1
|
Gervasi S, Blangetti N, Freyria FS, Guastella S, Bonelli B. Undoped and Fe-Doped Anatase/Brookite TiO2 Mixed Phases, Obtained by a Simple Template-Free Synthesis Method: Physico-Chemical Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity towards Simazine Degradation. Catalysts 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/catal13040667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
For the first time, Fe-doping (0.05, 1.0, and 2.5 wt.% Fe) was performed on a high-surface-area anatase/brookite TiO2 by adopting a simple template-free sol-gel synthesis followed by calcination at a mild temperature. The powders’ textural and surface properties were characterized by following a multi-technique approach. XRD analysis showed that the anatase/brookite ratio slightly varied in the Fe-doped TiO2 (from 76.9/23.1 to 79.3/22.7); Fe doping noticeably affected the cell volume of the brookite phase, which decreased, likely due to Fe3+ ions occupying interstitial positions, and retarded the crystallite growth. N2 sorption at −196 °C showed the occurrence of samples with disordered interparticle mesopores, with an increase in the specific surface area from 236 m2 g−1 (undoped TiO2) to 263 m2 g−1 (2.5 wt.% Fe). Diffuse Reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopy showed a progressive decrease in the bandgap energy from 3.10 eV (undoped TiO2) to 2.85 eV (2.5 wt.% Fe). XPS analysis showed the presence of some surface Fe species only at 2.5 wt.% Fe, and accordingly, the ζ-potential measurements showed small changes in the pH at the isoelectric point. The photocatalytic degradation of simazine (a persistent water contaminant) both under UV and simulated solar light was performed as a probe reaction. Under UV light, Fe-doping improved simazine degradation in the sample at 0.05 wt.% Fe, capable of degrading ca. 77% simazine. Interestingly, the undoped TiO2 was also active both under UV and 1 SUN. This is likely due to the occurrence of anatase/brookite heterojunctions, which help stabilize the photogenerated electrons/holes.
Collapse
|
2
|
Photocatalytic Degradation of Paracetamol under Simulated Sunlight by Four TiO2 Commercial Powders: An Insight into the Performance of Two Sub-Micrometric Anatase and Rutile Powders and a Nanometric Brookite Powder. Catalysts 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/catal13020434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The photocatalytic degradation of the emerging contaminant paracetamol in aqueous solution has been studied under 1 SUN (~1000 W m−2) in the presence of four commercial TiO2 powders, namely sub-micrometric anatase and rutile, and nanometric brookite and P25 (the popular anatase/rutile mixture used as a benchmark in most papers). The rutile powder showed low activity, whereas, interestingly, the anatase and the brookite powders outperformed P25 in terms of total paracetamol conversion to carboxylic acids, which, according to the literature, are the final products of its degradation. To explain such results, the physicochemical properties of the powders were studied by applying a multi-technique approach. Among the physicochemical properties usually affecting the photocatalytic performance of TiO2, the presence of some surface impurities likely deriving from K3PO4 (used as crystallization agent) was found to significantly affect the percentage of paracetamol degradation obtained with the sub-micrometric anatase powder. To confirm the role of phosphate, a sample of anatase, obtained by a lab synthesis procedure and having a “clean” surface, was used as a control, though characterized by nanometric particles and higher surface area. The sample was less active than the commercial anatase, but it was more active after impregnation with K3PO4. Conversely, the presence of Cl at the surface of the rutile did not sizably affect the (overall poor) photocatalytic activity of the powder. The remarkable photocatalytic activity of the brookite nanometric powder was ascribed to a combination of several physicochemical properties, including its band structure and nanoparticles size.
Collapse
|
3
|
Mancuso A, Blangetti N, Sacco O, Freyria FS, Bonelli B, Esposito S, Sannino D, Vaiano V. Photocatalytic Degradation of Crystal Violet Dye under Visible Light by Fe-Doped TiO 2 Prepared by Reverse-Micelle Sol-Gel Method. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13020270. [PMID: 36678023 PMCID: PMC9861999 DOI: 10.3390/nano13020270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A reverse-micelle sol-gel method was chosen for the preparation of Fe-doped TiO2 samples that were employed in the photodegradation of the crystal violet dye under visible light irradiation in a batch reactor. The dopant amount was varied to assess the optimal photocatalyst composition towards the target dye degradation. The photocatalysts were characterized through a multi-technique approach, envisaging XRPD and QPA as obtained by Rietveld refinement, FE-SEM analysis, DR UV-vis spectroscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms measurement at -196 °C, ζ-potential measurement, and XPS analysis. The physical-chemical characterization showed that the adopted synthesis method allows obtaining NPs with uniform shape and size and promotes the introduction of Fe into the titania matrix, finally affecting the relative amounts of the three occurring polymorphs of TiO2 (anatase, rutile and brookite). By increasing the Fe content, the band gap energy decreases from 3.13 eV (with undoped TiO2) to 2.65 eV (with both 2.5 and 3.5 wt.% nominal Fe contents). At higher Fe content, surface Fe oxo-hydroxide species occur, as shown by DR UV-vis and XP spectroscopies. All the Fe-doped TiO2 photocatalysts were active in the degradation and mineralization of the target dye, showing a TOC removal higher than the undoped sample. The photoactivity under visible light was ascribed both to the band-gap reduction (as confirmed by phenol photodegradation) and to dye sensitization of the photocatalyst surface (as confirmed by photocatalytic tests carried out using different visible-emission spectra LEDs). The main reactive species involved in the dye degradation were determined to be positive holes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Mancuso
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Nicola Blangetti
- Department of Applied Science and Technology and INSTM Unit of Torino Politecnico, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Olga Sacco
- Department of Chemistry and Biology “A. Zambelli” and INSTM Research Unit, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Francesca Stefania Freyria
- Department of Applied Science and Technology and INSTM Unit of Torino Politecnico, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Barbara Bonelli
- Department of Applied Science and Technology and INSTM Unit of Torino Politecnico, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre PolitoBIOMed Lab., Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Serena Esposito
- Department of Applied Science and Technology and INSTM Unit of Torino Politecnico, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Diana Sannino
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Vaiano
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Manzoli M, Freyria FS, Blangetti N, Bonelli B. Brookite, a sometimes under evaluated TiO2 polymorph. RSC Adv 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d1ra09057g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Brookite positively affects solar photocatalysis, electrocatalysis and electrochemical applications by stabilizing photogenerated e−/h+ pairs. Brookite-related heterojunctions, cus Ti atoms, surface acidity and redox behaviour are crucial aspects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maela Manzoli
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, NIS – Centre for Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, I-10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca S. Freyria
- Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia and INSTM Unit of Torino – Politecnico, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, I-10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Nicola Blangetti
- Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia and INSTM Unit of Torino – Politecnico, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, I-10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Barbara Bonelli
- Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia and INSTM Unit of Torino – Politecnico, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, I-10129 Torino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Synthesis and Performance of Photocatalysts for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production: Future Perspectives. Catalysts 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/catal11121505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Photocatalysis for “green” hydrogen production is a technology of increasing importance that has been studied using both TiO2–based and heterojunction composite-based semiconductors. Different irradiation sources and reactor units can be considered for the enhancement of photocatalysis. Current approaches also consider the use of electron/hole scavengers, organic species, such as ethanol, that are “available” in agricultural waste, in communities around the world. Alternatively, organic pollutants present in wastewaters can be used as organic scavengers, reducing health and environmental concerns for plants, animals, and humans. Thus, photocatalysis may help reduce the carbon footprint of energy production by generating H2, a friendly energy carrier, and by minimizing water contamination. This review discusses the most up-to-date and important information on photocatalysis for hydrogen production, providing a critical evaluation of: (1) The synthesis and characterization of semiconductor materials; (2) The design of photocatalytic reactors; (3) The reaction engineering of photocatalysis; (4) Photocatalysis energy efficiencies; and (5) The future opportunities for photocatalysis using artificial intelligence. Overall, this review describes the state-of-the-art of TiO2–based and heterojunction composite-based semiconductors that produce H2 from aqueous systems, demonstrating the viability of photocatalysis for “green” hydrogen production.
Collapse
|
6
|
Mancuso A, Sacco O, Vaiano V, Bonelli B, Esposito S, Freyria FS, Blangetti N, Sannino D. Visible Light-Driven Photocatalytic Activity and Kinetics of Fe-Doped TiO 2 Prepared by a Three-Block Copolymer Templating Approach. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:3105. [PMID: 34198890 PMCID: PMC8201317 DOI: 10.3390/ma14113105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Fe-doped titania photocatalysts (with 1, 2.5, and 3.5 wt. % Fe nominal content), showing photocatalytic activity under visible light, were prepared by a soft-template assisted sol-gel approach in the presence of the triblock copolymer Pluronic P123. An undoped TiO2 photocatalyst was also prepared for comparison. The photocatalysts were characterized by means of X-ray powder Diffraction (XRPD), Quantitative Phase Analysis as obtained by Rietveld refinement, Diffuse Reflectance (DR) UV-Vis spectroscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption at -196 °C, electrophoretic mobility in water (ζ-potential), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The physico-chemical characterization showed that all the samples were 100% anatase phase and that iron was present both in the bulk and at the surface of the Fe-doped TiO2. Indeed, the band gap energy (Eg) decreases with the Fe content, with Tauc's plot determined values ranging from 3.35 (undoped TiO2) to 2.70 eV (3.5 wt. % Fe). Notwithstanding the obtained Eg values, the photocatalytic activity results under visible light highlighted that the optimal Fe content was equal to 2.5 wt. % (Tauc's plot determined Eg = 2.74 eV). With the optimized photocatalyst and in selected operating conditions, under visible light it was possible to achieve 90% AO7 discoloration together with a TOC removal of 40% after 180 min. The kinetic behavior of the photocatalyst was also analyzed. Moreover, the tests in the presence of three different scavengers revealed that the main reactive species are (positive) holes and superoxide species. Finally, the optimized photocatalyst was also able to degrade phenol under visible light.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Mancuso
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (A.M.); (V.V.)
| | - Olga Sacco
- Department of Chemistry and Biology “A. Zambelli”, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Vaiano
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (A.M.); (V.V.)
| | - Barbara Bonelli
- Unit of Torino Politecnico, Department of Applied Science and Technology and INSTM, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy; (B.B.); (S.E.); (F.S.F.); (N.B.)
| | - Serena Esposito
- Unit of Torino Politecnico, Department of Applied Science and Technology and INSTM, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy; (B.B.); (S.E.); (F.S.F.); (N.B.)
| | - Francesca Stefania Freyria
- Unit of Torino Politecnico, Department of Applied Science and Technology and INSTM, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy; (B.B.); (S.E.); (F.S.F.); (N.B.)
| | - Nicola Blangetti
- Unit of Torino Politecnico, Department of Applied Science and Technology and INSTM, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy; (B.B.); (S.E.); (F.S.F.); (N.B.)
| | - Diana Sannino
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (A.M.); (V.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bernardeschi M, Guidi P, Palumbo M, Genovese M, Alfè M, Gargiulo V, Lucchesi P, Scarcelli V, Falleni A, Bergami E, Freyria FS, Bonelli B, Corsi I, Frenzilli G. Suitability of Nanoparticles to Face Benzo(a)pyrene-Induced Genetic and Chromosomal Damage in M. galloprovincialis. An In Vitro Approach. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:1309. [PMID: 34063431 PMCID: PMC8155950 DOI: 10.3390/nano11051309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) is a well-known genotoxic agent, the removal of which from environmental matrices is mandatory, necessitating the application of cleaning strategies that are harmless to human and environmental health. The potential application of nanoparticles (NPs) in the remediation of polluted environments is of increasing interest. Here, specifically designed NPs were selected as being non-genotoxic and able to interact with B(a)P, in order to address the genetic and chromosomal damage it produces. A newly formulated pure anatase nano-titanium (nano-TiO2), a commercial mixture of rutile and anatase, and carbon black-derived hydrophilic NPs (HNP) were applied. Once it had been ascertained that the NPs selected for the work did not induce genotoxicity, marine mussel gill biopsies were exposed in vitro to B(a)P (2 μg/mL), alone and in combination with the selected NPs (50 µg/mL nano-TiO2, 10 µg/mL HNP). DNA primary reversible damage was evaluated by means of the Comet assay. Chromosomal persistent damage was assessed on the basis of micronuclei frequency and nuclear abnormalities by means of the Micronucleus-Cytome assay. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was performed to investigate the mechanism of action exerted by NPs. Pure Anatase n-TiO2 was found to be the most suitable for our purpose, as it is cyto- and genotoxicity free and able to reduce the genetic and chromosomal damage associated with exposure to B(a)P.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Bernardeschi
- Section of Applied Biology and Genetics and INSTM Local Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (P.G.); (M.P.); (P.L.); (V.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Patrizia Guidi
- Section of Applied Biology and Genetics and INSTM Local Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (P.G.); (M.P.); (P.L.); (V.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Mara Palumbo
- Section of Applied Biology and Genetics and INSTM Local Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (P.G.); (M.P.); (P.L.); (V.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Massimo Genovese
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy;
| | - Michela Alfè
- Institute of Science and Technology for Sustainable Energy and Mobility STEMS-CNR, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.A.); (V.G.)
| | - Valentina Gargiulo
- Institute of Science and Technology for Sustainable Energy and Mobility STEMS-CNR, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.A.); (V.G.)
| | - Paolo Lucchesi
- Section of Applied Biology and Genetics and INSTM Local Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (P.G.); (M.P.); (P.L.); (V.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Vittoria Scarcelli
- Section of Applied Biology and Genetics and INSTM Local Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (P.G.); (M.P.); (P.L.); (V.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Alessandra Falleni
- Section of Applied Biology and Genetics and INSTM Local Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (P.G.); (M.P.); (P.L.); (V.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Elisa Bergami
- Earth and Environmental Sciences and INSTM Local Unit, Department of Physical, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (E.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Francesca S. Freyria
- INSTM Unit of Torino-Politecnico, Department of Applied Science and Technology, 10129 Politecnico di Torino, Italy; (F.S.F.); (B.B.)
| | - Barbara Bonelli
- INSTM Unit of Torino-Politecnico, Department of Applied Science and Technology, 10129 Politecnico di Torino, Italy; (F.S.F.); (B.B.)
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Earth and Environmental Sciences and INSTM Local Unit, Department of Physical, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (E.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Giada Frenzilli
- Section of Applied Biology and Genetics and INSTM Local Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (P.G.); (M.P.); (P.L.); (V.S.); (A.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Esposito S, Ditaranto N, Dell’Agli G, Nasi R, Rivolo P, Bonelli B. Effective Inclusion of Sizable Amounts of Mo within TiO 2 Nanoparticles Can Be Obtained by Reverse Micelle Sol-Gel Synthesis. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:5379-5388. [PMID: 33681577 PMCID: PMC7931434 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c05552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Six Mo/TiO2 samples (with 0, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 wt % Mo nominal contents) were obtained by reverse micelle sol-gel synthesis, followed by calcination at 500 °C. The samples were characterized by means of powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), quantitative phase analysis as obtained by Rietveld refinement, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, N2 adsorption/desorption at -196 °C, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance (DR) UV-vis spectroscopy. As a whole, the adopted characterization techniques showed the inclusion of a sizeable Mo amount, without the segregation of any MoO x phase. Specifically, PXRD showed the occurrence of anatase and brookite with all the studied samples; notwithstanding the mild calcination temperature, the formation of rutile occurred at Mo wt % ≥2.5 likely due to the presence of brookite favoring, in turn, anatase to rutile transition. DR UV-vis and XP spectroscopies allowed determining the samples' band gap energy (E g) and valence band energy, respectively, from which the conduction band energy was calculated; and the observed E g value increase at 10 wt % Mo was ascribed to the Moss-Burstein effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Esposito
- Department
of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico
di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino I-10129, Italy
- INSTM
Unit of Torino-Politecnico, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino I-10129, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Ditaranto
- Dipartimento
di Chimica, Università degli Studi
di Bari “Aldo Moro”, via Orabona 4, Bari 70125, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Dell’Agli
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria Civile e Meccanica, Università
degli Studi di Cassino e del Lazio Meridionale, Via G. Di Blasio, 43, Cassino (FR) I-03043, Italy
| | - Roberto Nasi
- Department
of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico
di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino I-10129, Italy
| | - Paola Rivolo
- Department
of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico
di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino I-10129, Italy
| | - Barbara Bonelli
- Department
of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico
di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino I-10129, Italy
- INSTM
Unit of Torino-Politecnico, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino I-10129, Italy
| |
Collapse
|