Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Xingrui Qi, Zhidong Zhao, Zheng Li, Zijian He, Huajie Lai, Bo Liu, Tao Jin
Summary: A new method for photocatalytic sterilization and degradation was studied using sea urchin-like WO3-x and Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) supported on WO3-x nanospheres to prepare Ag/WO3-x composites. The experimental results showed that Ag/WO3-x composites exhibited higher photocatalytic degradation and bactericidal effects, which may be attributed to the enhanced photocatalytic performance of the composites after WO3-x loaded with Ag NPs.
JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mariyadhas Jarvin, Sundararajan Ashok Kumar, Daniel Rani Rosaline, Edson Luiz Foletto, Guilherme Luiz Dotto, Savariroyan Stephen Rajkumar Inbanathan
Summary: In this study, Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using a toxic agent-free and environmentally friendly method for photocatalytic removal of methylene blue in water under sunlight irradiation. The catalyst exhibited superior catalytic activity compared to pure ZnO, resulting in high removal efficiency for methylene blue. The material also showed satisfactory reusability and a suggested reaction mechanism for methylene blue photodegradation was proposed under sunlight irradiation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
C. Akshhayya, Mohammad K. Okla, Asmaa Mohebaldin, Abdullah A. AL-ghamdi, Ajith M. Thomas, Lija L. Raju, Hamada AbdElgawad, Mostafa A. Abdel-Maksoud, S. Sudheer Khan
Summary: The fabrication of p-n type ZnO/CuFe2O4 nanoclusters through ultrasonic assisted chemical co-precipitation method showed enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible-light source.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Saowaluk Buapoon, Anukorn Phuruangrat, Phattranit Dumrongrojthanath, Titipun Thongtem, Somchai Thongtem
Summary: Ag/ZnO heterostructure nanocomposites were synthesized successfully in surfactant-free solutions. These samples exhibited higher photocatalytic degradation efficiency compared to pure ZnO flowers due to efficient separation and diffusion of photogenerated charge carriers through the Ag/ZnO Schottky interface.
JOURNAL OF ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sandhya Babel, Putri A. Sekartaji, Hanggara Sudrajat
Summary: ZnO nanoparticles were employed for photocatalysis to remove HA from water bodies under UV-A and UV-C light, achieving almost 100% degradation of HA. UV-A light showed higher mineralization ability for HA, while UV-C light had slightly better degradation efficiency. Negligible TOC was observed on the ZnO surface after photocatalytic reactions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinzhu Pang, Nathan Skillen, Detlef W. Bahnemann, David W. Rooney, Peter K. J. Robertson
Summary: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important chemical for organic synthesis, environmental remediation, and liquid fuel. This study explored the photocatalytic generation of H2O2 using different catalysts, and found that Au/ZnO showed the best performance. The presence of Au on ZnO accelerated the generation and adsorption of H2O2, while Ag atoms on Ag/ZnO were unstable and decreased the yield of H2O2.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
S. Banumathi, J. Uma, A. Ravi, B. Balraj, C. Siva, P. Ilanchezhiyan, G. Mohan Kumar
Summary: This study presents a novel three-dimensional (3D) rGO/ZnO/Ag heterostructure processed via solvothermal and photoreduction techniques, showing enhanced photon absorption in the visible region and reduced band gap values. Photocatalytic performance evaluation through dye degradation reactions under sunlight illumination demonstrated rapid and enhanced photocatalytic activity. The established schematic mechanism illustrated enhanced charge transfer kinetics in the reactions, with the heterostructure showing 99% efficiency towards recycled photocatalytic reactions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Karim Tanji, J. A. Navio, Abdellah Chaqroune, Jamal Naja, F. Puga, M. C. Hidalgo, Abdelhak Kherbeche
Summary: Zinc oxide-hydroxyapatite composites were prepared and used for the photodegradation of toxic contaminants. The results showed that the composites with high impregnation of zinc oxide exhibited superior photodegradation performance compared to the zinc oxide catalyst alone. The presence of hydroxyapatite promoted the synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalysis, leading to faster conversion of the pollutants.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chadrasekhar Loka, Kee-Sun Lee
Summary: The study demonstrates a thin film-based plasmonic metal-loaded Z-scheme heterojunction composite photocatalyst Ag@Cu2O-WO3 with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation. The transformation of amorphous films into crystalline composite materials during rapid thermal annealing contributes to the enhanced photocatalytic activity. The combination of Z-scheme heterostructure (Cu2O-WO3) and localized surface plasmon resonance of Ag leads to efficient separation of photogenerated electrons-holes, resulting in improved photocatalytic performance.
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ye Cheng, Junzheng Gao, Qiwu Shi, Zhichao Li, Wanxia Huang
Summary: Black TiO2 is a promising photocatalyst due to its ability to address the limitations of TiO2, such as low visible light absorption, insufficient solar-light utilization, and slow carrier separation. Researchers have proposed a convenient method to prepare Au-loaded black TiO2 nanotubes, which significantly enhance their visible light catalytic performance.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rosalin Beura, Raman Pachaiappan, Thangadurai Paramasivam
Summary: An Ag-impregnated ZnO-graphene nanocomposite was successfully prepared and used in photocatalytic experiments, showing that photocatalysts with lower Ag content exhibited higher degradation efficiency under UV light and sunlight.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF SOLIDS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zehua Ji, Yu Zhang, Xinyu Qi, Youke Wang, Xinghui Xia, Yuansheng Pei
Summary: A novel visible-light driven waste-based loaded-geopolymer photocatalyst was prepared by a facile method, with CdS nanoparticles successfully loaded in the geopolymer slice achieving the best photocatalytic performance. The geopolymer slice provided an easily recyclable and reusable carrier for CdS nanoparticles, reducing recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and enhancing the reusability of the loaded geopolymer. Overall, the study presents an effective and facile method for the rapid fabrication of visible-light driven loaded photocatalyst and provides a strategy to enhance the recyclability of photocatalyst.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
F. Z. Janani, H. Khiar, N. Taou, A. Elhalil, M. Sadiq, A. V. Puga, S. Mansouri, N. Barka
Summary: This research prepared ZnO-Al2O3-CeO2-Ce2O3 mixed metal oxides phases and evaluated their photocatalytic degradation performance of methyl orange, finding that the photocatalyst developed from Zn-Al-Ce10%-CO3 LDH showed the highest photocatalytic activity with a degradation efficiency of 99.8%.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Saba Abdolalian, Mohsen Taghavijeloudar
Summary: This research evaluated the photocatalytic performance of synthesized zinc oxide-polyvinylpyrrolidone (ZnO-PVP) nanoparticles for COD reduction and phosphate removal from municipal wastewater. The results showed that ZnO-PVP could significantly improve the removal efficiencies of COD and phosphate, and the UV light intensity directly affected the photocatalytic performance of ZnO-PVP.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haibin Li, Xiang Luo, Ziwen Long, Guoyou Huang, Ligang Zhu
Summary: In this study, n-p Bi2O2CO3/alpha-Bi2O3 heterojunction microtubes were successfully prepared via a one-step solvothermal route, and Ag nanoparticles were loaded onto the microtubes. The results showed that the carbonatization of alpha-Bi2O3microtubes on the surface led to the formation of a Bi2O2CO3/alpha-Bi2O3 heterostructure. The photocatalytic activity evaluation demonstrated that Bi2O2CO3/alpha-Bi2O3 with a Bi2O2CO3 mass fraction of 6.1% exhibited the highest activity, and loading with Ag nanoparticles significantly enhanced the photocatalytic activity of Bi2O2CO3/alpha-Bi2O3.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Balu Krishnakumar, Ali Alsalme, Fahad A. Alharthi, Durai Mani, K. Anandan, Parasuraman Amutha, Abilio J. F. N. Sobral
Summary: A highly solar active gelatin assisted ZnO (g/ZnO) was successfully synthesized and utilized for toxic AB 1 azo dye degradation under direct sunlight. The g/ZnO exhibited higher degradation efficiency for AB 1 dye under solar light compared to ZnO, and it was found to be stable and reusable.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Monisha Sivanandhan, Amutha Parasuraman, Chinnasamy Surya, Komalavalli Lakshminarayanan, Balu Krishnakumar, Durai Mani, Young-Ho Ahn
Summary: An eco-friendly approach using Manihot esculenta for the synthesis of blue fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) with strong blue fluorescence and selective detection capability for Fe3+ ions has been reported. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the prepared CDs were characterized. The CDs were found to be non-toxic and showed potential for bioimaging and fluorescence detection of heavy metal ions.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yousef Gamaan Alghamdi, Balu Krishnakumar, Maqsood Ahmad Malik, Sultan Alhayyani
Summary: A novel photocatalyst, biowaste pistachio-shell-derived activated carbon (AC)-loaded TiO2 nanocomposite (AC-TiO2), was successfully fabricated for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of toxic azo dyes and pharmaceuticals. The synthesized material exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability, making it a promising candidate for various photocatalytic applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
T. M. Usha Mary, M. Swaminathan
Summary: The biodegradation of thiocyanate by free and immobilized Bacillus brevis was studied. It was found that immobilized cells had a higher rate of thiocyanate degradation. Cells on lignite carbon matrix showed higher efficiency compared to cells on alginate beads. Immobilization increased the bacteria's tolerance to the toxic chemical. Immobilized Bacillus brevis on lignite carbon achieved degradation of 100 ppm thiocyanate in 20 hours. This technique is valuable for wastewater treatment due to its reduced cost and simplicity.
JOURNAL OF THE INDIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
P. J. Lloreda-Jurado, Krishnakumar Balu, Jesus Hernandez-Saz, E. Chicardi, Begona Ferrari, R. Sepulveda
Summary: This study demonstrates the excellent performance of freeze-casted foams, which can withstand multiple redox cycles at different temperatures with no degradation in performance or pore shrinkage. The addition of stearic acid as a dispersant agent/binder enhances the porous structure of the foam and promotes early reduction of the hematite phase. The incorporation of Al2O3 results in the formation of a solid solution and is correlated with the observed positive zeta potential.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
S. Ravikumar, Durai Mani, E. Chicardi, R. Sepulveda, Krishnakumar Balu, V. Pandiyan, Young -Ho Ahn
Summary: Water pollution by toxic dyes is a serious environmental problem. A new green technology using CdS/Ag nanocomposite as a photocatalyst has shown outstanding efficiency in degrading toxic dyes under ultraviolet and direct solar light.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
S. Balasubramaniyan, T. M. Usha Mary, M. Swaminathan
Summary: Quinoline-containing effluent from pharmaceuticals, dyes and pesticide industries pollutes the environment and affects human health due to its toxicity and nauseating odor. Biotreatment using isolated Bacillus subtilis immobilized on activated coconut shell carbon proves to be an effective method for degrading quinoline, even at high concentrations of 300 ppm, within a shorter time period compared to free cells. The stability and recyclability of immobilized cells make them suitable for the mineralization of heterocyclic organics in wastewater.
BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Krishnakumar Balu, E. Chicardi, R. Sepulveda, Mani Durai, Fahmida Ishaque, Deepak Chauhan, Young-Ho Ahn
Summary: Photocatalysis process is an effective method for wastewater treatment and microbial disinfection. Researchers have developed a highly active material under Blue LED that can efficiently degrade dyes and antibiotics. This material also shows good stability and performance in real wastewater treatment.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Komalavalli Lakshminarayanan, Monisha Sivanandhan, Subramaniyan Ramasundaram, Tae Hwan Oh, Kinjal J. Shah, Kumaravel Saranraj, Amutha Parasuraman, Krishnakumar Balu
Summary: Niobium pentachloride functionalised perlite was used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of pyrans. The immobilisation of NbCl5 over perlite was studied using various techniques. The catalyst showed high efficiency up to five runs and was compared to other reported catalysts. The structures of pyrans were confirmed using spectroscopic techniques.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Krishnakumar Balu, Subramaniyan Ramasundaram, R. Sepulveda, E. Chicardi, Sakthivel Kumaravel, J. Josphin Mini, Tae Hwan Oh, Balakrishna Avula, Abilio J. F. N. Sobral
Summary: Photocatalysis is an efficient and sustainable oxidation technology for wastewater treatment. This study focuses on the development of visible light active semiconductors by grafting Fe(III) ions onto ZnO. The materials were characterized by various techniques, and Fe modification was found to slightly enhance the degradation ability of ZnO under visible light. The catalyst showed higher absorbance in the visible region and can be reused.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Krishnakumar Balu, Selvam Kaliyamoorthy, Mani Durai, Antonio Aguiar, Margarida C. M. Sobral, I. Muthuvel, Sakthivel Kumaravel, Balakrishna Avula, Abilio J. F. N. Sobral, Young-Ho Ahn
Summary: Materials based on semiconducting oxides are widely used in catalysis, photocatalysis, and other fields. Zinc oxide (ZnO), with its catalytic and optoelectronic capabilities, is utilized in various industries. Porphyrins, biomimetic molecules, can be modified to synthesize derivatives with remarkable optoelectronic properties. The combination of porphyrins and ZnO can lead to the development of hybrid materials with enhanced optical, electronic, and chemical properties. This review aims to present the evolution of ZnO/porphyrin hybrids and future research trends in this field.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Krishnakumar Balu, Balakrishna Avula, Mani Durai, Sakthivel Kumaravel, Ernesto Chicardi, Ranier Sepulveda, Elangovan Erusappan, Imran Hasan, Young-Ho Ahn
Summary: This study focuses on the detailed structural elucidation and formation of mixed composite phases of Bi2O3/bismuth titanates modified with MOF-In2S3/CdIn2S4 materials. It has been found that this composite can be efficiently used for the electrocatalytic H-2 production reaction and the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline. The characterization of the materials was done using XRD patterns and dark-field high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM).
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sakthivel Kumaravel, Mani Durai, R. Sepulveda, E. Chicardi, Saranraj Kumaravel, Myoung-Jin Kim, Krishnakumar Balu, Imran Hasan, K. Srinivasan, Young-Ho Ahn
Summary: In this study, photocatalytic bare and composite materials were synthesized using different methods, and their photocatalytic efficiencies were evaluated for dye degradation under different light conditions. The WAgGCN composite exhibited significant photocatalytic performance, as well as high chemical stability and excellent recyclability.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sakthivel Kumaravel, Chandramoorthy Chandrasatheesh, Govindasamy Palanisamy, Jintae Lee, Imran Hasan, Saranraj Kumaravel, Balakrishna Avula, Uma Devi Pongiya, Krishnakumar Balu
Summary: In this study, bare g-C3N4 (GCN) and x% Ag/g-C3N4 (x% AgGCN) composite photocatalysts with various weight percentages were successfully fabricated using calcination and simple impregnation methods. The synthesized photocatalysts were analyzed to determine their properties and the 5% AgGCN composite photocatalyst showed the highest photocatalytic activity for MO dye degradation. The interaction of Ag with GCN and the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag contribute to the higher photocatalytic activity of the 5% AgGCN composite catalyst.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sakthivel Kumaravel, Mani Durai, Selvam Kaliyamoorthy, Saranraj Kumaravel, Chandrasatheesh Chandramoorthy, Balakrishna Avula, Imran Hasan, Myoung-Jin Kim, Krishnakumar Balu, Young-Ho Ahn
Summary: In this study, a catalytic system (3% Ru/Al-SBA-15) is developed for the efficient conversion of furfural into furfuryl alcohol under mild reaction conditions. The catalysts were characterized to understand their physical and chemical properties. The results showed high catalytic conversion and selectivity for the desired products.
