Recyclability Research Articles

Synthesis of 1D Bi12O17ClxBr2−x nanotube solid solutions with rich oxygen vacancies for highly efficient removal of organic pollutants under visible light

With a view to balancing light absorption and redox capabilities, narrowing band gap and adjusting bandgap structure, a novel tubular Bi12O17ClxBr2−x (BCxB2−x) solid solution structure was fabricated using a facile polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 assisted solvothermal strategy. Photocatalytic degradation experiments were conducted under visible light, utilizing tetrachlorobiphenyl A (TCBPA) as the target pollutant. Within 120 min of irradiation, the Bi12O17ClBr (BCB) solid solution nanotubes exhibited approximately 92.8 % TCBPA degradation efficiency. Moreover, the active radical trapping experiments and electron spin resonance measurements show that superoxide and hydroxyl radicals play important roles. Importantly, BCB solid solution photocatalysts have a stable crystal structure and good recycling ability after five cycles of photodegradation. The work presents a feasible synthesis method for the design of solid solution materials and introduction of oxygen vacancies to improve visible-light photocatalytic ability for the treatment of environmentally refractory organic pollutants.

Adsorptive removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions by thiourea-functionalized magnetic ZnO/nanocellulose composite: Optimization by response surface methodology (RSM)

Removal of pollutants by bio-superadsorbent is currently in the limelight due to their low cost and biocompatibility with the environment. In this research, the thiourea-modified magnetic ZnO/nanocellulose composite (TZFNC) with high adsorption capacity and separation efficiency for Pb(II) was prepared successfully, and its physicochemical properties were characterized via XRD, SEM, TEM, AFM, BET, FTIR, XPS, EDAX, Zeta-potential and VSM, respectively. Response surface methodology (RSM) has been applied in order to study the influence of operational parameters (pH, lead ions concentration, adsorbent dosage and contact time) on the removal efficiency of lead ions with TZFNC as a novel adsorbent. The results indicated that the efficiency of Pb(II) removal is 99.99% under the optimum conditions of experimental factors (pH = 6.5, the amount of adsorbent = 40 mg, Pb(II) concentration = 60 mg L−1, and contact time = 14.5 min). The equilibrium, and kinetic studies suggested that the adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm and Pseudo-Second-Order model. Thermodynamic data showed that the sorption process was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 554.4 mg/g. The good adsorption performance, recyclability and easy magnetic separation ability made sure that the TZFNC has great potential for purification of Pb(II) contaminated wastewater.

The preparation of graphene foam by one-step reduction and air-drying for oil–water separation

The freeze-drying or supercritical CO2 drying methods are usually used to remove the solvent to keep the shape of material in traditional methods for preparing graphene foam. Porous frozen tofu is a kind of traditional Chinese food and prepared through a process of freezing casting and thawing. Inspired by it, a green and economic approach for graphene foam (GF) synthesis using one-step reduction and air-drying is reported in this article. By controlling the reduction time and precursor concentration, monolithic GF with a little or without volume shrinkage can be obtained after a simple pre-freezing, thawing, and air-drying step of the graphene hydrogel. The obtained GF shows low density (17.5 mg/cm3), superelastic, high recyclability, and excellent oil absorption ability. During the whole preparation process, the conditions were mild, and no special equipment such as freezer dryer was used, which is beneficial to large-scale production of porous GF with high oil adsorption and recyclability.

Plasmonic ternary hybrid photocatalyst based on polymeric g-C3N4 towards visible light hydrogen generation

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) for photocatalysis has a significant enhancement. In this system, a plasmonic ternary hybrid photocatalyst of Ag/AgBr/g-C3N4 was synthetized and used in water splitting to generation H2 under visible light irradiation. 18%Ag/AgBr/g-C3N4 showed the highest photoactivity, with the efficiency of hydrogen generation as high as 27-fold to that of pristine g-C3N4. Compared to simple mixture of Ag/AgBr and g-C3N4, hetero-composite Ag/AgBr/g-C3N4 showed a higher photoactivity, even though they contained same content of Ag/AgBr. We find that significant factors for enhancing properties were the synergistic effect between Ag/AgBr and g-C3N4, and the light absorption enhancing by SPR effect of Ag NPs. Ag/AgBr NPs firmly anchored on the surface of g-C3N4 and their high dispersion were also responsible for the improved activity and long-term recycling ability. The structure of Ag/AgBr/g-C3N4 hybrid materials and their enhancement to photocatalytic activity were discussed. Meanwhile, the possible reaction mechanism of this system was proposed.

Niobium pentoxide ultra-thin nanosheets: A photocatalytic degradation and recyclable surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrate

Although the traditional SERS metal substrates have high sensitivity, their unrepeatable and ecological environment unfriendly performance greatly limits their applications. Therefore, it is necessary to explore multi-functional SERS substrates with recyclability, photocatalytic degradation, and ultra-sensitive detection ability. Herein, the Nb2O5 ultra-thin nanosheets were successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. Based on the coupled resonance effect, the SERS sensitivity of Nb2O5 substrates was optimized by the Mo doping process. The SERS enhanced factor EF of Mo-Nb2O5-MV at 1617 cm−1 with the irradiation laser of 532 nm is determined to 2.09 × 107 and the corresponding substrate possesses a low detection limit of 10−8 M, which can parallel the noble metal SERS substrates without “hot spots”. The enhanced Raman signals of MV on Mo-Nb2O5 substrates are mainly originated from photo-induced charge transfer resonance between molecules and semiconductor clusters. It is noticeable that Mo-Nb2O5 ultra-thin nanosheets substrates not only exhibit excellent SERS sensitivity and uniformity but also have recyclability, stability and rapidly photocatalytic degradation ability of dye molecules in visible-light, which expend the application of semiconductor SERS substrates in the detection and treatment of pollutants.

Silver Nanoparticles Architectured HMP as a Recyclable Catalyst for Tetramic Acid and Propiolic Acid Synthesis through CO2 Capture at Atmospheric Pressure

AbstractThe recent advancement on the tailored synthesis of hypercrosslinked microporous polymer (HMP‐2) has assembled significant concentration by the virtue of its adjustable porosity, operative design and absolutely ordering structure. This perfectly structured Ag NPs supported carbocatalyst (Ag‐HMP‐2) has been synthesized by Friedel‐Crafts alkylation between 4,4′‐Bis(bromomethyl)‐1,1′‐biphenyl and carbazole over anhydrous iron(III)chloride catalysis followed by the appending of the silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) onto the material. The silver nanoparticle was decorated over the HMP‐2 to prepare the corresponding catalyst (Ag‐HMP‐2). The characterization of the newly produced material has been conducted by N2 adsorption/desorption studies, XPS, FE‐SEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) methods. This microporous catalyst has spectacular activities for the production of tetramic acids from various types of propargylic amine derivatives at 60 °C under atmospheric carbon dioxide pressure. Parallel attempt on fixation of CO2 was executed over terminal alkynes to synthesize propiolic acids under 1 atm pressure. The catalyst (Ag‐HMP‐2) exhibited sufficient recycling ability for the generation of tetramic acids and propiolic acids up to five catalytic runs without reduction in its catalytic activity.

Synthesis of magnetic graphene oxide-titanate composites for efficient removal of Pb(II) from wastewater: Performance and mechanism

Magnetic graphene oxide-titanate composites (MGO@TNs) were synthesized via growing titanate nanosheets on the graphene oxide sheets with magnetite nanoparticles anchored on. The as-prepared MGO@TNs showed a hierarchical structure and large specific surface area (193.4 m2/g), which were suitable for rapid and effective adsorption of Pb(II) from wastewater. Moreover, the loaded magnetite nanoparticles guaranteed the effective magnetic separation of MGO@TNs, avoiding secondary pollution. The adsorption mechanism were illuminated to be ion exchange and surface complexation. Batch adsorption experiments showed the maximum adsorption capacity of MGO@TNs reached 322.7 mg/g for Pb(II) removal. The removal efficiency retained 89.6% after six adsorption-desorption cycles. In addition, the efficiency reached up to 99.8% when applying MGO@TNs for removal of Pb(II) from simulated realistic battery wastewater, ensuring the safe discharge of treated water. The good adsorption performance, recyclability and easy magnetic separation ability made sure that the MGO@TNs has great potential for purification of Pb(II) contaminated wastewater.

Metal-based surface active ionic liquids: Self-assembling characteristics and C[sbnd]C bond functionalization of tertiary amines with TMSCN in aqueous micellar solutions

Metal-based surface active ionic liquids (MSAILs), 1-alkyl-3-methyl imidazoliumtetrachloromanganate [Cnmim][MnCl4]2− (n= 8,10,12) have been synthesized and characterized for self-assembling behavior in aqueous solution using tensiometry, fluorescence, conductivity, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. MSAILs have exhibited 4 to 5 fold higher surface activity as compared to the non-metal based surface active ionic liquids. MSAILs micellar solutions have been successfully used for C(sp3)-H functionalized oxidative cyanation of the tertiary amines. Oxidative Strecker reaction was carried out with different concentrations of the MSAILs, cyanide source (TMSCN) and substrate, and moderate to very high yields (up to 95%) could be achieved in 3–4 h. Usually, cyanation of tertiary amines is carried out in organic solvents under harsh conditions without recycling of the catalyst. Herein aqueous MSAILs micellar solutions have been used as a solvent, catalyst as well as template with a good recycling ability, thus making the approach simpler, greener, and sustainable.

Ni0.9Mn0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticles preparation and sunlight-utilized photocatalytic activity

The metal hydrazine precursor of Ni0.9Mn0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticles was prepared through co-precipitation technique. Infrared spectrum of the precursor was showed the bridging bidentate nature of hydrazine. Multistep endothermic mass loss was observed from the thermogravimetric–differential thermogravimetric curves of the precursor. Ni0.9Mn0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized from the precursor using thermal decomposition technique were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry and UV-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy which proposed the phase structure, morphology, magnetic and optical properties. An effective photocatalytic activity has shown by Ni0.9Mn0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticles on Congo red, malachite green, methylene blue, methyl red, rhodamine B and rose bengal under direct sunlight at different time intervals. The nanoparticles were magnetically separated and showed good recycling ability.

Preparation and characterization of superhydrophobic melamine and melamine-derived carbon sponges modified with reduced graphene oxide–TiO2 nanocomposite as oil absorbent materials

The spillage of oil and hydrophobic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has become a global challenge that removing them from the environment is essential to the health of living organisms. The superhydrophobic sponges are considered as an excellent absorbent to clean up oil/solvent spills due to high absorption capacity and elasticity. The most important challenges in creating superhydrophobic sponges are to increase absorption capacity, selectivity, and thermal stability by developing the surface area, water contact angle, and coated materials, respectively. In this study, in order to enhance surface area, reduced graphene oxide–titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposite was applied on a substrate of raw and carbonized melamine sponge by a simple dip coating method. The results show that better bonding of synthesized nanocomposite to carbonized sponge fibers leads to a greater increase in surface area than modified raw sponge. Besides, hydrophilicity property of raw sponge varies to superhydrophobicity after modification to the contact angle of 161.5° and 165.1° for raw and carbonized sponge, respectively. Modified sponges with high thermal stability reduce the risk of fire. The maximum oil/organic solvents absorption capacity for modified melamine sponge was reported 169 times of its weight, which is increased for carbonized sponge due to higher porous volume and lower density. They also demonstrated good recycle ability after 15 times, repeating the absorption–squeezing process. These outstanding features make them an exceptional candidate absorber for various oils and hydrophobic VOCs.

Magnetically recoverable Pd-loaded BiFeO3 microcomposite with enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance for pollutant, bacterial and fungal elimination

Herein, magnetically recoverable coral-like Pd-loaded BiFeO3 microcomposites were successfully synthesized using a two-steps hydrothermal technique. The structural, magnetic, optical and textural characteristics of the microcomposite were analyzed by numerous characterization techniques. The Pd nanoparticles loaded on the coral-like BiFeO3 surfaces were quasi-sphere shape with sizes of 15–25 nm. The photodegradation of malachite green dye and phenol were assessed under exposure of visible light to evaluate the catalytic ability of the microcomposite. The findings indicated that Pd-BFO microcomposite exhibited the higher photoactivity than that of pure BFO or commercial TiO2. The enhanced photoactivity was accredited to appropriate Pd content that could improve the light absorbance in the visible region and efficiently improved the photogenerated charge carriers separation/migration abilities as confirmed by the UV-vis diffuse reflectance, photoelectrochemical and photoluminescence analyses. The intermediates formed during the phenol degradation were also detected. The cyclic test showed that the Pd-BFO microcomposite has excellent recyclable ability together with a minimal leakage of palladium ions after six runs. Based on the radical trapping test, hydroxyl radicals, hole and hydrogen peroxide were the chief reactive species contributing to the photodegradation. Furthermore, for the first time, antimicrobial activity towards Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Aspergillus niger were explored, and the consequence revealed that the Pd-BFO microcomposite presented exceptional antimicrobial properties.

Hydrothermal synthesis of Zn2+ doped In2.77S4 nanosheets as a visible-light photocatalyst for tetracycline degradation

The Zn2+ doped In2.77S4 (Zn–In2.77S4) photocatalyst has been synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method. The tetracycline was adopted to measure the photocatalytic performance of the as-fabricated Zn–In2.77S4 composites. The probable photocatalytic degradation mechanism of the as-prepared composites was also discussed. Experimental results reveal that doping Zn2+ into In2.77S4 can broaden the light absorption range and improve the recycle ability as well as the separation efficiency of photo-generated electron–hole pairs of pure In2.77S4. Moreover, as the doping amount of Zn2+ increased the photocatalytic efficiency of the as-obtained Zn–In2.77S4 composites appears the tendency of firstly increasing and then decreasing. When the molar ratio of Zn2+ to In3+ is 0.04:1 (4%), in 15 min, the photocatalytic efficiency of the as-developed Zn–In2.77S4 photocatalyst reaches to the maximum of 90.0%. It is higher than 31.8% of pure In2.77S4. Furthermore, superoxide radicals and holes play major roles in the process of photodegradation tetracycline. This research can supply a promising guide to solve antibiotics pollution in water under sunlight.

Radioactive Uranium Preconcentration via Self-Propelled Autonomous Microrobots Based on Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Self-propelled micromachines have recently attracted attention for environmental remediation, yet their use for radioactive waste management has not been addressed. Engineered micromotors that are able to combine highly adsorptive capabilities together with fast autonomous motion in liquid media are promising tools for the removal of nuclear waste, which is one of the most difficult types to manage. Herein, we fabricate self-propelled micromotors based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) via template-based interfacial synthesis and show their potential for efficient removal of radioactive uranium. A crucial challenge of the MOF-based motors is their stability in the presence of fuel (hydrogen peroxide) and acidic media. We have ensured their structural stability by Fe doping of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8). The implementation of magnetic ferroferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) and catalytic platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) results in the magnetically responsive and bubble-propelled micromotors. In the presence of 5 wt % H2O2, these micromotors are propelled at a high speed of ca. 860 ± 230 μm·s-1 (i.e., >60 body lengths per second), which is significantly faster than that of other microrod-based motors in the literature. These micromotors demonstrate a highly efficient removal of uranium (96%) from aqueous solution within 1 h, with the subsequent recovery under magnetic control, as well as stable recycling ability and high selectivity. Such self-propelled magnetically recoverable micromotors could find a role in the management and remediation of radioactive waste.

Zeolite catalytic synthesis of high‐performance jet‐fuel‐range spiro‐fuel by one‐pot Mannich–Diels–Alder reaction

AbstractA one‐pot Mannich–Diels–Alder reaction was developed for synthesis of high‐performance jet‐fuel‐range spirocycloalkane with an overall yield of 71.6% from biomass and petroleum derived cyclopentanone, formaldehyde, and cyclopentadiene. HZSM‐5 zeolite with Si/Al molar ratio of 130 exhibits much higher catalytic activity, along with good recycling ability. Over it, a high selectivity (81.6%) and yield (80.9%) of target adduct is achieved with almost complete conversion of cyclopentanone, attributed to the synergy effect of appropriate ratio of Lewis to Brønsted acid sites and mass transfer effect of porous zeolite. More importantly, after hydrodeoxygenation, the resultant spirocycloalkane has much higher density and volumetric neat heat of combustion (0.952 g·ml−1, 40.18 MJ L−1) than the wildly used JP‐10 fuel (0.936 g ml−1, 39.41 MJ L−1). This work provides a promising route to produce high‐performance jet‐fuel‐range hydrocarbons through co‐conversion of biomass and petroleum derivatives.

Highly efficient and green synthesis of diacylphloroglucinol over treated natural zeolite mordenite and the optimization using response surface method (RSM)

Herein, we report a greener and highly efficient route for the Friedel-Craft acylation of phloroglucinol over Indonesian treated natural zeolite mordenite (nHZMOR) catalyst to provide value-added diacylphloroglucinol derivatives under solvent-free conditions. The nHZMOR showed a high catalytic performance in Friedel-Craft acylation of a phloroglucinol reaction, and diacylphloroglucinol derivatives were obtained in excellent yields. The advantages of the use of this catalyst are solvent-free, shorter reaction time, high yields, and its recyclable ability. Easy catalyst separation was demonstrated through filtration and reused several times without noticeably decreasing its catalytic activity; however, with regeneration treatment, its catalytic performance can be improved. The effect of catalyst loading, reaction temperature, solvent effect and reaction time has been extensively studied. In addition, the chemical process was enhanced by the use of coupling automated synthesis equipment with the Response Surface Method (RSM) to optimize the Friedel-Craft acylation reaction. Also, a reasonable reaction mechanism had presented.

Synthesis of flexible cross-linked cryptomelane-type manganese oxide nanowire membranes and their application for U(VI) and Eu(III) elimination from solutions

The efficient elimination of radionuclides from aqueous solutions is crucial for environmental protection from radionuclides’ pollution. The construction of octahedral molecular sieve (OMS-2) nanoporous membranes is of great technical importance for different kinds of applications like purification filter, catalysts, oil separation, seawater desalination and pollutant elimination. The facile synthesis of freestanding materials demonstrated uniform and monodispersed nanostructures and a cross-sectional pattern of the membranes, which is easily recycled in the process of adsorption and separation of pollutants from aqueous solutions. The OMS-2 exhibited rapid adsorption kinetics and high adsorption capacities of U(VI) (348 mg/g) and Eu(III) (106 mg/g) at pH = 5.0 ± 0.1 and T = 298 K. The paper-like membranes still retained the original filiform morphologies and showed extraordinary stability after 6 adsorption cycles. The surface complexation and ion exchange were the main mechanisms for the uptake of radionuclides, and the change of water environment had little influence on radionuclide adsorption efficiency. Based on the high adsorption capacity and excellent recycle ability, the OMS-2 membranes are considered as superior adsorbents for the efficient elimination of metal ions in the decontamination of polluted water.

Solution combustion synthesis of SrMoO4 nanophosphor using different molybdenum sources and study of its photocatalytic properties

The solution combustion method is applied to synthesize two different strontium molybdate (SrMoO4) samples referred to as SM1 and SM2, obtained from two different molybdenum precursors, namely molybdenum metal powder and ammonium heptamolybdate tetrahydrate. In the present work, we mean to study the influence of different molybdenum sources on the synthesis, particle size, surface area and photocatalytic degradation at different pH conditions. The comparison of phase formation and characteristic properties of both SM1 and SM2 was concluded using powder x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, BET specific surface area analysis and photoluminescence. The powder x-ray diffraction patterns reveal that both SrMoO4 nanophosphor is crystallized well with the tetragonal phase of the scheelite structure. The porous and agglomerated morphology of the obtained SM1 and SM2 was established by scanning electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy images exhibit that SM1 shows relatively lesser particle size (∼10–40 nm) when compared to SM2 (∼15–50 nm). SM1, with better textural properties, exhibits slightly better photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye with and comparable recycling ability with respect to SM2.

Fluorescein-immobilized optical hydrogels: Synthesis and its application for detection of Hg2+

Hydrogels are attracting carriers for immobilization of small molecules due to their excellent properties, such as low optical background, recyclable and high loading ability. Several advantages will be found in designing optical sensors by utilizing hydrogels, such as the convenience for operation, the easiness to separate from media and the difficulties to introduce impurities to detection environment. As a fluorescein-based sensor for Hg2+, the N-(Fluorescein) lactam-N′-methylethylidene (FLA) was synthesized, and the structure confirmation process was finished by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR and mass spectrometry. The interaction of FLA with various mental ions demonstrated the high selectivity to Hg2+, which was proved by UV–Vis and fluorescence spectrometry analysis. Meanwhile, the binding mode of FLAHg2+ was characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR and UV–Vis spectrophotometry. Then, counting FLA as functional monomer and MBA as crosslinker, different proportions of acrylamide (AAm), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were copolymerized with FLA and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) to prepare hydrogel sensors. The hydrogel sensor was characterized by colorimetry and swelling properties. At last, the prepared hydrogels is capable to respond to different colors of Hg2+ in water or DMSO, and it can be reused after the treatment with ethylenediamine (EDA) solution.

The preparation and photocatalytic activity of Ag-Pd/g-C3N4 for the coupling reaction between benzyl alcohol and aniline

In this study, the carrier g-C3N4 was prepared by melamine, and the Ag-Pd/g-C3N4 catalyst was synthesized by the NaBH4 reduction method. Different characterization techniques, including SEM, TEM, XRD, UV–vis DRS, XPS, photoluminescence spectra (PL) and BET, were employed to investigate the morphology and optical properties of the as-prepared samples. The Ag-Pd/g-C3N4 catalyst was used for the synthesis of imine from a benzyl alcohol and aniline. The results show that when the total loading of Ag and Pd is 2 wt%, and the mass ratio of Ag and Pd is 1:1, the activity of the catalyst is the highest (The highest conversion of aniline is 86.7% and the product selectivity is >99%.). The reaction is optimized by changing the type of solvent, the type and amount of base, the type of catalyst, and the amount of reactants. The optimal reaction conditions are 6 ml of n-hexane, 1.4 mmol of Cs2CO3, 50 mg of the Ag-Pd/g-C3N4 (2 wt%, 1:1), and 2:1 mol ratio of benzyl alcohol and aniline. Under optimal reaction conditions, alcohol derivatives and amine derivatives were investigated to determine the suitable range of the catalyst for alcohols and amines. Then, the effects of different light intensities and wavelengths on the reaction were explored. Additionally, the catalyst's recycling ability was tested, and it was found to be relatively stable. The effect of reactive groups on the mechanism shows that the reaction is mainly achieved by the synergy between h+, e− and ·O2−.

Sustainable self-floating lignocellulosic biomass-TiO2@Aerogel for outdoor solar photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction

To overcome the common drawbacks of suspended TiO2 photocatalysis system, a water-floating Lignocellulosic Biomass-TiO2-Aerogel with a low density was synthesized via in situ polymerization for Cr(VI) reduction under visible light. Two forms of floating photocatalysts were designed, i.e., pill form (surface area: 5 cm2, mass: 0.89 g), and rod form (surface area: 9.8 cm2, mass: 1.3 g). Materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Lignocellulosic Biomass-TiO2-Aerogel exhibits an excellent visible light response with a band gap of 2.76 eV. The total reduction of 200 mL of Cr(VI) (10 ppm, pH: 3) was obtained within 30 min under visible light (>420 nm) using pill or rod floating materials. This photocatalyst showed a relatively good recycling ability and an excellent buoyancy which make it a promising candidate for outdoor real-world application.