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Search Results (1,168)

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Keywords = composite photocatalyst

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21 pages, 2582 KiB  
Article
Photolysis, Photocatalysis, and Sorption of Caffeine in Aqueous Media in the Presence of Chitosan Membrane and Chitosan/TiO2 Composite Membrane
by Juliana Prando, Ingrid Luíza Reinehr, Luiz Jardel Visioli, Alexandre Tadeu Paulino and Heveline Enzweiler
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2439; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082439 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 219
Abstract
Sorption and advanced oxidative processes (AOPs) are potential strategies for the removal of organic compounds, such as caffeine, from aqueous media. Such strategies tend to be more promising when combined with biopolymeric membranes as sorbents and photocatalyst supports. Therefore, the aim of the [...] Read more.
Sorption and advanced oxidative processes (AOPs) are potential strategies for the removal of organic compounds, such as caffeine, from aqueous media. Such strategies tend to be more promising when combined with biopolymeric membranes as sorbents and photocatalyst supports. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate sorption and AOP parameters in the performance of chitosan membranes and chitosan/TiO2 composite membranes in individual and hybrid systems involving the photolysis, photocatalysis, and sorption of caffeine. Caffeine degradation by photolysis was 19.51 ± 1.14, 28.61 ± 0.05, and 30.64 ± 6.32%, whereas caffeine degradation by photocatalysis with catalytic membrane was 18.33 ± 2.20, 20.83 ± 1.49, and 31.41 ± 3.08% at pH 6, 7, and 8, respectively. In contrast, photocatalysis with the dispersed catalyst achieved degradation of 93.56 ± 2.12, 36.42 ± 2.59, and 31.41 ± 1.07% at pH 6, 7, and 8, respectively. These results indicate that ions present in the buffer solutions affect the net electrical charge on the surface of the composite biomaterial with the change in pH variation, occupying active sorption sites in the structure of the biomaterial, which was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning thermogravimetry, and X-ray diffraction. Thus, it is verified that in a combined process of caffeine removal under UV irradiation and use of chitosan/TiO2 composite membranes in phosphate-buffered medium, the photolysis mechanism is predominant, with little or no contribution from sorption, and that the TiO2 catalyst promotes a significant reduction in the percentage of pollutant in the medium only when used dispersed and at low pH. Full article
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20 pages, 3925 KiB  
Article
Anchor Biochar from Potato Peels with Magnetite Nanoparticles for Solar Photocatalytic Treatment of Oily Wastewater Effluent
by Manasik M. Nour, Hossam A. Nabwey and Maha A. Tony
Catalysts 2025, 15(8), 731; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15080731 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 145
Abstract
The current work is established with the object of modifying the source of Fenton system and substituting iron source as a catalyst with magnetite/potato peels composite material (POT400-M) to be an innovative solar photocatalyst. The structural and morphological characteristics of the material are [...] Read more.
The current work is established with the object of modifying the source of Fenton system and substituting iron source as a catalyst with magnetite/potato peels composite material (POT400-M) to be an innovative solar photocatalyst. The structural and morphological characteristics of the material are assessed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The technique is applied to treat oil spills that pollute seawater. The effectiveness of the operating parameters is studied, and numerical optimization is applied to optimize the most influential parameters on the system, including POT400-M catalyst (47 mg/L) and hydrogen peroxide reagent (372 mg/L) at pH 5.0, to maximize oil removal, reaching 93%. Also, the aqueous solution and wastewater temperature on the oxidation reaction is evaluated and the reaction exhibited an exothermic nature. Kinetic modeling is evaluated, and the reaction is found to follow the second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamic examination of the data exhibits negative enthalpy (ΔH′) values, confirming that the reaction is exothermic, and the system is verified to be able to perform at the minimal activation energy barrier (−51.34 kJ/mol). Full article
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7 pages, 784 KiB  
Communication
Mechanoluminescent-Boosted NiS@g-C3N4/Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu,Dy Heterostructure: An All-Weather Photocatalyst for Water Purification
by Yuchen Huang, Jiamin Wu, Honglei Li, Dehao Liu, Qingzhe Zhang and Kai Li
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2416; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082416 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 245
Abstract
The vast majority of photocatalysts find it difficult to consistently and stably exhibit high performance due to the variability of sunlight intensity within a day, as well as the high energy consumption of artificial light sources. In this study, mechanoluminescent Sr2MgSi [...] Read more.
The vast majority of photocatalysts find it difficult to consistently and stably exhibit high performance due to the variability of sunlight intensity within a day, as well as the high energy consumption of artificial light sources. In this study, mechanoluminescent Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu,Dy phosphors is combined with NiS@g-C3N4 composite to construct a ternary heterogeneous photocatalytic system, denoted as NCS. In addition to the enhanced separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers by the formation of a heterojunction, the introduction of Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu,Dy provides an ultra-driving force for the photocatalytic reactions owing to its mechanoluminescence-induced excitation. Results show that the degradation rate of RhB increased significantly in comparison with pristine g-C3N4 and NiS@g-C3N4, indicating the obvious advantages of the ternary system for charge separation and migration. Moreover, the additional photocatalytic activity of NCS under ultrasound stimulation makes it a promising all-weather photocatalyst even in dark environments. This novel strategy opens up new horizons for the synergistic combination of light-driven and ultrasound-driven heterogeneous photocatalytic systems, and it also has important reference significance for the design and application of high-performance photocatalysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Photocatalysis for a Sustainable Future)
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27 pages, 2729 KiB  
Review
Degradation of Emerging Plastic Pollutants from Aquatic Environments Using TiO2 and Their Composites in Visible Light Photocatalysis
by Alexandra Gabriela Stancu, Maria Râpă, Cristina Liana Popa, Simona Ionela Donțu, Ecaterina Matei and Cristina Ileana Covaliu-Mirelă
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3186; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153186 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 178
Abstract
This review synthesized the current knowledge on the effect of TiO2 photocatalysts on the degradation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) under visible light, highlighting the state-of-the-art techniques, main challenges, and proposed solutions for enhancing the performance of the photocatalysis technique. The [...] Read more.
This review synthesized the current knowledge on the effect of TiO2 photocatalysts on the degradation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) under visible light, highlighting the state-of-the-art techniques, main challenges, and proposed solutions for enhancing the performance of the photocatalysis technique. The synthesis of TiO2-based photocatalysts and hybrid nanostructured TiO2 materials, including those coupled with other semiconductor materials, is explored. Studies on TiO2-based photocatalysts for the degradation of MPs and NPs under visible light remain limited. The degradation behavior is influenced by the composition of the TiO2 composites and the nature of different types of MPs/NPs. Polystyrene (PS) MPs demonstrated complete degradation under visible light photocatalysis in the presence of α-Fe2O3 nanoflowers integrated into a TiO2 film with a hierarchical structure. However, photocatalysis generally fails to achieve the full degradation of small plastic pollutants at the laboratory scale, and its overall effectiveness in breaking down MPs and NPs remains comparatively limited. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Research on Novel Photo-/Electrochemical Materials)
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20 pages, 10028 KiB  
Article
The Fabrication of Cu2O-u/g-C3N4 Heterojunction and Its Application in CO2 Photoreduction
by Jiawei Lu, Yupeng Zhang, Fengxu Xiao, Zhikai Liu, Youran Li, Guiyang Shi and Hao Zhang
Catalysts 2025, 15(8), 715; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15080715 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 421
Abstract
Over efficient photocatalysts, CO2 photoreduction typically converts CO2 into low-carbon chemicals, which serve as raw materials for downstream synthesis processes. Here, an efficient composite photocatalyst heterojunction (Cu2O-u/g-C3N4) has been fabricated to reduce CO2. [...] Read more.
Over efficient photocatalysts, CO2 photoreduction typically converts CO2 into low-carbon chemicals, which serve as raw materials for downstream synthesis processes. Here, an efficient composite photocatalyst heterojunction (Cu2O-u/g-C3N4) has been fabricated to reduce CO2. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was synthesized via thermal polymerization of urea at 550 °C, while pre-dispersed Cu2O derived from urea pyrolysis (Cu2O-u) was prepared by thermal reduction of urea and CuCl2·2H2O at 180 °C. The heterojunction Cu2O-u/g-C3N4 was subsequently constructed through hydrothermal treatment at 180 °C. This heterojunction exhibited a bandgap of 2.10 eV, with dual optical absorption edges at 485 nm and above 800 nm, enabling efficient harvesting of solar light. Under 175 W mercury lamp irradiation, the heterojunction catalyzed liquid-phase CO2 photoreduction to formic acid, acetic acid, and methanol. Its formic acid production activity surpassed that of pristine g-C3N4 by 3.14-fold and TiO2 by 8.72-fold. Reaction media, hole scavengers, and reaction duration modulated product selectivity. In acetonitrile/isopropanol systems, formic acid and acetic acid production reached 579.4 and 582.8 μmol·h−1·gcat−1. Conversely, in water/triethanolamine systems, methanol production reached 3061.6 μmol·h−1·gcat−1, with 94.79% of the initial conversion retained after three cycles. Finally, this work ends with the conclusions of the CO2 photocatalytic reduction to formic acid, acetic acid, and methanol, and recommends prospects for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Photocatalysis)
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20 pages, 4256 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress and Future Perspectives of MNb2O6 Nanomaterials for Photocatalytic Water Splitting
by Parnapalle Ravi and Jin-Seo Noh
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3516; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153516 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 210
Abstract
The transition to clean and renewable energy sources is critically dependent on efficient hydrogen production technologies. This review surveys recent advances in photocatalytic water splitting, focusing on MNb2O6 nanomaterials, which have emerged as promising photocatalysts due to their tunable band [...] Read more.
The transition to clean and renewable energy sources is critically dependent on efficient hydrogen production technologies. This review surveys recent advances in photocatalytic water splitting, focusing on MNb2O6 nanomaterials, which have emerged as promising photocatalysts due to their tunable band structures, chemical robustness, and tailored morphologies. The objectives of this work are to (i) encompass the current synthesis strategies for MNb2O6 compounds; (ii) assess their structural, electronic, and optical properties in relation to photocatalytic performance; and (iii) elucidate the mechanisms underpinning enhanced hydrogen evolution. Main data collection methods include a literature review of experimental studies reporting bandgap measurements, structural analyses, and hydrogen production metrics for various MNb2O6 compositions—especially those incorporating transition metals such as Mn, Cu, Ni, and Co. Novelty stems from systematically detailing the relationships between synthesis routes (hydrothermal, solvothermal, electrospinning, etc.), crystallographic features, conductivity type, and bandgap tuning in these materials, as well as by benchmarking their performance against more conventional photocatalyst systems. Key findings indicate that MnNb2O6, CuNb2O6, and certain engineered heterostructures (e.g., with g-C3N4 or TiO2) display significant visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution, achieving hydrogen production rates up to 146 mmol h−1 g−1 in composite systems. The review spotlights trends in heterojunction design, defect engineering, co-catalyst integration, and the extension of light absorption into the visible range, all contributing to improved charge separation and catalytic longevity. However, significant challenges remain in realizing the full potential of the broader MNb2O6 family, particularly regarding efficiency, scalability, and long-term stability. The insights synthesized here serve as a guide for future experimental investigations and materials design, advancing the deployment of MNb2O6-based photocatalysts for large-scale, sustainable hydrogen production. Full article
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20 pages, 2048 KiB  
Article
Photocatalytic Degradation of Oxytetracycline and Imidacloprid Under Visible Light with Sr0.95Bi0.05TiO3: Influence of Aqueous Matrix
by Maria J. Nunes, Ana Lopes, Maria J. Pacheco, Paulo T. Fiadeiro, Guilherme J. Inacio, Jefferson E. Silveira, Alyson R. Ribeiro, Wendel S. Paz and Lurdes Ciríaco
Water 2025, 17(15), 2177; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152177 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 197
Abstract
In this study, Sr0.95Bi0.05TiO3 was synthesized via solid state reaction, characterized, and applied as a visible-light-active photocatalyst for the degradation of oxytetracycline, imidacloprid, and their mixture. To evaluate the influence of the aqueous matrix on pollutant degradation, photocatalytic [...] Read more.
In this study, Sr0.95Bi0.05TiO3 was synthesized via solid state reaction, characterized, and applied as a visible-light-active photocatalyst for the degradation of oxytetracycline, imidacloprid, and their mixture. To evaluate the influence of the aqueous matrix on pollutant degradation, photocatalytic experiments were carried out in both distilled water and a real environmental sample (surface water). The Sr0.95Bi0.05TiO3 perovskite showed high photocatalytic performance under visible light, achieving nearly complete degradation of oxytetracycline after 2 h, and significant removal of imidacloprid in river water (60% after 3 h). Enhanced degradation in surface water was attributed to favorable ionic composition and pH. The perovskite oxide maintained its photocatalytic performance over five consecutive cycles, with no significant loss in photocatalytic activity or structural and morphological stability. Ecotoxicological assessment using Daphnia magna confirmed that the treated water was non-toxic, indicating that no harmful byproducts were formed. Complementary Density Functional Theory calculations were conducted to complement experimental findings, providing insights into the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the photocatalyst, enhancing the understanding of the degradation mechanisms involved. This integrated approach, combining experimental photocatalytic performance evaluation in different matrices, ecotoxicity testing, and theoretical modeling, highlights Sr0.95Bi0.05TiO3 as a promising, stable, and environmentally safe photocatalyst for practical wastewater treatment applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
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21 pages, 4597 KiB  
Article
Preparation of Non-Covalent BPTCD/g-C3N4 Heterojunction Photocatalysts and Photodegradation of Organic Dyes Under Solar Irradiation
by Xing Wei, Gaopeng Jia, Ru Chen and Yalong Zhang
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(14), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15141131 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 287
Abstract
In this study, the BPTCD/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully prepared by the hydrothermal method. BPTCD (3,3′,4,4′-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride) is immobilised on the surface of g-C3N4 by non-covalent π-π stacking. The BPTCD/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst is [...] Read more.
In this study, the BPTCD/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully prepared by the hydrothermal method. BPTCD (3,3′,4,4′-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride) is immobilised on the surface of g-C3N4 by non-covalent π-π stacking. The BPTCD/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst is an all-organic photocatalyst with significantly improved photocatalytic performance compared with g-C3N4. BPTCD/g-C3N4-60% was able to effectively degrade MO solution (10 mg/L) to 99.9% and 82.8% in 60 min under full spectrum and visible light. The TOC measurement results indicate that MO can ultimately be decomposed into H2O and CO2 through photocatalytic action. The photodegradation of methyl orange by BPTCD/g-C3N4 composite materials under sunlight is mainly attributed to the successful construction of the heterojunction structure and its excellent π-π stacking effect. Superoxide radicals (O2) were found to be the main active species, while OH and h+ played a secondary role. The synthesised BPTCD/g-C3N4 also showed excellent stability in the activity of photodegradation of MO in wastewater, with the performance remaining above 90% after three cycles. The mechanism of the photocatalytic removal of MO dyes was also investigated by the trap agent experiments. Additionally, BPTCD/g-C3N4-60% demonstrated exceptional photodegradation performance in the degradation of methylene blue (MB). BPTCD/g-C3N4 heterojunctions have great potential to degrade organic pollutants in wastewater under solar irradiation conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology)
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11 pages, 1808 KiB  
Article
CdZnS Nanowire Decorated with Graphene for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
by Zemeng Wang, Yunsheng Shen, Qingsheng Liu, Tao Deng, Kangqiang Lu and Zhaoguo Hong
Molecules 2025, 30(14), 3042; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30143042 - 20 Jul 2025
Viewed by 276
Abstract
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. [...] Read more.
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 Cd0.8Zn0.2S nanowire photocatalytic system decorated with graphene (GR) was prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. The introduction of graphene increased the reaction active area of Cd0.8Zn0.2S, 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 Cd0.8Zn0.2S 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
(This article belongs to the Section Photochemistry)
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32 pages, 1689 KiB  
Review
Photocatalytic Degradation of Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Materials, Mechanisms, Practical Challenges, and Future Perspectives
by Yelriza Yeszhan, Kalampyr Bexeitova, Samgat Yermekbayev, Zhexenbek Toktarbay, Jechan Lee, Ronny Berndtsson and Seitkhan Azat
Water 2025, 17(14), 2139; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17142139 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 543
Abstract
Due to its persistence and potential negative effects on ecosystems and human health, microplastic pollution in aquatic environments has become a major worldwide concern. Photocatalytic degradation is a sustainable manner to degrade microplastics to non-toxic by-products. In this review, comprehensive discussion focuses on [...] Read more.
Due to its persistence and potential negative effects on ecosystems and human health, microplastic pollution in aquatic environments has become a major worldwide concern. Photocatalytic degradation is a sustainable manner to degrade microplastics to non-toxic by-products. In this review, comprehensive discussion focuses on the synergistic effects of various photocatalytic materials including TiO2, ZnO, WO3, graphene oxide, and metal–organic frameworks for producing heterojunctions and involving multidimensional nanostructures. Such mechanisms can include the generation of reactive oxygen species and polymer chain scission, which can lead to microplastic breakdown and mineralization. The advancements of material modifications in the (nano)structure of photocatalysts, doping, and heterojunction formation methods to promote UV and visible light-driven photocatalytic activity is discussed in this paper. Reactor designs, operational parameters, and scalability for practical applications are also reviewed. Photocatalytic systems have shown a lot of development but are hampered by shortcomings which include a lack of complete mineralization and production of intermediary secondary products; variability in performance due to the fluctuation in the intensity of solar light, limited UV light, and environmental conditions such as weather and the diurnal cycle. Future research involving multifunctional, environmentally benign photocatalytic techniques—e.g., doped composites or composite-based catalysts that involve adsorption, photocatalysis, and magnetic retrieval—are proposed to focus on the mechanism of utilizing light effectively and the environmental safety, which are necessary for successful operational and industrial-scale remediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
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18 pages, 5167 KiB  
Article
Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline Antibiotics by BiPO4/g-C3N4: A Novel Heterojunction Nanocomposite with Nanorod/Stacked-like Nanosheets Structure
by Xin Zhu, Moye Luo, Cheng Sun, Jinlin Jiang and Yang Guo
Molecules 2025, 30(14), 2905; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30142905 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 252
Abstract
The use of semiconductors for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants has garnered considerable attention as a promising solution to environmental challenges. Compared to TiO2, BiPO4 exhibits superior photocatalytic activity. However, its large band gap restricts its light absorption to the [...] Read more.
The use of semiconductors for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants has garnered considerable attention as a promising solution to environmental challenges. Compared to TiO2, BiPO4 exhibits superior photocatalytic activity. However, its large band gap restricts its light absorption to the UV region. One effective technique for extending BiPO4’s absorption wavelength into the visible spectrum is the construction of the heterostructure. This study aimed to synthesize monodisperse BiPO4 nanorods via a solvothermal approach and fabricate BiPO4/g-C3N4 heterojunctions with varying loadings through in situ deposition. Tetracyclines were employed as the target pollutant to evaluate the photocatalytic performance and stability of the prepared materials. The results indicated that 5 wt% of composite exhibited better photocatalytic performance than single catalysts, which showed the highest photodegradation efficiency of approximately 98% for tetracyclines. The prepared bi-photocatalyst presented favorable stability under sunlight irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of which remained almost unchanged after four cycles. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributed to the synergistic effect. Additionally, the possible degradation mechanism was elucidated utilizing the semiconductor energy band theory. Overall, this work presents new perspectives on synthesizing innovative and efficient visible-light-driven photocatalysts. It also offers a mechanistic analysis approach by integrating theoretical calculations with experimental observations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants)
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32 pages, 11334 KiB  
Article
Photocatalytic Degradation of Petroleum Wastewater Using ZnO-Loaded Pistachio Shell Biochar: A Sustainable Approach for Oil and COD Removal
by Eveleen A. Dawood, Thamer J. Mohammed, Buthainah Ali Al-Timimi and Eman H. Khader
Reactions 2025, 6(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions6030038 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 488
Abstract
The disposal of wastewater resulting from petroleum industries presents a major environmental challenge due to the presence of hard-to-degrade organic pollutants, such as oils and hydrocarbons, and high chemical oxygen demand (COD). In this study, an efficient and eco-friendly method was developed to [...] Read more.
The disposal of wastewater resulting from petroleum industries presents a major environmental challenge due to the presence of hard-to-degrade organic pollutants, such as oils and hydrocarbons, and high chemical oxygen demand (COD). In this study, an efficient and eco-friendly method was developed to treat such wastewater using a photocatalyst composed of biochar derived from pistachio shells and loaded with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The biochar-ZnO composite was prepared via a co-precipitation-assisted pyrolysis method to evaluate its efficiency in the photocatalytic degradation of petroleum wastewater (PW). The synthesized material was characterized using various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, to determine surface morphology, crystal structure, and functional groups present on the catalyst surface. Photocatalytic degradation experiments were conducted under UV and sunlight for 90 h of irradiation to evaluate the performance of the proposed system in removing oil and reducing COD levels. Key operational parameters, such as pH (2–10), catalyst dosage (0–0.1) g/50 mL, and oil and COD concentrations (50–500) ppm and (125–1252) ppm, were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) to obtain the maximum oil and COD removal efficiency. The oil and COD were removed from PW (90.20% and 88.80%) at 0.1 g/50 mL of PS/ZnO, a pH of 2, and 50 ppm oil concentration (125 ppm of COD concentration) under UV light. The results show that pollutant removal is slightly better when using sunlight (80.00% oil removal, 78.28% COD removal) than when using four lamps of UV light (77.50% oil removal, 75.52% COD removal) at 0.055 g/50 mL of PS/ZnO, a pH of 6.8, and 100 ppm of oil concentration (290 ppm of COD concentration). The degradation rates of the PS/ZnO supported a pseudo-first-order kinetic model with R2 values of 0.9960 and 0.9922 for oil and COD. This work indicates the potential use of agricultural waste, such as pistachio shells, as a sustainable source for producing effective catalysts for industrial wastewater treatment, opening broad prospects in the field of green and nanotechnology-based environmental solutions in the development of eco-friendly and effective wastewater treatment technologies under solar light. Full article
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15 pages, 4230 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Cs/P Co-Doping in Tubular g-C3N4 for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
by Juanfeng Gao, Xiao Lin, Bowen Jiang, Haiyan Zhang and Youji Li
Hydrogen 2025, 6(3), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrogen6030045 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 325
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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
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28 pages, 3287 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Using 2D MoS2 Based Materials
by Khursheed Ahmad and Tae Hwan Oh
Catalysts 2025, 15(7), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15070648 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 700
Abstract
Due to the increase in energy demand, photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production has received enormous interest from the scientific community due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The photocatalyst (PC) plays a vital role in H2 evolution, and it is well understood [...] Read more.
Due to the increase in energy demand, photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production has received enormous interest from the scientific community due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The photocatalyst (PC) plays a vital role in H2 evolution, and it is well understood that an efficient PC should have a larger surface area and better charge separation and transport properties. Previously, extensive efforts were made to prepare the efficient PC for photocatalytic H2 production. In some cases, pristine catalyst could not catalyze the catalytic reactions due to a fast recombination rate or poor catalytic behavior. Thus, cocatalysts can be explored to boost the photocatalytic H2 production. In this regard, a promising cocatalyst should have a large surface area, more active sites, decent conductivity, and improved catalytic properties. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is one of the two-dimensional (2D) layered materials that have excellent optical, electrical, and physicochemical properties. MoS2 has been widely utilized as a cocatalyst for the photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible light. Herein, we have reviewed the progress in the fabrication of MoS2 and its composites with metal oxides, perovskite, graphene, carbon nanotubes, graphitic carbon nitrides, polymers, MXenes, metal-organic frameworks, layered double hydroxides, metal sulfides, etc. for photocatalytic H2 evolution. The reports showed that MoS2 is one of the desirable cocatalysts for photocatalytic H2 production applications. The challenges and future perspectives are also mentioned. This study may be beneficial for the researchers working on the design and fabrication of MoS2-based PCs for photocatalytic H2 evolution applications. Full article
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17 pages, 3368 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Photocatalytic Performances and Mechanistic Insights for Novel Ag-Bridged Dual Z-Scheme AgI/Ag3PO4/WO3 Composites
by Chunlei Ma, Jianke Tang, Qi Wang, Rongqian Meng and Qiaoling Li
Inorganics 2025, 13(7), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13070222 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 532
Abstract
In this study, AgI/Ag3PO4/WO3 ternary composite photocatalysts with dual Z-scheme heterojunction were fabricated via the in situ loading of Ag3PO4 onto WO3 followed by anion exchange. Compared to single photocatalysts and binary composites, the [...] Read more.
In this study, AgI/Ag3PO4/WO3 ternary composite photocatalysts with dual Z-scheme heterojunction were fabricated via the in situ loading of Ag3PO4 onto WO3 followed by anion exchange. Compared to single photocatalysts and binary composites, the AgI/Ag3PO4/WO3 composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity in the photodegradation of chlortetracycline hydrochloride (CTC) under visible-light irradiation. Notably, the AAW-40 photocatalyst, which contained an AgI/Ag3PO4 molar ratio of 40%, degraded 75.7% of the CTC within 75 min. Moreover, AAW-40 demonstrated an excellent performance in the cyclic degradation of CTC over four cyclic degradation experiments. The separation and transfer kinetics of the AgI/Ag3PO4/WO3 composite were investigated with photoluminescence spectroscopy, time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, and electrochemical measurements. The improved photocatalytic performance was primarily due to the creation of a silver-bridged dual Z-scheme heterojunction, which facilitated the efficient separation of photoinduced electron–hole pairs, retained the strong reducing capability of electrons in AgI, and ensured the strongly oxidizing nature of the photoexcited holes in WO3. The dual Z-scheme charge-transfer mechanism was further validated using in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This study provides a foundation for developing innovative dual Z-scheme photocatalytic systems aimed at the efficient degradation of antibiotics in wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inorganic Photocatalysts for Environmental Applications)
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