Boron-doped TiO2 Research Articles

Boron-doped TiO2 nanoparticles for improved photoelectrochemical response via enhanced surface area and visible light absorption

The present study introduces boron doping into TiO2 nanoparticles to synthesize boron-doped TiO2 samples. The structural and morphological properties of the pristine and doped samples are investigated using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) techniques. Photoelectrochemical measurements have confirmed that a 3 wt % concentration of boron doped TiO2 nanoparticles shows improved photoelectrochemical response compared to pristine TiO2 nanoparticles. An ∼285-fold improvement (∼0.97 mA/cm2 at 0.81 V vs RHE) is observed in 3 wt % boron doped TiO2 nanoparticles array as compared to the pristine (3.4 μA/cm2 at 0.81 V vs RHE) photoanode samples. Moreover, the enhanced surface area, suppressed recombination, effective charge separation/transport of photogenerated charge carriers, and improved visible light absorption due to boron doping result in a remarkably high current density.

Engineering the defect distribution via boron doping in amorphous TiO2 for robust photocatalytic NO removal

Nitric oxide (NO) pollutant can threaten the regional environment and human health. Solar-powered photocatalytic oxidation method is desirable for NO removal (ppb level) at ambient conditions, but suffers from the unsatisfactory activity and poor selectivity due to the sluggish molecular oxygen activation. Herein, we demonstrate that efficient photocatalytic NO removal can be realized by modulating the defects distribution of amorphous TiO2 via boron doping. Theoretical calculations and experimental results reveal that H3BO3 modification can refine the structure of surface oxygen vacancies, promoting electron-rich molecular oxygen activation to •OH. Meanwhile, bulk-phase oxygen defects can be filled by free-state B atoms, accelerating the electron transfer via Ti-O-B bonding. Homogeneous boron-doped amorphous TiO2 achieves about 5 times higher NO removal efficiency (∼50%) than that of amorphous TiO2 (∼9%) without releasing remarkable NO2 (selectivity, ∼97%). This study provides a state-of-the-art approach for robust photocatalytic NO removal by engineering the defect distribution.

The effect of doping different amounts of boron on the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of TiO2 nanotubes synthesized on SLM Ti6Al4V samples

This comprehensive study investigates the corrosion and biocompatibility performances of boron-doped TiO2 nanotubes (TNT) synthesized on Ti6Al4V alloy produced by the selective laser melting (SLM) process. Structural analysis reveals a consistent reduction in nanotube diameter across varying boron doping levels (0.05 - 2 M boric acid doping), with B4-TNT exhibiting the smallest diameter at 190 nm. Boron incorporation induces phase transformation and decreases in diameter of nanotubes, influencing the material's structural properties. Corrosion resistance assessments indicate a significant enhancement, with B4-TNT demonstrating the highest polarization resistance (Rt = 2849.03 kΩ.cm2). The observed improvements are attributed to the combination of reduced nanotube diameter, altered phase structure, and increased polarization resistance, collectively contributing to enhanced corrosion resistance. Biocompatibility experiments conducted with human fibroblast cells (HDFa) reveal that B-doped TNTs foster increased cell viability compared to undoped TNT and uncoated alloy surfaces. These findings underscore the potential of boron doping as a strategic approach to improve corrosion resistance and enhance the biocompatibility of Ti6Al4V implants. This study provides valuable insights for advancing materials in biomedical applications with improved structural, corrosion-resistant, and biocompatible properties.

Adsorption of Sr(II) cations onto titanium dioxide, doped with Boron atoms

The adsorption of Sr(II) cations by Boron-doped TiO2 was investigated. The adsorbent samples were obtained by liquid-phase sol-gel method using the aqua complex precursor [Ті(ОН2)6]3+‧3Cl- and modifying reagent hydrogen borate Н3ВО3. It was found, that single-phase rutile titanium dioxide or two-phase anatase-rutile oxide materials were formed under the different initial ratios of components. Boron atoms are combined with Oxygen atoms into triangular structural cell ВО3 in the rutile sample 0.5В-ТіО2 and are localized in the surface layer of the nanoparticle material as a grouping =О2ВОН. The introduction of Boron atoms into the structure of the rutile adsorbent causes an increase in its adsorption capacity for the binding of Sr(II) cations in the aqueous electrolyte. The maximal adsorption values for Sr(II) cations by the rutile adsorbent in a neutral electrolyte environment reach 102.3 mg‧g-1, while it is equal to 68.8 mg‧g-1 for the unmodified anatase adsorbent a-TiO2.
 The number of acid adsorption centers ≡ТіОНδ+ on the surface of the rutile adsorbent 0.5В-ТіО2 is ~ 50 units on a surface area of 10 nm2, which is twice the number of centers on the surface of the anatase adsorbent a- ТіО2. Anatase-rutile adsorbents 1.0В-ТіО2 and 1.5В-ТіО2 contain, respectively, 70% and 57% of the anatase phase. They are significantly inferior in adsorption ability toward cations of Sr(II) compared with the rutile adsorbent 0.5В-ТіО2. This is because Boron atoms are mainly localized in the anatase phase and with oxygen atoms form tetrahedral groups of ВО4-.

Photocatalytic Degradation and Mineralization of Estriol (E3) Hormone Using Boron-Doped TiO2 Catalyst

In this research work, boron-doped titanium oxide (B-TiO2) was prepared by the sol-gel method to investigate its behavior in the degradation of the recalcitrant hormone estriol (E3). The doped photocatalyst was synthesized at different boron/titania ratios of 2, 3, and 5 wt.% of boron with respect to the TiO2 content. The obtained materials were characterized by UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The textural properties, specific surface area, and porosity were obtained from N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms by BET and BJH methods, respectively. The photocatalytic performance of each synthesized catalyst was evaluated on the degradation of an aqueous solution (10 mg/L) of estriol (E3) under simulated solar radiation. The variation in the hormone concentration was determined by the HPLC technique, and the mineralization was evaluated by the quantification of total organic carbon (TOC). The obtained results indicated that the catalyst with 3 wt.% of boron incorporation exhibited the best performance on the degradation and mineralization of estriol, achieving its complete degradation at 300 kJ/m2 of accumulated energy and 71% of mineralization at 400 kJ/m2 (2 h) obtaining a non-toxic effluent.

Visible-Light-Driven photocatalytic oxidation of H2S by Boron-doped TiO2/LDH Heterojunction: Synthesis, performance, and reaction mechanism

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a highly toxic, malodorous, and corrosive gas, poses a serious threat to the atmospheric environment and human health. It is highly attractive to design high-performance desulfurization photocatalyst in environmental remediation. Herein, a novel and highly efficient photocatalyst boron-doped TiO2 combined with MgAl-Layered double hydroxides (B-TiO2/LDH) was synthesized via an in-situ hydrothermal method. The B-TiO2/LDH photocatalyst exhibited outstanding photocatalytic performance with 100% H2S removal efficiency within 120 min under visible light irradiation. The B-TiO2/LDH photocatalyst also exhibits a good H2S removal efficiency in different desulfurization conditions and delivers remarkable stability in a long-term test. The sulfate formed on the surface of B-TiO2/LDH has been shown to favor the light-enhanced catalytic oxidation process. This work provides a promising idea for effectively treating malodorous gas and shows potential of using the novel B-TiO2/LDH photocatalyst for future environmental remediation.

Statistical optimization of process conditions for pyrvinium pamoate elimination using UV/zeolite‐based nanostructures/H 2 O 2

Statistical optimization of process conditions for pyrvinium pamoate elimination using UV/zeolite‐based nanostructures/H ₂ O ₂

Highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of landfill leachate by Boron-doped TiO2 photocatalyst

ABSTRACT Boron-doped TiO2 (B-TiO2) particles were prepared via the sol-gel approach. The structural and optical properties of the particles were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The response surface method (RSM) was used to optimise the activity of B-TiO2 catalysts for degradation of landfill leachate. It was found that the B-TiO2 has a larger BET surface areas, improved crystallinity, and more intense absorbance in the UV range than has TiO2 (P25 Degussa). Consequently, the photocatalysis degradation of the landfill leachates by B-TiO2 was much higher than that by pure TiO2. Moreover, the kinetic constant of a B-TiO2 photocatalyst was ca. 41% higher than that of pure TiO2.

Efficient treatment of organic pollutants by boron doped TiO2 photocatalysts under visible light radiation

As one of the most widely used photocatalysts, TiO2 suffers from the limited application with respect to harvesting solar energy for the environmental remediation. One way to perform the TiO2 modification is by doping, through which the doped TiO2 would be able to absorb the visible light from the solar illumination as a visible reactive catalyst. The objective of this work is to synthesize boron-doped TiO2 (B@TiO2) photocatalysts using a method called sol–gel. The as-synthesized catalysts were characterized using DR UV–vis spectroscopy, XRD, photoluminescence, XPS, SEM, EDS and TEM. The XRD results show that doping of boron constituent could hinder the grain crystallite growth and selectively favor the anatase phase formation and diboron trioxide phase, B2O3. The characterization works indicated an enhanced absorption edge of B@TiO2 and reduced band gap energy to enable the visible light photocatalytic activity. The lowest intensity of PL result signaled the slowest recombination rate of electron by supposedly newly created energy level by the doped boron, was achieved by 6B@TiO2. The 6B@TiO2 demonstrated the most efficient performance with greater than 93% of MB degradation, owing to the aforementioned modification of the optical and electronic properties during the optimization effort of catalyst synthesis. In this work, a less energy intensive sol–gel procedure was carried out to produce the equally efficient photocatalysts. As a conclusion, the doping mechanism has extended the absorption spectrum of TiO2 and successfully degraded the model dye within the controlled experimental conditions.

An experimental and theoretical study on the photocatalytic antibacterial activity of boron-doped TiO2 nanoparticles

Boron-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (B–TiO2 NPs) were prepared by a sol-gel method. The physicochemical properties of B–TiO2 NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The band structure and electrical properties of B–TiO2 NPs were investigated using the first-principle. The effects of the concentration gradient of doping B ions on the photocatalytic antibacterial activity of B–TiO2 NPs under visible-light irradiation were investigated by the inhibition zone method and the shaking flask method. The experimental results show that B–TiO2 NPs are mainly composed of the anatase phase, but no B-related phase was observed. With the increase of the doping amount of boron ions, the particle size decreases and the specific surface area increases. B atoms mainly exist in the form of substitutional dopant and interstitial dopant. Theoretical calculations reveal that B atoms in the TiO2 matrix exist much more easily as interstitial dopant, but B–TiO2 NPs composed of B substituted dopant have better photocatalytic performance. The results of the antibacterial assays show that B–TiO2 NPs have strong antibacterial activities and some bactericidal activities. Finally, the mechanism of the antibacterial activity of B–TiO2 NPs are examined.

Nanometric and surface properties of semiconductors correlated to photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis applied to organic pollutants – A review

This review study summarizes relevant topics about the photoelectrocatalytic semiconductors for the degradation of organic pollutants. Among the topics are A) the basic concepts of photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis for the advanced oxidation of organics in water. B) The band theory about heterojunctions, Schottky barriers, and doping of these semiconductors being photocatalysts. C) Proposing the outlook for photocatalysts, as those systems arranging doped semiconductors with heterojunctions and having Schottky junctions, a set of tables and sections show reported cases that complement the semiconductor characteristics providing the percentage of degradation attained, such as photoanodes of Boron-doped TiO2 nanotubes, TiO2 - Sb2S3 composites, and so forth. D) The novel characteristics of graphene-based materials for improving photoelectrocatalytic systems. E) A systematic way of classifying and understanding photoelectrocatalytic semiconductors based on their relevant characteristics and photoelectrochemical mechanisms. Moreover, this work shows the photoelectrocatalytic properties of the recently reported graphene oxide - reduced graphene oxide (GO-rGO) nanohybrids, which can also be used for the degradation of organic pollutants. Finally, based on all the previously gathered and summarized information, some inferences are made about the photoelectrocatalytic properties of some GO-rGO based heterojunctions for the degradation of organic pollutants.

Sol-gel Synthesis of Boron Doped TiO2/hollow Glass Bubbles Composite Powders for Photocatalytic Degradation of Azophloxine

Background: B-TiO2 was supported on the surface of iM16K glass bubbles to achieve a suitable density for the B-TiO2/iM16K composite hollow spheres. Aeration or stirring in the wastewater can lead to thorough mixing of photocatalyst and wastewater. Solid-water separation is quite easy because the materials can float on the water surface while stopping aeration or stirring. Methods: The iM16K glass bubbles were used to prepare boron-doped B-TiO2/iM16K composite hollow spheres through a sol-gel route. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectrometry, and N2 adsorption-desorption techniques. Photocatalytic degradation of azophloxine on the composites was determined. Results: The bandgap energy of the B-TiO2/iM16K composite was slightly less than 3.0 eV when the calcination temperature was below 500oC. The sample calcined at 350oC had a BET surface area of 88.6 m2 /g, while the value of the sample calcined at 800oC was 1.2 m2 /g. The maximum photocatalytic degradation efficiency was obtained for the sample calcined at 450oC, and nearly all of the original azophloxine molecules were decomposed after 120 min of irradiation. Photocatalytic degradation efficiency after 30 min of irradiation was enhanced from 18.8% to 47.9% when B-TiO2 dosage increased from 100 to 800 mg/L. Conclusion: Crystallization of anatase TiO2 was temperature dependent, and the properties of B-TiO2/iM16K composite hollow spheres were affected by phase composition of the boron-doped TiO2 layer. The change in calcination temperature can have significant effect on photocatalytic degradation of azophloxine. The production of hydroxyl radical depended on photocatalytic activity of the B-TiO2/iM16K composite hollow spheres.

Localized surface plasmon-enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation by inorganic/organic nano-heterostructure comprising NDI-based D-A-D type small molecule

This research article reports the visible-light-driven photoelectrochemical water oxidation performances of the plasmonic Au-Pd nanoparticle-decorated inorganic/organic nano-heterostructures (NHs)—B-TiO2/NDIEHTh@Au-Pd. The inorganic constituent of the NHs consists of boron-doped TiO2 nanorods (NRs) grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrate. The organic part (NDIEHTh) consists of an acceptor naphthalene diimide (NDI)-based donor–acceptor-donor (D-A-D) type small molecule, in which thiophene serves as the donor. Because of the benefits of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, the Au-Pd binary alloy nanoparticles substantially ameliorate the visible-light-driven photoelectrochemical performances of the B-TiO2/NDIEHTh@Au-Pd NHs photoanode compared to the B-TiO2/NDIEHTh NHs photoanode. The photocurrent densities exhibited by the B-TiO2/NDIEHTh NHs, and B-TiO2/NDIEHTh@Au-Pd NHs photoanodes at 1 V vs Ag/AgCl are 0.68 mA/cm2 and 1.59 mA/cm2, respectively, manifesting 209% and 623% increments in the photocurrent density compared to that shown by B-TiO2 NRs photoanode. Besides, the B-TiO2/NDIEHTh@Au-Pd NHs photoanode offers a significantly cathodically shifted water oxidation potential, reduced charge transfer resistance, better surface injection efficiency, and most importantly, superior photostability compared to the B-TiO2/NDIEHTh NHs photoanode. The enhancement in the different photoelectrochemical performances could be attributed to the various advantages of LSPR, such as enhanced light absorbance, light concentration, hot electron injection, and plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutant using Visible Active - Boron Doped Photocatalyst

Boron-doped TiO2 (B-TiO2) nanocatalysts were prepared by the sol-gel method, characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and diffusive reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy (DRS). XRD results exhibited that the doping of boron element could potentially inhibit the growth of grain and promote the formation of anatase phase and diboron trioxide phase. The photocatalytic activity of the B-TiO2 nanophotocatalyst was evaluated by the degradation test on one of the most widely used organic dyes, methylene blue (MB). The result indicated the doped B-TiO2, with 0.25g/L catalyst loading, were more active than the undoped TiO2 in breaking down the MB. The maximum conversion of MB by the doped TiO2 was 80.60%, approximately 14% higher than the pristine TiO2. The as-synthesized B-TiO2 was calcined at 450°C demonstrated higher photocatalytic activity than undoped TiO2 after 240mins of visible light illumination.

Boron-doped TiO2 (B-TiO2): visible-light photocatalytic difunctionalization of alkenes and alkynes

Boron-doped TiO2 (B-TiO2) was prepared, characterized, and applied as a reusable, inexpensive, and available heterogeneous nanophotocatalyst under visible light for the synthesis of phenacyl thiocyanates.

Preferential and efficient degradation of phenolic pollutants with cooperative hydrogen-bond interactions in photocatalytic process

Phenolic pollutants as highly toxic and hazardous organics are widely generated from industrial and domestic process. Phenolic pollutants with different hydroxyl position (catechol, resorcinol, hydroquinone, phenol) were preferentially and efficiently oxidized in photocatalytic process (PC) by designing boron-doped TiO2 (B–TiO2).The key role for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of B–TiO2 was the formation of abundant Ti3+ species. The formation of Ti3+-O weakened the competitive adsorption of H2O in aqueous solution and favored the formation of cooperative hydrogen bond on the surface of B–TiO2, leading to enhanced adsorption of phenolic pollutants. The degradation rate constant of B–TiO2 (kB-TiO2) was regardless of the corresponding oxidation potential of phenolic pollutants. The kB-TiO2 for catechol in photocatalytic process was as high as 3.46 min−1, which was 18.2, 1.6 times higher than that of biodegradation and ozonation methods, respectively. Of note, the preferential removal mechanism of phenolic pollutants was elucidated by in-situ attenuated total reflectance (ATR)-IR and density functional theory calculation (DFT). The results were helpful for developing new preferential oxidation technologies in HO∙-mediated process for selectively removing low concentration but highly toxic pollutants.

Boron Doped TiO2 For The Photodegradation of 4-nitrophenol: Optimization of The Doping Parameters

In this work we prepared boron doped TiO2 (B-TiO2) photocatalysts and evaluated their photocatalytic activity for the degradation of our model organic pollutant, 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The photocatalysts were prepared using wet impregnation method with different calcination times, calcination temperatures and dopant amounts in order to determine the optimum parameters. The degradation of the pollutant was carried out in a specially designed degradation chamber and characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The degradation kinetics were evaluated with pseudo-first order kinetics by comparing rate constants and half-lives of various photocatalytic reactions. It was found that the highest removal rate was obtained for 0.50 % boron doping with calcination at 450°C for 3 hours. The results showed that TiO2 could be doped with boron, which is in abundance in our country, and used for the photocatalytic degradation of a toxic pollutant in water. The promising results for the organic matter removal could pave the way for further studies of environmental applications.

Hydrothermal preparation of B–TiO2-graphene oxide ternary nanocomposite, characterization and photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A under simulated solar irradiation

Boron-doped TiO2 decorated on graphene oxide photocatalysts (denoted as GO@B–TiO2) were prepared for the effective photocatalytic treatment of bisphenol A (BPA) from water under simulated solar light. To prepare GO@B–TiO2 nanocomposites, B–TiO2 was initially synthesized via a sol-gel procedure and subsequently decorated on graphene oxide at 70 °C, by a facile hydrothermal method. Characterization results show that B–TiO2 particles are anchored on the surface of graphene oxide successfully. Their photocatalytic efficiency could also be adjusted by changing the ratios between B–TiO2 and GO. The optimum GO loading is 2 wt%, at which GO@B–TiO2 nanocomposite photocatalyst could achieve the best BPA degradation percentage of 47.66% compared with B–TiO2 materials (18.78%) after 240 min of solar irradiation. The dominant reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed during the photocatalytic abatement of BPA were determined to be O2.- and .OH. The presence of carbonate and chloride induced moderate inhibitory effect on GO@B–TiO2 (2 wt% GO), while bicarbonate and nitrate displayed only minor effect towards photocatalytic degradation of BPA. Based on these results, the as-prepared nanocomposites may be used as efficient and promising photocatalysts in secondary treatments to degrade recalcitrant contaminants in water exploiting the visible-light region of the full solar spectrum.

Visible-Light-Responsive Antibacterial Property of Boron-Doped Titania Films

Pure titanium dioxide TiO2 photocatalytic substrates exhibit antibacterial activity only when they are irradiated with ultraviolet light, which comprises high-energy wavelengths that damage all life. Impurity doping of TiO2-related materials enables visible light to stimulate photocatalytic activity, which enhances opportunities for TiO2 to be used as a disinfectant in living environments. Boron-doped TiO2 displays visible-light-responsive bactericidal properties. However, because boron-derived compounds also exert notable antibacterial effects, most reports did not clearly demonstrate the extent to which the bactericidal property of boron-doped TiO2 is contributed by visible-light-stimulated photocatalysis. In addition, TiO2 thin films have considerable potential for applications in equipment that requires sterilization; however, the antibacterial properties of boron-doped TiO2 thin films have been examined by only a few studies. We found that boron-doped TiO2 thin films displayed visible-light-driven antibacterial properties. Moreover, because boron compounds may have intrinsic antibacterial properties, using control groups maintained in the dark, we clearly demonstrated that visible light stimulated the photocatalysis of boron-doped TiO2 thin films but not the residue boron compounds display antibacterial property. The bactericidal effects induced by visible light are equally potent for the elimination of the model organism Escherichia coli and human pathogens, such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. The antibacterial applications of boron-doped TiO2 thin films are described, and relevant perspectives discussed.

Improved photoelectrocatalytic activity of anodic TiO2 nanotubes by boron in situ doping coupled with geometrical optimization: Application of a potent photoanode in the purification of dye wastewater

A comparative study on the photoelectrocatalytic activity of anodic TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) and boron-doped TiO2 nanotubes (BTNTs) was performed through fabricating them in two distinguished fluoride-containing electrolytes, namely NH4F and NH4BF4. Furthermore, by applying anodization voltage (in the range of 40–60 V) as a regulating factor, an analogy was drawn between morphologies, optical properties, photoelectrochemical features, and photoelectrocatalytic activities of both TNTs and BTNTs. The results revealed that using NH4BF4 not only led to the introduction of boron into TiO2 lattices but also resulted in shorter nanotubes owing to their less corrosive effect compared with NH4F. Furthermore, anodization voltage had a significant impact on the optical properties; with increasing the voltage to 60 V, a red shift occurred in the band edge of both TNTs (from 3.05 to 2.8 eV) and BTNTs (from 2.9 to 2.6 eV). Particularly, via anodization at 60 V in NH4BF4 instead of NH4F, the photocurrent density and photoconversion efficiency increased from 0.19 to 0.67 Ma cm−2 and from 0.12 to 0.270%, respectively. Moreover, methylene blue degradation tests showed that BTNTs had an outstanding photoelectrocatalytic activity in comparison to TNTs; in this regard, the sample synthesized at 60 V in NH4BF4 rather than NH4F enhanced PEC degradation efficiency from 79 to 100% under UV irradiation. Finally, the kinetics investigation confirmed that all photoelectrocatalytic reactions in both groups followed the first-order kinetics.