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Yavarzadeh M, Nasirpouri F, Foruzin LJ, Pourandarjani A. Photocurrent response loss of dye sensitized solar cells owing to top surface nanograss growth and bundling of anodic TiO 2 nanotubes. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24247. [PMID: 38293466 PMCID: PMC10825488 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In this research, the effect of anodization time on the length of the titanium oxide nanotube arrays (TNAs) and photovoltaic parameters of back-side illuminated dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were investigated. The TNAs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (X-ray) or (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Anodic TNAs having tube lengths from 7.9 to 20.17 μm were produced in ethylene glycol containing ammonium fluoride-NH4F by increasing the anodizing time from 20 min to 6 h. Based on I-V curves, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of back-side illuminated dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) increased for TNAs grown for up to 120 min, but decreased afterward. Using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), we understand that the resistance of the TNAs decreased from 94.82 Ω cm-2 for TNAs anodized for 20 min down to 50.43 Ω cm-2 for those TNAs anodized for 120 min, however, it increases for TNAs anodized for longer periods of time. Furthermore, the short circuit current density (Jsc) increased from 3.14 to 5.67 mA cm-2 during 2 h anodic oxidation for TNAs, and leading to enhanced efficiency of about 200 % (from 1.19 % to 2.45 %). We interpret this behaviour with the top surface morphology evolution of TNAs as a function of anodization time which is associated with the formation of top surface nanograss and bundling the tubes for specific durations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Yavarzadeh
- Faculty of Materials Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz 51335-1996, Iran
| | - Farzad Nasirpouri
- Faculty of Materials Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz 51335-1996, Iran
| | - Leila Jafari Foruzin
- Faculty of Materials Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz 51335-1996, Iran
| | - Amin Pourandarjani
- Faculty of Materials Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz 51335-1996, Iran
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Gervasi S, Blangetti N, Freyria FS, Guastella S, Bonelli B. Undoped and Fe-Doped Anatase/Brookite TiO2 Mixed Phases, Obtained by a Simple Template-Free Synthesis Method: Physico-Chemical Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity towards Simazine Degradation. Catalysts 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/catal13040667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
For the first time, Fe-doping (0.05, 1.0, and 2.5 wt.% Fe) was performed on a high-surface-area anatase/brookite TiO2 by adopting a simple template-free sol-gel synthesis followed by calcination at a mild temperature. The powders’ textural and surface properties were characterized by following a multi-technique approach. XRD analysis showed that the anatase/brookite ratio slightly varied in the Fe-doped TiO2 (from 76.9/23.1 to 79.3/22.7); Fe doping noticeably affected the cell volume of the brookite phase, which decreased, likely due to Fe3+ ions occupying interstitial positions, and retarded the crystallite growth. N2 sorption at −196 °C showed the occurrence of samples with disordered interparticle mesopores, with an increase in the specific surface area from 236 m2 g−1 (undoped TiO2) to 263 m2 g−1 (2.5 wt.% Fe). Diffuse Reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopy showed a progressive decrease in the bandgap energy from 3.10 eV (undoped TiO2) to 2.85 eV (2.5 wt.% Fe). XPS analysis showed the presence of some surface Fe species only at 2.5 wt.% Fe, and accordingly, the ζ-potential measurements showed small changes in the pH at the isoelectric point. The photocatalytic degradation of simazine (a persistent water contaminant) both under UV and simulated solar light was performed as a probe reaction. Under UV light, Fe-doping improved simazine degradation in the sample at 0.05 wt.% Fe, capable of degrading ca. 77% simazine. Interestingly, the undoped TiO2 was also active both under UV and 1 SUN. This is likely due to the occurrence of anatase/brookite heterojunctions, which help stabilize the photogenerated electrons/holes.
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Tube length optimization of titania nanotube array for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting. Sci Rep 2023; 13:103. [PMID: 36596849 PMCID: PMC9810667 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27278-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Anodic TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTAs) have attracted much attention due to their excellent photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties. In this work, the tube length of TNTAs was optimized for efficient PEC water splitting under two different conditions, in which very few or a massive amount of gas bubbles were generated on the electrodes. As a result, relatively longer TNTAs were found to be preferable for higher PEC performance when a larger number of bubbles were generated. This suggests that the mass transport in the electrolyte is assisted by the generated bubbles, so that the electrode surfaces are more easily exposed to the fresh electrolyte, leading to the higher PEC performance.
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Singh P, Mohan B, Madaan V, Ranga R, Kumari P, Kumar S, Bhankar V, Kumar P, Kumar K. Nanomaterials photocatalytic activities for waste water treatment: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:69294-69326. [PMID: 35978242 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22550-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Water is necessary for the survival of life on Earth. A wide range of pollutants has contaminated water resources in the last few decades. The presence of contaminants incredibly different dyes in waste, potable, and surface water is hazardous to environmental and human health. Different types of dyes are the principal contaminants in water that need sudden attention because of their widespread domestic and industrial use. The toxic effects of these dyes and their ability to resist traditional water treatment procedures have inspired the researcher to develop an eco-friendly method that could effectively and efficiently degrade these toxic contaminants. Here, in this review, we explored the effective and economical methods of metal-based nanomaterials photocatalytic degradation for successfully removing dyes from wastewater. This study provides a tool for protecting the environment and human health. In addition, the insights into the transformation of solar energy for photocatalytic reduction of toxic metal ions and photocatalytic degradation of dyes contaminated wastewater will open a gate for water treatment research. The mechanism of photocatalytic degradation and the parameters that affect the photocatalytic activities of various photocatalysts have also been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Permender Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science & Technology, Murthal, Sonepat, 131039, Haryana, India
| | - Brij Mohan
- College of Ocean Food and Biological Engineering, Jimei University, 185 Yinjiang Road, Jimei District, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Vasundhara Madaan
- Department of Chemistry, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science & Technology, Murthal, Sonepat, 131039, Haryana, India
| | - Rohit Ranga
- Department of Chemistry, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science & Technology, Murthal, Sonepat, 131039, Haryana, India
| | - Parveen Kumari
- Department of Chemistry, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science & Technology, Murthal, Sonepat, 131039, Haryana, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, J. C. Bose University of Science & Technology, YMCA, Faridabad, 126006, Haryana, India
| | - Vinita Bhankar
- Department of Biochemistry, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, 136119, Haryana, India
| | - Parmod Kumar
- Department of Physics, J. C. Bose University of Science & Technology, YMCA, Faridabad, 126006, Haryana, India
| | - Krishan Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science & Technology, Murthal, Sonepat, 131039, Haryana, India.
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Navidpour AH, Hosseinzadeh A, Zhou JL, Huang Z. Progress in the application of surface engineering methods in immobilizing TiO 2 and ZnO coatings for environmental photocatalysis. CATALYSIS REVIEWS 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/01614940.2021.1983066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amir H. Navidpour
- Centre for Green Technology, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Ahmad Hosseinzadeh
- Centre for Green Technology, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - John L. Zhou
- Centre for Green Technology, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Zhenguo Huang
- Centre for Green Technology, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
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Xu J, Olvera-Vargas H, Teo FYH, Lefebvre O. A comparison of visible-light photocatalysts for solar photoelectrocatalysis coupled to solar photoelectro-Fenton: Application to the degradation of the pesticide simazine. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 276:130138. [PMID: 33740647 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Three different visible-light photocatalysts (hematite (α-Fe2O3), bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) and Mo-doped bismuth vanadate (BiMoVO4)) deposited on transparent fluorine-doped SnO2 (FTO) were evaluated for the solar-driven photoelectrocatalytic treatment of emerging pollutants. BiMoVO4 was found to be the most effective photoanode, yielding the fastest degradation rate constant and highest mineralization efficiency using phenol as the oxidation probe. The BiMoVO4 photoanode was then used to degrade the herbicide simazine in a photoelectrolytic cell combining photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) with photoelectron-Fenton (PEF) under solar light (SPEC-SPEC). Total simazine removal was achieved within 1 min of treatment (kapp = 4.21 min-1) at the optimum electrode potential of 2.5 V vs Ag/AgCl, with complete TOC removal in 2 h. The analysis of anionic species in solution during treatment showed that most of the nitrogen heteroatoms in the simazine structure were converted into NO3- following •OH addition to organic N. This innovative process combining BiMoVO4-PEC with PEF using solar light as a sustainable source of energy (SPEC-SPEF) achieved the highest degradation/mineralization efficiency ever reported for simazine treatment. Besides, this is the first work reporting the photo(electrochemical) degradation of this toxic herbicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxiong Xu
- Centre for Water Research, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore, 117576, Singapore
| | - Hugo Olvera-Vargas
- Centre for Water Research, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore, 117576, Singapore; Instituto de Energías Renovables, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (IER-UNAM), Priv. Xochicalco S/N, Col. Centro, Temixco, Morelos, 62580, Mexico
| | - Felix Yee Hao Teo
- Centre for Water Research, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore, 117576, Singapore
| | - Olivier Lefebvre
- Centre for Water Research, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore, 117576, Singapore.
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Boruah PK, Darabdhara G, Das MR. Polydopamine functionalized graphene sheets decorated with magnetic metal oxide nanoparticles as efficient nanozyme for the detection and degradation of harmful triazine pesticides. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 268:129328. [PMID: 33359997 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A facile and an eco-friendly reduction and functionalization of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets is carried out using dopamine and decorated with magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles with an average size of 12 nm by a simple co-precipitation method which is established as an artificial nanozyme. Here, functionalization of graphene using dopamine has introduced several advantages and insights into this study. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles decorated functionalized rGO sheets (FDGs) nanozymes are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermogravimetric (TGA) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis. FDGs nanozymes exhibits dual characteristics towards detection and degradation of harmful simazine pesticide. The hydrogen bonding interactions between pesticide molecules and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) causes inhibition of the catalytic activity of the FDGs towards oxidation of TMB molecule. Based on that, the presence of simazine pesticide in an aqueous medium can be easily determined and a certain value (2.24 μM) of detection limit was achieved. The photocatalytic degradation of simazine is also executed and excellent photocatalytic activity was observed under irradiation of direct natural sunlight. The FDGs nanozyme is also reusable up to several times with insignificant loss in its catalytic activity towards simazine degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purna K Boruah
- Advanced Materials Group, Materials Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Gitashree Darabdhara
- Advanced Materials Group, Materials Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Manash R Das
- Advanced Materials Group, Materials Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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Green Synthesized Palladium Coated Titanium Nanotube Arrays for Simultaneous Azo-Dye Degradation and Hydrogen Production. Catalysts 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/catal10111330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, electrodes of titanium dioxide nanotube arrays (TNAs) were successfully synthesized by applying the anodic oxidation etching method, as well as the use of green synthetic technology to add reducing agents of tea or coffee to reduce metal palladium from palladium chloride. Synthesis of palladium modified TNAs (Pd/TNAs) was conducted by the microwave hydrothermal method after the metal palladium was reduced. In order to identify the surface structure, light absorption and elemental composition, TNAs and Pd/TNAs were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, to test the photocurrent density, electron resistance, and hydroxyl radicals by I-t plot, electrochemistry impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) were investigated. The photocurrent (4.0 mA/cm2) of Pd/TNAs-C (using coffee as the reducing agent) at +1.0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) was higher than that of the pure TNAs (1.5 mA/cm2), illustrating that Pd/TNAs-C can effectively separate photogenerated electrons and holes. Pd/TNAs is a favorable material as a photoanode for the photoelectrochemical (PEC) removal of organic pollutants in wastewater.
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Electrochemical Engineering of Nanoporous Materials for Photocatalysis: Fundamentals, Advances, and Perspectives. Catalysts 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/catal9120988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Photocatalysis comprises a variety of light-driven processes in which solar energy is converted into green chemical energy to drive reactions such as water splitting for hydrogen energy generation, degradation of environmental pollutants, CO2 reduction and NH3 production. Electrochemically engineered nanoporous materials are attractive photocatalyst platforms for a plethora of applications due to their large effective surface area, highly controllable and tuneable light-harvesting capabilities, efficient charge carrier separation and enhanced diffusion of reactive species. Such tailor-made nanoporous substrates with rational chemical and structural designs provide new exciting opportunities to develop advanced optical semiconductor structures capable of performing precise and versatile control over light–matter interactions to harness electromagnetic waves with unprecedented high efficiency and selectivity for photocatalysis. This review introduces fundamental developments and recent advances of electrochemically engineered nanoporous materials and their application as platforms for photocatalysis, with a final prospective outlook about this dynamic field.
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Photocatalytic Activity of Nanostructured Titania Films Obtained by Electrochemical, Chemical, and Thermal Oxidation of Ti6Al4V Alloy—Comparative Analysis. Catalysts 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/catal9030279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Three different Ti6Al4V surface oxidation methods have been applied to obtain three types of titania materials of different nanoarchitecture. Electrochemical oxidation of titanium alloy allowed for obtaining titania nanotubes (TNT), chemical oxidation led to obtain titania nanofibers (TNF), and thermal oxidation gave titania nanowires (TNW). My earlier investigations of these nanomaterials were focused mainly on the estimation of their bioactivity and potential application in modern implantology. In this article, the comparative analysis of the photocatalytic activity of produced systems, as well as the impact of their structure and morphology on this activity, are discussed. The activity of studied nanomaterials was estimated basis of UV-induced degradation of methylene blue and also acetone, and it was determined quantitatively according to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood reaction mechanism. The obtained results were compared to the activity of Pilkington Glass ActivTM (reference sample). Among analyzed systems, titania nanofibers obtained at 140 and 120 °C, possessing anatase and anatase/amorphous structure, as well as titania nanowires obtained at 475 and 500 °C, possessing anatase and anatase/rutile structure, were better photocatalyst than the reference sample. Completely amorphous titania nanotubes, turned out to be an interesting alternative for photocatalytic materials in the form of thin films, however, their photocatalytic activity is lower than for Pilkington Glass ActivTM.
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