Visible Light Excitation Research Articles

Construction of a Wood Nanofiber-Bismuth Halide Photocatalyst and Catalytic Degradation Performance of Tetracycline from Aqueous Solutions.

Nanostructured bismuth oxide bromide (BiOBr) has attracted considerable attention as a visible light catalyst. However, its photocatalytic degradation efficiency is limited by its low specific surface area. In this study, a solvothermal approach was employed to synthesize BiOBr, which was subsequently loaded onto cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) to obtain a bismuth halide composite catalyst. The performance of this catalyst in the removal of refractory organic pollutants such as tetracycline (TC) from solutions under visible light excitation was examined. Our results indicate that BiOBr/CNF effectively removes TC from the solution under light conditions. At a catalyst dosage of 100 mg/L, the removal efficiency for TC (with an initial concentration of 100 mg/L) was 94.2%. This study elucidates the relationship between the microstructure of BiOBr/CNF composite catalysts and their improved photocatalytic activity, offering a new method for effectively removing pollutants from water.

Concentration Dependence Orange Light Generation Through Sm3+‐Doped Soda Lime Alumino Borate Glasses for Orange Laser Medium Material

The melt‐quenching technique is used to fabricate calcium sodium aluminum borate glasses (Sm: ANCB) doped with varying concentrations of Sm3+ ions. Characteristics of ANCBSm glasses, including density, molar volume, refractive index, absorption, emission (via visible light, X‐ray, and proton excitation), decay time, and CIE color coordinates, are analyzed. The density, molar volume, and refractive index of ANCBSm glass increased with Sm2O3 concentration. Sm3+ ions enabled photon absorption in both visible and NIR regions, with a strong reddish‐orange emission at 600 nm due to the 6H5/2 → 6P3/2 transition under various excitations. X‐ray excitation is also compared with BGO scintillation crystals. The J–O theory predicted the radiative properties of Sm3+ ion emission levels. Decay curves of the 6H5/2 levels showed a single exponential nature with a millisecond‐order lifetime. CIE chromaticity of ANCBSm glasses is in the reddish‐orange region. ANCBSm glasses have potential applications in orange laser medium material.

Construction of loading g-C3N4/TiO2 on waste cotton-based activated carbon S-scheme heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of microplastics: Performance, DFT calculation and mechanism study

In order to achieve the degradation of polyethylene microplastics (PE) in wastewater. The g-C3N4/TiO2/WCT-AC composite photocatalytic materials were prepared by mixed high-temperature thermal polymerization method with the g-C3N4 and the waste cotton based activated carbon (WCT-AC) loaded TiO2 as precursors. The phase morphology, elemental composition, morphology and photochemical properties of the g-C3N4/TiO2/WCT-AC were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectrum (UV–vis DRS) and photo luminescence (PL). The results of UV–vis DRS and PL showed that the combination of the g-C3N4 and the TiO2/WCT-AC improved the absorption in the visible region, broadened the spectral response range, and the formation of heterojunctions enabled efficient photoelectron-hole separation and improved the photocatalytic activity. Under visible light irradiation for 200 h, catalyst dosage 50 mg, and system pH = 7.0, the highest removal rate of the g-C3N4/TiO2/WCT-AC for PE microplastics reached 67.58 %, and it still showed excellent stability after 5 cycles. The active groups such as ·O2−, ·OH and h+ produced in the g-C3N4/TiO2/WCT-AC system under visible light excitation realized the degradation of PE microplastics. The whole process is a complex oxidation bond breaking process, and the degradation of PE microplastics by g-C3N4/TiO2/WCT-AC follows the S-type charge transfer mechanism.

Effect of Nitrogen Doping on the Photocatalytic Properties and Antibiofilm Efficacy of Reduced TiO2 Nanoparticles.

Nanomaterial-mediated antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) emerges as a promising treatment against antibiotic-resistant bacterial biofilms. Specifically, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are being investigated as photosensitizers in aPDT to address biofilm related diseases. To enhance their photocatalytic performance in the visible spectral range for biomedical applications, various strategies have been adopted, including reduction of TiO2 NPs. However, despite improvements in visible-light photoactivity, reduced TiO2 NPs have yet to reach their expected performance primarily due to the instability of oxygen vacancies and their tendency to reoxidize easily. To address this, we present a two-step approach to fabricate highly visible-light active and stable TiO2 NP photocatalysts, involving nitrogen doping followed by a magnesium-assisted reductive annealing process. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the synthesized reduced nitrogen-doped TiO2 NPs (H:Mg-N-TiO2 NPs) reveals that the presence of nitrogen stabilizes oxygen vacancies and reduced Ti species, leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species under visible-light excitation. The improved aPDT efficiency translates to a 3-fold enhancement in the antibiofilm activity of nitrogen-doped compared to undoped reduced TiO2 NPs against both Gram-positive (Streptococcus mutans) and Gram-negative (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum) oral pathogens. These results underscore the potential of H:Mg-N-TiO2 NPs in aPDT for combating bacterial biofilms effectively.

Preparation and Printing Performance of Visible Light Photochromic Paper Based on PMoA-PWA/ZnO/PVP Composite

The recyclable paper based on photochromic materials not only reduces the pollution in the paper manufacture process, but also reduces the pollution caused by the use of ink, which receives wide attention. In this paper, a series of phosphomolybdic acid–phosphotungstic acid/ZnO/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PMoA-PWA/ZnO/PVP) hybrid films, which had different ratio of PMoA/PWA, was prepared by the ultrasonic composite method. The results indicated that the hybrid film prepared when the ratio of PMoA to PWA was 3 had the best photochromic performance. In this system, ZnO was the photosensitizer, while PMoA/PWA was the chromophore. The photochromic mechanism of the PMoA-PWA/ZnO/PVP hybrid film was based on the photogenerated electron transfer mechanism. ZnO generated photoelectron under the excitation of visible light, then PMoA and PWA obtained the photoelectron and produced photoreduction reaction to generate heteropolyblue. The visible light photochromic paper was prepared by loaded PMoA-PWA/ZnO/PVP hybrid film (A3) on A4 paper. Application tests showed that the prepared paper had extremely stable, excellent and reversible visible light photochromic properties, whether it was printing patterns or words, and could replace ordinary paper to realize the reuse of paper.

Construction of novel biochar/g-C3N4/BiOBr heterojunction with S-scheme mechanism for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

In this work, a novel biochar/g-C3N4/BiOBr (BCN/BiOBr) S-scheme heterojunction was synthesized for the removal of tetracycline (TC) under visible light. The 0.75-BCN/BiOBr heterojunction exhibited a significantly higher degradation efficiency of TC in wastewater under visible light excitation, achieving about 86.5 % degradation in 72 minutes, which is 2.5 times higher than that of pure g-C3N4. Furthermore, the influence of factors such as pH, dosage of tetracycline and photocatalyst on TC degradation were investigated. Photochemical characterization experiments revealed that the enhanced degradation performance of the BCN/BiOBr heterojunction stemmed from the synergistic effects of adsorption and photocatalysis, providing more active sites to promote the photocatalytic reaction, and accelerating accelerate charge separation and light absorption ability. Meanwhile, the results from the active species indicated that h+, ·OH, and ·O2- play major roles in the degradation process. Additionally, the mechanism research revealed that the photogenerated carriers followed an S-scheme step transfer pathway at the interface of BiOBr and g-C3N4, and the two possible pathways for TC degradation. This provides guidance for improving wastewater treatment using biochar-modified high-efficiency S-scheme photocatalysts.

Laser Ablation for the Synthesis of Cu/Cu2O/CuO and Its Development as Photocatalytic Material for Escherichia coli Detoxification.

Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) offer promising methods for disinfection by generating radical species like hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion radicals, and hydroxy peroxyl, which can induce oxidative stress and deactivate bacterial cells. Photocatalysis, a subset of AOPs, activates a semiconductor using specific electromagnetic wavelengths. A novel material, Cu/Cu2O/CuO nanoparticles (NPs), was synthesized via a laser ablation protocol (using a 1064 nm wavelength laser with water as a solvent, with energy ranges of 25, 50, and 80 mJ for 10 min). The target was sintered from 100 °C to 800 °C at rates of 1.6, 1.1, and 1 °C/min. The composite phases of Cu, CuO, and Cu2O showed enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible-light excitation at 368 nm. The size of Cu/Cu2O/CuO NPs facilitates penetration into microorganisms, thereby improving the disinfection effect. This study contributes to synthesizing mixed copper oxides and exploring their activation as photocatalysts for cleaner surfaces. The electronic and electrochemical properties have potential applications in other fields, such as capacitor materials. The laser ablation method allowed for modification of the band gap absorption and enhancement of the catalytic properties in Cu/Cu2O/CuO NPs compared to precursors. The disinfection of E. coli with Cu/Cu2O/CuO systems serves as a case study demonstrating the methodology's versatility for various applications, including disinfection against different microorganisms, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative.

Stepwise Charge/Energy Transfer in MR-TADF Molecule-Doped Exciplex for Ultralong Persistent Luminescence Activated with Visible Light.

Organic long-persistent luminescence (OLPL), which relies on energy storage for delayed light emission by the charge separation state, has attracted intense attention in various optical applications. However, charge separation (CS) is efficient only under ultraviolet excitation in most OLPL systems because it requires a driving force from the large energy difference between the local excited (LE) and charge transfer (CT) states. In this study, a multiresonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR-TADF) molecule is incorporated into an exciplex system to achieve efficient OLPL in a composite material activated by visible light via a stepwise charge/energy transfer process. The enhanced absorption of the composite material facilitated a tenfold increase in the duration of the OLPL, which can last for several hours under visible light excitation. The excited state of the MR-TADF molecule tends to charge transfer to the acceptor, followed by energy transfer to the exciplex, which benefits from the small difference between the LE and CT states owing to the inherent CS characteristics of the opposing resonance effect. Afterglow displays of these composite materials are fabricated to demonstrate their considerable potential in encryption patterns and emergency lights, which take advantage of their excellent processability, visible light activation, and tunable luminescence properties.

Ultralow Catalytic Loading for Optimised Electrocatalytic Performance of AuPt Nanoparticles to Produce Hydrogen and Ammonia.

The hydrogen evolution and nitrite reduction reactions are key to producing green hydrogen and ammonia. Antenna-reactor nanoparticles hold promise to improve the performances of these transformations under visible-light excitation, by combining plasmonic and catalytic materials. However, current materials involve compromising either on the catalytic activity or the plasmonic enhancement and also lack control of reaction selectivity. Here, we demonstrate that ultralow loadings and non-uniform surface segregation of the catalytic component optimize catalytic activity and selectivity under visible-light irradiation. Taking Pt-Au as an example we find that fine-tuning the Pt content produces a 6-fold increase in the hydrogen evolution compared to commercial Pt/C as well as a 6.5-fold increase in the nitrite reduction and a 2.5-fold increase in the selectivity for producing ammonia under visible light excitation relative to dark conditions. Density functional theory suggests that the catalytic reactions are accelerated by the intimate contact between nanoscale Pt-rich and Au-rich regions at the surface, which facilitates the formation of electron-rich hot-carrier puddles associated with the Pt-based active sites. The results provide exciting opportunities to design new materials with improved photocatalytic performance for sustainable energy applications.

Ultralow Catalytic Loading for Optimised Electrocatalytic Performance of AuPt Nanoparticles to Produce Hydrogen and Ammonia

AbstractThe hydrogen evolution and nitrite reduction reactions are key to producing green hydrogen and ammonia. Antenna–reactor nanoparticles hold promise to improve the performances of these transformations under visible‐light excitation, by combining plasmonic and catalytic materials. However, current materials involve compromising either on the catalytic activity or the plasmonic enhancement and also lack control of reaction selectivity. Here, we demonstrate that ultralow loadings and non‐uniform surface segregation of the catalytic component optimize catalytic activity and selectivity under visible‐light irradiation. Taking Pt−Au as an example we find that fine‐tuning the Pt content produces a 6‐fold increase in the hydrogen evolution compared to commercial Pt/C as well as a 6.5‐fold increase in the nitrite reduction and a 2.5‐fold increase in the selectivity for producing ammonia under visible light excitation relative to dark conditions. Density functional theory suggests that the catalytic reactions are accelerated by the intimate contact between nanoscale Pt‐rich and Au‐rich regions at the surface, which facilitates the formation of electron‐rich hot‐carrier puddles associated with the Pt‐based active sites. The results provide exciting opportunities to design new materials with improved photocatalytic performance for sustainable energy applications.

Overcoming melanin interference in melanocyte photodynamic therapy with a pyrene-derived two-photon photosensitizer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is primarily applied in the treatment of skin diseases. However, conventional PDT is less effective for melanoma, a type of skin cancer that contains melanin pigment, due to melanin’s broad absorption spectrum in the ultraviolet–visible region. This reduces the effectiveness of traditional photosensitizers (PSs) in PDT. Here, we introduced pyrene based two-photon (TP) PSs that are easy to synthesize. Among the π-extended pyrene derivatives, we have confirmed the synergetic generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with asymmetric pyrene (Py3). We proposed a mechanism explaining the higher ROS generation efficiency of Py3 compared with that of the symmetric derivatives through theoretical calculations. Py3 effectively stains the plasma membrane of melanoma cells and demonstrates superior PDT efficacy compared with Chlorin e6. As the melanin content increases in melanoma cells, cell death significantly decreases under visible light excitation; notably, it is minimally affected by TP irradiation at 750 nm. In 3D multicellular tumor spheroids with a high melanin content, Py3 showed high PDT efficacy through TP irradiation, whereas under visible light irradiation, PDT efficacy decreased. In experiments involving the injection of Py3 into the tail of mice with B16F10 and 4 T1 tumor models, followed by TP-PDT, we observed significant inhibition of tumor growth and high biocompatibility. Our results indicate a promising TP-PDT method for treating melanomas.

Responsive photoactive probe based photoelectrochemical sensor for sulfur dioxide

AbstractThis study introduces a novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor for the highly selective detection of sulfur dioxide (SO2) using an organic photoactive molecule probe (OPM). OPM is synthesized through a one‐step coupling reaction, featuring a typical photosensitizer D‐π‐A structure. By covalently bonding OPM with a TiO2 substrate, a PEC sensor is constructed, exhibiting a significant photocurrent response under visible light excitation. The specific addition reaction between SO2 and OPM disrupts its conjugated structure, reducing the photocurrent response and achieving highly selective detection of SO2. The sensor demonstrates excellent performance in real water samples, emphasizing its practical applications.

Regulation of Charge Transfer Pathway in Ag-ZnIn2S4 Nanowires for Visible Photodynamic Therapy on Candida Albicans Infections.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is receiving extensive attention as an antimicrobial strategy that does not cause drug resistance by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, hierarchical Ag-ZnIn2S4 (Ag-ZIS) core-shell nanowires are synthesized by in situ Metal-Organic Framework derived method for efficient PDT of Candida albicans (C. albicans). The core-shell structure enables spatial synergy strategy to regulate the charge transfer pathway under visible light excitation, in which the Ag nanowires are like the highway for the photogenerated electrons. The enhanced charge carrier separation efficiency greatly increased the chances for the generation of ROS. As expected, the optimized Ag-ZIS nanowires exhibit excellent performance for inactivation of C. albicans under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm, 15 min), and the effective sterilization concentration is as high as 107CFU mL-1. Moreover, in vivo infection experiments suggested that the PDT effect of Ag-ZIS nanowires on the mouse wound healing is better than that of the clinical Ketoconazole drug. The PDT antifungal mechanism of Ag-ZIS nanowires is also investigated, and superoxide anion is found to be the predominant active species to causes C. albicans damage. This work provides a new perspective for designing novel interface structures to regulate charge transfer to achieve efficient PDT antifungal therapy.

Reductive Dynamic and Static Excited State Quenching of a Homoleptic Ruthenium Complex Bearing Aldehyde Groups.

A new homoleptic Ru polypyridyl complex bearing two aldehyde groups on each bipyridine ligand, [Ru(dab)3](PF6)2, where dab is 4,4'-dicarbaldehyde-2,2'-bipyridine, was synthesized, characterized, and utilized for iodide photo-oxidation studies. In acetonitrile (CH3CN) solution, the complex displayed an intense metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorbance maximum at 475 nm (ε = 22,000 M-1 cm-1) and an infrared (IR) band at 1712 cm-1 assigned to the pendent aldehyde groups. Visible light excitation in air-saturated solution resulted in room temperature photoluminescence (PL) with a maximum at 675 nm, a quantum yield, ϕPL = 0.048, and an excited state lifetime, το = 440 ns, from which radiative and nonradiative relaxation rate constants were extracted, kr = 9.1 × 104 s-1 and knr = 1.8 × 106 s-1. Pulsed visible light excitation yielded transient UV-vis and IR absorption spectra consistent with an MLCT excited state; relaxation occurred with the maintenance of two isosbestic points in the visible region, and a lifetime that agreed with that measured by time-resolved PL. Cyclic voltammetry studies in a CH3CN solution with 0.1 M TBAPF6 electrolyte revealed a quasi-reversible oxidation, E°(RuIII/II) = +1.25 V vs. Fc+/0, and three sequential one-electron reductions at -1.10, -1.25, and -1.54 V vs. Fc+/0. An excited state reduction potential of E°(Ru*2+/+) = +0.89 V vs. Fc+/0 was estimated with the Rehm-Weller expression. Titration of tetrabutylammonium iodide, TBAI, into a CD3CN solution of [Ru(dab)3](PF6)2 resulted in significant shifts in the aldehyde H atom and 3,3'-biypridyl resonances that were analyzed with a 1:1 equilibrium model, from which Keq = 460 M-1 was extracted, increasing to 5800 M-1 when the solvent was changed to acetone-d6. Iodide titrations resulted in a significant quenching of the [Ru(dab)3]*2+ lifetime and quantum yield in both CH3CN and acetone solvents. In CH3CN, the quenching was mainly dynamic and well described by the Stern-Volmer model, from which a quenching rate constant, kq, of 4.5 × 1010 M-1 s-1 and an equilibrium constant, Keq, of 8.3 × 103 M-1 were obtained. In acetone, the static quenching pathway by iodide was greatly enhanced, with a Keq of 1.2 × 104 M-1 and a higher kq of 9.2 × 1010 M-1 s-1.

Modular Access to Chiral Amines via Imine Reductase-Based Photoenzymatic Catalysis.

The development of catalysts serves as the cornerstone of innovation in synthesis, as exemplified by the recent discovery of photoenzymes. However, the repertoire of naturally occurring enzymes repurposed by direct light excitation to catalyze new-to-nature photobiotransformations is currently limited to flavoproteins and keto-reductases. Herein, we shed light on imine reductases (IREDs) that catalyze the remote C(sp3)-C(sp3) bond formation, providing a previously elusive radical hydroalkylation of enamides for accessing chiral amines (45 examples with up to 99% enantiomeric excess). Beyond their natural function in catalyzing two-electron reductive amination reactions, upon direct visible-light excitation or in synergy with a synthetic photoredox catalyst, IREDs are repurposed to tune the non-natural photoinduced single-electron radical processes. By conducting wet mechanistic experiments and computational simulations, we unravel how engineered IREDs direct radical intermediates toward the productive and enantioselective pathway. This work represents a promising paradigm for harnessing nature's catalysts for new-to-nature asymmetric transformations that remain challenging through traditional chemocatalytic methods.

2,2′‐Thienoviologens with Low Reduction Potential for Electrochromism and Visible‐Light‐Driven Hydrogen Evolution Using g‐C3N4‐Based Composites via Hydrogen Bonds

AbstractA series of sulfur‐bridged 2,2′‐viologens, 2,2′‐thienoviologens (2,2′‐SV2+) with propyl bridge and hydroxyl bridges, are synthesized for the first time. The 2,2′‐thienoviologens exhibited improved visible‐light absorption, narrow energy gap, more negative reduction potential (160 mV lower than 4,4′‐thienoviologens) and more stable free radical states compared with 4,4′‐thienoviologens and parent 2,2′‐viologens. The utilization of femtosecond transient absorption (fs‐TA) demonstrated that 2,2′‐thienoviologen can produce distinct charge‐separated states under visible light excitation. Due to their excellent photophysical and electrochemical properties, the 2,2′‐thienoviologens are used for electrochromic devices and combined with g‐C3N4 via hydrogen bonds for visible‐light catalytic production. Based on the advantageous electron‐donating properties of 2,2′‐SV2+, the hydrogen release efficiency of the 2,2′‐thienoviologens‐modified composites is 8542 µmol·h−1·g−1, a value that is the highest reported for hydrogen production from organic small‐molecule‐modified g‐C3N4 and 78 times higher than that of unmodified g‐C3N4. This study presents a concise method to convert solar energy and broaden the potential applications of 2,2′‐viologens in photocatalytic systems.

Photophysical Studies of a Zr(IV) Complex with Two Pyrrolide-Based Tetradentate Schiff Base Ligands.

The reaction of two equivalents of N,N'-bis(2-pyrrolylmethylidene)-1,2-phenylenediamine (H2bppda) with tetrabenzylzirconium provided the air- and moisture-stable eight-coordinate complex Zr(bppda)2. Temperature-dependent steady-state and time-resolved emission spectroscopy established weak photoluminescence (ΦPL = 0.4% at 293 K) by a combination of prompt fluorescence and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) upon visible light excitation at and around room temperature. TADF emission is strongly quenched by 3O2 and shows highly temperature-sensitive emission lifetimes of hundreds of microseconds. The lifetime of the lowest energy singlet excited state, S1, was established by transient absorption spectroscopy and shows rapid deactivation (τ = 142 ps) by prompt fluorescence and intersystem crossing to the triplet state, T1. Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations predict moderate ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) contributions of 25-30% for the S1 and T1 states. A comparison of Zr(bppda)2 to related zirconium pyridine dipyrrolide complexes, Zr(PDP)2, revealed important electronic structure changes due to the eight-coordinate ligand environment in Zr(bppda)2, which were correlated to differences in the photophysical properties between the two compound classes.

Why Does One Measure Resonance Raman Optical Activity? A Unique Case of Measurements under Strong Resonance versus Far-from-Resonance Conditions.

Raman optical activity (ROA) spectroscopy exhibits significant potential in the study of (bio)molecules as it encodes information on their molecular structure, chirality, and conformations. Furthermore, the method reveals details on excited electronic states when applied under resonance conditions. Here, we present a combined study of the far from resonance (FFR)-ROA and resonance ROA (RROA) of a single relatively small molecular system. Notably, this study is the first to employ the density functional theory (DFT) analysis of both FFR-ROA and RROA spectra. This is illustrated for cobalamin derivatives using near-infrared and visible light excitation. Although the commonly observed monosignate RROA spectra lose additional information visible in bisignate nonresonance ROA spectra, the RROA technique acts as a complement to nonresonance ROA spectroscopy. In particular, the combination of these methods integrated with DFT calculations can reveal a complete spectral picture of the structural and conformational differences between tested compounds.

Single component long-lived dynamic room temperature phosphorescence with large-scale preparation and visible light excitation

A pure organic room temperature phosphorescence (PORTP) luminogen named as DCP was successfully prepared and showed long room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) and afterglow lifetimes (3 ms and 4 s in sequence). Meanwhile, DCP showed high fluorescence (0.14) and RTP (0.39) quantum yields in crystalline state, simultaneously presented visible light excitation and dynamic RTP. By host-guest doping and optimization, Urea/DCP doping system emitted blue RTP, with RTP and afterglow lifetimes of 341 ms of 5 s in turn. Crystal analysis and theoretical calculations indicated H stacking, large spin orbit coupling constant, and small energy gap between the lowest singlet and triplet states result in long RTP lifetime and high quantum yield for DCP. Based on long phosphorescence emission, an advanced anti-counterfeiting pattern was constructed. As far as we know, it is the first report that such small molecules containing 3, 5-dicyanopyridine show long-lived RTP in both crystalline state and doping system. In this paper, not only ultralong and blue PORTP materials with the advantage of large-scale preparation, but also single component dynamic RTP, and RTP of visible light excitation were achieved.

Investigating dual-functional Al-doped stannic oxide nanorods towards photodegradation of real industry wastes and dye-sensitized solar cell application: An experimental and theoretical interpretation

In this work, we demonstrate a uniquely designed Tin (IV) Oxide (SnO2)-based nanomaterials for energy and environmental applications. Here, the Al-doped SnO2 nanorods (NR) at various concentrations ranging from 3 wt% to 9 wt% carried out following facile co-precipitation technique which induced synergic structural, optical and electrical properties in resulting products. Further, the Al-incorporation induced considerable changes to the structural, optical, and electrical characteristics turning SnO2 nanorods to Al-SnO2 nanocubes (NCs). Resulting changes from nanorod to nanocubes were closely monitored using various characterization techniques, which were then effectively utilized for photocatalytic degradation of important textile industry dyes, encompassing both cationic (MB, CV) and anionic (EBT) types. Optimal Al-doped SnO2 NC (6 wt%) demonstrated significant degradation efficiencies for organic pollutant and textile industry effluents under direct sunlight exposure. On the other hand, combination of optical and electrical properties was utilized in dye-sensitive solar cells (DSSCs) to achieve noteworthy efficiency of 6.33%, surpassing that of previous reported SnO2-based nanostructures. These exceptional performance nanomaterials can be attributed to the optimized morphology of the nanocubes and the reduction of the band gap from 3.24 eV to 2.75 eV facilitated by the introduction of aluminum dopant. Furthermore, synergic combination has also improved visible light excitation, substantially decreased resistance to charge carrier transfer phenomenon, improved the charge carrier concentration, as well as considerably decreased the electron/hole recombination rate. Therefore, presence of Al in SnO2 nanostructure has considerably improved the opto-electrical properties that were interpreted following theoretical studies. Therefore, study gives simple nanomaterials having both the photodegradation and dye-sensitive solar cell (DSSC) performance of the SnO2 nanostructure, as a cost-effective energy conversion and water pollution remediation tool for the near future.