A New Complementary Catalyst and Catalytic Mechanism: Ag2MoO4/Ag/AgBr/GO Heterostructure

Advances in photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline using graphene-based composites in water: a systematic review and future directions

In this study, a comprehensive systematic review was conducted to better recognize the applicability of graphene-based photocatalytic processes for the degradation of tetracycline (TC) from water. A broad search strategy was developed for English language articles available in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The effect of parameters such as pH, TC concentration, photocatalyst dose, radiation source intensity, and the effect of graphene on the process, kinetics, and reuse of the photocatalyst were investigated. A total of 63 out of a possible 3498 retrieved records met inclusion criteria. The results showed that most related studies have increased since 2019. About 46.7% of the articles showed 90-100% TC removal efficiency and 59.52% of the studies had optimal pH equal to 5 and 6. Also, the widespread use of visible light had a significant trend. The effect of the dose of graphene in the catalyst was one of the most important and effective factors on the process; hence, the difference in efficiency with and without graphene was completely evident. This review indicated that the presence of graphene has been able to have a positive effect on increasing the efficiency of oxidation processes, and it can be used for environmental pollutants remediation.

Graphene oxide-incorporated silver-based photocatalysts for enhanced degradation of organic toxins: a review

Environmental contamination and scarcity of energy have been deepening over the last few decades. Heterogeneous photocatalysis plays a prominent role in environmental remediation. The failure of earlier metal oxide systems like pure TiO₂ and ZnO as stable visible-light photocatalysts demanded more stable catalysts with high photodegradation efficiency. Silver-based semiconductor materials gained popularity as visible-light-responsive photocatalysts with a narrow bandgap. But their large-scale usage in natural water bodies for organic contaminant removal is minimal. The factors like self-photocorrosion and their slight solubility in water have prevented the commercial use. Various efforts have been made to improve their photocatalytic activity. This review focuses on those studies in which silver-based semiconductor materials are integrated with carbonaceous graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The decoration of Ag-based semiconductor components on graphene oxide having high-surface area results in binary composites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity and stability. It is found that the introduction of new efficient materials further increases the effectiveness of the system. So binary and ternary composites of GO and Ag-based materials are reviewed in this paper.

Facile synthesis of broom stick like FeOCl/g-C3N5 nanocomposite as novel Z-scheme photocatalysts for rapid degradation of pollutants

A simple and cost-effective route has been utilized for the preparation of a novel lamellar structured FeOCl/g-C₃N₅ nanocomposite as Z-scheme photocatalyst. The preparation method was performed under the ambient temperature conditions without any hazardous chemicals. Various characterization techniques, namely XRD, FESEM, TEM, FT-IR, UV-Vis, DRS, and PL were carried out to analyse the nanocomposite for confirmation of FeOCl/g-C₃N₅ nanocomposite. To evaluate its and visible light degradation performances tetracycline (T-C) was used as target pollutant. Among the optimum loading for the g-C₃N₅ incorporated FeOCl binary nanocomposites, the g-C₃N₅/FeOCl exhibited a superlative degradation performance toward the T-C antibiotic pollutant. The results confirmed that 95% of T-C was degraded within 40 min under photodegradation mechanism. The improved photodegradation performance in degradation of T-C was mainly due to the reduction in electron-hole recombination, broadening in the light absorption by g-C₃N₅ incorporation, which leads to shortening the degradation time. Furthermore, the hydroxyl and superoxide radicals played a major role in the photodegradation process and the possible mechanism was elucidated and proposed. The present work implies a novel, sustainable, and efficient Z-scheme system that may deliver a convenient method for environment remediation.

Evolution of graphene oxide (GO)-based nanohybrid materials with diverse compositions: an overview

The discovery of the 2D nanostructure of graphene was in fact the beginning of a new generation of materials. Graphene itself, its oxidized form graphene oxide (GO), the reduced form of GO (RGO) and their numerous composites are associates of this generation. Out of this spectrum of materials, the development of GO and related hybrid materials has been reviewed in the present article. GO can be functionalized with metals (Ag and Mg) and metal oxides (CuO, MgO, Fe2O3, Ag2O, etc.) nanoparticles (NPs), organic ligands (chitosan and EDTA) and can also be dispersed in different polymeric matrices (PVA, PMMA, PPy, and PAn). All these combinations give rise to nanohybrid materials with improved functionality. An updated report on the chronological development of such nanohybrid materials of diverse nature has been delivered in the present context. Modifications in synthesis methodologies as well as performances and applications of individual materials are addressed accordingly. The functional properties of GO were synergistically modified by photoactive semiconductor NPs; as a result, the GO-MO hybrids acquired excellent photocatalytic ability and were able to degrade a large variety of organic dyes (MB, RhB, MO, MR, etc.) and pathogens. The large surface area of GO was successfully complemented by the NPs so that high and selective adsorption capacity towards metal ions and organic molecules as well as improved charge separation properties could be achieved. As a result, GO-MO hybrids have been considered effective materials in water purification, energy storage and antibacterial applications. GO-MO hybrids with magnetic particles have exhibited selective destruction of cancerous cells and controlled drug release properties, extremely important in the pharmaceutical field. Chitosan and EDTA-modified GO could form 3D network-like structures with strong efficiency in removing heavy metal ions and organic pollutants. GO as a filler enhanced the strength, flexibility and functional properties of common polymers, such as PVA and PVC, to a large extent while, GO-CP composites with polyaniline and polypyrrole are considered suitable for the fabrication of biosensors, supercapacitors, and MEMS as well as efficient photothermal therapy agents. In summary, GO-based hybrids with inorganic and organic counterparts have been designed, the unique properties of which are exploited in versatile fields of applications.

Construction of Z-scheme g-C3N4 / MnO2 /GO ternary photocatalyst with enhanced photodegradation ability of tetracycline hydrochloride under visible light radiation

A facile wet-chemical method was adopted to synthesize g-C₃N₄/MnO₂/GO heterojunction photocatalyst for visible-light photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC). The addition of MnO₂ and GO increased the absorption of visible light and the specific surface area of the photocatalyst. The results of photoluminescence, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and photocurrent response indicated that CMG-10 had the lowest electron-hole recombination probability, which was beneficial for the photocatalytic reaction. The ternary photocatalyst exhibited enhanced photoelectric performance and superior photocatalytic activity with 91.4% removal of TC (10 mg/L) under a mere 60 min visible light illumination, which showed enhanced photocatalytic degradation when compared with binary (CM, 77.95%; CG, 78.83%) and single (C₃N₄, 55.5%; MnO₂, 36.41%) photocatalysts. A pH of 6 was optimal for the CMG-10 photocatalytic degradation of TC, and the optimal photocatalyst dosage was 0.5 g/L. Common coexisting ions influenced the removal of TC by influencing the production of active species. The catalyst is stable and reusable with only a 10% reduction in removal efficiency after four cycles. According to the active species analysis, the Z-scheme mechanism was a charge transfer behavior in the composite photocatalyst, which could prevent the recombination of photogenerated carriers. This study presents a photocatalytic approach to the effective removal of TC from water bodies, which provides practical implications to advance the use of photocatalytic technology in the restoration of aqueous environmental pollution.

Fabrication of stable high-performance urchin-like CeO2/ZnO@Au hierarchical heterojunction photocatalyst for water remediation

In this paper, the urchin-like CeO₂/ZnO@Au photocatalyst was rationally designed and prepared through hydrothermal method, chemical precipitation and photo reduction deposition. The optimal photocatalyst (CZA8) degraded Rhodamine B (RhB), 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and Naproxen (NPX) about 100% within 20 min, 91.4% within 60 min and 88.9% within 30 min under Xe lamp illumination, respectively. Besides, the CZA8 possesses outstanding photo corrosion resistance capacity which has been verified with the cycle degradation experiments. The photocatalyst displays excellent light response and efficient separation of photo-induced carriers due to the fabrication of type-II heterojunction, the presence of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect and as well as the oxygen vacancy. The oxygen vacancy was systematically characterized by XPS, PL and Raman. Moreover, the photocatalytic degradation pathways are proposed based on the LC-MS results. Finally, a novel photocatalytic mechanism for photocatalytic oxidation of RhB, 4-NP and NPX is discussed and schematically illuminated.

Metal-enhanced fluorescence detection and degradation of tetracycline by silver nanoparticle-encapsulated halloysite nano-lumen

The ultrasensitive detection and efficient degradation of tetracycline (TC) residues are important for improving food safety and protecting human health. In this paper, a smart silver-enhanced fluorescence platform for the ultrasensitive detection of TC was constructed via a simple and selective modification of the interior and external tubes of natural halloysite nanotubes. The thick pipe wall of this platform provides a natural defense and promotes metal-enhanced fluorescence effects, which subsequently accelerates the detection of TC. Moreover, the nanoplatform of the modified Ag nanoparticles can induce the separation of electrons and holes, thereby enhancing photocatalytic activity in TC degradation. This platform provides new opportunities for studying natural halloysite nanotubes and for simultaneously detecting and photodegrading other deleterious substances.

Selective oxidation of alcohols by using CoFe2O4/Ag2MoO4 as a visible-light-driven heterogeneous photocatalyst

Using a CoFe₂O₄/Ag₂MoO₄ heterostructure as a novel, stable, inexpensive, and reusable photocatalyst with high-performance for the oxidation of alcohols.

Rodlike AgI/Ag2Mo2O7 Heterojunctions with Enhanced Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Activity

Novel AgI/Ag2Mo2O7 heterojunctions were prepared by reacting Ag2Mo2O7 microrods with an aqueous KI solution at room temperature. The composite materials, compared with neat AgI and Ag2Mo2O7, showed much higher activities in the photocatalytic degradation of aqueous rhodamine B, methyl orange, tetracycline hydrochloride, and levofloxacin solutions under visible-light irradiation. The structures, morphologies, and other physicochemical properties of AgI, Ag2Mo2O7, and AgI/Ag2Mo2O7 composites were studied via various characterization techniques. The active species involved in the photocatalytic process were examined via radical-capturing experiments and electron spin resonance. Superoxide anion radicals (•O2 -) and photogenerated holes (h+) were found to be the main active species. Photocatalytic mechanisms were proposed and reasons for the enhanced photocatalytic activity were explained.

Visible Light Driven Photoanodes for Water Oxidation Based on Novel r-GO/β-Cu₂V₂O₇/TiO₂ Nanorods Composites

This paper describes the preparation and the photoelectrochemical performances of visible light driven photoanodes based on novel r-GO/β-Cu₂V₂O₇/TiO₂ nanorods/composites. β-Cu₂V₂O₇ was deposited on both fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) and TiO₂ nanorods (NRs)/FTO by a fast and convenient Aerosol Assisted Spray Pyrolysis (AASP) procedure. Ethylenediamine (EN), ammonia and citric acid (CA) were tested as ligands for Cu²⁺ ions in the aerosol precursors solution. The best-performing deposits, in terms of photocurrent density, were obtained when NH₃ was used as ligand. When β-Cu₂V₂O₇ was deposited on the TiO₂ NRs a good improvement in the durability of the photoanode was obtained, compared with pure β-Cu₂V₂O₇ on FTO. A further remarkable improvement in durability and photocurrent density was obtained upon addition, by electrophoretic deposition, of reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) flakes on the β-Cu₂V₂O₇/TiO₂ composite material. The samples were characterized by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Raman, High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Wide Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD) and UV–Vis spectroscopies. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) performances of β-Cu₂V₂O₇ on FTO, β-Cu₂V₂O₇/TiO₂ and r-GO/β-Cu₂V₂O₇/TiO₂ were tested in visible light by linear voltammetry and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements.

Application of Ag/AgBr/GdVO4 composite photocatalyst in wastewater treatment

Ag/AgBr/GdVO₄ composite photocatalysts were designed and synthesized in this paper. The physical and chemical structures, as well as optical properties of the synthesized composite were investigated via XRD, XPS, TEM, and UV-vis. It is found that the composite showed a ternary heterojunction structure of Ag, AgBr and GdVO₄. Meanwhile, it has a high intensity of light current, indicating its high separation efficiency of electron and hole. Photocatalytic oxidation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation was performed to investigate the activity of the Ag/AgBr/GdVO₄ composite. Result indicates that it shows excellent photocatalytic activity. Under visible light irradiation for 12min, about 80% of RhB (30μmol/L) was degraded. The degradation rate is estimated to be 0.253 min-1, which is three times higher than that of pure AgBr. The high photoactivity can be ascribed to the synergetic effect of AgBr, GdVO₄, and Ag nanoparticle in separation of electron-hole pairs.

Facile synthesis of an Ag@AgBr nanoparticle-decorated K4Nb6O17 photocatalyst with improved photocatalytic properties

An Ag@AgBr nanoparticle-decorated K₄Nb₆O₁₇ (Ag@AgBr/K₄Nb₆O₁₇) photocatalyst was prepared via the oil-in-water self-assembly method. The Ag@AgBr nanoparticles, with average diameters of 20 nm, were uniformly deposited on the K₄Nb₆O₁₇ surface. The as-prepared Ag@AgBr/K₄Nb₆O₁₇ composites exhibited high visible light absorption, high photocurrent intensity, and high charge transfer efficiency, thus enhancing the photocatalytic performance for methyl-blue (MB) dye degradation. The Ag@AgBr (20 wt%)/K₄Nb₆O₁₇ composite displayed the highest photocatalytic activity, degrading 96% of the MB solution under visible light irradiation for 60 min, which was 2.3-times and 8.5-times that of the bulk Ag@AgBr and K₄Nb₆O₁₇, respectively. The excellent photocatalytic activity of the Ag@AgBr/K₄Nb₆O₁₇ composites is due to the synergistic effect between Ag@AgBr and K₄Nb₆O₁₇, where the Ag@AgBr nanoparticles not only enhanced visible light absorption efficiency due to the Ag nanoparticles' SPR, but also greatly accelerated the separation of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs. From the UV-vis spectra, the Ag@AgBr nanoparticles greatly extend the composites' visible light absorption. The data collected from photoluminescence (PL), photocurrent and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) were consistent and confirmed the rapid separation of charge carriers. Moreover, the composite exhibited a larger specific surface area, which was also beneficial for the photocatalytic activity. In addition, the roles of the radical species were investigated, and the holes and ·O₂⁻ radicals were hypothesized to dominate the photocatalytic process. Based on the characterization analysis and experimental results, a possible photocatalytic mechanism for the enhancement of photocatalytic activity is proposed.

The characteristic diffraction peaks of K₄Nb₆O₁₇ and AgBr were detected instead of Ag@AgBr.

Novel β-Ag2MoO4/g-C3N4 heterojunction catalysts with highly enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity

The kernel of photocatalysis research is the development of catalysts with remarkable photocatalytic activity.