Zou Xinxin

Bio: Zou Xinxin is an academic researcher from Shaanxi University of Science and Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Liquid paraffin & Graphene. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 15 publications receiving 133 citations.

Flexible Carbon-Fiber/Semimetal Bi Nanosheet Arrays as Separable and Recyclable Plasmonic Photocatalysts and Photoelectrocatalysts

Abstract: In this work, we prepared flexible carbon-fiber/semimetal Bi nanosheet arrays from solvothermal-synthesized carbon-fiber/Bi2O2CO3 nanosheet arrays via a reductive calcination process. The flexible carbon-fiber/semimetal Bi nanosheet arrays can function as photocatalysts and photoelectrocatalysts for 2,4-dinitorphenol oxidation. Compared with carbon-fiber/Bi2O2CO3 nanosheet arrays, the newly designed flexible carbon-fiber/semimetal Bi nanosheet arrays show enhanced ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) light absorption efficiency and photocurrent, photocatalytic, and photoelectrocatalytic activities. Photocatalytic analyses indicate that the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of semimetal Bi occurs under solar-simulated light irradiation during the photocatalytic process. The carbon-fiber traps the hot electrons exerted from the SPR of semimetal Bi and creates holes in the semimetal Bi nanosheets, which boosts the photocatalytic activity of the carbon fiber through plasmonic sensitization. Both photocatalytic experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the electrons transferred to the carbon fiber and the holes created in semimetal Bi contribute to the formation of •O2- and •OH, respectively. The synergistic effect between electrocatalysis and photocatalysis under the solar-simulated light results in almost complete degradation of 2,4-dinitorphenol during the photoelectrocatalytic process. This work realizes a non-noble-metal plasmonic catalyst and provides a new avenue for the commercialization of photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis using the separable and recyclable carbon-fiber/semimetal Bi nanosheet arrays in the environment-related field.

SnS2/CNTs rGO composite structure, preparation method and application

Abstract: The present invention provides an SnS2/CNTs rGO composite structure, a preparation method and application thereof. The preparation method comprises following steps: Firstly, blending 0.1-0.5g SnS2/CNTs nanostructures into 3-10 ml monolayer graphene oxide dispersion liquids with 1 mg/ml concentration to stir evenly, then adding 0.1-0.5g ascorbic acid to prepare and obtain SnS2/CNTs rGO through self-assembly; and utilizing synergistic effect of a lamellar structure of the graphene oxide and flexibility of CNTs to inhibit an enormous volume expansion problem caused by SnS2 implanting/embedding in sodium ions, thereby further improving cyclic stability and chemical properties of materials.

Hollow semiconductor photocatalysts for solar energy conversion

Abstract: The development of high-efficient photocatalysts plays an important role in the sustainable utilization of solar energy. Hollow nanostructured photocatalysts are vital for solar light utilization and charge carrier separation in photocatalytic processes. Therefore, the construction of hollow semiconductor photocatalysts is a promising strategy for preparing novel high-efficient photocatalysts. This paper reviews common hollow semiconductor nanomaterials, such as oxides, sulfides, nitrides, C3N4, MOFs, and their composite photocatalysts. The characteristics of hollow-structure photocatalysts, the application of solar energy conversion, and their understanding of the photocatalytic mechanism are also reviewed. In addition, future challenges will be focused on designing and majorizing broadband response hollow-structure photocatalysts to further enhance solar energy conversion. Hollow semiconductor photocatalysts will have potential applications in the natural environment, and these synthesized strategies can also provide new possibilities for synthesizing other high-performance semiconductor photocatalysts.