Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaoru Gao, Jinfeng Wang, Qihui Xue, Yuan-Yuan Ma, Yuanzhe Gao
Summary: The study successfully synthesized ternary AgBr/POM/GO composites with remarkable photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production, which can be regulated by the species of POMs. The adoption of POMs enhances the visible light adsorption of nanocomposites and improves their photochemical performance.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ziyi Zhang, Zhangyi Xiong, Chuanchuan Zhao, Peijing Guo, Haijun Wang, Yongjun Gao
Summary: A carbon-coated TiO2 photocatalyst was successfully synthesized using a hydrolysis-carbonization strategy, with boric acid acting as a template to maintain particle size and butyl alcohol carbonized to enhance photocatalytic activity. The catalyst showed excellent hydrogen evolution ability and stability under Xenon lamp irradiation, with a band gap of 2.82 eV enabling hydrogen evolution under visible light. The presence of carbon on TiO2 reduced the band gap and improved photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yifan Wang, Xiangyu Meng, Qiyu Hu, Meiyu Zhang, Xiaohu Cao, Chunjiang Xu, Yong Ding
Summary: The combination of Ti3+ doped TiO2-x with ZnIn2S4 resulted in a novel photocatalyst with improved hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance compared to TiO2-x alone. The formation of a Type II heterojunction enhanced the separation of photogenerated carriers and electron transfer rate, leading to higher hydrogen evolution rate.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
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
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mang Niu, Kunyan Sui, Xuesong Wu, Dapeng Cao, Chunzhao Liu
Summary: The study designed a GaAs quantum dot/TiO2 heterojunction and showed through calculations that this heterojunction has high performance in visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Abdul Halim Hamdany, Yuanzhao Ding, Shunzhi Qian
Summary: In this study, a graphene oxide-titanium dioxide composite was successfully synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal process, and its structure, morphology, and photocatalytic activity were characterized. The results showed that the synthesized GO-TiO2 composite exhibited efficient photocatalytic inactivation of Escherichia coli under visible light. Furthermore, the composite demonstrated enhanced visible light absorption and a narrowed bandgap, leading to reduced energy requirements for photoexcitation.
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE CEMENT-BASED MATERIALS
(2023)
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
Chemistry, Physical
M. M. Sarafraz, F. C. Christo
Summary: In this study, a numerical investigation was conducted to quantify the fluidic flow-photothermal performance of a trihybrid nano-catalyst for biomethane reforming. The results showed that the highest light absorptance by the nanoparticles was observed when visible light wavelength between 570 nm and 590 nm was used. The chemical conversion reached 81% and the produced syngas had a lower heating value suitable for ethanol production. The maximum temperature elevation achieved was above the minimum temperature required for reforming methane.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huiqin An, Lifang Cao, Ran Cheng, Xiaoqi Zhang, Saihui Zhang, Yang Sun, Lizhi Zhao, Bing Wang, Zhen Yin
Summary: This study investigates the application of Au@Ag/TiO2/Ti3C2 photocatalyst in the photoreduction of nitrobenzene to aniline. The results show that the catalyst possesses efficient hot carrier production and separation abilities, achieving high conversion rate and selectivity in a short time at low temperature. Additionally, the catalyst exhibits excellent reusability.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Khalid A. Alzahrani, Reda M. Mohamed, Adel A. Ismail
Summary: Mesoporous TiO2 frameworks doped with varying percentages of Cr2O3 nanoparticles were prepared using a one-step sol-gel method for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light, with glycerol as a sacrificial agent. The optimal 4% Cr2O3/TiO2 catalyst exhibited the highest photocatalytic efficiency, enhancing hydrogen evolution rate by 1430 times compared to pure TiO2, attributed to factors such as narrow bandgap, wide visible light response, and synergistic effects.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zeju Zhang, Mang Niu, Wei Li, Chenfeng Ding, Peitao Xie, Yongxin Li, Lili Chen, Xiaopeng Lan, Chunlei Liu, Xiaodong Yan, Xuewei Fu, Yaochun Liu, Yuan Liu, Dapeng Cao, Jingjie Dai, Xiaofen Hong, Chunzhao Liu
Summary: This study introduces a novel composite material composed of carbon nitride and anatase nanocrystals. The addition of ultrafine carbon nitride induces the generation of oxygen vacancies and the growth of anatase (001) facets. The composite exhibits exceptional photocatalytic performance, with a degradation rate of 2,4-dichlorophenol almost 3.8 times higher than pure TiO2 nanofibers. Furthermore, the composite shows excellent degradation efficiency and stability even under low temperature and long-term photocatalytic process.
Article
Physics, Applied
Jiaming Wang, Kaiwei Liu, Boyang Zhang, Yaru Qiu, Yao Xiang, Wenrui Lin, Bo Yang, Bin Li, Guijun Ma
Summary: In this study, Rh was doped into rutile and anatase TiO2 crystal structures through an immersion-calcination process. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of Rh-doped rutile was found to be significantly higher under visible light irradiation compared to Rh-doped anatase. These results demonstrate the influence of crystal phase on atom doping and subsequent photocatalytic activities.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mengdan Guan, Jin Wang, Kaili Wang, Junjie Wang, Rajkumar Devasenathipathy, Shunhao He, Liuyingzi Yu, Linrong Zhang, Haijiao Xie, Zhuoyao Li, Gang Lu
Summary: Photocatalytic evolution of hydrogen is an important research area, and the efficiency of visible light-driven photocatalysis can be enhanced by functionalizing Au/TiO2 nanocomposite with cysteamine molecules.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dongsheng Zhang, Meijiao Wang, Guosong Wei, Renjie Li, Ning Wang, Xiaolong Yang, Zhuo Li, Yan Zhang, Yanhua Peng
Summary: Photocatalytic H-2 evolution using visible light responsive ZnIn2S4/TiO2-x nanotube arrays provides a promising approach for clean fuel production. The introduction of oxygen vacancies and visible-light driven ZnIn2S4 enables the nanotube arrays to exhibit photo response from UV to visible-light region, enhancing the photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Cong Wang, Jingwei Li, Erwan Paineau, Hynd Remita, Mohamed Nawfal Ghazzal
Summary: This study reports the design of black TiO2-x/CuxO with chiral-like structures where Pt single atom (SA) is successfully deposited on both black TiO2-x and CuxO for visible-light H-2 generation. The unique structure enables excellent light harvesting ability in the visible region, making it a promising visible-light-responsive photocatalyst. Findings from this work provide insights into the rational construction of nanostructured materials with chiral nematic structure exhibiting improved light harvesting ability.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sajjad Hussain, Muhammad Mubeen, Ashfaq Ahmad, Shah Fahad, Wajid Nasim, Hafiz Mohkum Hammad, Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Behzad Murtaza, Muhammad Tahir, Saima Parveen
Summary: Pakistan is among the top 50 countries estimated to face serious agricultural and food shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on food supply chains and agriculture in Punjab, Pakistan, using space-time scan statistics. The findings showed that disruptions in the supply chain could result in difficulties for farmers to access markets and lead to a decline in production and sales of crops and livestock.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Muhammad Arif, Muhammad Babar, Umair Azhar, Muhammad Sagir, Muhammad Bilal Tahir, Muhammad Asim Mushtaq, Ghulam Yasin, Muhammad Mubashir, Jun Wei Roy Chong, Kuan Shiong Khoo, Pau Loke Show
Summary: This article reviews the latest progress in catalytic nitrogen reduction process (NRR) for ammonia synthesis, focusing on the design and optimization of Mo-based photo/electrocatalysts and the effects of modification strategies on improving NRR efficiency.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Maira Liaqat, N. R. Khalid, M. B. Tahir, Sami Znaidia, Hussein Alrobei, Meshal Alzaid
Summary: Alpha-MnO2/BiVO4 nanocomposites with different MnO2 contents (0-7 wt%) were successfully synthesized through a simple chemical method. The structure, morphology, and optical properties of the nanocomposites were studied using various analytical techniques. The photocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposites was evaluated through the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation (λ >= 420 nm). The 5% MnO2/BiVO4 (MnBV-5) photocatalyst exhibited the highest degradation efficiency and maintained good stability after five testing cycles.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sadia Faryad, Umair Azhar, Muhammad Bilal Tahir, Wahid Ali, Muhammad Arif, Muhammad Sagir
Summary: Green synthesis of nanoparticles using eco-friendly and biodegradable materials is an effective method to reduce the negative environmental impacts of traditional synthesis methods. In this research, Spinacia oleracea leaves were used as a boron source to produce a visible light active photo-catalyst. The photocatalytic performance of boron-doped g-C3N4/TiO2 nanocomposites was examined for methylene blue dye degradation in water, and it was found that the composites showed better performance than other synthesized catalysts and composites. The research demonstrates that boron-doped g-C3N4/TiO2 composites can be used as an ideal solution for treating polluted water using visible light as a source to activate photocatalysts.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Salma Aman, Naseeb Ahmad, Muhammad Bilal Tahir, Soumaya Gouadria, H. A. Alburaih, Muhammad Zeshan, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Farid
Summary: The study aims to verify experimentally obtained results by exploring the magnetic, structural, and direct current (DC)-electrical properties of samarium (Sm3+) doped barium ferrite samples. The samples exhibit a single phase cubic structure according to X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation. Two-probe tests were conducted to estimate DC resistivity (rho(dc)) and Curie temperature (T-c), and magnetization-applied field (M-H) loops were used to observe magnetic properties. The evolution of anisotropic constant is found to be analogous to that of coercivity. The synthesized barium ferrites are confirmed to be useful for high-density magnetic storage applications.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROCERAMICS
(2023)
Article
Optics
Mudassar Maraj, Ghulam Nabi, Muhammad Tanveer, Sajad Hussain, Wenwang Wei, Muhammad Shakil, Muhammad Isa Khan, Tahir Iqbal, Wajid Ali, Wenhong Sun
Summary: High quality square shaped GaN nano-rods were synthesized via CVD method with pretreatment of aqueous NH3, leading to enhanced conductivities, carrier concentrations and mobilities. GaN nanowires were also synthesized without the pretreatment. The research indicates the potential application of GaN square nanorods in optoelectronics.
JOURNAL OF LUMINESCENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Maria Zafar, Tahir Iqbal, Sumera Afsheen, Amina Iqbal, Aleena Shoukat
Summary: ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted significant attention due to their unique properties and potential applications in drug delivery, bio-sensing, and other fields. In contrast to conventional techniques that use toxic chemicals, biological synthesis techniques using natural entities as capping and reducing agents offer a safer and more environmentally friendly approach. Among these approaches, plant-mediated synthesis of ZnO NPs is especially useful and easy to perform.
INORGANIC AND NANO-METAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ghulam Nabi, Wajid Ali, Muhammad Tanveer, Tahir Iqbal, Muhammad Rizwan, S. Hussain
Summary: Development of efficient binary composite electrode materials is urgently needed to address the global energy crises. TiS2, MoS2 and TiS2/MoS2 composites were synthesized using hydrothermal technique, and their structural and morphological properties were characterized. The TiS2/MoS2 composite exhibited significantly improved specific capacitance and excellent stability, making it a promising candidate for high-performance energy storage devices.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Hina Arif, Muhammad Bilal Tahir, Badriah S. Almutairi, Iqra Khalid, M. Sagir, H. Elhosiny Ali, Hussein Alrobei, Meshal Alzaid
Summary: In this study, density functional theory (DFT) based CASTEP first principles calculations were used to investigate the properties of CsSiBr3 perovskite for solar cell and photovoltaic applications. The optical, structural, and electronic properties of CsSiBr3 perovskite compound were discussed and examined using GGA-PBE calculations. The influence of lattice constant on the band gap values was also analyzed, and results showed that CsSiBr3 has a promising band gap value of 0.996 eV with an optimized lattice constant of 5.057 A.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Sajjad Ahmad Khan, Soumaya Gouadria, H. A. Alburaih, Asghar Nazir, Naseeb Ahmad, Muhammad Bilal Tahir, Salma Aman
Summary: The MnSe/FeSe2 nanocomposite, consisting of MnSe and FeSe2, was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. The FeSe2 significantly affected the electrocatalytic oxidation, with an equal molar ratio of Mn and Fe during synthesis. The nanocomposite showed an onset potential of 1.511 V versus RHE and a Tafel slope of 43.90 mV dec(-1), making it suitable for electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER). It outperformed the commercially available RuO2 catalyst and demonstrated efficient interaction between ferrous and manganese in OER electrocatalysis without the addition of metal ions to the MnSe crystalline structure. Hence, this composite catalyst holds promise for future electrochemical applications.
JOURNAL OF ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Muhammad Usman, Jalil Ur Rehman, M. Bilal Tahir, Abid Hussain, Hussein Alrobei, Meshal Alzaid, A. Dahshan
Summary: The present study uses first-principles calculations to investigate the structural, electronic, optical, and mechanical properties of bismuth-based novel fluoroperovskites TBiF3 (T = Hg, Xe). The thermodynamic stability of cubic fluoroperovskites is determined using the enthalpy of formation and the phonon spectra. The lattice parameters of HgBiF3 and XeBiF3 are found to be 4.78 and 4.82 angstrom, respectively. Both compounds exhibit semiconducting behavior with a direct band gap, as explained by the density of states. HgBiF3 has a band gap of 2.65 eV, while XeBiF3 has a band gap of 3.12 eV. The mechanical properties indicate that both materials are mechanically stable, incompressible, and hard. According to Pugh's ratio and Cauchy pressure, HgBiF3 is brittle, while XeBiF3 is ductile. The combined study of these properties suggests that HgBiF3 is a preferable dielectric material for optoelectronic applications.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Muhammad Khalid Hussain, N. R. Khalid, M. B. Tahir, Muhammad Tanveer, Tahir Iqbal, Maira Liaqat
Summary: A novel ternary ZnO/CuO/MoO3 (ZnO/CuO/M) heterojunction photocatalyst with nanorods morphology was synthesized by hydrothermal treatment. The photocatalytic activity of the ZnO/CuO/M nanorods was significantly improved compared to pristine ZnO, CuO, MoO3, and the binary CuO/M composite. The improved performance can be attributed to the efficient transfer and separation of photoexcited charge carriers in the ZnO/CuO/M heterojunction.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Shakeel Ahmad, Jalil Ur Rehman, M. Bilal Tahir, Meshal Alzaid, Khurram Shahzad
Summary: The optical, thermodynamic, mechanical, structural, and electronic properties of rubidium niobate have been studied under pressure using first-principles calculations. The energy bandgap increases from 1.443 to 1.973 eV and exhibits indirect semiconductor behavior at all pressures. The material retains its cubic structure with decreasing lattice parameters. It shows mechanical stability and anisotropic nature, transforming from brittle to ductile. It is non-metallic at low pressures and metallic at high pressures, with increasing hardness. The Debye temperature, thermal conductivity, and melting temperature also increase. Optical investigation suggests its potential as a long-term photocatalytic material.
OPTICAL AND QUANTUM ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Optics
Sania Ayub, Adnan Khalil, Rahila Shaheen, Soumaya Gouadria, Muhammad Bilal Tahir, Zaka Ullah, Abdul Hannan, El Sayed Yousef, Meshal Alzaid
Summary: In this work, the structural, elastic, electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of Hg2WO4 are investigated using CASTEP simulation tool. The calculations reveal that Hg2WO4 has a stable C-centered monoclinic structure with space group C2/c. It is found to be a ductile material and has an indirect band gap of 2.14 eV. The optical study shows that it has good photosensitivity in the visible light region and the spin-polarized treatment confirms its antiferromagnetic nature.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Arslan Masood, Tahir Iqbal, Sumera Afsheen, Khalid Nadeem Riaz, Ghulam Nabi, Muhammad Isa Khan, Nabil Al-Zaqri, Ismail Warad, Hamad Ahmed
Summary: In this research, pure and La-doped CuO-NPs were synthesized using a simple, efficient, and cost-effective sol-gel technique. Characterization techniques were employed to investigate the effect of La dopant on the properties of CuO-NPs. The introduction of dopant element reduced the bandgap and average particle size. The photocatalytic efficiency was tested using synthesized photocatalysts, with the best efficiency achieved by the 2% La-doped sample. Simulation results using finite element analysis in COMSOL Multiphysics were consistent with experimental results.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
