Superior Photocatalytic Performance Research Articles

Facile synthesis of WSe2/PEG nanostructures as a highly efficient with superior photocatalytic performance

Recent research has concentrated on developing efficient and cost-effective co-catalysts to enhance photocatalytic applications, which are prominent among the various emerging techniques for harnessing easily accessible energy sources. The present work focuses on the hydrothermal approach to fabricate and thoroughly characterize tungsten selenium (WSe2) nanoparticles using polyethylene glycol (PEG-4000) as their surfactant. The samples underwent advanced characterizations such as SEM and HRTEM to examine morphology, X-ray diffraction (XRD) to validate phase and crystal structure, photoluminescence (PL) and Raman studies for defect density determination, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for analyzing functional groups and bonds, and XPS for insights into elemental composition and chemical state of the hybrid nanostructures. A comparative analysis was conducted, utilizing both bare WSe2 and WSe2/PEG nanostructures, to observe their enhanced photocatalytic degradation efficiency and degradation kinetics on RhB. The superior photocatalytic performances were attributed to enhanced pore size and reduced defect density in the WSe2/PEG nanostructures.

Lithium manganite anchored on mesoporous ceria photocatalyst for removal of Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution under visible illumination

The development of effective photocatalysts is critical for the photo/redox reaction of noxious Hg(II) ions and Hgo in environmental engineering and purification. In this contribution, Li2MnO3 nanoparticles (NPs) were anchored mesoporous CeO2 networks to design photocatalysts with high harvest of visible light, and the obtained Li2MnO3/CeO2 nanocomposites were utilized for photoreduction of Hg(II) ions under visible illumination. The TEM and XRD results showed the formation of Li2MnO3 and CeO2 with the monoclinic and cubic fluorite structures, and the particle size is about 10–20 nm. The enhancement of light absorption of Li2MnO3/CeO2 nanocomposites could create considerable photoinduced carriers during the photocatalytic reactions. The incorporation of Li2MnO3 and CeO2 NPs demonstrated outstanding photocatalytic performance compared with pristine CeO2 NPs, and the optimum 9%Li2MnO3/CeO2 nanocomposite achieved 98 % of the reduction Hg(II) ability within 60 min. The rate constant for 9 % Li2MnO3/CeO2 photocatalyst is ∼ 6.47 and 3.85 times greater than Li2MnO3 and CeO2 NPs. The superior photocatalytic performance of Li2MnO3/CeO2 nanocomposites was ascribed to the efficient separation of photocarriers due to the formation of S-scheme heterojunction, the large surface area, and mesoporous structures. The obtained Li2MnO3/CeO2 nanocomposite was highly stable and efficient for the Hg(II) photoreduction runs up to five successive experiments under similar conditions. Moreover, the possible mechanism over heterojunctions Li2MnO3/CeO2 nanocomposites toward the reduction of Hg(II) ions is examined as well. The formation of S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst provides better photocatalytic applications in terms of air purification, hydrogen production, and water treatment.

Evaluation of self-cleaning performance of TiO2-intermixed and TiO2-coated cement mortars under natural sunlight

Self-cleaning cementitious materials have gained significant attention due to urban environmental pollution. In this study, nano-TiO2 (NT) was first mixed with cement mortar. Second, NTs were coated on fresh cast mortars and on hardened surfaces. Photocatalytic efficiency was evaluated using Rhodamine B under natural sunlight with three types of cement: white Portland (WPC), ordinary Portland (OPC), and Portland pozzolana cement (PPC). Among them, PPC cement mortars exhibited superior photocatalytic performance compared to WPC and OPC even with lower dosages of NT. The order of photocatalytic efficiency was highest for the hard-coat followed by fresh-coat and then intermix sample. Furthermore, Rietveld analysis for crystal structure refinement was used, and crystallography analysis (VESTA software) confirmed the presence of specific atoms and bonds in the crystal structure of PPC with NT. Microstructural analysis using XRD, SEM, and EDAX revealed underlying structural changes and thus quantified the hydration products.

Facile synthesis of bulk Au-Co-CoOx-CeOx@iron ball and its photocatalytic application in 4-nitrophenol degradation

Bulk noble metal–semiconductor composites can be chosen as photocatalysts to carry out the flow degradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) whereas their preparation is complex and uncontrollable. Here, bulk Au-Co-CoOx-CeOx@iron ball (Au/Co-CC@iron ball) is designed and prepared by a facile and controllable route without any toxic chemical. The bulk Au/Co-CC@iron ball shows excellent photocatalytic activity and reusability for the 4-NP degradation, which can be ascribed to the synergistic action of active components and foliated iron ball surface. Furthermore, the highly active Au/Co-CC@iron ball is used as packing material to construct a new-type of packed reactor, by which the flow degradation of 4-NP is successfully achieved. As-fabricated packed reactor and its tandem module exhibit superior photocatalytic performance for the flow degradation of 4-NP. Noteworthy, based on the tandem module with six reactors, the removal rate of 4-NP can reach up to 2750 µmol/h. Meanwhile, the reactor and its module display satisfactory operational stability and reusability in the flow degradation of 4-NP. Clearly, the provided route is effective for the preparation of bulk noble metal–semiconductor composites with exceptional performance, which can also be a prospective strategy to obtain bulk packing materials to serve for the flow degradation.

Efficient visible light-based photocatalytic performance for tetracycline degradation by novel dual z-type ZnO nanorods /Bi2MoO6 /ZIF-67 heterostructure: Mechanism and water matrix investigation

BackgroundContamination of water with antibiotics poses environmental challenges. Photocatalytic semiconductor heterostructure technologies prove effective in water purification, particularly in eliminating pharmaceutical pollutants. Achieving high-quality heterostructures remains a considerable challenge. MethodsZnO/Bi2MoO6/ZIF-67 photocatalyst was synthesized using the ambient temperature method and characterized through XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, TEM, UV–vis DRS, TGA, PL, and BET analyses.Significant findings: The novel ZnO/Bi2MoO6/ZIF-67 photocatalyst's efficacy in degrading tetracycline under visible light was evaluated. The optimal composite molar ratio of ZnO: Bi2MoO6: ZIF-67 was found to be 1:0.6:0.157, exhibiting superior photocatalytic performance compared to ZnO, Bi2MoO6, and ZIF-67. With ZnO/Bi2MoO6/ZIF-67, the highest removal efficiency of tetracycline reached 90.3 % under ideal conditions (catalyst dose = 0.4 g/L, pH = 6.5, irradiation time= 90 min, tetracycline concentration = 40 mg/L). The photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline follows first-order kinetics. The trapping experiments showed that OH• and •O2– species played a beneficial role in enhancing the photodegradation process.

Tuning interfacial oxygen vacancy level of bismuth oxybromide to enhance photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A

Oxygen vacancies (OVs) have garnered significant interest for their role as active sites, enhancing the catalytic efficiency of various catalysts. Despite their widespread application in environmental purification processes, the generation of OVs conventionally depends on high-temperature conditions and strong reducing agents for the extraction of surface partial oxygen atoms from catalysts. In this work, bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) nanosheets with varying levels of OVs were synthesized via a simple and effective solvothermal method. This novel method affords precise control over the conduction band (CB) and valence band (VB) positions of BiOBr. The presence of different OVs exhibited varying photocatalytic efficiencies in the degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) under visible light irradiation, with higher levels of OVs resulting in superior photocatalytic performance. Furthermore, radical scavenger experiments demonstrated that superoxide oxides (O2•−) and holes (h+) were the primary reactive oxygen species for BPA degradation. Additionally, BiOBr-OVs exhibited excellent anti-interference and stability in water matrices containing diverse inorganic anions and organic compounds. This work provides a simple and effective approach for the fine-regulating of catalysts through interfacial defect engineering, paving the way for their practical application in environmental decontamination.

Sol-Gel technique, characterization and photocatalytic degradation activity of Manganese doped ZnO nanoparticles

Photocatalysis using semiconductor metal oxide stands out as a highly effective and efficient method for eliminating organic pollutants from wastewater. This study aims to assess the photocatalytic capabilities of Mn doped ZnO nanocomposites in degrading methylene blue (MB) dye under ultra-violet light exposure. This study details the synthesis of ZnO photocatalysts through a straightforward one-step sol-gel method, incorporating varying levels of Mn-doping (0%, 2% & 4%). The structural and optical attributes were examined using techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra. X-ray diffraction analyses verified the presence of a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure in all synthesized samples, exhibiting a high degree of crystallinity. In addition, an investigation into the impact of Mn impurities on the photocatalytic performance of ZnO catalysts was conducted in the context of methylene blue (MB) degradation. The experimental findings revealed that the Mn doped ZnO nanoparticles produced exhibited significantly superior photocatalytic performance compared to pure ZnO when used in breaking down methylene blue under UV-light exposure. This study proposes that these Mn doped ZnO could serve as a highly effective photocatalyst for treating water contaminated with certain chemically persistent synthetic organic dyes. The improved photocatalytic capabilities of ZnO nanostructures doped with Mn were ascribed to the synergistic impact of increased surface area in ZnO nanosphere and enhanced efficiency in charge separation resulting from optimized Mn doping. A potential explanation for the heightened photocatalytic performance of Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures is proposed tentatively.

Construction of a direct Z-scheme Cs3Bi2Cl9/g-C3N4 heterojunction composite for efficient photocatalytic degradation of various pollutants in water: Performance, kinetics and degradation mechanism

The use of emerging composite materials has been booming to remove environmental pollutants. The aim of this research is to develop a new composite based on Cs3Bi2Cl9 perovskite and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) to investigate the photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation. To achieve this, we produce the Cs3Bi2Cl9/g-C3N4 heterojunctions through a simple self-assembly synthesis. The as-synthesized composites are characterized using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, TEM, BET and EDX techniques. The photocatalytic performance of Cs3Bi2Cl9/g-C3N4 is examined in the degradation of various water contaminants, including 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), tetracycline antibiotic (TC), methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO). The experimental results indicate the superior photocatalytic performance of the composites in the degradation of pollutants compared to pure Cs3Bi2Cl9 and g-C3N4. The 10% Cs3Bi2Cl9/g-C3N4 composite achieves the optimal degradation efficiency of 100, 92, 98.7, and 85.1% of 4-NP, TC, MB, and MO, respectively. This superior photocatalytic activity attributes to improved optical and electrochemical properties, including enhanced absorption ability, narrowing band gap, promoted separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers, and a high redox potential, which is confirmed by UV–vis DRS, PL, EIS, and CV analyses. The 10% Cs3Bi2Cl9/g-C3N4 composite also demonstrates high photocatalytic stability after four consecutive cycles. Radical trapping tests show that superoxide radicals (•O2−), holes (h+), and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) contribute to the photocatalytic process. Based on the obtained data, a direct Z-scheme heterojunction mechanism is proposed. Overall, this research offers a new stable photocatalyst with excellent prospect for photocatalytic applications.

Enhancing photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet dye with g‐C3N4/ZnTiO3 nanocomposites synthesized via a facile approach

AbstractPhotocatalysts that exhibit exceptional performance could be further enhanced for wastewater treatment, particularly in the degradation of organic pollutants and reduction of inorganic heavy metal ions concentrations. This study employed sol–gel techniques was used to create a Type II scheme g‐C3N4/ZnTiO3 (CZT‐2, CZT‐4, and CZT‐6) photocatalyst. FT‐IR, UV‐DRS, XRD, SEM, BET, HR‐TEM, and XPS analysis were conducted to investigate the physical and chemical properties of the g‐C3N4/ZnTiO3 photocatalyst's. An investigation was conducted to evaluate the photocatalytic performance of the synthesized samples. The samples exhibit remarkable efficacy in the degradation of organic contaminants. Among them, CZT‐2 showcased superior photocatalytic performance in the solar light‐induced photodegradation of crystal violet. The photocatalytic activity of g‐C3N4/ZnTiO3 has been significantly enhanced through the establishment of a Type‐II scheme at the interface. This innovative approach efficiently facilitates the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, thereby boosting the photodegradation activity. The discussion also included the chemical process between photocatalysts and crystal violet. The mechanism of the crystal violet‐photocatalyst reaction was also discussed. After undergoing five cycles of reuse, the photocatalyst that was manufactured demonstrated remarkable stability, leading to a reduction in the cost associated with wastewater treatment. The as‐synthesized g‐C3N4/ZnTiO3 composites are very safe for the environment, which suggests that the CZT‐2 composite is very good at getting rid of pollutants.

Synthesis of carboxylated cellulose nanocrystal/ZnO nanohybrids using Oxytenanthera abyssinica cellulose and zinc nitrate hexahydrate for radical scavenging, photocatalytic, and antibacterial activities

The extremely low antioxidant, photocatalytic, and antibacterial properties of cellulose limit its application in the biomedical and environmental sectors. To improve these properties, nanohybrides were prepared by mixing carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (CCNCs) and zinc nitrate hexahydrate. Data from FTIR, XRD, DLS, and SEM spectra showed that, ZnO nanoparticles, with a size ranging from 94 to 351 nm and the smallest nanoparticle size of 164.18 nm, were loaded onto CCNCs. CCNCs/ZnO1 nanohybrids demonstrated superior antibacterial, photocatalytic, and antioxidant performance. More considerable antibacterial activity was shown with a zone of inhibition ranging from 26.00 ± 1.00 to 40.33 ± 2.08 mm and from 31.66 ± 3.51 to 41.33 ± 1.15 mm against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. Regarding photodegradation properties, the maximum value (∼91.52 %) of photocatalytic methylene blue degradation was observed after 75 min exposure to a UV lamp. At a concentration of 125.00 μm/ml of the CCNC/ZnO1 nanohybrids sample, 53.15 ± 1.03 % DPPH scavenging activity was obtained with an IC50 value of 117.66 μm/ml. A facile, cost-effective, one-step synthesis technique was applied to fabricate CCNCs/ZnO nanohybrids at mild temperature using Oxytenanthera abyssinica carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals as biotemplate. The result showed that CCNCs/ZnO nanohybrids possess potential applications in developing advanced functional materials for dye removal and antibacterial and antioxidant applications.

S-scheme g-C3N4/Ce2S3 nanocomposites for visible-light activation of persulfate ions: Photocatalytic degradations of antibiotics and dyes

An S-scheme g-C3N4/Ce2S3 photocatalyst (abbreviated as CN/Ce2S3) was constructed through a facile hydrothermal method, and used to activate persulfate ions (PS). The CN/Ce2S3 (20 %) nanocomposite exhibited superior photocatalytic performance in removing three antibiotics, including tetracycline (TC), amoxicillin (AMX), azithromycin (AZT), and three dye contaminants, containing methyl orange (MO), methylene blue (MB), and rhodamine B (RhB) upon visible light. The XPS, EDX, XRD, and HRTEM analyses indicated the successful combination of CN and Ce2S3 semiconductors. The photoactivity of CN/Ce2S3 (20 %)/PS system for removing TC was about 51.0, 26.6, and 1.96-fold premier than the PS, CN/PS, and CN/Ce2S3 (20 %) samples, respectively. Besides, the recycled photocatalyst demonstrated remarkable activity even after four recycling applications. The surprising performance of the CN/Ce2S3 (20 %)/PS system was related to the impressive surface area, extended light absorption, and facile charges separation/transfer. Finally, the biocompatibility of the contaminated solution after the photocatalytic reaction was affirmed through the growth of wheat seeds. Accordingly, the S-scheme CN/Ce2S3 photocatalyst can be considered a promising material for the detoxification of the environment.

Enhanced solar light-induced performance of a step-scheme heterojunction nanostructure (C3N4/ZrO2) for mixed dye degradation and methanol oxidation

This study focuses on the high demand for innovative nanostructured materials with boosted photocatalytic performance for the degradation of organic pollutants and oxidation of organic compounds. A nanostructure consisting of graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4) and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) denoted as C3N4/ZrO was synthesized via direct thermal pyrolysis. A comprehensive array of characterization techniques (XRD, FESEM, HRTEM and UV-DRs analysis) was utilized for a detailed analysis of the prepared photocatalysts. The photoactivity of the C3N4/ZrO nanostructure was explored by the photocatalytic degradation of a mixture of dyes (Rh B + CV), and methanol oxidation reaction and compared with those of pristine C3N4 and ZrO2. The photoactivity of C3N4/ZrO for degrading the mixed dye under simulated solar light was 97% higher than those of pristine C3N4 (88%) and ZrO2 (31%). The C3N4/ZrO nanostructure, functioning as a step-scheme heterojunction, demonstrated superior photocatalytic performance due to enhanced charge transport facilitated by robust interfacial contact between C3N4 and ZrO2. This enhanced photodegradation efficiency, reaching 97%, establishes a foundation for the development of heterojunction catalysts with exceptional photocatalytic activities. Furthermore, the methanol oxidation activity of the C3N4/ZrO nanostructure was exceptionally high, yielding a 138.25 mA/cm2 current density at a 2 M methanol. The proposed material has a high application potential for mitigating pollution and energy issues.

Titanium dioxide–supported mercury photocatalysts for oxidative removal of hydrogen sulfide from the air using a portable air purification unit

Photocatalytic removal of gaseous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been studied through the control of key process variables using a prototype air purifier (AP) fabricated with titanium dioxide (TiO2)-supported mercury. The performance of Hg/TiO2 systems, prepared with different Hg mass proportions over TiO2 (such as 0.1%, 1%, 2%, and 5%), is measured against 5 ppm H2S at 160 L min-1 under UV irradiation. Accordingly, their removal efficiency (RE) values after 360 s are 40.3%, 74.8%, 99.3%, and 99.9%, respectively (relative to 33.5% of AP (TiO2)). An AP with a 2% Hg/TiO2 unit achieves a clean air delivery rate of 32 L min-1 with kinetic reaction rate (r (at 10% RE)) of 0.774 mmol h-1 g-1, quantum yield of 2.19E-02 molecules photon-1, and space-time yield of 1.46E-04 molecules photon-1 mg-1. The superior photocatalytic performance of Hg/TiO2 is supported by superoxide anion and hydroxyl radicals formed in dry air and humid nitrogen (N2) environments, respectively. A density functional theory simulation suggests that the presence of oxygen vacancies should promote the disparities in the electronic structure to subsequently affect the reaction pathways and energetics. The presence of moisture enhances the robust formation of a mercury-OH bond to favorably yield β-mercury sulfide from H2S.

Defect engineering of Cu2-xGaxO/PDINH nanomaterial for significantly improved photocatalytic antibacterial activities

The judicious engineering of defects and microstructure in novel photocatalysts is essential for optimizing their functional properties. This study focuses on the design of copper oxide (Cu2O)-based catalysts employing defect engineering and heterogeneous composition with perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboximide (PDINH) to enhance their photocatalytic antibacterial performance. Introducing transition metals such as gallium (Ga) into the Cu2O lattice serves to 1) generate Cu vacancies to accelerate reactive oxygen species (ROS) kinetics, 2) induce a small size effect in Cu2O nanoparticles to amplify photocatalytic activities, and 3) fine-tune electronic characteristics by modulating the electron density near the Fermi level and the d-band center. The defect engineering of doped Ga atoms and the p-n junction construction with PDINH resulted in a notable redshift of the light absorption edge of Cu2O. The optimized Cu2-xGaxO/PDINH (x=0.2) nanomaterials displayed superior photocatalytic antibacterial performance, achieving bacterial inhibition rates greater than 91% against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The nanomaterial also exhibited a large double-layer capacitance, elevated photocurrent density, and substantial ROS production. Cu1.8Ga0.2O/PDINH nanomaterial was a potent candidate for photocatalysis and environmentally friendly antibacterial treatments.

Enhanced Fenton-like catalysis through in-situ bismuth defection in Bi/CuBi2O4: Vacancy mechanisms

Alleviating the concentration of hazardous bacteria by photocatalysts is an efficient way for treating ballast water. In this work, we present the synthesis of in-situ Bi vacancies on Bi/CuBi2O4, which is assisted by H2O2 for Fenton-like photocatalytic potential in deactivating marine microorganisms in natural seawater (Yellow Sea, China), the optimal Bi vacancy content (3BCBO) is determined and exhibits superior photocatalytic inactivation performance, additional H2O2 activation enhances the production of •OH for comprehensive oxidation, with •OH confirmed as the dominant reactive species. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations highlight the synergistic of vacancies and metallic Bi play a pivotal role in decreasing the energy barrier of H2O2 adsorption for •OH improving production, promotes efficient separation of charge carriers and utilization of visible light, the co-effect of metallic Bi nanoparticles and bismuth defection mechanisms effectively inhibit the madness thriving of marine microorganisms, this work offers an ideal and promising perspective for ballast water treatment on ships.

Cu, B co-modification boosted the photogenerated carrier separation efficiency in C3N4 for enhanced hydrogen evolution

In this work, g-C3N4 (U1W1–CNS) were prepared by calcination and Cu, B co-modified U1W1–CNS (Cu, B–CNS) was successfully fabricated by cryo-ultrasonic loading. B doping formed the unfavourable sub-centers and the Cu loading forms the electron-rich centre, which enhances the built-in electric field on the surface of U1W1–CNS. Hence, the 0.03Cu, 0.05B–CNS record a superior photocatalytic performance the hydrogen production rate reached to 1067 umolg−1h−1, which was 152, 10 and 1.67 times higher than that of U1W1–CNS (7 μmolg−1h−1), BCN (104 μmolg−1h−1) and 0.03Cu–CNS (638 μmolg−1h−1), respectively. This research provides new ideas for the design of U1W1–CNS photocatalyst with high performance photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Enhancing photocatalytic efficiency and durability: Ag-modified CNS–TiO2 thin films for sustainable industrial wastewater treatment

This study explores a novel approach to address the persistent challenges encountered in recovering powder catalysts and achieving superior photocatalytic performance tailored for environmental remediation and industrial wastewater (IE) treatment. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), chosen as the solvent through Liyanage classical equations and zeta potential measurements (−33.6 mV), sets the stage for investigating the critical role of the surfactant (PVP) and binder (SiO2) in optimizing colloidal stability, thin-film coating, and photocatalytic activity. Meticulous experimentation reveals a synergistic 10:1 g/L ratio of PVP and SiO2 solutions as the key to achieving a delicate balance in enhancing colloidal stability, facilitating thin-film coating, and optimizing photocatalytic kinetics (84 ± 3%, k = 0.0303 ± 0.002 min−1). Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for a holistic optimization approach, highlighting colloidal stability and film adhesion to unlock the full potential of these advanced photocatalytic materials in engineering applications.

Superior photocatalytic performance of ZnMoO4/Ag2WO4 for degradation of trimethoprim and methylene blue

ABSTRACT In the present work, ZnMoO4/Ag2WO4 nanocomposite was synthesized via facile hydrothermal and chemical precipitation method for determination of photocatalytic performance on organic contaminants such as methylene blue and trimethoprim. The synthesized nano-photocatalyst was characterized using various instrumental techniques. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and trimethoprim by the samples was realized under UV light irradiation. The obtained results demonstrated that photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by ZnMoO4/Ag2WO4 was 99.6% in 30 min. The bare ZnMoO4 produced 57.8% and Ag2WO4 produced 76.7% photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue in 60 min. The synthesized ZnMoO4/Ag2WO4 nanocomposite, about which there is little information on remediation of organic pollutants, had possessed the outstanding photocatalytic degradation performance on methylene blue and trimethoprim due to pseudo first order kinetic.

Construction of intramolecular and interfacial built-in electric field in a donor-acceptor conjugated polymers-based S-scheme heterojunction for high photocatalytic H2 generation

Engineering a robust built-in electric field (IEF) is favorable for boosting carrier separation and achieving high photocatalytic performance. Herein, we developed a donor-acceptor conjugated polymer-based S-scheme heterojunction, utilizing both intramolecular and interfacial IEF to enhance carrier separation and achieve superior photocatalytic performance. Specifically, the intramolecular IEF was established by introducing 1,6-dibromopyrene into carbon nitride (CN) to form 1,6-dibromopyrene grafted CN (CNPy). Concurrently, the S-scheme heterojunction was formed by coupling CNPy with CdSe nanoparticles to create an interfacial IEF. Experimental findings demonstrated that the combined effect of intramolecular and interfacial IEF within the CdSe/CNPy heterojunction significantly improved the carrier separation and retained strong redox capacity. Benefiting from these advantages, the optimized composite, 100%CdSe/CNPy-0.2, showed the highest H2 generation rate of 1.16 mmol·g−1·h−1, surpassing those of pure CNPy-0.2, CdSe and 100%CdSe/CN by 58, 2.2 and 2.32 times, respectively. This study introduces an innovative design strategy for IEF-regulated conjugated polymer-based materials, paving the way for efficient solar-to-chemical energy conversion.

Silver-decorated SrTiO3 nanoparticles for high-performance supercapacitors and effective remediation of hazardous pollutants.

SrTiO3/Ag nanocomposites were synthesized using a facile wet impregnation method, employing rigorous experimental techniques for comprehensive characterization. XRD, FTIR, UV, PL, FESEM, and HRTEM were meticulously utilized to elucidate their structural, functional, morphological, and optical properties. The electrochemical performance of the SrTiO3/Ag nanocomposite was rigorously assessed, revealing an impressive specific capacitance of 850 F/g at a current density of 1A. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the SrTiO3/Ag nanocomposite was rigorously examined using methylene blue (MB) dye, and the results were outstanding. After 120min of UV irradiation, the nanocomposite exhibited an exceptional MB dye degradation efficiency exceeding 88%. The SrTiO3/Ag nanocomposite represents an exemplary catalyst in terms of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, environmental compatibility, and reusability. The electron and superoxide radicals play a chief role in the MB dye degradation process. The inclusion of Ag within the SrTiO3 matrix facilitated the formation of a conductive nano-network, ultimately resulting in superior capacitive and photocatalytic performance.