Article
Environmental Sciences
Ming Li, Ning Han, Xi Zhang, Shuo Wang, Man Jiang, Awais Bokhari, Wei Zhang, Marco Race, Zhangfeng Shen, Ruofei Chen, Muhammad Mubashir, Kuan Shiong Khoo, Swee Sen Teo, Pau Loke Show
Summary: The utilization of solar energy for catalyzing photo-driven processes is crucial in addressing the energy crisis and environmental pollution for a sustainable society. Oxide-based materials, especially perovskite oxides, have been extensively studied as catalysts for photocatalysis in energy and environment due to their low cost, abundance, and high performance.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yucong Miao, Mingfei Shao
Summary: Photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) is a promising technology that can convert solar energy into chemical energy. In addition to water splitting, PEC also shows potential economic benefits in synthesizing high-value-added chemicals and degrading organic pollutants. This paper comprehensively discusses the application of PEC technology in the production of various chemicals and provides detailed insights into photoelectrode design, reaction environment, and working mechanisms of PEC systems.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gahyun Baek, Bruce E. Logan
Summary: This study comprehensively analyzed the critical factors influencing methane production rates in microbial methanogenesis cells. It found that metal catalysts play an important role in the anode materials where oxygen evolution reaction occurs, while previous research focused more on cathode materials. The use of mixed anaerobic cultures as inocula was found to be sufficient for high methane production rates. Additionally, factors such as catholyte pH control and CO2 supply methods also impacted methane production rates in the microbial methanogenesis cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juliana Ferreira de Brito, Marcos Antonio Santana Andrade Jr, Maria Valnice Boldrin Zanoni, Lucia Helena Mascaro
Summary: An all-solution approach was presented to fabricate nanocrystalline film of the ternary chalcopyrite for photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction. Despite interesting results, doping with In and Bi caused defects in the absorber layer, affecting the stability and performance of the photocathode in CO2 reduction. Meanwhile, the Mo/CuGaS2/CdS/TiO2 photocathode showed promising stability and reproducibility for CO2 reduction.
JOURNAL OF CO2 UTILIZATION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
J. V. M. Lopes, A. E. Bresciani, K. M. Carvalho, L. A. Kulay, R. M. B. Alves
Summary: The use of fossil resources has led to a significant increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, resulting in environmental issues. This study proposes a multi-criteria framework for selecting suitable sources of CO2 and hydrogen for conversion. Evaluating potential sources based on environmental, economic, and technical aspects can help identify synergic combinations between carbon dioxide and hydrogen sources for sustainability.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Haijiao Lu, Xianlong Li, Sabiha Akter Monny, Zhiliang Wang, Lianzhou Wang
Summary: This article presents the latest progress and challenges in the photoelectrocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a renewable fuel, as well as discusses future perspectives.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Min Wang, Ling Lin, Zhangyi Zheng, Zhenyang Jiao, Wei Hua, Guowei Wang, Xiaoxing Ke, Yuebin Lian, Fenglei Lyu, Jun Zhong, Zhao Deng, Yang Peng
Summary: An integral gas diffusion electrode (NiNF) with hierarchical porosity was fabricated through electrospinning, addressing the issues of delamination, flooding, salt precipitation, and limited utilization of active sites. The GDE, with a hydrophobic superficial layer, works in a broad pH range and achieves near-unity faradaic efficiency of CO with high peak current densities in both alkaline and acidic flow cells. This work shows the potential of industrial-scale CO2 electrolysis through GDE design innovation.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingwei Fang, Meiling Wang, Zewen Wang, Zixuan Zhang, Haochen Zhou, Liming Dai, Ying Zhu, Lei Jiang
Summary: This study reports a rational one-step surface coordination approach for the synthesis of Cu dendrites with an ultrastable Cu delta+ state and hydrophobicity (Cu CF), even after exposure to air for over 6 months. Cu CF exhibited a C-2 FE of 90.6% at a partial current density of 453.3 mA cm(-2) in a flow cell. Stable electrolysis at high current densities and continuous production of high purity C2H5OH solution were achieved using Cu CF as a catalyst.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Min Wang, Vasilis Nikolaou, Anna Loiudice, Ian D. Sharp, Antoni Llobet, Raffaella Buonsanti
Summary: Copper-based tandem schemes are promising strategies to enhance multi-carbon product formation in the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction. By coupling a CO-generating catalyst with copper nanocatalysts, the selectivity for ethylene production can be significantly increased.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaozhi Li, Peng Zhang, Lili Zhang, Gong Zhang, Hui Gao, Zifan Pang, Jia Yu, Chunlei Pei, Tuo Wang, Jinlong Gong
Summary: Efficient CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) in acidic electrolytes is achieved by manipulating mass transfer processes in well-designed hollow-structured Ag@C electrocatalysts, resulting in high faradaic efficiency and single-pass carbon efficiency. Computational modeling reveals that the unique structure of Ag@C regulates the diffusion process, creating a high-pH local reaction environment for enhanced activity. This work presents a promising route to engineer the microenvironment for high-performance CO2RR in acidic electrolytes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ao Yu, Guoming Ma, Longtao Zhu, Ruiling Zhang, Yaozhou Li, Shaoting Yang, Hsien-Yi Hsu, Ping Peng, Fang-Fang Li
Summary: In this study, a strategy of electrochemical reduction-reoxidation was developed to convert absorbed CO2 into defective porous carbons for the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide. The research found that defects can significantly enhance the activity and selectivity of the oxygen reduction reaction. By controlling the oxidation conditions, carbon materials with high activity defects can be produced.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Cheng, Yong Chen, Shuxian Zhang, Xiaoting Wu, Chide Chen, Xin Shi, Ming Qing, Jifan Li, Chun-Ling Liu, Wen-Sheng Dong
Summary: Direct conversion of CO2 to aromatics using renewable hydrogen sources is a promising method to reduce CO2 emissions and replace fossil resources. A bifunctional catalyst, CuFeO2/hierarchical HZSM-5, demonstrated excellent performance in converting CO2 to aromatics. By eliminating external surface acidity, the selectivity of p-xylene in xylenes was significantly improved.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hyunju Jung, Chansol Kim, Hae-Wook Yoo, Jei You, Jin Seog Kim, Aqil Jamal, Issam Gereige, Joel W. W. Ager, Hee-Tae Jung
Summary: Semiconductor photocatalyst approaches for solar CO2 reduction are not as efficient as less-integrated photoelectrochemical (PEC) approaches and electrolysis reactors, mainly due to poor mass transport and catalyst deactivation. However, by developing a continuous-flow photocatalytic reactor system, the efficiency of photocatalysts like TiO2, ZnO, C3N4, and CdS can be significantly improved. This study shows that controlling the triple-phase interface on the photocatalyst surface by adjusting liquid and reactant gas flow rates can enhance mass transport and prevent catalyst deactivation, leading to higher CO selectivity and long-term stability.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiao Li, Ningkang Qian, Liang Ji, Xingqiao Wu, Junjie Li, Jingbo Huang, Yucong Yan, Deren Yang, Hui Zhang
Summary: In this study, a novel Ce-doped Bi2O3 nanosheet electrocatalyst was prepared by a facile solvothermal method for efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction to formate. The Ce-doped Bi2O3 nanosheets exhibited high current density and formate faradaic efficiency. Density functional theory calculations revealed that Ce doping promoted the formation and adsorption of the OCHO* intermediate and inhibited the hydrogen evolution reaction, resulting in high current density and efficiency.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Suyao Man, Xueyang Leng, Jinlong Bai, Zhongqiu Li, Lingling Xu
Summary: In this study, BiFeO3/Bi2O3 composite was designed by a simple and cost-effective flame annealing process to enhance the photoelectrocatalytic activity of BiFeO3-based ferroelectrics. The obtained BiFeO3/Bi2O3 photocathode exhibited improved PEC performance, attributed to reduced carrier recombination, promoted interfacial charge transfer, and increased active sites. Our work provides a promising approach to improve the performance of ferroelectric photoelectrodes.
Article
Electrochemistry
Marina Medina, Patricia G. Corradini, Juliana F. de Brito, Hugo L. Sousa Santos, Lucia Helena Mascaro
Summary: Amorphous molybdenum sulfide (MoSx) is a highly active material for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). It can be electrodeposited on semiconductor substrates, and increasing the S atom content enhances its electrocatalytic activity.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Juliana Ferreira de Brito, Magno Barcelos Costa, Krishnan Rajeshwar, Lucia Helena Mascaro
Summary: This study presents a strategy for the synthesis of ammonia from dinitrogen using a photoelectrocatalytic reduction method. It was found that a gas diffusion layer-confined antimony selenide photocathode decorated with platinum particles produced six times more ammonia than the catalyst without platinum modification, with a high Faradaic efficiency. The photoelectrocatalysis mode was at least 500% more effective for ammonia synthesis compared to photocatalysis and electrocatalysis modes.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caio Cesar Goncalves Silva, Lilian Danielle de Moura Torquato, Barbara Camila de Araujo, Hernan Dario Rojas Mantilla, Maria Valnice Boldrin Zanoni, Saulo Santesso Garrido
Summary: This study describes an easy method to prepare a Chloroplast/PDA@WO3 biohybrid platform, where chloroplasts are deposited on WO3 substrate modified with polydopamine (PDA) film. The use of PDA as an immobilization matrix for chloroplasts and an electron mediator under LED irradiation enhances the photocurrents. The presence of intact chloroplasts amplifies the photocurrent compared to the bare substrate (WO3). The best electrode performance is achieved with high intensity LED irradiation at 395 nm, with the electrode exposed to 150 μg/mL of intact chloroplasts for 10 minutes.
BIOELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Alysson Stefan Martins, Thais Tasso Guaraldo, Jannis Wenk, Davide Mattia, Maria Valnice Boldrin Zanoni
Summary: The integration of photocatalysis and electrochemical degradation in a continuous flow reactor with a WO3/W mesh as photo-electrode led to a 90% removal of tetracycline in 60 minutes, almost 3 times higher than photocatalysis alone. This scalable approach offers valuable insights for practical issues in water treatment such as costs and efficiency.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Maria Valnice Boldrin Zanoni, Kallyni Irikura, Joao Angelo Lima Perini, Guilherme G. Bessegato, Miguel A. Sandoval, Ricardo Salazar
Summary: This review summarizes recent advances in photo-electrocatalysis of pesticides, including fundamentals, photoanode preparation, and their application in degrading pesticides in different types of water. The effect of the chemical nature of the photoanodes on enhancing electrolysis and photolysis processes is discussed. The use of various semiconductors for pesticide degradation under different experimental conditions is described, serving as a basis for future real-world applications. Outlooks and perspectives are provided and discussed.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sirlon F. Blaskievicz, Ivo Freitas Teixeira, Lucia Helena Mascaro, Juliana Ferreira de Brito
Summary: In this study, a new photoelectrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction using carbon nitride, poly(heptazine imide) (PHI), and Nb2O5 nanotubes was developed for ammonia synthesis under mild conditions. The presence of PHI in the photocathode not only improved stability compared to bare Nb2O5, but also increased the ammonia generation rate by about 10-fold. The results suggest that this photocathode has the potential to be a promising alternative to the conventional Haber-Bosch process.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Thais Caroline Almeida da Silva, Leonardo Marchiori, Bianca Oliveira Mattos, Sajjad Ullah, Hernane da Silva Barud, Rafael Romano Domeneguetti, Hernan Dario Rojas-Mantilla, Maria Valnice Boldrin Zanoni, Ubirajara Pereira Rodrigues-Filho, Elias Paiva Ferreira-Neto, Sidney Jose Lima Ribeiro
Summary: This study designs flexible, self-standing, porous, and recyclable BC@SiO2-TiO2 hybrid organic-inorganic aerogel membranes for effective in-flow photo-assisted removal of organic pollutants. The optimized BC@SiO2-TiO2 hybrid aerogel shows increased surface area and higher photocatalytic activity, outperforming most supported-titania materials reported earlier. These hybrid aerogels also demonstrate potential for water purification by successfully removing the model emergent contaminant sertraline drug from aqueous solution.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Instruments & Instrumentation
Sergio L. C. Ferreira, Ravena S. A. Azevedo, Jucelino B. da Silva Jr, Leonardo S. G. Teixeira, Ivanice. F. F. dos Santos, Walter N. L. dos Santos, Antonio F. S. Queiroz, Olivia M. C. de Oliveira, Lilian L. N. Guarieiro, Jeancarlo P. dos Anjos, Maria V. B. Zanoni, Ricardo B. da Silva, Carla Palma, Vanessa Morgado, Victor Cerda, Vanessa Hatje, Rodrigo M. A. Pedreira
Summary: This review discusses the sources, adverse effects, and quantification of emerging contaminants, including chemical elements used in medicine, microplastics in water bodies, and pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, and their metabolites in wastewater and sewage sludge. It also addresses the pollution caused by these contaminants in urban areas. The main analytical methods for determining these contaminants are briefly reported.
APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Tais S. Viana, Diana Campos, Mariana Bartilotti, Fernanda G. Leite, Maria Valnice Zanoni, Daniel J. Dorta, Danielle P. Oliveira, Joao L. T. Pestana
Summary: Produced water (PW) generated by oil companies is a highly impacting waste that contains chemicals such as metals and organic and inorganic compounds. Conventional treatments have limited efficiency in removing PW toxicity, so alternative approaches must be developed and standardized. Treatment with magnetized vermiculite (VMT-mag) shows potential in reducing PW toxicity to aquatic biota.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Lilian Danielle de Moura Torquato, Rosa Maria Matteucci, Paolo Stufano, Danilo Vona, Gianluca M. Farinola, Massimo Trotta, Maria Valnice Boldrin Zanoni, Matteo Grattieri
Summary: The metabolic versatility of purple non-sulphur bacteria makes them suitable for developing photobioelectrochemical systems in contaminated environments. The effects of 2,4 dinitrophenol, a common contaminant, on purple bacteria photobioelectrocatalysis were investigated. The results showed that the aromatic contaminant significantly affected the current generation, with enhanced photocurrent at low dinitrophenol concentrations, while higher concentrations resulted in a gradual decrease.
Editorial Material
Electrochemistry
Lilian Danielle de Moura Torquato, Rosa Maria Matteucci, Paolo Stufano, Danilo Vona, Gianluca M. Farinola, Massimo Trotta, Maria Valnice Boldrin Zanoni, Matteo Grattieri
Summary: Invited for this issue's Front Cover is an international collaborative team consisting of researchers from Universita degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro (Italy), SAo Paulo State University (UNESP, Brasil), and Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (Italy). The cover picture showcases purple bacterial cells that exhibit photo-induced electrons hitting or missing their target electrode depending on the concentration of dinitrophenol. The research article can be accessed at 10.1002/celc.202300013.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Analytical
Maria Valnice Boldrin Zanoni
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexandre de Oliveira Jorgetto, Maria Valnice Boldrin Zanoni, Marcelo Ornaghi Orlandi
Summary: Microporous Sn2+-containing SnO2 material with microrod morphology and a relatively large surface area has been synthesized. The material exhibits superior photoactivity due to the presence of Sn2+ states in its band structure. The internal crystalline structure analysis reveals a mesocrystalline structure at the nanoscale level.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
