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3 pages, 187 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial: Special Issue on “Photocatalysts for Pollutants Disposals, CO₂ Reduction, Hydrogen Evolution Reaction”

by Kai Yang and Changlin Yu

Catalysts 2023, 13(8), 1207; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13081207 - 13 Aug 2023

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Abstract

The global energy and environmental crisis are some of the most pressing challenges facing mankind [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysts for Pollutants Disposals, CO₂ Reduction, Hydrogen Evolution Reaction)

Research

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13 pages, 4514 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Two-in-One Electrons Trapped Fe-BiOCl-V_o Nanosheets for Promoting Photocatalytic-Fenton Degradation Performances of Phenol

by Jinlin Long, Suizhao Zhang, Donghao Xia, Qi Wan, Yu Wan, Meiqiu Nong and Zhaohui Wu

Catalysts 2023, 13(6), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13060947 - 29 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1239

Abstract

Fe-BiOCl-V_o nanosheets with electron-capture centers of doped Fe and surface oxygen vacancies (V_o) for enhanced photocatalytic-Fenton performances were conducted. Compared with pristine BiOCl nanosheets, the band gap of the resulting Fe-BiOCl-V_o nanosheets was narrowed, and defective bands were introduced [...] Read more.

Fe-BiOCl-V_o nanosheets with electron-capture centers of doped Fe and surface oxygen vacancies (V_o) for enhanced photocatalytic-Fenton performances were conducted. Compared with pristine BiOCl nanosheets, the band gap of the resulting Fe-BiOCl-V_o nanosheets was narrowed, and defective bands were introduced due to the Fe doping and V_o. Furthermore, the integrated electron trapping effect of V_o and doped Fe can efficiently drive charge transfer and separation. As a result, the photocatalytic-Fenton performances of phenol over Fe-BiOCl-V_o nanosheets were enhanced. The photocatalytic-Fenton performances of Fe-BiOCl-V_o nanosheets were enhanced two-fold and four-fold, respectively, as compared with the photocatalytic performances of Fe-BiOCl-V_o and pristine BiOCl nanosheets. During the photocatalytic-Fenton process, the multiple reactive species referring holes (h⁺), superoxide radicals (●O₂⁻), and hydroxyl radicals (●OH) induced by the efficiently separated charge carriers and Fenton reaction played synergetic roles in phenol degradation and mineralization. This work provides a sophisticated structure design of catalysts for efficient charge transfer and separation, promoting photocatalytic-Fenton performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysts for Pollutants Disposals, CO₂ Reduction, Hydrogen Evolution Reaction)

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14 pages, 4417 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Microemulsion–Assisted Synthesis of Ag₂CrO₄@MIL–125(Ti)–NH₂ Z–Scheme Heterojunction for Visible–Light Photocatalytic Inactivation of Bacteria

by Haoyu Yuan, Chao Zhang, Wenjing Chen, Yuzhou Xia, Lu Chen, Renkun Huang, Ruiru Si and Ruowen Liang

Catalysts 2023, 13(5), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13050817 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1129

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are new porous materials composed of metal centers and organic ligand bridges, which received great attention in the field of photocatalysis. In this work, Ag₂CrO₄@MIL–125(Ti)–NH₂ (denoted as AgCr@M125) Z–scheme heterojunctions were synthesized via a simple [...] Read more.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are new porous materials composed of metal centers and organic ligand bridges, which received great attention in the field of photocatalysis. In this work, Ag₂CrO₄@MIL–125(Ti)–NH₂ (denoted as AgCr@M125) Z–scheme heterojunctions were synthesized via a simple microemulsion method, by which highly dispersed nano–sized Ag₂CrO₄ can be anchored uniformly on the surfaces of porous MIL–125(Ti)–NH₂ (denoted as M125). Compared with pure M125 and Ag₂CrO₄, the as–prepared AgCr@M125 hybrids show significant photocatalytic efficiency against inactivated Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), reaching over 97% inactivation of the bacteria after 15 min of visible light irradiation. Notably, the photocatalytic activity of the obtained 20%AgCr@M125 is about 1.75 times higher than that of AgCr–M125, which was prepared via a traditional precipitation method. The enhanced photocatalytic antibacterial activity of the AgCr@M125 photocatalytic system is strongly ascribed to a direct Z–scheme mechanism, which can be carefully discussed based on energy band positions and time–dependent electron spin response (ESR) experiments. Our work highlights a simple way to enhance the antibacterial effect by coupling with Ag₂CrO₄ and M125 via a microemulsion–assisted strategy and affords an ideal example for developing MOFs–based Z–scheme photocatalysts with excellent photoactivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysts for Pollutants Disposals, CO₂ Reduction, Hydrogen Evolution Reaction)

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14 pages, 8410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Designed Synthesis of PDI/BiOCl-BiPO₄ Composited Material for Boosted Photocatalytic Contaminant Degradation

by Huaqiang Zhuang, Fulin Wang, Kaiyang Shi and Kai Yang

Catalysts 2023, 13(4), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13040688 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1072

Abstract

Enhancing the photocatalytic performance for contaminant degradation to accelerate the large-scale application of photocatalysis still is an enduring challenge. Herein, ternary PDI/BiOCl-BiPO₄ composited materials with the different contents of PDI were designed and constructed by the multi-step compound method. The tetracycline hydrochloride [...] Read more.

Enhancing the photocatalytic performance for contaminant degradation to accelerate the large-scale application of photocatalysis still is an enduring challenge. Herein, ternary PDI/BiOCl-BiPO₄ composited materials with the different contents of PDI were designed and constructed by the multi-step compound method. The tetracycline hydrochloride and rhodamine B were chosen as targeted pollutants to investigate the photocatalytic performance of PDI/BiOCl-BiPO₄ composited materials. The structure and component of BiOCl-BiPO₄ and PDI/BiOCl-BiPO₄ samples were detailedly characterized by a sequence of physical and chemical characterizations. The optimized PDI/BiOCl-BiPO₄ sample, namely PDI(5%)/BiOCl-BiPO₄, exhibited the excellent photocatalytic activity for tetracycline hydrochloride and rhodamine B degradation. The major active species that were holes (h⁺) and superoxide radicals (•O₂⁻) also can be determined in the photocatalytic degradation process by active species trapping experiments. Furthermore, the photoelectrochemical and fluorescence measurements manifest the crucial role of PDI material. It can reduce the recombination of photo-excited charge carrier and improve the separation and transfer of photo-generated electron-hole pairs, which is beneficial to the photocatalytic reaction process. It is anticipated that our work would provide a counterpart to prepare the high-efficiency composited material in heterogeneous photocatalysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysts for Pollutants Disposals, CO₂ Reduction, Hydrogen Evolution Reaction)

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16 pages, 7595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Constructing Z-Scheme 0D/2D TiO₂ Nanoparticles/Bi₂O₃ Nanosheet Heterojunctions with Enhanced Visible Light Induced Photocatalytic Antibiotics Degradation and Hydrogen Evolution

by Lijia Xie, Piaopiao Wu, Qiong Lei, Chong Xu, Weiya Huang, Xunjun Chen, Kai Yang and Hua He

Catalysts 2023, 13(3), 583; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13030583 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1672

Abstract

Photocatalysis has been regarded as a promising technology for degrading organic pollutants in wastewater and producing hydrogen. In this paper, TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized to improve the visible light absorption of TiO₂, which were further combined with Bi₂ [...] Read more.

Photocatalysis has been regarded as a promising technology for degrading organic pollutants in wastewater and producing hydrogen. In this paper, TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized to improve the visible light absorption of TiO₂, which were further combined with Bi₂O₃ nanosheets to synthesize a series of 0D/2D TiO₂ NPs/Bi₂O₃ nanosheet heterojunctions. The visible light induced photocatalytic activities of the as-synthesized TiO₂/Bi₂O₃ heterojunctions were studied. The optimized catalyst TB-3 with 15 wt% of Bi₂O_3/TiO₂ exhibited the best photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC). The degradation rate constant k of TC over TB-3 was approximately eight times and 39 times greater than that of P25 and Bi₂O₃, respectively. Additionally, TB-3 showed the highest amount of hydrogen evolution, while that of Bi₂O₃ was almost zero. The enhancement of photocatalytic performances was ascribed to the improved visible light absorption and the Z-scheme charge transfer path of the TiO₂/Bi₂O₃ heterojunctions, which enhanced the separation efficiency and reduced recombination of photogenerated charge carries, as evidenced by UV–Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and electrochemistry measurements. The active species trapping experiments and the electron spin resonance (ESR) results revealed that ·O₂⁻ was the main active substance in the photocatalytic degradation. The possible degradation pathway and intermediate products of TC have been proposed. This work provides experimental evidence supporting the construction of Z-scheme heterojunctions to achieve excellent visible light induced photocatalytic activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysts for Pollutants Disposals, CO₂ Reduction, Hydrogen Evolution Reaction)

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15 pages, 4995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

MIL-53(Fe)@perylene Diimide All-Organic Heterojunctions for the Enhanced Photocatalytic Removal of Pollutants and Selective Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol

by Kaiyang Shi, Fulin Wang, Xiangwei Li, Weiya Huang, Kang-Qiang Lu, Changlin Yu and Kai Yang

Catalysts 2023, 13(3), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13030471 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1358

Abstract

Organic semiconductors are promising materials for the photocatalytic treatment of pollutants and organic synthesis. Herein, MIL-53(Fe)@perylene diimide (PDI) organic heterojunctions were constructed by ultrasonic assembly using PDI as the co-catalyst, and PDI organic supramolecular material was uniformly distributed on the surfaces of MIL-53(Fe). [...] Read more.

Organic semiconductors are promising materials for the photocatalytic treatment of pollutants and organic synthesis. Herein, MIL-53(Fe)@perylene diimide (PDI) organic heterojunctions were constructed by ultrasonic assembly using PDI as the co-catalyst, and PDI organic supramolecular material was uniformly distributed on the surfaces of MIL-53(Fe). The most effective M53@PDI-20 organic heterojunctions achieved 72.7% photodegradation of rhodamine B (10 mg/L) within 50 min and a 99.9% reduction in Cr(VI) (10 mg/L) for 150 min, and the corresponding apparent degradation rate constants were higher than a single component. Meanwhile, the conversion rate of benzyl alcohol over M53@PDI-20 achieved 91.5% for 5 h with a selectivity of above 90% under visible light exposure, which was more than double that of PDI. The well-matched band structures and the strong π–π bonding interactions between MIL-53(Fe) and PDI can increase the electron delocalization effect to facilitate the transfer and separation of photogenerated carriers. Lots of oxidative reactive species (h+, •O²⁻ and •OH) also played a great contribution to the strong oxidation capacity over the heterojunctions system. This work suggests that MIL-53(Fe)@PDI organic heterojunctions may be a promising material for pollutant removal and organic synthesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysts for Pollutants Disposals, CO₂ Reduction, Hydrogen Evolution Reaction)

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17 pages, 4968 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

One Stone Two Birds: Utilization of Solar Light for Simultaneous Selective Phenylcarbinol Oxidation and H₂ Production over 0D/2D-3D Pt/In₂S₃ Schottky Junction

by Huijun Zhang, Peipei Xiao, Sugang Meng, Baihua Long, Qing Liu, Xiuzhen Zheng, Sujuan Zhang, Zhaohui Ruan and Shifu Chen

Catalysts 2023, 13(3), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13030461 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1526

Abstract

Precise regulation and control solar-light-driven charges photoexcited on photocatalysts for separation-transfer and target redox reactions is an attractive and challenging pathway toward sustainability. Herein, 0D/2D-3D Pt/In₂S₃ Schottky junction was fabricated for simultaneous selective phenylcarbinol conversion into value-added aldehydes and production [...] Read more.

Precise regulation and control solar-light-driven charges photoexcited on photocatalysts for separation-transfer and target redox reactions is an attractive and challenging pathway toward sustainability. Herein, 0D/2D-3D Pt/In₂S₃ Schottky junction was fabricated for simultaneous selective phenylcarbinol conversion into value-added aldehydes and production of clean energy H₂ by directly utilizing photoexcited holes and electrons in one reaction system under mild reaction conditions. In contrast to pure water splitting and pure In₂S₃, the reaction thermodynamics and kinetics of H₂ evolution on the Pt/In₂S₃ were significantly enhanced. The optimized 0.3% Pt/In₂S₃ exhibited the highest and most stable photocatalytic activity with 22.1 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ of H₂ production rate and almost 100% selectivity of benzaldehyde production. Notably, this dual-function photocatalysis also exhibited superiority in contrast to sacrificial-agent H₂ evolution reactions such as lactic acid, Na₂S, methanol and triethanolamine. The turnover frequency (TOF) could reach up to ~2394 h⁻¹. The Pt clusters anchored at the electron location and strong metal-support interactions (SMSI) between Pt and In₂S₃ synergistically improved the spatial charge separation and directional transportation (~90.1% of the charge transport efficiency could be achieved over the Pt/In₂S₃ hybrid), and thus result in significant enhancement of photocatalytic H₂ evolution with simultaneous benzaldehyde production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysts for Pollutants Disposals, CO₂ Reduction, Hydrogen Evolution Reaction)

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15 pages, 6905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Light and Heavy Rare Earth Doping on the Physical Structure of Bi₂O₂CO₃ and Their Performance in Photocatalytic Degradation of Dimethyl Phthalate

by Qingyun He, Xingqiang Liu, Feng Li, Fang Li, Leiming Tao and Changlin Yu

Catalysts 2022, 12(11), 1295; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12111295 - 22 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1315

Abstract

In order to solve the problem of environmental health hazards caused by phthalate esters, a series of pure Bi₂O₂CO₃ and light (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm and Eu) and heavy (Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and [...] Read more.

In order to solve the problem of environmental health hazards caused by phthalate esters, a series of pure Bi₂O₂CO₃ and light (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm and Eu) and heavy (Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu) rare earth-doped Bi₂O₂CO₃ samples were prepared by hydrothermal method. The crystalline phase composition and physical structure of the samples calcined at 300 °C were studied, and we found that the rare earth ion doping promoted the transformation of Bi₂O₂CO₃ to β-Bi₂O₃ crystalline phase, thus obtaining a mixed crystal phase photocatalyst constituted by rare earth-ion-doped Bi₂O₂CO₃/β-Bi₂O₃. The Bi₂O₃/Bi₂O₂CO₃ heterostructure had a lower band gap and more efficient charge transfer. The fabricated samples were applied to the photocatalytic degradation of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) under a 300 W tungsten lamp, and it was found that the rare earth ion doping enhanced the photocatalytic degradation activity of DMP, in which the heavy rare earth of Er-doped sample reached 78% degradation for DMP at 150 min of light illumination. In addition, the doping of rare earths resulted in a larger specific surface area and a stronger absorption of visible light. At the same time, the formation of Bi₂O₂CO₃/β-Bi₂O₃ heterogeneous junction enhanced the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysts for Pollutants Disposals, CO₂ Reduction, Hydrogen Evolution Reaction)

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Review

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21 pages, 6664 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Recent Progress in Conjugated Polymers-Based Donor–Acceptor Semiconductor Materials for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution from Water Splitting

by Yanhui Zhao, Jingfu Sheng, Xiaobo Zhao, Jian Mo, Jilong Wang, Zhuang Chen, Hongjun Dong and Chunmei Li

Catalysts 2023, 13(5), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13050850 - 08 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2070

Abstract

Exploration of high-efficiency stabilization and abundant source-conjugated polymers semiconductor materials with suitable molecular orbital energy levels has always been a hot topic in the field of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) from water splitting. In the recent years, constructing the intramolecular donor–acceptor (D–A)-conjugated architecture [...] Read more.

Exploration of high-efficiency stabilization and abundant source-conjugated polymers semiconductor materials with suitable molecular orbital energy levels has always been a hot topic in the field of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) from water splitting. In the recent years, constructing the intramolecular donor–acceptor (D–A)-conjugated architecture copolymers has been proved as one of the most excellent photocatalyst modification tactics for optimizing the PHE properties because of unique advantages, including easy regulate band-gap position, fast transfer charge carrier in the intramolecular architecture, superior sunlight absorption capacity and range, large interfacial areas, and so forth. Therefore, in this minireview, we summarize the latest research progress of D–A architecture semiconductor materials for PHE from water splitting. First, we briefly overview the fundamental description and principles for the construction D–A heterostructures in the photocatalytic system. After that, the application of D–A architecture photocatalyst for PHE reaction over different classes of organic semiconductors have been discussed in detail. At last, the present development prospects and future potential challenges of D–A architecture materials are proposed. We hope this minireview has some parameter values for the further developments of intermolecular special structured organic semiconductor material in the future PHE research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysts for Pollutants Disposals, CO₂ Reduction, Hydrogen Evolution Reaction)

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17 pages, 2861 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Recent Developments and Perspectives of Cobalt Sulfide-Based Composite Materials in Photocatalysis

by Hui-Qi Chen, Jin-Ge Hao, Yu Wei, Wei-Ya Huang, Jia-Lin Zhang, Tao Deng, Kai Yang and Kang-Qiang Lu

Catalysts 2023, 13(3), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13030544 - 08 Mar 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2142

Abstract

Photocatalysis, as an inexpensive and safe technology to convert solar energy, is essential for the efficient utilization of sustainable renewable energy sources. Earth-abundant cobalt sulfide-based composites have generated great interest in the field of solar fuel conversion because of their cheap, diverse structures [...] Read more.

Photocatalysis, as an inexpensive and safe technology to convert solar energy, is essential for the efficient utilization of sustainable renewable energy sources. Earth-abundant cobalt sulfide-based composites have generated great interest in the field of solar fuel conversion because of their cheap, diverse structures and facile preparation. Over the past 10 years, the number of reports on cobalt sulfide-based photocatalysts has increased year by year, and more than 500 publications on the application of cobalt sulfide groups in photocatalysis can be found in the last three years. In this review, we initially summarize the four common strategies for preparing cobalt sulfide-based composite materials. Then, the multiple roles of cobalt sulfide-based cocatalysts in photocatalysis have been discussed. After that, we present the latest progress of cobalt sulfide in four fields of photocatalysis application, including photocatalytic hydrogen production, carbon dioxide reduction, nitrogen fixation, and photocatalytic degradation of pollutants. Finally, the development prospects and challenges of cobalt sulfide-based photocatalysts are discussed. This review is expected to provide useful reference for the construction of high-performance cobalt sulfide-based composite photocatalytic materials for sustainable solar-chemical energy conversion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysts for Pollutants Disposals, CO₂ Reduction, Hydrogen Evolution Reaction)

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23 pages, 4101 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Critical Review of the Use of Bismuth Halide Perovskites for CO₂ Photoreduction: Stability Challenges and Strategies Implemented

by Edith Luévano-Hipólito, Oscar L. Quintero-Lizárraga and Leticia M. Torres-Martínez

Catalysts 2022, 12(11), 1410; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12111410 - 11 Nov 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2826

Abstract

Inspired by natural photosynthesis, the photocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO2RR) stands as a viable strategy for the production of solar fuels to mitigate the high dependence on highly polluting fossil fuels, as well as to decrease the CO₂ concentration in the [...] Read more.

Inspired by natural photosynthesis, the photocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO2RR) stands as a viable strategy for the production of solar fuels to mitigate the high dependence on highly polluting fossil fuels, as well as to decrease the CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere. The design of photocatalytic materials is crucial to ensure high efficiency of the CO2RR process. So far, perovskite materials have shown high efficiency and selectivity in CO2RR to generate different solar fuels. Particularly, bismuth halide perovskites have gained much attention due to their higher absorption coefficients, their more efficient charge transfer (compared to oxide perovskites), and their required thermodynamic potential for CO2RR. Moreover, these materials represent a promising alternative to the highly polluting lead halide perovskites. However, despite all the remarkable advantages of bismuth halide perovskites, their use has been limited, owing to instability concerns. As a consequence, recent reports have offered solutions to obtain structures highly stable against oxygen, water, and light, promoting the formation of solar fuels with promising efficiency for CO2RR. Thus, this review analyzes the current state of the art in this field, particularly studies about stability strategies from intrinsic and extrinsic standpoints. Lastly, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in designing stable bismuth halide perovskites, which open new opportunities for scaling up the CO2RR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysts for Pollutants Disposals, CO₂ Reduction, Hydrogen Evolution Reaction)

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