Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenyu Zhang, Chuankun Yin, Yezi Jin, Xianjie Feng, Xiaoxia Li, Aihua Xu
Summary: This study successfully achieved fast degradation of Rhodamine B and other pollutants by activating STS using g-C3N4 catalyst, showing high efficiency, good reusability, and promising potential for practical applications.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Antonopoulou, Panagiota Bika, Ilias Papailias, Sevasti-Kiriaki Zervou, Androniki Vrettou, Ioanna Efthimiou, George Mitrikas, Nikolaos Ioannidis, Christos Trapalis, Panagiotis Dallas, Dimitris Vlastos, Anastasia Hiskia
Summary: The photocatalytic performance of exfoliated graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) catalysts was evaluated for the removal of diuron, bisphenol A, and ethyl paraben. The g-C3N4 catalysts showed good photocatalytic activity under both UV and visible light irradiation. They were able to degrade the micropollutants effectively, especially the chemically exfoliated catalyst under UV-A light and the thermally exfoliated catalyst under visible light.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Afzal Ali, Adeel Ahmed, Muhammad Usman, Tahir Raza, Muhammad Safdar Ali, Abdulhmeed Al-Nahari, Changbao Liu, Dong Li, Chunhu Li
Summary: The unintentional leakage of dyes into the aquatic environment has caused serious water contamination globally, risking the health of aquatic life and humans. Hence, there is a strong need for adaptable and effective measures to address this environmental challenge. In this study, a visible light-induced catalyst based on the Ce0.2Co0.8Fe2O4/g-C3N4 composite was synthesized using the hydrothermal technique. The catalyst's morphological, structural, and photoluminescence properties were characterized, and its photocatalytic proficiency was evaluated by degrading rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. The Ce0.2Co0.8Fe2O4/g-C3N4 composite demonstrated superior degradation potential compared to other catalysts, attributed to interfacial migration of photo-induced charge carriers. Additionally, the catalyst showed excellent stability in successive cycles, providing a low-cost approach for visible-light responsive catalysts in environmental remediation applications.
DIAMOND AND RELATED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jianhua Hou, Ting Jiang, Xiaozhi Wang, Geshan Zhang, Ji-Jun Zou, Chuanbao Cao
Summary: This study demonstrated the preparation of variable dimensional structured BiOI with surface oxygen vacancies, forming the p-n heterojunction necessary for high-performance photocatalysis. Different dimensional structures of BiOI composites with g-C3N4 were investigated, revealing the optimized combination with 2D/2D structure showed the best photocatalytic performance.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fellipe Magioli Cadan, Caue Ribeiro, Eduardo Bessa Azevedo
Summary: This study optimized the synthesis of g-C3N4 using the Response Surface Methodology and successfully prepared g-C3N4:WO3 heterojunctions, demonstrating good materials homogenization and high photocatalytic activity. A mechanism for the heterostructure photocatalysis was proposed based on theoretical and experimental results.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Mengfan Wang, Hongliang Xu, Chaoning Huang, Zhentao Cui, Mingliang Li, Bo Song, Gang Shao, Hailong Wang, Hongxia Lu, Rui Zhang
Summary: In this study, g-C3N4/diatomite composites were synthesized by mixing melamine and diatomite in hydrochloric acid aqueous solution and calcining the mixture at 550 degrees C for 2 hours. The CN/DE-10 composite exhibited the best photocatalytic performance, degrading over 95% of RhB solution in 50 minutes, with a reaction rate constant 6.4 times that of pure g-C3N4. The enhanced specific surface area, improved light absorption ability, and reduced recombination rate of electrons and holes contributed to the outstanding photocatalytic performance of CN/DE-10.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xinfei Zhang, Yuan Zhang, Ziwei Wang, Nan Zhang, Xiaobo Jia
Summary: Efficient and stable photocatalysts play a critical role in removing organic waste from water. In this study, a series of Ag2O/phosphors-doped g-C3N4 (AgO/PCN) composites with p-n heterojunctions were prepared and demonstrated excellent photocatalytic degradation abilities for Rhodamine 6G (Rh 6G) and Levofloxacin (LVFX) under visible light irradiation.
DIAMOND AND RELATED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maria Leonor Matias, Ana S. Reis-Machado, Joana Rodrigues, Tomas Calmeiro, Jonas Deuermeier, Ana Pimentel, Elvira Fortunato, Rodrigo Martins, Daniela Nunes
Summary: A graphitic carbon nitride/titanium dioxide (g-C3N4/TiO2) heterostructure was synthesized through a fast and simple microwave-assisted method, and it showed excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of a recalcitrant azo dye under solar simulating light. The 30% g-C3N4/TiO2 heterostructure exhibited the best performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yanfei Liu, Zhen Ma
Summary: The novel TiOF2/g-C3N4 composite showed superior performance in degrading Rhodamine B and water splitting under visible light. Characterization tools were used to understand the structure of photocatalysts, proposing photocatalytic mechanisms involving TiOF2/g-C3N4.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Doan An Tran, Chi Thanh Nguyen Pham, Tri Nguyen Ngoc, Hung Nguyen Phi, Qui Thanh Hoai Ta, Duy Huong Truong, Van Thang Nguyen, Huy Hoang Luc, Le Tuan Nguyen, Ngoc Nhiem Dao, Sung Jin Kim, Vien Vo
Summary: By replacing N atoms with O atoms, the photocatalytic degradation performance of g-C3N4 materials was enhanced, with 40-OCN showing the best catalytic activity due to its higher content of doped-O.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF SOLIDS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sweta Gahlot, Frederic Dappozze, Shashank Mishra, Chantal Guillard
Summary: Utilizing a high surface area g-C3N4 for photocatalytic degradation of wastewater yields positive results, with performance increasing linearly with concentration and irradiance. For the photocatalytic degradation of HCOOH, the photonic efficiency is around 5.5%.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yanfei Liu, Zhen Ma
Summary: A new photocatalyst CsPbI3/pCN was successfully prepared and exhibited higher catalytic activity in the degradation of Rhodamine B and photocatalytic water splitting compared to CsPbI3 and pCN. Characterization tools were used to study the reasons for the improved photocatalytic performance and proposed photocatalytic mechanisms.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rongdi Tang, Daoxin Gong, Yaoyu Zhou, Yaocheng Deng, Chengyang Feng, Sheng Xiong, Ying Huang, Guanwei Peng, Ling Li
Summary: In this study, a g-C3N4/PDI-g-C3N4 homojunction was fabricated for piezo-photocatalytic atrazine removal, demonstrating superior performance compared to individual photocatalysis or piezocatalysis. The introduction of PDI facilitated electron migration and enhanced piezoelectricity, with the homojunction promoting photoelectron transfer. The porous structure of the g-C3N4/PDI-g-C3N4 was found to be essential for the enhanced piezoelectricity, leading to a high atrazine degradation rate and H2O2 production during the piezo-photocatalytic process.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Roberta R. M. Silva, Luis A. M. Ruotolo, Francisco G. E. Nogueira
Summary: The widespread use of antibiotics has led to serious environmental issues, and there is an urgent need for new treatments to remove these substances from wastewater. In this study, a new approach using the NiFe2O4/g-C3N4 heterostructure was proposed to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) under visible light (VL) for degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) in simulated wastewater. The NiFe2O4/g-C3N4/PMS/VL system effectively removed TCH over a wide pH range and in the presence of various anions commonly found in wastewater. The superior degradation performance of the composite was attributed to the synergistic effect between heterojunction photocatalysis and PMS activation, generating highly oxidizing species that effectively degraded TCH. Additionally, the magnetic properties of the heterostructure facilitated separation and reuse of the photocatalyst.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ying Yang, Feng Yang, Zelin Li, Na Zhang, Shijie Hao
Summary: The mesoporous Z-scheme g-C3N4/C/S-g-C3N4 heterostructural nanotube demonstrated high efficiency in degrading MB, RhB, and CR, achieving a remarkable reaction rate for MB degradation under visible light irradiation. The in situ fabrication of high surface area g-C3N4/C/S-g-C3N4 heterostructural nanotube represents a promising approach for enhancing the porous structure and photocatalytic performance of ternary Z-scheme photocatalysts.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Haiyang Xian, Yiping Yang, Shan Li, Jianxi Zhu, Rui Li, Jieqi Xing, Jiaxin Xi, Hongmei Yang, Xiaoju Lin, Xiao Wu, Hongping He
Summary: Electron tomography (ET) is an effective technique used in structural biology and physical sciences to provide 3D structural information with atomic-scale resolution. This study verifies the applicability of ET in earth and planetary science research and demonstrates its capability to observe the 3D morphology of mineral grains and chemical components distribution in earth and planetary materials.
ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shangying Li, Hongping He, Qi Tao, Peixin Du, Aiqing Chen, Yilin He, Jianxi Zhu
Summary: Understanding the growth mechanisms of 2:1 type layered aluminosilicates (LAs) during mineral transformation is crucial for revealing their formation processes and crystal defect formation. This study successfully achieved the transformation of boehmite into 2:1 type LAs and explored their growth mechanisms using spectroscopic and microscopic characterizations. The findings suggest that 2:1 type LAs primarily grow through layer growth mechanism with occasional oriented attachment.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gaofeng Wang, Jie Xu, Lingyu Ran, Runliang Zhu, Bowen Ling, Xiaoliang Liang, Shichang Kang, Yuanyuan Wang, Jingming Wei, Lingya Ma, Yanfeng Zhuang, Jianxi Zhu, Hongping He
Summary: Heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) are crucial metals for many key technologies, but they are scarce. Conventional mining techniques for ion-adsorption deposits have limited adoption due to severe environmental damage and low recovery efficiency. This study presents an innovative REE mining technique, electrokinetic mining (EKM), which enables green, efficient, and selective recovery of REEs from weathering crusts.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Huijun Zhou, Meng Chen, Runliang Zhu, Jianxi Zhu, Hongping He
Summary: Aseismic slip is a stable fault slip that relieves strain smoothly. It prevents earthquake propagation but may initiate earthquakes elsewhere. The mechanism of aseismic slip, especially the role of clay minerals, has been studied through non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations showed that interlayer sliding in clay minerals is frictionally weak and velocity-strengthening, indicating the importance of hydration state in fault mechanics.
AMERICAN MINERALOGIST
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Heng Wang, Hongping He, Wubin Yang, Zhiwei Bao, Xiaoliang Liang, Jianxi Zhu, Lingya Ma, Yufeng Huang
Summary: More than 90% of the global heavy rare earth elements (HREE) supply is currently from the ion-adsorption REE deposits in South China. This study explores the mechanisms of HREE enrichment in the granite bedrock of REE mineralized weathering crusts using zircon texture and composition as a proxy. The results show that zircon in the Dabu muscovite granites can be classified into three types based on morphology, internal structure, and chemical compositions, and the HREE-rich fluids from magma metasomatized the granites to achieve further enrichment of HREE.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jieqi Xing, Haiyang Xian, Yiping Yang, Qingze Chen, Jiaxin Xi, Shan Li, Hongping He, Jianxi Zhu
Summary: This article introduces the application and contribution of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in nanoscale mineralogical studies. It explains the principles and methods of TEM, and emphasizes the importance of TEM in the nanoscale mineralogical characterization of complex geological materials in terms of morphology, structure and chemistry. Finally, the article provides an outlook on the current opportunities for applying TEM methods in nanoscale mineralogical studies.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Haiyang Xian, Jianxi Zhu, Yiping Yang, Shan Li, Xiaoju Lin, Jiaxin Xi, Jieqi Xing, Xiao Wu, Hongmei Yang, Qin Zhou, Akira Tsuchiyama, Hongping He, Yi-Gang Xu
Summary: Analysis of glass samples returned by China's Chang'e-5 mission shows that micrometeorite impact-induced charge disproportionation of iron may be responsible for the formation of large amounts of ferric iron, indicating that there is more ferric iron on the Moon than previously thought, with its abundance increasing with micrometeoroid impacts.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jing Du, Runliang Zhu, Qingze Chen, Jieyang Xie, Haiyang Xian, Junping Zhang, Jianxi Zhu
Summary: A mechanically stable silicon carbide-reinforced silicon (Si/SiC) material was designed through a facile molten salt-assisted magnesiothermic reduction method to prevent fractures of electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Si/SiC showed enhanced cycling performance due to the incorporation of SiC nanoparticles, a robust interface structure, and a hierarchical pore structure. When paired with LiCoO2 cathode, the full cell exhibited a high capacity of 148mAh/g after 100 cycles at 0.5C.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jieqi Xing, Yuhang Jiang, Haiyang Xian, Wubin Yang, Yiping Yang, Wei Tan, Hecai Niu, Hongping He, Jianxi Zhu
Summary: This study investigates the mineralization characteristics of rare earth elements in granite veins in Guizhou Province, China using multiple-scale analysis techniques. The research finds that rare earth elements are mainly enriched in quartz veins and exist in minerals at the micrometer scale, and are re-enriched by hydrothermal alteration. The results provide new insights into the mineralization mechanism and resource storage of rare earth elements.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hongping He, Xiao Wu, Jianxi Zhu, Mang Lin, Ying Lv, Haiyang Xian, Yiping Yang, Xiaoju Lin, Shan Li, Yiliang Li, H. Henry Teng, Mark H. Thiemens
Summary: Terrestrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a central role in the formation of oxic environments and the evolution of early life. Previous studies have shown that ROS are conventionally thought to originate from water, but our experiments indicate that minerals can also be a source of oxygen. Quartz or silicate minerals can produce reactive oxygen-containing sites (ESiO center dot, ESiOO center dot) during contact with water, which may contribute to the generation of H2O2 and O2 and play a role in the evolution of life and planetary habitability.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiao Wu, Jianxi Zhu, Hongping He, Haiyang Xian, Yiping Yang, Lingya Ma, Xiaoliang Liang, Xiaoju Lin, Shan Li, Kurt O. O. Konhauser, Yiliang Li
Summary: An experimental investigation suggests that abiotic oxidation of silicate minerals through homolysis of Si-O bonds, especially felsic minerals, could have produced reactive oxygen species during the Archean. This process may explain the paradox of evidence for oxidative continental weathering in a pre-oxygen atmosphere. The production of reactive oxygen species occurs during erosion and transportation of silicates to depositional basins, with greater production for felsic-silicates.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Meng Chen, Runliang Zhu, Jianxi Zhu, Hongping He
Summary: During subduction, fluid overpressure is generated by dehydration reactions in the downgoing slab. Traditional fluid percolation theory suggests that only grain edges can provide fluid flow channels, but our research shows that fluid can also be adsorbed into crystalline interfaces, forming a low-dimensional fluidic phase and achieving fluid percolation. The stable water adsorption in subduction-slab conditions is determined through molecular dynamics simulations and thermodynamic calculations.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Haiyang Xian, Yiping Yang, Jianxi Zhu, Xiaoju Lin, Xiaoliang Liang, Runliang Zhu, Hongping He
Summary: The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the pyrite-water interface is controlled by the surface structure, and surface effects play a crucial role in the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of semiconducting minerals.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jieqi Xing, Haiyang Xian, Yiping Yang, Qingze Chen, Jiaxin Xi, Shan Li, Hongping He, Jianxi Zhu
Summary: This article introduces the application and contributions of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in nanoscale mineralogy research, including determining mineral morphology through imaging, deriving structural information using electron diffraction techniques, and investigating chemical compositions. The article provides common and practical TEM methods and offers an outlook on future opportunities for development.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qingze Chen, Shoushu Wei, Runliang Zhu, Jing Du, Jieyang Xie, Haiming Huang, Jianxi Zhu, Zhengxiao Guo
Summary: This study synthesized hierarchically porous silicon nanoflakes from talc through a mechanochemical reduction method, demonstrating their potential in scalable production. The layered structure and chemical composition of talc allowed the formation of two-dimensional nanostructured silicon without additional templates. As anodes in lithium-ion batteries, the silicon nanoflakes showed excellent electrochemical properties.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
