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Search results for: PHOTOACTIVITY
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The geometry of free-standing titania nanotubes as a critical factor controlling their optical and photoelectrochemical performance
PublicationTitanium dioxide nanotubes are regarded as one of the most important functional materials and due to their unique electronic properties, chemical stability and photocorrosion resistance, they find applications in, for example, highly efficient photocatalysis or perovskite solar cells. Nevertheless, modification of TiO2 nanotubes is required to overcome their main drawback, i.e. large energy bandgap (>3.2 eV) limiting their ability...
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Mono- and bimetallic (Pt/Cu) titanium(IV) oxide core–shell photocatalysts with UV/Vis light activity and magnetic separability
PublicationTitanium(IV) oxide is one of the most widely investigated photocatalysts. However, separation of nano-sized particulate titania might result in profitless technologies for commercial applications. Additionally, bare titania is almost inactive under the Vis range of solar spectrum due to its wide bandgap. Therefore, the present study aims to prepare novel coreinterlayer- shell TiO2 magnetic photocatalysts modified with metal nanoparticles...
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Photocatalytic Decomposition of Air Pollutants using Electrodeposited Photocatalysts on Stainless Steel
PublicationThe aim of research was to develop an immobilization method for photocatalysts, which is an alternative to the sol-gel or dip coating methods and can be simply scaled up for technical applications. The investigated photocatalyst was TiO2, which was electrochemically deposited onto a cathode made of stainless steel. This deposited film was photocatalytically active. In order to enhance the photoactivity of the TiO2 film, commercially...
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Urchin-like TiO2 structures decorated with lanthanide-doped Bi2S3 quantum dots to boost hydrogen photogeneration performance
PublicationThe formation of heterojunctions between wide- and narrow-bandgap photocatalysts is commonly employed to boost the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen generation. Herein, the photoactivity of urchin-like rutile particles is increased by decorating with pristine as well as Er- or Yb-doped Bi2S3 quantum dots (QDs) at varied QD loadings (1–20 wt%) and doping degrees (1–15 mol%), and the best hydrogen evolution performance is achieved at...
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Effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes properties on the photocatalytic activity of bismuth-based composites synthesised via an imidazolium ionic liquid
PublicationThe use of various types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in the synthesis of bismuth oxybromide semiconductors via imidazolium ionic liquid was studied in detail. The effect of the MWCNT shape, specific surface area, and various diameters on the morphology, surface properties and photoactivity of the Bi-based composites has been investigated for the first time. So far, the literature has only shown the enhancement of photocatalytic...
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Non-metaldoped TiO2 nanotube arrays for high efficiency photocatalytic decomposition of organic species in water
PublicationTitanium dioxide is a well-known photoactive semiconductor with a variety of possible applications. The procedure of pollutant degradation is mainly performed using TiO2 powder suspension. It can also be exploited an immobilized catalyst on a solid support. Morphology and chemical doping have a great influence on TiO2 activity under illumination. Here we compare photoactivity of titania nanotube arrays doped with non-metal atoms:...
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The effect of morphology and crystalline structure of Mo/MoO3 layers on photocatalytic degradation of water organic pollutants
PublicationMolybdenum oxide layers were formed by anodization of the Mo metallic foil in a water/ethylene glycol-based electrolyte containing fluoride ions. The as-prepared, amorphous samples were annealed in air at different temperatures in a range from 100 �C to 700 �C. The crystal phase and morphology of anodized and annealed MoO3 layers were investigated using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The...
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Novel two-step synthesis method of thin film heterojunction of BiOBr/Bi2WO6 with improved visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity
PublicationA novel two-step ionic liquid assisted procedure was applied for a controllable synthesis of BiOBr/Bi2WO6 heterojunction thin films. The preparation route involved an anodic oxidation of tungsten foil and hydrothermal transformation of as-anodized oxide in the presence of bismuth precursor and ionic liquid, N-butylpyridinium bromide [BPy][Br]. The BiOBr plates with irregular shapes adhered to the surface of flower-like Bi2WO6 and...
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The influence of photointercalaction and photochromism effects on the photocatalytic properties of electrochemically obtained maze-like MoO3 microstructures
PublicationMolybdenum oxide (α-MoO3) thin films with oriented crystalline facets were synthesised by anodization of Mo foils. The obtained samples were exposed to UV–Vis illumination in aqueous electrolytes providing different cations. The morphology and structure of modified samples were investigated. The effect of photointercalated alkali metal cations (Li+, Na+, K+) on optical and structural properties was studied using UV–vis and Raman...
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Monometallic nanoparticles decorated and rare earth ions doped KTaO3/K2Ta2O6 photocatalysts with enhanced pollutant decomposition and improved H2 generation
PublicationNew, monometallic nanoparticles (MNPs) decorated surface and rare earth (RE) ions doped lattice of perovskite-type (KTaO3)/pyrochlore-type (K2Ta2O6) photocatalysts were successfully prepared by facile hydrothermal incorporation of RE ions into KTaO3/K2Ta2O6 lattices followed by photodeposition of MNPs. The impact of noble metal type (MNPs = Au, Pt, Rh) and rare earth dopant type (RE = Er, Pr) on the physicochemical properties correlated...
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Preparation and characterization of Pt/Pd-modified titanium dioxidenanoparticles for visible light irradiation
PublicationSeries of Pt/Pd–TiO2photocatalysts were obtained using the sol–gel method. The Pt/Pd–TiO2nanocom-posites showed significant visible light photoactivity. X-ray diffraction, STEM microscopy, UV–visspectroscopy and BET characterization allowed to conclude that the photocatalysts at the best perfor-mance had the anatase structure, 91 m2/g specific surface area, Pt/Pd alloy structure and 1–4 nm particlesize. The photocatalytic activity...
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Ordered TiO2 nanotubes: the effect of preparation parameters on the photocatalytic activity in air purification process
PublicationVertically ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays were synthesized by anodic oxidation of titanium foil in glycerol, ethylene glycol and water-based electrolytes. The effect of electrolyte composition, anodization voltage, ultrasonic treatment and calcination time on the morphology of the resulting thin films, as well as on their photocatalytic activity in toluene removal, used as a model volatile organic compound, was investigated. Toluene,...
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Solvent Selection as a Key Factor in the Performance of Semitransparent Heterojunctions Composed of Hydrogenated Nanotubes and Bismuth Sulfides
PublicationResearch on titanium nanotubes modified with metal sulfides, particularly bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3), aims to create heterostructures that efficiently absorb sunlight and then separate photogenerated charge carriers, thereby enhancing the energy conversion efficiency. This study shows a key role of solvent used for sulfide and bismuth salt solutions used during successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) onto the morphology,...
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Optical and photoelectrochemical characterization of pulsed laser deposited Bi4V2O11, BICUVOX, and BIZNVOX
PublicationThin layers of three compounds from the BIMEVOX family (Bi4V2O11, Bi2V0.9Cu0.1O5.35, and Bi2V0.9Zn0.1O5.35) were prepared via pulsed laser deposition technique on quartz, silicon, and platinum foil and tested as photoanodes for water photooxidation. The film formation, as well as the crystallization upon heating, was characterized using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The optical properties were investigated using spectroscopic...
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Preparation and Characterization of Au/Pd Modified-TiO2 Photocatalysts for Phenol and Toluene Degradation under Visible Light—The Effect of Calcination Temperature
PublicationRutile loaded with Au/Pd nanoparticles was prepared using a water-in-oil microemulsion system of water/AOT/cyclohexane followed by calcination.Theeffect of calcination temperature (from350 to 700∘C) on the structure ofAu/Pd nanoparticles deposited at rutile matrix and the photocatalytic properties of Au/Pd-TiO2 was investigated in two model reactions (toluene degradation in gas phase and phenol degradation in aqueous phase). The...
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Morphology, surface properties and photocatalytic activity of the bismuth oxyhalides semiconductors prepared by ionic liquid assisted solvothermal method
PublicationThis is the first report of the effect of the ILs cation type (imidazolium, pyridinium and pyrrolidinium) on the morphology, surface properties and photoactivity of BiOX semiconductors type obtained by solvothermal method in glycerol. The various ionic liquids (IL) cation type as a halogen source and templating agent for the synthesis of the bismuth oxyhalides nanoparticles has been systematically investigated. The role of ILs...
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Visible light photocatalytic activity of ionic liquid-TiO2 spheres: effect of the ionic liquid's anion structure
PublicationThe effect of the ionic liquid’s (IL) anion type ([BIMIM][X], where X= [Br], [PF6] or [OctSO4]) and content on the morphology, surface properties and photoactivity of TiO2 obtained by solvothermal method has been systematically investigated. Our results revealed that the presence of [Br], [OctSO4] anions favors formation of anatase phase, while presence of [PF6] anion causes formation of mixture of anatase and Ti(OH)PO4 phases....
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Towards Computer-Aided Graphene Covered TiO2-Cu/(CuxOy) Composite Design for the Purpose of Photoinduced Hydrogen Evolution
PublicationIn search a hydrogen source, we synthesized TiO2-Cu-graphene composite photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution. The catalyst is a new and unique material as it consists of copper-decorated TiO2 particles covered tightly in graphene and obtained in a fluidized bed reactor. Both, reduction of copper from Cu(CH3COO) at the surface of TiO2 particles and covering of TiO2-Cu in graphene thin layer by Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) were...
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Experimental and DFT insights into an eco-friendly photocatalytic system toward environmental remediation and hydrogen generation based on AgInS2 quantum dots embedded on Bi2WO6
PublicationBismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) can work as a photocatalyst but suffers from rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. Herein, density functional theory (DFT) simulations revealed that the formation of a thermodynamically stable AgInS2(112)/Bi2WO6(010) heterojunction could promote charge separation and enhance the photoactivity of Bi2WO6. To confirm these theoretical predictions, a new type of photocatalysts in the form...
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The effect of calcination temperature on structure and photocatalytic properties of Au/Pd nanoparticles supported on TiO2
PublicationBimetallic nanoparticles, composed of two different metal elements, can exhibit peculiar electronic, optical, and catalytic or photocatalytic properties that are absent in the corresponding monometallic nanoparticles. We show the effect of calcination temperature (from 350 to 700°C) on the structure and the photocatalytic properties of Au/Pd-modified TiO2. The composition of the bimetallic Au/Pd nanoparticles in relation to their...
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Visible light activity of rare earth metal doped (Er3+, Yb3+ or Er3+/Yb3+) titania photocatalysts
PublicationA series of Er3+-TiO2, Yb3+-TiO2 and Er3+/Yb3+-TiO2 photocatalysts were obtained via sol-gel method, using rare earth metal (RE) precursor ranging from 0.25 to 10 mol%. The experiments demonstrated that phenol in aqueous solutions was successfully degraded under visible light (> 450 nm) using RE3+-TiO2. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron emission spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis...
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Influence of Annealing Atmospheres on Photoelectrochemical Activity of TiO2 Nanotubes Modified with AuCu Nanoparticles
PublicationIn this article, we studied the annealing process of AuCu layers deposited on TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) conducted in various atmospheres such as air, vacuum, argon, and hydrogen in order to obtain materials active in both visible and UV–vis ranges. The material fabrication route covers the electrochemical anodization of a Ti plate, followed by thin AuCu film magnetron sputtering and further thermal treatment. Scanning electron microscopy...
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Band Gap Engineering toward Semimetallic Character of Quinone-Rich Polydopamine
PublicationSemiconductor|melanin interfaces have received increasingly more attention in the fields of photocatalysis and applied electrochemistry because of their facile synthesis, unique electrical properties, and strong capability toward photosensitization. In this work, we describe the electropolymerization of quinone-rich polydopamine (PDA) on the surface of hydrogenated TiO2 nanotubes with enhanced photoactivity in the visible spectrum....
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A novel (Ti/Ce)UiO-X MOFs@TiO2 heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic performance: Boosting via Ce4+/Ce3+ and Ti4+/Ti3+ redox mediators
PublicationTitanium-substituted cerium-oxo-based UiO MOFs with terephthalate linkers modified by various groups (–Br, –NH2, –NO2) or their derivatives (N-heterocyclic or biphenyl groups) were combined with titanium dioxide in a multistep route to obtain a core-shell-like architecture. DFT simulations showed that Ce- and bimetallic Ti/Ce- MOFs exhibited different charge compensation. Extended characterization revealed the formation of heterojunctions between...
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Annealing Rate as a Crucial Parameter Controlling the Photoelectrochemical Properties of AuCu Mosaic Core–Shell Nanoparticles
PublicationThermal processing is an essential step during the synthesis of various metal nanostructures and for tailoring their morphology, optical, and electrochemical properties. Herein, a profound impact of the annealing rate and time on photoactivity of gold–copper nanostructures by changes in the position and alignment of energy levels and surface states is reported. AuCu nanoparticles (NPs) are fabricated by sputtering of thin metal...
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Linking optical and electronic properties to photoresponse of heterojunctions based on titania nanotubes and chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten oxides
PublicationThe development of photosensitization strategies for titanium dioxide is necessary for the enhancement of its optical and electronic properties towards its application potential in solar photoelectrochemistry. In this work, significant differences in the photosensitizing capability of the 6th group transition metal oxides applied on the surface of titania nanotubes are reported. For the first time, correlations between the experimentally...
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Optimization of electrochemical doping approach resulting in highly photoactive iodine-doped titania nanotubes
PublicationThe paper focuses on the optimization procedure concerning the synthesis method resulting in highly ordered titania nanotubes doped with iodine atoms. The doping process was based on the electrochemical treatment of a titania nanotube layer immersed in a potassium iodide (KI) solution acting as an iodine precursor. A number of endeavors were undertaken in order to optimize the doping conditions. Electrolyte concentration, reaction...
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Surface properties and photocatalytic activity of KTaO3, CdS, MoS2 semiconductors and their binary and ternary semiconductor composites
PublicationSingle semiconductors such as KTaO3, CdS MoS2 or their precursor solutions were combined to form novel binary and ternary semiconductor nanocomposites by the calcination or by the hydro/solvothermal mixed solutions methods, respectively. The aim of this work was to study the influence of preparation method as well as type and amount of the composite components on the surface properties and photocatalytic activity of the new semiconducting...
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Lanthanide co-doped TiO2: the effect of metal type and amount on surface properties and photocatalytic activity
PublicationPreparation of new rare earth metal-containing TiO2 nanocomposites (Nd3+/Er3+, Nd3+/Eu3+, Eu3+/Ho3+-TiO2) using sol–gel route and their photoactivity under visible and ultraviolet light is reported. The obtained photocatalysts were subsequently characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, UV–Vis diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), luminescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray powder diffraction...
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Synergy between AgInS2 quantum dots and ZnO nanopyramids for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and phenol degradation
PublicationDespite the unique properties of single semiconductor nanomaterials and quantum dots, poor photocatalytic activity has characterized them and the fabrication of nanocomposites has become necessary to enhance their photocatalytic performance. Thus, AgInS2 quantum dots (AIS QDs, 4.0±1.6 nm), have been successfully prepared and loaded onto ZnO nanopyramids (ZnO NPy). The effect of the nominal amount of AIS QDs decorating ZnO NPy on...
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Fabrication of Durable Ordered Ta2O5 Nanotube Arrays Decorated with Bi2S3 Quantum Dots
PublicationOne of the most important challenges in the fabrication of ordered tantalum pentaoxide (Ta2O5) nanotube arrays (NTs) via the electrochemical method is the formation of nanotubes that adhere well to the Ta substrate. In this paper, we propose a new protocol that allows tight-fitting Ta2O5 nanotubes to be obtained through the anodic oxidation of tantalum foil. Moreover, to enhance their activity in the photocatalytic reaction, in...
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TiO2 nanotubes modification by photodeposition with noble metals: Characterization, optimization, photocatalytic activity, and by-products analysis
PublicationSelf-organized TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) with 4 µm length were obtained by anodization method and calcined to obtain anatase crystallite phase. The photocatalysts were further decorated with Au, Ag, Pt or Pd nanoparticles (NPs), varying the metal loads (0.50, 0.75, 1, 2 and 5 mol%) by photodeposition. The material characterization confirmed the presence of nanoparticles in the TNTs surface, signs of the localized surface plasmon resonance...
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Effect of irradiation intensity and initial pollutant concentration on gas phase photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanotube arrays
PublicationWell-organized TiO2 nanotube arrays were fabricated via one-step anodization process. The as-prepared TiO2 nanotubes were characterized by X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Photocatalytic activity of obtained photocatalyst was studied in reaction of toluene degradation in the gas phase using low powered and low...
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Titania nanotubes modified by a pyrolyzed metal-organic framework with zero valent iron centers as a photoanode with enhanced photoelectrochemical, photocatalytical activity and high capacitance
PublicationThe paper discusses the synthesis, photoelectrochemical and electrochemical behaviour of titania nanotube arrays modified by a pyrolyzed metal-organic framework (MOF). A poly(3,4–ethylenedioxyphene) (PEDOT) matrix with an embedded inorganic network of iron hexacyanoferrate (BP) covering TiO2 nanotubes (TNT) is used as a MOF for the further sintering procedure, resulting in a novel, thin film of carbonaceous wrap supported Fe catalytic...
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Perovskite-type KTaO3–reduced graphene oxide hybrid with improved visible light photocatalytic activity
PublicationNovel rGO–KTaO3 composites with various graphene content were successfully synthesized using a facile solvothermal method which allowed both the reduction of graphene oxide and loading of KTaO3 nanocubes on the graphene sheets. The as-prepared photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier...
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Impact of Tetrazolium Ionic Liquid Thermal Decomposition in Solvothermal Reaction on the Remarkable Photocatalytic Properties of TiO2 Particles
PublicationIonic liquids (ILs) could serve as a structuring agent, a solvent, or a source of dopant during solvothermal synthesis of semiconductors particles. To understand the role of IL during formation of TiO2 particles, it is necessary to study the stability of this IL in solvothermal synthesis conditions, as well as studying the surface properties of formed TiO2 particles. In view of this, the effect of the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium...
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Preparation and Characterization of Defective TiO2. The Effect of the Reaction Environment on Titanium Vacancies Formation
PublicationAmong various methods of improving visible light activity of titanium(IV) oxide, the formation of defects and vacancies (both oxygen and titanium) in the crystal structure of TiO2 is an easy and relatively cheap alternative to improve the photocatalytic activity. In the presented work, visible light active defective TiO2 was obtained by the hydrothermal reaction in the presence of three different oxidizing agents: HIO3, H2O2, and...
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Development of novel (BiO)2OHCl/BiOBr enriched with boron doped-carbon nanowalls for photocatalytic cytostatic drug degradation: Assessing photocatalytic process utilization in environmental condition
PublicationIn this work, a series of novel (BiO)2OHCl/BiOBr-x%B:DGNW (x = 0%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%) composites with different content of boron-doped diamond/graphene nanowalls (B:DGNW) were fabricated by simple solvothermal synthesis. A boron-doped diamond/graphene nanowalls (B:DGNW) were prepared by CVD method. A series of analyses: XRD, XPS, SEM, and TEM showed that the photocatalyst (BiO)2OHCl/BiOBr-x%B:DGNW with a “flower-like” morphology was...
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Rational designing of TiO2-X@Cs3Bi2X9 nanocomposite for boosted hydrogen evolution
PublicationHalide perovskites are known as compounds possessing interesting properties, including visible light-induced photoactivity, however, they suffer from instability. Herein, a novel technique for reducing the decomposition rate of halide bismuth-based perovskites Cs3Bi2X9 (X=I, Br, Cl) in the aqueous environment by combining with different types of TiO2 (anatase TiO2-I, anatase/rutile TiO2-B, and rutile TiO2-C synthesized using HI,...
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Photocatalytically Active TiO2/Ag2O Nanotube Arrays Interlaced with Silver Nanoparticles Obtained from the One-Step Anodic Oxidation of Ti–Ag Alloys
PublicationThe development of a photocatalyst with remarkable activity to degrade pollutants in aqueous and gas phase requires visible lightresponsive stable materials, easily organized in the form of a thin layer (to exclude the highly expensive separation step). In this work, we present a one-step strategy for synthesizing material in the form of a self-organized TiO2/Ag2O nanotube (NT) array interlaced with silver nanoparticles (as in a...
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Preparation and photocatalytic activity of Nd-modified TiO2 photocatalysts: Insight into the excitation mechanism under visible light
PublicationTitanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) modified with neodymium (Nd) in the range between 0.1 and 1.0 mol% were prepared via the hydrothermal method. The samples obtained were characterized by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (EDX), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoluminescence...
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Optical and photocatalytic properties of rare earth metal-modified ZnO quantum dots
PublicationA series of novel ZnO quantum dots modified with rare earth metals was successfully prepared by a simple sol-gel approach. The effects of types (Eu, Er, Tb, Yb, Ho, La) and amounts (from 0.09 to 0.45 mmol) of lanthanides on the optical properties, structural characterization and photocatalytic activity of ZnO/RE QDs were systematically investigated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform...
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The Effect of AgInS2, SnS, CuS2, Bi2S3 Quantum Dots on the Surface Properties and Photocatalytic Activity of QDs-Sensitized TiO2 Composite
PublicationThe eect of type (AgInS2, SnS, CuS2, Bi2S3) and amount (5, 10, 15 wt%) of quantum dots (QDs) on the surface properties and photocatalytic activity of QDs-sensitized TiO2 composite, was investigated. AgInS2, SnS, CuS2, Bi2S3 QDs were obtained by hot-injection, sonochemical, microwave, and hot-injection method, respectively. To characterize of as-prepared samples high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning...
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Facet effect of TiO2 nanostructures from TiOF2 and their photocatalytic activity
PublicationIn this study, special attention is focused on the design of TiO2 morphology and microstructure in the two-step preparation procedure using TiOF2 as a precursor to study their photodegradation mineralization efficiency. Firstly, TiOF2 was synthesized by a simple solvothermal method using titanium(IV) tetrafluoride, which was further used as a precursor in preparation of anatase 2D nanosheets, octahedral, decahedral, and rectangular prisms...
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Enhanced Visible Light Active WO3 Thin Films Toward Air Purification: Effect of the Synthesis Conditions
PublicationTaking into consideration, our current environmental situation in the world people should face with growing problem of air and water pollution. Heterogeneous photocatalysis is highly promising tool to improve both, air and water quality through decomposition/mineralization of contaminations directly into harmless CO2 and H2O under ambient conditions. In this contribution we focused on the synthesis of self-assembly WO3 thin films...
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Pulsed Laser Deposition of Bismuth Vanadate Thin Films—The Effect of Oxygen Pressure on the Morphology, Composition, and Photoelectrochemical Performance
PublicationThin layers of bismuth vanadate were deposited using the pulsed laser deposition technique on commercially available FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide) substrates. Films were sputtered from a sintered, monoclinic BiVO4 pellet, acting as the target, under various oxygen pressures (from 0.1 to 2 mbar), while the laser beam was perpendicular to the target surface and parallel to the FTO substrate. The oxygen pressure strongly affects...
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Solvothermal growth of {0 0 1} exposed anatase nanosheets and their ability to mineralize organic pollutants. The effect of alcohol type and content on the nucleation and growth of TiO2 nanostructures
PublicationHerein, the series of {0 0 1} exposed anatase nanosheets from HF-assisted solvothermal growth synthesis were obtained. The two-dimensional TiO2 were characterized, including both bulk (XRD, DR-UV–Vis, Mott-Schottky) and surface characteristics (N2 sorption, XPS, SEM) with experimental results compiled with Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The effect of alcohol amount and type was studied, demonstrating the crucial...
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Organic pollutants photodegradation increment with use of TiO2 nanotubes decorated with transition metals after pulsed laser treatment
PublicationAmong various titanium(IV) oxide (TiO2, titania) structures, 1D nanotubes (TiO2 NTs) produced during the two-electrode anodization process, are extensively utilized in sensors or supercapacitors as well as in photo(electro)catalytic water splitting. However, due to wide bandgap and fast electron-hole recombination additional modifications, mostly concerned on materials surface, are required. According to the recent research, TiO2...
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A new simple approach to prepare rare-earth metals-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays photoactive under visible light: Surface properties and mechanism investigation
PublicationApplication of Ti90RE10 alloys (RE = Ho, Er, Nd, Y, Ce, Tm) as a working electrode, instead of Ti pure foil in anodic oxidation in a fluoride-based electrolyte, resulted in formation of well-ordered nanotubes made of TiO2 and RE2O3 mixture, which could be efficiently used for pollutant removal from water and air phase upon UV and visible irradiation and easily separable from the reaction mixture to recycle. The as-prepared NTs...
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Rare earth ions doped K 2 Ta 2 O 6 photocatalysts with enhanced UV–vis light activity
PublicationNew rare earth-doped K2Ta2O6 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. The effect of dopant type (Y,Yb,Ho,Pr,Er) and amount of rare earth precursor (2,4,8 and 10 mol%) on the physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of RE-K2Ta2O6 have been investigated. All as-prepared materials were characterized by UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area measurement,...