Research

Jump to: Review

19 pages, 7538 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Hydrothermal Synthesis of FeOOH and Fe₂O₃ Modified Self-Organizing Immobilized TiO₂ Nanotubes for Photocatalytic Degradation of 1H-Benzotriazole

by Tihana Čižmar, Vedran Kojić, Marko Rukavina, Lidija Brkljačić, Krešimir Salamon, Ivana Grčić, Lucija Radetić and Andreja Gajović

Catalysts 2020, 10(12), 1371; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10121371 - 24 Nov 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3756

Abstract

In this study, titanium dioxide nanotubes were prepared by electrochemical anodization technique and modified with an aqueous solution of FeCl₃ using hydrothermal synthesis method to control the amount and distribution of iron compounds on the anatase TiO₂ nanotubes. The objective was [...] Read more.

In this study, titanium dioxide nanotubes were prepared by electrochemical anodization technique and modified with an aqueous solution of FeCl₃ using hydrothermal synthesis method to control the amount and distribution of iron compounds on the anatase TiO₂ nanotubes. The objective was to synthesize immobilized FeOOH@TiO₂ or Fe₂O₃@TiO₂ photocatalysts designed for the flow-through reactor systems; to investigate thermal treatment effect on the photocatalytic efficiency; to determine appropriate Fe-compounds concentration for the maximum photocatalytic activity improvement, and to explain the mechanism responsible for the enhancement. The photocatalysts were tested for the degradation of 1H-benzotriazole in water under UV/solar light irradiation. Up to two times increase in the photocatalytic activity was obtained when TiO₂ nanotubes were modified with 0.8 mM Fe. At higher Fe concentrations (8 mM and 80 mM), the photocatalytic activity of the given photocatalysts decreased. To confirm the formation of FeOOH or Fe₂O₃ species, and to clarify the mechanism of photoactivity, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue TiO2 for Photocatalytic Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 5442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity of Thin Film Coated on Polycarbonate Surface with N- and Ni-Codoped TiO₂ Photocatalyst

by Byung-Geon Park, Chang-Ho Lee and Kyong-Hwan Chung

Catalysts 2020, 10(11), 1237; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10111237 - 25 Oct 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2440

Abstract

N- and Ni-coated TiO₂ (NNT) were prepared by a facile sol-gel method as a photosensitive photocatalyst to visible light. NNT sol was used to coat the surface of an LED lamp cap and body made of polycarbonate with a thin NNT film. [...] Read more.

N- and Ni-coated TiO₂ (NNT) were prepared by a facile sol-gel method as a photosensitive photocatalyst to visible light. NNT sol was used to coat the surface of an LED lamp cap and body made of polycarbonate with a thin NNT film. The coated thin film was dried in an oven at 130 °C. This NNT thin film had an amorphous TiO₂ structure and absorbed 600 nm of visible light. The decomposition properties of formaldehyde on the NNT photocatalyst after irradiation with visible light were investigated. The LED lamp was irradiated with visible light at 500–620 nm and 6 W. Formaldehyde was decomposed by a photocatalytic reaction by visible light irradiation on the NNT-coated polycarbonate surface. Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were also used to examine the sterilizing properties of pathogenic bacteria using an LED lamp kit. The pathogenic bacteria on the NNT-coated polycarbonate surface were sterilized by irradiation with visible light. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue TiO2 for Photocatalytic Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 3853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Co-Catalytic Action of Faceted Non-Noble Metal Deposits on Titania Photocatalyst for Multielectron Oxygen Reduction

by Peng Wang and Bunsho Ohtani

Catalysts 2020, 10(10), 1145; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10101145 - 03 Oct 2020

Viewed by 1948

Abstract

In order to clarify the reason of often reported low photocatalytic activity of rutile titania compared to that of anatase titania and the sluggish kinetics for oxygen reduction of rutile titania, in this study, faceted copper(I) oxide (Cu₂O) particles (FCPs), i.e., [...] Read more.

In order to clarify the reason of often reported low photocatalytic activity of rutile titania compared to that of anatase titania and the sluggish kinetics for oxygen reduction of rutile titania, in this study, faceted copper(I) oxide (Cu₂O) particles (FCPs), i.e., cube, cuboctahedron and octahedron, were deposited onto rutile particles by an in-situ wet chemical method, and the co-catalytic action of FCPs was studied in the oxidative decomposition of acetic acid. The oxygen reduction reaction kinetics of bare and FCP-loaded titania samples in photodecomposition of organic compounds were investigated by light-intensity dependence measurement. FCPs serve as the specific sites (sink) which accumulate excited electrons to drive multielectron oxygen reduction reactions, as the counter reaction in photodecomposition of organic compounds by positive holes, which significantly improves the photocatalytic activity of rutile titania particles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue TiO2 for Photocatalytic Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3768 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agro-Waste Derived Biomass Impregnated with TiO₂ as a Potential Adsorbent for Removal of As(III) from Water

by Bhoj Raj Poudel, Ram Lochan Aryal, Sitaram Bhattarai, Agni Raj Koirala, Surendra Kumar Gautam, Kedar Nath Ghimire, Bishweshwar Pant, Mira Park, Hari Paudyal and Megh Raj Pokhrel

Catalysts 2020, 10(10), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10101125 - 01 Oct 2020

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4185

Abstract

A novel type of adsorbent, TiO₂ impregnated pomegranate peels (PP@TiO₂) was successfully synthesized and its efficacy was investigated based on the removal of As(III) from water. The adsorbent was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDS), [...] Read more.

A novel type of adsorbent, TiO₂ impregnated pomegranate peels (PP@TiO₂) was successfully synthesized and its efficacy was investigated based on the removal of As(III) from water. The adsorbent was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, to evaluate its morphology, elemental analysis, crystallinity, and functional groups, respectively. Batch experiments were conducted on PP@TiO₂ for As(III) adsorption to assess the adsorption isotherm, effect of pH, and adsorption kinetics. Characterization data suggested that TiO₂ was successfully impregnated on the biomass substrate. The equilibrium data better fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model having a maximum adsorption capacity of 76.92 mg/g and better distribution coefficients (K_D) in the order of ~10³ mL/g. The highest percentage of adsorption was found at neutral pH. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-2nd-order model. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) of the adsorption product exhibited that arsenic was present as As(III) and partially oxidized to As(V). PP@TiO₂ can work effectively in the presence of coexisting anions and could be regenerated and reused. Overall, these findings suggested that the as-prepared PP@TiO₂ could provide a better and efficient alternative for the synergistic removal of As(III) from water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue TiO2 for Photocatalytic Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4785 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thickness Effect on Photocatalytic Activity of TiO₂ Thin Films Fabricated by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis

by Ibrahim Dundar, Arvo Mere, Valdek Mikli, Malle Krunks and Ilona Oja Acik

Catalysts 2020, 10(9), 1058; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10091058 - 14 Sep 2020

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 3831

Abstract

In this study, TiO₂ thin films were deposited by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis from solutions with concentrations of 0.1 and 0.2 M. The deposition temperature was adjusted at 350 °C and all samples were annealed at 500 °C for 1 h in air. [...] Read more.

In this study, TiO₂ thin films were deposited by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis from solutions with concentrations of 0.1 and 0.2 M. The deposition temperature was adjusted at 350 °C and all samples were annealed at 500 °C for 1 h in air. The thickness of TiO₂ films was changed in the range of 50 to ca. 800 nm by varying the number of spray cycles from 1 to 21 and the solution concentration. The results showed that the mean crystallite size of the anatase structure, the surface roughness, and light absorption increased with the film thickness. The effect of film thickness on the photocatalytic activity was investigated with the photodegradation of stearic acid under UV-A irradiation. The optimal thickness of TiO₂ films fabricated by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis for photocatalytic self-cleaning applications was in the range of 170–230 nm, indicating a ca. 2.6 times-higher photocatalytic self-cleaning activity compared to the reference sample, Pilkington Activ^TM. The photocatalytic results showed that the 190 nm-thick TiO₂ film deposited from the 0.1 M solution applying seven spray cycles exhibited the finest grain structure and maximum photocatalytic activity, leading to 94% of stearic acid degradation in 180 min under UV-A light with the reaction rate constant k = 0.01648 min⁻¹. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue TiO2 for Photocatalytic Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Visible and Ultraviolet Light-Induced Gas-Phase Photocatalytic Activity of TiO₂ Thin Films Modified by Increased Amount of Acetylacetone in Precursor Solution for Spray Pyrolysis

by Jekaterina Spiridonova, Arvo Mere, Malle Krunks, Merilin Rosenberg, Anne Kahru, Mati Danilson, Marina Krichevskaya and Ilona Oja Acik

Catalysts 2020, 10(9), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10091011 - 03 Sep 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2318

Abstract

TiO₂ thin films, modified by acetylacetone (AcacH) in solution, were deposited on glass substrate by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and tested for photocatalytic activity in a multi-section continuous flow reactor by degradation of acetone and acetaldehyde under ultraviolet and visible light. The increase [...] Read more.

TiO₂ thin films, modified by acetylacetone (AcacH) in solution, were deposited on glass substrate by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and tested for photocatalytic activity in a multi-section continuous flow reactor by degradation of acetone and acetaldehyde under ultraviolet and visible light. The increase in molar ratio of AcacH in respect of titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) from 1:5 to 1:8 modified the electronic structure of the films, favoring enhanced photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic activity was enhanced approximately twofold on the film with molar ratio 1:8 under both irradiations; the film completely oxidized 10 ppm of acetone and acetaldehyde. The photocatalytic efficacy of TiO₂ films in oxidation of air pollutants was three times higher compared to the industrial glass Pilkington Activ^TM. Moreover, all the synthesized films indicate antibacterial efficiency against E. coli of over 99% under ultraviolet. TiO₂ film, with TTIP:AcacH molar ratio 1:8 having great possibility for its commercial use as a material for indoor air purification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue TiO2 for Photocatalytic Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 5667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Novel C-TiO₂-CFA/PAN Photocatalytic Membranes in the Removal of Textile Dyes in Wastewater

by Amkelwa Mpelane, David M. Katwire, Henry H. Mungondori, Pardon Nyamukamba and Raymond T. Taziwa

Catalysts 2020, 10(8), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10080909 - 09 Aug 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2543

Abstract

The existence of dye effluent in environmental water bodies is becoming a growing concern to environmentalists and civilians due to negative health effects. In this study, a novel poly(acrylonitrile)-membrane-supported carbon-doped titanium dioxide–coal fly ash nanocomposite (C-TiO₂-CFA/PAN) was prepared and evaluated in [...] Read more.

The existence of dye effluent in environmental water bodies is becoming a growing concern to environmentalists and civilians due to negative health effects. In this study, a novel poly(acrylonitrile)-membrane-supported carbon-doped titanium dioxide–coal fly ash nanocomposite (C-TiO₂-CFA/PAN) was prepared and evaluated in the removal of textiles dyes (methyl orange and golden yellow) in water. The C-TiO₂-CFA nanocomposite was prepared via sol-gel synthesis and immobilized on PAN membrane prepared via phase inversion technique. The photocatalyst was characterized by FTIR, XRD, BET surface area analysis, SEM, EDX, and DRS. FTIR analysis confirmed the existence of the expected functional groups, and XRD revealed that the C-TiO₂ was predominantly in the anatase phase, which exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity. The optimum C-TiO₂-CFA photocatalyst load on the PAN membrane was 2% w/w, and it achieved degradation efficiencies of 99.86% and 99.20% for MO and GY dyes, respectively, at pH 3.5, using a dye concentration of 10 ppm, under sunlight irradiation, in 300 min. The novel 2% C-TiO₂-CFA/PAN photocatalytic membrane proved to be very effective in the removal of textile dyes’ water. Three reusability cycles were carried out, and no significant changes were observed in the photocatalytic efficiencies. Immobilization on PAN membrane allowed easy recovery and reuse of the photocatalyst. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue TiO2 for Photocatalytic Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of Photoactive Anatase TiO₂ from Algae Bloomed Surface Water

by Sayed Mukit Hossain, Heeju Park, Hui-Ju Kang, Jong Beom Kim, Leonard Tijing, Inkyu Rhee, Young-Si Jun, Ho Kyong Shon and Jong-Ho Kim

Catalysts 2020, 10(4), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10040452 - 22 Apr 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3114

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to effectively treat algae bloomed water while using a Ti-based coagulant (TiCl₄) and recover photoactive novel anatase TiO₂ from the flocculated sludge. Conventional jar tests were conducted in order to evaluate the coagulation efficiency, [...] Read more.

The purpose of the study was to effectively treat algae bloomed water while using a Ti-based coagulant (TiCl₄) and recover photoactive novel anatase TiO₂ from the flocculated sludge. Conventional jar tests were conducted in order to evaluate the coagulation efficiency, and TiCl₄ was found superior compared to commercially available poly aluminum chloride (PAC). At a dose of 0.3 g Ti/L, the removal rate of turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total phosphorus (TP) were measured as 99.8%, 66.7%, and 96.9%, respectively. Besides, TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) were recovered from the flocculated sludge and scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of only anatase phase. The recovered TiO₂ was found to be effective in removing gaseous CH₃CHO and NO_x under UV-A lamp at a light intensity of 10 W/m². Additionally, the TiO₂ mixed mortar blocks that were prepared in this study successfully removed atmospheric nitrogen oxide (NO_x) under UV irradiance. This study is one of the first to prepare anatase TiO₂ from flocculated algal sludge and it showed promising results. Further research on this novel TiO₂ concerning internal chemical bonds and shift in the absorbance spectrum could explore several practical implications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue TiO2 for Photocatalytic Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 6130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Gd-Doped TiO₂ Nanotube Arrays by Anodization Method and Its Photocatalytic Activity for Methyl Orange Degradation

by Rui Li, Jin Yang, Shiyin Xu, Yushun Zhou, Xuan Wang, Hailong Peng and Jun Du

Catalysts 2020, 10(3), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10030298 - 05 Mar 2020

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3514

Abstract

Gd-doped TiO₂ nanotube arrays with 3D ordered and high specific surface (176 m²/g) area are successfully prepared on a Ti foil surface via an anodizing method. The characterizations of Gd-doped TiO₂ nanotube arrays are carried out using X-ray diffraction [...] Read more.

Gd-doped TiO₂ nanotube arrays with 3D ordered and high specific surface (176 m²/g) area are successfully prepared on a Ti foil surface via an anodizing method. The characterizations of Gd-doped TiO₂ nanotube arrays are carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), optical contact angle measurer, and ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence spectrophotometer, respectively. The results reveal that the Gd-doped TiO₂ nanotube arrays form on the Ti foil surface with a length of about 50.5 μm and 100 nm in diameter, and the growth direction grown along the (101) direction of anatase crystal. Under the optimized reaction conditions (60 V, 10 h, 0.01mol/L Gd³⁺), the crystal phase of Gd-doped TiO₂ show an excellent nanotube structure, possess a beneficial photocatalytic performance for methyl orange (MO) (Degradation rate was 95.8%) and an excellent hydrophilic property (The optical contact angle was 4.9°). After doping with Gd, the hydrophilic and photocatalytic properties of the TiO₂ nanotubes are further improved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue TiO2 for Photocatalytic Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Black TiO₂ Thin Films Production Using Hollow Cathode Hydrogen Plasma Treatment: Synthesis, Material Characteristics and Photocatalytic Activity

by Armstrong Godoy Junior, André Pereira, Marcilene Gomes, Mariana Fraga, Rodrigo Pessoa, Douglas Leite, Gilberto Petraconi, Adailton Nogueira, Heberton Wender, Walter Miyakawa, Marcos Massi and Argemiro da Silva Sobrinho

Catalysts 2020, 10(3), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10030282 - 02 Mar 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4641

Abstract

Black TiO₂ materials have been quite widely explored due to their large solar absorption and superior photocatalytic activity. In this paper, the blackening process of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) thin film using the hollow cathode hydrogen plasma (HCHP) technique is reported. [...] Read more.

Black TiO₂ materials have been quite widely explored due to their large solar absorption and superior photocatalytic activity. In this paper, the blackening process of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) thin film using the hollow cathode hydrogen plasma (HCHP) technique is reported. First, pristine anatase TiO₂ films were grown by magnetron sputtering onto silicon and cover glass substrates and then annealed at 450 °C for 2 h. Then, the as-grown TiO₂ films were treated with HCHP for 15 min. The physical, chemical and morphological properties of the films were analyzed by profilometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. Electrical and photocatalytic measurements were performed by four-point probe and methylene blue UV degradation assays, respectively. The results showed that the black TiO₂ film is highly absorbent in the UV-visible region, has low electrical resistance and greater surface area compared to the non-treated TiO₂ film. These properties of black TiO₂ film, as well as its performance as a photocatalytic agent, were investigated, indicating the superior quality of this material in thin film form and the promising potential of the HCHP treatment to produce hydrogenated TiO₂ in short process time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue TiO2 for Photocatalytic Applications)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Photocathodic Protection of Q235 Steel by CdIn₂S₄ Sensitized TiO₂ Composite in Splash Zone

by Zheng Ma, Xiumin Ma, Xiutong Wang, Nazhen Liu, Xuehui Liu and Baorong Hou

Catalysts 2019, 9(12), 1067; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal9121067 - 14 Dec 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2502

Abstract

In this work, the photo-catalytic activity of TiO₂ is considerably enhanced via sensitization with CdIn₂S₄, and its application for protecting Q235 from corrosion in splash zones is examined. TiO₂ nanotube arrays (NTAs) are prepared on a flat [...] Read more.

In this work, the photo-catalytic activity of TiO₂ is considerably enhanced via sensitization with CdIn₂S₄, and its application for protecting Q235 from corrosion in splash zones is examined. TiO₂ nanotube arrays (NTAs) are prepared on a flat Ti substrate via two-step anodization. CdIn2S4 is deposited on the surface of TiO₂ NTAs by hydrothermal reaction. TiO₂ NTAs with enormous specific surface areas and large-diameter hollow nanostructures are found to benefit the immobilization of CdIn₂S₄. As a narrow band gap semiconductor, CdIn₂S₄ is able to extend the light absorption range of TiO₂, and the construction of an n–n type hetero-junction accelerates the separation of carriers. Strong solar light, which accelerates the corrosion of Q235 in the splash zone area, is converted into the necessary condition for protecting Q235 from corrosion. In this work, TiO₂ is sensitized with MoS₂ microspheres (MoS₂/TiO₂ nanocomposites), which were prepared on a flat Ti substrate via a two-step anodization and hydrothermal method, sequentially. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue TiO2 for Photocatalytic Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 1562 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Facile and Large-scale Synthesis of Defective Black TiO_2−x(B) Nanosheets for Efficient Visible-light-driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

by JingCheng Xu, JiaJia Zhang, ZhengYang Cai, He Huang, TianHao Huang, Ping Wang and XianYing Wang

Catalysts 2019, 9(12), 1048; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal9121048 - 10 Dec 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3356

Abstract

In the work, we firstly report the facile and large-scale synthesis of defective black TiO_2−x(B) nanosheets via a dual-zone NaBH₄ reduction method. The structure, physico-chemical, and optical properties of TiO_2−x(B) nanosheets were systematically characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, [...] Read more.

In the work, we firstly report the facile and large-scale synthesis of defective black TiO_2−x(B) nanosheets via a dual-zone NaBH₄ reduction method. The structure, physico-chemical, and optical properties of TiO_2−x(B) nanosheets were systematically characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, etc. The concentration of Ti³⁺ can be well tuned by NaBH₄ reduction. With increasing the mass ratio of NaBH₄ to TiO₂(B), the generation of Ti³⁺ defects gives rise to the increased intensity of a broad band absorption in the visible wavelength range. It is demonstrated that the TiO_2−x(B) photocatalyst synthesized with the mass ratio of NaBH₄ to TiO₂(B) of 3:1 exhibited an optimum photocatalytic activity and excellent photostability for hydrogen evolution under visible-light irradiation. By combining the advantages of 2D TiO₂(B) nanosheets architecture with those of Ti³⁺ self-doping and simultaneous production of oxygen vacancy sites, the enhanced photocatalytic performance of the defective TiO_2−x(B) nanosheets was achieved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue TiO2 for Photocatalytic Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

34 pages, 4857 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Review of First-Principles Studies of TiO₂: Nanocluster, Bulk, and Material Interface

by Kesong Yang, Ying Dai and Baibiao Huang

Catalysts 2020, 10(9), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10090972 - 28 Aug 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3460

Abstract

TiO₂ has extensive applications in the fields of renewable energy and environmental protections such as being used as photocatalysts or electron transport layers in solar cells. To achieve highly efficient photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications, ongoing efforts are being devoted to developing novel [...] Read more.

TiO₂ has extensive applications in the fields of renewable energy and environmental protections such as being used as photocatalysts or electron transport layers in solar cells. To achieve highly efficient photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications, ongoing efforts are being devoted to developing novel TiO₂-based material structures or compositions, in which a first-principles computational approach is playing an increasing role. In this review article, we discuss recent computational and theoretical studies of structural, energetic, electronic, and optical properties of TiO₂-based nanocluster, bulk, and material interface for photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications. We conclude the review with a discussion of future research directions in the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue TiO2 for Photocatalytic Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

37 pages, 11935 KiB

Open AccessReview

Modified Nano-TiO₂ Based Composites for Environmental Photocatalytic Applications

by Shuo Wang, Zhu Ding, Xue Chang, Jun Xu and Dan-Hong Wang

Catalysts 2020, 10(7), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal10070759 - 08 Jul 2020

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5802

Abstract

TiO₂ probably plays the most important role in photocatalysis due to its excellent chemical and physical properties. However, the band gap of TiO₂ corresponds to the Ultraviolet (UV) region, which is inactive under visible irradiation. At present, TiO₂ has become [...] Read more.

TiO₂ probably plays the most important role in photocatalysis due to its excellent chemical and physical properties. However, the band gap of TiO₂ corresponds to the Ultraviolet (UV) region, which is inactive under visible irradiation. At present, TiO₂ has become activated in the visible light region by metal and nonmetal doping and the fabrication of composites. Recently, nano-TiO₂ has attracted much attention due to its characteristics of larger specific surface area and more exposed surface active sites. nano-TiO₂ has been obtained in many morphologies such as ultrathin nanosheets, nanotubes, and hollow nanospheres. This work focuses on the application of nano-TiO₂ in efficient environmental photocatalysis such as hydrogen production, dye degradation, CO₂ degradation, and nitrogen fixation, and discusses the methods to improve the activity of nano-TiO₂ in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue TiO2 for Photocatalytic Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

TiO2 for Photocatalytic Applications

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (14 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI