Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jorge L. Dominguez-Arvizu, Jaime A. Jimenez-Miramontes, Blanca C. Hernandez-Majalca, Gabriela E. Valenzuela-Castro, Felipe A. Gaxiola-Cebreros, Jesus M. Salinas-Gutierrez, Virginia Collins-Martinez, Alejandro Lopez-Ortiz
Summary: This study focuses on the synthesis of p-n heterojunctions of NiFe2O4/Cu2O for photocatalytic water splitting. The evaluation of their properties and photocatalytic activity reveals a direct correlation between charge carrier concentration and hydrogen production, suggesting the potential application of these heterojunctions in this field.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jenny Hui Foong Chau, Chin Wei Lai, Bey Fen Leo, Joon Ching Juan, Mohd Rafie Johan
Summary: In this study, a solar responsive composite material was successfully synthesized, showing a significant improvement in the photodegradation efficiency of acetaminophen (ATM), reaching 92.50%. The composite material exhibited high reusability.
CATALYSIS COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marica Muscetta, Samar Al Jitan, Giovanni Palmisano, Roberto Andreozzi, Raffaele Marotta, Stefano Cimino, Ilaria Di Somma
Summary: A visible light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen production system using a Cu2O/TiO2 composite material was evaluated. A simple ball-milling method was proposed for preparing the Cu2O/TiO2 photocatalyst, and the effects of Cu2O loading and operating conditions were analyzed. The results indicated that the optimized composite catalyst achieved high hydrogen production and light to chemical conversion under visible light conditions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huihui Feng, Yan Zhang, Fengling Cui
Summary: Cuprous oxide (Cu2O), a p-type semiconductor material, has been found to play a significant role in photocatalysis, and enhancing its photocatalytic activity can be effectively achieved by introducing CQDs, leading to improved degradation of methylene blue and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shenglin Jin, Changzhi Han, Sihui Xiang, Chong Zhang, Jia-Xing Jiang
Summary: This study constructs two furan-based D-A polymer photocatalysts by using furan and dibenzofuran as electron donors and dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide as the acceptor for photocatalytic hydrogen production. Compared to the dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide based polymer photocatalyst, the furan-based polymer photocatalyst exhibits a broader light absorption range and more efficient charge separation, leading to a higher photocatalytic activity under visible light.
JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shuang Li, Yun Hau Ng, Ruixue Zhu, Sijie Lv, Chunxiao Wu, Yuxi Liu, Lin Jing, Jiguang Deng, Hongxing Dai
Summary: In this study, a red phosphorus (RP)/TiO2 composite system was constructed via a chemical vapor deposition strategy, leading to a significantly enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2 generation rate. The tight interior surface bonding between RP and TiO2 greatly promoted efficient charge transfer and redistribution, extending the lifetimes of active charges during the photocatalytic process.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marica Muscetta, Laura Clarizia, Marco Race, Roberto Andreozzi, Raffaele Marotta, Ilaria Di Somma
Summary: Several studies have demonstrated that combining TiO2 and Cu2O enhances photocatalytic activity by creating a heterojunction that extends light absorption in the visible spectrum and reduces electron-hole recombination. Ball milling is an effective method for preparing photocatalysts, and the optimal conditions for synthesizing a Cu2O-TiO2 photocatalyst have been identified (1%wt. Cu2O in TiO2 prepared by ball-milling at 200 rpm and 1 min milling time). The photocatalytic hydrogen generation efficiency has been optimized by considering sacrificial species, temperature, and pH, achieving a light-to-chemical energy efficiency of 8%. Additionally, the system has shown potential for hydrogen production under direct solar light, with 60% attributed to visible light and 40% attributed to UV light.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shengna Yang, Shiwen Ding, Chongyang Zhao, Siping Huo, Fengjiao Yu, Jun Fang, Yang Yang
Summary: In this study, ligand-free Au nanoclusters/g-C3N4 ultra-thin nanosheets composite was synthesized via a wet-impregnation method with post-annealing, showcasing efficient visible-light-induced photocatalytic H-2 generation. The post-annealing played a crucial role in preventing the aggregation of Au nanoclusters and ensuring smooth interfacial charge transfer in the composite photocatalysts.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jun-Hyeok Lee, Taeyeon Kim, Eung-Ryong Kim, Eun-Bum Cho, Sang-Chul Jung
Summary: Microwave-assisted Cu2O/Cu/TiO2 and CuxS/TiO2 composite nanoparticles were successfully prepared using different experimental procedures and additives. The morphology and crystal structure of the particles were confirmed with TEM images and XRD patterns, while UV-visible spectra showed the absorbance of copper species in the composite particles.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Emre Alp
Summary: Photocatalyst materials are crucial in solving environmental issues. The synthesis of well-defined hybrid Cu2O-Cu architecture cubes has shown great potential in dealing with hazardous substances.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoyu Lu, Jianan Huang, Han Xie, Wei Huang, Zhigao Sun, Dongliang Zhang, Xiaowei Zhang, Mitang Wang
Summary: A liquid-phase reduction technique was used to obtain praseodymium-doped cuprous oxide photocatalyst. The 3% Pr : Cu2O photocatalyst showed the best photocatalytic performance due to the reduced recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. The functioning mechanism of the Pr : Cu2O photocatalyst was examined.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
T. L. Soundarya, R. Harini, K. Manjunath, B. Udayabhanu, B. Nirmala, G. Nagaraju
Summary: Hydrogen production is crucial in the energy sector, and electrochemical sensing is a sensitive application for trace analyte detection. In this study, Pt-doped TiO2 nanotubes were synthesized and showed superior performance in hydrogen generation, nitrite detection, and supercapacitor applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Amit Kumar Verma, Prerna Tripathi, Akash Dubey, Niraj Kumar Vishwakarma, A. S. K. Sinha, Shikha Singh
Summary: This article describes a study on hydrogen generation from aqueous methanol over a TiO2 up-conversion (CeF3:Ho3+) nanosystem (CHT) under visible light irradiance. CeF3:Ho3+ nanoparticles (about 4 to 8 nm) were synthesized and incorporated into TiO2 using a simple polyol reduction method. The successful formation of a CeF3:Ho3+-incorporated TiO2 nanosystem was confirmed through various characterizations. The results showed that the CeF3:Ho3+-incorporated TiO2 nanosystem exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity and could be used as an effective photocatalyst for sustainable hydrogen generation under visible light irradiance.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qiang Huang, Jiayu Yang, Fei Qi, Wenxia Zhang, Nan Zhang, Zhiyu Liang, Jiaxin Liu, Changqing Tian, Xiaosheng Tang, Daofu Wu, Benjun Huo
Summary: The photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to value-added chemicals and fuels using Au-Pt/Cu2O/ReS2 as the catalyst demonstrated high efficiency and controllable selectivity. The unique heterostructure and synergy between Au and Pt contributed to the improved performance, with a significantly higher electron reduction rate and easy tunability of CO and CH4 selectivity. This study provides novel insights for the design of practical photocatalysts for efficient CO2 photoconversion.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
A. N. Morozov, Thant Zin Phyo, A. Denisenko, A. Yu Kryukov
Summary: Cu2O/TiO2 composite films were prepared by polyol reduction of copper(II) acetylacetonate deposited into ordered porous matrix of TiO2 nanotubes, showing improved photocatalytic activity with Cu2O nanoparticles deposition, peaking near 1.7 wt %.
PETROLEUM CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Priyanka Ganguly, Syam R. Kumar, Marica Muscetta, Nisha T. Padmanabhan, Laura Clarizia, A. Akande, Steven Hinder, Snehamol Mathew, Honey John, Ailish Breen, Suresh C. Pillai
Summary: A two-step solvothermal synthesis method was successfully used to prepare AgXSe2-TiO2 (X = In, Bi) composites, with DFT study and experimental results confirming their structural characteristics. These composites exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance, with detailed discussions on the delayed charge recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and interface properties.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marica Muscetta, Nicola Minichino, Raffaele Marotta, Roberto Andreozzi, Ilaria Di Somma
Summary: In this study, a system containing zero-valent palladium nanoparticles was leached in mild acidic conditions using chloride solutions containing cupric ions, showing promising results. The process offers better safety and operates under less severe conditions compared to traditional methods. The experimental data demonstrated a development under kinetic control, with good results at pH 5.0 and temperatures between 288 K and 333 K.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Clarizia, Giuseppe Vitiello, Robert Bericat Vadell, Jacinto Sa, Raffaele Marotta, Ilaria Di Somma, Roberto Andreozzi, Giuseppina Luciani
Summary: The existing literature survey reports on the effect of preparation methods of metal-based semiconductor photocatalysts on photocatalytic H-2 generation are rare and conflicting. In this study, we compared different copper/titania-based photocatalysts for H-2 generation prepared by photodeposition and impregnation methods. Our study aimed to establish a correlation between physicochemical/electronic properties and photocatalytic performances for H-2 generation through material characterization and kinetic modeling. The results showed that H-2 generation photoefficiency over impregnated CuxOy/TiO2 is related to an even distribution of Cu(0)/Cu(I) on TiO2 and extended charge carrier lifetime and separation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marica Muscetta, Giulio Pota, Giuseppe Vitiello, Samar Al Jitan, Giovanni Palmisano, Roberto Andreozzi, Raffaele Marotta, Ilaria Di Somma
Summary: This paper proposes a possible alternative technology for the recovery of palladium in a low-waste process by combining leaching and sacrificial photocatalytic deposition. The study finds that ZnO nanoparticles prepared through sol-gel synthesis exhibit the best performance in recovering palladium.
REACTION CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marica Muscetta, Laura Clarizia, Marco Race, Francesco Pirozzi, Raffaele Marotta, Roberto Andreozzi, Ilaria Di Somma
Summary: This article proposes a new sustainable method for silver recovery, using UV/vis light-driven photocatalytic deposition technology to recover pure metallic silver from silver-containing leaching solutions. This method has the advantages of low environmental impact, mild operating conditions, and economic viability, and several operating conditions of the recovery process have been thoroughly investigated.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. Calabrese, D. Russo, A. di Benedetto, R. Marotta, R. Andreozzi
Summary: Formates are promising salts for hydrogen storage, capable of catalytically converting to bicarbonate and being regenerated under moderate pressure. However, there are still challenges to be addressed, such as reaction kinetics, stability, cyclability, and increasing energetic density. This work critically reviews the current state and highlights theoretical limitations and applicative shortcomings, providing perspective on future research. Despite the existing bottlenecks, there is promising room for improvement, with state-of-the-art catalytic systems potentially reaching 72% energetic efficiency, which could be improved up to 90%.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marica Muscetta, Laura Clarizia, Marco Race, Roberto Andreozzi, Raffaele Marotta, Ilaria Di Somma
Summary: Several studies have demonstrated that combining TiO2 and Cu2O enhances photocatalytic activity by creating a heterojunction that extends light absorption in the visible spectrum and reduces electron-hole recombination. Ball milling is an effective method for preparing photocatalysts, and the optimal conditions for synthesizing a Cu2O-TiO2 photocatalyst have been identified (1%wt. Cu2O in TiO2 prepared by ball-milling at 200 rpm and 1 min milling time). The photocatalytic hydrogen generation efficiency has been optimized by considering sacrificial species, temperature, and pH, achieving a light-to-chemical energy efficiency of 8%. Additionally, the system has shown potential for hydrogen production under direct solar light, with 60% attributed to visible light and 40% attributed to UV light.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Marica Muscetta, Francesco Bianco, Gennaro Trancone, Marco Race, Antonietta Siciliano, Fabio D'Agostino, Mario Sprovieri, Laura Clarizia
Summary: This study proposes a Response Surface Methodology method for the washing of marine sediments polluted with arsenic and other contaminants in the Bagnoli-Coroglio Bay. The optimum conditions for washing were determined to be a liquid/solid ratio of 10:1, a citric acid concentration of 1000 mM, and a washing time of 94.22 hours, resulting in a high As removal efficiency (>30 μg/g). Ecotoxicological tests on marine model species showed reduced inhibition after nutrient addition. Overall, this study provides an effective tool to assess the optimum operating conditions for washing a wide range of marine sediments with similar physicochemical properties.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Paola Amato, Marica Muscetta, Virginia Venezia, Mariacristina Cocca, Gennaro Gentile, Rachele Castaldo, Raffaele Marotta, Giuseppe Vitiello
Summary: The mismanagement of plastics leads to high levels of waste and release into the environment, where they can persist for long periods of time due to low degradation rates. Photocatalytic methods, using Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generated by semiconductor materials, offer a promising and cost-effective solution for plastic degradation. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of this eco-sustainable approach in creating hybrid photocatalysts with enhanced ROS-generating ability for improved plastic photo-oxidation in aqueous environments.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marica Muscetta, Maria Portarapillo, Almerinda Di Benedetto, Roberto Andreozzi
Summary: This study conducted a risk assessment for the hazards associated with using sodium hypochlorite as a disinfectant and spraying it over people during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on chlorine risks. Through HAZOP analysis and fault tree analysis, it was found that without aspiration, the chlorine cloud may impact workers at ground level, while using aspiration can help move the chlorine cloud upwards.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marica Muscetta, Samar Al Jitan, Giovanni Palmisano, Roberto Andreozzi, Raffaele Marotta, Stefano Cimino, Ilaria Di Somma
Summary: A visible light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen production system using a Cu2O/TiO2 composite material was evaluated. A simple ball-milling method was proposed for preparing the Cu2O/TiO2 photocatalyst, and the effects of Cu2O loading and operating conditions were analyzed. The results indicated that the optimized composite catalyst achieved high hydrogen production and light to chemical conversion under visible light conditions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
