Efficient adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of Congo red onto hydrothermally synthesized NiS nanoparticles

The influence of the length of the cation alkyl chain on the dispersibility by ultrasonic treatment of TiO₂ nanopowders in hydrophilic imidazolium-based room temperature ionic liquids was studied for the first time by dynamic light scattering and advanced rheology. TiO₂ nanopowders had been synthesized by chemical vapor synthesis (CVS) under varied conditions leading to two different materials. A commercial nanopowder had been used for comparison. Characterizations had been done using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption with BET analysis, and FT-IR spectroscopy. Primary particle sizes were about 6 and 8 nm for the CVS-based and 26 nm for the commercial materials. The particle size distribution in the dispersion was strongly influenced by the length of the cation alkyl chain for all the investigated powders with different structural characteristics and concentrations in the dispersion. It was found that an increase of the alkyl chain length was beneficial, leading to a narrowing of the particle size distribution and a decrease of the agglomerate size in dispersion. The smallest average nanoparticle sizes in dispersion were around 30 nm. Additionally, the surface functionality of the nanoparticles, the concentration of the solid material in the liquid, and the period of ultrasonic treatment control the dispersion quality, especially in the case of the ionic liquids with the shorter alkyl chain. The influence of the nanopowders characteristics on their dispersibility decreases considerably with increasing cation alkyl chain length. The results indicate that ionic liquids with adapted structure are candidates as absorber media for nanoparticles synthesized in gas phase processes to obtain liquid dispersions directly without redispergation.     

Functionalized bismuth ferrite harmonic nanoparticles for cancer cells labeling and imaging

Journal of Nanoparticle Research - Nanoparticles form the fundamental building blocks for many exciting applications in various scientific disciplines. However, the problem of the large-scale...     

Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Safranin-O by heterogeneous nanoparticles for environmental applications

Nanostructure titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has been synthesized by hydrolysis of titanium tetrachloride in aqueous solution and Ag-TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by photoreduction method. The resulting materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The experimental results showed that the sizes of the synthesized TiO₂ and Ag-TiO₂ particles are in the range of 1.9-3.2 nm and 2-10 nm, respectively. Moreover, Ag-TiO₂ nanoparticles exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity on photodegradation of Safranin-O (SO) dye as compared to pure TiO₂. The positive effect of silver on the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ may be explained by its ability to trap electrons. This process reduces the recombination of light generated electron-hole pairs at TiO₂ surface and therefore enhances the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles. The effects of initial dye and nanoparticle concentrations on the photocatalytic activity have been studied and the results demonstrate that the dye photodegradation follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. The observed maximum degradation efficiency of SO is about 60% for TiO₂ and 96% for Ag-TiO₂.     

Structural characterization and magnetic properties of superparamagnetic zinc ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by the coprecipitation method

Single phase zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄) nanoparticles have been prepared by the coprecipitation method without any subsequent calcination. The effects of precipitation temperature in the range 20–80 °C on the structural and the magnetic properties of zinc ferrite nanoparticles were investigated. The crystallite size, microstructure and magnetic properties of the prepared nanoparticles were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transmission infrared spectrum, transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and vibrating sample magnetometer. The XRD results showed that the coprecipitated nanoparticles were single phase zinc ferrite with mixture of normal and inverse spinel structures. Furthermore, ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles have the crystallite size in the range 5–10 nm, as confirmed by TEM. The magnetic measurements exhibited that the zinc ferrite nanoparticles synthesized at 40 °C were superparamagnetic with the maximum magnetization of 7.3 emu/g at 10 kOe.     

Magnetic phases of bismuth ferrite

We have recently shown that BiFeO₃ has at least four different magnetic phases, contrary to the conventional wisdom. Below room temperature it undergoes spin reorientation transitions at T₂=200 K and T₁=140 K analogous to those in orthoferrites; and above room temperature it undergoes a structural transition near 185°C first reported by Polomska et al. This may help explain the apparent linear magnetoelectric effect at 20°C reported by D. Lebeugle et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 227602 (2008)] which is nominally forbidden due to the long wavelength cycloidal spin structure assumed. We also find evidence of an unusual acentric spin glass below ca. 200 K, related not to T_N but to T₁ and T₂.     

Additive-free controllable fabrication of bismuth vanadates and their photocatalytic activity toward dye degradation

Bismuth vanadates (BiVO₄) with various crystal structures (tetragonal scheelite, monoclinic scheelite, and tetragonal zircon) and morphologies (sphere-, nanosheet-, dendrite-, and flower-like) were controllably fabricated by using a mild additive-free hydrothermal treatment process under the different preparation conditions. The crystal structures, morphologies, and photophysical properties of the products were well-characterized. Subsequently, their UV- as well as visible-light photocatalytic performance was evaluated via dyes rhodamine B (RB) and methylene blue (MB) degradation. Special attention was paid to evaluate the correlation of the reactivity with crystal structure, morphology, and electronic structure of as-prepared BiVO₄ samples.     

Magnetic properties and microwave absorption in Ni-Zn and Mn-Zn ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by low-temperature solid-state reaction

In this work, Mn_0.7Zn_0.3Fe₂O₄ and Ni_0.7Zn_0.3Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles with super-paramagnetic properties and size distribution from 10 to 52 nm were investigated. These particles were produced by a low-temperature solid-state reaction method without the ball-milling process. The size and morphology of the nanocrystallites were determined by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy methods. Magnetic measurements such as alternating gradient field magnetometers were used to justify the super-paramagnetic properties of these nanoparticles. Their microwave absorption in the range of 8-18 GHz was studied by a vector network analyzer. Responses of the device under tests were studied. Also, the percentage of the resin, the size and thickness of the mount were determined. The band width of 2.3 GHz was obtained with reflection-loss/written-loss of −16 dB around 10.4 GHz.     

Properties of mechanically activated bismuth ferrite

Methods of mechanochemical treatment applied to eliminate the disadvantages of BiFeO₃ that impede its practical use are described. It is shown that the use of certain techniques for the mechanical activation of precursors allows us to enhance the structural and thermal stability of bismuth ferrite, to reduce its electric conductivity, and to improve its electrophysical properties.     

Adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue using high surface area titanate nanotubes (TNT) synthesized via hydrothermal method

Removal of methylene blue (MB) via adsorption and photocatalysis using titanate nanotubes (TNTs) with different surface areas were investigated and compared to commercial titanium dioxide (TiO₂) P25 Degussa nanoparticles. The TNTs with surface area ranging from 20 m²/g to 200 m²/g were synthesized via hydrothermal method with different reaction times. TEM imaging confirmed the tubular structure of TNT while XRD spectra indicated all TNTs exhibited anatase crystallinity. Batch adsorption rate showed linearity with surface properties of TNTs, where materials with higher surface area showed higher adsorption rate. The highest MB adsorption (70%) was achieved by TNT24 in 60 min whereas commercial TiO₂ exhibited the lowest adsorption of only 10% after 240 min. Adsorption isotherm studies indicated that adsorption using TNT is better fitted into Langmuir adsorption isotherm than Freundlich isotherm model. Furthermore, TNT24 was able to perform up to 90% removal of MB within 120 min, demonstrating performance that is 2-fold better compared to commercial TiO₂. The high surface area and surface Bronsted acidity are the main reasons for the improvement in MB removal performance exhibited by TNT24. The improvement in surface acidity enhanced the adsorption properties of all the nanotubes prepared in this study.     

Synergistic degradation of methyl orange in an ultrasound intensified photocatalytic reactor

An original ultrasound (US) directly intensified photocatalytic reactor was designed to degrade azo dye pollutant methyl orange (MeO) using Degussa TiO(2) as the photocatalyst. The sonolytic, photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation of MeO in the new reactor and the synergistic effect between sonolysis and photocatalysis were investigated. Effects of operation parameters i.e., US power, TiO(2) dosage, liquid circulation velocity and air flow rate on degradation efficiency were investigated and optimized. The results showed that all parameters have optimal values for the sonophotocatalytic degradation of MeO, and the optimum conditions for the new process are US power 600 W, TiO(2) dosage 3g/L, liquid circulation velocity 4.05×10(-2) m/s and air flow rate 0.2 L/min. Under the optimum conditions, 91.52% MeO had been degraded within 1h, and the combination of sonolysis and TiO(2) photocatalysis exhibited an obvious synergetic effect.     

Visible-light photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue with laser-induced Ag/ZnO nanoparticles

The preparation of Ag doped ZnO nanoparticles conducted through the method of laser-induction is presented in this work. The Ag/ZnO nanoparticles attained from various weight percentages of added AgNO₃ relative to ZnO were applied under visible-light irradiation for evaluating the heterogeneous photocatalytic degradations of methylene blue (MB) solutions. It was shown that the catalytic behavior of Ag/ZnO nanoparticles in the visible-light range is notably improved through the Ag deposition onto ZnO nanoparticles by the method of laser-induction with a maximum effectiveness of 92% degradation. The properties of the nanoparticles were characterized by the employments of UV-vis spectroscopy (UV-vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED).     

Physico-chemical properties and possible photocatalytic applications of titanate nanotubes synthesized via hydrothermal method

Titanate nanotubes (TNTs) were prepared from TiO₂ P25 via hydrothermal method. The reaction temperature was 130 or 140 °C and the reaction time was 24 or 48 h. The samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry and N₂ adsorption as well as Raman, FTIR-DRS and UV-vis/DR spectroscopy. The obtained samples exhibited similar properties, regardless of the preparation temperature and time. The most notable difference between properties of TNTs prepared under different conditions was observed in case of BET surface area, which was increasing from 386 to 478 m²/g along with increasing the reaction time and temperature. Based on TEM, XRD and TG measurements we have suggested that the structure of TNTs was H₂Ti₂O₄(OH)₂. The TEM and Raman spectroscopy measurements showed that the obtained products contained also low amount of anatase phase. The TNTs exhibited no photoactivity towards degradation of model azo dye Acid Red 18. However, TNTs were successfully applied for photocatalytic generation of CH₄ and H₂ in a solution of acetic acid. The amount of methane produced with application of TNTs synthesized at 140 °C was about 2.5 times higher than that generated with use of TiO₂ P25. To the best of our knowledge this is a first report on the photocatalytic generation of hydrocarbons using TNTs in the current state of the art.     

Strontium ferrite nanoparticles synthesized in presence of polyvinylalcohol: Phase composition,microstructural and magnetic properties

Systematic study was devoted to the synthesis of hexagonal strontium ferrite nanoparticles employing polyvinylalcohol as stabilizing agent. Preliminary experiments allowed to select an optimal sol having molar ratio Sr²⁺/Fe³⁺=12${\mathrm{Sr}}^{2+}/{\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}=12$, weight ratio PVA/[Sr²⁺+Fe³⁺]=1.4$\mathrm{PVA}/[{\mathrm{Sr}}^{2+}+{\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}]=1.4$ and pH=2.1$\mathrm{pH}=2.1$. The obtained sol were transformed to gels by an evaporation of water at 100 °C and drying at 112 °C under vacuum. The subsequent calcination was carried out for 3 h at 400 °C, achieved by heating rate of 17 K/min. The obtained precursor was used for a detail study of influence of annealing conditions (temperature range 600–700 °C, annealing time 10–190 min) on the resulting properties. Semiquantitative X-ray phase analysis approved a gradual increase of the M-phase content and a gradual growth of M-phase crystallites with temperature and time. Magnetic measurements showed a distinct influence of the phase composition, namely ratio of the contents of M-phase and maghemite on the shape of the magnetic loops, while the crystallite sizes have only a slight effect.     

Solar cell performance improvement via photoluminescence conversion of Si nanoparticles

Photoluminescence (PL) conversion of Si nanoparticles by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) lights and emitting visible ones has been used to improve the efficiency of crystalline Si solar cells. Si nanoparticle thin films are prepared by pulverizing porous Si in ethanol and then mixing the suspension with a SiO2 sol-gel (SOG).This SOG is spin-deposited onto the surface of the Si solar cells and dries in air. The short-circuit current as a function of Si nanoparticle concentration is investigated under UV illumination. The maximal increase is found at a Si concentration of 0.1 mg/mL. At such concentration and under the irradiation of an AM0 solar simulator, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the crystalline Si solar cell is relatively increased by 2.16% because of the PL conversion.     

Volume plasmon of bismuth nanoparticles

This paper reports the measurements of the bulk plasmon of Bi nanoparticles supported by a SiO₂ matrix using electron energy-loss spectroscopy. The blue shifts of plasmon peak in small particles were observed. However, the degree of shift was much smaller than the previous study in the literature and cannot be interpreted by the quantum confinement.     

Structure of unsupported bismuth nanoparticles

We present new results of electron diffraction experiments on unsupported nanometer-sized bismuth clusters. The high intensity cluster beam, necessary for electron diffraction, is provided by an inert-gas aggregation source. The cluster beam contains particles with average cluster sizes between 4.5 and 10 nm. When using Helium as a carrier gas we are able to observe a transition from crystalline clusters to a new structure, which we identify with that of amorphous or liquid clusters. Received 28 November 2000     

Optical properties of silicon nanoparticles synthesized via electrical spark discharge in water

In this paper, we report a simple and low-cost technique for fabrication of silicon nanoparticles via electrical spark discharge between two plane silicon electrodes immersed in deionized water (DI). The pulsed spark discharge with the peak current of 60 A and a duration of a single discharge pulse of 60 μs was used in our experiment. The structure, morphology, and average size of the resulting nanoparticles were characterized by means of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM images illustrated nearly spherical and isolated Si nanoparticles with diameters in the 3–8 nm range. The Raman peaks of the samples were shifted to the lower wave numbers in comparison to this of bulk crystalline silicon indicating the existence of tiny particles. The optical absorption spectrum of the nanoparticles was measured in the violet–visible (UV–Vis) spectral region. By measuring of the band gap we could estimate the average size of the prepared particles. The silicon nanoparticles synthesized exhibited a photoluminescence (PL) band in the violet-blue region with a double peak at around 417 and 439 nm. It can be attributed to oxide-related defects on the surface of silicon nanoparticles, which can act as the radiative centers for the electron-hole pair recombination.     

Synthesis of TiO2/WO3 nanoparticles via sonochemical approach for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under visible light illumination

Through an ultrasound assisted method, TiO₂/WO₃ nanoparticles were synthesized at room temperature. The XRD pattern of as-prepared TiO₂/WO₃ nanoparticles matches well with that of pure monoclinic WO₃ and rutile TiO₂ nanoparticles. TEM images show that the prepared TiO₂/WO₃ nanoparticles consist of mixed square and hexagonal shape particles about 8–12 nm in diameter. The photocatalytic activity of TiO₂/WO₃ nanoparticles was tested for the degradation of a wastewater containing methylene blue (MB) under visible light illumination. The TiO₂/WO₃ nanoparticles exhibits a higher degradation rate constant (6.72 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹) than bare TiO₂ nanoparticles (1.72 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹) under similar experimental conditions.     

Deposition of silver nanoparticles on silica spheres via ultrasound irradiation

Silver-decorated silica spheres of submicrometer-sized silica spheres with a core-shell structure were obtained based on a seed-mediated growth process, where silver nanoparticles were firstly formed from reducing Ag⁺ to Ag⁰ in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) as protective agent under ultrasound irradiation, followed by the growth of silver shell served silver nanoparticles as nucleation sites and formaldehyde as reducer. The results revealed that the terms of PVP addition and ultrasonic surroundings had great influence on the fabrication of silver seeds.     

Characterization of ZnS nanoparticles synthesized by co-precipitation method

ZnS nanoparticles are prepared by homogeneous chemical co-precipitation method using EDTA as a stabilizer and capping agent. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of as-synthesized nanoparticles are investigated using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis)absorption, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The x-ray diffraction pattern exhibits a zinc-blended crystal structure at room temperature. The average particle size of the nanoparticles from the scanning electron microscopy image is about50 nm. The ultraviolet absorption spectrum shows the blue shift in the band gap due to the quantum confinement effect.The photoluminescence spectrum of Zn S nanoparticles shows a blue visible spectrum.