Microwave-hydrothermal synthesis of beta-bismuth (III) oxide nanopowders and their enhanced photocatalytic properties

Synthesis and characterization of bismuth oxide/commercial activated carbon composite for battery anode

Bismuth oxide has been considered as a promising electrode material due to the high theoretical capacity, low cost, and non-toxic nature. However, its application has been limited by the low electrical conductivity. In this work, bismuth oxide/commercial activated carbon composite were successfully synthesized through hydrothermal method. Bismuth nitrate pentahydrate with concentrations of 8, 24, and 32 mmol were mixed with Na2SO4, NaOH, and commercial activated carbon. The mixture was then put into a hydrothermal reactor and heated at 110°C for 5 h. These composite materials can have a 102–105 higher electrical conductivity, depending on the bismuth oxide ratio, compared to both bismuth oxide and commercial AC separately.

A review of the microwave-assisted synthesis of carbon nanomaterials, metal oxides/hydroxides and their composites for energy storage applications

Currently, nanomaterials are considered to be the backbone of modern civilization. Especially in the energy sector, nanomaterials (mainly, carbon- and metal oxide/hydroxide-based nanomaterials) have contributed significantly. Among the various green approaches for the synthesis of these nanomaterials, the microwave-assisted approach has attracted significant research interest worldwide. In this context, it is noteworthy to mention that because of their enhanced surface area, high conducting nature, and excellent electrical and electrochemical properties, carbon nanomaterials are being extensively utilized as efficient electrode materials for both supercapacitors and secondary batteries. In this review article, we briefly demonstrate the characteristics of microwave-synthesized nanomaterials for next-generation energy storage devices. Starting with the basics of microwave heating, herein, we illustrate the past and present status of microwave chemistry for energy-related applications, and finally present a brief outlook and concluding remarks. We hope that this review article will positively convey new insights for the microwave synthesis of nanomaterials for energy storage applications.

Bimetallic metal-organic frameworks anchored corncob-derived porous carbon photocatalysts for synergistic degradation of organic pollutants

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising for photocatalysis owing to their excellent structure and performance. Unfortunately, poor stability in both aqueous solutions and high temperatures and lack of adsorption centers during reactions limit their practical applications. Herein, a bimetallic MOF anchored corncob calcined derived activated carbon (CCAC) was successfully prepared by a one-step solvothermal method. Benefiting from unique structures and synergetic effect, the porous carbon provided a high specific surface area for stable MOF support and served as an organic pollutant buffer-reservoir, which was advantageous for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. The optimized MOF/CCAC-5 samples possessed excellent visible light degradation rate, i.e., 100% for Rh B, more than 96% for six mixed dyes, and 98% for tetracycline. This prominent photocatalytic activity was caused by active species, including photoelectrons (e^-), photo-holes (h⁺) and superoxide free radicals (•O^2-). The transient photocurrent response and electrochemical impedance tests showed that MOF/CCAC-5 exhibited a relatively high charge separation and low carrier recombination rate. Cyclic and simulation experiments indicated high reusability, stability and universality of the composite photocatalysts. These exciting results provide new pathways for the fabrication of MOFs anchored porous carbon materials.

Microwave Hydrothermally Synthesized Metal-Organic Framework-5 Derived C-doped ZnO with Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B

C-doped ZnO particles have been successfully prepared by the calcination using microwave hydrothermally prepared metal-organic framework-5 (MOF-5) as the precursor. MOF-5 was turned into C-doped ZnO through calcination at 500 °C, and its cubic shape was well-maintained. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies confirmed the C-doping in the ZnO. The as-prepared C-doped ZnO demonstrated a Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation efficiency of 98% in 2 h under an solar-simulated light irradiation, much higher than that of C-doped ZnO derived from MOF-5 synthesized by the ordinary hydrothermal method. The trapping experiment revealed that the crucial factors in the RhB removal were photogenerated h⁺ and •O₂^-.