Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tauseef Munawar, Faisal Mukhtar, Muhammad Shahid Nadeem, Sumaira Manzoor, Muhammad Naeem Ashiq, Khalid Mahmood, Sana Batool, Murtaza Hasan, Faisal Iqbal
Summary: Direct dual Z-scheme heterostructured nanocomposite TiO2-WO3-CeO2 (NC) and pristine metal oxides nanostructures (NSs) were fabricated using a facile co-precipitation route. The NC exhibited narrow energy bandgap, higher electrical conductivity, and lower recombination rate, showing superior photodegradation and antimicrobial activity, as well as excellent capacitive behavior.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Krishnasamy Mahalakshmi, Rajendran Ranjith, Pazhanivel Thangavelu, Matheshwaran Priyadharshini, Baskaran Palanivel, Mohamed Aslam Manthrammel, Mohd Shkir, Barathi Diravidamani
Summary: In this study, a Z-scheme Bi2O3/g-C3N4 heterojunction was synthesized by in situ thermal polymerization. The effect of different ratios of the composite material on visible-light-induced catalytic activity was investigated, and an improved photocatalytic mechanism was proposed. The results showed that the 1:1 ratio of the heterojunction composite material exhibited high visible-light-induced catalytic activity.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ganghua Zhou, Lirong Meng, Xin Ning, Weiqin Yin, Jianhua Hou, Qiao Xu, Jianjian Yi, Shengsen Wang, Xiaozhi Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates the transformation of charge transfer mode from type II to Z-scheme in g-C3N4/BVO heterojunction by introducing interfacial oxygen vacancies (OVs), which enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of photocatalytic reactions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sonia, Ashok Kumar, Parmod Kumar
Summary: The work aimed to identify the properties of ZnFe2O4/ CeO2 nanocomposites and their potential use in water pollution dye removal. The nanocomposites were synthesized using a cost-effective hydrothermal technique, and their structural, optical, and magnetic properties were studied. The results showed that the nanocomposites had a high photodegradation efficiency for dyes and the catalysts were reusable.
APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Luo, Zhaoxia Shi, Jiefeng Meng, Feng Li, Taohai Li, Meng Zhang, Rossella Greco, Wei Cao
Summary: A novel ternary Bi2O3/Bi/ZnIn2S4 system was designed for efficient solar-driven photocatalytic removal of organic and ionic pollutants and hydrogen evolution. The system exhibited high degradation efficiency for 2,4-dinitrophenol, tetracycline, and Cr6+ under visible light, and achieved a hydrogen production rate of 482.5 lmol•g^-1•h^-1. The Z-scheme mechanism, facilitated by lowered bandgap, internal electric fields, and surface plasmonic resonance, contributed to the enhanced catalytic performance and inhibited photocorrosion of the sulfide.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yajuan Zhao, Pu Dang, Yaqian Gao, Yan Li, Huidong Xie, Chang Yang
Summary: Co3O4/Bi4O7/Bi2O3 (CBB) composites were prepared and used as catalysts for the degradation of tetracycline (TC) activated by peroxymonosulfate (PMS) under visible light. The system showed high efficiency in degrading TC and had good reusability. The study also revealed the active species and proposed a double Z-scheme degradation mechanism.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shulan Pu, Yongmin Chen, Dongying Wang, Yongchao Zhang, Ying Li, Wei Feng, Yan Sun
Summary: CeO2 nanorods were synthesized by hydrothermal method and coupled with AgBr via deposition approach. XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, BET, and DRS were used for characterization. The photoinduced charge separation efficiency was determined by transient photocurrent response and PL spectra. The effect of CeO2 loading on Rhodamine B degradation in CeO2@AgBr composites was investigated. 40 wt%-CeO2@AgBr photocatalyst showed the highest catalytic activity due to the formation of a Z-scheme heterojunction, effectively inhibiting the recombination of electron-hole pairs.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jie Chen, Yuting Xiao, Nan Wang, Xin Kang, Dongxu Wang, Chunyan Wang, Jiancong Liu, Yuchen Jiang, Honggang Fu
Summary: Using solar energy for CO2 conversion into beneficial fuel is crucial for achieving global carbon neutrality. This study presents a convenient method for in situ exfoliation and conversion, resulting in a novel CeO2/C3N4 heterostructure. The ultrathin porous C3N4 structure increases specific surface area and reduces charge recombination, while well-dispersed CeO2 allows for more charge transfer. The CeO2/C3N4 heterojunction with matched band gaps and a Z-scheme structure enhances CO2 photoreduction performance by 5-fold compared to bulk C3N4.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qinqing Wang, Xueqing Zhou, Shuting Ji, Suyun Li, Jianzhong Gu, Longxiang Shen, Pei Liu, Junhui Yin, Gang Xu, Wenyan Shi
Summary: CeO2/Ag-AgVO3@zein is an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of pollutants such as enrofloxacin under visible light. Additionally, it shows excellent antibacterial and disinfectant properties against Gram-positive/Gram-negative bacteria. In vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated the good cytocompatibility of CeO2/Ag-AgVO3@zein.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qi Wang, Ningyi Li, Meng Tan, Man Deng, Guoxiang Yang, Qiang Li, Hao Du
Summary: A novel dual Z-scheme Bi/BiOI-Bi2O3-C3N4 heterojunctions were successfully constructed for the photocatalytic degradation of phenolic compounds. The composite exhibited improved visible-light-response and rapid charge transfer, leading to a remarkable photocatalytic performance.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lijing Di, Xiaofeng Sun, Tao Xian, Hongqin Li, Yushu Gao, Hua Yang
Summary: Z-scheme Ag2S/Bi2O3 composites were prepared by precipitating Ag2S nanoplates on Bi2O3 microrods, followed by selective deposition of Au nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of Ag2S/Bi2O3 was significantly enhanced by decorating Ag2S nanoplates, with the 12%Ag2S/Bi2O3 sample showing the highest catalytic efficiency. Furthermore, the catalytic efficiency of 2Au-12 %Ag2S/Bi2O3, with 2% Au content, was the highest among the ternary composites tested.
ADVANCED POWDER TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chen-chen Hao, Yu-bin Tang, Wei-long Shi, Fang-yan Chen, Feng Guo
Summary: Reasonable design of heterojunction photocatalysts is essential to enhance the photocatalytic activity of semiconductors. In this study, an efficient CeO2/ZnIn2S4 composite photocatalyst was synthesized and showed superior degradation efficiency for tetracycline. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the Z-scheme heterojunction formed between CeO2 and ZnIn2S4, leading to increased surface area, enhanced redox ability, and high separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
N. R. Khalid, M. Rizwan Kamal, M. B. Tahir, M. Rafique, N. A. Niaz, Yasir Ali, Meshal Alzaid, Hussein Alrobei, Shabbir Muhammad
Summary: A novel visible-light active MoO3/N-MoS2 heterostructure photocatalyst was synthesized through a hydrothermal process, exhibiting superior H2 production activity under visible photo-illumination. The loading of MoO3 and nitrogen doping were found to play a key role in advancing the morphology and optical characteristics, with the enhancement in performance attributed to the formation of a direct Z-scheme heterostructure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Keding Li, Bowen Zheng, Ling Ding, Chaoyou Tao, Shuai Zhang, Lin Zhang
Summary: With the increasing application of nuclear power technology, the pollution of water ecological environment caused by uranium (U(VI)) has become a serious issue. A novel ternary dual Z-scheme AgVO3-InVO4/g-C3N4 heterojunction (Z-AIGH) nanocomposite with high surface area was designed for the photoreduction separation of U(VI). The Z-AIGH2 nano-composite exhibited excellent U(VI) adsorption performance in dark environment and rapid photocatalytic response for separating U(VI) under visible light irradiation, without requiring any organic sacrifice agents. The high photocatalytic activity of Z-AIGH2 was attributed to its unique structure. The nanocomposite also showed good selectivity and cycle stability, indicating its great potential for water environment renovation.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Reza Ghamarpoor, Akram Fallah, Masoud Jamshidi, Somayeh Salehfekr
Summary: The design of a Z-scheme heterojunction structure offers environmentally friendly solutions for wastewater treatment, antibacterial activity, and electrochemical processes. This study focused on extracting silver from waste batteries and synthesizing WO3 nanorods and WO3-CeO2 through specific methods. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles into the heterojunction structure significantly improved the degradation efficiency of methylene blue and displayed remarkable antibacterial properties.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Ricardo Henrique Ribeiro, Mariana Alves Ibarr, Felipe Bratti, Denis Pinheiro, Andre Carlos Auler, Marilia Barbosa Chiavegato, Jonatas Thiago Piva, Jeferson Dieckow
Summary: Grazing can promote root and forage mass of perennial pastures, but little research has been done on the effects of grazing on annual pastures in integrated crop-livestock systems. N fertilization can increase forage mass, but its effects on root morphology are uncertain.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
B. Shalini Reghunath, Sruthi Rajasekaran, K. R. Sunaja Devi, Dephan Pinheiro, U. C. Jadan Resnik Jaleel
Summary: In this study, a ternary composite consisting of cobalt ferrite, graphitic carbon nitride, and N-doped graphene quantum dots was prepared via hydrothermal technique. The purity of the samples was confirmed using various characterization methods. Electrocatalytic processes were conducted in an alkaline media to investigate the intrinsic characteristics of the obtained materials. The cobalt ferrite/graphitic carbon nitride/N-doped graphene quantum dots electrocatalyst exhibited remarkable performance with low overpotential and good stability for both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Arun Varghese, K. R. Sunaja Devi, Dephan Pinheiro
Summary: Scientists are currently focused on synthesizing efficient electrocatalysts to address the challenges of energy shortfall and clean energy production. In this study, a polyaniline incorporated with polyethylene glycol capped CuO/TiO2 composite was prepared, which showed excellent performance in hydrogen evolution reactions and energy storage applications. Characterizations confirmed the successful formation of the synthesized composite, and it exhibited lower overpotential and higher specific capacity compared to other materials. The electrode prepared using this composite also showed cyclic stability up to 2000 cycles, indicating its potential for energy-related applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Sruthi Rajasekaran, B. Shalini Reghunath, K. R. Sunaja Devi, B. Saravanakumar, J. Johnson William, Dephan Pinheiro
Summary: In recent years, the combination of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) with porous carbon materials has greatly enhanced the design and engineering of high performance electrode materials for energy storage devices. This study investigates the use of Mn-MOF/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite for supercapacitor and electrocatalytic water splitting applications. Mn-MOF/rGO exhibits excellent electrochemical performance with high specific capacitance, rate capability, and cyclic stability. The combination of Mn-MOF with rGO increases the number of active sites and enhances electronic conductivity, making it promising for bifunctional applications in energy-generating and storage devices.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Arun Varghese, K. R. Sunaja Devi, Dephan Pinheiro
Summary: The availability of pure and fresh water is crucial for human survival. With the increasing rate of water pollution, scientists are exploring methods to minimize its impact. The synthesis of a ternary PEG capped polyaniline/TiO2/CuO composite with a high surface area and its adsorption studies using Rhodamine B have been conducted. The composite showed efficient adsorption properties, following the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo second order kinetics. Thermodynamic studies indicated a spontaneous and exothermic process at lower temperatures. The findings highlight the effectiveness of the synthesized adsorbent for environmental remediation studies.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
A. Varghese, K. R. S. Devi, F. Kausar, D. Pinheiro
Summary: Electricity is a versatile energy form but faces the challenge of not being easily stored. Supercapacitors can solve this problem. This review discusses the electrochemical studies and synthesis methods of metal oxide composites based on polymers such as polyaniline and polypyrrole, providing insight into the selection of suitable electrode materials for electrochemical applications. The review also explores different fabrication methods and the performance of polymer based metal oxide composites for energy applications, highlighting the enhancement of capacitance through the incorporation of various materials.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
B. Shalini Reghunath, K. R. Sunaja Devi, Sruthi Rajasekaran, B. Saravanakumar, J. Johnson William, Dephan Pinheiro
Summary: A multifunctional hierarchical BiFeO3/Cr2CTx MXene is synthesized and applied as an electrode material for supercapacitors and an electrocatalyst for water splitting. The aluminum atomic layers are successfully removed from the Cr2AlC MAX Phase to obtain the Cr2CTx MXene. The BiFeO3/Cr2CTx MXene composite exhibits excellent performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with a low overpotential and also shows high capacitance retention after cycles, demonstrating its potential for energy storage and HER applications.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Samika Anand, K. R. Sunaja Devi
Summary: In recent years, heterogeneous catalysts have played a significant role in environmentally friendly transformations, offering better yields and reusability. The development of catalysts containing abundant, low-cost metals has attracted attention in the scientific community as it overcomes the limitations of initial metal catalysts. This study focuses on the synthesis of a bimetallic oxide catalyst through a sol-gel route, which proves effective for obtaining important quinoxaline derivatives at room temperature.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kavya Mohan, Sunaja Devi Kalathiparambil Rajendra Pai, Baby Shalini Reghunath, Dephan Pinheiro
Summary: The increasing production of biodiesel has resulted in an excess of glycerol, leading to the search for alternative applications. One promising approach is the catalytic valorization of glycerol, which converts it into valuable chemicals. Various processes and catalysts have been discussed, along with the challenges and opportunities in glycerol valorization. Overall, this review provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in utilizing glycerol.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Arun Varghese, Sunaja K. R. Devi, Dephan Pinheiro, Mothi Krishna Mohan
Summary: Scientists have synthesized a composite material using mixed metal oxides and polyaniline, which exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance and stability for hydrogen evolution reaction.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
S. Rajasekaran, B. S. Reghunath, K. R. Sunaja Devi, D. Pinheiro
Summary: A bimetallic electrocatalyst MOF using Ni and Cu has been synthesized and evaluated for oxygen evolution reaction. Bimetallic MOFs show higher activity in electrocatalysis due to the abundance of active sites, local crystallinity, and lower long-range disorder. Ni-Cu MOFs exhibit a low overpotential of 340 mV at 10 mA/cm2 and a low Tafel slope of 65 mV/dec when used as oxygen evolution catalysts. The study paves the way for efficient catalyst development in water splitting applications.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
