrons compel BP to be deactivated by oxidative degradation.Herein,the electronic signature of acceptor-donor heterointerfacial interactions between BP and Co₃O₄is realized via wet ball milling.The preferential migration of active ele...     

High photocatalytic activity and stability for decomposition of gaseous acetaldehyde on TiO2/Al2O3 composite films coated on foam nickel substrates by sol-gel processes

A set of anatase titanium dioxide (TiO₂) films coated on foam nickel that modified by Al₂O₃ films as transition layer (indicated as TiO₂/Al₂O₃ films) were synthesized via sol-gel route. The bulk and surface properties of the TiO₂/Al₂O₃ films were characterized by thermal gravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and BET. The photocatalytic activities of TiO₂/Al₂O₃ films were investigated based on the degradation of gaseous acetaldehyde under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The foam nickel is a promising substrate material in practical applications because of its excellent hydrodynamic properties for gas passing. The TiO₂/Al₂O₃ composite films showed much higher photocatalytic activity and stability for degradation of gaseous acetaldehyde than the onefold TiO₂ films. The significant enhancement in photocatalytic activity and stability can be ascribed to the coating of Al₂O₃ transition layer, which concentrates the target substances around TiO₂ particles and increases the specific surface area (SSA) of the substrate (the SSAs of bare foam nickel and Al₂O₃ modified foam nickel are 0.12 and 113.7 m²/g, respectively) to provide more sites for TiO₂ loading.