Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Milica Milosevic, Marija Radoicic, Satoshi Ohara, Hiroya Abe, Jelena Spasojevic, Lidija Mancic, Zoran Saponjic
Summary: Novel cotton-based TiO2/Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites were developed for wastewater treatment using a fine chemical synthesis path. The nanocomposites exhibited excellent photocatalytic efficiency (> 90%) and maintained their removal efficiency after multiple reuse cycles. The presence of spherical-like colloidal TiO2 NPs (4.5 nm) and TiO2/Ag NPs (8 nm) on cotton fibers was confirmed through TEM and FESEM. The reduction of Ag+ ions on TiO2 surface was proven by the appearance of the SPR band of Ag NPs in UV/Vis spectra. The synthesized Ag NPs acted as electron traps in the double-loaded synthesized system, contributing to the improved photocatalytic performances.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ibraheem A. Mkhalid, Adel A. Ismail, Mahmoud A. Hussein, Raed H. M. Al Thomali
Summary: Novel MnCo2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) supported on porous TiO2 networks were prepared for tetracycline (TC) degradation. The photocatalytic activity of the MnCo2O4/TiO2 nanocomposite was significantly higher than that of TiO2 NPs and P-25, with a degradation rate of 100% within 60 minutes.
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Pavel Cesar Hernandez Del Castillo, Saul Robles Manuel, Facundo Ruiz, Vicente Rodriguez Gonzalez
Summary: This study characterized maleic anhydride-functionalized titanium dioxide nanoparticles and evaluated their photocatalytic degradation performance. The results showed that the functionalized titanium dioxide had a broader light absorption range, reduced bandgap energy, and exhibited higher performance in photocatalytic dye degradation.
SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Optics
Duarte Carreira, Paulo A. Ribeiro, Maria Raposo, Susana Serio
Summary: This study developed and characterized two types of hybrid solar cell devices, and investigated the electrical properties of different structures of the photoactive layers under different environmental conditions. The results provide a theoretical basis for developing more efficient and stable solar cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hebing Hu, Sribharani Sekar, Wenbing Wu, Yann Battie, Vincent Lemaire, Oriol Arteaga, Lisa Poulikakos, David J. Norris, Harald Giessen, Gero Decher, Matthias Pauly
Summary: The study demonstrated that nonchiral 1D nano-objects can be assembled into scalable chiral Bouligand nanostructures with controlled mesoscale anisotropy, achieving very high circular dichroism and giant dissymmetry factors. Through Layer-by-Layer assembly and simple macroscopic tools, the chiroptical properties of the chiral multilayer stack were successfully modeled.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vinayak Vitthal Satale, Vattikondala Ganesh, Avishek Dey, Satheesh Krishnamurthy, S. Venkataprasad Bhat
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of atmospheric pressure plasma jet for functionalizing TiO2 nanorods, leading to improved crystallinity, light absorption, and surface area, resulting in enhanced photocurrent density. The APPJ treatment shows promise for achieving better functionality in PEC applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Gustavo Lopes Colpani, Vitor Follmann Santos, Rubieli Carla Frezza Zeferino, Micheli Zanetti, Josiane Maria Muneron de Mello, Luciano Luiz Silva, Natan Padoin, Regina de Fatima Peralta Muniz Moreira, Marcio Antonio Fiori, Cintia Soares
Summary: Propranolol hydrochloride is a persistent and bioaccumulative pharmaceutical in the environment, with potential toxicity and adverse effects. The efficiency of TiO2-La 0.05%-CMCD nanoparticles in degrading propranolol under UV-light irradiation is higher than that of pristine TiO2, possibly due to complex formation between the beta-blocker and the oligosaccharide.
JOURNAL OF RARE EARTHS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jun Wang, Yongxing Chen
Summary: A molten method was successfully used to synthesize highly active SnS2 with superior photocatalytic performance under low temperature and air environment. The obtained product with nanoflake-assembled flower-like structure showed good retention of photocatalytic performance during recyclability tests.
COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Moumita Chandra, Utsab Guharoy, Debabrata Pradhan
Summary: The present research focuses on improving the efficiency and sustainability of solar-to-chemical energy conversion. By utilizing nanostructured materials, the water splitting technology has been revolutionized to produce decoupled hydrogen and value-added organic chemicals simultaneously. Through theoretical modeling and experimental verification, a non-noble metal-based catalyst has been demonstrated to exhibit high efficiency in successful redox reactions.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shijie Wang, Huapeng Sun, Panzhe Qiao, Zhenzi Li, Ying Xie, Wei Zhou
Summary: P-NBTNs are assembled through a simple synthesis route, featuring a unique structure that increases surface area, exposes more active sites, reduces bandgap, and enhances light absorption capacity, leading to improved photocatalytic performance.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gabrijela Radic, Klara Perovic, Tayebeh Sharifi, Hrvoje Kusic, Marin Kovacic, Marijana Kraljic Rokovic
Summary: In this study, the behavior of TiO2, SnS2, and TiO2/SnS2 photoanodes in the presence and absence of pharmaceuticals (DCF, MEM, and SA) was investigated. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) characterization methods including linear polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and open circuit potential (OCP) monitoring provided valuable information on the interaction between the pharmaceuticals and the photocatalytic materials. The presence of pharmaceuticals affected the OCP value due to pH changes. The results obtained from PEC characterization were compared with the photocatalytic efficiency of pharmaceutical degradation. Linear voltammetry showed the electrochemical oxidation of DCF and SA, while the oxidation current peak was not observed for MEM due to differences in its HOMO position.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carla Calabrese, Amelie Maertens, Alessandra Piras, Carmela Aprile, Leonarda Francesca Liotta
Summary: TiO2 nanomaterials were synthesized through a sol-gel method using titanium butoxide as a precursor, Pluronic F127 as a template, toluene as a swelling agent, and acidic water or ethanol as reaction solvents. The synthesis medium influenced the phase composition of the solids, with ethanol promoting dispersed anatase particles and water leading to a rutile phase. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was tested by the photodegradation of Rhodamine B.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaoyong Yue, Liguang Xu, Hengwei Lin, Chuanlai Xu, Si Li
Summary: In this study, Pt and Pt-Au bimetal-doped chiral nanostructures with different morphologies and compositions were constructed using L-/D-arginine and mono-sulfonate tetraphenyl porphyrin assemblies as chiral templates. The shape and composition of these chiral nanostructures can be finely regulated by adjusting the pH, ionic strength, and reaction time. These chiral nanostructures exhibit superior enantioselective photocatalytic ability under visible light, providing a new strategy for the photocatalytic conversion of chiral organics.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Martin Motola, Raul Zazpe, Ludek Hromadko, Jan Prikryl, Veronika Cicmancova, Jhonatan Rodriguez-Pereira, Hanna Sopha, Jan M. Macak
Summary: A reconstruction process of TiO2 nanotube (TNT) layers was conducted to enhance their photoelectrochemical performance and photocatalytic activity. By preparing double-wall (DW) TNT layers, etching the inner wall to obtain single-wall (SW) TNT layers, and coating with TiO2 coatings of different thicknesses, significant improvements were achieved in incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency and photocatalytic performance compared to untreated TNT layers.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Guolong Ni, Yanhua Li, Shuhuan Wang, Qun Li
Summary: The 1D/2D BN/TiO2 nanostructure, constructed by incorporating BN whiskers into TiO2 nanosheets, shows significantly improved photocatalytic performance and cycling stability. The nanostructure with 12 wt% BN content exhibits a high degradation rate of RhB under visible-light irradiation.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Konstantinos C. Christoforidis
Summary: Ag3PO4 (AP) was effectively coupled with bare and modified graphitic carbon nitride through a facile wet-chemistry process for the development of hybrid organic/inorganic heterojunctions. The prepared materials showed enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of organic pollutants under visible light irradiation, attributed to the improved charge separation efficiency and the formation of a heterojunction. In-situ EPR spin-trap experiments provided evidence for the formation of a Z-scheme heterojunction. The photocatalytic mechanism was proposed based on spectroscopic data and reference reactions using sacrificial agents.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ioanna A. Vasiliadou, Thaleia Ioannidou, Maria Anagnostopoulou, Antonios Polyzotou, Dimitrios Papoulis, Konstantinos C. Christoforidis
Summary: A novel composite material containing UiO-66 and palygorskite clay mineral was synthesized using a facile one-pot synthesis process. The composite exhibited excellent adsorption efficiency and stability, demonstrating its potential as an advanced absorbent for MO removal.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thaleia Ioannidou, Maria Anagnostopoulou, Dimitrios Papoulis, Konstantinos C. Christoforidis, Ioanna A. Vasiliadou
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown great potential as emerging porous materials for various applications. In this study, ternary composite materials consisting of UiO-66, palygorskite clay mineral (Pal), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) were developed for the removal of methyl orange (MO) from aqueous solutions. The addition of Pal to UiO-66 improved the adsorption efficiency of MO, and coupling Pal/UiO-66 with TiO2 resulted in complete removal of MO. This study highlights the importance of coupling MOFs with low-cost clay minerals and photocatalysts for the development of advanced multifunctional composites.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Maria Anagnostopoulou, Areti Zindrou, Thomas Cottineau, Andreas Kafizas, Clement Marchal, Yiannis Deligiannakis, Valerie Keller, Konstantinos C. Christoforidis
Summary: This work reports the development of tunable organic/inorganic heterojunctions comprised of cobalt oxides (Co3O4) and modified carbon nitride (CN), targeting on optimizing their response under UV-visible irradiation. The study highlights the importance of MOF structures used as precursors in forming advanced materials and the stepwise functionalization of the individual parts in nanocomposites for the development of materials with superior activity.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Patricia Garcia-Munoz, Fernando Fresno, Christophe Lefevre, Didier Robert, Nicolas Keller
Summary: In the search for more efficient low-temperature catalysts, the substitution of La3+ by Ti3+ cations in LaFeO3 orthoferrites was found to enhance the UV-A light driven activity. La1_xTixFeO3 catalysts were synthesized using a modified Pechini sol-gel route with a solid source of titanium. The amorphous content of the TiO2 precursor played a crucial role in the substitution process. The substitution was proposed to occur via solid-solid diffusion between TiO2 and amorphous LaFeO3 during thermal treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Patricia Garcia-Munoz, Javier Ivanez, Victor A. de la Pena O'Shea, Nicolas Keller, Fernando Fresno
Summary: In this study, the feasibility of using alveolar open-cell beta-SiC foams as a catalyst support for solar hydrogen production was explored. Pt and Ru nanoparticles were obtained through photoassisted synthesis and tested for gas-phase hydrogen production from water-ethanol mixtures. The foam-supported photocatalysts, including Pt/TiO2 and Ru/TiO2, showed activity in solar photocatalytic reactions, with Pt/TiO2 being the most active. The foam pore size had little influence on hydrogen outcome, and a UV-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 14% (equivalent to 0.49% solar-to-hydrogen) was achieved under the best conditions, with a photonic efficiency higher than 30%.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marta G. Avello, Stephane Golling, Lai Truong-Phuoc, Loic Vidal, Thierry Romero, Vasiliki Papaefthimiou, Nathalie Gruber, Michael J. Chetcuti, Frederic R. Leroux, Morgan Donnard, Vincent Ritleng, Cuong Pham-Huu, Christophe Michon
Summary: This study demonstrates the successful synthesis of nickel(0) nanoparticles coordinated to NHC ligands bearing N-coordinated cinnamyl moieties. The unique ligand structure prevents aggregation of the nanoparticles into larger inactive species and enables effective and (Z)-selective semi-hydrogenation of alkynes and ynamides.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Emilia Soszka, Marcin Jedrzejczyk, Nicolas Keller, Agnieszka M. Ruppert
Summary: The sustainable production of environmentally-friendly alternative fuels is important for future biorefinery schemes. In this study, bimetallic Ni-Co/gamma-Al2O3 catalysts were used to efficiently produce 2-MTHF, and the key factors affecting the yield and selectivity were identified.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maria Anagnostopoulou, Zois Syrgiannis, Konstantinos C. Christoforidis
Summary: The present study focuses on the development of ternary and quaternary carbon nitride (CN) based nanocomposites by coupling CN with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), Ag3PO4 (AP), and Ag nanoparticles (NP). Photocatalytic dye degradation is significantly improved in these composite materials due to the various improvements in their properties, such as enhanced adsorption in visible light, plasmon resonance effects, reduced charge recombination phenomena, increased charge availability, and formation of heterojunctions. The stepwise functionalization of CN through the formation of these composites demonstrates the potential for the development of advanced photoactive materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Wang, Cuong Duong-Viet, Lai Truong-Phuoc, Tri Truong-Huu, Hoang M. Nguyen, Lam Nguyen-Dinh, Yuefeng Liu, Cuong Pham-Huu
Summary: In this study, a macroscopic nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon-coated silicon carbide catalyst (NMC/SiC) was developed and evaluated as a metal-free catalyst for the selective oxidation of H2S into elemental sulfur. The catalyst showed excellent desulfurization performance, especially when operated with induction heating, and exhibited high stability over time.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Randy Mujica, Anusree Augustine, Matthias Pauly, Vincent Le Houerou, Gero Decher, Yann Battie, Olivier Felix
Summary: The present work characterizes the macroscopic optical anisotropy of cellulose nanocomposite multilayer thin films using grazing incidence spraying. Mueller matrix polarimetry is used to investigate the polarization properties of these films, which consist of in-plane aligned cellulose nanofibrils embedded in a polyelectrolyte multilayer. Linear birefringence is the predominant polarization property resulting from the unidirectional organization of the cellulose nanofibrils, and the Mueller matrix decomposition allows the determination of their actual structural birefringence. Modeling the sample as an effective medium provides an expression that describes its linear birefringence as a function of various parameters. This nondestructive technique is of great interest for optoelectronic applications.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Patricia Garcia-Munoz, Laura Valenzuela, Deborah Wegstein, Tobias Schanz, Girlie Eunice Lopez, Agnieszka M. Ruppert, Hynd Remita, Jonathan Z. Bloh, Nicolas Keller
Summary: Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful and green oxidant that is used in various applications. The article reviews the recent development of photocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen peroxide, discussing different mechanisms, kinetic models, and key reaction parameters. A wide range of photocatalytic materials, including titania-based and graphitic carbon nitride-based systems, are reviewed. Strategies for enhancing the performance of solar-driven photocatalysts and the search for new photocatalytic materials are discussed. The promise of in situ photocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen peroxide, its coupling with enzymes, and the synthesis of other technical peroxides are also described.
TOPICS IN CURRENT CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Philipp Gutfreund, Christophe Higy, Giovanna Fragneto, Michel Tschopp, Olivier Felix, Gero Decher
Summary: Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly is a widely used technique for fabricating multicomponent architectures with nanometer scale control. Neutron scattering is used to determine the average conformation of polyelectrolyte chains inside LbL assembled films.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Patricia Garcia-Munoz, Paul Henri Alle, Calogera Bertoloni, Alvaro Torres, Maria Ulagares de la Orden, Joaquin Martinez Urreaga, Marie-Antoinette Dziurla, Fernando Fresno, Didier Robert, Nicolas Keller
Summary: The study investigates the reliability and quantifiability of a wide range of characterization and analytical tools in monitoring the mineralization process of polystyrene nanoparticles. The immobilized reaction mode is found to be superior to the slurry mode due to the absence of restrictive nanoparticulate photocatalyst. Direct imaging and light-scattering characterization provide incomplete and irrelevant data due to the change in polystyrene substrate morphology. TOC analysis remains the most suitable and reliable technique for monitoring and quantifying the mineralization process of polystyrene nanoparticles.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Emilia Soszka, Marcin Jedrzejczyk, Christophe Lefevre, Dris Ihiawakrim, Nicolas Keller, Agnieszka M. Ruppert
Summary: This study reports on the efficient synthesis of 2-methyltetrahydrofuran using earth-abundant non-noble metal cobalt catalysts supported on titanium dioxide. The size of cobalt particles and metal-support interaction were found to significantly influence the catalyst's performance, in addition to the catalyst acidity.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
