Article
Chemistry, Physical
Adil Alshoaibi, Shumaila Islam
Summary: Sol-gel-based titania nanoparticles, Silica-titania nanocomposite, and zinc supported silica-titania nanocomposites were synthesized at low temperature. The study showed that zinc nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed in the silica-titania nanocomposite, and the doping of zinc enhanced the photocatalytic activity of the material.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaonan Yang, Daochuan Jiang, Xiaomeng Zhang, Lina Gu, Yupeng Yuan
Summary: The facile synthesis of mesoporous polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) can significantly enhance its photocatalytic H-2 generation. In this study, an ascorbic acid-assisted hydrothermal route was utilized to effectively create mesoporous structures in PCN, leading to improved crystallinity and increased hydrogen generation rate under visible light exposure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(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
Chemistry, Physical
Adam Kubiak, Anna Grzegorska, Joanna Zembrzuska, Anna Zielinska-Jurek, Katarzyna Siwinska-Ciesielczyk, Marcin Janczarek, Piotr Krawczyk, Teofil Jesionowski
Summary: The TiO2-Eu and TiO2-La systems were successfully synthesized using the microwave method. The synthesized samples exhibited anatase and rutile crystal structures. The analysis confirmed the presence of doped lanthanum and europium nano-particles on the surface of TiO2 without disrupting the crystal lattice. The doped TiO2 systems showed high efficiency in metronidazole removal and consumed nearly 10 times less electricity compared to conventional UV lamps.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ivana Gabelica, Lidija Curkovic, Vilko Mandic, Ivana Panzic, Davor Ljubas, Kreso Zadro
Summary: In this study, magnetic nanoparticles based on magnetite were successfully synthesized using microwave-assisted techniques. The ternary core-shell Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposite exhibited synergistic adsorption and photocatalytic properties for the removal of organic micropollutants, with the ability to be easily recovered and reused through magnetic separation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiufu Chen, Qi Yang, Junbo Zhong, Jianzhang Li, Clemens Burda
Summary: The surface modification of BiOBr photocatalysts with C-60 significantly enhances their photocatalytic activity, leading to higher specific surface area and improved photo-induced carrier distribution and migration. The synergistic interaction between C-60 and BiOBr results in increased oxygen vacancies concentration, facilitating the formation of active free radicals and boosting the photocatalytic performance.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Junkai Ren, Luigi Stagi, Luca Malfatti, Valentina Paolucci, Carlo Cantalini, Sebastiano Garroni, Marzia Mureddu, Plinio Innocenzi
Summary: Researchers have fabricated WS2/TiO2 heterostructures by incorporating two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides layers into titania mesoporous ordered thin films, resulting in improved performances of photocatalytic devices. An enhanced photocatalytic response has been observed, attributed to the interparticle electron transfer effect.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shumaila Islam, Adil Alshoaibi, Hazri Bakhtiar, Kawther Alamer, Javed Mazher, Zakia Hassan Alhashem, Mohammad Rafe Hatshan, Shrouq H. Aleithan
Summary: Due to polluted water remediation, semiconductor nano photocatalysis has been considered as a promising approach to address the issue. However, the slow reaction rates and high electron-hole recombination have hindered their large-scale applications. In this study, heterogeneous nano photocatalysts, such as sol-gel-based mesoporous titania nanoparticles (TNPs) and silica-titania nanocomposite (STNC) supported with CdTe (CdTe/STNC), were synthesized for photocatalytic applications. The CdTe/STNC catalyst exhibited a large surface area and pore size distribution, and demonstrated high photocatalytic activity with methylene blue degradation of 95% after 180 min of ultraviolet radiation.
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lixia Ma, Lin Mei, Yaping Gao, Nan Zhang, Shengyan Wang, Qi Li, Zong-Huai Liu, Ruibin Jiang
Summary: This study presents a universal method for the preparation of transition-metal-doped mesoporous TiO2 spheres and reveals their photocatalytic mechanism. Among them, Cu-mTiO(2) catalyst exhibits reversible photoactivation phenomenon and has a high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the photoactivation of Cu-mTiO(2) is associated with the facile formation of oxygen vacancies. The change in active sites plays a crucial role in enhancing the photocatalytic performance.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chao Zhou, Tianlin Wang, Dong Li, Jinyuan Wang, Run Shi, Tierui Zhang
Summary: In this study, a facile synthesis method was used to prepare SnNb2O6 nanoplates, which exhibited excellent visible light photocatalytic H-2 production activity, about 10 times higher than that of bulk samples. The enhanced photocatalytic activity can be attributed to its nanoplate-like architecture, larger specific surface area, and better charge transfer efficiency.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Banhisikha Debnath, Prangan Duarah, Mihir Kumar Purkait
Summary: Microwave heating was utilized instead of traditional acid hydrolysis to extract microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from black tea waste, resulting in white powdered MCC with good crystallinity and thermal properties. The microwave-extracted black tea waste MCC showed great potential as a filler material for preparing polymer composites.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
David Maria Tobaldi, Dana Dvoranova, Luc Lajaunie, Kristina Czikhardtova, Bruno Figueiredo, Jose Juan Calvino, Maria Paula Seabra, Joao Antonio Labrincha
Summary: Modern lifestyles result in increased indoor time, negatively impacting health. Indoor air quality is important, and a solution to remove pollutants using LED bulbs has been found through the use of copper oxide- and graphene-modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
MATERIALS TODAY ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xuhui Xia, Chung-Fu Cheng, Yu Zhu, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: A simple microwave accelerated approach was used to generate high surface area, nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbons directly on a nickel foam framework, without the need for an inorganic template. This material showed stable performance as an electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction, making it a promising option for various applications.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wenling Li, Heng Mao, Baofang Jin, Jiancai Ding, Yue Ma, Xiaodong Wu, Rui Ran, Zhichun Si, Duan Weng
Summary: SmMn2O5 nanosheets with high specific surface area and (0 0 1) facet orientation were successfully synthesized using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal strategy. Compared with conventionally synthesized counterparts, they exhibited advantages in reduction temperature, active site generation, and catalytic performance.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Nitjawan Plubphon, Somchai Thongtem, Anukorn Phuruangrat, Chamnan Randorn, Sulawan Kaowphong, Titipun Thongtem
Summary: Bi2O2CO3 nanoplates were successfully synthesized using a microwave-assisted method, showing excellent photocatalytic activity in degrading methyl orange. The samples exhibited high stability and can be reused multiple times, making them promising candidates for environmental remediation applications.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Myrthe Van Hal, Silvia Lenaerts, Sammy W. Verbruggen
Summary: This study evaluates the performance of a visible light-active photocatalyst, WO3, compared to TiO2 under both UV and visible light. It also demonstrates an improved digital image-based analysis method for accurate detection and quantification of soot degradation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yi-Tian Wang, Si -Ming Wu, Guo-Qiang Luo, Ge Tian, Li-Ying Wang, Shi-Tian Xiao, Jing-Xian Wu, Ao Wu, Kang-Jun Wu, Silvia Lenaerts, Xiao-Yu Yang
Summary: The synergistic effect of acid/Pd dual sites in TS-1 on styrene oxidation has been investigated using a Pd@TS-1 confined catalyst with a mesoporous silica shell. The experimental results show an enhanced conversion rate (19.2%) and selectivity (74.7%) due to the synergy between metals and acidic sites. The interaction between Pd and TS-1 has been studied using EPR and 1H NMR techniques, revealing changes in the signal distribution of weakly acidic terminal hydroxyls and hydrogen-bonding silanols.
APPLIED CATALYSIS A-GENERAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Eva Loccufier, Geert Watson, Yingrui Zhao, Maria Meledina, Robbe Denis, Parviz Gohari Derakhshandeh, Pascal Van Der Voort, Karen Leus, Damien P. Debecker, Klaartje De Buysser, Karen De Clerck
Summary: The challenge of converting CO2 and H2 into fuels can be addressed by developing a stable, reusable, and easy to handle heterogeneous catalyst. In this study, Ru nanoparticles were encapsulated inside the metal organic framework Cr-MIL-101 and loaded onto a silica nanofibrous membrane. The resulting catalytic membrane showed promising performance for the Sabatier methanation reaction, paving the way for efficient CO2 hydrogenation processes.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Radu-George Ciocarlan, Natan Blommaerts, Silvia Lenaerts, Pegie Cool, Sammy W. W. Verbruggen
Summary: Direct photocatalytic reduction of CO2 has become a highly active research field. Maintaining an overview of the materials used and finding common trends is important for improving the current conversions and selectivities. Plasmonic photocatalysts for CO2 photoreduction under solar light have gained significant attention, and this review aims to provide insights into current developments, classifying studies based on product selectivity to identify trends and generate new ideas for improving photoreduction yield and selectivity.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hannelore Peeters, Silvia Lenaerts, Sammy W. Verbruggen
Summary: Various industrial surface materials were tested for their photocatalytic self-cleaning activity using the ISO 27448:2009 method. The method was found to have strong limitations, as it can only be applied to specific types of hydrophilic and smooth surfaces. Materials that are hydrophobic or have rough surfaces cannot be accurately evaluated using this standard. The study suggests alternative testing solutions and emphasizes the careful interpretation of results.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sander Borgmans, Sven M. J. Rogge, Juul S. De Vos, Pascal van der Voort, Veronique Van Speybroeck
Summary: Soft porous crystals with stimuli responsiveness are widely studied for various applications. However, the structural flexibility in 3D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is not well understood. This study investigates the factors affecting the phase transformations of diamondoid COFs, including structural decoration, interpenetration, temperature, and guest adsorption. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the design principles for flexible diamondoid COFs.
COMMUNICATIONS CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amrita Chatterjee, Jiamin Sun, Kuber Singh Rawat, Veronique Van Speybroeck, Pascal van der Voort
Summary: Two donor-acceptor type tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) were studied as electrodes for symmetric supercapacitors in different electrolytes. The charge storage mechanism of IL electrolyte based supercapacitors depends on the micro pore size and surface charge density of COFs, which can be altered by different electron acceptor building blocks. The combination of these factors enhances the charge storage in highly microporous COFs. DFT calculations support this finding.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emile Jules Beckwee, Geert Watson, Maarten Houlleberghs, Daniel Arenas Esteban, Sara Bals, Pascal Van Der Voort, Eric Breynaert, Johan Martens, Gino Baron, Joeri F. M. Denayer
Summary: This study reports a new type of periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) nanotubes, referred to as hollow ring PMO (HR-PMO), capable of promoting methane clathrate hydrate formation under mild working conditions and at high water loading. The HR-PMO nanotubes exhibit a steep single-stepped isotherm and a noticeably high methane storage capacity. Supported by ex situ cryo-electron tomography and x-ray diffraction, the findings suggest that HR-PMO nanotubes promote clathrate hydrate nucleation and growth by distributing and confining water in the mesopores of their outer wall, central channels, and external surface. These results highlight the potential application of organosilica materials for pressure-based storage of biomethane in confined clathrate hydrates.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Wanlu Liu, Chunhui Liu, Luca Pilia, Hongliang Zhang, Pascal van der Voort, Anna M. Kaczmarek, Rik Van Deun
Summary: We synthesized a co-condensed hollow ethane-bipyridine periodic mesoporous organosilica (HEt-bpy-PMO) as a host material to anchor lanthanides for developing a multifunctional chemical sensor. The luminescence properties of the developed hybrid materials were studied in detail in the solid-state and after dispersing in water. The Eu3+ or Tb3+ incorporated materials showed ions selectivity towards Cu2+, Co2+, and Fe3+ as ion sensors, and exhibited excellent acetone sensing selectivity.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jonas Everaert, Karen Leus, Hannes Rijckaert, Maarten Debruyne, Kristof Van Hecke, Rino Morent, Nathalie De Geyter, Veronique Van Speybroeck, Pascal Van Der Voort, Christian V. Stevens
Summary: Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) based on polydentate ligands are promising catalyst supports that combine the reactivity of homogeneous catalysts with the robustness and recyclability of heterogeneous ones. In this study, a rhodium (III) complex was immobilized on a bipyridine-based CTF for the transfer hydrogenation of N-heteroarenes in water using sodium formate as the hydrogen source. The immobilized catalyst showed excellent activity for various quinoxalines and other N-heteroarenes, and maintained high activity during recycling, making it suitable for continuous flow synthesis.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chunhui Liu, Anna M. Kaczmarek, Himanshu Sekhar Jena, Zetian Yang, Dirk Poelman, Pascal van der Voort
Summary: Recent research in lanthanide materials has contributed to the development of chemical sensors, but the current sensors still have limited detection range. We developed lanthanide-based hollow spheres for luminescence turn-off sensing of Hg2+ with low detection limit and wide detection range. This hybrid material exhibited both downshifting and upconversion luminescence.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maojun Deng, Jiamin Sun, Andreas Laemont, Chunhui Liu, Linyang Wang, Laurens Bourda, Jeet Chakraborty, Kristof Van Hecke, Rino Morent, Nathalie De Geyter, Karen Leus, Hui Chen, Pascal van der Voort
Summary: The photocatalytic activity of crystalline porous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) was significantly enhanced by extending their π-conjugation system through a post-sulfurization process. Thiazole-linked COFs exhibited the best photocatalytic performance, with a rate 5.8 and 3.7 times higher than imine-linked COFs 4PE-N and 4PE-TT, respectively.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Juul S. De Vos, Sander Borgmans, Pascal Van Der Voort, Sven M. J. Rogge, Veronique Van Speybroeck
Summary: This article introduces a database called ReDD-COFFEE, which contains 268,687 covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with accompanying ab initio derived force fields that outperform generic ones. The database provides a large number of computer-ready structures with high diversity in terms of geometric properties, linker cores, and linkage types. Additionally, the textural properties of the database are analyzed and the most promising COFs for vehicular methane storage are identified. By making the database freely accessible, it is hoped that it can inspire others to further explore the potential of these intriguing functional materials.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amrita Chatterjee, Linyang Wang, Pascal Van Der Voort
Summary: There is an urgent need for cleaner production processes in the chemical field. Heterogeneous photocatalysis, which converts (visible) light into chemical energy, shows promise as an efficient alternative. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a favorable material for photocatalysis due to their large surface area, tunable properties, versatile functionality, and ability to form composites. Research is focusing on constructing Z-scheme heterojunctions in MOFs to enhance light harvesting capacity and improve the redox ability of photocatalysts.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Geert Watson, Nithin B. Kummamuru, Sammy W. Verbruggen, Patrice Perreault, Maarten Houlleberghs, Johan Martens, Eric Breynaert, Pascal van der Voort
Summary: This study explores the use of hydrophobic periodic organosilica nanoparticles for hydrogen storage as clathrate hydrates. The surface decoration with promoter agents enhances the formation and growth kinetics of clathrate hydrates, resulting in an increase in hydrogen storage capacity. These findings are of significant importance for the development of hydrogen clathrates in industrial applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)