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 hierarchical SnS@ZnIn2S4 marigold flower-like 2D nano-heterostructure as an efficient photocatalyst for sunlight-driven hydrogen generation

Herein, we report the in situ single-step hydrothermal synthesis of hierarchical 2D SnS@ZnIn₂S₄ nano-heterostructures and the examination of their photocatalytic activity towards hydrogen generation from H₂S and water under sunlight. The photoactive sulfides rationally integrate via strong electrostatic interactions between ZnIn₂S₄ and SnS with two-dimensional ultrathin subunits, i.e. nanopetals. The morphological study of nano-heterostructures revealed that the hierarchical marigold flower-like structure is self-assembled via the nanopetals of ZnIn₂S₄ with few layers of SnS nanopetals. Surprisingly, it also showed that the SnS nanopetals with a thickness of ∼25 nm couple in situ with the nanopetals of ZnIn₂S₄ with a thickness of ∼25 nm to form a marigold flower-like assembly with intimate contact. Considering the unique band gap (2.0-2.4 eV) of this SnS@ZnIn₂S₄, photocatalytic hydrogen generation from water and H₂S was performed under sunlight. SnS@ZnIn₂S₄ exhibits enhanced hydrogen evolution, i.e. 650 μmol h^-1 g^-1 from water and 6429 μmol h^-1 g^-1 from H₂S, which is much higher compared to that of pure ZnIn₂S₄ and SnS. More significantly, the enhancement in hydrogen generation is 1.6-2 times more for H₂S splitting and 6 times more for water splitting. SnS@ZnIn₂S₄ forms type I band alignment, which accelerates charge separation during the surface reaction. Additionally, this has been provoked by the nanostructuring of the materials. Due to the nano-heterostructure with hierarchical morphology, the surface defects increased which ultimately suppresses the recombination of the electron-hole pair. The above-mentioned facts demonstrate a significant improvement in the interface electron transfer kinetics due to such a unique 2D nano-heterostructure semiconductor which is responsible for a higher photocatalytic activity.

Bifunctional reusable Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticle-grafted carbon nanotubes for aqueous dye removal from contaminated water

Highly stable and reusable CNF-grafted CNTs for efficient and effective aqueous dye removal from contaminated waters.

A Review on the Synthesis and Characterization of Metal Organic Frameworks for Photocatalytic Water Purification

This review analyzes the preparation and characterization of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and their application as photocatalysts for water purification. The study begins by highlighting the problem of water scarcity and the different solutions for purification, including photocatalysis with semiconductors, such as MOFs. It also describes the different methodologies that can be used for the synthesis of MOFs, paying attention to the purification and activation steps. The characterization of MOFs and the different approaches that can be followed to learn the photocatalytic processes are also detailed. Finally, the work reviews literature focused on the degradation of contaminants from water using MOF-based photocatalysts under light irradiation.

Mechanism of photocatalytic toluene oxidation with ZnWO4: a combined experimental and theoretical investigation

ZnWO₄ was found to adsorb O₂ and H₂O, and activate them to produce active radicals. The reactions to form benzyl alcohol and benzoic acid could be carried out spontaneously. The ring opening reaction is more likely to be carried out on benzoic acid.