Production of iron oxide and nickel oxide nanostructural particles, investigation of the supercapacitor and photocatalytic properties

In this study, iron oxide, nickel oxide, and nickel-iron oxide nanostructured particles were produced by the hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM measurements were performed to investigate the physical properties of these nanostructured particles. According to the XRD results, the crystal properties of these particles were determined. From the SEM images, these particles understood to be nano-structured. The electrodes were examined for electrochemical properties by using these nanostructured particles. Electrochemical measurements of the produced electrodes were performed, and capacitance values and impedance spectra of the electrodes were determined. The specific capacitance values of the iron oxide, nickel-iron oxide, and nickel oxide nanostructured particles, respectively are 30 F/g, 55 F/g, and 67 F/g. Also, the photocatalytic activities of nanostructured particles were investigated. This examination methylene blue (MB) was used and made under a xenon lamp. In light of our findings, it was observed that high photocatalytic degradation rate. Nickel-iron oxide nanostructured particles, the degradation of MB were found to be about 87%.

Preparation of Nanowire like WSe2-Graphene Nanocomposite for Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 into CH3OH with the Presence of Sacrificial Agents

A nanowire-like WSe₂-graphene catalyst was prepared via ultra-sonication and was tested in terms of the photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ into CH₃OH under irradiation with UV/visible light. The prepared nano-composite was further characterized via XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman and XPS. The photocurrent analysis was further tested for its photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ using gas chromatography (GCMS-QP2010 SE). To further improve the the photo-catalytic efficiency, a sacrificial agent (Na₂S/Na₂SO₃) was added to the WSe₂-graphene nanocomposite and was found to improve the photo-catalytic efficiency, with the methanol yield reaching 5.0278 µmol g⁻¹h⁻¹. Our present work provides a convenient way to prepare nanomaterials various morphologies that have future applications for environmental remediation.

Materials for selective photo-oxygenation vs. photocatalysis: preparation, properties and applications in environmental and health fields

Photosensitizing materials made of organic dyes embedded in various supports are compared to usual supported TiO₂-based photocatalysts.

Electron transfers in a TiO2-containing MOR zeolite: synthesis of the nanoassemblies and application using a probe chromophore molecule

New assemblies constituted by a microporous matrix of mordenite (MOR) zeolite on which TiO2 nanoclusters are deposited were synthesized using ionic oxalate complexes and TiCl3 titanium precursors. The samples were used to investigate the transfer of electrons produced by spontaneous or photo-induced ionization of a guest molecule (t-stilbene, t-St) occluded in the porous volume towards the conduction band of a conductive material placed nearby, in the pores or at least close to their entrance. The reaction mechanisms were compared in these Ti-rich solids and in a Ti-free mordenite sample. The characterization by XRD, N2 physisorption, TEM, XPS and DRIFT spectroscopy of the supramolecular TiO2/MOR systems before t-St adsorption showed the preservation of the crystalline structure after Ti addition and thermal activation treatments. They also revealed that titanium is mainly located at the external surface of the zeolite grains, in the form of highly dispersed and/or aggregated anatase. After incorporation of the guest molecule in the new assemblies, diffuse reflectance UV-visible and EPR spectroscopies indicate that the electron transfer processes are similar with and without TiO2 but strongly stabilized t-St˙(+) radicals are detected in the TiO2-MOR samples whereas such species were never detected earlier in TiO2-free mordenite using these techniques. The stabilization process is found to be more efficient in the sample prepared with TiCl3 as the precursor than with titanium oxalates. It is proposed that the proximity of TiO2 with the formed t-St˙(+) radicals provokes the stabilization of the radical through capture of the ejected electron by the semi-conductor and that confinement effects can also play a role.

Embedded phases: a way to active and stable catalysts

Industrial catalysts are typically made of nanosized metal particles, carried by a solid support. The extremely small size of the particles maximizes the surface area exposed to the reactant, leading to higher reactivity. Moreover, the higher the number of metal atoms in contact with the support, the better the catalyst performance. In addition, peculiar properties have been observed for some metal/metal oxide particles of critical sizes. However, thermal stability of these nanostructures is limited by their size; smaller the particle size, the lower the thermal stability. The ability to fabricate and control the structure of nanoparticles allows to influence the resulting properties and, ultimately, to design stable catalysts with the desired characteristics. Tuning particle sizes provides the possibility to modulate the catalytic activity. Unique and unexpected properties have been observed by confining/embedding metal nanoparticles in inorganic channels or cavities, which indeed offers new opportunities for the design of advanced catalytic systems. Innovation in catalyst design is a powerful tool in realizing the goals of more green, efficient and sustainable industrial processes. The present Review focuses on the catalytic performance of noble metal- and non precious metal-based embedded catalysts with respect to traditional impregnated systems. Emphasis is dedicated to the improved thermal stability of these nanostructures compared to conventional systems.