Heterogeneous Photocatalysts Based on Nanocomposites

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 10321

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Applied Technology of Hybrid Nanomaterials, Collaborative Innovation Center of Nano Functional Materials and Applications of Henan Province, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
Interests: photocatalysis; photoelectro-chemistry; nanomaterials

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Guest Editor
Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361024, China
Interests: photocatalysis; metal nanoparticles; perovskites; H2 evolution; selective organic transformations; CO2 reduction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Bingtuan Energy Development Institute, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China
Interests: CO2 reduction; N2 fixation; aerogel; graphdiyne; photothermal management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Heterogeneous photocatalysts that are based on nanocomposites have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential applications in various fields, such as environmental remediation, solar energy conversion, and water purification. The combination of different nanomaterials can create heterojunctions that enhance the photocatalytic properties of the composite and promote the separation of photoinduced charge carriers.

Nanocomposites-based photocatalysts can be synthesized using different methods, and their properties can be modified by adjusting the synthesis parameters, such as the nanoparticle size, shape, surface area, and composition. One of the main advantages of using photocatalysts is that they offer a green route for environmental pollution remediation. A wide range of pollutants can be effectively degraded by photocatalysts. Overall, heterogeneous photocatalysts based on nanocomposites have numerous benefits, including easy synthesis, tunable characteristics, and excellent photocatalytic performance. They have great potential to be used in various fields for solving environmental and energy-related issues.

This special issue welcomes submissions of original research-based articles and reviews that describe the manufacturing process, analytical description, and applications of photocatalysts based on nanocomposites.

Prof. Dr. Jianjun Yang
Dr. Bo Weng
Dr. Cong Wang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nanocomposites
  • photocatalysts
  • degradation
  • environmental remediation
  • solar energy conversion
  • wastewater treatment
  • pollution remediation

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 25965 KiB  
Article
MIL-Derived Hollow Tubulous-Shaped In2O3/ZnIn2S4 Z-Scheme Heterojunction for Efficient Antibacterial Performance via In Situ Composite
by Jiao Duan, Hui Zhang, Jie Zhang, Mengmeng Sun and Jizhou Duan
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(16), 1366; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14161366 - 21 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1260
Abstract
In this study, a hollow tubulous-shaped In2O3 derived from MIL (MIL-68 (In)) exhibited an enhanced specific surface area compared to MIL. To further sensitize In2O3, ZnIn2S4 was grown in situ on the derived [...] Read more.
In this study, a hollow tubulous-shaped In2O3 derived from MIL (MIL-68 (In)) exhibited an enhanced specific surface area compared to MIL. To further sensitize In2O3, ZnIn2S4 was grown in situ on the derived In2O3. The 40In2O3/ZnIn2S4 composite (1 mmol ZnIn2S4 loaded on 40 mg In2O3) exhibited degradation rates of methyl orange (MO) under visible light (80 mW·cm−2, 150 min) that were 17.9 and 1.4 times higher than those of the pure In2O3 and ZnIn2S4, respectively. Moreover, the 40In2O3/ZnIn2S4 exhibited an obviously improved antibacterial performance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with an antibacterial rate of 99.8% after visible light irradiation of 80 mW cm−2 for 420 min. The 40In2O3/ZnIn2S4 composite showed the highest photocurrent density, indicating an enhanced separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Electron spin resonance results indicated that the 40In2O3/ZnIn2S4 composite generated both ·O2 and ·OH radicals under visible light, whereas ·OH radicals were almost not detected in ZnIn2S4 alone, suggesting the presence of a Z-scheme heterojunction between In2O3 and ZnIn2S4, thereby enhancing the degradation and antibacterial capabilities of the composite. This offers fresh perspectives on designing effective photocatalytic materials for use in antibacterial and antifouling applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Photocatalysts Based on Nanocomposites)
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8 pages, 2096 KiB  
Article
A Facile Strategy for the Preparation of N-Doped TiO2 with Oxygen Vacancy via the Annealing Treatment with Urea
by Zhe Zhang, Zhenpeng Cui, Yinghao Xu, Mohamed Nawfal Ghazzal, Christophe Colbeau-Justin, Duoqiang Pan and Wangsuo Wu
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(10), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14100818 - 7 May 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1642
Abstract
Although titanium dioxide (TiO2) has a wide range of potential applications, the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 is limited by both its limited photoresponse range and fast recombination of the photogenerated charge carriers. In this work, the preparation of nitrogen (N)-doped [...] Read more.
Although titanium dioxide (TiO2) has a wide range of potential applications, the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 is limited by both its limited photoresponse range and fast recombination of the photogenerated charge carriers. In this work, the preparation of nitrogen (N)-doped TiO2 accompanied by the introduction of oxygen vacancy (Vo) has been achieved via a facile annealing treatment with urea as the N source. During the annealing treatment, the presence of urea not only realizes the N-doping of TiO2 but also creates Vo in N-doped TiO2 (N-TiO2), which is also suitable for commercial TiO2 (P25). Unexpectedly, the annealing treatment-induced decrease in the specific surface area of N-TiO2 is inhibited by the N-doping and, thus, more active sites are maintained. Therefore, both the N-doping and formation of Vo as well as the increased active sites contribute to the excellent photocatalytic performance of N-TiO2 under visible light irradiation. Our work offers a facile strategy for the preparation of N-TiO2 with Vo via the annealing treatment with urea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Photocatalysts Based on Nanocomposites)
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15 pages, 1601 KiB  
Article
Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production from Aqueous Solutions of Glucose and Xylose over Layered Perovskite-like Oxides HCa2Nb3O10, H2La2Ti3O10 and Their Inorganic-Organic Derivatives
by Sergei A. Kurnosenko, Vladimir V. Voytovich, Oleg I. Silyukov, Ivan A. Rodionov and Irina A. Zvereva
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(15), 2717; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12152717 - 7 Aug 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2506
Abstract
Nowadays, the efficient conversion of plant biomass components (alcohols, carbohydrates, etc.) into more energy-intensive fuels, such as hydrogen, is one of the urgent scientific and technological problems. The present study is the first one focused on the photoinduced hydrogen evolution from aqueous D-glucose [...] Read more.
Nowadays, the efficient conversion of plant biomass components (alcohols, carbohydrates, etc.) into more energy-intensive fuels, such as hydrogen, is one of the urgent scientific and technological problems. The present study is the first one focused on the photoinduced hydrogen evolution from aqueous D-glucose and D-xylose using layered perovskite-like oxides HCa2Nb3O10, H2La2Ti3O10, and their organically modified derivatives that have previously proven themselves as highly active photocatalysts. The photocatalytic performance was investigated for the bare compounds and products of their surface modification with a 1 mass. % Pt cocatalyst. The photocatalytic experiments followed an innovative scheme including dark stages as well as the control of the reaction suspension’s pH and composition. The study has revealed that the inorganic−organic derivatives of the layered perovskite-like oxides can provide efficient conversion of carbohydrates into hydrogen fuel, being up to 8.3 times more active than the unmodified materials and reaching apparent quantum efficiency of 8.8%. Based on new and previously obtained data, it was shown that the oxides’ interlayer space functions as an additional reaction zone in the photocatalytic hydrogen production and the contribution of this zone to the overall activity is dependent on the steric characteristics of the sacrificial agent used. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Photocatalysts Based on Nanocomposites)
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Review

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22 pages, 4791 KiB  
Review
Catalytic Pyrolysis of Biomass: A Review of Zeolite, Carbonaceous, and Metal Oxide Catalysts
by Weiqiang Sun, Yihong Yan, Yuxin Wei, Jingjing Ma, Zhenchuan Niu and Guang Hu
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(7), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15070493 - 26 Mar 2025
Viewed by 415
Abstract
This review provides an exploration of various catalytic pyrolysis techniques for bio-oil production, focusing on the effects of different pyrolysis methods (slow, fast, and flash pyrolysis) on bio-oil yield and composition. The review also discusses key factors influencing bio-oil production, including feedstock composition [...] Read more.
This review provides an exploration of various catalytic pyrolysis techniques for bio-oil production, focusing on the effects of different pyrolysis methods (slow, fast, and flash pyrolysis) on bio-oil yield and composition. The review also discusses key factors influencing bio-oil production, including feedstock composition (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin), and the role of catalytic materials in enhancing yield and product selectivity. Three primary classes of catalysts—zeolites, carbonaceous materials, and metal oxides—are thoroughly examined, with a discussion on the differences between bulk catalysts and nanocatalysts. The paper highlights how these catalysts influence the formation of bio-oil components such as phenols, hydrocarbons, and oxygenated compounds. Furthermore, this review discusses recent advancements in catalyst design and modifications to optimize bio-oil production. This review provides the latest advancements in catalytic pyrolysis, emphasizing the correlation between catalyst properties and the resulting products. It aims to offer valuable insights into the future potential of catalytic pyrolysis for efficient biomass conversion and sustainable biofuel production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Photocatalysts Based on Nanocomposites)
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23 pages, 2564 KiB  
Review
Advancements in Transparent Conductive Oxides for Photoelectrochemical Applications
by He Wen, Bo Weng, Bing Wang, Wenbo Xiao, Xiao Liu, Yiming Wang, Menglong Zhang and Haowei Huang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(7), 591; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14070591 - 27 Mar 2024
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3989
Abstract
Photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) are an important technology for converting solar energy, which has experienced rapid development in recent decades. Transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) are also gaining increasing attention due to their crucial role in PEC reactions. This review comprehensively delves into the significance [...] Read more.
Photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) are an important technology for converting solar energy, which has experienced rapid development in recent decades. Transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) are also gaining increasing attention due to their crucial role in PEC reactions. This review comprehensively delves into the significance of TCO materials in PEC devices. Starting from an in-depth analysis of various TCO materials, this review discusses the properties, fabrication techniques, and challenges associated with these TCO materials. Next, we highlight several cost-effective, simple, and environmentally friendly methods, such as element doping, plasma treatment, hot isostatic pressing, and carbon nanotube modification, to enhance the transparency and conductivity of TCO materials. Despite significant progress in the development of TCO materials for PEC applications, we at last point out that the future research should focus on enhancing transparency and conductivity, formulating advanced theories to understand structure–property relationships, and integrating multiple modification strategies to further improve the performance of TCO materials in PEC devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Photocatalysts Based on Nanocomposites)
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