Photocatalytic Degradation Performance Research Articles

A Bulk Oxygen Vacancy Dominating WO3-x Photocatalyst for Carbamazepine Degradation.

Creating oxygen vacancy in tungsten trioxide (WO3) has been considered as an effective strategy to improve the photocatalytic performance for degrading organic pollutants. In this study, oxygen vacancies were introduced into WO3 by thermal treatment under Ar atmosphere and their proportion was changed by setting different treatment times. WO3-x samples show better photoelectric properties and photocatalytic degradation performance for carbamazepine (CBZ) than an oxygen-vacancy-free sample, and WO3-x with the optimal proportion of oxygen vacancies is obtained by thermal treatment for 3 h in 550 °C. Furthermore, it discovers that the surface oxygen vacancies on WO3-x would be recovered when it is exposed to air, resulting in a bulk oxygen vacancy dominating WO3-x (bulk-WO3-x). The bulk-WO3-x exhibited much higher degradation efficiency for CBZ than WO3-x with both surface and bulk oxygen vacancies. The mechanism study shows bulk-WO3-x mainly degrades the CBZ by producing OH radicals and superoxide radicals, while oxygen-vacancy-free sample mainly oxidizes the CBZ by the photoexcited hole, which requires the CBZ to be adsorbed on the surface for degradation. The radical generated by bulk-WO3-x exhibits stronger oxidizing capacity by migrating to the solution for CBZ degradation. In summary, the influence of oxygen vacancy on photocatalytic degradation performance depends on both the proportion and location distribution and could lie in the optimization of the photodegradation mechanism. The results of this study could potentially broaden our understanding of the role of oxygen vacancies and provide optimal directions and methods for oxygen vacancy regulation for photocatalysts.

Hydrothermal preparation of magnetic recyclable In-doped MoO3/SrFe12O19 ternary nanocomposites with enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance

SrFe12O19 as a novel magnetic matrix has drawn increasing attention in photocatalysis. In the current study, a novel magnetically recoverable In-MoO3/SrFe12O19 ternary composite photocatalyst was fabricated with the hydrothermal method, and the photocatalytic activity was evaluated by degrading rhodamine B (RhB) solution through simulated solar irradiation. The results demonstrated that the outstanding degradation rate of RhB (96.5 %) could be achieved within 70 min when the mass ratio of both doped In and SrFe12O19 in the ternary composite photocatalyst was 5 % (5-IMS-5). The enhancement of the photocatalytic degradation performance was mainly related to the self-sensitization of RhB, the magnetic field effect of SrFe12O19, and the introduction of impurity energy levels by In doping. More importantly, the degradation rate of RhB by 5-IMS-5 was still up to 90.8 % after 4 times of recycling, verifying that the prepared ternary composite sample has good recyclability and stability. This study proves a novel ternary composite photocatalyst that can be used for organic wastewater treatment, and its photocatalytic degradation mechanism provides great reference significance for the synthesis of other SrFe12O19-based magnetic semiconductor photocatalysts.

Construction of carbon and nitride double vacancy defects on ultrathin porous g-C3N4 nanosheets assisted by freeze-drying for enhanced photocatalysis

Graphitic carbon nitride based photocatalysts have been found extensive application in the degradation of antibiotics and organic pollutants. However, the insufficient of surface active sites and the low efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers separation hinder the development. Herein, ultrathin porous polymer carbon nitride nanosheets (PCNS-F) with carbon and nitride double vacancy defects were successfully fabricated. The facile freeze-drying step, following solvent-thermal treatment and preceding the thermal etching process, stands as a critical step for triggering vacancy generation and adjusting the carbon/nitride ratio. The optimized PCNS-F photocatalyst exhibits an ultrathin structure featuring a substantial abundance of defects in a porous state, resulting in exceptional structural characteristics (183.3 m² g-1, 0.84 cm³ g-1). Surface defect sites increase, and the efficient separation and transfer of photo-generated charge carriers are promoted with the introduction of a suitable vacancy density. PCNS-F demonstrated outstanding photocatalytic degradation performances for tetracycline (81.7 %) and methylene blue (97.7 %) under visible light irradiation for 2 h, which are 10 and 7.2 times higher than those of bulk g-C3N4. The active species of ∙O2- was confirmed to play a major role in the photodegradation process. This work provides a mild approach for engineering carbon and nitride double vacancy defects on g-C3N4 nanosheets, accompanied by tuning carbon/nitride ratio, to effectively eliminate pollutants and cleanse the environment.’

Synergistic effect of N doping and oxygen vacancies over TiO2 nanosheets with enhanced photocatalytic removal of tetracycline

The increasing pollution from non-biodegradable antibiotics poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human health. TiO2 is widely acknowledged as the premier photocatalyst for removing antibiotics from wastewater. To address the limitations of TiO2 in wide forbidden band width and low efficiency separation/migration of carriers, N-doping and oxygen vacancies (OVs) are co-modified within TiO2 nanosheets through the one-step calcination of a mixture of H2TiO3 and urea. The results indicate that the co-modified sample (TiO2-U5) exhibited the highest TC removal efficiency of 90% after 60 minutes of reaction, with a kinetic constant 3.6 times higher than that of pristine TiO2. The effective mineralization of TC is confirmed by three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy (3D EEMs). Systematic characterization of the photocatalyst structure and monitoring of intermediates/products reveal that the synergistic effect of N-doping and oxygen vacancies (OVs) enhances band alignment, light response, and carrier separation/migration, thus improving the photocatalytic degradation performance of TC. This study highlights the significant potential of adjusting charge transport and enriching active sites through the co-introduction of doping and surface defects on TiO2 for the photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics.

Visible light-driven characterisation of AgI/CeO2/rGO nanocomposites and their application in levofloxacin degradation

AgI/CeO2/rGO complexes were prepared in different proportions and characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR, XPS, BET, PL, I-T and EIS. The photocatalytic degradation experiments of levofloxacin (LVF) under visible light (λmax=245 nm) was performed to determined the photocatalytic activity of the composites. When the concentration of simulated pollutants is 20 mg/L and the amount of application is 15 mg, the doping ratio is AgI/CeO2/3%-rGO, and the photocatalytic effect of the nanocomposite with pH 5 is the best. The maximum photocatalytic degradation rate of 98.02% can be achieved. The cyclic stability of the composites and the kinetics were also analyzed, and possible degradation mechanisms were also proposed. The intermediates were also detected using high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS) to obtain the possible degradation process. The results show that AgI/CeO2/rGO composite exhibits good photocatalytic degradation performance under visible light, and the maximum photocatalytic degradation rate for treating pollutants containing LVF is 98.02%. These findings are expected to provide important theoretical and practical guidance for environmental treatment and research and development of photocatalytic materials.

Sulfur vacancy-induced 1T-MoS2 co-catalyst loaded on Zn3In2S6 for simultaneous promoting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and pollutant degradation

In the field of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, Zn3In2S6 has caught tremendous attention because of its suitable band gap and outstanding stability. However, the lower number of active sites as well as lower efficiency of photoproduced carrier separation restricted its further application. Introducing co-catalysts and structural defects are effective methods to solve the above problems. In this paper, Zn3In2S6 loaded metal phase MoS2 to construct flower-shaped spherical catalysts 1T-MoS2/Zn3In2S6 (M/ZIS6) with abundant sulfur vacancies. The visible-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 2.4 % M/ZIS6 was 8.71 mmol∙g−1·h−1, which far exceeded those of pure Zn3In2S6 (0.80 mmol∙g−1·h−1) and 2.4 % Pt/Zn3In2S6 (3.86 mmol∙g−1·h−1). Moreover, 2.4 % M/ZIS6 simultaneously displayed the excellent photocatalytic degradation performance toward acid orange 7 (AO7) in the hydrogen evolution reaction process. Co-catalyst metal phase 1T -MoS2, abundant sulfur defects, and a large and dense contact interface between 1T -MoS2 and Zn3In2S6 mainly contributed to the enhanced photocatalytic performance of 2.4 % M/ZIS6. This work provided a potential concept to construct efficient photocatalysts with noble metal-free co-catalyst for bifunctional applications.

CdIn2S4/self-assembled g-C3N4 composite material with boosted photocatalytic degradation performance: The significance of morphology and structure

The influence of morphology on the photocatalytic performance of catalysts is a critical aspect that merits further exploration. This study successfully synthesized a series of CdIn2S4/self-assembled g-C3N4 photocatalysts with varying morphologies and structures via an in-situ deposition approach. The unique combination of g-C3N4′s surface curvature and the radial-spreading layers significantly contributed to the superior photocatalytic activity observed in the optimal sample. This sample achieved an impressive 91.3 % degradation of methyl orange within 30 min and an 81.6 % degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride in 120 min. These degradation rates surpassed those of pristine g-C3N4 by factors of 13.12 and 1.14, respectively. The findings of this research offer a promising strategy for designing highly active heterojunction photocatalysts tailored for pollutant removal and guiding the uniform deposition of CdIn2S4.

Ga doped TiO2 with enhanced photocatalytic degradation performance benefited from rich oxygen vacancies

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is widely regarded as one of the most promising semiconductors among the various photocatalytic materials. In this demonstration, Ga-doped TiO2 with rich oxygen vacancies (OVs) was synthesized by a sol–gel method. Systematic characterization provides soild attest for the successful doping of Ga and the enhancement level of OVs. The large specific surface area provides richer surface-active sites for Ga/OVs-TiO2 samples through BET test. The photoelectric performance test shows that Ga doping and the existence of rich OVs can effectively improve the photogenerated carriers separation and migration efficiency of TiO2. The degradation results for rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) attest that the photocatalytic efficiency of Ga-doped TiO2 is better than that of the reference TiO2. The capture experiment further exhibits that hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical are the main active species in photocatalytic degradation. The synergistic effect of Ga doping and OVs significantly improves the separation and migration of photogenerated carriers, therefore boosting the photocatalytic performance. This work provides a reliable guide for utilization of Ga and a solid strategy of element doping to improve the photocatalytic performance of TiO2.

Polyvinyl alcohol/polyethyleneimine grafted carbon oxynitride composite nanofiber membranes with the synergistical enhanced photocatalytic degradation and bactericidal performance

AbstractGraphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has received much attention as a metal‐free photocatalyst for dye degradation and sterilization. However, the low photocatalytic bactericidal activity and the difficulty in recycling have limited its applications. Here, oxidatively modified g‐C3N4 grafted with polyethyleneimine (PEI) nanofiber membranes (PVA/PEI‐OCN) was reported to enhance the photocatalytic activity. The modification by PEI grafting could reduce the recombination rate of photogenerated carriers and lead to more electrons for the photocatalytic reaction. In addition, electron spin resonance (ESR) results showed that the generation of reactive oxygen species (˙OH, ˙O2− and 1O2) were significantly enhanced in photocatalysis, leading to the significant enhancement of photocatalytic bactericidal activity and dye degradation. Furthermore, the PVA/PEI‐OCN nanofiber membranes prepared by electrospinning had smooth surfaces and uniform fiber formation, with an average diameter of 380 ± 60 nm. The tensile strength was about 73.5% higher than that of PVA nanofiber membranes. The inhibition diameter of PVA/PEI‐OCN‐4 against Escherichisa coli (E. coil) could reach 20 ± 0.2 mm, and the maximum degradation efficiency of methylene blue solution (10 mg/L) could reach 92.8% within 120 min. This work provided an effective paradigm for the rational design of metal‐free photocatalytic materials for elimination of bacterial and dye contamination.

Photocatalytic dye degradation, H2 evolution, electrical and mechanical performances of mechano-synthesized multifunctional Bi2Te3 nanoparticles: Effect of milling time and thermal treatment

Bi2Te3 nanoparticles are synthesized by mechanical alloying the Bi and Te powders under the Ar and pressed powdered samples are sintered at 573 K. Rietveld refined XRD patterns, FESEM images and EDX spectra reveal the microstructure, morphology and phase purity of the samples. Bandgaps are obtained from the FTIR spectra and a blue shift with size reduction indicates the size confinement effect. The non Debye type ac conductivity and dielectric constant variations with milling time and sintering are measured. The improved photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the sintered sample (83.59 %) using Rhodamine B dye under visible light elucidates reduced porosity effect. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiencies of these nanoparticles are measured and a probable mechanism is depicted. The highest H2 generation efficiency (1462.5 μmol g−1h−1) is observed with the sintered sample. Microhardness measurement reveals normal indentation size effect. Empirical correlations among electrical conductivity, microhardness and photodegradation are established for the first time.

Constructing a CeFeO3/LaFeO3/ZnIn2S4 double Z-scheme heterojunction for photocatalytic atrazine degradation under visible light irradiation

The limited light absorption range and rapid recombination of interfacial charges were deemed to be the main restriction of the photocatalysts for atrazine (ATZ) degradation, and the construction of Z-scheme heterojunction was an effective strategy. Herein, a CeFeO3/LaFeO3/ZnIn2S4 (CFO/LFO/ZIS) double Z-scheme ternary heterojunction photocatalyst was fabricated by the in-situ precipitation and hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic ATZ degradation efficiency of optimized heterojunction reached 52% within 175 min under visible light irradiation, which was 3.1, 3.7 and 1.7 times higher than that of CFO, LFO and ZIS, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was due to the excellent light capture capacity and improved photogenerated charge separation in CFO/LFO/ZIS double Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst. Meanwhile, some environmental factors on the influence of photocatalytic ATZ degradation performance were systematically investigated. Quenching experiments confirmed that ·OH, h+ and 1O2 were the main active species during the photocatalytic ATZ degradation process. The possible photogenerated charge separation route was proposed via the analysis of the IEF effects between CFO, LFO and ZIS. Finaly, the possible ATZ degradation pathway was deduced by LC-MS measurement and toxicity assessment of the intermediates were also evaluated by the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (TEST). This work not only provided a potential magnetic recyclable ferrate based double Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst for enhancing photogenerated charge separation and light absorption, but also evaluated the intermediate toxicity and related environmental factors on the activity of photocatalyst, which was facilitating the practical application for the degradation of ATZ.

Coexisting single-atomic Fe and Fe2O3 on nitrogen-deficient g-C3N4 with enriched Fenton-like oxidation and photocatalytic performances for tetracycline degradation: DFT calculation, degradation mechanism and toxicity evaluation

The regulation of heterogeneous material properties to strengthen the peroxymonosulfate activation to destroy refractory pharmaceuticals remains a challenge. Herein, a promising nitrogen-deficient catalyst (FeCN) with single atom Fe and Fe2O3 nanoparticles dispersing on g-C3N4 matrix was synthesized and applied as a competent peroxydisulfate (PDS) activator for tetracycline (TC) degradation under visible light. The K-edge X-ray absorption fine structures and 57Fe Mössbauer measurements confirmed the unique configuration of Fe2O3 and single atom Fe active sites (pyrrolic and pyridinic FeN4) induced by the neighbouring nitrogen vacancies. The theory calculations and experiments provided a deep insight into the PDS activation and TC degradation via radical and non-radical pathways. The pyrrolic FeN4 active sites dominated the electron transfer, while the pyridinic FeN4 and Fe2O3 decomposed PDS to produce free radicals. The synergistic effect between the Fenton-like oxidation and photocatalysis is responsible for efficient TC degradation. This study offers a new strategy by integrating novel catalysts and advanced oxidation technology for effective wastewater purification.

Optimizing photocatalytic and supercapacitive performance by β-Bi2O3@BiFeO3 modification with PVDF polymer based nanocomposites

The PVDF (Poly-Vinyl-difloride) membrane modified with Bismuth oxide (β-Bi2O3)/Bismuth Ferrite (BiFeO3) p-n heterojunction synthesized via hydrothermal process to explore its energy storage and conversion applications. The PVDF-Bi2O3/BiFeO3 nanocomposites (NCs) prepared in this study were subjected to analysis using PXRD, FTIR, UV-Vis DRS, FE-SEM with EDX, TEM, and transient photocurrent response techniques, individually. The as-prepared materials were evaluated for their photocatalytic performance in the visible light-induced degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) and Rhodamine-B (RhB) dyes. The photocatalytic performance demonstrates degradation efficiencies of 95% for MB dye and 83% for RhB dye when utilizing the PVDF-β-Bi2O3@BiFeO3 nanocatalyst. The enhancement in the photocatalytic performance of the PVDF-Bi2O3/BiFeO3 heterojunction was a result of improved visible light absorption, suppression of photogenerated electron-hole pair recombination, accelerated separation and migration of photogenerated charges. The capacitance behavior of PVDF-β-Bi2O3@BiFeO3 is significantly higher than β-Bi2O3@BiFeO3 in 3 M KOH solution which has specific capacitance of 300 F g−1at 1 A g−1 of current density and fabricated a symmetric device has10.08 Wh kg−1 and 999.39 W kg−1 specific energy and specific power at 0.5 A g−1 of current density with the 88.7% of capacitance retention and 94.12% of coulombic efficiency up to 10000 cycles.

Outstanding photocatalytic degradation performance under low light intensity via mitigating the quenching reaction of oxygen-centered organic radicals and oxygen

Traditional indiscriminate free radicals pose challenges to photocatalyst stability. To address this issue, oxygen-centered organic radicals (OCORs) anchored on catalyst surfaces were developed recently. However, strategies to alleviate the quenching reaction between OCORs and oxygen are lacking. Herein, the tetrasubstituted carbazole derivative-anthraquinone CZAQ-1, generating OCORs, was fabricated as photocatalyst. CzAQ-1 outperforms reported photocatalysts under low-intensity visible light, achieving 100 % degradation efficiency within 90 minutes at 10 mW·cm−2 and 30 minutes at 100 mW·cm−2. It exhibits exceptional stability over 10 cycles and yields hydrogen peroxide production of 3582 μmol·h−1·g−1 during degradation. The outstanding performance is attributed to OCORs serving as the primary oxidative active species, effectively mitigating quenching reactions with oxygen. This process is accomplished through an innovative strategy of reducing the electrostatic potential of oxygen atoms in OCORs. This study provides insights into OCORs and proposes strategies for optimizing organic polymer structures to enhance photocatalytic performance by inhibiting OCORs-oxygen reactions.

A novel dual S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst KBCN/t-BiVO4/m-BiVO4 induced by phase-transformed bismuth vanadate for highly efficient degradation of ciprofloxacin in full-spectrum: Degradation pathway, DFT calculation and mechanism insight

A novel KBr-g-C3N4/t-BiVO4/m-BiVO4 (15KBCN/mtBVO-P, P means PVP) heterojunction photocatalyst is synthesized using a hydrothermal method with the assistance of surfactant polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) confirm the formation of the heterostructure and changes in the crystal structure. Under sunlight illumination, 15KBCN/mtBVO-P exhibits the strongest photocatalytic degradation performance for ciprofloxacin (CIP), reaching 95.3 % within 240 min, the apparent kinetic constant is approximately 3.4, 2.4, and 3.3 times higher than CN, t-BVO, and m-BVO. The outstanding CIP degradation rate is observed under simulated solar and visible light, with over 93.0 % and 85.8 % in 60 min and 120 min. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to the in-situ generation of the mixed-phase BiVO4 by precise crystal phase regulation. Furthermore, the charge transport and photocatalytic degradation mechanism of 15KBCN/mtBVO-P is revealed. Degradation pathways and ecotoxicity of CIP and its degradation products were elucidated through LC-MS/MS technology, DFT calculations, and QSAR models. This study presents a pioneering perspective on the fabrication and development of g-C3N4-based dual S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts for practical application.

Reduced Work Function in Anatase ⟨101⟩ TiO2 Films Self-Doped by O-Vacancy-Dependent Ti3+ Bonds Controlling the Photocatalytic Dye Degradation Performance.

TiO2 has the proven capability of catalytically decomposing pollutants under light illumination, thereby embracing potential applications in wastewater management. The photocatalytic dye degradation activity is largely controlled by the optical band gap that dictates the extent of electron-hole pair generation via photon absorption, and the recombination kinetics of charges. In this context, the material's work function governs how easily the charge carriers can be transferred at the dye-adsorbed photocatalytically active sites. Accordingly, nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films are grown in the anatase phase with ⟨101⟩ orientation, using RF magnetron sputtering at 200 °C. Besides studying the film's structural morphology, optical band gap, and elemental composition, the electronic properties are extensively investigated. The work function of the material was controlled by varying the O-vacancy-dependent Ti3+ bonding configuration in the network. It has been demonstrated how the photocatalytic methylene blue dye degradation activity of the nanocrystalline TiO2 films of predominantly the anatase phase improves on reducing the sputtering pressure during deposition. At a low deposition pressure of 20 mTorr, a low work function of ∼4.2 eV of the film, resulting from the formation of a Ti3+-bond through the O vacancies in the network, potentially increases its carrier lifetime and delivers the superior photocatalytic activity (∼82.7% dye degradation with a rate constant of k ∼ 0.0073 min-1) via silently facilitating fast electron transfer from the photocatalyst to the dye in the aqueous solution. The higher stoichiometric film prepared at p = 40 mTorr exhibits an inferior photocatalytic activity (∼20.4% dye degradation with a rate constant of k ∼ 0.0009 min-1), as retarded by its higher work function of ∼4.62 eV, despite retaining a relatively low band gap. Thus, without using any heterojunction or extrinsically doped photocatalyst, the dye degradation can be controlled simply by reducing the work function of nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films via controlling the O-vacancy-dependent Ti3+ bonding in its self-doped network.

Preparation of Pt(II/IV)Clx/BiOHC2O4/Bi2O2CO3 composite microrods with enhanced photocatalytic performance for levofloxacin degradation in water

BiOHC2O4 microrods were initially prepared via a straightforward microwave hydrothermal method. These microrods then served as templates for the growth of BiOHC2O4/Bi2O2CO3 composites via anion exchange. Pt loading onto the composite microrods was achieved through photodeposition and chemical reduction methods. The obtained samples were analyzed by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, FT-FIR, UV–Vis DRS, PL, N2 physical adsorption, photocurrent and Nyquist impedance measurements. The photocatalytic performance of the fabricated materials for levofloxacin degradation was evaluated under both UV–visible and visible light irradiation. The results showed the formation of Pt(II/IV)Clx species on hierarchical BiOHC2O4/Bi2O2CO3 structure following photodeposition, while metallic Pt was produced via NaBH4 reduction. Pt(II/IV)Clx/BiOHC2O4/Bi2O2CO3 composites displayed superior photocatalytic performance under both light conditions. This enhanced performance can be linked to the presence of Pt(II/IV)Clx, which significantly improves light absorption and facilitates the transfer of photoelectrons and holes (e− and h+). Pt(II/IV)Clx served as a dual-functioning agent, acting as both a photosensitizer to enable visible light activity and as an inhibitor suppressing the recombination of photogenerated carriers. Loading around 4%Pt(wt%), BiOHC/BiOC demonstrated the highest rates of TOC removal, under full light spectrum irradiation for 75 min and visible light irradiation for 300 min, respectively.

P-doped ultrathin g-C3N4/In2S3 S-scheme heterojunction enhances photocatalytic hydrogen production and degradation of ofloxacin

In this work, ultrathin lamellar g-C3N4/In2S3 S-scheme heterojunctions doped with P were synthesized by urea recrystallization and investigated to see which ratio was more favorable for photocatalysis. The P doping formed a new Fermi energy level and reduced the forbidden bandwidth. The ultrathin lamellar structure facilitated rapid charge transfer, and the formation of S-scheme heterojunction, the presence of the interfacial electric field, and band bending effectively separated strong redox-capable electron-hole pairs, thus significantly improving the photocatalytic performance. Among the prepared materials, the 50UP-C3N4/In2S3 photocatalyst with 50 % UP-C3N4 mass fraction showed optimal photocatalytic H2 production performance, with a hydrogen production rate of 12,387 μmol h−1 g−1. Moreover, it showed good performance in photocatalytic degradation, with a degradation efficiency of up to 90.2 % of ofloxacin after 120 min of light exposure. This article provided a new perspective on the synthesis of other photocatalysts with carbazide-based S-scheme heterojunction structures.

Efficient Homojunction/Heterojunction Photocatalyst via Integrating CsPbBr3 Quantum Dot Homojunction with TiO2 for Degradation of Organic Dyes.

A novel TiO2-CsPbBr3(Q) photocatalyst is proposed and rationally constructed, where CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots (QDs) of various sizes inside mesopore TiO2 (M-TiO2) are integrated. These perovskite QDs, generated in situ within M-TiO2, establish a type-II homojunction. Interestingly, a Z-scheme heterojunction is simultaneously formed at the interface between CsPbBr3 and TiO2. Due to the coexistence of the type-II homojunction and the Z-scheme heterojunction, photogenerated electrons are effectively transferred from TiO2 to CsPbBr3, thereby suppressing carrier recombination and thus enhancing the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB). Compared with pure CsPbBr3 and TiO2, TiO2-CsPbBr3(Q) shows significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance for RhB degradation. The degradation efficiency of RhB in the presence of the TiO2-CsPbBr3(Q) attains 97.7% in 5 min under light illumination, representing the highest efficiency observed among photocatalysts based on TiO2. This study will facilitate the development of superior semiconductor catalysts for photocatalytic applications.

Effective degradation of harmful ciprofloxacin using Sr1-xNixTiO3 nanoparticles as a catalyst under UV light irradiation

Antibiotics that are present in aquatic environments are causing serious health issues these days. This work utilizes pristine SrTiO3 and Sr1-xNixTiO3 (x = 0 < x < 0.20) nanoparticles which are prepared by hydrothermal synthesis for photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics. In order to confirm the successful development of Sr1-xNixTiO3 (x = 0 < x < 0.20) nanoparticles the structural, morphological, and optical properties were characterized using advanced analytical tools such as the X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), UV–Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis), and Photoluminescence (PL). A simple and safe technique was used to synthesize Sr1-xNixTiO3 (x = 0 < x < 0.20) nanoparticles for breaking down the ciprofloxacin (CFX) found in the environment, which was not reported previously. The enhanced photocatalytic activity in Sr1-xNixTiO3 (x = 0 < x < 0.20) for the degradation of antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CFX) was demonstrated. The best photocatalytic degradation performance was obtained from Sr0.91Ni0.09TiO3 nanoparticles. 9 % concentration of Ni − doping shows much higher catalytic activity than other concentrations. These results, suggest that Sr0.91Ni0.09TiO3 nanoparticles can be applied to the aquatic environment to remediate the contaminated antibiotics.