Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tingting Hu, Panpan Feng, Liping Guo, Hongqi Chu, Fusheng Liu
Summary: Ti2O3@TiO2 core-shell heterojunction composite photocatalysts with different internal electric fields were successfully synthesized using heat treatment methods. The optimized materials exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance due to the efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers derived from the built-in electric field, leading to improved degradation efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jingyu Zhang, Zhongliang Li, Jialong Li, Yalin He, Haojie Tong, Shuang Li, Zhanli Chai, Kun Lan
Summary: In this study, high-crystalline g-C3N4 samples, including K-CCN, Li/K-CCN, and Li/Na/K-CCN, were prepared via the molten salt strategy using pre-prepared BCN as a precursor. The Li/Na/K-CCN sample exhibited the highest photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rates and the highest apparent quantum yield compared to other CCN samples. The improved photocatalytic performance of Li/Na/K-CCN is attributed to the construction of type-II heterojunction and the institution of the built-in electric field between triazine-based CCN and heptazine-based BCN.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mohammad K. Okla, M. Kalil Rahiman, Mostafa A. Abdel-Maksoud, Ibrahim A. Alaraidh, Abdulrahman A. Alatar, Saud S. Al-amri, Hamada AbdElgawad, Mika Sillanpaa, S. Sudheer Khan
Summary: In this study, an n-p-n nanohybrid material was designed and synthesized, which consisted of ultrathin-Bi2WO6, CoFe2O4 nanosheets, spherical MnWO4, and carbon quantum dots. The experimental results demonstrated that the nanohybrid material exhibited excellent visible light absorption and efficient Cefixime photodegradation.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yongxi Chen, Min Cheng, Cui Lai, Zhen Wei, Gaoxia Zhang, Ling Li, Chensi Tang, Li Du, Guangfu Wang, Hongda Liu
Summary: Recently, the integration of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and quantum dots (QDs) has attracted attention due to its ability to overcome limitations and inherit advantages from both components. This review provides a brief elaboration on the synthetic strategies and fundamental properties of QDs/g-C3N4 composites. The synergistic effects of these composites, including enhanced photocatalytic performance and prevention of aggregation, are comprehensively analyzed. Additionally, the photocatalytic applications, reaction mechanisms, stability, and reusability of QDs/g-C3N4 composites are discussed, followed by a prospect on future developments and solutions to existing problems.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kailin Xu, Qiuya Zhang, Chuqiao Wang, Jinmei Xu, Yiming Bu, Bin Liang, Yushuai Liu, Liping Wang
Summary: In this study, a series of 0D boron carbon nitride quantum dots (BCNQDs) modified 2D Bi4O5I2 (0D/2D Bi4O5I2/BCNQDs) composites were synthesized and applied to photodegradation of tetracyclines (TCs), including tetracycline (TC) and oxytetracycline (OTC). The optimal composite Bi4O5I2/BCNQDs (1 mL BCNQDs) exhibited the highest photocatalytic performance, with degradation rate constants for TC and OTC being 4.95 and 2.17 times higher than that of Bi4O5I2, respectively. This can be attributed to the narrow bandgap property of Bi4O5I2 as an electron acceptor, and the oxygen-containing functional group with negative charge on BCNQDs promoting the formation of photoexcited holes for effective carrier separation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guping Zhang, Xunxun Li, Mengmeng Wang, Xueqing Li, Yaru Wang, Shuting Huang, Dongyun Chen, Najun Li, Qingfeng Xu, Hua Li, Jianmei Lu
Summary: This research constructs a stable p-n heterojunction of 2D/2D Co3O4/ZnIn2S4 with a strong built-in electric field, resulting in a highly efficient visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen generation. The improved photocatalytic performance is attributed to enhanced light absorption, abundant active sites, short charge transport distance, and high separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. This study provides a new approach for the rational design and manufacturing of highly efficient 2D/2D heterojunction photocatalysts.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lingyun Hao, Yuanyuan Yu, Zhanming Liang, Hewei Hou, Xi Liu, Changzhou Chen, Douyong Min
Summary: In this study, nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) with different properties were prepared by using kraft lignin as the raw material and EDA as a nitrogen dopant. The amount of EDA added affected the carbonization reaction and surface state of NCQDs. The results showed that the surface defects of NCQDs increased, and the fluorescence intensity and stability improved. NCQDs also exhibited high photo-catalytic activity in degrading methylene blue under simulated sunlight irradiation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ling Chu, Yu Zhang, Leli He, Qingwu Shen, Mingqian Tan, Yanyang Wu
Summary: This study purified carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from roasted coffee beans and investigated their physical properties, toxicity, and removal methods. The size of CQDs increased with longer roasting time of coffee beans, and their toxicity also increased. The caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK was ineffective in inhibiting CQDs-induced apoptosis. CQDs affected the pH value of lysosomes, leading to the accumulation of RIPK1 and RIPK3. Pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment effectively reduced the yield of CQDs, indicating the potential of PEF in removing CQDs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yanan Liu, Chang Liu, Chunli Shi, Wei Sun, Xue Lin, Weilong Shi, Yuanzhi Hong
Summary: By modifying carbon nitride quantum dots (CNQDs) and nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) with BiVO4 heterojunctions, the photocatalytic performance, especially the Rhodamine B (Rh B) photodegradation activity, was significantly improved. The enhancement is attributed to the effective photoinduced charge separation and inhibition of interfacial charge recombination by the ms/tz-BiVO4 heterojunction.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liwen Liang, Qing Chang, Tingting Cai, Ning Li, Chaorui Xue, Jinlong Yang, Shengliang Hu
Summary: The study developed a hybrid system of carbon dots and oxygen-deficient WO3-x nanodots, which can effectively utilize the full spectrum of solar radiation and enhance photocatalytic activity.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Diyong Tang, Desheng Xu, Zhipeng Luo, Jun Ke, Yuan Zhou, Lizhong Li, Jie Sun
Summary: In this study, an efficient S-scheme heterojunction was successfully constructed by coupling flower-like hierarchical structure of Bi2WO6 and Cu2O quantum dots, which enhanced the migration efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers and improved the photocatalytic activity.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhichun Si, Mengxi Pei, Yishui Liu, Bo Li, Feiyu Kang
Summary: Photocatalytic degradation is an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly method for treating low fraction organic contaminants. This study proposes a novel strategy to improve the charge transfer of low dimensional semiconductors and enhance their photocatalytic activity by forming homojunction interfaces.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Aixin Deng, Yue Sun, Zhanqi Gao, Shaogui Yang, Yazi Liu, Huan He, Jinqiang Zhang, Shaomin Liu, Hongqi Sun, Shaobin Wang
Summary: Carbon nitride is a metal-free photocatalyst with great potential for solar energy conversion and pollutant treatment. However, its photocatalytic performance is hindered by slow charge carriers due to the high symmetry of its structure. This review presents the latest progress in creating an internal electric field (IEF) in carbon nitride-based heterojunctions to enhance separation and migration of charge carriers. The relationship between IEF and photocatalytic performance is explored, with suggestions for future research and challenges in IEF-driven photocatalysis.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Feixia Zhao, Xueying Li, Mingxing Zuo, Yunshan Liang, Pufeng Qin, Hui Wang, Zhibin Wu, Lin Luo, Chao Liu, Lijian Leng
Summary: In this paper, the precursor materials, physical and chemical properties, as well as the preparation methods of CQDs decorated photocatalysts are discussed. The effects of reaction conditions, precursor and reaction medium on the structural characteristics of CQDs decorated photocatalysts are summarized. The applications and recent progress of CQDs decorated photocatalysts, including organic pollutants degradation, hydrogen production, and carbon dioxide conversion, are reviewed. The challenges and suggestions for future research of CQDs decorated photocatalysts are also proposed.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Di Yang, Zhi-Gang Li, Xinghao Zhang, Zenghuan Ren, Weihan Lu, Haining Liu, Xiaomeng Guo, Jijie Zhang, Xian-He Bu
Summary: In this study, a heterostructure was synthesized by growing ZnCdS quantum dots (QDs) with a size of approximately 5 nm onto the surface of a two-dimensional covalent organic framework (COF), TpPa-1-COF, to address the issue of QD aggregation. The ZnCdS/TpPa-1-COF composite exhibited a significantly higher hydrogen evolution rate compared to ZnCdS and TpPa-1-COF alone, thanks to the strong interfacial force generated by the 0D/2D heterojunction. Additionally, the photocatalytic mechanism was studied using Kelvin probe force microscopy and theoretical calculations. This study offers a novel approach for creating sulfide photocatalysts and is crucial for investigating the potential practical applications of related photocatalysts.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yunfei Yu, Xue Yang, Chenchen Zhang, Jie Chen, Wei Lin, Jianqiang Meng
Summary: This study reports an environmentally friendly and simple approach for preparing double-network (DN) ion gel membranes with high strength and excellent gas separation performance. By optimizing crosslinking density, mass ratio, and the type and content of free ionic liquid, the mechanical and gas separation properties of the DN membrane are improved.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Si-qi Jiang, Qiang Gao, Xi-guang Li, Chao-zhu Deng, Jun Qiu, Xiang-nan Zhu
Summary: A dual-strengthening pretreatment method is proposed to remove PVDF more efficiently and enhance the leaching of LiCoO2. Experimental results show that dual-strengthening pretreatment can effectively remove PVDF and significantly improve the leaching efficiency compared to single pretreatment methods.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zengchi Hu, Xiaoyu Wang, Xiaohui Zhang, Xue Li, Jiangbin Xia
Summary: The rapid fabrication of high-performance composite membranes based on CMPs using simple and low-cost methods is challenging. In this study, three CMPs-based composite membranes were rapidly fabricated with adjustable size using unidirectional diffusion synthesis. The microstructural design enhanced the rejection rates of the membranes and they showed strong hydrolytic resistance, thermal stability, and acid-base resistance. Electrostatic adsorption and the adjustable microstructures significantly varied the repellence of the membranes to different charged molecules.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Farzaneh Rouhani, Matineh Ayedi, Nasser Safari
Summary: Introducing defects into porous metal-organic frameworks is important for improving their adsorption performance. Quasi-MOFs, an underutilized variant of large-scale, fundamentally deficient MOFs, have been found to have substantial amounts of unsaturated metal sites to offset the drawbacks of MOFs. In this study, a quasi-MOF was produced using a water-stable MOF and demonstrated significantly improved phosphate adsorption capability due to the presence of defect sites.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Valentin Reungoat, Morad Chadni, Louis M. M. Mouterde, Fanny Brunissen, Florent Allais, Helene Ducatel, Irina Ioannou
Summary: This study focuses on the recovery of sinapic acid using liquid-liquid extraction assisted by a hollow fiber membrane contactor from an aqueous feed obtained through the hydrolysis of mustard bran. The screening of solvents of different chemical nature showed that all tested solvents had an extraction efficiency of more than 80% for pH < 5. Four solvents were selected for use in the hollow fiber membrane contactor, and the volatile solvents showed higher mass transfer coefficients compared to non-volatile solvents. The extraction efficiency was intensified by increasing the initial concentration of sinapic acid and the feed-to-solvent ratio. CPME was found to have optimal recovery efficiency at a phase ratio of 8:1, yielding 0.9 g of sinapic acid per liter of CPME used.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Takahiro Sakamoto, Takafumi Hanada, Hayate Sato, Mayu Kamisono, Masahiro Goto
Summary: The emergence of the battery society has led to a high demand for battery metals, resulting in a strain on their supply. This study introduces a novel technique using a hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent (DES) for leaching and recovering battery metals from low-grade nickel laterite ores. The DES enables selective leaching and recovery of the metals, offering a promising pathway for the extraction of critical battery metals.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rongrong He, Jiarui Chen, Chunyao Zhang, Dan Lu, Lin Zhang, Tao He
Summary: Researcher has developed a method to quantify the charge density in nanofiltration (NF) membrane separation layer and applied it in NF membranes that can separate Mg2+ and Li+. The results showed that overcompensated amine groups played a major role, and there was a linear relationship between charge density and coating bi-layers or PAH layers.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhijian Zhang, Min Chen, Zhe Lin, Zhichao Yang, Yafeng Du, Zhihui Chen, Zhenhao Yang, Kongyin Zhao, Ligang Lin
Summary: Membrane technology plays an important role in molecular/ion separation processes, but faces challenges such as membrane fouling. This study introduces a new ion-crosslinking method to fabricate copper alginate hydrogel membranes with improved mechanical strength and antimicrobial capabilities. The membranes exhibit excellent separation performance and enhanced long-term molecule/ion separation through improved anti-swelling properties. Molecular dynamics simulations and life cycle analysis highlight the pore structure and environmental friendliness of the hydrogel membranes. These findings provide valuable insights for developing sustainable hydrogel membranes with stable performance and high separation efficiency.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dongmei Liu, Aiying Guo, Yanling Qi, Zhixin Ji, Hongjuan Li, Zhiwei Zhang, Xinyue Zhang, Kunze Wu, Aijun Cai
Summary: In this study, a stable magnetic Mg/Mn-layered double oxide-doped biochar composite (MgMnLDO-MBC) was prepared and successfully used for the removal of antibiotics and bacteria from wastewater. The composite exhibited enhanced surface areas, adsorption sites, and free radicals, leading to improved catalytic activity. The effects of different factors on the removal efficiency were evaluated, and the composite showed good reusability.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Feng Wang, Zhaoyong Bian, Yaru Zhang, Wenchao Yu, Qiang Zhang, Hui Wang
Summary: In this study, a nanofibrous layered structure of Ff-Ti3C2Tx-Co3O4 was prepared by self-assembling nanofibrous Co3O4 with lamellar fluorine-free MXene (Ff-Ti3C2Tx). The Ff-Ti3C2Tx-Co3O4 exhibited excellent catalytic activity for degradation, resistant to ionic interference, and maintained high removal efficiency of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in municipal wastewater. The rapid SMX degradation involved fast electron transfer in redox cycles with PMS and the generation of 1O2 via PMS ->center dot O2 -> 1O2. This work provides new insights into antibiotic degradation mechanisms and electron transfer based on PMS activation.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Weipeng He, Jiacheng Luo, Yujie Wu, Tianhao Luo, Chen Tang
Summary: This study comparatively evaluated the role of cationic, anionic, and nonionic polyacrylamides (PAMs) in ballasted flocculation of clay suspensions under different aluminum sulfate (AS) coagulant dosages. The selection of PAMs and AS dosage had a significant influence on the size and shear resistance of ballasted floc aggregates.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lixian Wang, Lizhi Zhao, Didi Si, Zhixin Li, Huiqin An, Hui Ye, Qingping Xin, Hong Li, Yuzhong Zhang
Summary: Metalloporphyrin-based nanozymes integrated with poly (vinylidene fluoride) membrane show high catalytic activity and reusability for the decolorization of Congo Red dye in continuous flow process.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yongfei Ma, Chenyu Zeng, Yongzhen Ding, Jiayi Tang, Ondrej Masek, Zhikang Deng, Rui Mu, Zulin Zhang
Summary: In this study, sludge-derived biochar (SBC) was functionalized with various iron salts to enhance its adsorption ability for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and magnetic collection performance. Ball milling was further employed to treat the optimal iron salt functionalized SBC (MSBC), resulting in ball milled SBC (BMSBC) with improved adsorption performance for SMX. The dominant driving mechanism for SMX adsorption onto BMSBC was confirmed to be multiple physicochemical forces, including 7C-7C conjugation, pore filling, H-bonding, Fe-O complexation, and electrostatic interactions. BMSBC exhibited favorable adsorption ability for SMX in actual waters and could be easily collected within 1 min due to its magnetic sensitivity.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jinglin Tan, Xiaohui Mao, Wenjihao Hu, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: This study investigates the influence of PDMS chain architectures on surface properties and reveals that PDMS coatings with looped structures exhibit superior hydrophobicity, self-cleaning, and water sliding compared to coatings with linear structures. Additionally, both looped and linear PDMS coated stainless steel mesh/polyester fibers show efficient separation of oil/water mixture.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wei-Liang Chen, Chih-Chia Cheng, Chien-Hsing Lu, Jem-Kun Chen
Summary: This study designs a novel sandwich-structured capacitor that reduces the absorption time of pollutants using dielectrophoresis force. By coating graphene oxide on polystyrene microspheres as adsorbents and encapsulating them within the capacitor, the adsorption rate is significantly enhanced. Additionally, frequency manipulation allows for the recycling of adsorbents and concentration of dyes, minimizing secondary pollution.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)