UV Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy Research Articles

One-pot synthesis of an Au modified BiOCOOH plasmonic photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity

In this work, we designed the plasmonic photocatalyst of Au–BiOCOOH through a one-pot method, which can be used to effectively treat wastewater contaminated with rhodamine (RhB) and tetracycline (TC). Compared with neat BiOCOOH, as expected, the resulting Au–BiOCOOH illustrated significantly boosted photocatalytic efficiency for degrading RhB and TC under visible light illumination. Remarkably, 3.0%Au–Bi showed the most optimal performance against RhB and TC, achieving degradation rates of 99.5 % and 99.7 % within 120 min. Through multiple characterization techniques, the physical and chemical photoelectric properties of the photocatalyst as well as the photocatalysis mechanism were discussed in detail. UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) analysis demonstrates that the loading of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) onto 2D nanosheets of BiOCOOH significantly expanded the wavelength range of response of BiOCOOH to visible light. Separately, the outcomes of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and photoluminescence (PL) manifestly reveal that the presence of Au NPs on BiOCOOH can efficiently reduce the interfacial charge transfer resistance and accelerate the photogenerated charge transfer. The free radical trapping test provided evidence for the essential role played by holes (h+) and superoxide radicals (·O2−) were involved in the degradation of RhB. The study provided a possibility to improve the photocatalytic efficiency of BiOCOOH.

Insight into the role of Mg/B and Mg/Cu dual dopant on the properties of ZnO nanoparticles prepared by facile one-step combustion route for photocatalytic and antibacterial application

ZnO semiconductors are widely known to have benefits in photocatalytic and antibacterial applications. In this study, (Mg/B)–ZnO and (Mg/Cu)–ZnO were synthesized using the combustion method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The XRD results confirmed a decrease in the crystal size and an increase in the crystallinity of the doped ZnO samples. SEM analysis confirmed the morphological changes in the structure from rod-shaped to spherical, and the particle size decreased in the doped ZnO samples. EDS analysis validated the nanoparticle composition of Zn, O, Mg, B, and Cu without impurities. Raman spectra confirmed the formation of defects due to the substitution of dopants in the ZnO lattice. All samples for FTIR analysis showed functional chemical group vibrations from Zn–O, C–H, and O–H stretching. The existence of dopant bonds with oxygen was also validated from this analysis. The change in band gap energy was observed from 3.13 to 3.10 eV in Mg/Cu–ZnO and 3.12 eV in Mg/B–ZnO sample due to the influence of the addition of dopant ions. The XPS spectra show the chemical composition of the nanoparticle samples and the oxidation numbers that correlate with the results of EDS and XRD analyses. A decrease in the emission intensity in the PL measurement was observed in the green emission region in the Mg/B–ZnO sample, which correlated with the decrease in electron recombination. The Photocatalytic application was performed by measuring its ability to degrade methyl violet dye under visible-light irradiation. The maximum deterioration after 120 min of irradiation was obtained for the Mg/Cu–ZnO, Mg/B–ZnO, and ZnO samples at 92.62 %, 92.20 %, and 80.89 %, respectively. Antibacterial activity increased against S. aureus bacteria in co-doped ZnO samples with inhibition zones of 12.15 mm, 8.15 mm, and 6.45 mm for Mg/B–ZnO, Mg/Cu–ZnO, and ZnO samples, respectively.

Fabrication and Characterization of Activated Carbon/ZnO Nanocomposite Films for Use as a Photocatalyst in Degradation of Organic Compounds

The activated carbon/ZnO nanocomposite films were successfully prepared by a simple doctor blade method. The obtained films were characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and Photoluminescence techniques. The photocatalytic properties of all films were carried out by degrading rhodamine B (RhB) dye under solar light irradiation. From the study, it was found that an increment of the efficacy of photocatalytic activities showed in activated carbon/ZnO nanocomposite films as compared to the pure activated carbon and pure ZnO. Moreover, the effect of concentration of activated carbon on the photocatalytic activity of as-prepared nanocomposite films was studied. Results were found that the optimal concentration of 5 wt% activated carbon on the surface of ZnO exhibited the highest efficiency.

Activation of peroxymonosulfate by halloysite nanotube-supported TiO2 composite for efficient photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B

In this study, to enhance the peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-assisted photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light over TiO2, a novel halloysite nanotube (HNTs) supported TiO2 composite photocatalyst was prepared by the sol-gel method. The crystal structure and bonding information of samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to characterize the morphology, optical properties and energy band structure of the samples. The composite with weight ratio of 1:5 (HNTs/TiO2) (named HT-20) exhibited apparently enhanced PMS-assisted photocatalytic RhB degradation efficiency and can degrade approximately 95.31 % of RhB in 30 min, and the first-order rate constants (k) of HT-20-PMS system is about 54.5 times higher than that of B–TiO2. In addition, the possible mechanism of enhanced PMS-assisted photocatalytic activity of HT-20 was proposed. The improvement of photocatalytic activity in the composite photocatalyst can be ascribed to the large surface area and strong adsorption capacity of HNTs.

Performance and mechanism of Al, N co-doped carbon/nano-TiO2 photocatalytic oxidation for the removal of ammonia nitrogen and Ni/Co complexes from ternary precursor wastewater

The process of producing ternary precursors for new lithium batteries produces industrial wastewater containing high concentrations of ammonia nitrogen and metal ammonia complexes, which requires strict treatment. In this study, a simple and efficient photocatalyst (Al, N co-doped carbon/nano-TiO2) with excellent adsorption and photocatalytic properties was developed. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption–desorption test, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which indicated that the catalyst had excellent specific surface area and strong light absorption properties. In addition, the performance of photocatalytic treatment of ternary precursor wastewater was investigated by varying the amount of Al doping, the loading of nano-TiO2, the amount of catalyst input, changing the adsorption and photocatalytic time. The results suggested that the 3.0 g/L of Al, N co-doped carbon/nano-TiO2 composite photocatalyst achieved 91.45% degradation efficiency of ammonia nitrogen and the removal efficiency of nickel and cobalt was 99.11% and 98.34%, respectively. EDS and XPS analyses showed that ammonia nitrogen pollutants in the wastewater were eventually degraded to nitrogen and nitrogen oxides, with nickel and cobalt adsorbed on the catalyst surface in the form of Ni2+ and Co2+.

Construction novel highly active photocatalytic H2 evolution over noble-metal-free trifunctional Cu3P/CdS nanosphere decorated g-C3N4 nanosheet

Hydrogen energy possesses immense potential in developing a green renewable energy system. However, a significant problem still exists in improving the photocatalytic H2 production activity of metal-free graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) based photocatalysts. Here is a novel Cu3P/CdS/g-C3N4 ternary nanocomposite for increasing photocatalytic H2 evolution activity. In this study, systematic characterizations have been carried out using techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Raman spectra, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), surface area analysis (BET), electrochemical impedance (EIS), and transient photocurrent response measurements. Surprisingly, the improved 3CP/Cd-6.25CN photocatalyst displays a high H2 evolution rate of 125721 μmol h−1 g−1. The value obtained exceeds pristine g-C3N4 and Cu3P/CdS by 339.8 and 7.6 times, respectively. This could be the maximum rate of hydrogen generation for a g–C3N4–based ternary nanocomposite ever seen when exposed to whole solar spectrum and visible light (λ > 420 nm). This research provides fresh perspectives on the rational manufacture of metal-free g-C3N4 based photocatalysts that will increase the conversion of solar energy. By reusing the used 3CP/Cd/g-C3N4 photocatalyst in five consecutive runs, the stability of the catalyst was investigated, and their individual activity in the H2 production activity was assessed. To comprehend the reaction mechanisms and emphasise the value of synergy between the three components, several comparison systems are built.

Molecular identification of keratinophilic fungi associated with hair scalp and antifungal activity of green-synthesis zinc oxide nanoparticles.

A diverse population of fungi colonizes human hair and skin due to millions of years of functional integration and mutual adaptation. The human body, with its fungal communities, forms a complex entity. Microbial imbalance is promoted by instabilities in the host-mycobiota interaction system, which can be related to the development of various diseases. By morphological and molecular identification, 15 genera comprising 24 species were isolated from 18 scalp samples collected from girls. Yeast-like structures were the most common species in this study; they were recovered from six samples (33.3%). They were represented by five species: Arachniotus ruber; Cosmospora aurantiicola; Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosum; Geotrichum candidum and Suhomyces tanzawaensis. For the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), an aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale was utilized as a reducing and capping agent. The prepared NPs tested by X-ray diffraction, they had a hexagonal wurtzite structure. Most of the ZnO NPs were spherical, and their diameter was about 38.9 nm using a transmission electron microscope. ZnO NPs of the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectra were recorded in the range of 400-4000 cm-1. UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed the 200-800 nm wavelength range. ZnO NPs showed the highest activity against Ambrosiella hartigii Ambh2; Cladosporium cladosporioides Cladcl12; C. cf. cucumerinum Cladcu13; S. tanzawaensis Suht34, with minimal inhibitory concentrations 1.25 × 103 µg/mL on the four isolates.

Plant leaves extract assisted eco-friendly fabrication of ZnO-SnO2@Chitosan for UV-induced enhanced photodegradation of single and ternary mixtures of Rhodamine B

The inadequate handling and uncontrolled discharge of organic dyes into aquatic environments can result in elevated toxicity levels and have adverse effects on both human health and the overall ecosystem. The present work investigated the photodegradation efficiency of the ZnO-SnO2@chitosan nanocomposite (NC) for Rhodamine B (RhB) under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The ZnO-SnO2@chitosan nanocomposite (NC) was synthesized via a simple, eco-friendly, and less energy-intensive route, i.e., the co-precipitation method. The synthesized NC was extensively characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Vis spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). The chitosan-modified nanocomposite (NC) exhibits a moderate surface area of 79 m2/g with a low band gap value of 2.72 eV. The photodegradation process depended on operational parameters, such as pH, irradiation time, temperature, dye concentration, and dosage of the photocatalyst. The degradation data of RhB dye was interpreted through a kinetic model, and the data agreed well with the pseudo-first-order kinetics. The rate constant values deciphered from the kinetic model were found to fall in the range of 0.0281–0.0182 min–1 for 25–100 mg/L of dye concentration, suggesting that the synthesized photocatalysts facilitate the dye mineralization process by reducing the activation energy barrier. The interpretation of the reaction intermediates was accomplished with the help of a GC-MS profile to understand the underlying reaction mechanism. The photodegradation potential of the synthesized NC was explored for individual dyes such as RhB, MB and CV and the mixed dye system (RhB+MB+CV). The NC performs better for individual dyes (RhB, CV, and MB), and the degradation performance diminished slightly in the case of mixed dye solution. The reusability study of the synthesized nanocomposites portrayed the successful utility of the recycled NC up to four times without any significant loss in the degradation capacity, thus making the overall degradation process economical and sustainable. The E–factor (a green chemistry metric) study infers that the NC synthesis process imposes no significant threat to the environment and can be safely used in wastewater treatment.

Decoupling reaction network and designing robust VOx/Al2O3 catalyst with suitable site diversity for promoting CO2-mediated oxidative dehydrogenation of propane

Detailed thermodynamic analysis was utilized to decouple the complex reaction network of CO2-mediated oxidative dehydrogenation (CO2-ODH) of propane and unravel critical catalyst design requirements. Inspired by the unmatched ability of boron-based catalysts in limiting cracking and overoxidation reaction pathways, we exploited controlled integration of both VOx and BOx active phases onto a γ-Al2O3 support and constructed a highly efficient CO2-ODH catalyst via scalable mechanochemical synthesis route. The solvent- and template-free synthetic design strategy regulated crucial properties of the catalysts and endowed suitable site diversity as evidenced from N2-adsorption analysis, XRD, HRTEM, Raman analysis, NH3-TPD, H2-TPR, and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Consequently, excellent propane conversion and propylene yield of 61 and 34 % respectively over 12 h time on stream (TOS) at 650 °C were realized with a catalyst composed of 5 wt% vanadium and 7 wt% boron. In situ DRIFT measurement revealed insight into the dynamic changes on the catalyst surface and the corresponding evolution of reaction intermediates during the CO2-ODH process. Overall, the thermodynamic investigation re-emphasized the critical importance of effective kinetic control while the synthetic protocol illustrated a promising avenue for rational design of CO2-ODH catalysts to harness the unique advantages of boron and metal oxide-based catalysts simultaneously.

Spatiotemporal operando UV–vis spectroscopy: Development and mechanistic alternation of CO oxidation on Pt/Al2O3 on the reactor scale

Operando methodologies are widely used in heterogenous catalysis to understand unique state of catalyst materials emerging under specific reaction conditions and to establish catalyst structure-activity relationships. Recent studies highlight the importance of combining multiple operando techniques (multimodal approach) to gain complementary information as well as looking into chemical and material gradients and spatial variations on the reactor scale. In this work, we developed an operando UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) setup compatible with a common fixed-bed tubular reactor. The design is based on optical calculations, validation experiments and signals considerations. A spatial resolution of 1 mm along the axial direction of the reactor was successfully demonstrated and combined with a time resolution of seconds with good signal to noise. CO oxidation over Pt/Al2O3 was performed as a proof of principle experiment demonstrating the capabilities of the new setup. The information gained by the space-resolved operando UV–vis DRS was combined with other space-resolved operando studies such as diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), gas sampling and temperature profiling. The study shows that the nature of active sites (Pt redox state) and thus the reaction mechanism alter with reaction temperature and also in space. Spatiotemporal UV–vis DRS is also demonstrated, showing the capability for transient studies with space-resolution.

Pushing the heterometal doping limit while preserving long-lived charge separation in a Ti-based MOF photocatalyst

This study explores the nature, dynamics, and reactivity of the photo-induced charge separated excited state in a Fe3+-doped titanium-based metal organic framework (MOF), xFeMIL125-NH2, as a function of iron concentration. The MOF is synthesized with doping levels x = 0.5, 1 and 2 Fe node sites per octameric Ti-oxo cluster and characterized by powder x-ray diffraction, UV-vis diffuse reflectance, atomic absorption, and steady state Fe K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy. For each doping level, time-resolved X-ray transient absorption spectroscopy studies confirm the electron trap site role of the Fe sites in the excited state. Time scan data reveal multiexponential decay kinetics for the charge recombination processes which extend into the microsecond range for all three concentrations. A series of dye photodegradation studies, based on the oxidative decomposition of Rhodamine B, demonstrates the reactivity of the charge separated excited state and the photocatalytic capacity of these MOF materials compared to traditional heterometal-doped semiconductor photocatalysts.

Energy Storage, Sensors, Photocatalytic Applications of Green Synthesized ZnO: Fe3+ nanomaterials

ZnO nanomaterials doped with Fe3+ ions at concentrations ranging from 1% to 7% were synthesized using an environmentally friendly combustion technique. These materials were then analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Visible DRS). The resulting crystallite size was determined to be between 20 nm and 25 nm. By applying the Kubelka-Munk function, the band gap was calculated and found to vary from 2.55 eV to 2.99 eV. For the investigation of electrochemical properties, modified carbon paste electrodes containing ZnO: Fe3+ (1-7 mol%) were subjected to cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Notably, the ZnO: Fe3+ (1 mol%) electrode demonstrated promising characteristics for supercapacitor applications. This same electrode was also utilized for detecting paracetamol and glucose at concentrations ranging from 1 mM to 5 mM using CV and chronoamperometry techniques, underscoring its potential as an electrochemical sensor. Moreover, the photocatalytic capability of ZnO: Fe3+ (1 mol%) nanomaterial was assessed through the degradation of methylene blue and acid orange-8 dyes. The results were impressive, with this particular photocatalyst achieving 94.45% degradation of methylene blue and 96.29 % degradation of acid orange-8 dye. These outcomes validate its efficacy for applications in photocatalytic dye degradation. In conclusion, the ZnO: Fe3+ (1 mol%) nanomaterial synthesized via environmentally friendly means exhibits substantial promise for diverse applications in electrochemical and photocatalytic domains.

Unveiling the effect of Gd3+ doping on enriching the structural, magnetic, optical, and dielectric properties of biocompatible hematite nanoparticles

This work is an attempt to obtain gadolinium-doped hematite GdxFe2−xO3 (x = 0, 0.05, and 0.1) using the hydrothermal method followed by heat treatment. The work also studies the impact of gadolinium doping on the magnetic, electrical, and optical properties of hematite. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) and photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that the obtained phase for all samples was pure hematite with no evidence of secondary phases, indicating a high solubility limit of gadolinium ions in hematite lattice. The morphology and size distribution of the particles were investigated using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the lattice parameters increased with increasing gadolinium concentration. Magnetization was not enhanced whereas, the coercivity decreased considerably. From UV–Vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) measurements, the band gap energies of pure and doped α-Fe2O3 decreased from 2.01 to 1.94 eV respectively. Moreover, measurements of electrical properties showed that the dielectric permittivity decreased while the resistivity increased with increasing the gadolinium content. In addition, sulforhodamine B (SRB) test against oral epithelial cell lines showed low cytotoxicity of the particles. Finally, gadolinium doped hematite is introduced as a novel, environmentally benign material for potential applications in various fields including photocatalysis for water treatment, biosensor and as an antibacterial agent.

Photoinduced electron-hole recombination in zeolites: Marcus theory applied to DCB@MFI systems

The adsorption of DCB in MZSM-5 (M = H+, Na+) and silicalite-1 channel zeolites takes place without chemical or structural modification of the zeolite. Upon UV photoexcitation, a radical anion - hole pair is stabilized as demonstrated by time resolved diffuse reflectance UV–visible spectroscopy. The photogeneration of the radical anion DCB- is assigned to the dual (ambivalent) role of the zeolite framework as electron donor and hole stabilizator. The observation of such electron transfer only in the aluminated zeolite highlights the key role of the aluminum and of charge balancing cations. By studying the recombination of the radical anion – hole pairs at different temperature, the activation energy has been determined as a function of the nature of the charge-balancing cation. The values of the free enthalpy have been calculated using the Marcus theory from which the local redox potential of the zeolite has been estimated.

Double perovskite material of highly active, monoclinic, ordered Ni2ZnMoO6 for an effective quasi-solid state supercapacitor

In the present study, monoclinic Ni2ZnMoO6 double perovskites (monoclinic NZMO DP) electrodes were synthesized using hydrothermal method for supercapacitors application. The structural, elemental, vibrational, and optical characterization were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy-energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (HR-SEM & EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) and UV-Visible Diffusion reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-DRS). A monoclinic structure with a space group of P 2/m and lattice parameters of a = 11.4377, b = 9.2961, c = 6.8301, and β = 97.710 was fitted using Rietveld refinement, and the cell volume was 719.6458 Å3. The surface area of monoclinic NZMO DP was found to be 50.45 m2 g−1 with a pore volume of 0.15 cm3 g−1. Electrochemical characterization was done using Cyclic voltammetry (CV), Electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) measurements. An equivalent-circuit model R(CR)(CR) is iterated to interpret the EIS responses. The Rct found to be less than 100 ohms in the present study can be attributed to Mott variable range hopping (VRH) conduction. The GCD analysis of ASC monoclinic NZMO DP//AC in 6 M KOH at 0.5 Ag−1 in the potential window of 0–1.6 V yields a maximum specific capacitance of 160.45 Fg−1. Excellent electrochemical stability of the monoclinic NZMO DP was ascertained by the specific capacitance retention of the electrode material at 91.37 % after 6000 cycles. The ASC-NZMO monoclinic DP shows an excellent power density of 646.25 W/kg with an energy density of 20.53 Wh/kg. The excellent power storage efficiency and application possibilities of supercapacitors make them a promising technology in various fields.

Easy Preparation of Zinc Molybdate Photocatalyst and Its Application for Degradation of Methylene Blue

Photocatalyst is one way that can be done to overcome the problem of dye waste in water. Hazardous chemicals are regularly used in the manufacture of photocatalysts. In this research, ZnMoO4 was prepared by an environmentally friendly and cost-effective synthesis. The functional groups, crystalline structure and morphology of ZnMoO4 were characterised using fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The band gap energy has been studied through UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). The photocatalytic activity of ZnMoO4 was tested against the organic pollutant methylene blue under visible light irradiation and its degradation products were analyzed with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 664 nm. The photocatalytic process of ZnMoO4 has been able to degrade 99% of methylene blue after 80 minutes of irradiation. The excellent photodegradation performance indicates that the transition activity of electron currents from the valence band to the conduction band on ZnMoO4 is going well.

Enhanced azo dye reduction at semiconductor-microbe interface: The key role of semiconductor band structure

Low-energy environmental remediation could be achieved by biocatalysis with assistance of light-excited semiconductor, in which the energy band structure of semiconductor has a significant influence on the metabolic process and electron transfer of microbes. In this study, direct Z-scheme and type II heterojunction semiconductor with different energy band structure were successfully synthesized for constructing semiconductor-microbe interface with Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 to achieve acid orange7 (AO7) biodegradation. UV–vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectra and photoelectrochemical analysis revealed that the direct Z-scheme heterojunction semiconductor had stronger reduction power and faster separation of photoelectron-hole, which was beneficial for the AO7 biodegradation at semiconductor-microbe interface. Riboflavin was also involved in electron transfer between the semiconductor and microbes during AO7 reduction. Transcriptome results illustrated that functional gene expression of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 was upregulated significantly with photo-stimulation of direct Z-scheme semiconductor, and Mtr pathway and conductive pili played the important roles in the photoelectron utilization by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. This work is expected to provide alternative ideas for designing semiconductor-microbial interface with efficient electron transfer and broadening their applications in bioremediation.

“Physicochemical properties and redox behaviour of Fe-doped hybrid nanotubes of the imogolite type and their rGO nanocomposites”

By ionic exchange of preformed methylimogolite nanotubes (chemical formula (OH)3Al2O3SiCH3), nanotubes with the chemical formula (OH)3Al2-xFexO3SiCH3 were obtained, with x values of 0.05 and 0.1, corresponding to a nominal Fe content of 1.4 and 2.8 wt%, respectively. The nanotubes were characterized using low angles X-ray powder diffraction; N2 sorption at −196 °C; Diffuse Reflectance UV–Vis spectroscopy and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy coupled to Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis. Their electrochemical behaviour was investigated by Cyclic Voltammetry: a redox behaviour was observed only with a Fe content of 2.8 wt%, likely due to Fe-oxyhydroxide clusters (FeOOH) at the nanotubes' outer surface.Based on the electrochemical and physicochemical characterizations, nanocomposites of Fe-doped methylimogolite and reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) were obtained for the first time through a simple method, previously developed by some of us to disperse electrochemically active nanomaterials onto carbon supports. In the micro/mesoporous nanocomposites (specific surface area in the 370–284 m2 g−1 range) the NTs were highly dispersed within the 3D rGO matrix. Cyclic Voltammetry showed that the capacitive behaviour of the Fe-doped NTs alone were enhanced when they were embedded in the 3D rGO matrix.

Multimode Luminescent Properties from Tb3+-Yb3+ Codoped CaMoO4 for Solar Cell Spectral Conversion

NIR and visible emitting CaMoO4:Tb3+/Tb3+-Yb3+ phosphors were synthesized to harness the energy losses attribute to wavelength mismatch between response spectrum of incident solar photons and solar cells. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning microscopy (FE-SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), up-conversion and life time measurements were used to characterized the prepared phosphors. XRD study followed by Rietveld refinement confirms the tetragonal crystal structure with space group I41a(88). The phosphors exhibit strong green emission (5D4→7F4) in visible region after an excitation wavelengths 378 nm and 980 nm, respectively through down-shifting (DS) and up-conversion (UC) processes. The UV photons (378 nm) are also split it into two NIR photons (2F7/2→2F5/2) through down-conversion process. Fluorescence quenching was observed by increasing concentration of Tb3+ and Yb3+ ions. Lifetime measurements clearly illustrates the energy transfer from Tb3+ to Yb3+ ions and mechanism involved is co-operative energy transfer. The estimated values of energy transfer efficiency (ETE) and corresponding theoretical internal quantum efficiency are achieved as 69% and 169% respectively.

Photoelectrocatalytic based simultaneous removal of multiple organic micro-pollutants by using a visible light driven BiVO4 photoanode

In this research, photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) based advanced oxidation process (AOP) was studied for the removal of multiple OMPs through an oxidative mechanism. This study investigated the application of a BiVO4 photoanode in simultaneous removal of three selected OMPs: acetaminophen (ACT), benzotriazole (BTA) and propranolol (PRO). This study was carried out in demineralized water with a starting concentration of each organic micro-pollutant (OMP) at 45 μg L−1. In order to fabricate BiVO4 photoanodes, a facile and effective dip-coating method was used to deposit BiVO4 photocatalytic layers on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate. UV–vis diffusive reflectance spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the successful fabrication of porous BiVO4 photoanode having an absorbance edge at around 526 nm. The fabricated photoanode showed incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE) of 9.23% (λmax=445 nm) under 1 Sun standard illumination. Application of the fabricated photoanodes for the simultaneous removal of ACT, PRO and BTA at an applied voltage of 1 V (vs Ag/AgCl) under solar simulated light resulted in 99% removal of both ACT and PRO, and 70% removal of BTA. The first order rate coefficients and half-life times of ACT and PRO were about three times higher than those of BTA.