Search Results (92)

Lanthanide rare earth elements possess significant promise for material applications owing to their distinctive optical and magnetic characteristics, as well as their versatile coordination capabilities. This study introduced a lanthanide-functionalized magnetic nanocellulose composite (NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃) for effective phosphorus/nitrogen (P/N) ligand separation. The hybrid material employs the adaptable coordination geometry and strong affinity for oxygen of La³⁺ ions to show enhanced DNA-binding capacity via multi-site coordination with phosphate backbones and bases. This study utilized cellulose as a carrier, which was modified through carboxylation and amination processes employing deep eutectic solvents (DES) and polyethyleneimine. Magnetic nanoparticles and La(OH)₃ were subsequently incorporated into the cellulose via in situ growth. NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃ showed a specific surface area of 36.2 m²·g⁻¹ and a magnetic saturation intensity of 37 emu/g, facilitating the formation of ligands with accessible La³⁺ active sites, hence creating mesoporous interfaces that allow for fast separation. NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃ showed a significant affinity for DNA, with adsorption capacities reaching 243 mg/g, mostly due to the multistage coordination binding of La³⁺ to the phosphate groups and bases of DNA. Simultaneously, kinetic experiments indicated that the binding process adhered to a pseudo-secondary kinetic model, predominantly dependent on chemisorption. This study developed a unique rare-earth coordination-driven functional hybrid material, which is highly significant for constructing selective separation platforms for P/N-containing ligands. Full article

The discharge of oily wastewater threatens the ecosystem and human health, and the efficient treatment of oily wastewater is confronted with problems of high mass transfer resistance at the oil-water-solid multiphase interface, significant light shielding effect, and easy deactivation of photocatalysts. Although traditional physical separation methods avoid secondary pollution by chemicals and can effectively separate floating oil and dispersed oil, they are ineffective in removing emulsified oil with small particle sizes. To address these complex challenges, photocatalytic technology and photocatalysis-based improved technologies have emerged, offering significant application prospects in degrading organic pollutants in oily wastewater as an environmentally friendly oxidation technology. In this paper, the degradation mechanism, kinetic mechanism, and limitations of conventional photocatalysis technology are briefly discussed. Subsequently, the surface interface modulation functions of metal doping and heterojunction energy band engineering, along with their applications in enhancing the light absorption range and carrier separation efficiency, are reviewed. Focus on typical studies on the separation and degradation of aqueous and oily phases using photocatalytic membrane technology, and illustrate the advantages and mechanisms of photocatalysts loaded on the membranes. Finally, other new approaches and converging technologies in the field are outlined, and the challenges and prospects for the future treatment of oily wastewater are presented. Full article

Harnessing abundant and renewable solar energy for photocatalytic hydrogen production is a highly promising approach to sustainable energy generation. To realize the practical implementation of such systems, the development of photocatalysts that simultaneously exhibit high activity, cost-effectiveness, and long-term stability is critically important. In this study, a Cd_0.8Zn_0.2S nanowire photocatalytic system decorated with graphene (GR) was prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. The introduction of graphene increased the reaction active area of Cd_0.8Zn_0.2S, promoted the separation of photogenerated charge carriers in the semiconductor, and improved the photocatalytic performance of the Cd₀.₈Zn₀.₂S semiconductor. The results showed that Cd_0.8Zn_0.2S loaded with 5% graphene exhibited the best photocatalytic activity, with a hydrogen production rate of 1063.4 µmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹. Characterization data revealed that the graphene cocatalyst significantly enhances electron transfer kinetics in Cd₀.₈Zn₀.₂S, thereby improving the separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers. This study demonstrates a rational strategy for designing high-performance, low-cost composite photocatalysts using earth-abundant cocatalysts, advancing sustainable hydrogen production. Full article

Developing high-performance photocatalysts for solar hydrogen production requires the synergistic modulation of chemical composition, nanostructure, and charge carrier transport pathways. Herein, we report a Cs and P co-doped tubular graphitic carbon nitride (Cs/PTCN-x) photocatalyst synthesized via a strategy that integrates elemental doping with morphological engineering. Structural characterizations reveal that phosphorus atoms substitute lattice carbon to form P-N bonds, while Cs⁺ ions intercalate between g-C₃N₄ layers, collectively modulating surface electronic states and enhancing charge transport. Under visible-light irradiation (λ ≥ 400 nm), the optimized Cs/PTCN-3 catalyst achieves an impressive hydrogen evolution rate of 8.085 mmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹—over 33 times higher than that of pristine g-C₃N₄. This remarkable performance is attributed to the multidimensional synergy between band structure tailoring and hierarchical porous tubular architecture, which together enhance light absorption, charge separation, and surface reaction kinetics. This work offers a versatile approach for the rational design of g-C₃N₄-based photocatalysts toward efficient solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion. Full article

Highly efficient photocatalysts for solar energy conversion require effective charge carrier separation and rapid interfacial transport kinetics to maximize electron availability. Two-dimensional Ti₃CNT_x, a novel conductive material in the MXene family with exceptional electrical conductivity, has emerged as an ideal electron transfer mediator due to its large specific surface area and abundant active terminal groups. In this work, we strategically integrated the 2D multi-metal sulfide Cu-Zn-In-S (CZIS) with 2D Ti₃CNT_x nanosheets through physical mixture, constructing a heterostructured 2D/2D CZIS/Ti₃CNT_x composite photocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction. The unique architecture significantly accelerates electron migration from CZIS to Ti₃CNT_x, while synergistically promoting the spatial separation and directional transfer of photogenerated electron–hole pairs (e⁻/h⁺). When the hydrogen evolution reaction is carried out under identical conditions, the hydrogen yield rate is 4.3 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ with pristine CZIS but is improved dramatically to 14.3 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ when the composite containing an adequate amount of 2D Ti₃CNT_x is used. This study offers new insight into the rational design and controllable synthesis of Ti₃CNT_x-based composite photocatalytic systems for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production. Full article

In order to develop an efficient, environmentally friendly heavy metal ions adsorbent, the amino-modified expanded vermiculite-supported nano zero-valent iron (nZVI@PEI/EVMT) was prepared by using polyethyleneimine (PEI) as the functional reagent and expanded vermiculite (EVMT) as the carrier. The characterization results of nZVI@PEI/EVMT confirm that the PEI modification did not destroy the crystal configuration of EVMT, and when nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) was successfully loaded onto the PEI/EVMT surface, the value of saturation magnetic field was 41.5 emu/g, which could be separated from solution with magnet. The performance of Cr(VI) adsorption onto nZVI@PEI/EVMT was studied, showing that the ideal mass ratio for nZVI@PEI/EVMT was 1:1, and the removal capacity was largest when solution pH was 2. After four adsorption–desorption cycles, the adsorption amounts remained 40.1 mg/g. The Cr(VI) adsorption onto nZVI@PEI/EVMT was more consistent with a pseudo-second-order kinetics equation. Isotherm adsorption data accord with the Langmuir model, which suggests that the adsorption was the monolayer, the maximum adsorption amount was 116.2 mg/g at 30 °C and pH 2, and the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic. It was inferred that the adsorption mechanisms included electrostatic attraction, reduction, chemical complexation, and co-precipitation. Full article

A composite photocatalyst of ceria–cadmium supported on mesoporous SBA-15 silica was synthesized and employed for the aqueous methylene blue (MB) degradation. The composites were prepared using an incipient wetness impregnation technique and a conventional sol–gel approach with triblock copolymer P123 as a structure-directing agent for SBA-15 preparation, enabling the uniform dispersion of CeO₂ and Cd species within the SBA-15 framework. The physicochemical properties of both CeO₂/SBA-15 and Cd-CeO₂/SBA-15 composites were analyzed using small-angle and wide-angle XRD, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, EDX spectroscopy, N₂ physisorption at 77 K, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The findings revealed that the SBA-15 support retained its well-ordered hexagonal mesostructure in both the ceria–SBA-15 and SBA-15-supported cadmium–ceria (Cd-CeO₂) composites. The highest degradation efficiency of 96.40% was achieved under optimal conditions, and kinetic analysis using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model indicated that the MB degradation process followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, with a strong correlation coefficient (R² = 0.9925) and a rate constant (k) of 0.02532 min⁻¹. Under irradiation, the Cd-CeO₂/SBA-15 composites exhibited superior photocatalytic activity compared to the pristine components, owing to the synergistic interaction between ceria and cadmium, enhanced light absorption, and improved charge carrier separation. The recyclability test demonstrated that the degradation efficiency decreased slightly from 96.40% to 94.86% after three cycles, confirming the stability and reusability of Cd-CeO₂/SBA-15 composites. The photocatalytic process demonstrated a favorable electrical energy per order (EE/O) value of 281.8 kWh m⁻³, indicating promising energy efficiency for practical wastewater treatment. These results highlight the excellent photocatalytic performance and durability of the synthesized Cd-CeO₂/SBA-15 composites, making them promising candidates for facilitating the photocatalytic decomposition of MB and other dye molecules in water treatment applications. Full article

Photothermal catalytic CO₂ conversion into chemicals that provide added value represents a promising strategy for sustainable energy utilization, yet the development of highly efficient, stable, and selective catalysts remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report a rationally designed p-n junction heterostructure, T-CZ-PBA (SC), synthesized via controlled pyrolysis of high crystalline Prussian blue analogues (PBA) precursor, which integrates CuCo alloy, ZnO, N-doped carbon (NC), and Zn^II-Co^IIIPBA into a synergistic architecture. This unique configuration offers dual functional advantages: (1) the abundant heterointerfaces provide highly active sites for enhanced CO₂ and H₂ adsorption/activation, and (2) the engineered energy band structure optimizes charge separation and transport efficiency. The optimized T-C₃Z₁-PBA (SC) achieves exceptional photothermal catalytic performance, demonstrating a CO₂ conversion rate of 126.0 mmol gcat⁻¹ h⁻¹ with 98.8% CO selectivity under 350 °C light irradiation, while maintaining robust stability over 50 h of continuous operation. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (in situ DRIFTS) investigations have identified COOH* as a critical reaction intermediate and elucidated that photoexcitation accelerates charge carrier dynamics, thereby substantially promoting the conversion of key intermediates (CO₂* and CO*) and overall reaction kinetics. This research provides insights for engineering high-performance heterostructured catalysts by controlling interfacial and electronic structures. Full article

In this paper, polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) were created using poly(vinyl chloride)-based alkyl sulfonic acid derivatives as ion carriers and dioctyl terephthalate as a plasticizer for the selective separation of Pb(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) ions from aqueous nitrate solutions. The ion carriers were dinonylnaphthalenesulfonic acid (DNNSA) and nonylbenzenesulfonic acid (NBSA). The influence of the carrier and the plasticizer concentration in the membrane on the transport efficiency was investigated. For the PIM system, 15% wt. of carrier (DNNSA, NBSA), 20% wt. of plasticizer, and 65% wt. of polymer poly(vinyl chloride) PVC were the optimal proportions, with which the process was the most effective. Research on the transport kinetics has shown that the transport of Pb(II) ions through PIMs containing acidic carriers adheres to a first-order kinetics equation, which is characteristic of a facilitated transport mechanism. The activation parameter for these processes suggests that the high performance of these ion carriers is associated with the immobilization of the carrier within the membrane. It was found that PIMs based on DNNSA facilitate the selective separation of Pb(II)/Cu(II) and Pb(II)/Cd(II) mixtures, achieving high separation factors. Full article

CO₂ photoreduction technology offers significant potential for addressing energy and environmental challenges, though its practical application is hindered by insufficient photo-absorption and rapid carrier recombination. Herein, we constructed the WO₃/In₂S₃ S-scheme heterojunction through hydrothermal assembly of two-dimensional WO₃ nanosheets and scale-like In₂S₃ nanoflakes. Systematic characterization via XRD, XPS, SEM, and TEM verified the successful preparation of hierarchical nanostructures with optimized interfacial contact in the WO₃/In₂S₃ composites. UV-Vis DRS analysis showed that the photo-absorption range of the catalyst was significantly widened. Photoelectrochemical investigations (EIS, TPR, PL, and LSV) revealed enhanced carrier separation efficiency and reduced recombination kinetics in the heterojunction system. The optimized WO₃/In₂S₃ (WI-60) catalyst had a CO evolution efficiency of 55.14 μmol·g⁻¹ under the UV-Vis light, representing a 3.9-fold enhancement over the pure In₂S₃ (14.08 μmol·g⁻¹). Mechanistic studies through the XPS and band-structure analysis confirmed the establishment of an S-scheme carrier’ transfer pathway, which simultaneously preserved strong redox potentials and promoted the separation process of carriers. This research provides a validated strategy for developing efficient S-scheme photocatalytic systems for solar fuel generation. Full article

Addressing the critical challenges of interfacial defects and insufficient stability in perovskite solar cells, this work introduces a co-solvent engineering strategy to dynamically regulate the phenethylammonium chloride (PEACl) passivation layer. The effect of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and a DMSO: IPA (1:100) mixture as solvent for forming the PEACl 2D passivation layer is systematically explored, and the synergistic interplay between solvent coordination strength and crystallization kinetics is systematically investigated. The DMSO: IPA (1:100) blend balances Pb-O coordination (via DMSO) and rapid phase separation (via IPA), enabling the oriented growth of a dense, ultrathin 2D perovskite overlayer. This suppresses defect density (electron traps reduced to 1.68 × 10¹⁵ cm⁻³) and extends carrier lifetime, yielding a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.27%—a significant improvement over the control (22.73%). For the first time, we establish a dual-parameter “solvent coordination-crystallization kinetics” model, providing a universal framework for designing environmentally benign solvent systems and advancing the industrial scalability of high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Full article

Piezoelectric and photocatalytic technologies use mechanical and light energy to decompose environmental contaminants, demonstrating a beneficial synergistic impact. This investigation employs a two-step hydrothermal-calcination technique to synthesize N-doped MoS₂ photocatalytic materials. The ideal catalyst, N-MoS₂-3, utilizing the synergistic effect of piezoelectric–photocatalysis processes, attained a TC degradation rate of 90.8% in 60 min. The kinetic constant (0.0374 min⁻¹) is 1.75 times greater than the combined rates of single photocatalysis and piezoelectric catalysis, indicating a notable synergistic impact. The material has 80% degradation efficiency after five cycles, indicating its remarkable resilience. Mechanistic investigations reveal that nitrogen doping establishes an internal electric field by modulating the S-Mo-S charge distribution. Photogenerated electrons move to generate •O₂⁻, while holes accumulate internally. The ultrasound-induced piezoelectric polarization field interacts with the photogenerated electric field in reverse, thereby synergistically improving carrier separation efficiency and facilitating redox processes. This study emphasizes the viability of non-metal doping as a method for modifying the properties of two-dimensional materials, offering a novel approach to enhance the synergistic attributes of piezoelectric and photocatalytic processes. This technology possesses significant promise for environmental restoration through the utilization of solar and mechanical energy. Full article

Monitoring trace toluene exposure is critical for early-stage lung cancer screening via breath analysis, yet conventional chemiresistive sensors face fundamental limitations, including compromised selectivity in complex VOC matrices and humidity-induced signal drift, with prevailing p–n heterojunction architectures suffering from inherent charge recombination and environmental instability. Herein, we pioneer a 2D core–shell n–n heterojunction strategy through rational design of TiO₂@MoS₂ heterostructures, where vertically aligned MoS₂ nanosheets are epitaxially grown on 2D TiO₂ derived from graphene-templated synthesis, creating built-in electric fields at the heterojunction interface that dramatically enhance charge carrier separation efficiency. At 240 °C, the TiO₂@MoS₂ sensor exhibits a superior response (R_a/R_g = 9.8 to 10 ppm toluene), outperforming MoS₂ (R_a/R_g = 2.8). Additionally, the sensor demonstrates rapid response/recovery kinetics (9 s/16 s), a low detection limit (50 ppb), and excellent selectivity against interfering gases and moisture. The enhanced performance is attributed to unidirectional electron transfer (TiO₂ → MoS₂) without hole recombination losses, methyl-specific adsorption through TiO₂ oxygen vacancy alignment, and steric exclusion of non-target VOCs via size-selective MoS₂ interlayers. This work establishes a transformative paradigm in gas sensor design by leveraging n–n heterojunction physics and 2D core–shell synergy, overcoming long-standing limitations of conventional architectures. Full article

The urgent global demand for sustainable green energy solutions has recognized hydrogen (H₂) as a viable green energy carrier. This study explores the efficient production of H₂ as a potential source of sustainable, environmentally friendly, high-energy-density fuel characterized by eco-friendly burning by-products. The research focuses on the photohydrolysis reaction of ammonia borane (AB), utilizing CdO-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in polyurethane (PU) nanofibers (CdO/ZnO NPs@PU NFs) as a novel photocatalyst. Three different amounts of CdO/ZnO NPs were loaded onto PU NFs. The synthesized CdO/ZnO NPs@PU NFs exhibited good photocatalytic performance under visible light, producing approximately 67 mL of H₂ from 1 mmol of AB in 15 min with the sample containing the highest loading of CdO/ZnO NPs@PU NFs. This impressive photocatalytic performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of CdO and ZnO, which enhance charge carrier separation and broaden bandgap absorption in the visible spectrum. Kinetic studies demonstrated that the reaction exhibited first-order kinetics regarding catalyst dosing and zero-order kinetics concerning AB concentration, with an activation energy (E_a) of 32.28 kJ/mol. The results position CdO/ZnO NPs@PU NFs as effective photocatalysts for H₂ photogeneration under visible light irradiation. Full article

Considering the poor conductivity of Fe₂O₃ and the weak oxygen evolution reaction associated with it, surface hole accumulation leads to electron hole pair recombination, which inhibits the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of the Fe₂O₃ photoanode. Therefore, the key to improving the PEC water oxidation performance of the Fe₂O₃ photoanode is to take measures to improve the conductivity of Fe₂O₃ and accelerate the reaction kinetics of surface oxidation. In this work, the PEC performances of Fe₂O₃ photoanodes are synergistically improved by combining loaded an FeOOH cocatalyst and oxygen vacancy doping. Firstly, amorphous FeOOH layers are successfully prepared on Fe₂O₃ nanostructures through simple photoassisted electrodepositon. Then oxygen vacancies are introduced into FeOOH-Fe₂O₃ through plasma vacuum treatment, which reduces the content of Fe-O (O_L) and Fe-OH (-OH), jointly promoting the generation of oxygen vacancies. Oxygen vacancy can increase the concentration of most carriers in Fe₂O₃ and form photo-induced charge traps, promoting the separation of electron holes and enhancing the conductivity of Fe₂O₃. The other parts of -OH act as oxygen evolution catalysts to reduce the reaction obstacle of water oxidation and promote the transfer of holes to the electrode/electrolyte interface. The performance of FeOOH-Fe₂O₃ after plasma vacuum treatment has been greatly improved, and the photocurrent density is about 1.9 times higher than that of the Fe₂O₃ photoanode. The improvement in the water oxidation performance of PEC is considered to be the synergistic effect of the cocatalyst and oxygen vacancy. All outstanding PEC response characteristics show that the modification of the cocatalyst and oxygen vacancy doping represent a favorable strategy for synergistically improving Fe₂O₃ photoanode performance. Full article