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Nanomaterials
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Advanced Nanomaterials for Photocatalysis
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Advanced Nanomaterials for Photocatalysis

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy and Catalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 September 2024) | Viewed by 16341

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yajun Wang

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Guest Editor
College of New Energy and Materials, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China
Interests: photocatalysis; photoelectrocatalysis; nanocomposites; pollutant degradation; hydrogen production
Dr. Mingxuan Sun

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Materials Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China
Interests: photo(electro-)catalysis; photoelectrochemistry; sonocatalysis
Dr. Zhiwu Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
Interests: functional nanocomposites; photocatalysis; wastewater treatment; solar water splitting

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Photocatalysis has attracted increased attention as an emerging green technology. It has a wide variety of applications, such as water splitting, degradation of environmental pollutants, carbon dioxide reduction, and hydrogen peroxide production. In recent decades, numerous nanomaterials and nanocomposites have been adopted as photocatalysts—for instance, metal oxides, metal sulfide, and metal-organic frameworks (MOF). The design and development of advanced nanomaterials can accelerate the application of photocatalysis and has become a hot topic in photocatalysis. To achieve a rational design of photocatalysts, it is necessary to understand the relationship between the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials and their photocatalytic performances, as well as the fundamentals of photocatalytic reaction.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide new findings in advanced nanomaterials for photocatalysis and offer valuable inspiration and insight for researchers working in this field. Full papers, communications, and reviews are invited. Potential topics include but are not limited to:

  • Photocatalysis for environmental applications;
  • Water splitting;
  • Photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide;
  • Photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide;
  • Photoelectrocatalysis;
  • Heterojunction nanocomposites;
  • Nanomaterials for environmental applications;
  • Other studies of nanomaterials associated with photocatalysis.

Dr. Yajun Wang
Dr. Mingxuan Sun
Dr. Zhiwu Chen
Guest Editors

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. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2400 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

  • photocatalysis
  • photoelectrocatalysis
  • environmental applications
  • water splitting
  • carbon dioxide reduction
  • hydrogen peroxide production
  • nanomaterials and nanocomposites
  • metal oxides, metal sulfide, and metal-organic frameworks (MOF)

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 4985 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Photocatalytic Potential of BiAgOS Solid Solution for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
by Oumaima Ben Abdelhadi, Majid El Kassaoui, Hajar Moatassim, Ahmed Kotbi, Mohamed Balli, Omar Mounkachi and Mustapha Jouiad
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(23), 1869; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14231869 - 22 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1337
Abstract
The growing emphasis on green energy has spurred momentum in research and development within the field of photocatalytic materials, particularly for green hydrogen production. Among the most abundant oxides on Earth, oxychalcogenides stand out for their cost-effectiveness and ease of synthesis. In this [...] Read more.
The growing emphasis on green energy has spurred momentum in research and development within the field of photocatalytic materials, particularly for green hydrogen production. Among the most abundant oxides on Earth, oxychalcogenides stand out for their cost-effectiveness and ease of synthesis. In this context, we present an investigation of the potential use of BiAgOS as an efficient photocatalyst for hydrogen generation. Utilizing density functional theory and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations, we computed its physical properties and assessed its photocatalytic performance. Specifically, using Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof corrections, our calculations yielded an appropriate electronic gap of ~1.47 eV necessary for driving the water-splitting reaction. Additionally, we obtained a very high optical absorption coefficient of ~5 × 105/cm–1 and an estimation of hydrogen generation yield of ~289.56 µmol∙g–1. These findings suggest that BiAgOS holds promise for enabling the development of cheap, reliable, and highly efficient photocatalysts for hydrogen production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Photocatalysis)
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18 pages, 7530 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Synergistic Effect of Decoration and Doping in Silver/Strontium Titanate for Air Remediation
by Marcela Frías Ordóñez, Elisabetta Sacco, Marco Scavini, Giuseppina Cerrato, Alessia Giordana, Ermelinda Falletta and Claudia Letizia Bianchi
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(20), 1663; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14201663 - 16 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1138
Abstract
Strontium titanate (STO) and its variants have emerged as leading materials in photocatalysis, particularly for degrading nitrogen oxides (NOx), due to their non-toxic nature, structural adaptability, and exceptional thermal stability. Although the one-pot sol-gel method leads to high-quality photocatalysts, areas remain for improvement. [...] Read more.
Strontium titanate (STO) and its variants have emerged as leading materials in photocatalysis, particularly for degrading nitrogen oxides (NOx), due to their non-toxic nature, structural adaptability, and exceptional thermal stability. Although the one-pot sol-gel method leads to high-quality photocatalysts, areas remain for improvement. This study examines the impact of ethanol as a cosolvent in STO synthesis, focusing on optimizing the water-to-ethanol volume ratio. The findings reveal that a 1:3 ratio significantly enhances macropore formation and photocatalytic efficiency, achieving 42% NOx degradation under LED within three hours. Furthermore, incorporating 8.0 wt.% Ag into STO substantially improves visible light absorption and enables complete NOx elimination, thanks to enhanced charge separation and localized surface plasmon resonance. Even at high temperatures (1100 °C), the Ag-STO photocatalyst maintains partial activity, despite exceeding silver’s melting point. These results highlight the potential of STO-based materials for industrial applications, positioning them as a promising solution for effective NOx mitigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Photocatalysis)
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19 pages, 8946 KiB  
Article
Facile Synthesis to Porous TiO2 Nanostructures at Low Temperature for Efficient Visible-Light Degradation of Tetracycline
by Peng Lian, Aimiao Qin, Zhisen Liu, Hao Ma, Lei Liao, Kaiyou Zhang and Ning Li
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(11), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14110943 - 27 May 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1262
Abstract
In this study, nanoporous TiO2 with hierarchical micro/nanostructures was synthesized on a large scale by a facile one-step solvothermal method at a low temperature. A series of characterizations was performed and carried out on the as-prepared photocatalysts, which were applied to the [...] Read more.
In this study, nanoporous TiO2 with hierarchical micro/nanostructures was synthesized on a large scale by a facile one-step solvothermal method at a low temperature. A series of characterizations was performed and carried out on the as-prepared photocatalysts, which were applied to the degradation of the antibiotic tetracycline (TC). The results demonstrated that nanoporous TiO2 obtained at a solvothermal temperature of 100 °C had a spherical morphology with high crystallinity and a relatively large specific surface area, composed of a large number of nanospheres. The nanoporous TiO2 with hierarchical micro/nanostructures exhibited excellent photocatalytic degradation activity for TC under simulated sunlight. The degradation rate was close to 100% after 30 min of UV light irradiation, and reached 79% only after 60 min of visible light irradiation, which was much better than the photodegradation performance of commercial TiO2 (only 29%). Moreover, the possible intermediates formed during the photocatalytic degradation of TC were explored by the density functional theory calculations and HPLC-MS spectra. Furthermore, two possible degradation routes were proposed, which provided experimental and theoretical support for the photocatalytic degradation of TC. In this study, we provide a new approach for the hierarchical micro/nanostructure of nanoporous TiO2, which can be applied in industrial manufacturing fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Photocatalysis)
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14 pages, 3143 KiB  
Article
LDH/MXene Synergistic Carrier Separation Effects to Improve the Photoelectric Catalytic Activities of Bi2WO6 Nanosheet Arrays
by Yuting Wang, Runhua Li, Jiaying Zhang, Liming Liu, Weiwei Huang and Yajun Wang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(5), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14050477 - 6 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1660
Abstract
Photoelectric catalysis is a green and efficient way to degrade pollutants, which has been paid more and more attention by researchers. Among them, Bi2WO3 has been proved to have excellent photocatalytic oxidation activity on its {001} facets. In this study, [...] Read more.
Photoelectric catalysis is a green and efficient way to degrade pollutants, which has been paid more and more attention by researchers. Among them, Bi2WO3 has been proved to have excellent photocatalytic oxidation activity on its {001} facets. In this study, {001}-oriented facets with high exposure were successfully integrated into Bi2WO6 nanoplate arrays (Bi2WO6 NAs) to create a photoelectrode. This structure was grown in situ on an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. To promote photogenerated carrier separation efficiency and reduce agglomeration of Bi2WO6 photocatalysts, the electrochemical deposition of NiFe–layered double hydroxide (NiFe-LDH) and Ti3C2 (MXene) were introduced in this research to synergistically catalyze pollutant degradation. Morphology, spectral characterization, and electrochemical analysis jointly confirmed that the outstanding performance of hole capture behavior with LDH and electron conduction properties with MXene were the main reasons for the improvement in catalytic activity of the photoelectrode. Taking bisphenol A (BPA) as the model pollutant, the rate constant k of the NiFe-LDH/Ti3C2/Bi2WO6 NAs photoelectrode reaches 0.00196 min−1 under photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) conditions, which is 4.5 times that of the pure Bi2WO6 NAs photoelectrode. This work provides a new way to improve the reaction kinetics of the PEC degradation of pollutants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Photocatalysis)
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21 pages, 7099 KiB  
Article
Photocatalytic Synthesis of Coumarin Derivatives Using Visible-Light-Responsive Strawberry Dye-Sensitized Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles
by Mshari A. Alotaibi, Abdulrahman I. Alharthi, Talal F. Qahtan, Satam Alotibi, Amani M. Alansi and Md. Afroz Bakht
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(23), 3001; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13233001 - 22 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1810
Abstract
This study presents a novel method for the photocatalytic synthesis of 4-aryl-6-(3-coumarinyl) pyrimidin-2 (1H)-ones (a coumarin derivative) using strawberry dye-sensitized TiO2 (SD-TiO2) under visible light. The synthesis of 4-aryl-6-(3-coumarinyl) pyrimidin-2 (1H)-ones was achieved through a three-component, one-pot condensation reaction involving [...] Read more.
This study presents a novel method for the photocatalytic synthesis of 4-aryl-6-(3-coumarinyl) pyrimidin-2 (1H)-ones (a coumarin derivative) using strawberry dye-sensitized TiO2 (SD-TiO2) under visible light. The synthesis of 4-aryl-6-(3-coumarinyl) pyrimidin-2 (1H)-ones was achieved through a three-component, one-pot condensation reaction involving 3-acetyl coumarin, aldehydes, and urea, utilizing SD-TiO2 as a reusable and innovative photocatalyst at room temperature. The resulting SD-TiO2 photocatalyst was thoroughly characterized using FT-IR, XPS, XRD, SEM, and BET. The efficacy of SD-TiO2 was evaluated by comparing it to pristine TiO2 in terms of photocatalytic activity, and the optimal conditions for the synthesis process were determined. Notably, the SD-TiO2 photocatalyst exhibited a maximum yield of the compound, reaching up to 96% in just 30 min with a catalyst concentration of 1 mg/mL. This yield surpasses traditional thermal procedures employing reflux conditions, where 1 mg/mL of SD-TiO2 is sufficient to complete the reaction. The resulting 4-aryl-6-(3-coumarinyl) pyrimidin-2 (1H)-ones were further characterized using 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. Moreover, the stability of the SD-TiO2 photocatalyst was confirmed through recyclability experiments and spectroscopic characterization, demonstrating its practicality for up to three consecutive reaction cycles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Photocatalysis)
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13 pages, 5943 KiB  
Article
In Situ Growth of CdZnS Nanoparticles@Ti3C2Tx MXene Nanosheet Heterojunctions for Boosted Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
by Zelin Li, Yang Zhao, Qinglin Deng, Xuhui Zhu, Yipeng Tan, Ziwen Feng, Hao Ji, Shan Zhang and Lingmin Yao
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(15), 2261; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13152261 - 6 Aug 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2204
Abstract
Using natural light energy to convert water into hydrogen is of great significance to solving energy shortages and environmental pollution. Due to the rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers after separation, the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen production using photocatalysts is usually very low. Here, [...] Read more.
Using natural light energy to convert water into hydrogen is of great significance to solving energy shortages and environmental pollution. Due to the rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers after separation, the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen production using photocatalysts is usually very low. Here, efficient CdZnS nanoparticles@Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheet heterojunction photocatalysts have been successfully prepared by a facile in situ growth strategy. Since the CdZnS nanoparticles uniformly covered the Ti3C2Tx Mxene nanosheets, the agglomeration phenomenon of CdZnS nanoparticles could be effectively inhibited, accompanied by increased Schottky barrier sites and an enhanced migration rate of photogenerated carriers. The utilization efficiency of light energy can be improved by inhibiting the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. As a result, under the visible-light-driven photocatalytic experiments, this composite achieved a high hydrogen evolution rate of 47.1 mmol h−1 g−1, which is much higher than pristine CdZnS and Mxene. The boosted photocatalytic performances can be attributed to the formed heterojunction of CdZnS nanoparticles and Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets, as well as the weakened agglomeration effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Photocatalysis)
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22 pages, 5055 KiB  
Article
Novel Semiconductor Cu(C3H3N3S3)3/ZnTiO3/TiO2 for the Photoinactivation of E. coli and S. aureus under Solar Light
by Ximena Jaramillo-Fierro and María Fernanda Cuenca
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(1), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13010173 - 30 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1988
Abstract
The use of semiconductors for bacterial photoinactivation is a promising approach that has attracted great interest in wastewater remediation. The photoinactivator Cu-TTC/ZTO/TO was synthesized by the solvothermal method from the coordination complex Cu(C3H3N3S3)3 (Cu-TTC) [...] Read more.
The use of semiconductors for bacterial photoinactivation is a promising approach that has attracted great interest in wastewater remediation. The photoinactivator Cu-TTC/ZTO/TO was synthesized by the solvothermal method from the coordination complex Cu(C3H3N3S3)3 (Cu-TTC) and the hybrid semiconductor ZnTiO3/TiO2 (ZTO/TO). In this study, the effect of photocatalyst composition/concentration as well as radiation intensity on the photoinactivation of the gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and the gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus in aqueous solutions was investigated. The results revealed that 25 mg/mL of photoinactivator, in a Cu-TTC:ZTO/TO molar ratio of 1:2 (w/w%) presents a higher rate of bacterial photoinactivation under simulated solar light (λ = 300–800 nm) in comparison to the individual components. The evidence of this study suggests that the presence of the Cu(C3H3N3S3)3 coordination complex in the ZnTiO3/TiO2 hybrid semiconductor would contribute to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are essential to initiate the bacterial photoinactivation process. Finally, the results obtained allow us to predict that the Cu-TTC/ZTO/TO photocatalyst could be used for effective bacterial inactivation of E. coli and S. aureus in aqueous systems under simulated solar light. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Photocatalysis)
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Review

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31 pages, 3109 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances toward Enhanced Photocatalytic Proprieties of BiFeO3-Based Materials
by Yassine Nassereddine, Manal Benyoussef, Bouchra Asbani, Mimoun El Marssi and Mustapha Jouiad
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14010051 - 23 Dec 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3779
Abstract
Owing to their remarkable success in photocatalytic applications, multiferroic BiFeO3 and its derivatives have gained a highly promising position as electrode materials for future developments of efficient catalysts. In addition to their appropriate band gaps, these materials exhibit inherent intrinsic polarizations enabling [...] Read more.
Owing to their remarkable success in photocatalytic applications, multiferroic BiFeO3 and its derivatives have gained a highly promising position as electrode materials for future developments of efficient catalysts. In addition to their appropriate band gaps, these materials exhibit inherent intrinsic polarizations enabling efficient charge carrier separation and their high mobility without the need for additional co-catalysts. Here, we review the existing strategies for enhancing the photocatalytic performances of BiFeO3-based materials and we describe the physico-chemical properties at the origin of their exceptional photocatalytic behavior. A special focus is paid to the degradation of organic pollutants and water splitting, both driven through photocatalysis to unveil the correlation between BiFeO3 size, substitution, and doping on the one hand and the photocatalytic performances on the other hand. Finally, we provide practical recommendations for future developments of high-performing BiFeO3-based electrodes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Photocatalysis)
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