Surface Plasmonic-Assisted Photocatalysis and Optoelectronic Devices with Noble Metal Nanocrystals: Design, Synthesis, and Applications

In this study, both CuO nanoparticles and ZnO nanorods were anchored on thermally-exfoliated g-C3N4 nanosheets (denoted as CZ@T-GCN) via isoelectric point-mediated annealing process as a novel nano-photocatalyst towards degradation of amoxicillin (AMOX). The features of prepared materials were characterized using BET, UV–vis DRS, XRD, FT-IR, XPS, FE-SEM, TEM, EIS and transient photocurrent techniques. These analyses demonstrated the successful formation of heterojunctions between components of CZ@T-GCN nanocomposite, which reflected in significantly increased electron-hole separation and enhanced degradation of AMOX as compared with pure substances. The investigation of influential operative parameters confirmed that the complete removal of AMOX could be attained under catalytic dosage of 0.9 g L−1 and pH of 7.0 within 120 min simulated sunlight illumination. Generation of OH upon illumination of catalysts was verified by terephthalic acid photoluminescence (TPA-PL) spectroscopy. Also, trapping tests proved that OH and O2 − were the major reactive radicals in AMOX decontamination. A novel double Z-scheme mechanism as well as a tentative pathway for fractionation of AMOX by CZ@T-GCN photocatalytic system were proposed in details. Only a marginal decrease in photocatalytic activity occurred after 5 consecutive tests. In an attempt to study the industrial applicability of catalyst, more than 79 % COD and 63 % TOC were eliminated under optimum conditions during 120 min illumination and the biodegradability of treated wastewater was also improved.

CuO and ZnO co-anchored on g-C3N4 nanosheets as an affordable double Z-scheme nanocomposite for photocatalytic decontamination of amoxicillin

One of the promising ways to overcome microbial antibiotic resistance is the use of nanoparticles of metal oxides. As you know, a wide range of metals has antimicrobial action: Ag, Al, Cu, Fe, Mo, Mn, etc. The mechanisms of the antimicrobial action of metals are impaired functioning of microbial enzymes, generation of reactive oxygen species, damage to the cell membrane, and genotoxic action. ZnO nanoparticles have bacteriostatic and bactericidal action against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungicidal activity. The mechanism of action is based on the release of Zn2+, generation of reactive oxygen species, damage to the cell membrane, binding to microbial proteins and nucleic acids. NPs based on ZnO have a number of advantages: high antibacterial efficiency at low concentrations (0.16-5.00 mM/l), action on a wide range of microbial strains, and relatively low production costs. Methods have now been found to improve the antimicrobial properties of nanoparticles. The use of several methods at the same time in some cases gives a synergistic effect. All of the above allows us to predict the use of ZnO nanoparticles as a new generation of antimicrobial agents in the near future.

/pdf/a-mini-review-of-antibacterial-properties-of-zno-1aty9exf12.pdf

A Mini Review of Antibacterial Properties of ZnO Nanoparticles

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), a polymeric semiconductor, has become a rising star for photocatalytic energy conversion because of its facile accessibility, metal-free nature, low cost, and environmentally benign properties. This work reviews the latest progress of g-C₃N₄-based materials in visible-light-driven water splitting to hydrogen. It begins with a brief history of g-C₃N₄, followed by various engineering strategies of g-C₃N₄, such as elemental doping, copolymerization, crystalline tailoring, surface engineering, and single-atom modification, for elevated photocatalytic water decomposition. In addition, the synthesis of g-C₃N₄ in different dimensions (0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D) and configurations of a series of g-C₃N₄-based heterojunctions (type II, Z-scheme, S-scheme, g-C₃N₄/metal, and g-C₃N₄/carbon heterojunctions) were also discussed for their improvement in photocatalytic hydrogen production. Lastly, the challenges and opportunities of g-C₃N₄-based nanomaterials are provided. It is anticipated that this review will promote the further development of the emerging g-C₃N₄-based materials for more efficiency in photocatalytic water splitting to hydrogen.

Engineered graphitic carbon nitride-based photocatalysts for visible-light-driven water splitting: A review

A facile green route has been employed for the synthesis of ZnO and Ag-doped ZnO using Cannabis sativa as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized and tested for photocatalytic dye degradation and antimicrobial activity. The results suggested that nanoparticles have shown antimicrobial activity against different human pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus) and fungal strains (Fusarium spp. and Rosellinia necatrix). Ag-doped nanoparticles comparatively have shown better removal Congo red and methyl orange under visible light. Therefore, green synthesized nanoparticles could have beneficial applications in environmental science and biological field.

/pdf/photocatalytic-dye-degradation-and-antimicrobial-activities-1zusdve05y.pdf

Photocatalytic dye degradation and antimicrobial activities of Pure and Ag-doped ZnO using Cannabis sativa leaf extract.

Transition metal doped ZnO nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial performances: Experimental and DFT studies

3D lamellar skeletal network of porous carbon derived from hull of water chestnut with excellent microwave absorption properties.

In–situ synthesis of an Al–based composite reinforced with nanometric γ–Al2O3 and submicron AlB2 particles

Influence of heterogeneous microstructure on the tensile properties of (Al2O3+AlB2)/Al composites

By introducing thiourea and ether groups into MQ silicone resin polymer via free radical polymerization, a polyether-thiourea-siloxane (PTS) copolymer was synthesized. The characterization of the synthesized copolymer indicated the occurrence of H-bonding interactions and a narrow molecular weight polydispersity index. Antifouling coatings were produced by incorporating the synthesized copolymer and phenylmethylsilicone oil (PSO). The addition of a minute amount of copolymer enhanced the hydrophobicity of the coating by increasing its surface roughness. However, excessive addition of copolymer resulted in a significant deterioration of the coating surface smoothness. The copolymer improved the mechanical properties of the coating, but excessive addition decreased the crosslinking density and weakened the mechanical performance. With increasing copolymer addition, the leaching of PSO was significantly improved due to the change in the storage form of PSO in the coating caused by the copolymer. Based on the H-bonding interaction of the copolymer, the adhesion strength between the coating and the substrate was significantly improved. However, excessive addition of copolymer did not infinitely enhance the adhesion strength. The antifouling performance demonstrated that an appropriate amount of copolymer could obtain adequate PSO leaching efficiency, thereby effectively enhancing the antifouling performance of the coating. In this study, the prepared coating P12 (12 g of PTS in 100 g of PDMS) showed the most effective antifouling performance.

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/8/3574/pdf?version=1681894621

Mengyu Li

Papers

Transition metal doped ZnO nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial performances: Experimental and DFT studies

3D lamellar skeletal network of porous carbon derived from hull of water chestnut with excellent microwave absorption properties.

In–situ synthesis of an Al–based composite reinforced with nanometric γ–Al2O3 and submicron AlB2 particles

Influence of heterogeneous microstructure on the tensile properties of (Al2O3+AlB2)/Al composites

Polyether-Thiourea-Siloxane Copolymer Based on H-Bonding Interaction for Marine Antifouling