Microwave-assisted sol-gel synthesis of CeO2–NiO nanocomposite based NO2 gas sensor for selective detection at lower operating temperature

The progress in the development of gas sensors has considerably grown using some novel nanomaterials of metal, metal oxide and composite. In the current study, we intended and evaluated the properties of nanomaterials like CeO₂, NiO, and CeO₂–NiO composite and its application as NO₂ gas sensor. Sensing of low concentration of NO₂ gas at optimum functional temperature was succeeded using CeO₂–NiO nanocomposites (NCs) film. The working temperature ranges in between 100 and 225 ?°C. Highly crystalline nanomaterials (CeO₂, NiO and CeO₂–NiO) have been prepared by applying microwave-assisted sol-gel route. The as-prepared nanomaterials are characterized for their structure, size, morphology and constitution by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. XRD studies of nanoparticles reveal the formation of nanoscale CeO₂ and NiO with crystallite size 26, 23 ?nm, respectively. Both are having a face centered cubic structure. The nanocomposite (NC) Ce:Ni ?= ?60:40 has crystallite size of 13 ?nm. XRD study of NCs shows assimilation of Ni metal into the ceria and proves physical similarities of two phases. It can be observed from SEM that prepared NC has a porous surface which enables more surface active sites for adsorbing oxygen. The optical properties are measured with the help of UV–Vis. Spectroscopy. Optical band gaps of 3.19, 3.41 and 2.9 ?eV were observed for CeO_2, NiO nanoparticles (NPs) and CeO₂–NiO NC, respectively. Gas sensing properties state that the NC material shows a higher gas response % of 67.34% for NO₂ gas (25 ?ppm) at comparatively low operating temperature (125 ?°C). It gives response time as (～28 ?s) and the recovery (～54 ?s). NiO incorporation in CeO₂ results in a decline of operating temperature of NC and improves the sensing features.     

Synthesis,characterization and applications of schiff base chemosensor for determination of Cu2+ ions

A novel thiazole-based Schiffbase chemosensor SB1 with N- and O- donor atoms was synthesized and characterized by different techniques (UV–vis, ¹³C NMR, ¹H NMR, and FT-IR analysis). The chemosensor SB1 was used for the determination of Cu²⁺ ions in various samples. The significant spectral changes in absorption spectra of chemosensor SB1 at 220 and 416 nm and the color change from light yellow to yellowish-brown indicate high selectivity and sensitivity towards Cu²⁺ ions as compared to other cations (Na⁺, K⁺, Ag⁺, Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺, Mn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Co²⁺, Cd²⁺, Sn²⁺, Hg²⁺, Cr³⁺, Fe^3+, and Al³⁺). The sensing mechanism of SB1 was investigated through various techniques such as FT-IR, UV–vis and ¹H NMR titration experiment and further confirmed by DFT computational studies. The 2:1 binding mode between SB1 and Cu²⁺ ions was confirmed by Job‘s plot using UV–vis spectrophotometry. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were found to be 0.015 and 0.0471 µg mL^?1, respectively. The percent recovery of Cu²⁺ from various environmental samples was found to be 95.00–103.33% at various levels. These obtained results demonstrate that chemosensor SB1 is a cost-effective, facile, selective, sensitive, and colorimetric sensing platform to detect trace amounts of Cu²⁺ ions in variousenvironmental and agricultural samples.     

How does the skin sense sun light? An integrative view of light sensing molecules

The consensus on the effects of excessive sun exposure on human health has long emphasized the negative effects of solar UV radiation. Nevertheless, although UV radiation has been demonized, less is known about the consequences of sun exposure while using sunscreen, which can lead to high visible light exposure. UV and visible light play key roles in vitamin D synthesis, reduction of blood pressure, among other beneficial effects. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive view of the wide range of responses of the human skin to sunlight by revisiting data on the beneficial and harmful effects of UV and visible light. We start by exploring the interaction of photons in the skin at several levels including physical (depth of photon penetration), chemical (light absorption and subsequent photochemical events), and biological (how cells and tissues respond). Skin responses to sun exposure can only be comprehensively understood through a consideration of the light-absorbing molecules present in the skin, especially the light-sensing proteins called opsins. Indeed, many of the cellular responses to sun exposure are modulated by opsins, which act as the “eyes of the skin”.     

Visible light induced tandem reactions: An efficient one pot strategy for constructing quinazolinones using in-situ formed aldehydes under photocatalyst-free and room-temperature conditions

A facile tandem route has been developed for constructing quinazolinones from various aminobenzamides and in-situ generated aldehydes. Visible light was found to play a dual role: first oxidizes the alcohol to the aldehyde and then facilitates its cyclization with o-substituted aniline. Furthermore, alcohols are perfect alternatives to aldehydes because they are greener, more available, more economical, more stable, and less toxic than aldehydes. The first reaction step continuously provides material for the second step, which effectively reduces loss through volatilization, oxidation, and polymerization of the aldehyde, while avoiding its toxicity. A variety of quinazolinones can be prepared in the presence of visible light without any additional photocatalyst. The developed synthesis protocol proceeds with the merits of mild conditions, broad substrate scope, operational simplicity, and high atom efficiency, with an eco-energy source under metal-free, photocatalyst-free, and ambient conditions.     

三维有序结构In掺杂TiO_2薄膜的可见光催化活性

采用自组装生长聚苯乙烯胶体模板和溶胶-凝胶法,制备出三维(3D)有序结构In掺杂TiO2(IO-TiO2-In)薄膜可见光催化剂.光催化实验证明,IO-TiO2-In薄膜降解甲醛的可见光活性是TiO2和三维有序结构TiO2(IOTiO2)薄膜的5倍.利用X射线电子衍射(XRD)谱、X射线光电子能谱(XPS)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)和紫外-可见(UV-Vis)漫反射吸收光谱确定了催化剂的晶相结构、表面微结构和能带结构.结果表明,IO-TiO2-In薄膜具有锐钛矿型三维有序结构,与TiO2相比,增加了比表面积,提高光的利用率;掺入的In离子在薄膜表面形成In2O3和O-In-Clx(x=1,2)物种,既增强可见光的吸收,又有效地促进了光生载流子的分离,提高了光生载流子在固/气界面参加光催化反应的利用率,使催化剂的可见光催化活性显著提高.     

可见光铋系光催化剂的研究进展

当前工业发展导致了严重的能源和环境危机,光催化为这一难题提供了有效的解决方案.然而在实际应用中,传统氧化物光催化剂宽的带隙限制了它的可见光吸收,于是窄带隙光催化剂成为了研究的热点.其中铋系光催化剂以其高的可见光光催化活性引起了人们的广泛关注.因此本文介绍了铋系光催化剂的种类、制备、形貌、复合、性能等方面的研究现状,并展望了含铋可见光催化剂发展前景.     

可见光驱动Ag3PO4催化降解罗丹明B和甲基橙

采用简易离子交换法制备可见光驱动Ag3PO4光催化剂.通过X射线衍射、场发射扫描电子显微镜、N2吸附-脱附、紫外-可见漫反射光谱及傅里叶变换红外光谱对所制备的Ag3PO4催化剂进行表征.结果表明,在可见光照射下,Ag3PO4催化剂对罗丹明B降解表现出优越的光催化活性,但对甲基橙的降解活性低,这归因于Ag3PO4催化剂对甲基橙分子吸附量低.可见光照Ag3PO4反应体系中,空穴和超氧自由基共同发挥作用导致罗丹明B和甲基橙光催化降解.在罗丹明B的协助作用下,Ag3PO4催化剂对甲基橙的可见光催化降解活性大大增强,这是由于罗丹明B的存在可产生更多的超氧自由基,从而使甲基橙进一步降解.     

氧化石墨烯调控钼酸铋在可见光下选择性光催化降解环境水中的抗生素

以氧化石墨烯(GO)作为增强光催化剂活性的调节剂, 采用一步水热法制备钼酸铋/氧化石墨烯(Bi₂MoO₆/GO)异质结光催化剂, 其可见光响应拓展至570 nm, 带隙能降至2.56 eV. 当m_Bi2MoO6/m_GO=100∶1时, Bi₂MoO₆/GO(100∶1)光催化剂在可见光的辐射下, 对水溶液中四环素和喹诺酮类抗生素选择性的高效催化降解去除能力为Bi₂MoO₆的2.1倍. Bi₂MoO₆/GO(100∶1)光催化剂活性的提高依赖于范德华力作用下的二维Bi₂MoO₆纳米片-二维GO纳米片界面的紧密接触. 有效的界面接触改善了光生电子的转移和光生载流子的分离. 自由基清除实验结果表明, ?OH起主要作用. 结合高效液相色谱-质谱(HPLC-MS)法对降解产物的分析, 提出了不同光催化剂催化降解恩诺沙星具有相似的降解途径和降解产物.     

部分还原二氧化钛的NMR和EPR研究

Partially reduced TiO₂ nanomaterials have attracted significant interest because of their visible-light activity for catalysis and photodegradation. Herein, we prepared a partially reduced anatase TiO₂ (Re-A-TiO₂) nanoparticle material using a fast combustion method, demonstrating good activity toward decomposing methyl orange under visible light irradiation. The surface structure of the prepared material, after being surface-selectively ¹⁷O-labeled with H₂¹⁷O (¹⁷O-enriched water), was studied via ¹⁷O and ¹H solid-state magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and the obtained results were compared to those of non-reduced anatase TiO₂ (A-TiO₂). The EPR results showed that the concentrations of paramagnetic species (i.e., oxygen vacancies (OV) and Ti³⁺) in Re-A-TiO₂ were much higher than that in A-TiO₂, while the former was associated with a higher OV/Ti³⁺ ratio. The intensities of the EPR signals were significantly affected by the adsorbed water, and this phenomenon was explored in combination with ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The ¹H species on Re-A-TiO₂ appeared at larger chemical shifts, denoting the increased acidity of the sample, and these ¹H species on Re-A-TiO₂ were more difficult to remove than those on A-TiO₂. On the other hand, different features were observed for the signals arising from the two-coordinated oxygen atoms (μ₂-O) in ¹⁷O NMR, suggesting a typical anatase TiO₂(101) surface on A-TiO₂, but a more complex surface environment for Re-A-TiO₂. Furthermore, a larger amount of hydroxyl groups (OH) were observed on Re-A-TiO₂ compared to that on A-TiO₂, indicating a larger proportion of exposed (001) facets on Re-A-TiO₂. However, the μ₂-O signals broadened and became similar when the drying temperature was increased to 100 ℃, indicating a non-faceted anatase TiO₂ surface in such conditions. Based on the EPR and NMR results, a significant fraction of the OH species is believed to be formed from the reaction of the paramagnetic centers and adsorbed water molecules. The ¹H→¹⁷O cross polarization (CP) MAS and two-dimensional heteronuclear correlation (2D HETCOR) NMR spectra were used to verify the spatial proximity of the hydrogen and oxygen species, confirming the spectral assignments of a strongly adsorbed water and one type of surface OH species. In particular, the ¹H NMR signals at approximately 11 ppm were ascribed to the hydrogen species in the intramolecular hydrogen bond. In summary, this study investigated the paramagnetic species and surface structure of anatase TiO₂ materials by combining EPR along with ¹H and ¹⁷O solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The differences in the surface structures of Re-A-TiO₂ and A-TiO₂ should be closely related to their different properties toward the photodegradation of methyl orange.     

石墨相氮化碳可见光下活化过一硫酸盐氧化降解光惰性邻苯二甲酸二甲酯的机理研究（英文）

近几年过一硫酸盐(PMS)活化技术备受关注,其中利用太阳能活化PMS具有可持续和环保的优势,但PMS本身不吸收可见光.因此,本文提出利用具有可见光响应的石墨相氮化碳(g-C3N4)激发产生光电子进而活化PMS.首先利用三聚氰胺前驱体通过热缩聚法制备g-C3N4,通过X射线衍射(XRD)、傅里叶变换红外光谱(FT-IR)、紫外-可见光漫反射(UV-Vis)、荧光光谱(PL)、透射电镜(TEM)、N2吸附脱附测试(BET)、电化学等一系列方法对g-C3N4进行表征,研究其表面性质及光学性能.结果显示, g-C3N4具有典型的片层结构和可见光活性,禁带宽度为2.7 e V.本文选取光惰性的内分泌干扰物邻苯二甲酸二甲酯(DMP)为目标污染物,系统地研究了其降解动力学和降解机理.研究发现,在短波紫外光(254和300nm)照射下,直接光解和·OH参与的反应机理能实现DMP的光降解,而在可见光照射下g-C3N4介导的光催化过程不能使DMP分解;但当添加PMS时,体系主导自由基由·O2–转化为SO4·–和·OH,从而实现DMP的有效降解和矿化.研究还发现,高浓度的PMS和高剂量的g-C3N4均可以提高PMS的活化量和相应的DMP降解效率,但提高催化剂剂量的方式能更充分的利用PMS.尽管高浓度的DMP阻碍了PMS和光催化剂g-C3N4的有效接触,但可以提高PMS的利用率.当p H低于零电荷点(5.4)时, DMP的降解效率较高.此外,使用两种淬灭剂(乙醇和叔丁醇)与DMP进行竞争性实验,结合电子自旋共振检测,表明SO4·–和·OH都是体系主要的自由基.此外,还对g-C3N4的可持续性能进行考察,四次循环实验结果显示,该催化剂具有良好的可重复利用性.对DMP降解进行总有机碳测定,发现降低了19%.最后,利用液相色谱质谱联用对DMP降解产物进行定性定量分析,发现DMP主要通过SO4·–和·OH对苯环的攻击以及脂肪族链的氧化断键这两种途径进行降解.综上可见,利用可见光激发g-C3N4产生的光电子能有效活化PMS降解顽固型有机污染物,可为实现太阳能活化PMS技术提供有力的技术参考.