Investigation of isotherms and isosteric heat of adsorption for PW11@HKUST-1 composite

Adsorption properties of M-UiO-66 (M = Zr(IV); Hf(IV) or Ce(IV)) with BDC or PDC linker

The increasing CO2 emissions and their direct impact on climate change due to the greenhouse effect are environmental issues that must be solved as soon as possible. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are one class of crystalline adsorbent materials that are thought to have enormous potential in CO2 capture applications. In this research, the effect of changing the metal center between Zr(IV), Ce(IV), and Hf(IV), and the linker between BDC and PDC has been fully studied. Thus, the six UiO-66 isoreticular derivatives have been synthesized and characterized by FTIR, PXRD, TGA, and N2 adsorption. We also report the BET surface area, CO2 adsorption capacities, kinetics, and the adsorption isosteric heat (Qst) of the UiO-66 derivatives mentioned family. The CO2 adsorption kinetics were evaluated using pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Avrami's kinetic models, and the rate-limiting step with Boyd's film diffusion, interparticle diffusion, and intraparticle diffusion models. The isosteric heats of CO2 adsorption using various MOFs are in the range 20-65 kJ mol-1 observing differences in adsorption capacities between 1.15 and 4.72 mmol g-1 at different temperatures due to the electrostatic interactions between CO2 and extra-framework metal ions. The isosteric heat of adsorption calculation in this report, which accounts for the unexpectedly high heat released from Zr-UiO-66-PDC, is finally represented as an increase in the interaction of CO2 with the PDC linker and an increase in Qst with defects.

Introducing VO2+ Group in Phosphomolybdic Acid and Supporting on MOF-808 for Efficient Oxidative Desulfurization

Herein, by introducing a VO2+ group into the microstructure of phosphomolybdenic acid (PMA) and loading it onto MOF-808, a series of composite catalysts were obtained by reducing the V element with Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). V atoms exist in the secondary structural units of phosphomolybdic acid as [VO(H2O)5]H[PMo12O40]. Surprisingly, the VC-VO-PMA/MOF-808 completely removed DBT and 4,6-DMDBT from the simulated oil in 12 min. The EPR and XPS results verify the electronic structure and valence state of V4+ in the composites. The oxygen vacancy and V4+ generated by VC modification in VC-VO-PMA/MOF-808 have positive effects on the oxidation desulfurization (ODS) activity. Based on the design of the microstructure and electronic structure, this study provides a new paradigm for the development of readily available and efficient ODS catalysts.

Carbon dioxide adsorbents from flame-made diesel soot nanoparticles

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the top contributor to global warming. On the other, soot particles formed during fuel combustion and released into the atmosphere are harmful and also contribute to global warming. It would therefore be highly advantageous to capture soot and make use of it as a feedstock to synthesize carbon-based materials for applications such as carbon dioxide adsorption. In this work, flame-made diesel soot nanoparticles were used to produce a variety of activated carbons by combined oxidative treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and potassium hydroxide (KOH), and their performance towards CO₂ adsorption was evaluated. The effect of the chemical activation of soot with H₂O₂ for different reaction times and with KOH on the physicochemical properties of the activated carbons was investigated and compared to fresh soot. Interestingly, hollow aggregates of carbonaceous nanoparticles of a high interplanar distance, reduced polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) size, shorter PAH stacks, mesoporous structure, and a high content of oxygen functionalities along with other structural defects in PAHs were obtained in the synthesized activated carbons. Among the various analysis techniques employed, Raman spectroscopy indicated that the I_D/I_G ratio in soot decreased after simultaneous chemical treatment, though it did not indicate any enhancement in the graphitic character since the carbonyl and carboxylic containing PAHs and monovacancies (which cause defects in PAHs) also contribute to the increase in the intensity of the graphitic band. The activated carbons possessed promising CO₂ adsorption capacities, adsorption kinetics and CO₂/N₂ selectivity. For example, one of the activated carbons, following H₂O₂ treatment for 9 h and a subsequent KOH activation, exhibited a CO₂ adsorption capacity of 1.78 mmol/g at 1 bar and 25 °C, representing an increase of 161 % in capacity as compared to fresh soot. Hollow aggregates of carbonaceous nanoparticles consisting of shorter PAHs with a larger number of defects led to enhanced CO₂ adsorption rate and CO₂/N₂ selectivity on activated carbons.

Preparation and modification methods of defective titanium dioxide-based nanoparticles for photocatalytic wastewater treatment-a comprehensive review

The rapid population growth and industrial expansion worldwide have created serious water contamination concerns. To curb the pollution issue, it has become imperative to use a versatile material for the treatment. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has been recognized as the most-studied nanoparticle in various fields of science and engineering due to its availability, low cost, efficiency, and other fascinating properties with a wide range of applications in modern technology. Recent studies revealed the photocatalytic activity of the material for the treatment of industrial effluents to promote environmental sustainability. With the wide band gap energy of 3.2 eV, TiO₂ can be activated under UV light; thus, many strategies have been proposed to extend its photoabsorption to the visible light region. In what follows, this has generated increasing attention to study its characteristics and structural modifications in different forms for photocatalytic applications. The present review provides an insight into the understanding of the synthesis methods of TiO₂, the current progress in the treatment techniques for the degradation of wide environmental pollutants employing modified TiO₂ nanoparticles, and the factors affecting its photocatalytic activities. Further, recent developments in using titania for practical applications, the approach for designing novel nanomaterials, and the prospects and opportunities in this exciting area have been discussed.