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Jimenéz-Calvo P, Naciri Y, Sobolewska A, Isaacs M, Zhang Y, Leforestier A, Degrouard J, Rouzière S, Goldmann C, Vantelon D, Hettler S, Zaluzec NJ, Arenal R, Launois P, Ghazzal MN, Paineau E. Ti-Modified Imogolite Nanotubes as Promising Photocatalyst 1D Nanostructures for H 2 Production. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2301369. [PMID: 38085685 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2024]
Abstract
Imogolite nanotubes (INTs) are predicted as a unique 1D material with spatial separation of conduction and valence band edges but their large band gaps have inhibited their use as photocatalysts. The first step toward using these NTs in photocatalysis and exploiting the polarization-promoted charge separation across their walls is to reduce their band gap. Here, the modification of double-walled aluminogermanate INTs by incorporation of titanium into the NT walls is explored. The precursor ratio x = [Ti]/([Ge]+[Ti]) is modulated between 0 and 1. Structural and optical properties are determined at different scales and the photocatalytic performance is evaluated for H2 production. Although the incorporation of Ti atoms into the structure remains limited, the optimal condition is found around x = 0.4 for which the resulting NTs reveal a remarkable hydrogen production of ≈1500 µmol g-1 after 5 h for a noble metal-free photocatalyst, a 65-fold increase relative to a commercial TiO2-P25. This is correlated to a lowering of the recombination rate of photogenerated charge carriers for the most active structures. These results confirm the theoretical predictions regarding the potential of modified INTs as photoactive nanoreactors and pave the way for investigating and exploiting their polarization properties for energy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Jimenéz-Calvo
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Yassine Naciri
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Orsay, 91405, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UMR 8000, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Physique, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Anna Sobolewska
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Orsay, 91405, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UMR 8000, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Physique, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Mark Isaacs
- HarwellXPS, Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratories, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Yu Zhang
- Central Laser Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, 0X11 0QX, UK
| | - Amélie Leforestier
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Jéril Degrouard
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Stéphan Rouzière
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Claire Goldmann
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Delphine Vantelon
- Synchrotron SOLEIL, L'Orme des Merisiers, Gif-sur-Yvette, Cedex, 91192, France
| | - Simon Hettler
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragon (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain. Laboratorio de Microscopias Avanzadas (LMA), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, E-50018, Spain
| | - Nestor J Zaluzec
- Argonne National Laboratory / Photon Science Directorate, Lemont, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Raul Arenal
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragon (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain. Laboratorio de Microscopias Avanzadas (LMA), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, E-50018, Spain
- Araid Foundation, Zaragoza, E-50018, Spain
| | - Pascale Launois
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Mohamed Nawfal Ghazzal
- Université Paris-Saclay, UMR 8000, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Physique, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Erwan Paineau
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Orsay, 91405, France
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Paineau E, Teobaldi G, Jiménez‐Calvo P. Imogolite Nanotubes and Their Permanently Polarized Bifunctional Surfaces for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2024; 8:2300255. [PMID: 38868604 PMCID: PMC11165560 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202300255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
To date, imogolite nanotubes (INTs) have been primarily used for environmental applications such as dye and pollutant degradation. However, imogolite's well-defined porous structure and distinctive electro-optical properties have prompted interest in the system's potential for energy-relevant chemical reactions. The imogolite structure leads to a permanent intrawall polarization arising from the presence of bifunctional surfaces at the inner and outer tube walls. Density functional theory simulations suggest such bifunctionality to encompass also spatially separated band edges. Altogether, these elements make INTs appealing candidates for facilitating chemical conversion reactions. Despite their potential, the exploitation of imogolite's features for photocatalysis is at its infancy, thence relatively unexplored. This perspective overviews the basic physical-chemical and optoelectronical properties of imogolite nanotubes, emphasizing their role as wide bandgap insulator. Imogolite nanotubes have multifaceted properties that could lead to beneficial outcomes in energy-related applications. This work illustrates two case studies demonstrating a step-forward on photocatalytic hydrogen production achieved through atomic doping or metal co-catalyst. INTs exhibit potential in energy conversion and storage, due to their ability to accommodate functions such as enhancing charge separation and influencing the chemical potentials of interacting species. Yet, tapping into potential for energy-relevant application needs further experimental research, computational, and theoretical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwan Paineau
- CNRSLaboratoire de Physique des SolidesUniversité Paris‐SaclayOrsay91405France
| | - Gilberto Teobaldi
- Scientific Computing DepartmentSTFC UKRIRutherford Appleton LaboratoryHarwell CampusDidcotOX11 0QXUK
| | - Pablo Jiménez‐Calvo
- Chair of Thin Film MaterialsIZNFFriedrich‐Alexander‐ Universität Erlangen‐NürnbergCauerstraße 391058ErlangenGermany
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Naciri Y, Ghazzal MN, Paineau E. Nanosized tubular clay minerals as inorganic nanoreactors for energy and environmental applications: A review to fill current knowledge gaps. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 326:103139. [PMID: 38552380 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Modern society pays further and further attention to environmental protection and the promotion of sustainable energy solutions. Heterogeneous photocatalysis is widely recognized as one of the most economically viable and ecologically sound technologies to combat environmental pollution and the global energy crisis. One challenge is finding a suitable photocatalytic material for an efficient process. Inorganic nanotubes have garnered attention as potential candidates due to their optoelectronic properties, which differ from their bulk equivalents. Among them, clay nanotubes (halloysite, imogolite, and chrysotile) are attracting renewed interest for photocatalysis applications thanks to their low production costs, their unique physical and chemical properties, and the possibility to functionalize or dope their structure to enhance charge-carriers separation into their structure. In this review, we provide new insights into the potential of these inorganic nanotubes in photocatalysis. We first discuss the structural and morphological features of clay nanotubes. Applications of photocatalysts based on clay nanotubes across a range of photocatalytic reactions, including the decomposition of organic pollutants, elimination of NOx, production of hydrogen, and disinfection of bacteria, are discussed. Finally, we highlight the obstacles and outline potential avenues for advancing the current photocatalytic system based on clay nanotubes. Our aim is that this review can offer researchers new opportunities to advance further research in the field of clay nanotubes-based photocatalysis with other vital applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassine Naciri
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Orsay 91405, France; Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, UMR8000, Institut de Chimie Physique, Orsay 91405, France
| | - Mohamed Nawfal Ghazzal
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, UMR8000, Institut de Chimie Physique, Orsay 91405, France.
| | - Erwan Paineau
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Orsay 91405, France.
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Imogolite Nanotubes: A Flexible Nanoplatform with Multipurpose Applications. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/app8101921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Among a wide variety of inorganic nanotubes, imogolite nanotubes (INTs) represent a model of nanoplatforms with an untapped potential for advanced technological applications. Easily synthesized by sol-gel methods, these nanotubes are directly obtained with a monodisperse pore size. Coupled with the possibility to adjust their surface properties by using straightforward functionalization processes, INTs form a unique class of diameter-controlled nanotubes with functional interfaces. The purpose of this review is to provide the reader with an overview of the synthesis and functionalization of INTs. The properties of INTs will be stated afterwards into perspective with the recent development on their applications, in particular for polymer/INTs nanocomposites, molecular confinement or catalysis.
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Elliott JD, Poli E, Scivetti I, Ratcliff LE, Andrinopoulos L, Dziedzic J, Hine NDM, Mostofi AA, Skylaris C, Haynes PD, Teobaldi G. Chemically Selective Alternatives to Photoferroelectrics for Polarization-Enhanced Photocatalysis: The Untapped Potential of Hybrid Inorganic Nanotubes. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2017; 4:1600153. [PMID: 28251044 PMCID: PMC5323885 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201600153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Linear-scaling density functional theory simulation of methylated imogolite nanotubes (NTs) elucidates the interplay between wall-polarization, bands separation, charge-transfer excitation, and tunable electrostatics inside and outside the NT-cavity. The results suggest that integration of polarization-enhanced selective photocatalysis and chemical separation into one overall dipole-free material should be possible. Strategies are proposed to increase the NT polarization for maximally enhanced electron-hole separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D. Elliott
- Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy and Department of ChemistryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL69 3BXUK
| | - Emiliano Poli
- Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy and Department of ChemistryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL69 3BXUK
| | - Ivan Scivetti
- Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy and Department of ChemistryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL69 3BXUK
| | - Laura E. Ratcliff
- The Thomas Young Centre for Theory and Simulation of MaterialsImperial College LondonLondonSW7 2AZUK
| | - Lampros Andrinopoulos
- The Thomas Young Centre for Theory and Simulation of MaterialsImperial College LondonLondonSW7 2AZUK
| | - Jacek Dziedzic
- School of ChemistryUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonSO17 1BJUK
- Faculty of Applied Physics and MathematicsGdansk University of TechnologyGdansk80 233Poland
| | | | - Arash A. Mostofi
- The Thomas Young Centre for Theory and Simulation of MaterialsImperial College LondonLondonSW7 2AZUK
| | | | - Peter D. Haynes
- The Thomas Young Centre for Theory and Simulation of MaterialsImperial College LondonLondonSW7 2AZUK
| | - Gilberto Teobaldi
- Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy and Department of ChemistryUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolL69 3BXUK
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Shafia E, Esposito S, Bahadori E, Armandi M, Manzoli M, Bonelli B. Synthesis and Characterization of Fe-doped Aluminosilicate Nanotubes with Enhanced Electron Conductive Properties. J Vis Exp 2016:54758. [PMID: 27911418 PMCID: PMC5226238 DOI: 10.3791/54758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of the protocol is to synthesize Fe-doped aluminosilicate nanotubes of the imogolite type with the formula (OH)3Al2-xFexO3SiOH. Doping with Fe aims at lowering the band gap of imogolite, an insulator with the chemical formula (OH)3Al2O3SiOH, and at modifying its adsorption properties towards azo-dyes, an important class of organic pollutants of both wastewater and groundwater. Fe-doped nanotubes are obtained in two ways: by direct synthesis, where FeCl3 is added to an aqueous mixture of the Si and Al precursors, and by post-synthesis loading, where preformed nanotubes are put in contact with a FeCl3•6H2O aqueous solution. In both synthesis methods, isomorphic substitution of Al3+ by Fe3+ occurs, preserving the nanotube structure. Isomorphic substitution is indeed limited to a mass fraction of ~1.0% Fe, since at a higher Fe content (i.e., a mass fraction of 1.4% Fe), Fe2O3 clusters form, especially when the loading procedure is adopted. The physicochemical properties of the materials are studied by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), N2 sorption isotherms at -196 °C, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), diffuse reflectance (DR) UV-Vis spectroscopy, and ζ-potential measurements. The most relevant result is the possibility to replace Al3+ ions (located on the outer surface of the nanotubes) by post-synthesis loading on preformed imogolite without perturbing the delicate hydrolysis equilibria occurring during nanotube formation. During the loading procedure, an anionic exchange occurs, where Al3+ ions on the outer surface of the nanotubes are replaced by Fe3+ ions. In Fe-doped aluminosilicate nanotubes, isomorphic substitution of Al3+ by Fe3+ is found to affect the band gap of doped imogolite. Nonetheless, Fe3+ sites on the outer surface of nanotubes are able to coordinate organic moieties, like the azo-dye Acid Orange 7, through a ligand-displacement mechanism occurring in an aqueous solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Shafia
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino
| | - Serena Esposito
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Università degli Studi di Cassino e del Lazio Meridionale
| | - Elnaz Bahadori
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino
| | - Marco Armandi
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino; Institute of Chemistry, Politecnico di Torino
| | - Maela Manzoli
- Department of Chemistry & NIS Interdepartmental Centre, University of Turin
| | - Barbara Bonelli
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino; Institute of Chemistry, Politecnico di Torino; INSTM Unit of Torino-Politecnico, Politecnico di Torino;
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8
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Poli E, Elliott JD, Ratcliff LE, Andrinopoulos L, Dziedzic J, Hine NDM, Mostofi AA, Skylaris CK, Haynes PD, Teobaldi G. The potential of imogolite nanotubes as (co-)photocatalysts: a linear-scaling density functional theory study. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2016; 28:074003. [PMID: 26808452 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/28/7/074003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
We report a linear-scaling density functional theory (DFT) study of the structure, wall-polarization absolute band-alignment and optical absorption of several, recently synthesized, open-ended imogolite (Imo) nanotubes (NTs), namely single-walled (SW) aluminosilicate (AlSi), SW aluminogermanate (AlGe), SW methylated aluminosilicate (AlSi-Me), and double-walled (DW) AlGe NTs. Simulations with three different semi-local and dispersion-corrected DFT-functionals reveal that the NT wall-polarization can be increased by nearly a factor of four going from SW-AlSi-Me to DW-AlGe. Absolute vacuum alignment of the NT electronic bands and comparison with those of rutile and anatase TiO2 suggest that the NTs may exhibit marked propensity to both photo-reduction and hole-scavenging. Characterization of the NTs' band-separation and optical properties reveal the occurrence of (near-)UV inside-outside charge-transfer excitations, which may be effective for electron-hole separation and enhanced photocatalytic activity. Finally, the effects of the NTs' wall-polarization on the absolute alignment of electron and hole acceptor states of interacting water (H2O) molecules are quantified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Poli
- Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy and Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
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Avellan A, Levard C, Kumar N, Rose J, Olivi L, Thill A, Chaurand P, Borschneck D, Masion A. Structural incorporation of iron into Ge–imogolite nanotubes: a promising step for innovative nanomaterials. RSC Adv 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra08840a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron-doped aluminogermanate nanotubes were obtained using a single step, aqueous phase synthesis protocol, resulting in a novel nanomaterial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - N. Kumar
- CEREGE
- CNRS
- Aix-Marseille Univ
- IRD
- UM34
| | - J. Rose
- CEREGE
- CNRS
- Aix-Marseille Univ
- IRD
- UM34
| | - L. Olivi
- ELETTRA
- Synchrotron Light Source
- 34012 Trieste, Italy
| | - A. Thill
- CEA Saclay
- IRAMIS
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire sur l'Organisation Nanométrique et Supramoléculaire
- 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
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