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Functional Nanomaterials in Catalysis for Environmental and Energy Application
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Functional Nanomaterials in Catalysis for Environmental and Energy Application

A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Aspects in Colloid and Interface Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 January 2023) | Viewed by 9822

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jumei Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China
Interests: multifunctional coatings; noble metals; photocatalysis; surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy; chemical sensing; semiconductor oxide; functional nanomaterials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid and continuous industrial development and growth of human activities have resulted in severe energy and environmental issues over the last few decades. Nanomaterial-based catalysis is expected to play an important role in the near future towards sustainable development. Nanomaterials with different compositions, nanostructures, sizes, shapes and morphologies are widely used in various catalytic processes in environmental and energy fields, including the disinfection of dyes, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, toxins and heavy metals, CO2 reduction, H2 generation, water splitting, fuel/solar cells, and so on. The rational design and development of highly efficient and cost-effective (photo/electro) catalysts is of vital importance. This Special Issue invites the submission of original research articles, as well as reviews and progress reports on theoretical and experimental advances in relation to the synthesis, characterization, and fine-tuning of nanomaterial-based catalysts and their applications. Submissions are welcome in the following areas with relation (but not limited) to the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials and hybrid nanostructured materials, applications of nanomaterials for the disinfection from various type of pollutants (dyes, heavy metals, etc.), H2 generation, oxygen evolution reaction, CO2 reduction, water splitting, and so on.

Prof. Dr. Jumei Li
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Photo/electrocatalysis
  • CO2 reduction
  • Nanomaterials
  • Pollutants
  • H2 generation

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 8899 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of Multiple Heterojunctions and Dopant Atom for Enhancing the Photocatalytic Activity of C-Modified Zn-Doped TiO2 Nanofiber Film
by Ying Lu, Xiangge Qin and Jinzhong Hong
Coatings 2023, 13(3), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13030647 - 19 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1373
Abstract
To design efficient photocatalytic systems, it is necessary to inhibit the compounding of electron-hole pairs and promote light absorption in photocatalysts. In this paper, semiconductor heterojunction systems of C-modified Zn-doped TiO2 composite nanomaterials with nanofiber structures were synthesized by electrospinning and hydrothermal [...] Read more.
To design efficient photocatalytic systems, it is necessary to inhibit the compounding of electron-hole pairs and promote light absorption in photocatalysts. In this paper, semiconductor heterojunction systems of C-modified Zn-doped TiO2 composite nanomaterials with nanofiber structures were synthesized by electrospinning and hydrothermal methods. The composite nanofiber film was thoroughly characterized and the morphology, structure, chemical phases and optical properties were determined. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the nanofiber diameter was 150–200 nm and the C particles were uniformly modified on the smooth nanofiber surfaces. X–ray diffraction patterns and Raman show TiO2 as a typical anatase, modified C as graphite and Zn as ZnOcrystals. Moreover, the entry of Zn and C into the TiO2 lattice increases the crystal defects. Meanwhile, TiO2, ZnO and graphite form multiple heterojunctions, providing pathways for photogenerated carrier transfer. These synergistic effects inhibit the recombination of electron-hole pairs and provide more reaction sites, thus improving the photocatalytic efficiency. UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopyimply that these synergistic effects lead to improved optical properties of the composite. Using organic dyes (methylene blue, methyl orange, rhodamine Bandmalachite green) as simulated pollutants, the composite nanofiber film exhibited good photocatalytic activity for all dyes due to the significantly large specific surface area, small size effect and synergistic effects of multiple heterojunctions and dopant atom. In addition, the nanofiber film has good reusability and stability for the photodegradation of organic dyes, so it has potential for industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials in Catalysis for Environmental and Energy Application)
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12 pages, 8041 KiB  
Article
Ball-Milling Preparation of La3+/TiO2 Photocatalyst and Application in Photodegradation of PVC Plastics
by Yan Zhang, Tianyi Sun, Dashuai Zhang, Chen Li, Jinrui Liu, Bangsen Li and Zaifeng Shi
Coatings 2023, 13(2), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13020317 - 31 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1188
Abstract
The fact that the use of a large number of plastic products has brought serious pollution to the environment has always been the focus of global attention. The development of photocatalytic degradable plastics is one of the effective ways to solve the problem [...] Read more.
The fact that the use of a large number of plastic products has brought serious pollution to the environment has always been the focus of global attention. The development of photocatalytic degradable plastics is one of the effective ways to solve the problem of “white pollution”. In this work, La3+ modified TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by ball milling and characterized. La3+/TiO2 was mixed with Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic to make a photodegradable composite film, and the photodegradation performance and mechanical properties of films were evaluated. The photodegradable films were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After 30 h UV irradiation, the weight loss rate of the PVC was only 2.12%, while that of the TiO2/PVC reached 8.94%. The accelerating of the degradation rate was due to the mixing of TiO2 into PVC. As for the La3+/TiO2/PVC composite film, when the mass percentage of La3+/TiO2 was 1.5%, the weight loss rate of La3+/TiO2/PVC sample reached a maximum of 17.78%, which was eight times the degradation rate of PVC and two times the degradation rate of TiO2/PVC. The La3+/TiO2/PVC film showed good photodegradability. La is a transition metal element with a special 4f electronic structure. The reaction mechanism of photodegradation of PVC by the interaction of La3+ and TiO2 were discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials in Catalysis for Environmental and Energy Application)
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12 pages, 3562 KiB  
Article
Photocatalytic Degradation of Acid Orange 7 by NiO-TiO2/TiO2 Bilayer Film Photo-Chargeable Catalysts
by Chanagun Wongburapachart, Phuwadej Pornaroontham, Kyusung Kim and Pramoch Rangsunvigit
Coatings 2023, 13(1), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13010141 - 10 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1368
Abstract
Photocatalysis as an eco-friendly technology has the potential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, an improvement of conventional photocatalysts is necessary to overcome their limitations such as slow kinetics, wavelength for excitation, and environmental restrictions. In particular, the development of a [...] Read more.
Photocatalysis as an eco-friendly technology has the potential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, an improvement of conventional photocatalysts is necessary to overcome their limitations such as slow kinetics, wavelength for excitation, and environmental restrictions. In particular, the development of a photocatalyst that can operate even in the absence of light is constantly conducted, and a photo-chargeable photocatalyst could be one of the answers. In this paper, a heterojunction composed of TiO2 and NiO-TiO2 bilayer film photocatalyst (BLF) was prepared. The effect of the synthesis conditions of the NiO-TiO2 layer on the photocatalytic properties was investigated. Photocatalytic degradation measurements were conducted with an acid orange 7 (AO7) solution under light and dark conditions. The highest degradation BLF was synthesized at a NiO loading of 52% and calcination temperature of 300 °C. The prepared sample showed about five-fold greater photocatalytic activity of 48% in AO7 degradation after 8 h compared to an ordinary TiO2 film (9%) under light conditions. Moreover, under dark conditions it exhibited 13.6% degradation, while the naked layers of TiO2 and NiO-TiO2 showed no degradation. The proposed mechanism suggested that photocatalysis in the dark was possible due to the stabilization of photogenerated holes by anionic intercalation during illumination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials in Catalysis for Environmental and Energy Application)
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17 pages, 20796 KiB  
Article
S-Scheme System of MoS2/Co3O4 Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution and Methyl Violet Dye Removal under Visible Light Irradiation
by Tsung-Mo Tien and Edward L. Chen
Coatings 2023, 13(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13010080 - 02 Jan 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1538
Abstract
Photocatalytic hydrogen production joined with simultaneous organic compound removal is a potential but challenging approach for both environmental modification and reusable energy generation. In this study, we designed a nanocomposite method for the fabrication of MoS2/Co3O4 heterojunction with [...] Read more.
Photocatalytic hydrogen production joined with simultaneous organic compound removal is a potential but challenging approach for both environmental modification and reusable energy generation. In this study, we designed a nanocomposite method for the fabrication of MoS2/Co3O4 heterojunction with an extremely productive photocatalytic capability. The as-fabricated MoS2/Co3O4 nanocomposites displayed greatly enhanced the hydrogen production (3825 μmol/g/h) and methyl violet dye (MV) contaminant removal (apparent kinetic constant of 0.038 min−1) activity. The nanocomposites’ structures had a better specific surface area, numerous active sites, and enhanced the transport ability of charge carriers to promote the photocatalytic activity. The increase in Co3O4 improved the visible-light absorption efficiency and narrowed energy bandgap and served as a highway for charge carriers to facilitate the transfer and separation and inhibit the combination of photoinduced charge carriers. The migration route of the photoexcited charges, the formation pathway, and the function of various reactive oxygen species (such as O2− and •OH) are discussed. The optimized energy band structure and high electron transfer rate of the S-scheme heterojunction nanocomposite promotes the evolution of H2 and the removal of pollutants, which shows an excellent potential in a stable and efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and environment remediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials in Catalysis for Environmental and Energy Application)
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11 pages, 2549 KiB  
Article
Facile Fabrication of F-Doped SnO2 Nanomaterials for Improved Photocatalytic Activity
by Linfeng Xiao, Runhua Liao, Shu Yang, Yang Qiu, Meng Wang, Zheng Zhang, Jie Du and Zhixiang Xie
Coatings 2022, 12(6), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12060795 - 08 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1594
Abstract
Non-metal doping introduces structural defects, which alter the metal oxide band gap, resulting in high photocatalytic performance. Herein, a F doped SnO2 was synthesized via a simple solvothermal method. Through adjusting the solvothermal time, surfactants and F doping ratio, the optimal sample [...] Read more.
Non-metal doping introduces structural defects, which alter the metal oxide band gap, resulting in high photocatalytic performance. Herein, a F doped SnO2 was synthesized via a simple solvothermal method. Through adjusting the solvothermal time, surfactants and F doping ratio, the optimal sample was prepared. In addition, the as-prepared nano-powder was characterized and analyzed by X-Ray-Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Disperse Spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrum (FT-IR). Interestingly, the results of photocatalytic degradation showed that the degradation rate of rhodamine B (Rh B) reached 92.9% in 25 min after a 5-hour solvent heat treatment with polyethylene glycol (PEG) surfactant and F doping ratio of n(F):n(Sn) = 1:15. Through the study of photocatalytic performance, we found that F-doped SnO2 has high photocatalytic activity during a short time and its development potential in the field of photocatalysis, which provides a strong support for our further study of its practical application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials in Catalysis for Environmental and Energy Application)
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17 pages, 6227 KiB  
Article
Photocatalytic Treatment of Methyl Orange Dye Wastewater by Porous Floating Ceramsite Loaded with Cuprous Oxide
by Yue Cheng, Ting Cao, Zhiguo Xiao, Haijie Zhu and Miao Yu
Coatings 2022, 12(2), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12020286 - 21 Feb 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2087
Abstract
It is well known that water treatment of printing and dyeing wastewaters is problematic. In order to decompose dyes from dyestuff wastewater and convert them into almost harmless substances for the natural environment, an easily prepared, efficient, practical, and easy-to-regenerate composite material was [...] Read more.
It is well known that water treatment of printing and dyeing wastewaters is problematic. In order to decompose dyes from dyestuff wastewater and convert them into almost harmless substances for the natural environment, an easily prepared, efficient, practical, and easy-to-regenerate composite material was produced from porous floating ceramsite loaded with cuprous oxide (PFCC). The PFCC samples were prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The material was applied for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) in water. The results show that the maximal degradation rate of MO was 92.05% when the experimental conditions were as follows: cuprous oxide loading rate of 8%, PFCC dosage of 20 g/L, the reaction time of 2 h, pH value of 8, and solution initial concentration of 30 mg/L. The degradation processes of MO fits well with the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model in reaction kinetics, and the Freundlich model in reaction thermodynamics, respectively. The degradation mechanism of MO was considered from two perspectives—one was the synergetic effect of adsorption and photocatalytic oxidation, and the other was the strong oxidation of hydroxyl radicals produced by photocatalysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials in Catalysis for Environmental and Energy Application)
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