Article
Engineering, Environmental
Oswaldo Nun, Duangthip Sattayamuk, Tinnakorn Saelee, Hiromi Yamashita, Yasutaka Kuwahara, Kohsuke Mori, Piyasan Praserthdam, Supareak Praserthdam
Summary: The study investigates the photoreduction mechanism of P25 CO2 and HCO3- in water, showing the stability of HCO3-TiO2 adduct and reaction kinetics under different conditions. By sonication loading the rutile phase, the methane production rate and selectivity are significantly increased, indicating charge separation and redirection of electrons and holes for enhanced catalytic performance.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elim Albiter, Jose M. Barrera-Andrade, Lina A. Calzada, Jesus Garcia-Valdes, Miguel A. Valenzuela, Elizabeth Rojas-Garcia
Summary: In this study, reduced graphene oxide-TiO2 composites were prepared by synthesizing graphene oxide and in situ photoreduction. The composites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than TiO2, which can be attributed to the chemical interaction between graphene oxide and TiO2, leading to faster electron transfer and lower charge recombination rates.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ximena Jaramillo-Fierro, John Ramon, Eduardo Valarezo
Summary: This study investigates the removal of cyanide species from aqueous solutions using the ZnTiO3/TiO2/H2O2/UVB system. The experimental results show that this system is effective in removing cyanide and has good detoxification effect.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Timur Aminev, Irina Krauklis, Oleg Pestsov, Alexey Tsyganenko
Summary: The adsorption behavior of different isotopic ozone mixtures on TiO2 was studied using a combination of experimental observations and computational calculations. Chemisorbed ozone species were observed, with good agreement between calculated frequencies and experimental spectra. The interaction of ozone molecules with adjacent cations was found to influence the adsorption behavior.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lubing Qin, Fang Sun, Zhiheng Gong, Guanyu Ma, Yan Chen, Qing Tang, Liang Qiao, Renheng Wang, Zhao-Qing Liu, Zhenghua Tang
Summary: The atomically precise [Ag30Pd4 (C6H9)(26)](BPh4)(2) (Ag30Pd4) nanocluster was used as a model catalyst for the electrochemical NO3 (-) reduction reaction (eNO(3) -RR), revealing the different roles of Ag and Pd sites and uncovering the comprehensive catalytic mechanism.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jia-Jia Yang, Yang Zhang, Xiao-Ying Xie, Wei-Hai Fang, Ganglong Cui
Summary: Through density functional calculations, we have revealed the detailed mechanism of photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CH4 at the interface of Pd-13@TiO2, demonstrating the contribution of the cooperation between Pd-13 cluster and TiO2 support to the adsorption, initial activation of CO2, and hydrogenation of CO to CH4. The favorable interface structure reduces the energy barrier, allowing for efficient CO2 photocatalytic reduction.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jia-Jia Yang, Yang Zhang, Xiao-Ying Xie, Wei-Hai Fang, Ganglong Cui
Summary: Conversion of CO2 into solar fuels through photocatalysis is a promising solution for energy crisis and global warming. Recent experimental studies have shown that Pd nanoparticle-supported TiO2 surface exhibits excellent photocatalytic performances for CO2 transformation, while the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the detailed mechanism of photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CH4 at the interface of the anatase TiO2(101) surface with a 13-atom Pd nanocluster (Pd-13@TiO2) was investigated using periodic density functional calculations. The results provide important insights into the design of superior metal/semiconductor photocatalysts for converting CO2 to carbon-neutral fuels.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yi Yang, Tianyu Sun, Fuliang Ma, Liang-Feng Huang, Zhixiang Zeng
Summary: A Fe3+ doped TiO2 film with long-lasting superhydrophilicity and antifogging is prepared in this study, and experiments along with density-functional theory calculations are conducted to investigate the antifogging performance and the underlying microscopic mechanism of Fe3+ doped TiO2. The results show that Fe3+ doping can enhance the photolysis ability of TiO2 under sunlight exposure and stabilize the hydroxyl adsorbate on TiO2 surface, leading to a long-lasting superhydrophilicity.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiaqi Liu, Fengmei Zhang, Shengping Dou, Mengyao Zhu, Lei Ding, Yanli Yang
Summary: Understanding the adsorption reactions between serine and minerals is crucial for comprehending the geochemical processes of amino acids in the environment. ATR-FTIR flow-cell measurements were used to differentiate the inner-and outer-sphere complexation and reveal the dynamic adsorption and desorption processes. DFT calculations determined the structures of surface complexes and peak assignments of serine dissolved in solution and adsorbed on TiO2.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shuaishuai Liu, Zengming Man, Fan Fang, Pengxin Li, Kun Chang
Summary: Surface defect engineering is utilized to modify the electronic structure of ZnIn2S4 nanosheets, leading to enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activities. Ar-plasma treatment is employed to introduce and regulate surface sulfur vacancies (S-V) on ZIS, resulting in optimized photocatalysts with high HER rate and quantum efficiency. Various characterization analyses confirm the presence of S-V exclusively on the ZIS surface, and theoretical calculations provide insights into the different kinetic processes of H2 evolution on ZIS with and without S-V. Thus, Ar-plasma treatment is a beneficial strategy for improving the efficiency of photocatalytic HER by controlling the surface S-V on ZIS nanosheets.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Youpeng Li, Lingzhi Zhang
Summary: This study presents an oxygen vacancy-mediated nitrogen doping strategy to modify the surface structure of TiO2 nano-particles, achieving high doping concentration and constructing a TiO2@TiO2-x-SN core@shell heterojunction. This structure favors the diffusion kinetics of Li+ and reduces the band gap, facilitating electron transport. The TiO2@TiO2-x-SN electrode exhibits excellent cycling performance and capacity retention.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rui-Ying Wang, Jing-Xia Wang, Jianfeng Jia, Hai-Shun Wu
Summary: The growth pattern and electronic properties of Cu-n clusters supported on rutile TiO2(1 1 0) surface were studied using density functional theory. Results showed stability patterns of the clusters and charge transfer phenomena between Cu-n clusters and TiO2 surface.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wenzhi Quan, Can Hong, Shuangyuan Pan, Jingyi Hu, Qilong Wu, Zehui Zhang, Fan Zhou, Feipeng Zheng, Zhili Zhu, Yanfeng Zhang
Summary: We predicted the formation of rectangular-phase tellurene on Ni(111) using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and realized its direct synthesis and characterization. We revealed the strong coupling between the monolayer rectangular tellurene and the underlying Ni(111) substrate, which drives the formation of tellurene. We also found unique morphological transitions of Te/Ni(111) from rectangular tellurene monolayer to thick striped patterns.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ch Venkateswara Rao, Alok Rout, Anil Boda, Sk Musharaf Ali, K. A. Venkatesan
Summary: The introduction of tetra-alkyl ammonium ionic liquids has shown exceptional extraction efficiency for actinides due to their unique mechanisms that differ from traditional imidazolium ionic liquids. The use of these hydrophobic ionic liquids has the potential to overcome the limitations associated with cation exchange mechanisms in metal extraction processes.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ruifeng Zhou, Shuyi Yang, E. Tao, Lin Liu, Jianhua Qian
Summary: Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with rich defectives was successfully prepared via hydrothermal method and then combined with titanium dioxide (TiO2) to enhance its catalytic performance. The material's structural stability and optimum defect degree were confirmed through various analyses. The formation of a heterojunction between MoS2 and TiO2 facilitated electron migration and separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Different analytical techniques highlighted the visible light response and modulated band gap of MoS2/TiO2, as well as the presence of Z-scheme heterojunction.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yan Wang, Lorenzo Mino, Francesco Pellegrino, Narcis Homs, Pilar Ramirez de la Piscina
Summary: Photoinduced hydrogen production is a promising green strategy for converting solar energy into chemical energy. This study successfully developed noble metal-free photocatalysts by combining different shape-controlled TiO2 nanoparticles and MoxC co-catalyst. The functional properties and efficiency of the composite materials were carefully assessed, and the engineered MoxC/TiO2 interfaces were found to be particularly active in the photocatalytic hydrogen production.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Marianna Bellardita, Guillermo Escolano-Casado, Leonardo Palmisano, Lorenzo Mino
Summary: Aryl aldehydes and acids are important industrial intermediates, but their synthesis often requires high temperatures and harmful solvents and oxidant agents. Heterogeneous photocatalysis using TiO2 P25 as photocatalyst in water provides a promising and environmentally friendly method for the selective oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and acids. The selectivity of the reaction depends on the stability and adsorption of the alcohol and its products on the photocatalyst surface.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Bellomo, Cristina Pavan, Gianluca Fiore, Guillermo Escolano-Casado, Lorenzo Mino, Francesco Turci
Summary: Occupational exposure to quartz dust is associated with fatal diseases. The contribution of nanometric particles to the toxicity of quartz is still largely unknown. In this study, a top-down milling procedure was used to obtain a nanometric quartz with similar surface properties to fractured quartz, providing a novel material for toxicological investigations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cristina Pavan, Guillermo Escolano-Casado, Chiara Bellomo, Stefania Canana, Maura Tomatis, Riccardo Leinardi, Lorenzo Mino, Francesco Turci
Summary: Crystalline silica is a hazardous material that can cause severe diseases. The specific characteristics of crystalline silica, such as crystal structure and surface chemistry, determine its level of toxicity. Recent research has shown that the presence of nearly free silanols on different crystalline silica polymorphs plays a crucial role in their interaction with biomembranes and their potential toxicity.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Davide Salusso, Giorgio Grillo, Maela Manzoli, Matteo Signorile, Spyridon Zafeiratos, Mathias Barreau, Alessandro Damin, Valentina Crocella, Giancarlo Cravotto, Silvia Bordiga
Summary: Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs), discovered in recent decades in homogeneous catalysts and more recently in heterogeneous catalysts, have attracted attention for their potential in activating small molecules. However, the activation mechanism of stable molecules like CO2 by FLPs remains unclear. In this study, a spectroscopic investigation of a highly defective CeO2 sample prepared by microwave-assisted synthesis reveals the formation of FLPs. Carbon dioxide activation over the FLPs involves a bidentate carbonate bridging the FLP, with a Ce3+-to-CO2 charge transfer playing a role in enhancing its activation. The reaction of carbon dioxide with methanol to form monomethylcarbonate is used as evidence for the active roles of FLPs and a proposed reaction mechanism clarifies the roles of Ce3+ and oxygen vacancies.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chiara Nannuzzi, Lorenzo Mino, Silvia Bordiga, Anders H. Pedersen, Jennifer M. Houghton, Peter N. R. Vennestrom, Ton V. W. Janssens, Gloria Berlier
Summary: In this study, two series of VOx/TiO2 catalysts with different surface areas of anatase TiO2 were prepared to find the optimal composition for low temperature NH3 Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). The physico-chemical properties of the catalysts were correlated to their performance. It was found that the different surface area of TiO2 supports only affected particle size, while the high surface area TiO2 had a higher amount of defective surface sites. The distribution of VOx species on the two series was similar, with the optimal V density at approximately 5 V at/nm(2).
JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elizaveta G. Kozyr, Peter N. Njoroge, Sergei V. Chapek, Viktor V. Shapovalov, Alina A. Skorynina, Anna Yu. Pnevskaya, Alexey N. Bulgakov, Alexander V. Soldatov, Francesco Pellegrino, Elena Groppo, Silvia Bordiga, Lorenzo Mino, Aram L. Bugaev
Summary: Photocatalytic hydrogen production is a promising alternative energy route. In this study, operando spectroscopy was used to understand the structure-activity relationships of a catalytic system during the photodeposition of Pt on TiO2 and photostimulated H-2 production. XAS showed an increase in Pt fluorescence correlated with H-2 production, and the final Pt/TiO2 catalyst contained Pt(0) particles. UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed the disappearance of electronic features corresponding to Pt4+ species in the presence of formic acid, resulting in the presence of Pt(0) particles.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elena Groppo, Sergio Rojas-Buzo, Silvia Bordiga
Summary: Operando IR spectroscopy is a crucial characterization method for studying heterogeneous catalysts under reaction conditions. This review emphasizes the importance of IR spectroscopy by discussing selected case studies that demonstrate its ability to provide relevant information in this field.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Pavan, Rosangela Santalucia, Guillermo Escolano-Casado, Piero Ugliengo, Lorenzo Mino, Francesco Turci
Summary: The study focuses on the role of hydroxyls (OH) on oxide particles (OxPs) in molecular initiating events leading to OxPs toxicity. The analytical methods used to characterize surface OH, including thermogravimetry, titration, zeta potential measurements, and spectroscopic approaches (NMR, XPS), are discussed. The importance of modelling techniques (MD, DFT) for describing the interactions between membranes/proteins and OxPs surfaces is also highlighted. A new approach methodology (NAM) based on IR spectroscopy and bioanalytical assays is proposed for investigating the molecular interactions of OxPs with biomolecules and membranes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Matteo Signorile, Davide Salusso, Valentina Crocella, Maria Cristina Paganini, Silvia Bordiga, Francesca Bonino, Davide Ferri
Summary: This article investigates the reaction mechanism of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) production from CO2 and CH3OH over ZrO2 in the liquid phase. In situ ATR-IR spectroscopy was employed to study the formation of DMC. The results show that the activation of CO2 and CH3OH and the formation of reaction products strongly depend on the reaction temperature, with different reaction paths observed at different temperatures.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rujito S. R. Suharbiansah, Muhammad Fernadi Lukman, Chiara Nannuzzi, Anna Wach, Kinga Gora-Marek, Michael Liebau, Ana Palcic, Andreas Poeppl, Gloria Berlier, Silvia Bordiga, Roger Glaeser, Magdalena Jablonska
Summary: Two series of zeolite Y with different particle sizes (approximately 100 or 400 nm) were prepared using different synthesis gel compositions, ageing, and hydrothermal steps. Copper-containing zeolite Y samples were obtained through ion-exchange and characterized. The catalytic activity of these materials varied significantly due to the different copper species present.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Karoline Kvande, Sebastian Prodinger, Bjorn Gading Solemsli, Silvia Bordiga, Elisa Borfecchia, Unni Olsbye, Pablo Beato, Stian Svelle
Summary: Cu-zeolites can activate the C-H bond of ethane and produce ethylene with high selectivity at 150 degrees C in a cyclic protocol. The ethylene yield is influenced by both the zeolite topology and Cu content. Ethylene adsorption studies suggest that oligomerization of ethylene occurs over protonic zeolites but not over Cu-zeolites. We propose that this observation is due to the formation of an ethoxy intermediate.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anastasia Yu. Molokova, Reza K. Abasabadi, Elisa Borfecchia, Olivier Mathon, Silvia Bordiga, Fei Wen, Gloria Berlier, Ton V. W. Janssens, Kirill A. Lomachenko
Summary: The application of Cu-CHA catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx by ammonia in exhaust systems of diesel vehicles requires low sulfur fuel due to the catalyst's sensitivity to high concentrations of SO2. In this study, X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy were used to analyze the interaction between Cu-CHA catalysts and SO2. It was found that SO2 reacts with the [Cu-2(II)(NH3)(4)O-2](2+) complex, resulting in the formation of Cu-I species and sulfated Cu-II complexes. The addition of oxygen re-oxidizes the Cu-I species, making them available for reaction with SO2.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Karoline Kvande, Beatrice Garetto, Gabriele Deplano, Matteo Signorile, Bjorn Gading Solemsli, Sebastian Prodinger, Unni Olsbye, Pablo Beato, Silvia Bordiga, Stian Svelle, Elisa Borfecchia
Summary: This study investigates the dynamic changes of Cu-speciation during light alkane selective oxidation over Cu-mordenite zeolites using temperature-programmed reduction experiments and advanced spectroscopy and data analysis methods. The results reveal multiple CuII and CuI components, and correlations between CuII to CuI reduction, methane consumption, and carbon dioxide production.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matteo Signorile, Elisa Borfecchia, Silvia Bordiga, Gloria Berlier
Summary: This paper analyzes the influence of Al distribution, zeolite topology, ligands/reagents, and oxidation state on ions mobility in Cu-zeolites, and its impact on the reactivity of metal sites. The mobility of Cu ions has been observed in the presence of ammonia, enabling the activation of oxygen and providing a new perspective on the chemistry of zeolite-based catalysts. The different mobility of Cu+/Cu2+ ions, even in the absence of ligands, has important implications for the formation of Cu-oxo species and their activity in relevant reactions.