Mesoporous TiO2 Embedded with a Uniform Distribution of CuO Exhibit Enhanced Charge Separation and Photocatalytic Efficiency

Manganese-oxide-supported gold catalyst derived from metal-organic frameworks for trace PCl3 oxidation in an organic system

Polysilicon is widely used in the field of semiconductors and solar energy. Trichlorosilane feedstocks that are used to produce polysilicon in the mainstream production process contain PCl3 impurities that have adverse effects on the quality of the polysilicon. Traditional methods for dephosphorization cannot achieve the effect of complete removal, whereas oxidizing PCl3 to POCl3 in the presence of oxygen for removal via adsorption is a promising and appealing route for establishing a dephosphorization process; it has a high phosphorous removal rate due to the strong Lewis-base property of POCl3 in comparison with PCl3. In this work, we synthesized an active catalyst with an active interface between Au nanoparticles (NPs) and a manganese-oxide support (Mn3O4) by calcination of a corresponding composite, where Au NPs were embedded uniformly in a metal-organic framework (MOF). The catalyst shows a significantly active catalytic performance for trace PCl3 oxidation in an organic system that is an imitation of a trichlorosilane system, with a 99.13% yield of POCl3 in an 80 °C and 0.6 MPa reaction environment. The structure-performance-mechanism analysis shows that the possible reaction and catalytic mechanism is PCl3 oxidation by interface lattice oxygens, which bridge the Au NPs and the support, in a Mars van Krevelen (MvK) process; this process was promoted by the interaction between the Au NPs and Mn3O4 in terms of charge transfer and chemical potential changes. This work provides an effective way to dephosphorize trichlorosilane feedstocks in the polysilicon industry and gives guidance for constructing an efficient catalyst via the study of the structure and mechanism.

CdSe Quantum Dots Bedecked on ZnO/TiO2/CuO Ternary Nanocomposite for Enhanced Photocatalytic and Photovoltaic Applications

Herein, we synthesized a CdSe quantum dots (QDs)-decorated ternary metal oxide nanocomposite of ZnO/TiO2/CuO through a simple hydrothermal method. The prepared nanocomposite exhibited monoclinic, hexagonal, and cubic phase structures in XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis. UV-vis absorbance spectra showed the broad absorption spectrum. SEM (scanning electron microscopy) clearly showed the presence of nanoparticles and confirmed the elements through elemental mapping. TEM (transmission electron microscopy) confirmed the nanostructure of metal oxides decorated with QDs. The average particle size was 45 nm for metal oxides and 7 nm for QDs. XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) also confirmed the surface elemental composition. The prepared nanocomposites were introduced as photoanodes in DSSCs (dye-sensitized solar cells) and as photocatalysts for industrial dye solution. Among these samples, CdSe@CuO/TiO2/ZnO showed an improved performance of PCE (photon conversion efficiency) of 3.68% in DSSC and 96% photocatalytic degradation efficiency. It showed a recycling efficiency of ∼92% after 4 cycles against methylene blue (MB) organic dye under visible light irradiation.

Engineering cuboctahedral N-doped C-coated p-CuO/n-TiO2 heterojunctions toward high-performance photocatalytic cross-dehydrogenative coupling

The low separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole (e-h) pairs severely limits the activation of photocatalyts. One brilliant strategy is to construct a p-n type semiconductor heterojunction, which can establish an inner electric field to separate the e-h pairs with high efficiency. Here, for the first time, a cuboctahedral N-doped carbon-coated CuO/TiO2 p-n heterojunction (CuO-TiO2@N-C) was designed and fabricated successfully via direct calcination of a benzimidazole-modulated cuboctahedral HKUST-Cu with titanium-tetraisopropanolate absorbed inside concomitantly. Full structural characterizations incorporating DFT computations demonstrate that the CuO/TiO2 p-n heterostructure can greatly boost the transport and separation of photoinduced e-h pairs. The nitrogen-doped carbon coating, with its excellent conductivity, porosity, stability and surface reaction activity, plays a pivotal role in promoting the overall performance and effectiveness of the reaction. The CuO-TiO2@N-C displays significantly higher photocurrent density (0.042 μA cm-2) than the CuO@N-C (0.014 μA cm-2) and TiO2@N-C (0.03 μA cm-2) electrodes, proving that the p-n heterojunction can improve the e-h generation efficiency. This unique photocatalyst affords superior photocatalytic efficiency, cycle stability and substrate scope towards cross-dehydrogenative coupling reactions.

Nearly 100% selective and visible-light-driven methane conversion to formaldehyde via. single-atom Cu and Wδ

Direct solar-driven methane (CH₄) reforming is highly desirable but challenging, particularly to achieve a value-added product with high selectivity. Here, we identify a synergistic ensemble effect of atomically dispersed copper (Cu) species and partially reduced tungsten (W^δ+), stabilised over an oxygen-vacancy-rich WO₃, which enables exceptional photocatalytic CH₄ conversion to formaldehyde (HCHO) under visible light, leading to nearly 100% selectivity, a very high yield of 4979.0 μmol·g^-1 within 2 h, and the normalised mass activity of 8.5 × 10⁶ μmol·g^-1_Cu·h^-1 of HCHO at ambient temperature. In-situ EPR and XPS analyses indicate that the Cu species serve as the electron acceptor, promoting the photo-induced electron transfer from the conduction band to O₂, generating reactive •OOH radicals. In parallel, the adjacent W^δ+ species act as the hole acceptor and the preferred adsorption and activation site of H₂O to produce hydroxyl radicals (•OH), and thus activate CH₄ to methyl radicals (•CH₃). The synergy of the adjacent dual active sites boosts the overall efficiency and selectivity of the conversion process.

Copper-/Zinc-Doped TiO2 Nanopowders Synthesized by Microwave-Assisted Sol-Gel Method

Using the microwave-assisted sol-gel method, Zn- and Cu-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles with an anatase crystalline structure were prepared. Titanium (IV) butoxide was used as a TiO₂ precursor, with parental alcohol as a solvent and ammonia water as a catalyst. Based on the TG/DTA results, the powders were thermally treated at 500 °C. XRD and XRF revealed the presence of a single-phase anatase and dopants in the thermally treated nanoparticles. The surface of the nanoparticles and the oxidation states of the elements were studied using XPS, which confirmed the presence of Ti, O, Zn, and Cu. The photocatalytic activity of the doped TiO₂ nanopowders was tested for the degradation of methyl-orange (MO) dye. The results indicate that Cu doping increases the photoactivity of TiO₂ in the visible-light range by narrowing the band-gap energy.

Selective Oxidation of Cyclohexane to Cyclohexanol/Cyclohexanone by Surface Peroxo Species on Cu-Mesoporous TiO2

Selective oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanol/cyclohexanone (KA-oil) is an important chemical process, which is still constrained by low conversion and selectivity and high energy consumption. In this study, Cu-doped mesoporous TiO₂ (Cu-MT) has been successfully synthesized via calcinating MIL-125(Ti) doped with copper acetylacetonate, which shows high reactivity in selective oxidation of cyclohexane to KA-oil by persulfate (PS) with the desirable cyclohexane conversion of 16.8% and a selectivity of 98.0% under mild conditions and the low ratio of PS/cyclohexane of 1:1. A series of characterizations and density functional theory calculations reveal that the doped Cu(I,II) on Cu-MT is the reactive site for non-radical activation of PS with the moderate elongation of the O-O bond in PS, which then abstracts 1H (1H⁺ + 1e^-) from cyclohexane to form Cy^• and eventually KA-oil. This study gives new insight on the importance of moderately activated PS in selective oxidation of C-H.

Cu-Doped Iron Oxide for the Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction Reaction

The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO₃RR) is a promising alternative synthetic route for sustainable ammonia (NH₃) production, because it not only eliminates nitrate (NO₃^-) from water but also produces NH₃ under mild operating conditions. However, owing to the complicated eight-electron reaction and the competition from the hydrogen evolution reaction, developing catalysts with high activities and Faradaic efficiencies (FEs) is highly imperative to improve the reaction performance. In this study, Cu-doped Fe₃O₄ flakes are fabricated and demonstrated to be excellent catalysts for electrochemical conversion of NO₃^- to NH₃, with a maximum FE of ∼100% and an NH₃ yield of 179.55 ± 16.37 mg h^-1 mg_cat^-1 at -0.6 V vs RHE. Theoretical calculations reveal that doping the catalyst surface with Cu results in a more thermodynamically facile reaction. These results highlight the feasibility of promoting the NO₃RR activity using heteroatom doping strategies.

Effect of Synthesis Method on Reaction Mechanism for Hydrogen Evolution over CuxOy/TiO2 Photocatalysts: A Kinetic Analysis

The existing literature survey reports rare and conflicting studies on the effect of the preparation method of metal-based semiconductor photocatalysts on structural/morphological features, electronic properties, and kinetics regulating the photocatalytic H2 generation reaction. In this investigation, we compare the different copper/titania-based photocatalysts for H2 generation synthesized via distinct methods (i.e., photodeposition and impregnation). Our study aims to establish a stringent correlation between physicochemical/electronic properties and photocatalytic performances for H2 generation based on material characterization and kinetic modeling of the experimental outcomes. Estimating unknown kinetic parameters, such as charge recombination rate and quantum yield, suggests a mechanism regulating charge carrier lifetime depending on copper distribution on the TiO2 surface. We demonstrate that H2 generation photoefficiency recorded over impregnated CuxOy/TiO2 is related to an even distribution of Cu(0)/Cu(I) on TiO2, and the formation of an Ohmic junction concertedly extended charge carrier lifetime and separation. The outcomes of the kinetic analysis and the related modeling investigation underpin photocatalyst physicochemical and electronic properties. Overall, the present study lays the groundwork for the future design of metal-based semiconductor photocatalysts with high photoefficiencies for H2 evolution.

Metal Complex/ZnS-Modified Ni Foam as Magnetically Stirrable Photocatalysts: Roles of Redox Mediators and Carrier Dynamics Monitored by Operando Synchrotron X-ray Spectroscopy

Magnetically stirrable photocatalysts binding the ZnS-decorated Ni foam with the metal complex cocatalyst as a redox mediator and light-absorbing composition were investigated. Loading metal complex can improve light absorption, surface hydrophilicity, interfacial charge migration, and H₂ production activity. The variation of the metal valences of the composite photocatalysts in an operando environment (with sacrificial agent solution) with and without light irradiation was investigated by X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra and Fourier-transformed extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra to monitor the charge carrier dynamics of photocatalysis and explain how the macrocyclic Cu complex (CuC) acted as a redox mediator better than the Ni complex. The smaller valence difference of copper valence in ZS/CuC for dark and light states revealed that the Cu complex facilitates a reversible electron transfer between the ZnS photocatalyst and H⁺. Loading the Cu complex can improve the separation of photogenerated carriers by the redox couple of complexes, leading to a significantly improved photocatalytic H₂ production activity of 8150 μmol h^-1 g^-1. The reactants can flow through these magnetically stirrable Ni foam-based photocatalysts by magnetic-field-driven stirring, which improves the contact between photocatalysts and the sacrificial agents. The operando synchrotron provides new insights for understanding the roles of redox mediators.

Hierarchically ordered macroporous TiO2 architecture via self-assembled strategy for environmental remediation

Hierarchical orderd macroporous TiO₂ architecture (HOMTA) was prepared with aid of ethylenediamine (EDA) and investigated the impact of amine molecules on the properties of TiO₂ architecture. The different variation of amine molecules (EDA) leads to tunning the morphology under hydrothermal approach which is confirmed by FESEM and TEM analysis. The XRD and Raman studies confirms the crystal structure of anatase and brookite phase of TiO₂. The surface of the architecture strongly depended on the concentration of EDA which plays a vital role in surface area which is revealed by Brunauer Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The obtained HOMTA was employed as photocatalyst and active photoanode in the dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The DSSC device exhibits excellent efficiency (η) of 5.27% for the EDA capped TiO₂ (S5) which had high surface area (167.11 m²/g) for better dye loading, whereas the lower concentration of EDA capped TiO₂ (S1, S2, S3 and S4) resulted the efficiency of 2.14, 3.90, 3.25 and 4.37%, respectively. The efficiency of photocatlysis degradation of the prepared samples (S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5) was 94.8, 90.47, 91.41, 91.32 and 93.75% under light source. The excellent photocatalysis property was achieved by S5 within 6 min due to high surface area which inducing more active site.

Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Materials Derived from MOFs as Catalysts for the Development of Green Processes

This review will be centered around the work that has been reported on the development of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) serving as catalysts for the conversion of carbon dioxide into short-chain hydrocarbons and the generation of clean energies starting from biomass. MOFs have mainly been used as support for catalysts or to prepare catalysts derived from MOFs (as sacrifice template), obtaining interesting results in the hydrogenation or oxidation of biomass. They have presented a good performance in the hydrogenation of CO2 into light hydrocarbon fuels. The common patterns to be considered in the performance of the catalysts are the acidity of MOFs, metal nodes, surface area and the dispersion of the active sites, and these parameters will be discussed in this review.

Metal-organic frameworks derived C/TiO2 for visible light photocatalysis: Simple synthesis and contribution of carbon species

A series of in-situ carbon-doped TiO₂ (C_x/TiO₂) composites with a porous and crystalline structure were successfully synthesized via one-step and low-temperature calcination of titanium metal-organic framework (MOF), MIL-125(Ti). The resultant materials were comprehensively investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N₂ adsorption-desorption measurements, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectra and photoelectrochemical measurements, and their photocatalytic activities for bisphenol A (BPA) degradation were assessed. Compared with the benchmark TiO₂ photocatalyst (P25), the C_x/TiO₂ composite material with high specific surface, lower band gap, and reduced photogenerated electron hole ratio exhibited outstanding photodegradation activity and durability for BPA, which could be attributed to the combined effect of co-doping of multiple carbon species (substituent carbon and carbonate) and porous structure. During BPA degradation, the holes and superoxide radicals were the primary role oxidative species in the reaction process. Therefore, this new efficient photocatalyst is promising candidate for photodegradation of organic pollutants.

Construction of β-Bi2O3/Bi2O2CO3 heterojunction photocatalyst for deep understanding the importance of separation efficiency and valence band position

Constructing heterojunctions would result in the change of valence band position, which is an important factor determining the oxidative ability of photo-induced holes, has received scant attention. In this paper, β-Bi₂O₃/Bi₂O₂CO₃ composites with different ratios were obtained via ionic-liquid-assisted solvothermal and in-situ calcination processes. UV-vis DRS, Mott-Schottky test, and Kelvin probe measurement showed the change of band gaps of β-Bi₂O₃ and Bi₂O₂CO₃ before and after heterojunction formation. SPV, ESR, photocurrent, and scavenger experiments identified the separation efficiency of photo-generated electrons and holes, as well as the active species generated in the photocatalytic process. The photocatalytic mechanism was investigated by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) upon visible-light and simulated sunlight, respectively. The results demonstrated that β-Bi₂O₃/Bi₂O₂CO₃ heterojunctions possessed enhanced separation efficiency and higher degradation ability than the individuals under visible-light irradiation due to effective electron transfer. However, lower performance under simulated sunlight was observed, although their separation efficiency remained high. The decisive reason for this was that the up-shift of valence band of Bi₂O₂CO₃ induced by hybridization and the transition of holes from VB of Bi₂O₂CO₃ to that of β-Bi₂O₃ with more negative potential decreased the oxidative ability of holes, which surpassed the positive influence of enhanced separation efficiency.

A renewable photocatalytic system with dramatic photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution and constant light energy utilization: eosin Y sensitized ZnWO4 nanoplates loaded with CuO nanoparticles

Efficient photocatalytic system with light intensity-independent energy utilization for H2 evolution.

A rutile TiO2 nanobundle as a precursor of an efficient visible-light photocatalyst embedded with Fe2O3

A rutile nanobundle was synthesized via a layered titanate’s conversion at room temperature and used as a precursor of a mesoporous rutile embedded with a tiny Fe2O3 cocatalyst to improve the visible-light photocatalytic activity.

Non-precious molybdenum nanospheres as a novel cocatalyst for full-spectrum-driven photocatalytic CO2 reforming to CH4

Photocatalytic CO₂ reforming is considered to be an effective method for clean, low-cost, and environmentally friendly reduction and conversion of CO₂ into hydrocarbon fuels by utilizing solar energy. However, the low separation efficiency of charge carriers and deficient reactive sites have severely hampered the efficiency of the photocatalytic CO₂ reforming process. Therefore, cocatalysts are usually loaded onto the surface of semiconductor photocatalysts to reduce the recombination of charge carriers and accelerate the rates of surface reactions. Herein, molybdenum (Mo) nanospheres are proposed as a novel non-precious cocatalyst to enhance the photocatalytic CO₂ reforming of g-C₃N₄ significantly. The Mo nanospheres boost the adsorption of CO₂ and activate the surface CO₂via a photothermal effect. The time-resolved fluorescence decay spectra reveals that the lifetime of photo-induced charge carriers is prolonged by the Mo nanospheres, which guarantees the migration of charge carriers from g-C₃N₄ to Mo nanospheres. Unexpectedly, Mo loaded g-C₃N₄ can effectively utilize a wide spectral range from UV to near-infrared region (NIR, up to 800 nm). These findings highlight the potential of Mo nanospheres as a novel cocatalyst for photocatalytic CO₂ reforming to CH₄.

Bidentate carboxylate linked TiO2 with NH2-MIL-101(Fe) photocatalyst: a conjugation effect platform for high photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

Interfacial conjugation was employed to engineering preparation of TiO₂@NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) heterojunction photocataysts through carboxylate bidentate linkage with TiO₂ and NH₂-MIL-101(Fe), which can enhance the electron transfer capability from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to TiO₂ and photocatalytic activity. The carbon nanospheres derived from glucose act as reducing agent and template to synthesize oxygen vacancies TiO₂ hollow nanospheres. Then, the oxygen vacancies were employed as antennas to connect 2-aminoterephtalic acid as bidentate carboxylate chelating linkage on TiO₂, which have been proved by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Subsequently, NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) was coordinatingly formed on the surface of TiO₂. The conjugation effects between TiO₂ and NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) enhanced the electron transfer capability and could also induce the band tail states to narrow bandgap of the composites. Thus, the photodegradability of methylene blue was remarkably enhanced under visible light irradiation. The degradation rate of TiO₂@17%NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) was 0.131 min^-1, which was about 3.5 and 65 times higher than that of NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) and TiO₂, respectively.

Ultra-small dispersed Cu x O nanoparticles on graphene fibers for miniaturized electrochemical sensor applications

A graphene microfiber (GF) modified with ultrafine Cu_xO nanoparticles (Cu_xONPs/GF) has been fabricated by direct annealing of electrodeposited nano-sized copper-based metal organic frameworks (HKUST-1) and used as an electrode for nonenzymatic H₂O₂ sensing. Benefiting from the unique microfiber architecture and synergetic effects, as well as strong coupling between components with many active sites and boosted electron transport, the Cu_xONPs/GF electrode shows prominent sensitivity, selectivity and long-term operational stability for the detection of H₂O₂. Further work successfully applied this Cu_xONPs/GF electrode to detection of H₂O₂ in real samples such as milk and human serum. These results indicate that the Cu_xONPs/GF is a promising mini-sized sensor in electrochemical analysis.

A graphene microfiber modified with ultrafine Cu_xO nanoparticles (Cu_xONPs/GF) is fabricated by direct annealing of electrodeposited nano-sized copper-based metal–organic frameworks (HKUST-1) and used as an electrode for nonenzymatic H₂O₂ sensing.

Distorted 1T-ReS2 Nanosheets Anchored on Porous TiO2 Nanofibers for Highly Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Recently, loading TiO₂ with transition-metal disulfides (TMDs) to construct dual functional heterostructures has been widely researched as an effective strategy to improve the photocatalytic performance of a TiO₂ photocatalyst. For the TMD cocatalysts, the 2H-MoS₂ and 1T-MoS₂ have been widely studied and researched. However, they suffer from poor catalytic activity sites/low charge transfer ability and an unstable structure. In this regard, distorted 1T-phase TMDs with a stable structure are greatly fit for the cocatalyst due to their high charge transfer ability and rich catalytic sites on both the edge and basal plane. Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop distorted 1T-phase TMD/TiO₂ heterostructures with well-identified interfaces for highly enhanced photocatalytic performance. Herein, we first introduce distorted 1T-ReS₂ anchored on porous TiO₂ nanofibers as a promising photocatalyst for achieving an excellent photocatalytic hydrogen production. The excellent performance is attributed to the strong chemical interaction of the Ti-O-Re bond between TiO₂ and ReS₂, the excellent electron mobility of distorted 1T-ReS₂, and the abundant catalytic activity sites on both the plane and edge of the ReS₂ cocatalyst.

Co(III) based surfactant complexes and their Dye, BSA and free radical activities

Study reports the preparation of metal/surfactant complexes or Metal Organic Ionic Framework (MOIF) based on ionic interaction of [Co(NH3)6]3+ and Dioctyl sulfosuccinate (AOT)/Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). MOIF is result of strong ionic interaction between cationic and anionic moieties without disturbing their own structures. MOIF of [Co(NH3)6]3+ and SDS was found in solid powdery form while [Co(NH3)6]3+ + AOT produced sticky material. UV/Vis, FTIR, Raman and XRD measurements were used to characterize the MOIFs. The ionic interaction between cationic complex [Co(NH3)6]3+ and anionic sulphur of AOT/SDS was confirmed by comparing spectra with their parental moieties. MOIF containing hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups showed their dye interaction activity studied with methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) depicting impact of linear and iso-alkyl chain ánd hydrophilic amine groups. MOIF showed their protein binding nature, studied with bovine serum albumin (BSA), analyzed with spectrophotometric titrations revealing that hydrophobicity affects the interaction. In Dye and protein interactions, MOIF of [Co(NH3)6]3+ + AOT showed strong activities than MOIF of [Co(NH3)6]3+ + SDS due to more hydrophobicity associated with MOIF of [Co(NH3)6]3+ + AOT. MOIFs have also shown good scavenging effect tested in vitro against free radical, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and the same, strong interaction for MOIF of [Co(NH3)6]3+ + AOT noticed.

Biomolecule-Assisted Synthesis of Hierarchical Multilayered Boehmite and Alumina Nanosheets for Enhanced Molybdenum Adsorption

The effective utilization of various biomolecules for creating a series of mesoporous boehmite (γ-AlOOH) and gamma-alumina (γ-Al₂ O₃ ) nanosheets with unique hierarchical multilayered structures is demonstrated. The nature and concentration of the biomolecules strongly influence the degree of the crystallinity, the morphology, and the textural properties of the resulting γ-AlOOH and γ-Al₂ O₃ nanosheets, allowing for easy tuning. The hierarchical γ-AlOOH and γ-Al₂ O₃ multilayered nanosheets synthesized by using biomolecules exhibit enhanced crystallinity, improved particle separation, and well-defined multilayered structures compared to those obtained without biomolecules. More impressively, these γ-AlOOH and γ-Al₂ O₃ nanosheets possess high surface areas up to 425 and 371 m²  g^-1 , respectively, due to their mesoporous nature and hierarchical multilayered structure. When employed for molybdenum adsorption toward medical radioisotope production, the hierarchical γ-Al₂ O₃ multilayered nanosheets exhibit Mo adsorption capacities of 33.1-40.8 mg g^-1 . The Mo adsorption performance of these materials is influenced by the synergistic combination of the crystallinity, the surface area, and the pore volume. It is expected that the proposed biomolecule-assisted strategy may be expanded for the creation of other 3D mesoporous oxides in the future.

Incorporation of a Ru complex into an amine-functionalized metal–organic framework for enhanced activity in photocatalytic aerobic benzyl alcohol oxidation

Encapsulation of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ in the cavity of a metal–organic framework was found to enhance its activity in the photocatalytic aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol.

Synthesis and photocatalytic activities of a CuO/TiO2 composite catalyst using aquatic plants with accumulated copper as a template

A CuO/TiO₂ photocatalyst was synthesized by using a hydrolysis method. In the synthesis, the Eichhornia crassipes accumulated with copper was used and combined with titanium chloride precursor.

Cd2+-Doped Amorphous TiO2 Hollow Spheres for Robust and Ultrasensitive Photoelectrochemical Sensing of Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic molecule to human health, but high-performance detection of it remains a challenge. Herein, we report an ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor for H₂S by modifying indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes with Cd²⁺-doped amorphous TiO₂ hollow spheres, which are prepared by templating against colloidal silica particles followed by a cadmium-sodium cation exchange reaction. The amorphous TiO₂ hollow spheres act as both the probing cation carrier and the photoelectric beacon. Upon exposure to sulfide ions, the photocurrent of the functionalized photoanode proportionately decreases in response to the formation of CdS nanoparticles. The decreased photocurrent could be attributed to the mismatching bandgap between the amorphous TiO₂ and CdS nanoparticles: the photoexcited electrons and holes from amorphous TiO₂ are transferred to the conduction band and valence band of CdS, respectively, and then recombined. The decrease in photocurrent is linear with the concentration of sulfide ions in the range from 1 to 10 000 pmol L^-1 with a detection limit of 0.36 pmol L^-1. Enabled by a unique sensitization mechanism, this PEC sensor features excellent performance in a wide linear range, high selectivity and sensitivity, high stability, and low fabrication cost.

Photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide through selective two-electron reduction of dioxygen utilizing amine-functionalized MIL-125 deposited with nickel oxide nanoparticles

Photocatalytic H₂O₂ production via two-electron reduction of O₂ is realized by visible-light irradiation of a Ti-based metal–organic framework, MIL-125-NH₂.

Novel hetero-bimetallic coordination polymer as a single source of highly dispersed Cu/Ni nanoparticles for efficient photocatalytic water splitting

Monodispersed Cu and Ni nanoparticles are deposited over TiO₂ using a hetero-bimetallic coordination polymer for efficient photocatalytic water splitting.