A novel and stretchable carbon-nanotube/Ni@TiO2:W photocatalytic composite for the complete removal of diclofenac drug from the drinking water

We present the structural, morphological and photocatalytic properties of stretchable composites made with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), silicon rubber and Ni@TiO₂:W nanoparticles (TiWNi NPs) with average size of 37 ± 2 nm. Microscopy images showed that the TiWNi NPs decorated the surface of the CNT fibers, which are oriented in a preferential direction. TiWNi NPs presented a mixture of anatase/rutile phases with cubic structure. The performance of the TiWNi powders and stretchable composites was evaluated for the photocatalytic degradation of diclofenac (DCF) anti-inflammatory drug under ultraviolet-visible light. The results revealed that the maximum DCF degradation percentages were 34.6%, 91.9%, 97.1%, 98.5% and 100% for the CNT composite (stretched at 0%), TiWNi powders, CNT + TiWNi (stretched at 0%), CNT + TiWNi (stretched at 50%) and CNT + TiWNi (stretched at 100%), respectively. Thus, stretching the CNT + TiWNi composites was a good strategy to enhance the DCF degradation percentage from 97.1% to 100%, since stretching created additional defects (oxygen vacancies) that acted as electron sink, delaying the electron-hole recombination, and favors the DCF degradation. Raman/absorbance measurements confirmed the presence of such defects. Moreover, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by the scavenger's experiments and found that the main ROS were the ·OH and O₂^- radicals, which attacked the DCF molecules, causing their degradation. The results of this investigation confirmed that the stretchable CNT/TiWNi-based composites are a viable alternative to remove pharmaceutical contaminants from water and can be manually separated from the decontaminated water, which is unviable using photocatalytic powders.

Facile Synthesis of TiO2/MoS2 Composites with Co-Exposed High-Energy Facets for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance

In this work, with the the H₂TiO₃ colloidal suspension and MoS₂ as the precursors, TiO₂/MoS₂ composites composed of anatase TiO₂ nanocrystals with co-exposed {101} and [111]-facets (nanorod and nanocuboid), {101} and {010} facets (nanospindle), and MoS₂ microspheres constructed by layer-by-layer self-assembly of nanosheets were hydrothermally synthesized under different pH conditions. The characterization has been performed by combining X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution TEM (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and UV-visible absorption spectrum analyses. The photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) in an aqueous suspension was employed to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared pHx-TiO₂/MoS₂ composites. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of pH3.5-TiO₂/MoS₂ composite was the highest (99.70%), which was 11.24, 2.98, 1.48, 1.21, 1.09, 1.03, 1.10, and 1.14 times that of Blank, MoS₂, CM-TiO₂, pH1.5-TiO₂/MoS₂, pH5.5-TiO₂/MoS₂, pH7.5-TiO₂/MoS₂, pH9.5-TiO₂/MoS₂, pH11.5-TiO₂/MoS₂, respectively. The pH3.5-TiO₂/MoS₂ composite exhibited the highest photocatalytic degradation rate, which may be attributed to the synergistic effects of its large specific surface area, suitable heterojunction structure, and favorable photogenerated charge-separation efficiency. This work is expect to provide primary insights into the photocatalytic effect of TiO₂/MoS₂ composite with co-exposed high-energy facets, and make a contribution to designing more efficient and stable photocatalysts.

Photocatalytic hydrogenation of acetophenone on a titanium dioxide cellulose film

A previously developed sustainable immobilization concept for photocatalysts based on cellulose as a renewable support material was applied for the photocatalytic hydrogenation of acetophenone (ACP) to 1-phenyl ethanol (PE). Four different TiO2 modifications (P25, P90, PC105, and PC500) were screened for the reaction showing good performance for PC25 and PC500. PC500 was selected for a detailed kinetic study to find the optimal operating conditions, and to obtain a better understanding of the photocatalytic pathway in relation to conventional and transfer hydrogenation. The kinetic data were analyzed using the pseudo-first-order reaction rate law. A complete conversion was obtained for ACP concentrations below 1 mM using a 360 nm filter and argon as the purge gas within 2-3 hours. High oxygen concentrations slow down or prevent the reaction, and wavelengths below 300 nm lead to side-products. By investigating the temperature dependency, an activation energy of 22 kJ mol-1 was determined which is lower than the activation energies for conventional and transfer hydrogenation, because the light activation of the photocatalyst turns the endothermic to an exothermic reaction. PC500 was immobilized onto the cellulose film showing a 37% lower activity that remains almost constant after multiple use.

Design and Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of TiO2-Lanthanides Systems and Evaluation of Photocatalytic Activity under UV-LED Light Irradiation

The TiO2-Eu and TiO2-La systems were successfully synthesized using the microwave method. Based on the results of X-ray diffraction analysis, it was found that regardless of the analyzed systems, two crystal structures were noted for the obtained samples: anatase and rutile. The analysis, such as XPS and EDS, proved that the doped lanthanum and europium nano-particles are present only on the TiO2 surface without disturbing the crystal lattice. In the synthesized systems, there were no significant changes in the bandgap energy. Moreover, all the obtained systems were characterized by high thermal stability. One of the key objectives of the work, and a scientific novelty, was the introduction of UV-LED lamps into the metronidazole photo-oxidation pathway. The results of the photo-oxidation study showed that the obtained TiO2 systems doped with selected lanthanides (Eu or La) show high efficiency in the removal of metronidazole, and at the same consuming nearly 10 times less electricity compared to conventional UV lamps (high-pressure mercury lamp). Liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of an intermediate solution showed the presence of fragments of the degraded molecule by m/z 114, 83, and 60, prompting the formulation of a plausible photodegradation pathway for metronidazole.

Thermal-Sprayed Photocatalytic Coatings for Biocidal Applications: A Review

There have been ever-growing demands for disinfection of water and air in recent years. Efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective methods of disinfection for pathogens are vital to the health of human beings. The photocatalysis route has attracted worldwide attention due to its highly efficient oxidative capabilities and sustainable recycling, which can be used to realize the disinfection purposes without secondary pollution. Though many studies have comprehensively reviewed the work about photocatalytic disinfection, including design and fabrication of photocatalytic coatings, inactivation mechanisms, or practical applications, systematic reviews about the disinfection photocatalysis coatings from fabrication to effort for practical use are still rare. Among different ways of fabricating photocatalytic materials, thermal spray is a versatile surface coating technique and competitive in constructing large-scale functional coatings, which is a most promising way for the future environmental purification, biomedical and life health applications. In this review, we briefly introduced various photocatalytic materials and corresponding inactivation mechanisms for virus, bacteria and fungus. We summarized the thermal-sprayed photocatalysts and their antimicrobial performances. Finally, we discussed the future perspectives of the photocatalytic disinfection coatings for potential applications. This review would shed light on the development and implementation of sustainable disinfection strategies that is applicable for extensive use for controlling pathogens in the near future.

Facile one-pot synthesis of heterostructure SnO2/ZnO photocatalyst for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic dye

In this work, heterostructure SnO₂/ZnO nanocomposite photocatalyst was prepared by a straightforward one step polyol method.

Interactions between Metal Oxides and Biomolecules: from Fundamental Understanding to Applications

Metallo-oxide (MO)-based bioinorganic nanocomposites promise unique structures, physicochemical properties, and novel biochemical functionalities, and within the past decade, investment in research on materials such as ZnO, TiO₂, SiO₂, and GeO₂ has significantly increased. Besides traditional approaches, the synthesis, shaping, structural patterning, and postprocessing chemical functionalization of the materials surface is inspired by strategies which mimic processes in nature. Would such materials deliver new technologies? Answering this question requires the merging of historical knowledge and current research from different fields of science. Practically, we need an effective defragmentation of the research area. From our perspective, the superficial accounting of material properties, chemistry of the surfaces, and the behavior of biomolecules next to such surfaces is a problem. This is particularly of concern when we wish to bridge between technologies in vitro and biotechnologies in vivo. Further, besides the potential practical technological efficiency and advantages such materials might exhibit, we have to consider the wider long-term implications of material stability and toxicity. In this contribution, we present a critical review of recent advances in the chemistry and engineering of MO-based biocomposites, highlighting the role of interactions at the interface and the techniques by which these can be studied. At the end of the article, we outline the challenges which hamper progress in research and extrapolate to developing and promising directions including additive manufacturing and synthetic biology that could benefit from molecular level understanding of interactions occurring between inanimate (abiotic) and living (biotic) materials.

Acidic ionic liquids: an alternative to HF for {001} reactive facet controlled synthesis of anatase titania

A HF free method for the controlled synthesis of nanosized TiO₂ with a higher percentage of {001} reactive facets.