Photocatalysis

About: Photocatalysis is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 67088 publications have been published within this topic receiving 2145233 citations. The topic is also known as: photocatalyst.

Au Nanoparticle Modified WO3 Nanorods with Their Enhanced Properties for Photocatalysis and Gas Sensing

Abstract: A novel photocatalysis and gas sensing material was synthesized by decorating Au nanoparticles on tungsten trioxide nanorods. Tungsten trioxide nanorods were prepared through the ion-exchange method combined with hydrothermal treatment and further modified with Au nanoparticles (Au NPs). After Au NPs decorated on the surface of WO3 nanorods (WO3 NRs), the reducing gas (hydrogen, methanol, ethanol, etc.) sensing properties and the photocatalytic performance of rhodamine B (RhB) were all greatly improved. Au NP modified WO3 nanorods (Au NP@WO3 NRs) exhibit not only larger response (H2 50 ppm, recovery time lower than 10 s) and better selectivity (Ra/Rg = 6.6) for H2 gas detection than pure WO3 NRs but also high photocatalytic properties for the absolute degradation of RhB under simulated sunlight irradiation for 120 min.

Ambient Light Reduction Strategy to Synthesize Silver Nanoparticles and Silver-Coated TiO2 with Enhanced Photocatalytic and Bactericidal Activities

Abstract: Under ambient light illumination, silver nanoparticles can be synthesized by a triblock copolymer induced reduction of [Ag(NH3)2]+ ions in ethanol. Conventional chemical reducing agents, thermal treatment, and radiation sources are no longer necessary in this novel approach. A possible mechanism was proposed to explain the formation and stabilization of silver nanoparticles based on UV−vis absorption spectra and transmission electron microscopy results. This novel ambient light route has been successfully applied to deposit silver nanoclusters on TiO2. Silver nanoclusters of about 2 nm in size were found to strongly anchor to the TiO2 nanoparticles with high dispersion. The resulting silver-coated TiO2 material with optimal silver loading showed enhanced photocatalytic and bactericidal activities compared to the uncoated TiO2. The reasons for the enhancements of the activities were discussed.

In situ synthesis of graphitic-C3N4 nanosheet hybridized N-doped TiO2 nanofibers for efficient photocatalytic H2 production and degradation

Abstract: Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (g-C3N4 NSs) hybridized nitrogen doped titanium dioxide (N-TiO2) nanofibers (GCN/NT NFs) have been synthesized in situ via a simple electrospinning process combined with a modified heat-etching method. The prepared GCN/NT NFs were characterized by a variety of methods and their photocatalytic activities were evaluated by hydrogen (H2) production from water splitting and degradation of rhodamine B in aqueous solution. It was found that the GCN/NT NFs have a mesoporous structure, composed of g-C3N4 NSs and N-doped TiO2 crystallites. The g-C3N4 NSs synthesized after heat-etching were found to be embedded in, and covered, the hybrid NFs to form stable interfaces. The partial decomposition of g-C3N4 releases its nitrogen content which eventually gets doped into the nearby TiO2 skeleton. The GCN/NT NFs give a high photocatalytic H2 production rate of 8,931.3 μmol·h−1·g−1 in aqueous methanol solution under simulated solar light. Such a highly efficient photocatalytic performance can be ascribed to the combined effects of g-C3N4 NSs and N-doped TiO2 with enhanced light absorption intensity and improved electron transport ability. Also, the large surface area of the mesoporous NFs minimizes light reflection on the surface and provides more surface-active sites. This work highlights the potential of quasi-one dimensional hybrid materials in the field of solar energy conversion.

Nb2O5 as efficient and recyclable photocatalyst for indigo carmine degradation

Abstract: Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a significant green technology for application in water purification. The application of Nb2O5 catalyst for the photodegradation of contaminants is few reported in the literature. Thus, the Nb2O5 catalyst was characterized by SEM, FTIR, surface area and charge surface density. This catalyst was applied to degrade indigo carmine dye, which was compared with degradation catalyzed by TiO2 and ZnO. Almost 100% of dye degradation occurred at 20, 45 and 90 min for TiO2, ZnO and Nb2O5, respectively. The effect of Nb2O5 catalyst concentration, pH and ionic strength (μ) was investigated. The Nb2O5 activity increased at 0.7 g/L and for higher catalyst concentrations the degradation was kept constant. Degradation of indigo carmine dye catalyzed by Nb2O5 was improved at pH