Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lijie Duan, Bo Wang, Kimberly N. Heck, Chelsea A. Clark, Jinshan Wei, Minghao Wang, Jordin Metz, Gang Wu, Ah-Lim Tsai, Sujin Guo, Jacob Arredondo, Aditya D. Mohite, Thomas P. Senftle, Paul Westerhoff, Pedro Alvarez, Xianghua Wen, Yonghui Song, Michael S. Wong
Summary: Boron nitride (BN) has the property of degrading polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under UV-C irradiation. A composite material of BN and titanium oxide (TiO2) was created through calcination and showed enhanced photocatalytic activity for degrading perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) under UV-A. The composite material was found to facilitate charge carrier separation and degrade PFOA faster than TiO2 alone. Outdoor experimentation showed that the composite material could degrade PFOA in both deionized water and salt-containing water under natural sunlight.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Taha Salavati-fard, Bin Wang
Summary: This study utilizes density functional theory calculations to elucidate the detailed mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of PFCA over hexagonal boron nitride. The results demonstrate the crucial roles of point defects and oxygen dopants in activating the C-F bond and promoting PFCA degradation.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yueling Chen, Mingfei Yu, Guocheng Huang, Qiaoshan Chen, Jinhong Bi
Summary: This study develops a boron-doped and carbon-deficient g-C3N4 material through precise dopant and defect engineering. The optimized material shows significantly enhanced ammonia production rate in pure water and the mechanism is theoretically explored.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weiguo Xu, Qiuya Zhang, Kailin Xu, Liwei Qiu, Jiabao Song, Liping Wang
Summary: In this study, BN-BiVO4 composites with visible-light response were prepared and used for the degradation of TCs. Results showed that 4BN-BiVO4 displayed superior photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation, with 3.6 and 2.3 times higher degradation efficiency for TC and OTC compared to BiVO4. The combination of BN and BiVO4 effectively promoted the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, enhancing the photocatalytic activity. The dominant reactive species were found to be center dot OH radicals and holes. Based on the experiments and characterization analysis, a possible photocatalytic mechanism for TCs degradation was proposed.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shengshu Yang, Fang Zhang, Yewen Shang, Lei Luo, Zhengang Liu
Summary: In this study, optimized hexagonal boron nitride (BN) photocatalysts with controlled morphology and oxygen doping were prepared, resulting in improved light absorption and surface reactions. The degradation efficiency and rate constant of the optimized photocatalysts were significantly higher than that of commercial BN. Mechanism study identified the primary active species responsible for the degradation process.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Denis Leybo, Anton S. Konopatsky, Xiaosheng Fang, Dmitry Shtansky
Summary: Due to their high toxicity, even a small amount of phenols entering the surrounding aquatic environment poses a serious danger to all living beings. To address this important problem, commercial micron-sized h-BN powder was ball milled and surface-functionalized, and characterized as a promising photocatalyst.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Weiguo Xu, Qiuya Zhang, Xudong Kang, Hongli Guo, Jiabao Song, Liping Wang
Summary: In this study, a boron nitride modified CuWO4 composite photocatalytic material was prepared for the first time and its ability to degrade tetracycline was evaluated. The results showed that the introduction of boron nitride facilitated the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, providing more active sites and enhancing the photocatalytic activity of CuWO4.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lijie Duan, Jian Wei, Jinshan Wei, Minghao Wang, Yong Wang, Xue Cheng, Mengbin Gu, Xinyi Zhang, Xianghua Wen, Yonghui Song
Summary: In this study, boron nitride (BN) photocatalysis was found to effectively degrade 6:2 FTS with a removal rate of 100%, a degradation rate of 1.8 h-1, and a defluorination rate of 57.3%. The superior performance of BN was attributed to oxygen dopants defects, and ball-milled BN with increased oxygen dopants exhibited a higher degradation rate of 2.88 h-1. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that holes (h+), hydroxyl radicals (center dot OH), and superoxide (center dot O2-) played significant roles in the heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of 6:2 FTS.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Han Zhang, Pan Li, Ai Zhang, Zhuyu Sun, Jinxia Liu, Paul Heroux, Yanan Liu
Summary: Efficient destruction of high concentration PFOA was achieved using a needle-plate pulsed discharge reactor with microbubbles as carriers. Removal efficiency reached 81.5% in air discharge and 95.3% in Ar discharge, with a defluorination ratio of no less than 50%. PFOA was degraded into short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids and other fluorinated transformation products, showing the robustness of the treatment process in various water matrices.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Esra Bilgin Simsek
Summary: In this study, titanate-based perovskite CaTiO3 nanosheets were successfully designed using boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs) to create a CaTiO3/BNQDs catalyst. The as-fabricated composite catalysts were characterized using various techniques, and it was found that CaTiO3/BNQDs catalyst exhibited enhanced photocatalytic efficiency and stability, making it a promising material for degrading antibiotics in contaminated water.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qinglun You, Chunsheng Zhang, Min Cao, Bin Wang, Jun Huang, Yujue Wang, Shubo Deng, Gang Yu
Summary: In this study, a modified g-C3N4 (SCBCN0.4) was successfully synthesized using a triple strategy of defect controlling, element doping, and crystallinity improving. The research revealed that SCBCN0.4 has optimized microstructure and electronic structure, improved light-harvesting capability, and enhanced carrier separation efficiency. SCBCN0.4 demonstrated excellent performance in pollutant degradation and in-situ H2O2 generation, and showed detoxification, reusability, and stability.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Suyu Zhou, Shaoli Cheng, Junhe Han, Mingju Huang
Summary: By constructing Ti3C2 to modify K-doped g-C3N4 heterojunctions, the yield of H2O2 can be effectively improved, reaching a high production level. This work provides a deep understanding of the modification of g-C3N4 and offers a new strategy for the development of high-efficiency H2O2-producing photocatalysts.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cuishuang Jiang, Hongze An, Guojun Dong, Jing Feng, Mingyi Zhang, Yueming Ren, Jun Ma
Summary: This study demonstrates the efficient NO3- conversion and N2 selectivity using a modified h-BN catalyst, without the need for additional hole scavengers. Various functional groups on the catalyst are explored for their roles in photocatalytic nitrate reduction, with -NH2 and -OH groups playing important roles in electron-hole pair separation and direct nitrate reduction.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Siqi Liu, Xiangjian Meng, Samira Adimi, Haichuan Guo, Weiliang Qi, J. Paul Attfield, Minghui Yang
Summary: The development of efficient photocatalytic system using earth-abundant elements with low costs is highly desirable, and Co3ZnN coupled with carbon black has been synthesized for visible light driven hydrogen production. The replacement of cobalt atom by zinc atom leads to improved charge transfer kinetics and catalytic properties, while carbon black support effectively reduces particle size and enhances electron storage capabilities. The optimal Co3ZnN/C catalysts exhibit a H-2 evolution rate over 6 times higher than monometallic Co4N and outperform most Eosin Y-sensitized systems.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jinmao Wang, Hong Yan, Yumei Long, Weifeng Li
Summary: In this study, a series of h-BN/alpha-SnWO4 nanocomposites with different h-BN concentrations were prepared and shown to exhibit superior photocatalytic performance under visible light. The mechanism of photocatalytic enhancement for the BN/SW heterojunction was proposed. Overall, the role of h-BN in designing high-performance photocatalysts was illuminated through this research.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Burcu Yavuz, Brielle Januszewski, Tengfei Chen, Anca G. Delgado, Paul Westerhoff, Bruce Rittmann
Summary: The concentration-response relationship between the germination outcome of radish and ozonated petroleum residuals was experimentally determined. A risk assessment model was developed based on the outcomes to predict the additional risk of adverse effects. Different doses of ozone gas were used to treat a test soil mixed with raw crude oil, and the measurements of total petroleum hydrocarbons and dissolved organic carbon were taken. The logistic regression model showed that the variables controlling germination were DOC, TREATMENT, and b-ORGANIC.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhuang Guo, Jian Wei, Zongkun Wu, Yanfei Guo, Yonghui Song
Summary: Maintaining perfect activity and stability in catalytic ozonation system has always been a challenge. This study synthesized a Cu-doped g-C3N4 material, which showed a significant enhancement of reaction rate and high stability in the system. The study also proposed a novel catalytic mechanism involving the Lewis acid site inducing surface hydroxyl groups to promote the generation of (OH)-O- circle.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jeonghoon Lim, Yu Chen, David A. Cullen, Seung Woo Lee, Thomas P. Senftle, Marta C. Hatzell
Summary: By controlling the copper surface coverage, palladium nanocubes as electrocatalysts can effectively reduce nitrate (NO3-) and increase the selectivity for the reduction of nitrite (NO2-) to N2 or NH4+. Partial copper-coated Pd nanocubes can reduce 95% of NO3- and have 89% selectivity for NO2- reduction over 20 cycles (80 h). Complete copper-covered Pd nanocubes can reduce about 99% of NO3- and selectively reduce NO2- to NH4+ with a 70% selectivity over 20 cycles (80 h).
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shilong Li, Liang Duan, Yonghui Song, Slawomir W. Hermanowicz
Summary: Membrane bioreactors (MBR) have been widely used in wastewater treatment due to their high effluent quality and low sludge generation. The sludge retention time (SRT) is an important parameter in MBR operation, which directly affects the microbial community. This study investigated the microbial communities of three different MBRs at short SRTs using microarray analysis. The results revealed significant differences in microbial composition, including the dominant phylum, Proteobacteria, and the dominant group at the class and order level between the MBRs with different SRTs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sarah M. Rehn, Theodor M. Gerrard-Anderson, Yu Chen, Peng Wang, Timothy Robertson, Thomas P. Senftle, Matthew R. Jones
Summary: The influence of organic surface chemistry on the properties and mechanical behavior of inorganic nanomaterials is not well understood. This study demonstrates that the mechanical strength of a silver nanoplate can be controlled by the binding enthalpy of its surface ligands. The results show a size-dependent coupling between chemistry and mechanics at the nanoscale, with surface ligands affecting the plastic deformation and global mechanical strength of the nanoplate.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dongyang Zhu, Yifan Zhu, Yu Chen, Qianqian Yan, Han Wu, Chun-Yen Liu, Xu Wang, Lawrence B. Alemany, Guanhui Gao, Thomas P. Senftle, Yongwu Peng, Xiaowei Wu, Rafael Verduzco
Summary: Three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COFs) with higher surface areas, abundant pore channels, and lower density are of great interest. However, the construction of highly crystalline 3D COFs remains challenging due to limitations in topologies and building blocks. This study successfully designed two highly crystalline 3D COFs with promising carbon capture adsorption capacities.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhuang Guo, Yifan Lv, Jian Wei, Jiali Zhang, Yonghui Song
Summary: In this study, a low-cost FC/HZ catalyst loaded with CeO2 and Fe3O4 was synthesized, which could efficiently degrade sulfamethazine (SMZ) and remove 39.6% of total organic carbon through catalytic ozonation. The FC/HZ catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity over a wide pH range and showed excellent recyclability and stability. The possible catalytic mechanism and degradation pathway of SMZ were revealed through experiments and material characterization. This study offers an effective strategy for preparing recyclable catalysts and eliminating SMZ in aqueous solution.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alireza Farsad, Ken Niimi, Mahmut Selim Ersan, Jose Ricardo Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Kiril D. Hristovski, Paul Westerhoff
Summary: Millions of households still rely on drinking water with high levels of arsenic, a potent carcinogen. Point-of-use treatment systems are a promising option, but the commonly used activated carbon block filter is ineffective in removing arsenic. This study explores the potential of impregnating carbon blocks with amorphous titanium (hydr)oxide to improve arsenic removal without introducing titanium into the treated water.
ACS ES&T ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chunjian Lyu, Xiaojie Li, Huibin Yu, Yonghui Song, Hongjie Gao, Peng Yuan
Summary: In this study, the researchers monitored the potential nitrification rate, denitrification potential, and net N2O production rate in riparian soils, and used metagenomic sequencing to understand the mechanism of microbial N removal. The riparian soils showed a strong denitrification process, with higher rates of denitrification than nitrification and N2O production. Near farmland edges, the rates of denitrification, nitrification, and N2O production were lower. The composition of the N-cycling microbial community varied between different soil depths.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jan-Max Arana Juve, Bo Wang, Michael S. Wong, Mohammed Ateia, Zongsu Wei
Summary: The consensus on removing per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from the environment is widely recognized and inspired by the near-zero standards released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2023. Currently, existing technologies only partially defluorinate a limited number of PFAS, leading to the creation of potentially more toxic short-chain intermediates. This work discusses the need to broaden the scope of tested PFAS, provides an overview of state-of-the-art degradation technologies, and highlights the gaps in knowledge and technology that hinder complete defluorination.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mojtaba Qanbarzadeh, Laura DiGiacomo, Ehsan Bouteh, Eman Z. Z. Alhamdan, Marc M. M. Mason, Bo Wang, Michael S. S. Wong, Ezra L. L. Cates
Summary: Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has been found to be more efficient than other catalysts in photocatalytic degradation of per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), especially at environmentally relevant concentrations. The strong performance of hBN under realistic water conditions suggests its potential as a treatment tool for PFAS contamination.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Glen Daigger, Xiaoguang Duan, Xuchun Li, Wu-Jun Liu, Mingce Long, Kyoung-Yeol Kim, Jinxing Ma, Brooke Mayer, Rodrigo Braga Moruzzi, Bing-Jie Ni, Sigrid Peldszuz, Virender Sharma, Will Tarpeh, Yen Wah Tong, Qilin Wang, Xiangke Wang, Xuanhao Wu, Yusuke Yamauchi, Yang Yang, Dengsong Zhang, Shujuan Zhang, Yan Zhou, Wonyong Choi, Jingyun Fang, Jaehong Kim, Nancy Love, Mark Saeys, Michael Wong
ACS ES&T ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manav Bhati, Sergei A. Ivanov, Thomas P. Senftle, Sergei Tretiak, Dibyajyoti Ghosh
Summary: Using ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations, the effects of thermal fluctuations on the structural and vibrational properties of non-stoichiometric cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanoclusters were investigated. The results showed that the excess atoms on the surface tended to fluctuate more, and the optical phonon modes were mainly composed of Se atoms dynamics, regardless of the composition. Furthermore, Cd-rich QDs exhibited faster non-radiative recombination, as suggested by non-adiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD) simulations. Overall, this study provides insights into the dynamic electronic properties of non-stoichiometric QDs and explains the optical stability and superiority of cation-rich candidates for light emission applications.
Article
Water Resources
Sayalee Joshi, Rain Richard, Carlos Levya, Joanna Ciol Harrison, Daniella Saetta, Naushita Sharma, Lucas Crane, Noelle Mushro, Lucien Dieter, Grace V. Morgan, Ashley Heida, Bennett Welco, Treavor H. Boyer, Paul Westerhoff, Kerry A. Hamilton
Summary: In this study, sampling was conducted in a LEED-certified commercial building, and it was found that the concentration of L. pneumophila in the water increased as the distance from the building entrance increased. Factors conducive to microbial growth, such as fluctuating water temperatures, lack of chlorine residual, and colonized water-saving fixtures, were identified. Flushing and thermal disinfection alone were not effective in resolving the issue.
FRONTIERS IN WATER
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sarah M. Rehn, Theodor M. Gerrard-Anderson, Yu Chen, Peng Wang, Timothy Robertson, Thomas P. Senftle, Matthew R. Jones
Summary: Inorganic nanomaterials can be influenced by organic surface chemistry, which can modulate the mechanical strength of silver nanoplates. A continuum-based core-shell model reveals that the interior of the nanoplate retains bulk-like properties, while the surface shell has yield strength values determined by surface chemistry. Electron diffraction experiments show lattice expansion and disordering of atoms at the nanoplate surface, which are directly related to the coordinating strength of the surface ligands.