Effectively enhanced photocatalytic performance of layered perovskite Bi2NdO4Cl by coupling piezotronic effect

Strong near-infrared upconversion luminescence of the Er3+/Y3+ co-doped YbVO4 phosphor for multimode optical temperature measurement

This study explored the enhancement of near-infrared emissions in YbVO4: Er3+ through Y3+ ion doping under a 980 nm laser excitation. The phosphor exhibits weak green emissions at 527 nm (2H11/2 → 4I15/2) and 553 nm (4S3/2 → 4I15/2), red emissions at 654 nm (4F9/2 → 4I15/2), and a strong near-infrared emission at 803 nm (4I9/2 → 4I15/2). Optimal doping concentration of Y3+ ion in YbVO4: 0.02 Er3+ was determined to be 0.1, resulting in a 7.6-fold enhancement of near-infrared luminescence. This enhancement is attributed to defect bands facilitating energy transfer from green and red levels to the near-infrared levels. Furthermore, a multi-mode temperature sensor based on YbVO4: Er3+/Y3+ was developed, offering four distinct temperature sensing modes: TCEL of 2H11/2/4S3/2, NTCEL of 2H11/2/4F9/2 and 4S3/2/4F9/2, and single luminescence emission intensity of 4I9/2 energy level. The sensor demonstrates maximum relative sensitivities of 1.17 % K-1 at 298 K, 0.66 % K-1 at 298 K, 0.41 % K-1 at 298 K and 1.29 % K-1 at 673 K. YbVO4: Er3+/Y3+ phosphor exhibits high temperature sensitivity, showcasing significant potential for optical temperature sensing applications.

Pioneering Piezoelectric-Driven Atomic Hydrogen for Efficient Dehalogenation of Halogenated Organic Pollutants

The electrocatalytic hydrodehalogenation (EHDH) process mediated by atomic hydrogen (H*) is recognized as an efficient method for degrading halogenated organic pollutants (HOPs). However, a significant challenge is the excessive energy consumption resulting from the recombination of H* to H2 production in the EHDH process. In this study, a promising strategy was proposed to generate piezo-induced atomic H*, without external energy input or chemical consumption, for the degradation and dehalogenation of HOPs. Specifically, sub-5 nm Ni nanoparticles were subtly dotted on an N-doped carbon layer coating on BaTiO3 cube, and the resulted hybrid nanocomposite (Ni-NC@BTO) can effectively break C-X (X = Cl and F) bonds under ultrasonic vibration or mechanical stirring, demonstrating high piezoelectric driven dehalogenation efficiencies toward various HOPs. Mechanistic studies revealed that the dotted Ni nanoparticles can efficiently capture H* to form Ni-H* (Habs) and drive the dehalogenation process to lower the toxicity of intermediates. COMSOL simulations confirmed a "chimney effect" on the interface of Ni nanoparticle, which facilitated the accumulation of H+ and enhanced electron transfer for H* formation by improving the surface charge of the piezocatalyst and strengthening the interfacial electric field. Our work introduces an environmentally friendly dehalogenation method for HOPs using the piezoelectric process independent of the external energy input and chemical consumption.

A comprehensive review on the application of semiconducting materials in the degradation of effluents and water splitting

In this comprehensive review article, we delve into the critical intersection of environmental science and materials science. The introduction sets the stage by emphasizing the global water shortage crisis and the dire consequences of untreated effluents on ecosystems and human health. As we progress into the second section, we embark on an intricate exploration of piezoelectric and photocatalytic principles, illuminating their significance in wastewater treatment and sustainable energy production. The heart of our review is dedicated to a detailed analysis of the detrimental impacts of effluents on human health, underscoring the urgency of effective treatment methods. We dissected three key materials in the realm of piezo-photocatalysis: ZnO-based materials, BaTiO3-based materials, and bismuth-doped materials. Each material is scrutinized for its unique properties and applications in the removal of pollutants from wastewater, offering a comprehensive understanding of their potential to address this critical issue. Furthermore, our exploration extends to the realm of hydrogen production, where we discuss various types of hydrogen and the role of piezo-photocatalysis in generating clean and sustainable hydrogen. By illuminating the synergistic potential of these advanced materials and technologies, we pave the way for innovative solutions to the pressing challenges of water pollution and renewable energy production. This review article not only serves as a valuable resource for researchers and scholars in the fields of material science and environmental engineering but also underscores the pivotal role of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex global issues.