Titanium Precursor Research Articles

Au@TiO2 Core-Shell Nanoparticles with Nanometer-Controlled Shell Thickness for Balancing Stability and Field Enhancement in Plasmon-Enhanced Photocatalysis.

Plasmonic core-shell nanostructures can make photocatalysis more efficient for several reasons. The shell imparts stability to the nanoparticles, light absorption is expanded, and electron-hole pairs can be separated more effectively, thus reducing recombination losses. The synthesis of metal@TiO2 core-shell nanoparticles with nanometer control over the shell thickness and understanding its effect on the resulting photocatalytic efficiency still remains challenging. In the present study, a synthesis method is presented for preparing Au@TiO2 core-shell nanoparticles with ultrathin shells that can be accurately tuned in the range of 2-12 nm, based on the controlled slow hydrolysis of a titanium precursor. Electromagnetic simulations combined with comprehensive characterization of the opto-physical bulk properties, as well as energy electron loss spectroscopy and electron tomography reconstructions at the nanoscale, aid in understanding the crucial role of the shell in improving both the activity as well as the stability in a photocatalytic reaction. Ultrathin shells in the order of 2 nm do not suffice to prevent sintering of the nanoparticles upon annealing, with a consequent loss of plasmonic properties. After reaching an optimum for a shell of 4 nm, further increasing the shell thickness again reduces the plasmonic properties by a weakened plasmonic coupling. This trend is confirmed by photocatalytic hydrogen evolution experiments, as well as stearic acid degradation tests. With this study, we prove and emphasize the crucial importance of carefully controlling the shell thickness in plasmonic core-shell structures, so their maximum application potential may be unlocked.

Synthesis and Purification of Nano-sized Titanium Carbide Particles through Vacuum Carbothermal Reduction for enhanced Mechanical, Microstructural Morphology, and Tribological Properties in Friction Stir Processed A356-based Aluminum Composites

This study focused on the synthesis and purification of nano-sized titanium carbide (TiC) particles through vacuum carbothermal reduction under a hydrogen/argon atmosphere. The process involved the production of carbon-coated titanium precursors, followed by heating under vacuum conditions at 1500°C for 2.5 hours. The resulting products underwent additional treatment in either a hydrogen/argon (1:1) mixed gas or pure hydrogen gas. Experimental findings revealed that TiC powders exhibiting a single phase are obtained within a molar ratio of Ti to C ranging from 1:2 to 1:4. Adjusting the molar ratio of Ti/C in the precursors allowed for controlled variation in the particle size of the synthesized TiC powders, ranging from 50 to 80 nm. Treatment in hydrogen/argon mixed gas at 850°C for 3 hours resulted in TiC products with an impressive purity of 99.40%. The subsequent incorporation of 5% Nano-TiC-3 (Ti to C ranging from 1:3) as reinforcement into an aluminum alloy by Friction stir process technique demonstrated a remarkable 19.41% improvement in tensile strength, highlighting the efficacy of this specific reinforcement. The nano-TiC-3 reinforced composite exhibited uniform distribution without porosity. Additionally, a notable 50.81% improvement in hardness and the best wear resistance were observed for the 5% Nano-TiC-3 reinforced aluminum composite. This comprehensive study contributes valuable insights into the synthesis, purification, and application of nano-sized TiC particles, paving the way for the development of high-performance aluminum-based composites with enhanced mechanical and tribological properties.

A Comparison Study of Photocatalytic Performance of TiO2 Anatase Phase Prepared from Different Procedures

In this work, three TiO2 anatase phase samples, labeled as S1, S2, and S3, were synthesized using varying titanium precursors, solvents, and conditions to compare their photocatalytic performances. The structural and morphological properties of the synthesized samples were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman scattering, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained results indicated that all samples exhibited an anatase crystalline phase. Sample S1 notably featured nanowires with an average diameter of 38.6 nm. Meanwhile, samples S2 and S3 comprised nanoparticles, each exhibiting unique average sizes of 12.76 nm and 10.11 nm, respectively. The diffuse reflectance spectra reveal that the S3 sample possesses the lowest bandgap, suggesting its potential as the most promising photocatalyst. Additionally, photocurrent response and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were characterized to elucidate the charge transfer mechanisms within the materials. The degradation efficiencies of Rhodamine B (RhB) for samples S1, S2, and S3 were determined to be 17.40%, 17.93%, and 33.04%, respectively, under visible light irradiation. This study provides valuable insights into the criteria for choosing efficient TiO2 photocatalysts.

Sol–gel synthesis of iron titanates for the photocatalytic degradation of cyanide

Iron titanate mixed metal oxides were synthesized by the sol–gel method through four different routes. The effect of (i) the solvent of iron precursor, (ii) the addition of the chelating agent to the titanium or iron solution and (iii) the molar ratio between the chelating agent and the titanium or iron precursor over the overall percentage of obtained iron titanates was evaluated. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy (UV–Vis) performed on the reaction medium evidenced the formation of acetate complexes of titanium (IV) or iron (III) during the different routes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the obtained materials showed the formation of ilmenite (FeTiO3), pseudorutile (Fe2Ti3O9) and pseudobrookite (Fe2TiO5) in different proportions, as well as hematite (Fe2O3), rutile [TiO2 (R)] and anatase [TiO2 (A)]. The materials with the highest content of iron titanates obtained in each route were characterized and evaluated in the photocatalytic degradation of cyanide using visible light irradiation. UV–Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS) showed that the samples exhibited energy bandgap values between 2.31 and 2.90 eV, which agrees with the values reported for iron titanates and evidence the possible activation of the materials under visible light. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nitrogen physisorption results showed that the synthesized materials exhibited nanometric particle size and lower surface area (36.7 ± 4.8 m2·g-1) than TiO2 Degussa P-25 (72–155 m2·g-1). The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized materials toward oxidation of CN− exceeded by 56% the activity of pure TiO2. The content of iron titanates in the synthesized materials was found to be the variable with the greatest influence on the photodegradation of cyanide. In addition, an inversely proportional relationship between the pseudorutile content of the materials and their photocatalytic activity was observed.

Selection of heat treatment and its impact on the structure and properties of AK10M2N–10%TiC composite material obtained via SHS method in the melt

The composite materials based on the Al–Si system alloys, strengthened with a highly dispersed titanium carbide phase, possess improved characteristics and belong to the group of promising structural materials. Currently, self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) based on the exothermic interaction, wherein titanium and carbon precursors directly involve in the melt, is the most accessible and effective method to obtain them. This paper proves the feasibility and demonstrates the successful synthesis of a 10 wt.% titanium carbide phase in the melt of the AK10M2N alloy, resulting in the AK10M2H-10% TiC composite material. Samples of the matrix alloy and the composite material were subjected to heat treatment according to the T6 mode, with various temperature-time parameters for hardening and aging operations. Based on the results, optimal heat treatment modes were selected to ensure maximum hardness. We studied the macroand microstructure of the obtained samples and performed micro X-ray spectral and X-ray diffraction phase analyses. Different groups of properties underwent comparative tests. It was established that the density of AK10M2N–10%TiC samples before and after heat treatment, according to optimal modes, is close to the calculated value. We showed that the combination of reinforcement and heat treatment significantly increases hardness, microhardness, and compressive strength, with a slight decrease in ductility. Additionally, it maintains the values of the coefficient of thermal linear expansion, high-temperature strength, and resistance to carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide corrosion at the level of the original alloy. The greatest effect was observed during the investigation of tribological characteristics: heat treatment of the composite material according to the recommended mode significantly reduces the wear rate and friction coefficient, eliminates seizure and tearing, and prevents temperature rise due to friction heating.

Effect of titanium alkoxide on structure, morphology, and biocompatible properties of sol-gel synthesized TiO2 films

The purpose of this work was to study the influence of the nature of titanium alkoxide, used as a precursor for the synthesis of TiO2 films by the sol-gel method, on the crystal structure and morphology of coatings, as well as their biological compatibility. TiO2 coatings were synthesized on silicon substrates using the dip-coating method. Titanium alkoxides with different molecular weights were used as precursors: titanium tetraethoxide, titanium tetraisopropoxide, and titanium tetrabutoxide. The influence of the nature of the titanium precursor on the morphology and thickness of TiO2 films was determined using scanning electron microscopy. The structural properties of the coatings were studied by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Cell viability assay was performed on TiO2/Cu-Si(111) structures to evaluate the ability of TiO2 coatings synthesized from different precursors to prevent the release of toxic ions from the substrate. The biological compatibility of TiO2 films with various surface morphologies and structures was assessed based on the chorioallantoic membrane assay. It has been demonstrated that the type of titanium alkoxide utilized has a substantial influence on the morphology and crystal structure of TiO2 films produced through the sol-gel method. Furthermore, the structural properties of the coatings consequently impact their biological compatibility. Coatings synthesized from titanium tetrabutoxide exhibited the highest protective properties and biological compatibility.

Synthesis and characterization of Spirulina-mediated titanium dioxide nanoparticles: Antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria

Nanotechnology, particularly the use of nanoparticles, has garnered significant interest due to their unique properties and diverse applications, notably in antimicrobial research. This study focuses on the synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles mediated by Spirulina using green synthesis methods and explores their antibacterial effectiveness against multidrug-resistant bacteria, including Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aeruginosa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, and Enterococcus faecalis. The synthesis process involved the reduction of a titanium precursor using Spirulina biomass extract. Various characterization techniques, such as UV analysis, SEM imaging, FTIR spectroscopy, EDX analysis, and XRD, were employed to assess the physicochemical properties of the synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles. Results showed a prominent absorbance peak at 322 nm and a band gap energy of 3.850 eV. SEM imaging revealed spherical morphology with aggregation, while XRD analysis indicated 61.4 % crystallinity with anatase phase. FTIR spectroscopy identified functional groups present in the nanoparticles, and EDX analysis confirmed the presence of titanium and oxygen elements. The antibacterial efficacy of Spirulina-mediated TiO2 nanoparticles was evaluated using the Agar well diffusion method against multidrug-resistant bacteria. The nanoparticles exhibited significant inhibitory zones of 22 ±3, 17±4, 11±2, and 15±3 nm at 80 μg/ml against MRSA, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and E. faecalis, respectively. Minimal microbial inhibition was observed at concentrations of 3.906, 15.625, 15.625, and 31.25 μg/ml for MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and E. coli, respectively. The minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were found to be 7.812, 31.25, 31.25, and 62.5 μg/ml for the respective bacteria. This study highlights the effectiveness of Spirulina-mediated TiO2 nanoparticles against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains in a bactericidal mode of action. Further research is warranted to investigate the molecular interactions between TiO2 nanoparticles and multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Molten fluoride salt-assisted synthesis of titanium carbide (Ti2C) MXene and its application for 2 µm mode-locking in a thulium-doped fiber laser

Titanium carbide (Ti2C), a new two-dimensional material named MXenes, has attracted interest due to its potential applications in numerous fields. Of the many unique characteristics of Ti2C MXene, its nonlinear properties are attractive for optoelectronic applications, specifically for ultrafast laser generation. In this work, a Ti2C MXene was fabricated by etching a MAX phase precursor titanium aluminum carbide (Ti2AlC) using a mixture of lithium fluoride and hydrochloric acid, eliminating the risk of using the harmful hydrofluoric acid. The Ti2C MXene was prepared in solution form and then dropped onto a reduced core diameter of tapered fiber before being used as a saturable absorber (SA). The SA device was inserted into a thulium-doped fiber laser to generate stable mode-locked pulses at a center wavelength of 1951 nm with a pulse width of 1.67 ps. The mode-locked laser was highly stable when tested over time, with peak optical power fluctuations of as little as 0.005 dB measured. The results show that the Ti2C MXene exhibit outstanding performance for ultrafast laser generation.

Sustainable in situ synthesis of silver/titanium dioxide/organofunctional trialkoxysilane nanocomposite coatings on cotton fabric to tailor superior multifunctional protective properties

Multifunctional properties are crucial for the production of high-quality technical textiles. In this study, a cotton fabric with simultaneously superior UV-protection, self-sterilisation, photocatalytic self-cleaning and flame retardant properties was produced using a sol–gel/hydrothermal process, in which titanium(IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) as a titanium dioxide (TiO2) precursor was combined for the first time with mixtures of organofunctional trialkoxysiloxanes, i.e., 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyl methylphosphonate (TPMP) as a P-based flame retardant and dimethyloctadecyl [3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride (SiQAC) or aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as the antimicrobial, biobarrier-forming precursors. The latter was used in two increased concentrations of APTES1 and APTES2. A sol–gel/hydrothermal approach was employed with a small amount of silver nitrate (AgNO3) added during the hydrothermal treatment to produce Ag-loaded TiO2. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the successful functionalisation of TiO2 by TPMP, SiQAC and APTES through the formation of Si–O–Ti bonds and the well-dispersed Ag/TiO2/TPMP/SiQAC, Ag/TiO2/TPMP/APTES1 and Ag/TiO2/TPMP/APTES2 coatings on the surface of the cotton fabric. The type of biobarrier-forming precursor significantly influenced the formation of the Ag species after the Ag loading of TiO2. The presence of SiQAC induced the formation of AgCl crystals, while APTES controlled the formation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), which was more pronounced at the lower APTES1 concentration. The interactions between the coating components significantly influenced the functional protection performance, with the highest level of cooperation achieved in the Ag/TiO2/TPMP/SiQAC and Ag/TiO2/TPMP/APTES1 coatings, which exhibited the best overall multifunctionality, albeit with certain drawbacks. While the Ag/TiO2/TPMP/APTES1 coating provided excellent UV protection for the cotton, this was only improved by the Ag/TiO2/TPMP/SiQAC coating. At the same time, the Ag/TiO2/TPMP/APTES1 coating impaired the development of the char barrier by TPMP, which is due to the formation of Ag NPs. Nevertheless, both coatings showed high photocatalytic self-cleaning performance, complete self-sterilisation activity and improved burning behaviour.

Nanomolecularly-induced Effects at Titania/Organo-Diphosphonate Interfaces for Stable Hybrid Multilayers with Emergent Properties.

Nanoscale hybrid inorganic-organic multilayers are attractive for accessing emergent phenomena and properties through superposition of nanomolecularly-induced interface effects for diverse applications. Here, we demonstrate the effects of interfacial molecular nanolayers (MNLs) of organo-diphosphonates on the growth and stability of titania nanolayers during the synthesis of titania/MNL multilayers by sequential atomic layer deposition and single-cycle molecular layer deposition. Interfacial organo-diphosphonate MNLs result in ∼20-40% slower growth of amorphous titania nanolayers and inhibit anatase nanocrystal formation from them when compared to amorphous titania grown without MNLs. Both these effects are more pronounced in multilayers with aliphatic backbone-MNLs and likely related to impurity incorporation and incomplete reduction of the titania precursor indicated by our spectroscopic analyses. In contrast, both MNLs result in two-fold higher titania nanolayer roughness, suggesting that roughening is primarily due to MNL bonding chemistry. Such MNL-induced effects on inorganic nanolayer growth rate, roughening, and stability are germane to realizing high-interface-fraction hybrid nanolaminate multilayers.

A Mixed-Valence Ti(II)/Ti(III) Inverted Sandwich Compound as a Regioselective Catalyst for the Uncommon 1,3,5-Alkyne Cyclotrimerization.

The synthesis, structure, and catalytic activity of a Ti(II)/Ti(III) inverted sandwich compound are presented in this study. Synthesis of the arene-bridged dititanium compound begins with the preparation of the titanium(IV) precursor [TiCl2(MesPDA)(thf)2] (MesPDA = N,N'-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-o-phenylenediamide) (2). The reduction of 2 with sodium metal results in species [{Ti(MesPDA)(thf)}2(μ-Cl)3{Na}] (3) in oxidation state III. To achieve the lower oxidation state II, 2 undergoes reduction through alkylation with lithium cyclopentyl. This alkylation approach triggers a cascade of reactions, including β-hydride abstraction/elimination, hydrogen evolution, and chemical reduction, to generate the Ti(II)/Ti(III) compound [Li(thf)4][(TiMesPDA)2(μ-η6: η6-C6H6)] (4). X-ray and EPR characterization confirms the mixed-valence states of the titanium species. Compound 4 catalyzes a mild, efficient, and regiospecific cyclotrimerization of alkynes to form 1,3,5-substituted arenes. Kinetic data support a mechanism involving a binuclear titanium arene compound, similar to compound 4, as the resting state. The active catalyst promotes the oxidative coupling of two alkynes in the rate-limiting step, followed by a rapid [4 + 2] cycloaddition to form the arene product. Computational analysis of the resting state for the cycloaddition of trimethylsilylacetylene indicates a thermodynamic preference for stabilizing the 1,3,5-arene within the space between the two [TiMesPDA] fragments, consistent with the observed regioselectivity.

Optimization of the ETL titanium dioxide layer for inorganic perovskite solar cells

Titanium dioxide layers are the most popular electron transport layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells. However most studies focuses on mesoporous structure and application with organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite. In this study, the topic of ETL in planar structure of inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells was tackled, the presented approach will reduce production costs and improve cell stability, which is the greatest drawback of perovskite cells especially organic–inorganic perovskite. The potential application of these technology are greenhouses and building integrated PV sector. Here, the two TiO2 precursors titanium(IV) ethoxide in ethanol and titanium(IV) bis(acetylacetonate) diisopropoxide (Tiacac) were investigated, optimized and compared. TiO2 layers were deposited on high roughness FTO, without the use of a mesoporous layer, by spin coating method. The correlation between stock solution concentration and thickness of manufactured layers was tracked for both precursors as well as their difference in morphology of the final films and other properties. In particular, conformality and optical properties are better for Tiacac. Slightly lower refractive index of Tiacac-based titania reduced the reflective losses from 7.3 to 6.9% effectively. The obtained layers were used for inorganic solar cells of CsPbBr3 perovskite to finally settle the issue of optimal thickness and precursor. It is interesting that despite the supremacy in investigated properties of commonly used of the precursor Tiacac, the results of the cells pointed to the Tieth. The efficiency of the champion cell is 6.08% for Tieth, while 5.62% is noted for Tiacac. Trying to figure out this riddle, we shed a new light on the phenomena going on the ETL/inorganic perovskite interface investigating nanoroughness.

Cellulosic Nonwovens Incorporated with Fully Utilized MXene Precursor as Smart Pressure Sensor and Multi‐Protection Materials

AbstractCurrently, multifunctional MXene‐integrated wearable textiles (MWTs) are particularly appealing due to their various applications such as health monitoring, smart protection, and medical treatment. However, scalable manufacture of durable, stable, and high‐performance multifunctional MWTs still face challenges due to the poor oxidation stability of MXene and low utilization of precursor titanium aluminum carbide (MAX). Herein, an improved preparation strategy for zinc ion (Zn2+) intercalation is proposed to create high antioxidative MXene (ZM) and exceptionally conductive and printable gel ink based on MXene sediments (ZMS‐ink), while multifunctional wearable textiles are fabricated using spray‐coating and screen‐printing techniques on cellulosic nonwoven textiles (CNWs), achieving the complete utilization of MXene precursor. Benefiting from the inherent disordered stacking and porous structure of CNWs, along with the highly conductive ZM and ZMS‐ink, as‐prepared smart, wearable and green‐based pressure sensor offered proper breathability, high sensitivity (2602.26 kPa−1), wide sensing range (0–141 kPa), and excellent cycling stability (>5000 cycles). Additionally, the sensor exhibited efficient photothermal/photodynamic therapy antibacterial activity and exceptional electromagnetic interference shielding performance (57.5 dB). Therefore, this work paves the way for the future development of integrated and scalable multifunctional wearable devices building on the environmental‐friendly CNWs incorporated with fully utilized MAX, offering a green and cost‐effective approach.

Effect of TiO2/Fe2O3 nanopowder synthesis method on visible light photocatalytic degradation of reactive blue dye

Water pollution and scarcity of clean water are major issues of concern globally. In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst doped with ferric oxide (Fe2O3) was used to degrade reactive blue dye (171) using sunlight irradiation. Two approaches were employed to synthesize the photocatalyst: synthesis of ferric oxide and titanium precursor through ultrasonic-assisted sol-gel method and using iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate with commercial titanium dioxide. The photocatalysts were characterized using FTIR Spectroscopy, SEM, XRD analyses, and UVDRS to determine their chemical composition, morphology, crystallinity, and light absorption, respectively. The effect of contaminant concentration (1–3 ppm), solution pH and photocatalyst type on the degradation efficiency was studied. Doping enabled visible light absorption as confirmed by the UVDRS analysis. Solar photocatalytic degradation resulted in complete (100 % removal) of the dye within 2 h under solar irradiation for all concentrations of the dye studied. Furthermore, the photocatalysts exhibited superior performance in both neutral and acidic solutions compared to basic ones. After four cycles, the dye removal efficiency has decreased by less than 15 % for all the photocatalysts confirming the significant activity and high stability of the nanocomposite. The increased dye photodegradation efficacy of Fe2O3 doped TiO2 under sunlight irradiation is attributed to the narrowing of the photocatalyst's bandgap from 3.76 eV (in pure TiO2) to 2.83 eV. This narrowing of the bandgap enhances the absorption of visible light from sunlight, thus making this photocatalyst effective under sunlight and eliminating the use of electricity which is a requirement for ultraviolet photocatalysis.

Synthesis of 1D magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2/TiO2 nanostir bar photocatalyst for the degradation of MB under UV light

Here, a novel one-dimensional (1D) magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2/TiO2 nanostir bar both with high-efficient adsorption and photocatalysis of Methylene blue (MB) has been explored. Firstly, silicon and titanium precursor were loaded on the surface of Fe3O4 through the static magnetic induced self-assembly. Then the TiO2/SiO2 hybrid shell were formed by the hydrothermal treatment process to achieve the 1D magnetic nanostir bar. The 1D magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2/TiO2 photocatalyst exhibited good adsorption capacity and degradation activity of MB. The adsorption capacity of MB by Fe3O4@SiO2/TiO2(60 %) was 40 mg g−1. The apparent reaction rate constant of Fe3O4@SiO2/TiO2 (60 %) was 0.129 min−1. This work will provide a general strategy to explore other useful 1D magnetic nanomaterials for micro-reaction system.

Facile green synthesis of Ag doped TiO2 nanoparticles using maple leaf for bisphenol-A degradation and its antibacterial properties

Significant advancements are being made in environmentally friendly chemistry through the use of biosynthetic techniques for material synthesis. This study presents a novel and eco-conscious method for producing silver-doped TiO2 (Ag–TiO2) nanoparticles using maple leaves extract.. The synthesis process ingeniously involves combining maple leaf extract with silver and titanium dioxide precursors. Using advanced characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), reveals the characteristic crystal structure, surface complexity and fascinating morphology of the nanoparticles. These results explain the remarkable catalytic ability of Ag–TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in effectively degrading BPA under visible and ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. Ag–TiO2 NPs show the BPA degradation of 94.42% (visible) and 96.83% (UV). In addition, these nanoparticles demonstrate good ability to combat a wide range of threatening pathogenic bacteria. The doping of Ag into TiO2 reveals the enhancement of inhibition growth against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli). This work opens up broad potential for applications in the treatment of BPA-containing wastewater and the development of environmentally friendly antimicrobial materials.

High-Quality TiO2 Electron Transport Film Prepared via Vacuum Ultraviolet Illumination for MAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells.

The electron transport layer (ETL) plays an important role in determining the conversion efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, TiO2 thin film was prepared by irradiating diisopropoxy diacetylacetone titanium precursor thin film with 172 nm vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) at a low temperature. The prepared TiO2 thin film has higher electron mobility and conductivity. As it is used as an ETL for MAPbI3 PSCs, its band structure is better matched with the perovskite, and at the same time, due to the good interface contact, more uniform perovskite crystals are formed. Most importantly, a large number of hydroxyl radicals were formed during VUV irradiation of the precursor film, which made up for the oxygen defect present on the surface of the TiO2 thin film, and were adsorbed to the film surface. These hydroxyl groups form hydrogen bonds with methylammonium (MA) components on the MAPbI3 buried surface, thus promoting the transfer of photogenerated electrons at the MAPbI3/ETL interface. The power conversion efficiency of PSCs fabricated in air with the ETL prepared by VUV irradiation is 20.46%, which is higher than that of the contrast solar cell based on the sintered ETL (17.96%).

Exploring the Influence of Temperature on Sodium Titanate Mineral Formation Using X-Ray Diffraction

In this study, an inquiry was conducted to examine the influence of temperature on the crystal structure of sodium titanate (NTO). NTO was synthesized using NaCl, TTIP, citric acid, and ethylene glycol as precursors. The NaCl-citric acid precursor was dissolved in purified water, while the titanium precursor was prepared by blending ethylene glycol with TTIP. After vigorous stirring, the precursor solution was placed in a Teflon-coated stainless steel autoclave, subjected to preheating, and subsequently dried to form a gel. The gel underwent calcination at temperatures ranging from 800 to 1000 °C for 3 hours each. The resulting samples were rinsed with deionized water and dried to eliminate residual NaCl. Based on the results of XRD characterization, the NaTi4O8 phase experienced decomposition into rutile form when the calcination temperature was increased from 800-1000 °C and began to be identified as a rutile phase at a temperature of 900 °C.

Chemically Engineered Titanium Oxide Interconnecting Layer for Multijunction Polymer Solar Cells.

We report chemically tunable n-type titanium oxides using ethanolamine as a nitrogen dopant source. As the amount of ethanolamine added to the titanium oxide precursor during synthesis increases, the Fermi level of the resulting titanium oxides (ethanolamine-incorporated titanium oxides) significantly changes from -4.9 eV to -4.3 eV, and their free charge carrier densities are enhanced by two orders of magnitudes, reaching up to 5 × 1018 cm-3. Unexpectedly, a basic ethanolamine reinforces not only the n-type properties of titanium oxides, but also their basicity, which facilitates acid-base ionic junctions in contact with acidic materials. The enhanced charge carrier density and basicity of the chemically tuned titanium oxides enable multi-junction solar cells to have interconnecting junctions consisting of basic n-type titanium oxides and acidic p-type PEDOT:PSS to gain high open-circuit voltages of 1.44 V and 2.25 V from tandem and triple architectures, respectively.

Electrochemical deposition of hydrothermally pretreated TiO2 on aluminium substrate through the formation of peroxotitanium complex and their application towards visible light assisted photocurrent generation

Herein, we report a novel method for the electrochemical deposition of TiO2 on Al substrate through the formation of peroxotitanium complex without any post heat treatment process. The alkaline treated titanium precursors were used as an electrolyte and TiO2 was deposited onto aluminium substrate by both cathodic reduction and electrophoretic deposition through the formation of peroxotitanium complex. The electrodeposition process was optimized by varying the pH, concentration of the electrolyte, deposition voltage, time and area of the electrode respectively. The optimized condition to obtain a maximum yield is as follows: voltage (4.5 V), time (2.5 h), pH (5) and area of the electrode 3 × 3 cm2. The deposits were then characterized using various material characterization techniques such as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy respectively. The morphological analysis showed the deposition of nanocrystalline TiO2 with irregular morphology on Al substrate. The AFM revealed a non-uniform deposition of TiO2 with high surface roughness (average roughness: 44.60 nm). The XRD pattern and Raman spectrum confirmed the presence of anatase phase of TiO2. The obtained TiO2 were then subjected to photoelectrochemical studies by coating over an ITO electrode. The nanocrystalline TiO2 showed excellent photocurrent response which could be due to the short hole retrieval and fast electron transport across the electrode-electrolyte interface. The proposed method can be promising towards the industrial application for the extraction and recovery of TiO2 from the mineral ore residues and spent mining waste.