Amount Of TiO2 Nanoparticles Research Articles

Survey of catalytic performance of TiO2 via coupling with ZSM-5 Zeolite under UV light for activation of peroxymonosulfate Applied towards Orange II (OII) degradation

Background: The widespread presence of organic dyes in the various industries’ effluent such as paper, textile, and clothing has led to significant environmental pollution. Titanium oxide (TiO2 ) nanoparticles immobilized on zeolite (ZSM-5) were investigated under UV light for activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for photocatalytic degradation of Orange II (OII) dye in aqueous solutions. Methods: In this study, the photocatalyst used was prepared by immobilizing different amounts of TiO2 nanoparticles on ZSM-5. Characterization analyses including X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), BET, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were performed on the synthesized samples. Then, the effect of various parameters, such as TiO2 nanoparticles loading onto the ZSM-5, pH, contact time, dye concentration, and TiO2 / ZSM-5 dosage, is investigated for the removal of OII as a model molecule under the UV irradiation with 15 W power. Results: The highest removal percentage of OII dye (97.44%) was obtained in the optimal operating conditions of pH=3, the initial dye concentration=5 ppm, amount of TiO2 /ZSM-5=10 mg/L, amount of PMS=50 mg/L, and reaction time=120 minutes. The Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetics model fitted with the experimental data. Conclusion: The obtained results of this research showed that PMS can be used as a suitable oxidant activated with ZSM-5/TiO2 nanocomposite in OII degradation in different water environments, by optimizing the effective operating factors.

Studying the destruction of pollutant in the presence of photocatalysts based on MWCNTs with controlled values of TiO2 nanoparticles

The main goal of the present research is the synthesis of new photocatalysts to reduce the amount of organic pollutants in aquatic environments. For this purpose, the amount of TiO2 nanoparticles in the synthesized samples containing MWCNTs is controlled to synthesize two types of photocatalysts named as MCT#1 and MCT#2. Samples characterizing using XRD reveal that the TiO2 nanoparticles have a combined phase of rutile and anatase. So that in both of photocatalysts, the percentage of anatase phase is higher than rutile. The analysis of the degradation rate demonstrates that intensification level of TiO2 nanoparticles in MCT#2 compared to the MCT#1 leads to enhancement of photocatalytic activity of MCT#2. Design of experiment results shows that the destruction amount of MO is affected by irradiation time and pH. Based on ANOVA study, it is observed that both factors have a significant effect on reducing of MO concentration. Analyzing the results based on Duncan's multiple range test at α = 0.05 confirm that all the studied levels of the main parameters have a logical influence on MO destruction. Meanwhile, it can be deducted that the most and the least of destruction is observed at pH = 7 and pH = 3, respectively.

Specific charge separation of Cd doped TiO2 photocatalysts for energy applications

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanostructures are well known for their excellency in photocatalytic activities. In this work, additive-free and Cd metal ion - incorporated titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have been prepared to employ a facile route of synthesis using a hydrothermal method. Metal-metal nanocomposites have been synthesized by incorporating cadmium (Cd) with the appropriate amount of TiO2 nanoparticles. The properties of the derived materials had been investigated by employing various characteristic tools such as various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible absorbance spectroscopy (UV–vis), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) are all examples of advanced imaging techniques, that may be used to study materials. Using a method known as a vibrating sample magnetometer, we measured the magnetic properties of bare and Cd-doped TiO2 nanoparticles. The investigations on crystalline nature of samples are agreed well with the standard crystalline features of TiO2 nanoparticles. Emerged grain sizes have been estimated for all samples of pure and additive incorporated TiO2 samples. Morphological characterization revealed that different particle features varied with the compositional changes. Spectral and optical absorption spectra of the prepared nanoparticles ensured the yield of derived TiO2 nanoparticles with the additive component. An evaluation of the photocatalytic activity of Cd doped TiO2 nanoparticles under UV irradiation was made using the methylene blue (MB) degradation method. The photodegradation efficiency were studied under visible light which confirms that the material is gifted one for water-treatment technologies to meet the rising clean water shortage.

Preparation and Optimization of Photocatalytic Polyacrylic Acid/Guar Gum/TiO2 Hydrogels for Absorption and Removing of Methylene Blue Under Visible and UV Irradiation

In this research, photocatalytic hydrogels of polyacrylic acid/guar gum/Titanium dioxide (PAA/GG/TiO2) were synthesized and optimized by response surface methodology for the absorption and degradation of methylene blue (MB). The variables were the amount of cross-linking agent, the amount of guar gum, the amount of TiO2 nanoparticles, and the pH of the environment, respectively. The optimizing responses were swelling ratio and absorption in two environments with and without UV radiation, respectively. The optimal samples contained 4% (molar) cross-linking agent and 2 wt. % of guar gum. The amount of TiO2 was optimized at 5 and 7 wt. %. To achieve dye absorption rate, kinetic models such as pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion (Weber–Morris), had been investigated in visible light and UV radiation at an initial concentration of MB 20 (ppm) for one day. Also, absorption isotherm equations in visible light and UV irradiation at various concentration of 20–60 ppm were evaluated based on the models of Freundlich, Langmuir (Hanes–Woolf), Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevic. The results showed that the hydrogel containing 4% (molar) of crosslinker, 5 wt. % of TiO2, and 2 wt. % guar gum, have good efficiency for removing MB from the aqueous medium and this property is intensified by UV radiation.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of electrospun TiO2/polyacrylonitrile membranes in a crossflow reactor using dual lights

Photocatalytic membranes reactors have become one of the most efficient technologies to treat polluted waters. However, a major drawback is the unilateral irradiation of the membrane, where only one side of the membrane is exploited. To overcome this issue, we developed a reactor where the membrane can be irradiated on both sides. Polyacrylonitrile membranes containing different amounts of TiO2 nanoparticles up to 60% were first prepared by electrospinning. These membranes were used in a 3D-printed crossflow photocatalytic membrane reactor for the degradation of methylene blue under different combinations of lights. The use of both sides of the photocatalytic membrane significantly enhanced the photocatalytic activity for the decolorization of methylene blue in water. The prepared membranes showed the best decolorization rate for a loading of 60% of TiO2 and the use of dual ultraviolet lights, where the methylene blue solution was completely discolored after 90 min. This is the first report of a such system configuration, and this new irradiation concept is promising for photocatalytic membrane reactions and water cleaning.

A novel solar PV/T driven photocatalytic multifunctional system: Concept proposal and performance investigation

This article proposes a novel PV/T driven liquid-photocatalytic-purification multifunctional system that combines photocatalytic purification technology with PV/T technology. The experiments on the effects of concentration and depth of TiO2 nanofluids layer, and air bubble rate on the electrical, dissolving and photocatalytic oxidation of formaldehyde performance were conducted. Then the energy analysis on the proposed system in a typical day was investigated. The following results are obtained. (1) Both the concentration and depth of TiO2 nanofluids layer have very significant effect on the electrical performance. A certain amount of TiO2 nanoparticles in TiO2 nanofluids could improve the formaldehyde solubility in water. (2) The photocatalytic oxidation rate increases with the formaldehyde concentration of 0.01–0.15 mg/L (3) The photocatalytic process could be divided into three stages: accumulation area, rapid reaction area and complete reaction area. While the air bubbling can merge the accumulation area and rapid reaction area, and thus enhances the photocatalytic process. (4) In a typical day, the proposed system has the reduction of 22.9% and 17.0% in thermal efficiency and electrical efficiency compared with conventional PV/T water system, while it has an additional efficient sterilization time of 2.5 h.

Application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles for the design of oil well cement slurry – a study based on compressive strength, setting time and rheology

Nanotechnology has already been adopted and extensively used for several applications in the oil and gas industry. Cementing the wellbore is also one of the applications which are explored in this study. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were used to understand their effect on various cement properties which include setting time, compressive strength, and rheological behaviour. The class G cement used in the present study was characterized for its composition using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis and the TiO2 nanoparticles were characterized for identification and mineral characterization with the help of X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The experimental investigation reveals that the mixing of the diminutive amount of TiO2 nanoparticles (0.5, 0.1, 1.5, and 2.0% BWOC) can simultaneously enhance the compressive strength and reduce the setting time of the cement slurry. The compressive strength of the cement mixture was seen to be increasing with the increment of TiO2 nanoparticle concentration in the slurry, while the setting time was found to be reduced. The cement slurry's viscosity was also found to be increased with the addition of nanoparticles. The study shows that the TiO2 nanoparticles can be used as an additive to oil well cement slurry as an accelerator and at the same time strength enhancer.

Surface morphology and Rietveld refinement characterisation of aluminium/titania nanocomposite produced by atmospheric plasma spraying and accumulative roll bonding

ABSTRACT In this study, the nano-sized Titania (TiO2) particles were coated on an aluminum (Al) matrix using the atmosphere spraying method, and then the Al-TiO2 nanocomposite was fabricated by the accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process. The surface morphology evaluation by the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed that TiO2 nanoparticles are uniformly spread and the amount of TiO2 nanoparticles decreased on the surface during the ARB process energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated a decrease in the TiO2 phase while an increase in the Al phase in further cycles of the ARB process. Based on the atomic force microscopy (AFM) micrograph, the thicknesses of TiO2 particle clusters decreased from 1.26 μm to 238 nm by increasing the number of ARB cycles. The surface roughness values measured by the profilometer showed that the pressure of rolling has been an effect on reducing roughness to 96 micrometers, up to seven cycles of the ARB process. to calculate the Al crystallite size, TiO2 nanoparticles size, micro-strains and dislocation densities, the Rietveld refinement indicated that the increasing micro-strains and dislocation densities have led to reducing the Al crystallites and TiO2 particle clusters size to 234 and 40 nm, respectively.

Photolytic Controlled Release Formulation of Methotrexate Loaded in Chitosan/TiO2 Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer.

A new system composed of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with methotrexate (MTX-CS-NPs) and functionalized with photocatalytic TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) was prepared. This system is expected to initiate polymeric rupture of MTX-CS-NPs and subsequently release MTX, upon illumination with UV light. MTX-CS-NPs were prepared and characterized in terms of particle size, charge, polydispersity and drug release before and after coating with TiO2-NPs. The release of MTX in vitro was studied in dark, light and UV light. Finally, coated and uncoated MTX-CS-NPs were studied in vitro using MCF-7 cell line. The functionalized NPs were larger in size, more polydisperse and carried higher positive charges compared to the unfunctionalized NPs. The entrapment efficacy was high reaching 75% and was not affected by coating with MTX-CS-NPs. Further, less than 5% of methotrexate was released after 80 h from uncoated NPs and the release was not enhanced by UV illumination of the particles. In contrast, the release from functionalized NPs was enhanced, reaching 40% after 80 h, as the particles were stroked with UV light and as the amount of TiO2-NPs used in coating increased. Finally, coating the MTX-CS-NPs with TiO2-NPs significantly enhanced their cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells. The coated MTX-CS-NPs recorded low cell viabilities compared to the other formulations. In conclusion, the drug release of MTX-CS-NPs could be triggered and controlled remotely by coating with TiO2-NPs, which maybe more effective in cancer treatment.

Influence of TiO2 nanoparticles on the performance and inner structure of zein/eugenol films

Zein/eug/TiO2 composite films were prepared by casting method at reaction temperature of 80℃ and drying temperature of 70℃. In order to investigate the influence of TiO2 nanoparticles on the performance and microstructure of zein/eug films, the surface and cross-section morphologies, functional groups, tensile properties, barrier properties, hydrophobicity and thermal stability were studied by SEM, FTIR, and comprehensive analysis of the experimental results dealt by origin. Results showed that the tensile strength of composites have been improved up to 64.04% with 1 wt% TiO2 nanoparticles compared with the control sample. The thermal stability, barrier properties (water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability) have been improved to varying degrees after loading different amounts of TiO2 nanoparticles as result of microstructure with different reduction on size and numbers of clusters and cavities. Furthermore, no significant differences were found associated to antibacterial properties among samples with and without TiO2 nanoparticles. In addition, SEM images showed the surface and cross-section structures with lower porosity explaining for the enhancement of inner structure. Basically similar wavenumbers and intensities of all the peak in FTIR spectra illustrated that TiO2 nanoparticles were regarded as the physical connections in the polymer matrix.

TiO2 nanotube layers decorated by titania nanoparticles as anodes for Li-ion microbatteries

In this work, the utilization of TiO2 nanotube (TNT) layers decorated with TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) as anodes in Li-ion microbatteries is reported for the first time. Such TiO2 NPs decorated TNT layers possess an increased amount of active material and a higher surface area compared with their non-decorated (blank) counterparts. TNT layers decorated with several different amounts of TiO2 NPs were tested by galvanostatic cycling tests. The capacities of the TiO2 NPs decorated TNT layer anodes increase with the amount of NPs decoration due to the enhancement of the capacitive effect. Indeed, an areal capacity of ∼126 μAh cm−2 (vs 88 μAh cm−2 for the non-decorated TNT layer) at the 200th cycle has been obtained after optimizing the NPs loading. On the other hand, a too high NPs loading of the TNT layers leads to a reduced areal capacity due to clogging of the nanotube exteriors and a significant decrease in inner diameter of the nanotubes.

Photocatalytic degradation of pesticide intermediate using green eco-friendly amino functionalized cellulose nanocomposites

In this work, a simple technique was used as a tool for combining of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) with Tryptophan (Tryp). A new organic/inorganic cellulosic composite was fabricated by embedding different amounts of TiO2 nanoparticles (ranged from 0 to 4%) into CMC/Tryp hybrid material. FT-IR and X-ray analysis confirmed the structure of the new composite (CMC/Tryp/TiO2). The changes in the surface morphology were identified by SEM. The computational calculation of CMC, Tryp, and CMC/Tryp by DFT/ B3LYP/6-31G (d) basis sets was studied. The new composites were investigated for their ability to act as catalyst for photodegradationof pesticide intermediate (2,4-dichlorophenol; 2,4-DCP). Surprising performance was obtained by increasing the amount of TiO2 onto the composite, the rate of degradation was increased by 11.6 times in the case of 4% TiO2 more than 0% TiO2. Also, the prepared composites displayed excellent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger.

Solid polymer nanocomposite electrolytes with improved interface properties towards lithium metal battery application at room temperature

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) with good thermal, mechanical and electrochemical cycling stability are required for application in all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (LMBs) using non-intercalating Li metal anodes at room temperature. In this context, the polymer architecture plays a significant role in influencing the above parameters. Therefore, we studied systematically Poly(MA)m-graft-PEGME2k in comparison to the linear poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) homopolymer as SPEs in all-solid-state LMBs using LiFePO4 as a cathode. Additionally, nanocomposite electrolytes using bottlebrush (SPNE1) and PEO (SPNE2) with improved mechanical and electrochemical properties were prepared by adding different amounts of TiO2 nanoparticles. Among them, the SPNE1-10 (with 10 wt% TiO2) showed a homogenous distribution of nanoparticles throughout the polymer matrix, exhibited a good ionic conductivity of 3·10–5 at 25 ᴼC and 5.2·10–4 at 70 ᴼC, as well as a high electrochemical stability of up to 5.2 V vs. Li/Li+. Moreover, the symmetric Li/SPNE1-10/Li cells displayed a constant current up to 40 cycles without any fluctuations indicating good interfacial compatibility between the electrode and electrolyte. Furthermore, extended distribution of relaxation times (eDRT) studies provide evidence of a stable solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) layer formation, which is further supported by ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the cycled lithium surface. The LMBs with the SPNE1-10 electrolyte delivered a high discharge capacity of 132 mAh g−1 at 70 ᴼC at a 0.2C. Even, when the current rate was increased to 2C, the cell maintained a good discharge capacity after 400 cycles. The SPNE1-10 nanocomposite based on the bottlebrush polymer outperforms considerably the SPNE2-10 consisting of linear PEO for the whole temperature range from 25 to 80 ᴼC enabling efficient all solid-state LMBs using SPEs below 70 ᴼC.

The Adverse Effects of TiO2 Photocatalycity on Paraloid B72 Hybrid Stone Relics Protective Coating Aging Behaviors under UV Irradiation.

The incorporation of photocatalytic nanomaterials into polymer coatings is used to protect stone relics from weathering. However, the photocatalytic nanomaterials might generate excess free radicals to degrade the polymer matrix. In this work, a certain amount of TiO2 nanoparticles were dispersed into Paraloid B72 and applied onto sandstone relics to explore the adverse effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on Paraloid B72 under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. To fulfill this goal, the effects of TiO2 on pore formation and the structure of Paraloid B72 was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the surface chemical composition, pore structure, surface roughness and surface wettability were explored via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, SEM, optical profilometer and water contact angle measurement under UV irradiation. Results showed that the incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles prohibited the generation of pores in Paraloid B72 and there were no pores formed when the content of TiO2 exceeded 0.8 wt%. The water contact angle of origin Paraloid B72 and TiO2/Paraloid B72 decreased with the prolonging UV irradiation. Moreover, TiO2 nanoparticles were extracted from the matrix and the pores cannot be detected with the prolonging UV irradiation time under a higher content of TiO2. These research findings might promote the understanding of using photocatalytic nanomaterials in developing stone relics’ protective coating.

Preparation and characterization of PSF-TiO2 hybrid hollow fiber UF membrane by sol–gel method

Organic–inorganic hybrid polysulfone (PSF)-titanium dioxide (TiO2) hollow fiber ultrafiltration (UF) membranes were prepared by sol–gel process and dry–wet spinning method. The effects of added TiO2 nanoparticles on membranes properties and morphologies were investigated by SEM, FT-IR, DSC, contact angle goniometer, UF experiments and so on. The results show that the membrane is a double-row finger-like pore structure, and with the increase of TiO2 content, the volume of finger-like pores increases first and then decreases. The organic–inorganic network structure forms between the TiO2 nanoparticles and the PSF chain introduced by the sol–gel method leads to an increase in the porosity, mechanical strength and thermal stability of the membrane. The addition of TiO2 improves the hydrophilicity, permeability and anti-fouling properties of the membrane. However, high TiO2 concentration induces nanoparticles aggregate, resulting in the decline of hydrophilicity, permeability and anti-fouling properties. So added the right amount of TiO2 nanoparticles can give the membrane better UF performance, mechanical properties and antifouling properties as well as longer service life.

Development of Gelatin-Alginate-TiO2-SOD Biosensor for the Detection of Superoxide Radicals

In this work, a biosensor that uses gelatin and alginate hydrogels in addition to titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) as sensor matrix was developed in order to detect superoxide radicals (O2•-), which play role in carcinogenesis when present in excess levels. Parameters affecting the performance of the biosensor such as amount of gelatin-alginate ratio, amount of TiO2 NPs, concentration of SOD enzymes and glutaraldehyde cross-linker were investigated. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and chronoamperometry were used as electrochemical technique for the development of biosensor as well as characterisation steps. The developed biosensor exhibited two linear ranges between 0.0009 mM – 0.125 mM and 0.25 mM – 2 mM which were utilized as calibration curves. Detection limit of the biosensor was found 0.9 μM, which was at appropriate level for the detection of O2•- in tumour samples. Finally, the constructed biosensor showed significant analytical performance such as high selection for O2•-, low detection limit, and long-term stability.

Influence of TiO2 nanoparticles (wt%) onto the physical and mechanical properties of the TiO2-geopolymer paste

The TiO2-geopolymer paste had been prepared by dry-mixing of the fly ash with various concentration (wt%) of TiO2 nanoparticles (2.5%, 5.0%, 10.0% and 15.0%). Those powder mixtures were then mixed with the alkali activator with the ratio of 2.5 and were cured at room temperature for 28 and 640 days. The phase and chemical bonding analysis revealed that the incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles did not create any additional phase or functional group, but only physical interaction might have occurred in between the TiO2 and geopolymer matrix. However, the physical properties were depending on the TiO2 nanoparticles content where setting time of the geopolymer can be shortened by the addition of certain amount of TiO2 nanoparticles (up to 5.0 wt%). The water absorption also increased as a function of TiO2 content, due to the formation of the micro cracks as a result from the agglomeration of TiO2 nanoparticles. The compressive strength reaches its maximum value, 85.9 MPa with 5.0 wt% of TiO2 nanoparticles. Beyond 5wt%, the strength decreased almost half of the maximum value, where agglomeration becomes a main factor. While for 640 days of ageing, sample with 15.0 wt% shows triple increment from 30.6 MPa to 95.3 MPa.

Effects of TiO2 Nanoparticles on the Overall Performance and Corrosion Protection Ability of Neat Epoxy and PDMS Modified Epoxy Coating Systems

Epoxy - TiO2 nanocomposite coatings were prepared by the utilization of the solution intercalation method with the presence of the sonication process and the influence of embedding different loading ratios of TiO2 nanoparticles within neat epoxy resin was investigated. To further improve the corrosion protection performance and to fulfil the hydrophobicity of the developed coated surfaces, the epoxy polymeric resin was modified with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and different loading ratio of TiO2 nanoparticles was intoduced to the modified polymeric matrix to fabricate PDMS modified epoxy nanocoposite coating sytems. All developed coating systems were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to investigate the chemical structure and the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the developed coating systems, respectively. The morphology, topology, optical properties, and the wettability were also examined by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-rays analyzer (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and contact angle measurement (CA), respectively. Moreover, the electrochemical behaviour and the barrier properties of the developed coating films were investigated via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The findings revealed a good curing level with higher Tg values for all developed nanaocompsoite coating systems and confirmed the efficiency of the sonication process in developed well dispersed TiO2 within the polymeric matrix. Also, the obtained results revealed the ability of certain amount of TiO2 nanoparticles in enhancing the corrosion protection performance of epoxy based coating systems. The compatibility of epoxy resin, PDMS and TiO2 nanoparticles was also confirmed by achieving the hydrophobicity and obtaining the best corrosion protection performance.

Grafting Hyperbranched Polymers onto TiO2 Nanoparticles via Thiol-yne Click Chemistry and Its Effect on the Mechanical, Thermal and Surface Properties of Polyurethane Coating.

In this study, we proposed a novel and facile method to modify the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles and investigated the influence of the surface-modified TiO2 nanoparticles as an additive in a polyurethane (PU) coating. The hyperbranched polymers (HBP) were grafted on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles via the thiol-yne click chemistry to reduce the aggregation of nanoparticles and increase the interaction between TiO2 and polymer matrices. The grafting of HBP on the TiO2 nanoparticles surface was investigated by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). The thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposite coatings containing various amounts of TiO2 nanoparticles were measured by dynamic mechanical thermal (DMTA) and tensile strength measurement. Moreover, the surface structure and properties of the newly prepared nanocomposite coatings were examined. The experimental results demonstrate that the incorporation of the surface-modified TiO2 nanoparticles can improve the mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposite coatings. The results also reveal that the surface modification of TiO2 with the HBP chains improves the nanoparticle dispersion, and the coating surface shows a lotus leaf-like microstructure. Thus, the functional nanocomposite coatings exhibit superhydrophobic properties, good photocatalytic depollution performance, and high stripping resistance.

Hetero-seed meditated method to synthesize ZnO/TiO2 multipod nanostructures with ultra-high yield for dye-sensitized solar cells

ZnO multipod nanostructures are widely used for their unique structures. However, the large-scale synthesis of these materials is a challenge for the practical applications. In this paper, we used a hetero-seed mediated hydrothermal method to synthesize ZnO/TiO2 multipod nanostructures with ultra-high yield. The TiO2 nanoparticles were used as the seeds and nucleated centers for the following ZnO nanorods growth, in which these ZnO nanorods scattered from the TiO2 nanoparticles to form ZnO/TiO2 multipod nanostructures. The diameter and length of these ZnO nanorod branches were controlled by the amount of TiO2 nanoparticles. The yield of pure ZnO/TiO2 multipod nanostructures can reach 20.0 g/L within 20 min heating time. When used as the anodes of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 3.1% has been achieved when using these ZnO/TiO2 multipod nanostructures as the anodes of DSSC. This is due to the one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures are promising by fastening electron transport to reduce the charge recombination. As a result, this provides a simple method to synthesize ZnO/TiO2 multipod nanocomposites with high yield and low cost, which can be used as the photoanodes for high efficient DSSCs and photocatalysts.