Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yanjun Xue, Chaoqun Ma, Qingfeng Yang, Xinyu Wang, Shanna An, Xiaoli Zhang, Jian Tian
Summary: Nitrogen defect engineering in g-C3N4 enhances photocatalytic performance by narrowing the band gap, improving light-harvesting efficiency, accelerating carrier separation and transfer, and providing more active centers. The optimized g-C3N4-N3C-0.3 shows superior photocatalytic N2 fixation and H2O2 production rates, with high apparent quantum efficiency. DFT calculations demonstrate that g-C3N4-N3C facilitates the activation and reduction of *N2 and *O2 compared to pure g-C3N4.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Yuan, Wenhui Feng, Yongfan Zhang, Jianyu Xiao, Xiaoyan Zhang, Yinting Wu, Wenkang Ni, Hongwei Huang, Wenxin Dai
Summary: This study synergizes defects and piezoelectric field for the piezo-photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) and reveals their collaborative catalytic mechanism. The introduction of oxygen vacancies in BaTiO3 strengthens the piezoelectric polarization and promotes N-2 activation. The piezoelectric polarization field can also modulate the electronic structure to facilitate N-2 activation. Benefitting from the synergistic reinforcement mechanism, BaTiO3 with moderate oxygen vacancies exhibits an exceptional piezo-photocatalytic NH3 evolution rate, providing new perspectives for the rational design of efficient piezo-photocatalytic systems for NRR.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zaiba Zafar, Sha-Sha Yi, Jin-Peng Li, Chuan-Qi Li, Yong-Fa Zhu, Amir Zada, Wei-Jing Yao, Zhong-Yi Liu, Xin-Zheng Yue
Summary: This review discusses the impact of defect architecture on photocatalytic activity and emphasizes the importance of defect engineering in the design of modern photocatalysts. By tuning the electronic microstructure and surface morphologies of semiconductors, efficiency of photocatalysts can be improved.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ayat N. El-Shazly, Mahmoud A. Hamza, Nageh K. Allam
Summary: The defect engineering of BiPO4 nanorods via hydrogen treatment can enhance photocatalytic performance, but high-temperature treatment may lead to structural damage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Guangmin Ren, Sitong Liu, Meng Shi, Zisheng Zhang, Zizhen Li, Xiangchao Meng
Summary: Defect engineering is considered as a feasible approach to enhance photocatalytic activity. A controllable method for defect fabrication on BiOBr using UV light illumination is achieved. Different types of defects have different effects on photocatalytic activity, and V-Bi'''(VOVBi)-V-center dot center dot''' is a more stable type of defect.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Meng Shen, Lingxia Zhang, Jianlin Shi
Summary: Defect engineering is an effective strategy to enhance photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance. By generating defects mainly in the form of vacancies and dopants, it can modulate the electronic structure and light absorption properties of photocatalysts, increasing surface active sites for CO2 activation and conversion. This approach can improve the CO2 reduction performance of photocatalysts in terms of activity, selectivity, and stability.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bowen Chen, Yuanwen Hou, Hanke Li, Hejun Gao, Hongquan Fu, Fang Liao, Juan Zhang, Yunwen Liao
Summary: This study proposes an efficient α-Bi2O3/Bi3O4Br heterojunction with excellent nitrogen fixation activity. By introducing oxygen vacancies and heterojunction engineering, the adsorption and activation capacity of N2 are improved, and the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons is promoted, providing a promising method for the rational design of photocatalysts.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhao Zhao, Dandan Wang, Rui Gao, Guobin Wen, Ming Feng, Guangxin Song, Jianbing Zhu, Dan Luo, Huaqiao Tan, Xin Ge, Wei Zhang, Yujun Zhang, Lirong Zheng, Haibo Li, Zhongwei Chen
Summary: Efficient photocatalytic nitrogen fixation with high NH3 yield rate was achieved under an applied magnetic field using defective BaTiO3 perovskite. Manipulation of surface spin states and oxygen vacancies stimulated an electromagnetic synergistic effect between internal and external fields, suppressing carrier recombination and promoting N-2 adsorption and activation.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yonghui Shi, Zhanfeng Zhao, Dong Yang, Jiangdan Tan, Xin Xin, Yongqi Liu, Zhongyi Jiang
Summary: This article summarizes the recent advances and challenges in photocatalytic ammonia synthesis (PAS) from an engineering perspective. It discusses the materials engineering, structure engineering, and reaction engineering aspects of PAS, including the commonly used photocatalytic materials, design of photocatalysts, and key processes in the PAS reaction.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuling Zhang, Juan Zhang, Qianying Yi, Fengliang Wang, Hongquan Fu, Hejun Gao, Yunwen Liao
Summary: This study successfully addresses the activation of N-2 and the recombination of photogenerated holes and electrons by preparing porous beta-Bi2O3/BiOCOOH heterojunction photocatalysts with oxygen vacancies. The catalyst exhibits high catalytic activity for nitrogen fixation under visible light conditions. The absorption of visible light and the improved separation efficiency of charge carrier pairs contribute to the enhanced performance of this catalyst for photocatalytic nitrogen fixation.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Zejian Wang, Jiajia Hong, Sue-Faye Ng, Wen Liu, Junjie Huang, Pengfei Chen, Wee-Jun Ong
Summary: More than 80% of the world's energy demand is currently fulfilled by burning fossil fuels, leading to significant greenhouse gas emissions and environmental damage. Solar energy is preferred due to its cleanliness and abundance, but its current usage remains limited. Photocatalytic technology and perovskite oxide materials have great potential in applications such as water splitting, carbon dioxide reduction, and nitrogen fixation to address the urgent need for renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
ACTA PHYSICO-CHIMICA SINICA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yalan Feng, Zisheng Zhang, Kai Zhao, Shuanglong Lin, Hong Li, Xin Gao
Summary: The novel surface oxygen vacancies modified micro-nanosheet structure Bi2O2CO3 exhibits outstanding photocatalytic nitrogen fixation performance, offering abundant active sites and promoting the separation of photo-generated charges. The energy band can be tuned with the accumulation of surface oxygen vacancies, contributing to the high-efficiency synthesis of ammonia.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Steven Hao Wan Kok, Jiale Lee, Wei -Kean Chong, Boon-Junn Ng, Xin Ying Kong, Wee -Jun Ong, Siang-Piao Chai, Lling-Lling Tan
Summary: Defective bismuth-rich oxychloride with oxygen vacancies (BOC-OV) was synthesized and optimized for N2 photo-fixation. The introduction of oxygen vacancies greatly improved the photo-absorption range, charge dynamics, and charge separation efficiency of the photocatalyst. The defect-rich BOC-OV sample exhibited a notable NH3 generation rate under solar irradiation.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tao Chen, Fangpei Ma, Zhe Chen, Menglin Xie, Ting Li, Yu Zhou, Jun Wang
Summary: A facile microwave assisted strategy was reported for defect engineering of two-dimensional tungsten oxide, promoting the photochemical and O-2 activation behaviors. The catalyst achieved a high phenol yield with high selectivity under visible-light-driven conditions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Huidong Shen, Mengmeng Yang, Leiduan Hao, Jinrui Wang, Jennifer Strunk, Zhenyu Sun
Summary: This review highlights the importance of defect engineering in semiconductors for improving photocatalytic N-2 conversion efficiency, focusing on the state-of-the-art progress in defect engineering of photocatalysts for N-2 reduction toward ammonia. Key aspects covered include basic principles, defect classification, synthesis strategies, and characterization techniques.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ajay Kumar, Manisha Sharma, Priyanka Choudhary, Venkata Krishnan
Summary: This study presents a novel ternary plasmonic photocatalyst consisting of upconversion, plasmonic, and semiconducting materials. The ternary nanocomposites are capable of harnessing ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light, and show improved photocatalytic activity for the elimination of tetracycline under these light irradiations.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Devendra Sharma, Priyanka Choudhary, Sahil Kumar, Venkata Krishnan
Summary: Transition metal phosphides (TMP) possess unique properties that can be used for various catalytic applications. However, the application of TMP in organic catalysis is still facing complex challenges. Therefore, the controlled synthesis of TMP-based catalysts and investigation of reaction mechanisms are important for achieving desired applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in synthetic strategies for tailoring the properties of TMP and summarizes their catalytic potential in organic transformation reactions.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Priyanka Choudhary, Kamlesh Kumari, Devendra Sharma, Sahil Kumar, Venkata Krishnan
Summary: A metal-free methodology using boron nitride (BN) nano-sheets functionalized with hydroxyl groups (BN-OH) has been developed for the synthesis of phenols from arylboronic acids. The hydroxyl groups on the BN nanosheets serve as active sites for the hydroxylation reaction. The optimized reaction parameters and the use of water as solvent contribute to high catalytic efficiency and eliminate the need for toxic solvents.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tripti Chhabra, Venkata Krishnan
Summary: This study reports the development of sulfonic acid functionalized niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) for the synthesis of high dense carbon biofuel precursors from low dense biomass derivatives. The catalysts used are a combination of Lewis acid catalyst, niobium pentoxide, and sulfonic acid functionalized catalyst (S-Nb2O5). The most effective catalyst, S3-Nb2O5, shows a maximum yield of 87% for C-15 product at relatively low temperature (50 degrees C) under neat conditions.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shipra Choudhary, Manisha Sharma, Venkata Krishnan, Satyabrata Mohapatra
Summary: We demonstrate a facile fabrication of Ce doped ZnO nanowires with outstanding photodegradation performance by thermal decomposition route. The impact of cerium doping on structure, optical and photodegradation behavior of ZnO nanowires was investigated. The results showed that ZnO nanowires doped with 0.5% Ce exhibited excellent photodecolorization performance and high efficiency in dye removal under sunlight exposure.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Priyanka Choudhary, Shivangi Singh Chauhan, Devendra Sharma, Sahil Kumar, Venkata Krishnan
Summary: This work reports a sustainable method for the synthesis of aromatic nitriles using metal-free heterogenous catalysts. A sulfonated boron nitride (S-BN) catalyst was used to achieve high yields of nitriles from aromatic alcohols and aqueous ammonia under mild conditions. The catalyst was prepared by exfoliation and sulfonation of low cost hexagonal boron nitride, resulting in the generation of active centers. The reaction showed excellent yields and high green metric parameters.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sameer Mohanty, Manisha Sharma, Ajay Kumar, Venkata Krishnan
Summary: Sunlight, as the most abundant and cleanest form of energy, has great potential in photocatalysis. In this study, multi-component interfacial heterostructures were developed and utilized for photocatalytic reactions under natural sunlight, demonstrating remarkable performance.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tripti Chhabra, Balendu Bisht, Sahil Kumar, Venkata Krishnan
Summary: The catalyst conversion of lignocellulose derived products to value added chemicals is important in solving energy crisis. In this study, a phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) supported on boron-nitride (BN) nanosheets catalyst was prepared and optimized for the conversion of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF). It was found that the addition of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) enhanced the catalytic activity and formation of levulinic acid (LA), in addition to 5-HMF.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ashish Kumar, Manisha Sharma, Sajjan Sheoran, Shilpi Jaiswal, Abhijit Patra, Saswata Bhattacharya, Venkata Krishnan
Summary: This study successfully synthesized nitrogen-doped SrTiO3 nanocubes with a one-step solvothermal method, and achieved reliable photocatalytic NH3 generation by eliminating surface nitrogenous impurities through a rigorous cleaning procedure. The contribution of surface impurities to NH3 formation was deduced, and it was found that defect-containing SrTiO3 materials exhibited the highest NH3 formation activity under natural sunlight in pure water, attributed to the tuned defect sites, enhanced surface area, and efficient charge separation. Therefore, this study provides a simple and affordable method for the synthesis of nitrogen-doped catalysts and expands the application of perovskite oxide materials for the fabrication of efficient photocatalysts for sustainable NH3 production.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ajay Kumar, Priyanka Choudhary, Tripti Chhabra, Harpreet Kaur, Ashish Kumar, Mohammad Qamar, Venkata Krishnan
Summary: The rational design and development of highly efficient and stable photocatalysts is a major focus in the field of photocatalysis. This review article provides a critical comprehensive overview of the development of plasmon mediated GCN based photocatalysts and summarizes the recent progress in the field of energy conversion, environmental remediation, and organic transformations. It also discusses the challenges associated with stability, low light absorption, and fast recombination of charge carriers, and introduces the use of GCN coupled with plasmonic materials to enhance photocatalytic activity.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Manisha Sharma, Ashish Kumar, Deepika Gill, Shilpi Jaiswal, Abhijit Patra, Saswata Bhattacharya, Venkata Krishnan
Summary: In this study, W-doped Bi2MoO6 nanosheets were synthesized and demonstrated their potential as efficient photocatalysts for the simultaneous production of NH3 and NO3- ions under visible light irradiation. The optimal molar ratio of doped tungsten showed the best photocatalytic NH3 production without using any sacrificial agents. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the synthesized photocatalysts could be attributed to oxygen vacancy defects caused by Mo substitution by a more electronegative W atom.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hushan Chand, Ajay Kumar, Subhadip Goswami, Venkata Krishnan
Summary: This study investigates the catalytic activity of graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) derived from different precursors in the CO2 conversion reaction. The results show that GCN derived from urea demonstrates the best catalytic activity and product yield. Exfoliated GCN samples exhibit a moderate decrease in catalytic activity, possibly due to a decrease in terminal amino groups.