Decomposition Of MB Research Articles

PH-Dependent photocatalytic performance of faceted BiOBr semiconductor particles in degradation of dyes

Bismuth oxyhalides, such as bismuth-oxy-bromide (BiOBr), show high performance in photocatalytic oxidation of water pollutants. Process conditions, and in particular the pH of the solution, largely affect the photocatalytic efficacy, which is fundamentally poorly understood. We prepared {001} faceted bismuth-oxy-bromide (BiOBr), and determined by advanced AFM analysis that the surface charge of the {001} facet of BiOBr is slightly positive at acidic pH (pH 3) and significantly negative and increasing in negative surface charge in the order pH 6 < pH 9. Decomposition of MB or RhB by illumination of BiOBr is strongly favored by basic conditions (pH 9-10), as evident from discoloration experiments, and determination of the TOC as a function of time of illumination. Reference experiments show the pH dependent degradation profiles cannot be explained by differences in quantities of adsorption of the dye, but rather by the lifetime and/or quantity of BiOBr related photoexcited (surface) charge carriers (holes and electrons) – correlating with surface charge. Using MeOH and other scavengers, we show oxidation of MB or RhB is mainly induced by superoxide anions (•O2− radicals) at low pH and by holes or hydroxyl radicals at high pH – in agreement with surface charge induced band bending. This study provides novel understanding of the pH dependence of the rates of photocatalytic degradation of dyes using BiOBr photocatalysts.

Highly efficient visible light active ZnO/Cu-DPA composite photocatalysts for the treatment of wastewater contaminated with organic dye

Industrial effluents are a leading major threat for water contamination, subsequently which results in severe health associated risks. Hence, purifying wastewater before releasing into the water resources is essential to avoid contamination. In this study, ZnO/Cu-DPA nano-composites were prepared by altering the percentage of Cu-DPA (20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% which are denoted to be ZnO/20%Cu-DPA, ZnO/30%Cu-DPA, ZnO/40%Cu-DPA and ZnO/50%Cu-DPA) using a simple mechanical grinding process. Several spectroscopic studies were employed such as electron paramagnetic analysis (EPR), powdered X-ray diffractometer (PXRD), UV–Vis absorbance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope to characterize these nano-composites. The photo-catalytic activities of the prepared nano-composites were studied by degrading MB under visible light irradiation. ZnO, ZnO/20%Cu-DPA, ZnO/30%Cu-DPA, ZnO/40%Cu-DPA and ZnO/50%Cu-DPA degradation efficiencies were determined to be 71.8, 78.5, 77.1, and 66.1%, respectively. Among the composite catalysts, the ZnO/20%Cu-DPA coupled system are demonstrated the best efficiency (87%) for photo-degradation of MB within 80 min when exposed to visible light. The ZnO/Cu-DPA nano-composites had a greater MB photodegradation efficiency than pristine ZnO owing to p-n heterojunction in the linked system. Under visible light irradiation, the ZnO/20%Cu-DPA catalysed the conversion of dissolved O2 to hydroxyl radicals (OH·), triggering the reduction of MB. This suggests that ·OH is the primary specific active radical involved in the photo-catalytic decomposition of MB. Furthermore, EPR analysis indicates the existence of ·OH in the photo-catalytic system. The proposed nano-composites (ZnO/20%Cu-DPA) reusability was investigated across three cycles as the most efficient photo-catalyst. The results show that, the ZnO/Cu-DPA nano-catalyst is a potential candidate for the remediation of dirty water.

Functionalized zinc oxide nanorods – polypropylene nonwoven composite with high biological and photocatalytic activity

This work presents a comprehensive approach to elaborating new active polypropylene-zinc oxide composite material with a well-developed specific surface area. Fibrous polypropylene material, made via the melt-blown technique, plays a role of a high-porosity substrate for modification. The hydrothermal chemical bath deposition (CBD) method adjustment is suited to cover its surface with various ZnO nanorods (NRs). Due to the CBD method, it is possible to control the structures of obtained ZnO via the concentration of reagents used in the synthesis. The material analysis allows for determining the crystal form of ZnO, the fiber coverage degree, and the effectiveness of the surface activation process. The investigation also confirmed the bactericidal (differences in microorganism survivability exposed on PP-ZnO material ranged from approx. 50–0%) and photocatalytic (increase in MB decomposition rate constant value from 0.0374 to 0.173 h-1) properties of the developed PP-ZnO composite materials. Aerosol and bioaerosol particles in indoor air may be dangerous, especially for human health, since ventilation and air-conditioning systems create excellent conditions for growing microorganisms. For this reason, an exemplary application of the proposed material is the separation processes. Investigations into the filtration process for solid KCl particles and DEHS droplets (diameters from 20 nm to 2 µm) showed that modified nonwovens maintain their original (before modification) airflow resistance and exhibit increased effectiveness for particles larger than 200 nm (differences in the QF value in the range of 0.001–0.004).

Wet‐Chemical Etching and Delamination of MoAlB into MBene and Its Outstanding Photocatalytic Performance

AbstractMBenes are post‐MXene materials that contain boron in their structure instead of carbon and nitrogen. This unique composition offers an opportunity to explore the role of boron in the performance of 2D materials. However, wet‐chemical etching and delamination of the starting MoAlB phase are challenging due to the persistent bonding of aluminum atoms with their neighboring elements. Herein, it is overcome by processing MoAlB for 24, 48, and 72 h with an aqueous HCl/H2O2 solution. The time‐wise etching and delamination delivers individual single‐to‐few layered 48‐MBene flakes. The theoretical‐to‐experimental XRD analysis revealed the best‐delaminated 48‐MBene having Mo2B2 orthorhombic lattice arrangement. The presence of Mo oxide allows direct 1.2 eV and indirect 0.2 eV optical band gaps and outstanding photocatalytic activity in decomposing methylene blue as a model organic contaminant. The 48‐MBene photocatalyst achieves about 90% of MB decomposition under ultraviolet and simulated white light irradiation with three times faster kinetics outperforming even hybridized MXenes. In addition, 48‐MBene appeared best suited to utilize the full spectrum of visible light into reactive oxygen species. Conversely, 24‐MBene and 72‐MBene shows incomplete delamination or oxidation, hampering their photocatalytic activity. The obtained results open an experimental pathway to apply MBenes in environmental remediation.

Structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of rare-earth free double-perovskite oxides Ba2Bi[formula omitted](Bi[formula omitted]Sb[formula omitted])O6

We present the structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of rare-earth free double-perovskite compounds Ba2Bi3+(Bi1−2x5+Sb2x5+)O6 (x= 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5). All samples prepared by the solid-state reaction method were formed in the single-phase monoclinic and rhombohedral perovskite oxides. Using the First Principle calculations of density functional theory, the effect of Sb substitution on band gap broadening was examined and a reasonable correlation was found with the experimental results. The photocatalytic activities were studied from the MB and IPA decomposition experiment. It was observed that Ba2Bi3+(Bi1−2x5+Sb2x5+)O6 exhibited better MB degradation performance under Sb substitution accompanied by the formation of nanoparticles. IPA decomposition result supports this finding and suggested that smaller particles in the Sb substituted samples reasonably affect the CO2 evolution performance.The maximum MB decomposition rate (about 50%) was found for the 20% Sb-incorporated sample. In contrast to the previously reported rare-earth-based double perovskite photocatalyst, a comparable performance was obtained in this research. The excellent surface morphology associated with the smaller particle sizes and better crystallinity for the Sb substituted sample promoted more active sites that facilitated improved photocatalytic activities of Ba2Bi3+(Bi1−2x5+Sb2x5+)O6 double perovskite.

Effects of interfacial interactions on structural, optical, thermal degradation properties and photocatalytic activity of low-density polyethylene/BaTiO3 nanocomposite

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) filled low density polyethylene (LDPE), (LDPE)100−x/(BaTiO3)x (where x = 0, 2, 4, 6 and 10) nanocomposites are prepared via a solvent-free melt-mixing method. The effects of nano-sized BaTiO3 (nBT) on the structural, optical and thermal degradation properties of LDPE are investigated to address the qualitative interfacial interaction effects due to the spatial distribution of nBT particles in the LDPE matrix. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirm the uniform dispersion of nBT nano-fillers in the LDPE polymer matrix. The crystallite size of LDPE increases with increasing the nBT content. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results indicate the enhancement in interfacial physical interactions between the polymer and nano-fillers with increasing nano-filler content. The band gap energy of the nanocomposites decreases with increasing nano-filler content, which suggests chemical imperfections close to the interfaces. DSC results depict higher Tm values for the composites which is attributed to the heterogeneous nucleating effects of the nBT particles. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) results indicate an increase in the decomposition temperature (TD), thermal stability and good dispersibility probability of nBT with increasing nBT. The photocatalytic decomposition of MB is highest (73.52%) for the 10% nBT incorporated LDPE nanocomposite sample. These results correlate with the effect of the interfacial interactions between the nBT fillers and the LDPE polymer matrix.

Preparation and characterization of titania supported on layered double hydroxide precipitated on glass fiber cloth

Support of titania nanoparticles on platy particles of a layered double hydroxide (LDH) on glass fiber cloth (GFC) is demonstrated. MgAl-LDH was deposited onto the GFC surface via homogenous precipitation using urea hydrolysis in the presence of GFC. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images, and elemental analyses revealed that MgAl-LDH platy particles were deposited and vertically aligned on the GFC surfaces, forming MgAl-LDH-coated GFC. The resultant specimen was soaked in a water dispersion of P25 standard, a well-known titania photocatalyst, for 5 min at room temperature and then extensively washed with an excess of water. The presence of P25 nanoparticles on the MgAl-LDH platy particles on GFC surfaces was evidenced by FE-SEM imaging, elemental analyses, and MB decomposition experiments in which an MB solution showed a greater decrease in concentration under 365 nm irradiation in the presence of the supported P25 than in the presence of MgAl-LDH-coated GFC and GFC subjected to the P25 deposition procedure without MgAl-LDH deposition. In addition, FE-SEM images and elemental analysis of the supported P25 specimen showed only small differences before and after the MB experiment. Therefore, the results mentioned above show the facile support of P25 on MgAl-LDH supported on a GFC surface.

Direct Z-Scheme AgBr/β-MnO2 Photocatalysts for Highly Efficient Photocatalytic and Anticancer Activity.

The preparation of visible light-responsive efficient photocatalysts for removing organic contaminants from water and killing cancer cells has gotten a lot of attention due to the growing global concern. In this study, we have successfully fabricated an efficient AgBr/β-MnO2 nanocomposite via a facile deposition and precipitation method at room temperature. Techniques such as XRD, SEM-EDS, TEM, DRS, PL, EIS, ESR, and FTIR were used to determine the crystalline, structural, morphological, optical, and other properties. The SEM and TEM analyses reveal that AgBr NPs are decorated on the surface of β-MnO2, which possesses rods with a sphere-like structure for AgBr/β-MnO2. The EDX analysis confirms the existence of Mn, O, Ag, and Br elements in the nanocomposites without an extra peak, indicating that the synthesized samples are highly pure. The high photocatalytic performance of AgBr/β-MnO2 could be attributed to the formation of Ag NPs and the construction of the Z-scheme heterojunction between AgBr and β-MnO2. This may enhance fast light absorption and efficient photogenerated (e–/h+) pairs, as indicated by EIS and photoluminescence measurements, which in turn achieved high activity for the decomposition of MB (97%, in 12 min), RhB (98.9%, in 9 min), and paracetamol (80%, in 180 min), respectively. The kinetic model study proposed that the first-order model showed a better fit than the zero- and second-order for the photocatalytic decolorization of RhB dye. XRD analysis of 0.2 AgBr/β-MnO2 before and after recycling confirms the high stability of the catalyst. HPLC results showed that no detectable by-products are produced through the decomposition of paracetamol. Interestingly, 0.2 AgBr/β-MnO2 nanocomposites showed visible light-induced anticancer activity against A549 cancer cell lines. The mechanistic degradation pathway has been proposed using the involvement of active species like superoxide radicals (−•O2) and photoinduced holes (h+). The proposed work focuses on synthesizing effective photocatalysts in a less hazardous environment with superior biological activity.

Microwave-assisted facile fabrication of α-Fe2O3/CoFe2O4/Co3O4 ternary nanohybrids with highly enhanced photocatalytic activity

Novel magnetically recyclable α-Fe2O3/CoFe2O4/Co3O4 ternary nanohybrids were fabricated via microwave irradiation assisted co-precipitation as well as co-precipitation together with calcination and well characterized by FESEM, TEM, HRTEM, XRD, Raman, XPS, time resolved PL and UV–vis spectroscopy. FESEM and TEM results confirmed nanoparticles and nanodisc-like morphology of nanostructures in the samples fabricated via simple co-precipitation and microwave assisted co-precipitation, respectively. Raman, XRD, TEM, HRTEM and XPS studies revealed α-Fe2O3, CoFe2O4 and Co3O4 phases confirming the ternary hybrid nature of the prepared nanoparticles and nanodisc samples. α-Fe2O3/CoFe2O4/Co3O4 hybrid nanodiscs exhibited excellent magnetic separability and enhanced photocatalytic efficiency for the decomposition of MB and MG dyes in water. The photocatalytic mechanism demonstrating the dye degradation process and the role of reactive oxygen species responsible of the decolorization of dye investigated via in-situ scavenger trapping experiment were also discussed.

Synergistic Influences of Doping Techniques and Well‐Defined Heterointerface Formation to Improve the Photocatalytic Ability of the S‐ZnO/GO Nanocomposite

AbstractEnvironmental pollutants such as organic dyes are major focal areas of the current era. For this reason, excellent photocatalytic substances are needed time to degrade such water bodies and get pollution‐free water. In this study, Sulphur doped zinc oxide nanoparticles were fabricated utilizing a solution‐free technique, while graphene oxide was synthesized using a modified hummer‘s method. Sulphur‐doped zinc oxide nanoparticles were mixed with graphene oxide in five distinct weight percentages to achieve the S‐ZnO/GO (SZO) composites. The 8 % SZO NC demonstrated superior photocatalytic efficiency, degrading 100 % of MB in 110 minutes under sunlight irradiation. The synthesized composites were characterized by the techniques viz. TEM, SEM, EDXS, FTIR, XPS, and UV spectrophotometry to determine their chemical nature and morphological features. Methylene blue was used as a reference pollutant to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the composites. According to the radical scavenger‘s test observations, •OH and •O2– were the primary species responsible for MB decomposition. Furthermore, the nanocomposites were found highly stable, with a continuously high degree of dye degradation throughout six catalytic cycles. As a result, the SZO nanocomposites have the prospective to be an extremely effective and versatile photocatalyst for the photodegradation of organic wastes.

Facile synthesis of CdO-ZnO heterojunction photocatalyst for rapid removal of organic contaminants from water using visible light

The synthesis of an efficient photocatalyst for removing organic contaminants in the water is of major importance for researchers working in heterogeneous photocatalysis. To do this, we provide the co-precipitation approach for synthesizing heterojunction nanocomposite (CdO-ZnO). Standard analytical techniques were used to characterize the synthesized components. According to the XRD and DRS results, a composite of ZnO and CdO was effectively synthesized with a shift of λmax towards the higher wavelength. SEM pictures reveal well-decorated oval-shaped CdO nanoparticles with hexagonal ZnO particle morphology. Under visible light irradiation, the as-prepared CdO-ZnO nanocomposite demonstrated very efficient photocatalytic performance as measured by the decomposition of RhB, MB, paracetamol, and ciprofloxacin in an aqueous solution. The photo-mineralization of MB and RhB over the most active CZ-3 catalyst was also assessed by measuring the decrease in TOC (total organic carbon) content over time when exposed to visible light. The breakdown of paracetamol produces no hazardous by-products, according to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) study. The photocatalytic process appears to be dominated by OH and h+, according to the radical scavenger tests.

Synthesis of Fe-doped TiO2 nanotubes by hydrothermal method for photodegradation of methylene blue from aqueous solutions

Fe-doped TiO2 nanotubes were prepared by hydrothermal method using ferric nitrate and commercial TiO2 powder. The obtained materials were characterized by means of XRD, TEM, BET, FT-IR and UV-Vis-DRS. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated based on photodegradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. The results show that Fe3+ ions might incorporate into the lattice of TiO2 nanotubes. Fe-doped TiO2 materials showed narrower band gap energies, higher specific surface areas, more hydroxyl groups on the surface and significantly improved photocatalytic activity. The optimum Fe doping at the molar ratios of Fe/Ti = 0.5% showed the highest photocatalytic activity and was 3.08 times higher than that of undoped TiO2. The kinetic studies showed the decomposition of MB followed pseudo first-order kinetics with the rate constant were determined kapp = 5.64×10-2 min−1.

Photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds by TFC membranes functionalized with Ag/rGO nanocomposites

Todays, semiconductor nanomaterials are used extensively as an effective photocatalyst for organic compound degradation. The main challenge in photodegradation is the separation of nanomaterials from treated solutions. To overcome this problem a novel cross-linked membrane composedof thin-film polyamide/silver/reduced graphene oxide (PA/Ag/rGO) was successfully deposited on the surface of cellulose acetate membrane (CA). The prepared Ag/rGO nanocomposite and Ag/rGO/CA/TFC membranes were characterized using SEM and FTIR. The crystal structure of Ag/rGO was confirmed by XRD. EDX analysis indicates the successful deposition of Ag/rGO nanocomposite in thepolyamide thin film(TFC) matrix. The high hydrophilicity of the Ag/rGO/CA/TFC membrane was confirmed by contact angle measurements, which decreased from 76 ± 5° to 45 ± 1 upon modification. The prepared membranes were applied for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye (MB). Within 20 min, the synthesized Ag/rGO nanocomposite achieved fast degradation equilibrium with an efficiency of 98%,Ag/rGO/CA/TFC membranes displayed a 92 % efficiency, showing the remarkable ability for decomposition of MB and excellentefficiency for wastewater treatment. The degradability was greatly boosted with a high efficiency even after four runs. The increased photocatalytic activity of thin film (TFC) membrane-covered Ag/rGO nanocomposites could be useful in energy and environmental applications, as well as a potential choice for superior wastewater dyes removal.

S-Scheme/Type-1 heterostructure stimulated WO3/g-C3N4-WS2 ternary photocatalyst with improved charge transfer mechanism for full solar spectrum photocatalysis

Combination of liquid ultrasonication and facile hydrothermal approach were used for synthesis of novel highly efficient WO3/g-C3N4-WS2 ternary photocatalyst. The presence of noble metal free WS2 as cocatalyst induced localized surface plasma resonance (LSPR) and extended the light utilizing spectrum of the ternary composite towards the NIR. An electrochemical property reveals that it follows combined S-Scheme/Type-1 mode of changer transfer mechanism in the ternary. Transient photocurrent validated the excitation of charge carriers in the presence of light with 18.18% increases in photocurrent for ternary. Formation of internal electric field at the interface of heterojunction restricted the recombination rate. The reduction in the charge transfer resistance by the introduction of WS2 was established through LSPR effect. Pore size varies from 2 to 30 nm confirms mesoporous structure. Highest donor density of 4.24 × 1023 was found in WOCNS. This has significantly enhanced photocatalysing ability and established successful degradation of both MB and MO under the direct sunlight and artificial NIR light source. AQY of WOCNS composite was found to be 66.67% higher than pristine g-C3N4 in the NIR region. The dominance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide radicals (.O2-) and holes (h+) were primarily responsible for decomposition of MB and MO. The ternary exhibited high stability and reusability with a removal efficiency of 87% for up to 5th consecutive cycles. This study demonstrates the novel S-scheme/Type-1 strategy for harnessing full solar spectrum with application towards water purification and industrial wastewater treatment.

Topology of two copper(II) coordination polymers with tetra(triazole) and dicarboxylate, photocatalytic and sonocatalytic decomposition of MB

Two Cu(II) coordination polymers, {[Cu(ttpe)0.5(1,3-bdc)]·2H2O·DMAC}n (1) and {[Cu(ttpe)0.5(1,3-bda)]·3H2O}n (2) (ttpe = 1,1,2,2-tetrakis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl)ethylene, 1,3-bdc = 1,3-benezenedicarboxylate, 1,3-bda = 1,3-benzenediacetate), were hydrothermally prepared and characterized. 1 exhibited (4,4)-coordinated 2-D topology with point symbol (3 2 ·6 2 ·7 2 )(3 2 ·6 2 ·7 2 )2. 2 showed (3,4)-coordinated 2-D topology with point symbol (4·6·8)2(4 2 ·6 2 ·8 2 ). E g data of 1 and 2 were 2.31 and 2.17 eV. 1 and 2 exhibited good catalytic activity for degradation of MB under visible light and ultrasound. The degradation mechanisms using 1 and 2 were explored.

Microporous vanadosilicate films with tailorable V4+/V5+ ratio to achieve enhanced visible-light photocatalysis

This study investigates the changes induced into the photocatalytic activity under solar light irradiation upon changing the structural film properties and tailor the concentration of defects in microporous vanadosilicate AM-6 films. For this purpose, the preparation of AM-6 films with different V4+/V5+ ratios and their utilization as photocatalysts for the decomposition of MB were carried out. Two approaches were used for obtaining AM-6 films with different V4+/V5+ ratios: altering the seed layer coating technique and altering the molar water content of the secondary growth gel. It was seen that dip coating method resulted in an increase in the thickness of the films and it was presumed that the adsorption of MB by AM-6 films was the predominant factor in photocatalytic activity. The second approach of increasing the molar water content of the secondary growth gel provided an increase in the defect concentration resulting in an enhanced photocatalytic activity under the solar light. In the current study, the defect concentration of the prepared films was determined by using XPS and Raman spectroscopy techniques. Accordingly, it was determined that the samples with lower amount V4+/V5+ ratio showed better photocatalytic activity under the solar light irradiation indicating that V5+ cations are responsible for the photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. This work provides methods of production of microporous films showing photocatalytic activity under visible light without the requirement of any post-synthesis treatments.

Application of Floating TiO2 Photocatalyst for Methylene Blue Decomposition and Salmonella typhimurium Inactivation

The growing level of wastewater as well as pollution of freshwater by various bacteria are essential worldwide issues which have to be solved. In this contribution, nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 films deposited by magnetron sputtering on high-density polystyrene (HDPE) beads were applied as floating photocatalysts for Salmonella typhimurium bacterial inactivation in water for the first time. Additionally, the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye in the presence of HDPE beads with TiO2 film under UV-B irradiation was investigated. The suitability to adopt such floating photocatalyst structures for practical applications was tested in cycling experiments. The detailed surface morphology, crystal structure, elemental mapping, surface chemical composition and bond analysis of deposited TiO2 films were investigated by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope techniques. The bacterial viability as well as MB decomposition experiments showed promising results by demonstrating that 6% of bacterial colonies were formed after the first run and only about 1% after the next four runs, which is an appropriate outcome for practical applications. NPN uptake results showed that the permeability of the outer membrane was significantly increased as well.

Removal of the Methylene Blue Dye (MB) with Catalysts of Au-TiO&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;: Kinetic and Degradation Pathway

Au-TiO2 catalysts were used in the photocatalytic degradation of the methylene blue dye (MB). The synthesis of titanium oxide (TiO2) was carried out by sol-gel method. Subsequently, particles of Au were deposited on the surface of the semiconductor by photo-deposition, thus modifying the surface of the semiconductor. For the characterization of the catalyst obtained, the techniques of X-ray Diffraction (DRX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Spectroscopy with Diffuse Reflectance (DR) and Surface Area by the BET (Brunauer, Emmett y Teller) were used. The solid obtained was tested experimentally as a catalyst in the photocatalytic degradation of a solution of MB. The data obtained were analyzed by UV-vis Spectroscopy and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and the results indicated conversions were greater than 80%. The intermediate products were evaluated by mass coupled gas chromatography (GC-MS) and the MB decomposition route was by hydroxylation, obtaining aromatic intermediates, esters and products of the chemical degradation of the molecule.

Fabrication of magnetic and recyclable In2S3/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites for visible light photocatalytic activity enhancement

In this work, magnetic In2S3/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites were fabricated via a two-step solvothermal process, which In2S3 loading amount on ZnFe2O4 support medium could be controlled by changing reaction mass. Investigation revealed that the photocatalytic activity of In2S3/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites was uperior to pure In2S3 and ZnFe2O4 for the degradation of MB driven by visible light. The improved photocatalytic activity may be stemming from the synergy effect of In2S3 and ZnFe2O4, resulting in the enhanced visible light absorbance and higher separation efficiency of the photo-generated charge carriers. Significantly, this sort of nanocomposites could rapidly be separated through an external magnetic field, and five successive cycle experiments have proved that it was stable and recyclable. Finally, a possible mechanism related to the separation of charge and photocatalytic decomposition of MB was also provided.

Halloysite-TiO2-Ag composites: Preparation, characterization and photodegradation

Halloysite (HNTs)-TiO2-Ag composites were fabricated by depositing anatase TiO2 and nano Ag particles on the HNTs surfaces. The composite was characterized with corresponding instrumental analysis methods. Compared with HNTs-TiO2 composites, the HNTs-TiO2-Ag composites exhibited better photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of MB and the persistent organic pollutant 4-nitrophenol(4-NP) under UV irradiation. After 2.5 hours of UV light irradiation, HNTs-TiO2-Ag composites removed about 97.63% and 51% of MB and 4-NP, respectively.