Editorial

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6 pages, 233 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis

by Alejandro Perez-Larios and Oomman K. Varghese

Inorganics 2023, 11(10), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11100404 - 14 Oct 2023

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Abstract

Dr [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis)

Research

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11 pages, 1809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role of Surface Defects on Photoinduced Reactivity in SiO₂ Nanoparticles

by Roberto D’Amato, Giulia Quaglia, Roberta Selvaggi, Fabio Marmottini and Loredana Latterini

Inorganics 2023, 11(11), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11110430 - 02 Nov 2023

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Abstract

Silica nanostructured materials find application in different fields, since they are cheap, versatile, and easy to functionalize as materials. However, silica reactivity has not been deeply investigated yet, mainly due to a poor understanding of how it is affected by superficial defects. In [...] Read more.

Silica nanostructured materials find application in different fields, since they are cheap, versatile, and easy to functionalize as materials. However, silica reactivity has not been deeply investigated yet, mainly due to a poor understanding of how it is affected by superficial defects. In the present study, the electronic and optical properties of nanoparticles have been investigated using bare silica nanoparticles (SNP) and amino- or phosphonate-functionalized silica nanoparticles (SNP–APTES and SNP-phosphonate), prepared by a sol-gel procedure, and their morphology has been investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The prepared silica nanomaterials were characterized by means of reflectance and emission spectroscopies to determine the types of defects that can be found on silica nanoparticles’ surface. In order to understand the effect of surface defects on the reactivity of silica, the nanoparticles were employed for the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine 6G (R6G), upon selective irradiation at 320 nm, where only silica colloids absorb. The photoreaction was carried out in ethanol and in water and was monitored following the fluorescence signal of the dye. The evaluation of the fluorescent intensities allowed for the determination of the degradation efficiencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis)

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15 pages, 3317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sn(IV)porphyrin-Anchored TiO₂ Nanoparticles via Axial-Ligand Coordination for Enhancement of Visible Light-Activated Photocatalytic Degradation

by Nirmal Kumar Shee and Hee-Joon Kim

Inorganics 2023, 11(8), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11080336 - 15 Aug 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1178

Abstract

A visible-light-active photocatalyst, SnP/AA@TiO₂, was fabricated by utilizing the coordination chemistry between the axial hydroxo-ligand in the (trans-dihydroxo)(5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato)Sn(IV) complex (SnP) and adipic acid (AA) on the surface of TiO₂ nanoparticles. The SnP center was strongly bonded to the [...] Read more.

A visible-light-active photocatalyst, SnP/AA@TiO₂, was fabricated by utilizing the coordination chemistry between the axial hydroxo-ligand in the (trans-dihydroxo)(5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato)Sn(IV) complex (SnP) and adipic acid (AA) on the surface of TiO₂ nanoparticles. The SnP center was strongly bonded to the surface of the TiO₂ nanoparticles via the adipic acid linkage in SnP/AA@TiO₂, as confirmed by various instrumental techniques. SnP/AA@TiO₂ exhibited remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of rhodamine B dye (RhB) in aqueous solution under visible-light irradiation. The RhB degradation efficiency of SnP/AA@TiO₂ was 95% within 80 min, with a rate constant of 0.0366 min⁻¹. The high degradation efficiency, low catalyst loading and high reusability make SnP-anchored photocatalysts more efficient than other photocatalysts, such as TiO₂ and SnP@TiO₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis)

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17 pages, 4289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Designing Highly Active S-g-C₃N₄/Te@NiS Ternary Nanocomposites for Antimicrobial Performance, Degradation of Organic Pollutants, and Their Kinetic Study

by Maryam Ramzan, Mohsin Javed, Shahid Iqbal, Ahmad Alhujaily, Qaiser Mahmood, Komal Aroosh, Ali Bahadur, Muhammad Abdul Qayyum, Nasser S. Awwad, Hala A. Ibrahium, Murefah Mana Al-Anazy and Eslam B. Elkaeed

Inorganics 2023, 11(4), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11040156 - 03 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1416

Abstract

The current research is about the synthesis of pure nickel sulfide, a series of Te (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 wt.%)-doped NiS (Te@NiS) nanoparticles (NPs), and a series of S-g-C₃N₄ (10, 30, 50, 70, and 80 wt.%)/Te@NiS nanocomposites [...] Read more.

The current research is about the synthesis of pure nickel sulfide, a series of Te (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 wt.%)-doped NiS (Te@NiS) nanoparticles (NPs), and a series of S-g-C₃N₄ (10, 30, 50, 70, and 80 wt.%)/Te@NiS nanocomposites (NCs), fabricated through a hydrothermal route. XRD and FTIR spectroscopic techniques demonstrated the successful synthesis of NPs and NCs. SEM-EDX images confirmed the flakelike structure and elemental constituents of the fabricated materials. Tauc plots were drawn, to calculate the band gaps of the synthesized samples. Te doping resulted in a significant reduction in the band gap of the NiS NPs. The photocatalytic efficiency of the NPs and NCs was investigated against MB, under sunlight. The results obtained for the photocatalytic activity, showed that 1%Te@NiS nanoparticles have an excellent dye degradation capacity in sunlight. This was made even better by making a series of SGCN/1% Te@NiS nanocomposites with different amounts of S-g-C₃N₄. When compared to NiS, Te@NiS, SGCN, and 70%SGCN/1%Te@NiS, the 70%SGCN/1%Te@NiS NCs have excellent antifungal ability. The higher impact of SGCN/Te@NiS, may be due to its enhanced ability to disperse and interact with the membranes and intracellular proteins of fungi. The 70%SGCN/1%Te@NiS NCs showed excellent antibacterial and photocatalytic efficiency. Thus, the 70%SGCN/1%Te@NiS NCs might prove fruitful in antibacterial and photocatalytic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis)

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17 pages, 5920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photocatalytic Reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue and Antifungal Activity of Ag/TiO₂ Composites Synthesized via the Template Induced Route

by Zunaira Zahid, Abdul Rauf, Mohsin Javed, Ahmad Alhujaily, Shahid Iqbal, Adnan Amjad, Muhammad Arif, Sajjad Hussain, Ali Bahadur, Nasser S. Awwad, Hala A. Ibrahium, Foziah F. Al-Fawzan and Eslam B. Elkaeed

Inorganics 2023, 11(3), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11030133 - 21 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2542

Abstract

Water treatment through photocatalysts has become an important topic regarding environmental protection. In the present study, silver and TiO₂ (Ag/TiO₂) composites for photocatalysts were effectively synthesized by adopting the template induced method. The prepared samples were characterized using XRD, FTIR [...] Read more.

Water treatment through photocatalysts has become an important topic regarding environmental protection. In the present study, silver and TiO₂ (Ag/TiO₂) composites for photocatalysts were effectively synthesized by adopting the template induced method. The prepared samples were characterized using XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, and EDX. The constructed samples’ particle size and shape were evaluated using a SEM, and the XRD patterns showed anatase crystalline phases. Their morphologies were controllable with changing concentration of reactants and calcination temperature. The synthesized composites act as catalyst in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) under solar irradiation. In both of these activities, the best result has been shown by the 0.01 Ag/TiO₂ composite. Methanol is used as the hole scavenger in the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). While the pH factor is important in the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). According to observations, S. macrospora and S. maydis were each subject to 0.01 Ag/TiO₂ nanocomposites maximum antifungal activity, which was 38.4 mm and 34.3 mm, respectively. The outcomes demonstrate that both photocatalytic and antifungal properties are effectively displayed by the constructed material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis)

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10 pages, 3124 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Zn₃V₂O₈/rGO Nanocomposite for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

by Fahad A. Alharthi, Alanood Sulaiman Ababtain, Hamdah S. Alanazi, Wedyan Saud Al-Nafaei and Imran Hasan

Inorganics 2023, 11(3), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11030093 - 24 Feb 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1395

Abstract

In this study, zinc vanadate/reduced graphene oxide (Zn₃V₂O₈/rGO) composite has been synthesized via a simple approach. Advanced characterization techniques (powder X-ray, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy) have been used to authenticate [...] Read more.

In this study, zinc vanadate/reduced graphene oxide (Zn₃V₂O₈/rGO) composite has been synthesized via a simple approach. Advanced characterization techniques (powder X-ray, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy) have been used to authenticate the formation of Zn₃V₂O₈/rGO composite. Subsequently, Zn₃V₂O₈/rGO was applied as photo-catalyst for hydrogen generation using photo-catalysis. The Zn₃V₂O₈/rGO photo-catalyst exhibited a good hydrogen generation amount of 104.6 µmolg⁻¹. The Zn₃V₂O₈/rGO composite also demonstrates excellent cyclic stability which indicated better reusability of the photo-catalyst (Zn₃V₂O₈/rGO). This work proposes a new photo-catalyst for H₂ production application. We believe that the presence of synergistic interactions was responsible for the improved photo-catalytic properties of Zn₃V₂O₈/rGO composite. The Zn₃V₂O₈/rGO composite is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective photo-catalyst and can be used for photo-catalytic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis)

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14 pages, 8558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deep Eutectic Solvent-Mediated Synthesis of Ni₃V₂O₈/N-Doped RGO for Visible-Light-Driven H₂ Evolution and Simultaneous Degradation of Dyes

by Fahad A. Alharthi, Alanood Sulaiman Ababtain, Hend Khalid Aldubeikl, Hamdah S. Alanazi and Imran Hasan

Inorganics 2023, 11(2), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11020067 - 31 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1328

Abstract

Photochemical hydrogen evolution and the degradation of synthetic dyes in water are the two key ways to unravel the issues associated with the energy and environmental sectors for sustainability. The present work deals with the use of a deep eutectic solvent for the [...] Read more.

Photochemical hydrogen evolution and the degradation of synthetic dyes in water are the two key ways to unravel the issues associated with the energy and environmental sectors for sustainability. The present work deals with the use of a deep eutectic solvent for the synthesis of Ni₃V₂O₈/N-doped reduced graphene oxide (NiV/NR hybrid). The NiV/NR hybrid, NRGO, and NiV were characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, UV-DRS, XPS, and other photo-electrochemical techniques. The NiV/NR hybrid exhibited high efficiency towards light-driven hydrogen evolution (12,546 µmol)) compared to pristine NiV (6453 µmol) and NRGO (1935 µmol). Among the various sacrificial agents examined, TEOA showed better activity in H₂ evolution. The photocatalytic degradation of anionic (Methyl orange; MO) and cationic dyes (crystal violet; CV) were evaluated and the reaction conditions were carefully optimized to attain the utmost efficiency. The efficiency of the NiV/NR hybrid was higher under visible light irradiation than UV light and able to degrade 94.6 and 96.7% of MO and CV, respectively. The results of the simultaneous degradation of dyes and total organic carbon (TOC) removal were good. Based on the obtained bandgap and Mott–Schottky plots, the mechanism of photocatalysis in the NiV/NR hybrid is discussed in detail. The reusability and stability of the NiV/NR hybrid in both H₂ evolution experiments and degradation studies are excellent. The fabricated NiV/NR hybrid material could be used for multiple applications in energy and environmental applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis)

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14 pages, 5385 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Excellent Adsorption of Dyes via MgTiO₃@g-C₃N₄ Nanohybrid: Construction, Description and Adsorption Mechanism

by Abueliz Modwi, Mohamed R. Elamin, Hajo Idriss, Nuha Y. Elamin, Fatima A. Adam, Abuzar E. Albadri and Babiker Y. Abdulkhair

Inorganics 2022, 10(11), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics10110210 - 15 Nov 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 1615

Abstract

This report investigates the elimination of hazardous Rhodamine B dye (RhB) from an aqueous medium utilizing MgTiO₃@g-C₃N₄ nanohybrids manufactured using a facile method. The nanohybrid MgTiO₃@g-C₃N₄ was generated using an ultrasonic approach in [...] Read more.

This report investigates the elimination of hazardous Rhodamine B dye (RhB) from an aqueous medium utilizing MgTiO₃@g-C₃N₄ nanohybrids manufactured using a facile method. The nanohybrid MgTiO₃@g-C₃N₄ was generated using an ultrasonic approach in the alcoholic solvent. Various techniques, including HRTEM, EDX, XRD, BET, and FTIR, were employed to describe the fabricated MgTiO3@g-C3N4 nanohybrids. RhB elimination was investigated utilizing batch mode studies, and the maximum removal was attained at pH 7.0. The RhB adsorption process is more consistent with the Langmuir isotherm model. The highest adsorption capacity of MgTiO₃@g-C₃N₄ nanohybrids for RhB was determined to be 232 mg/g. The dye adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model, and the parameters calculated indicated that the kinetic adsorption process was spontaneous. Using ethanol and water, the reusability of the nanomaterial was investigated, and based on the results; it can be concluded that the MgTiO₃@g-C₃N₄ nanohybrids are easily regenerated for dye removal. The removal mechanism for the removal of RhB dye into MgTiO₃@g-C₃N₄ nanohybrids was also investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis)

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24 pages, 11558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Co, Cu, Fe, and Ni Deposited over TiO₂ and Their Photocatalytic Activity in the Degradation of 2,4-Dichlorophenol and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid

by Isaias Limón-Rocha, Adriana Marizcal-Barba, C. A. Guzmán-González, Luis M. Anaya-Esparza, Suresh Ghotekar, O. A. González-Vargas and A. Pérez-Larios

Inorganics 2022, 10(10), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics10100157 - 27 Sep 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1996

Abstract

Pure TiO₂ synthesized by the sol-gel method and subsequently deposited at 5% by weight with Co, Cu, Fe, and Ni ions by the deposition–precipitation method was studied as photocatalysts. The nanomaterials were analyzed by SEM, TEM, UV-Vis DRS, DRX, Physisorption N₂ [...] Read more.

Pure TiO₂ synthesized by the sol-gel method and subsequently deposited at 5% by weight with Co, Cu, Fe, and Ni ions by the deposition–precipitation method was studied as photocatalysts. The nanomaterials were analyzed by SEM, TEM, UV-Vis DRS, DRX, Physisorption N₂, and XPS. The SEM and TEM images present a semi-spherical shape with small agglomerations of particles and average size between 63 and 65 nm. UV-Vis results show that a reduction below 3.2 eV exhibits a redshift displacement and increment in the optical absorption of the nanoparticles promoting the absorption in the UV-visible region. XRD spectra and analysis SAED suggest the characteristic anatase phase in TiO₂ and deposited materials according to JCPDS 21-1272. The specific surface area was calculated and the nanomaterial Ni/TiO₂ (21.3 m² g⁻¹) presents a slight increment when comparing to TiO₂ (20.37 m²g⁻¹). The information generated by the XPS spectra present the deposition of metallic ions on the support and the presence of different valence states for each photocatalyst. The photocatalytic activity was carried out in an aqueous solution with 80 mg L⁻¹ of 2,4-D or 2,4-DCP under UV light (285 nm) with 100 mg L⁻¹ of each photocatalysts for 360 min. The nanomaterial that presented the best efficiency was Ni/TiO₂, obtaining a degradation of 85.6% and 90.3% for 2,4-D and 2,4-DCP, respectively. Similarly, this material was the one that presented the highest mineralization, 68.3% and 86.5% for 2,4-D and 2,4-DCP, respectively. Photocatalytic reactions correspond to the pseudo-first-order Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis)

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20 pages, 5658 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photocatalytic Evaluation of TiO_x Films Produced by Cathodic Arc-PVD with Silver Addition by UVC Photo-Reduction Method

by Alma Yunuen Raya-Tapia, Francisco Ung-Medina, Guillermo César Mondragón-Rodríguez, Eric Mauricio Rivera-Muñoz, José Apolinar-Cortés, Franklin J. Méndez and Rafael Huirache-Acuña

Inorganics 2022, 10(10), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics10100148 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1765

Abstract

A titanium (Ti) commercial cathode material and high purity Ar and O₂ were used in the cathodic arc physical vapor deposition (arc-PVD) process. The TiO_x coating was deposited on the three sets of Raschig rings using decreasing ratios of Ar/O₂ [...] Read more.

A titanium (Ti) commercial cathode material and high purity Ar and O₂ were used in the cathodic arc physical vapor deposition (arc-PVD) process. The TiO_x coating was deposited on the three sets of Raschig rings using decreasing ratios of Ar/O₂:440/60, 400/100 and 300/100. The cross sections of the TiO_x PVD coating were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). A homogeneous layer of Ti with small O content was observed, and the data suggest that a thin TiO_x oxide film was deposited. For this reason, a thermal treatment was applied to the coating to oxidize it and form the rutile phase of TiO₂ in the coating, which was demonstrated by grazing incidence XRD. In addition, the TiO_x coatings absorb radiation, which was observed by diffuse reflectance band gap energy measurement. Silver (Ag) was added by the photo-reduction method, using UVC light to activate the TiO₂ coating, and the band gap energy was analyzed by diffuse reflectance. The photocatalytic activities of the films were evaluated by degradation of the model dye rhodamine B and in the removal of fecal coliforms using two matrices, water from a secondary treatment effluent, and synthetic water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis)

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20 pages, 10025 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Correlation in the Colloidal Properties of TiO₂ Nanoparticles and Its Impact on the Photocatalytic Activity

by María Concepción Ceballos-Chuc, Carlos Manuel Ramos-Castillo, Manuel Rodríguez-Pérez, Miguel Ángel Ruiz-Gómez, Geonel Rodríguez-Gattorno and Julio Villanueva-Cab

Inorganics 2022, 10(9), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics10090125 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2089

Abstract

In this work, the relationship between the photodegradation rate of methylene blue (MB) and the effective surface charge of titania nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) in an aqueous solution is addressed. Colloidal dispersions were prepared from TiO₂ NPs (4–10 nm) for the heterogenous [...] Read more.

In this work, the relationship between the photodegradation rate of methylene blue (MB) and the effective surface charge of titania nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) in an aqueous solution is addressed. Colloidal dispersions were prepared from TiO₂ NPs (4–10 nm) for the heterogenous photocatalysis test. The dispersion properties such as pH, hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential, and isoelectric point were studied. Acidic TiO₂ dispersions (pH = 3.6–4.0) with a positive zeta potential and smaller hydrodynamic diameter exhibit larger colloidal stability and pseudo-first-order kinetics for the degradation of MB. The largest rate constant (5 × 10⁻² min⁻¹) corresponded to a conversion of 98% within 75 min under UV light. This enhanced rate is a synergic effect between the surface area, charge, and optimal hydrodynamic diameter of TiO₂ NPs. A linear correlation between the calculated values for the absorption cross-section and normalized rate constant was found for the systems under study. It was observed that an eventual increase in the pH (4–5.5) reduces the effective surface charge and dispersion stability, causing a decrease in the rate constants of one order of magnitude (10⁻³ min⁻¹) for TiO₂ agglomerates with a larger hydrodynamic diameter (300–850 nm). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis)

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19 pages, 5591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

TiO₂-La₂O₃ as Photocatalysts in the Degradation of Naproxen

by Adriana Marizcal-Barba, Isaias Limón-Rocha, Arturo Barrera, José Eduardo Casillas, O. A. González-Vargas, José Luis Rico, Claudia Martinez-Gómez and Alejandro Pérez-Larios

Inorganics 2022, 10(5), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics10050067 - 22 May 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2383

Abstract

The indiscriminate use of naproxen as an anti-inflammatory has been the leading cause of pollution in sewage effluents. Conversely, titanium dioxide is one of the most promising photocatalyst for the degradation of pollutants. Ti-La mixed oxides containing 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10 [...] Read more.

The indiscriminate use of naproxen as an anti-inflammatory has been the leading cause of pollution in sewage effluents. Conversely, titanium dioxide is one of the most promising photocatalyst for the degradation of pollutants. Ti-La mixed oxides containing 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10 wt.% of lanthanum were synthetized by sol-gel and tested as photocatalysts in the degradation of naproxen (NPX). The materials were further characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen physisorption (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XRD patterns resembled that of anatase titania. The Eg values, determined from the UV-Vis spectra, vary from 2.07 to 3.2 eV corresponded to pure titania. The photocatalytic activity of these materials showed a degradation of naproxen from 93.6 to 99.8 wt.% after 4 h under UV irradiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis)

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10 pages, 3149 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Temperature on the Adhesion and Bactericidal Activities of Ag⁺-Doped BiVO₄ Ceramic Tiles

by Ying Zhang, Xuhuan Zhao, Hao Wang, Shiqi Fu, Xiulong Lv, Qian He, Rui Liu, Fangying Ji and Xuan Xu

Inorganics 2022, 10(5), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics10050061 - 06 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1841

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study the effect of temperature on the adhesion and disinfection activities of an Ag⁺-doped BiVO₄ (Ag⁺/BiVO₄) coating. Ag⁺/BiVO₄ was prepared by a sol–gel method, and spraying [...] Read more.

The aim of this research was to study the effect of temperature on the adhesion and disinfection activities of an Ag⁺-doped BiVO₄ (Ag⁺/BiVO₄) coating. Ag⁺/BiVO₄ was prepared by a sol–gel method, and spraying was used as the deposition method of coating. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the monoclinic scheelite phase of the samples was unchanged by annealing at 450–650 °C. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that, at high temperatures, the particles melted and formed a dense coating, and the roughness of the coating decreased after initially increasing. The adhesion and disinfection activities were evaluated by ASTM D3359-08 and disinfection experiments. The results showed that the samples modified by silver had a good disinfection activity when annealed in the range of 450–650 °C. The adhesion increased upon increasing the annealing temperature. The sample annealed at 650 °C showed the best coating adhesion and completely killed Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella, and Salmonella after 2 h of visible-light irradiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

33 pages, 5395 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bio-Inspired Synthesis of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials and Their Potential Environmental Applications: A State-of-the-Art Review

by Vishal Dutta, Ritesh Verma, C. Gopalkrishnan, Min-Hao Yuan, Khalid Mujasam Batoo, R. Jayavel, Ankush Chauhan, Kun-Yi Andrew Lin, Ravindran Balasubramani and Suresh Ghotekar

Inorganics 2022, 10(10), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics10100169 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 3619

Abstract

Providing safe drinking water and clean water is becoming a more challenging task all around the world. Although some critical issues and limits remain unsolved, implementing ecologically sustainable nanomaterials (NMs) with unique features, e.g., highly efficient and selective, earth-abundance, renewability, low-cost manufacturing procedures, [...] Read more.

Providing safe drinking water and clean water is becoming a more challenging task all around the world. Although some critical issues and limits remain unsolved, implementing ecologically sustainable nanomaterials (NMs) with unique features, e.g., highly efficient and selective, earth-abundance, renewability, low-cost manufacturing procedures, and stability, has become a priority. Carbon nanoparticles (NPs) offer tremendous promise in the sectors of energy and the environment. However, a series of far more ecologically friendly synthesis techniques based on natural, renewable, and less expensive waste resources must be explored. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful material extraction and assist the development of green technologies. The progress achieved in the previous 10 years in the fabrication of novel carbon-based NMs utilizing waste materials as well as natural precursors is reviewed in this article. Research on carbon-based NPs and their production using naturally occurring precursors and waste materials focuses on this review research. Water treatment and purification using carbon NMs, notably for industrial and pharmaceutical wastes, has shown significant potential. Research in this area focuses on enhanced carbonaceous NMs, methods, and novel nano-sorbents for wastewater, drinking water, groundwater treatment, as well as ionic metal removal from aqueous environments. Discussed are the latest developments and challenges in environmentally friendly carbon and graphene quantum dot NMs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis)

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43 pages, 10320 KiB

Open AccessReview

Preparation and Real World Applications of Titania Composite Materials for Photocatalytic Surface, Air, and Water Purification: State of the Art

by Volker Seiß, Susanne Thiel and Maik Eichelbaum

Inorganics 2022, 10(9), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics10090139 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2869

Abstract

The semiconducting transition metal oxide TiO₂ is a rather cheap and non-toxic material with superior photocatalytic properties. TiO₂ thin films and nanoparticles are known to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antialgal, self, water, and air-cleaning properties under UV or sun light irradiation. [...] Read more.

The semiconducting transition metal oxide TiO₂ is a rather cheap and non-toxic material with superior photocatalytic properties. TiO₂ thin films and nanoparticles are known to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antialgal, self, water, and air-cleaning properties under UV or sun light irradiation. Based on these excellent qualities, titania holds great promises in various fields of applications. The vast majority of published field and pilot scale studies are dealing with the modification of building materials or generally focus on air purification. Based on the reviewed papers, for the coating of glass, walls, ceilings, streets, tunnels, and other large surfaces, titania is usually applied by spray-coating due to the scalibility and cost-efficiency of this method compared to alternative coating procedures. In contrast, commercialized applications of titania in medical fields or in water purification are rarely found. Moreover, in many realistic test scenarios it becomes evident that the photocatalytic activity is often significantly lower than in laboratory settings. In this review, we will give an overview on the most relevant real world applications and commonly applied preparation methods for these purposes. We will also look at the relevant bottlenecks such as visible light photocatalytic activity and long-term stability and will make suggestions to overcome these hurdles for a widespread usage of titania as photocalyst. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites for Photocatalysis)

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