TiO2 photocatalysis: Design and applications

Degradation of gas-phase organic contaminants via nitrogen-embedded one-dimensional rod-shaped titania in a plug-flow reactor

In this study, one-dimensional rod-shaped titania (RST) and nitrogen-doped RST (N-RST) with different ratios of N to Ti were prepared using a hydrothermal method and their applications for purification of indoor toxic organic contaminants in a plug-flow reactor were examined under visible or ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The surface characteristics of as-prepared photocatalysts were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-visible spectroscopy. The TEM images revealed that both pure RSTs and N-RSTs displayed uniform and nanorod-shaped structures. XRD revealed that the photocatalysts had crystalline TiO2. The UV-visible spectra demonstrated that the N-RSTs could be activated in the visible region. In most cases, N-RSTs showed higher degradation efficiencies than pure RSTs under visible-light and UV irradiation. N-RSTs with a N-to-Ti ratio of 0.5 exhibited the highest degradation efficiencies of benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and o-xylene (BTEX), suggesting the presence of an optimal N-to-Ti ratio for preparation of N-RSTs. In addition, the average degradation efficiencies of BTEX determined for the N-RSTs with a N-to-Ti ratio of 0.5 under visible-light irradiation for the lowest initial concentration (IC, 0.1 ppm) were 19%, 53%, 85%, and 92%, respectively, while the degradation efficiencies for the highest IC (2.0 ppm) were 2%, 8%, 17%, and 33%. These values decreased as the stream flow rate increased. Overall, the as-prepared N-RSTs could be effectively applied for degradation of toxic gas-phase organic contaminants under visible-light as well as UV irradiation.

Graphene oxide capturing surface-fluorinated TiO2 nanosheets for advanced photocatalysis and the reveal of synergism reinforce mechanism

Surface-fluorinated TiO2 (F-TiO2) nanosheets with exposed (001) facets were synthesized from a scalable hydrothermal treatment assisted by a specific stabilization effect of fluorine ions on the (001) facets. Assembly of F-TiO2 on graphene oxide (GO) sheets into GO/F-TiO2 hybrid in aqueous solution was further achieved by making use of the surfactant role of GO. Photocatalytic properties of GO/F-TiO2 hybrid were evaluated under 365 nm UV light irradiation for photodegradation of methylene blue (MB). An optimal GO content has been determined to be 3 wt%, and the corresponding apparent pseudo-first-order rate constant Kapp is 0.0493 min(-1), 3 times and 4 times more than that of pure TiO2 nanosheets and commercial P25 photocatalyst, respectively. To reveal the synergism reinforce mechanism of GO/F-TiO2 hybrid, photo absorption, surface absorption, and the photoelectrochemical current properties have been intensively studied. We found that enhanced electron-hole separation has been the key issue for the reinforcement of photocatalytic performance. F-TiO2 with exposed (001) facet has stronger electron-hole separation resulting in a higher photoelectrochemical current than that of P25 photocatalyst. Moreover, hybridization of F-TiO2 with GO could further increase the photoelectrochemical current and the largest current for the optimal weight fraction of GO is in good accordance with the photocatalysis performance. The GO/F-TiO2 interface junction that favors the electron-hole separation was attributed to the photoelectrochemical current enhancement.

Electrostatic self-assembly of BiVO4-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for highly efficient visible light photocatalytic activities

It is commonly considered that the morphology and interface of semiconductor-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite photocatalysts play a crucial role in determining their photocatalyzing performance. Herein, we report on the design and synthesis of BiVO4-rGO nanocomposites with efficient interfacial contact by self-assembly of positively charged amorphous BiVO4 powders with negatively charged graphene oxide (GO), followed by a one-step GO reduction and BiVO4 crystallization via hydrothermal treatment. The as-prepared BiVO4-rGO nanocomposites exhibit high visible light photocatalytic efficiency for the degradation of model dyes, and are significantly superior to bare crystalline BiVO4 and BiVO4-rGO-U that is hydrothermally synthesized using the mixture of GO nanosheets and BiVO4 powders without modification of surface charge. Using multiple characterization techniques, we found that the enhanced photocatalytic performance of BiVO4-rGO arises from the synergistic effects between the microscopic crystal structure of BiVO4 with smaller particle size and more sufficient interfacial interaction between BiVO4 and graphene sheets, leading to increased photocatalytic reaction sites, extended photoresponding range, enhanced photogenerated charge separation, and transportation efficiency. This work may provide a rational and convenient strategy to construct highly efficient semiconductor-rGO nanocomposite photocatalysts with well-contacted interface toward environmental purification and solar energy conversion.

Ag2O/TiO2/V2O5 one-dimensional nanoheterostructures for superior solar light photocatalytic activity

Titanium dioxide has attracted considerable interest as a prototypical semiconductor photocatalyst. However, because of the relative large bandgap energy, further application of TiO2 photocatalyst is limited by its inefficient solar energy conversion. Various attempts have been made to broaden the light absorption window of the TiO2, such as growth of TiO2-based heterostructures. Herein, a novel three-component system, Ag2O/TiO2/V2O5 one-dimensional nanoheterostructures with enhanced solar light absorption, is prepared by depositing Ag2O nanoparticles onto the surface of TiO2/V2O5 nanofibers through a two-step synthetic process. This three-component system exhibits excellent solar-driven photocatalytic activity, far exceeding those of the single- and two-component systems, as a result of extended solar light absorption and efficient electron-hole separation. Furthermore, the photocatalytic performance of Ag2O/TiO2/V2O5 one-dimensional nanoheterostructures is very stable for recycling use.

Design and functionalization of photocatalytic systems within mesoporous silica

In the past decades, various photocatalysts such as TiO2, transition-metal-oxide moieties within cavities and frameworks, or metal complexes have attracted considerable attention in light-excited catalytic processes. Owing to high surface areas, transparency to UV and visible light as well as easily modified surfaces, mesoporous silica-based materials have been widely used as excellent hosts for designing efficient photocatalytic systems under the background of environmental remediation and solar-energy utilization. This Minireview mainly focuses on the surface-chemistry engineering of TiO2/mesoporous silica photocatalytic systems and fabrication of binary oxides and nanocatalysts in mesoporous single-site-photocatalyst frameworks. Recently, metallic nanostructures with localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) have been widely studied in catalytic applications harvesting light irradiation. Accordingly, silver and gold nanostructures confined in mesoporous silica and their corresponding catalytic activity enhanced by the LSPR effect will be introduced. In addition, the integration of metal complexes within mesoporous silica materials for the construction of functional inorganic-organic supramolecular photocatalysts will be briefly described.

DSSC anchoring groups: a surface dependent decision

Electrodes in dye sensitised solar cells are typically nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 with a majority (1 0 1) surface exposed. Generally the sensitising dye employs a carboxylic anchoring moiety through which it adheres to the TiO₂ surface. Recent interest in exploiting the properties of differing TiO₂ electrode morphologies, such as rutile nanorods exposing the (1 1 0) surface and anatase electrodes with high percentages of the (0 0 1) surface exposed, begs the question of whether this anchoring strategy is best, irrespective of the majority surface exposed. Here we address this question by presenting density functional theory calculations contrasting the binding properties of two promising anchoring groups, phosphonic acid and boronic acid, to that of carboxylic acid. Anchor-electrode interactions are studied for the prototypical anatase (1 0 1) surface, along with the anatase (0 0 1) and rutile (1 1 0) surfaces. Finally the effect of using these alternative anchoring groups to bind a typical coumarin dye (NKX-2311) to these TiO₂ substrates is examined. Significant differences in the binding properties are found depending on both the anchor and surface, illustrating that the choice of anchor is necessarily dependent upon the surface exposed in the electrode. In particular the boronic acid is found to show the potential to be an excellent anchor choice for electrodes exposing the anatase (0 0 1) surface.

Catalytic role of TiO(2) terminal oxygen atoms in liquid-phase photocatalytic reactions: oxidation of aromatic compounds in anhydrous acetonitrile

On the basis of experiments carried out with controlled amounts of residual oxygen and water, or by using oxygen-isotope-labeled Ti(18) O2 as the photocatalyst, we demonstrate that (18) Os atoms behave as real catalytic species in the photo-oxidation of acetonitrile-dissolved aromatic compounds such as benzene, phenol, and benzaldehyde with TiO2 . The experimental evidence allows a terminal-oxygen indirect electron-transfer (TOIET) mechanism to be proposed, which is a new pathway that involves the trapping of free photogenerated valence-band holes at Os species and their incorporation into the reaction products, with simultaneous generation of oxygen vacancies at the TiO2 surface and their subsequent healing with oxygen atoms from either O2 or H2 O molecules that are dissolved in the liquid phase. According to the TOIET mechanism, the TiO2 surface is not considered to remain stable, but is continuously changing in the course of the photocatalytic reaction, challenging earlier interpretations of TiO2 photocatalytic phenomena.

Substituted hydroxyapatites with antibacterial properties

Reconstructive surgery is presently struggling with the problem of infections located within implantation biomaterials. Of course, the best antibacterial protection is antibiotic therapy. However, oral antibiotic therapy is sometimes ineffective, while administering an antibiotic at the location of infection is often associated with an unfavourable ratio of dosage efficiency and toxic effect. Thus, the present study aims to find a new factor which may improve antibacterial activity while also presenting low toxicity to the human cells. Such factors are usually implemented along with the implant itself and may be an integral part of it. Many recent studies have focused on inorganic factors, such as metal nanoparticles, salts, and metal oxides. The advantages of inorganic factors include the ease with which they can be combined with ceramic and polymeric biomaterials. The following review focuses on hydroxyapatites substituted with ions with antibacterial properties. It considers materials that have already been applied in regenerative medicine (e.g., hydroxyapatites with silver ions) and those that are only at the preliminary stage of research and which could potentially be used in implantology or dentistry. We present methods for the synthesis of modified apatites and the antibacterial mechanisms of various ions as well as their antibacterial efficiency.

Artificial sunlight and ultraviolet light induced photo-epoxidation of propylene over V-Ti/MCM-41 photocatalyst

The light irradiation parameters, including the wavelength spectrum and intensity of light source, can significantly influence a photocatalytic reaction. This study examines the propylene photo-epoxidation over V-Ti/MCM-41 photocatalyst by using artificial sunlight (Xe lamp with/without an Air Mass 1.5 Global Filter at 1.6/18.5 mW·cm(-2)) and ultraviolet light (Mercury Arc lamp with different filters in the range of 0.1-0.8 mW·cm(-2)). This is the first report of using artificial sunlight to drive the photo-epoxidation of propylene. Over V-Ti/MCM-41 photocatalyst, the propylene oxide (PO) formation rate is 193.0 and 112.1 µmol·gcat (-1)·h(-1) with a PO selectivity of 35.0 and 53.7% under UV light and artificial sunlight, respectively. A normalized light utilization (NLU) index is defined and found to correlate well with the rate of both PO formation and C3H6 consumption in log-log scale. The light utilization with a mercury arc lamp is better than with a xenon lamp. The selectivity to PO remains practically unchanged with respect to NLU, suggesting that the photo-epoxidation occurs through the same mechanism under the conditions tested in this study.

Removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aqueous environment by chemical treatments: a review

Due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic potential, the removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from aqueous environment using physical, biological and chemical processes has been studied by several researchers. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge concerning PAHs including their physico-chemical properties, input sources, occurrence, adverse effects and conventional and alternative chemical processes applied for their removal from water. The mechanisms and reactions involved in each treatment method are reported, and the effects of various variables on the PAH degradation rate as well as the extent of degradation are also discussed. Extensive literature analysis has shown that an effective way to perform the conversion and mineralization of this type of substances is the application of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Furthermore, combined processes, particularly AOPs coupled with biological treatments, seem to be one of the best solutions for the treatment of effluents containing PAHs.

Titania Nanotubes Grown on Carbon Fibers for Photocatalytic Decomposition of Gas-Phase Aromatic Pollutants

This study aimed to prepare titania (TiO₂) nanotube (TNT) arrays grown on un-activated carbon fibers (UCFs), with the application of different TiO₂ loadings based on the coating-hydrothermal process, and to evaluate their photocatalytic activity for the degradation of sub-ppm levels of aromatic pollutants (benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and o-xylene (BTEX)) using a plug-flow photocatalytic reactor. The characteristics of the prepared photocatalysts were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM),energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Spectral analysis showed that the prepared photocatalysts were closely associated with the characteristics of one-dimensional nanostructured TiO₂ nanotubes for TNTUCFs and spherical shapes for TiO₂-coated UCF (TUCF). The photocatalytic activities of BTEX obtained from TNTUCFs were higher than those obtained from a reference photocatalyst, TUCF). Specifically, the average degradation efficiencies of BTEX observed for TNTUCF-10 were 81%, 97%, 99%, and 99%, respectively, while those observed for TUCF were 14%, 42%, 52%, and 79%, respectively. Moreover, the photocatalytic activities obtained for TNTUCFs suggested that the degradation efficiencies of BTEX varied with changes in TiO₂ loadings, allowing for the optimization of TiO₂ loading. Another important finding was that input concentrations and air flow rates could be important parameters for the treatment of BTEX, which should be considered for the optimization of TNTUCFs application. Taken together, TNTUCFs can be applied to effectively degrade sub-ppm levels of gas-phase aromatic pollutants through the optimization of operational conditions.

Engineering BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) nanostructures for highly efficient photocatalytic applications

Heterogeneous photocatalysis that employs photo-excited semiconductor materials to reduce water and oxidize toxic pollutants upon solar light irradiation holds great prospects for renewable energy substitutes and environmental protection. To utilize solar light effectively, the quest for highly active photocatalysts working under visible light has always been the research focus. Layered BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) are a kind of newly exploited efficient photocatalysts, and their light response can be tuned from UV to visible light range. The properties of semiconductors are dependent on their morphologies and compositions as well as structures, and this also offers the guidelines for design of highly-efficient photocatalysts. In this review, recent advances and emerging strategies in tailoring BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) nanostructures to boost their photocatalytic properties are surveyed.

Noble-metal-free plasmonic photocatalyst: hydrogen doped semiconductors

The unique capacity of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) offers a new opportunity to overcome the limited efficiency of semiconductor photocatalyst. Here we unravel that LSPR, which usually occurs in noble metal nanoparticles, can be realized by hydrogen doping in noble-metal-free semiconductor using TiO2 as a model photocatalyst. Moreover, its LSPR is located in infrared region, which supplements that of noble metal whose LSPR is generally in the visible region, making it possible to extend the light response of photocatalyst to infrared region. The near field enhancement is shown to be comparable with that of noble-metal nanoparticles, indicating that highly enhanced light absorption rate can be expected. The present work can provide a key guideline for the creation of highly efficient noble-metal-free plasmonic photocatalysts and have a much wider impact in infrared bioimaging and spectroscopy where infrared LSPR is essential.

Photogenerated carriers transfer in dye-graphene-SnO2 composites for highly efficient visible-light photocatalysis

The visible-light-driven photocatalytic activities of graphene-semiconductor catalysts have recently been demonstrated, however, the transfer pathway of photogenerated carriers especially where the role of graphene still remains controversial. Here we report graphene-SnO2 aerosol nanocomposites that exhibit more superior dye adsorption capacity and photocatalytic efficiency compared with pure SnO2 quantum dots, P25 TiO2, and pure graphene aerosol under the visible light. This study examines the origin of the visible-light-driven photocatalysis, which for the first time links to the synergistic effect of the cophotosensitization of the dye and graphene to SnO2. We hope this concept and corresponding mechanism of cophotosensitization could provide an original understanding for the photocatalytic reaction process at the level of carrier transfer pathway as well as a brand new approach to design novel and versatile graphene-based composites for solar energy conversion.

Methodologies for the analysis of antimicrobial effects of immobilized photocatalytic materials

Photocatalytic coatings are considered sustainable materials as they only need sunlight for their activation and regeneration. Some photocatalytic disinfecting coatings are already commercialized, but many more are still in the developmental stage. Efficient and reliable analytical methodologies for testing the antimicrobial effects of photocatalytic coatings should therefore be used and further developed (1) to avoid inactive or unstable final products, (2) to allow fast, reproducible, and inexpensive antimicrobial activity measurements, and (3) to reflect real environmental conditions and challenges for these materials. Aiming to improve the existing methodologies of antimicrobial testing, this mini review summarizes and discusses the testing parameters and procedures in this expanding research field, including research on antimicrobial activity of photocatalytic coatings for different applications, i.e., self-cleaning/disinfecting coatings (films) and photocatalytic coatings for water and air treatment/disinfection.

Copper based TiO2 honeycomb monoliths for CO2 photoreduction

Copper based TiO₂ monolithic structures threaded with optical fibers exhibit better activity than pure TiO₂ for CO₂ reduction under visible or UV light irradiation.

Fabrication, modification, and biomedical applications of anodized TiO2 nanotube arrays

Recent research activities on the surface modification and biomedical applications of TiO₂ NTAs are reviewed.

Out-diffused silver island films for surface-enhanced Raman scattering protected with TiO2 films using atomic layer deposition

We fabricated self-assembled silver nanoisland films using a recently developed technique based on out-diffusion of silver from an ion-exchanged glass substrate in reducing atmosphere. We demonstrate that the position of the surface plasmon resonance of the films depends on the conditions of the film growth. The resonance can be gradually shifted up to 100 nm towards longer wavelengths by using atomic layer deposition of titania, from 3 to 100 nm in thickness, upon the film. Examination of the nanoisland films in surface-enhanced Raman spectrometry showed that, in spite of a drop of the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) signal after the titania spacer deposition, the Raman signal can be observed with spacers up to 7 nm in thickness. Denser nanoisland films show slower decay of the SERS signal with the increase in spacer thickness.

PACS

78.67.Sc (nanoaggregates; nanocomposites); 81.16.Dn (self-assembly); 74.25.nd (Raman and optical spectroscopy).

Photocatalytic degradation of an azo-dye on TiO2/activated carbon composite material

A sequential adsorption/photocatalytic regeneration process to remove tartrazine, an azo-dye in aqueous solution, has been investigated. The aim ofthis work was to compare the effectiveness of an adsorbent/photocatalyst composite-TiO2 deposited onto activated carbon (AC) - and a simple mixture of powders of TiO2 and AC in same proportion. The composite was an innovative material as the photocatalyst, TiO2, was deposited on the porous surface ofa microporous-AC using metal-organic chemical vapour deposition in fluidized bed. The sequential process was composed of two-batch step cycles: every cycle alternated a step of adsorption and a step of photocatalytic oxidation under ultra-violet (365 nm), at 25 degreeC and atmospheric pressure. Both steps, adsorption and photocatalytic oxidation, have been investigated during four cycles. For both materials, the cumulated amounts adsorbed during four cycles corresponded to nearly twice the maximum adsorption capacities qmax proving the photocatalytic oxidation to regenerate the adsorbent. Concerning photocatalytic oxidation, the degree of mineralization was higher with the TiO2/AC composite: for each cycle, the value of the total organic carbon removal was 25% higher than that obtained with the mixture powder. These better photocatalytic performances involved better regeneration than higher adsorbed amounts for cycles 2, 3 and 4. Better performances with this promising material - TiO2 deposited onto AC - compared with TiO2 powder could be explained by the vicinity of photocatalytic and AC adsorption sites.

A general method for mass and template-free production of hierarchical metal oxide spheres at room-temperature

A novel and facile method is proposed for mass production of Hierarchical Metal Oxide Spheres (HMOS).