Article
Chemistry, Physical
Endre-Zsolt Kedves, Eniko Bardos, Alpar Ravasz, Zsejke-Reka Toth, Szilvia Mihalydeakpal, Zoltan Kovacs, Zsolt Pap, Lucian Baia
Summary: This study compared the photocatalytic activities of active photocatalysts, including AgBr, ZnO, BiOI, and Cu2O, in the presence of a-MoO3. The results showed that a-MoO3 strongly inhibited the photocatalytic activity of TiO2, BiOI, Cu2O, and ZnO, but had no effect on AgBr. Therefore, a-MoO3 could be an effective inhibitor for evaluating newly explored photocatalysts.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Congcong Xing, Yu Zhang, Yongpeng Liu, Xiang Wang, Junshan Li, Paulina R. Martinez-Alanis, Maria Chiara Spadaro, Pablo Guardia, Jordi Arbiol, Jordi Llorca, Andreu Cabot
Summary: The photodehydrogenation of ethanol using Cu2O-TiO2 type-II heterojunctions shows high selectivity for acetaldehyde and significantly increased hydrogen evolution rates compared to bare TiO2. Combining energy sources in thermo-photocatalytic reactors proves to be an efficient strategy for solar energy conversion.
Article
Crystallography
Federico Giuffrida, Lucia Calcagno, Gianni Pezzotti Escobar, Massimo Zimbone
Summary: The photocatalytic properties of TiO2/FeO3 and TiO2/WO3 nanocomposites were investigated for the degradation of methylene blue. The non-conventional Doctor Blade technique was proposed as an easy and inexpensive method for material preparation. The use of solid substrates rather than powders and the high surface area of nanoparticles improved the photodegradation efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhuohao Li, Xiuting Chen, Miao Wang, Xia Zhang, Lixia Liao, Tao Fang, Bin Li
Summary: The Cu2O/alpha-Fe2O3 photocatalytic composites were synthesized and characterized, and their effects on the degradation of Congo red were investigated. The optimal conditions resulted in a degradation rate of 95.57% for Congo red, with removal rates of chemical oxygen demand and total organic carbon reaching 85.36% and 72.57% respectively, following a pseudo-first-order reaction kinetic model.
DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Eung-Dab Kim, Young-Sik Cho, Young-Duk Huh
Summary: In this study, Cu2O microcrystals with various shapes were successfully prepared by adjusting the reaction conditions. The morphology of Cu2O crystals changed with increasing reaction temperature, NaOH concentration, and glucose amount.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Miao Liu, Jun Ji, Peng Song, Jiaxin Wang, Qi Wang
Summary: In this study, a simple hydrothermal approach was used to prepare alpha-Fe2O3/Ti3C2Tx MXene composite material with high specific surface area and abundant functional groups. The composite exhibited excellent sensing performance for various vapors at room temperature, with good linear response, reversibility, and long-term stability.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Junzhi Hong, Fan Yang, Zhipeng Sun
Summary: A hydrothermal strategy was developed to synthesize hexagonal bipyramid alpha-Fe2O3 microcrystals (HB-alpha-Fe2O3 MCs) with FeOOH nanorods precursor, exhibiting perfect structure and remarkable sensor response, selectivity, and response/recovery towards ethanol gas, indicating their potential in advanced gas sensors. This controllable hexagonal bipyramid microcrystals offer a new approach for fabricating electrodes for sensor, catalyst, and energy-related applications.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Miao Liu, Jun Ji, Peng Song, Min Liu, Qi Wang
Summary: The study synthesized heterogeneous composites of α-Fe2O3 and Ti3C2Tx MXene, which exhibited outstanding selectivity towards acetone at room temperature.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Milena Synowiec, Dominika Zakutna, Anita Trenczek-Zajac, Marta Radecka
Summary: The synthesis method used allows for uniform deposition of both large and small Fe2O3 nanoparticles on the surface of TiO2. Analysis confirms the presence of anatase TiO2 and hematite Fe2O3 in the heterostructure. The TiO2@Fe2O3 heterostructure exhibits enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to pure titanium and iron oxides. The magnetic properties and optical transitions in nanometric Fe2O3 are influenced by the size of the Fe2O3 particles on the surface of TiO2 nanocrystals.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aaron Bayles, Shu Tian, Jingyi Zhou, Lin Yuan, Yigao Yuan, Christian R. Jacobson, Corbin Farr, Ming Zhang, Dayne F. Swearer, David Solti, Minghe Lou, Henry O. Everitt, Peter Nordlander, Naomi J. Halas
Summary: This study introduces Al@TiO2 core-shell nanoparticles as active photocatalysts for hot electron-mediated H-2 dissociation reaction and hot hole-mediated methanol dehydration. The research indicates that the photocatalytic mechanism involves plasmonic hot carrier generation and subsequent transfer into the TiO2 layer. The Al@TiO2 antenna-reactor offers an earth-abundant solution for the future design of visible-light-driven plasmonic photocatalysts.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Han Bi, Le-Xi Zhang, Yue Xing, Peng Zhang, Jing-Jing Chen, Jing Yin, Li-Jian Bie
Summary: This study prepared CeO2 nanocrystals with different morphologies using a hydrothermal method, and found that different crystal planes and surface defects of CeO2 nanocrystals have a significant impact on their gas sensing performance.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chen Wang, Yinglin Wang, Pengfei Cheng, Luping Xu, Fan Dang, Tianliang Wang, Zhaohui Lei
Summary: A highly sensitive and selective acetone gas sensor was successfully fabricated by designing an n-n heterojunction of TiO2 nanorods and alpha-Fe2O3 branches. The sensor based on TiO2/alpha-Fe2O3 heterostructures showed a significantly higher response to acetone gas compared to pristine TiO2 sensors. The enhanced sensing properties were attributed to the specific structure and mechanism of the TiO2/alpha-Fe2O3 n-n heterojunction.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jun-Li Chen, Ming-Ming Liu, Shi-Yu Xie, Li-Juan Yue, Fei-Long Gong, Kai-Ming Chai, Yong-Hui Zhang
Summary: Cu2O/TiO2 heterogeneous materials were prepared via simple hydrothermal and physical mixing processes to study their photocatalytic H-2 production performance. The CT-70 (70 wt% of TiO2) showed superior photocatalytic activity with H-2 production of 8.33 mmol g(-1) in 6 h, significantly outperforming Cu2O and TiO2. The enhancement of H-2 generation was attributed to the proper band gap structure and heterojunction between Cu2O and TiO2. This work provides a strategy for preparing composite materials with high photocatalytic activity.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
S. -p. Cheng, L. -w. Wei, H. -Paul Wang
Summary: The conversion of CO2 to low-carbon fuels using solar energy is an economically attractive and environmentally friendly route. In this study, novel Cu2O/TiO2 heterojunctions were prepared and showed effective photocatalytic CO2-to-CH3OH conversion under visible light irradiation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sandra Yadira Mendiola-Alvarez, Javier Arana, Jose Miguel Dona Rodriguez, Aracely Hernandez-Ramirez, Gemma Turnes Palomino, Carlos Palomino Cabello, Laura Hinojosa-Reyes
Summary: The photocatalytic activity of mixed oxide alpha-Fe2O3/TiO2 doped with P was evaluated for diuron degradation and NOx oxidation. The Ti/P showed the highest activity for diuron degradation, while alpha Fe-Ti demonstrated the best performance for NOx oxidation under both UV and visible light.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anna Kot, Marta Radecka, Katarzyna Zakrzewska
Summary: The strategy of modifying the titanium dioxide photoanode with an internal upconverter containing Er activator and Yb sensitizer was proposed. Various thin film structures were deposited on different substrates using magnetron sputtering process, and their optical, structural, and electrochemical properties were characterized. The results showed that the modified TiO2:Er,Yb photoanodes exhibited enhanced performance compared to pure TiO2 and other modified photoanodes.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Katarzyna Plachete, Anna Kot, Joanna Banas-Gac, Marcin Zajac, Marcin Sikora, Marta Radecka, Katarzyna Zakrzewska
Summary: Titanium oxide thin films were deposited using rf magnetron sputtering, and their crystallographic structure, phase composition, morphology, and optical properties were extensively studied. It was found that the microstructure of the films changed with the O2 flow ratio, and promising photoanode materials for green hydrogen generation were identified.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Milena Synowiec, Dominika Zakutna, Anita Trenczek-Zajac, Marta Radecka
Summary: The synthesis method used allows for uniform deposition of both large and small Fe2O3 nanoparticles on the surface of TiO2. Analysis confirms the presence of anatase TiO2 and hematite Fe2O3 in the heterostructure. The TiO2@Fe2O3 heterostructure exhibits enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to pure titanium and iron oxides. The magnetic properties and optical transitions in nanometric Fe2O3 are influenced by the size of the Fe2O3 particles on the surface of TiO2 nanocrystals.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kinga Michalec, Anna Kusior, Marta Radecka
Summary: This study investigates the effect of photoelectrode structure on its electrochemical activity. Through analysis of (micro)structural, surface, optical, and photoelectrochemical properties, the study proposes explanations for the substrate/photocatalyst interface structures, band diagram with charge transfer mechanism, and growth mechanism of nanostructured layers.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Paulina Zubrzycka, Marta Radecka, Thomas Graule, Michael Stuer
Summary: The widespread application of additive manufacturing in ceramics is limited by recurring cracking problems during debinding. Current strategies to reduce this issue often fail when particle size is reduced. This study analyzed the curing and debinding behavior of magnesium aluminate spinel in different acrylates and methacrylate, and evaluated the strategy of reducing exothermal effects through the addition of propylene carbonate.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Milena Synowiec, Marta Radecka, Anna Micek-Ilnicka
Summary: A series of TiO2-based catalysts were designed with tungstophosphoric acid (HPW), alone or with Fe2O3 addition. These HPW@Fe2O3@TiO2 nanocomposites showed satisfactory catalytic performance in the dehydration of n-butanol under both thermocatalytic and photothermocatalytic conditions. The highest catalytic activity was achieved over HPW/hp, HPW/Fe/hp, and HPW/T805. The main product was found to be cis-butene, along with trans-butene, di-n-butyl ether (DNBE), and butyraldehyde.
JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Paulina Szoldra, Maksymilian Frac, Radoslaw Lach, Lukasz Zych, Marta Radecka, Anita Trenczek-Zajac, Waldemar Pichor
Summary: This paper presents the synthesis and properties of nanometric TiO2 powders obtained by the sol-gel method at elevated temperatures. The presence of brookite inhibits the anatase-rutile transformation at higher temperatures. Even after the treatment of gel at 700 degrees C, a large amount of anatase in the TiO2 powders was found. Measurements in the UV-vis range were performed to determine the optical band-gap of TiO2. Results of photocatalytic tests for the degradation of RhB and NO under UV are also presented. The obtained powders despite being prepared at this temperature were more efficient in both RhB and NO decomposition compared to the reference sample. The results indicate the possibility of modifying materials that are produced or work at high temperatures, by adding TiO2 with high photocatalytic capacity in the UV range.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING B-ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL SOLID-STATE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Joanna Banas-Gac, Marta Radecka, Adam Czapla, Edward Kusior, Katarzyna Zakrzewska
Summary: Thin film bilayers of TiO2/CuO with intentionally varied thickness of the top layer of TiO2 were characterized using various techniques. It was found that CuO bottom layer crystallized in a monoclinic structure while TiO2 top layer remained amorphous. The film roughness of CuO decreased with increasing thickness of TiO2 layer. X-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed the presence of Cu+ and Cu2+ in TiO2 top layer. Photoelectrochemical measurements showed that the TiO2/CuO bilayers acted as photocathodes in water splitting, with photocurrent density increasing with increasing TiO2 layer thickness.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anna Kusior, Piotr Jelen, Maciej Sitarz, Konrad Swierczek, Marta Radecka
Summary: Flower-like TiO2 nanostructures were obtained by chemical oxidation and subsequent annealing. The phase transformation of 3D flower-like titanium dioxide nanostructures was analyzed, and the effects of annealing atmosphere, sample thickness, grain shape, and nanoflower size were discussed. SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy were used for characterization. The photoelectrochemical performance of the anode based on flower-like TiO2 was demonstrated, with the thickness and phase composition of the anodes being critical factors.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anna Kusior, Kinga Michalec, Piotr Jelen, Marta Radecka
Summary: The aim of this study is to explain the formation of titanium dioxide flower-like forms on Ti foil. TiO2 nanoforms were obtained through chemical oxidation and crystallization at high temperature. The morphology of the layers depends on the reaction time. Understanding the factors that control the phase stability can help manipulate the properties of titanium dioxide nanomaterials. The study provides new insights into the structure formation using HR-TEM and 3D Raman spectroscopy.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anna Sliz, Marta Radecka, Piotr Jelen, Dominik Dorosz, Katarzyna Zakrzewska
Summary: This study investigated upconversion as a modification strategy to enhance the utilization of sunlight in titanium dioxide photoanodes. Thin films of TiO2 containing Er activator and Yb sensitizer were deposited on conducting glass, amorphous silica, and silicon. Evaluation of the thin film composition, structure, and microstructure was conducted using various techniques including scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The optical and photoluminescence properties were measured, and upconversion effects were observed upon laser excitation.
