Search Results (160)

The continuous emission of persistent and bioaccumulative pollutants into aquatic environments has become a critical global issue. Among these, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are of particular concern due to their exceptional stability, extensive industrial use, and adverse impacts on ecosystems and human health. Their resistance to conventional physical, chemical, and biological treatments stems from the strength of the carbon–fluorine bond, which prevents efficient degradation under standard conditions. This review provides a concise and updated assessment of emerging advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for PFAS remediation, with emphasis on heterogeneous photocatalysis and electrochemical oxidation. Photocatalytic systems based on In₂O₃, Bi-based oxyhalides, and Ga₂O₃ exhibit high PFAS degradation under UV light, while heterojunctions and MOF-derived catalysts improve defluorination under solar irradiation. Electrochemical oxidation—particularly using Ti₄O₇ reactive electrochemical membranes and BDD anodes—achieves near-complete mineralization with comparatively low specific energy demand. Energy consumption (E_EO) was calculated from literature data for UV- and simulated-solar-driven photocatalytic systems, enabling a direct comparison of their energy performance. Although solar-driven processes offer clear environmental advantages, they generally exhibit higher E_EO values, mainly due to lower apparent quantum yields and less efficient utilization of the incident solar photons compared to UV-driven systems. Hybrid systems coupling photocatalysis and electro-oxidation emerge as promising strategies to enhance degradation efficiency and reduce energy requirements. Overall, the review highlights key advances and future research directions toward scalable, energy-efficient, and environmentally sustainable AOP-based technologies for PFAS removal. Full article

Solar-driven hydrogen production via photocatalytic water splitting represents a promising route toward sustainable and low-carbon energy systems. Among emerging photocatalysts, porphyrin-based framework materials, specifically porphyrinic metal–organic frameworks (PMOFs) and porphyrinic covalent organic frameworks (PCOFs), have attracted increasing attention owing to their strong visible-light absorption, tunable electronic structures, permanent porosity, and well-defined catalytic architectures. In these systems, porphyrins function as versatile photosensitizers whose photophysical properties can be precisely tailored through metalation, peripheral functionalization, and integration into ordered frameworks. This review provides a comprehensive, design-oriented overview of recent advances in PMOFs, PCOFs, and hybrid porphyrinic architectures for photocatalytic H₂ evolution. We discuss key structure–activity relationships governing light harvesting, charge separation, and hydrogen evolution kinetics, with particular emphasis on the roles of porphyrin metal centers, secondary building units, linker functionalization, framework morphology, and cocatalyst integration. Furthermore, we highlight how heterojunction engineering through coupling porphyrinic frameworks with inorganic semiconductors, metal sulfides, or single-atom catalytic sites can overcome intrinsic limitations related to charge recombination and limited spectral response. Current challenges, including long-term stability, reliance on noble metals, and scalability, are critically assessed. Finally, future perspectives are outlined, emphasizing rational molecular design, earth-abundant catalytic motifs, advanced hybrid architectures, and data-driven approaches as key directions for translating porphyrinic frameworks into practical photocatalytic hydrogen-generation technologies. Full article

Widespread antibiotic residues in aquatic environments pose escalating threats to ecological stability and human health, highlighting the urgent demand for effective remediation strategies. In recent years, photocatalytic technology based on advanced nanomaterials has emerged as a sustainable and efficient strategy for antibiotic degradation, enabling the effective utilization of solar energy for environmental remediation. This review provides an in-depth discussion of six representative categories of photocatalytic nanomaterials that have demonstrated remarkable performance in antibiotic degradation, including metal oxide-based systems with defect engineering and hollow architectures, bismuth-based semiconductors with narrow band gaps and heterojunction designs, silver-based plasmonic composites with enhanced light harvesting, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) featuring tunable porosity and hybrid interfaces, carbon-based materials such as g-C₃N₄ and biochar that facilitate charge transfer and adsorption, and emerging MXene–semiconductor hybrids exhibiting exceptional conductivity and interfacial activity. The photocatalytic performance of these nanomaterials is compared in terms of degradation efficiency, recyclability, and visible-light response to evaluate their suitability for antibiotic degradation. Beyond parent compound removal, we emphasize transformation products, mineralization, and post-treatment toxicity evolution as critical metrics for assessing true detoxification and environmental risk. In addition, the incorporation of artificial intelligence into photocatalyst design, mechanistic modeling, and process optimization is highlighted as a promising direction for accelerating material innovation and advancing toward scalable, safe, and sustainable photocatalytic applications. Full article

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), as a biodegradable and green polymer, holds significant potential for replacing traditional petroleum-based plastics. However, its production efficiency and cost remain bottlenecks limiting large-scale application. In recent years, hybrid systems constructed from photosensitive nanomaterials and microorganisms have provided a novel pathway for enhancing PHB synthesis efficiency. These systems augment the supply of intracellular reducing power through efficient photo-generated electron injection, thereby driving microbial carbon fixation and PHB anabolic metabolism. This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms and performance of various types of photosensitive materials (including g-C₃N₄, CdS, polymer dots, etc.) in regulating PHB synthesis in microorganisms, such as Cupriavidus necator H16. It focuses on the influence of material composition, structure, energy band characteristics, and their interfacial interactions with microorganisms on electron transfer efficiency and biocompatibility. Furthermore, the article outlines the current challenges faced by these hybrid systems in key energy and mass transfer processes, including light energy conversion, transmembrane electron transport, and NADPH regeneration. It also prospects the design principles of novel bio-inspired multi-level heterojunction materials and their application potential in constructing efficient “material microbe” collaborative synthesis systems. This review aims to provide a material-level theoretical foundation and design strategies for developing high-performance and sustainable light-driven biomanufacturing technologies for PHB. Full article

In recent years, one of the major problems facing humanity has been the contamination of the environment by various organic pollutants, with some of them exhibiting environmental persistence or pseudo-persistence. For this reason, it is necessary today, more than ever, to find new and effective methods for degrading these persistent pollutants. Transition metal selenides (TMSes) have emerged as a versatile and promising class of catalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants through various advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). The widespread use of these materials lies in the desirable characteristics they offer, such as unique electronic structures, narrow band gaps, high electrical conductivity, and multi-valent redox behavior. This review comprehensively examines recent progress in the design, synthesis, and application of these TMSes—including both single- and composite systems, such as TMSes/g-C₃N₄, TMSes/TiO₂, and heterojunctions. The catalytic performance of these systems is being highlighted, regarding the degradation of organic pollutants such as dyes, pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, personal care products, etc. Further analysis of the mechanistic insights, structure–activity relationships, and operational parameter effects are critically discussed. Emerging trends, such as hybrid AOPs combining photocatalysis with PMS or electro-activation, and the challenges of stability, scalability, and real wastewater applicability are explored in depth. Finally, future directions emphasize the integration of multifunctional activation methods for the degradation of organic pollutants. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis and pave the way for the utilization of TMSe catalysts in sustainable and efficient wastewater remediation technologies. Full article

The discharge of printing and dyeing wastewater has become a key concern in global water pollution control due to its high pollutant concentration, dark color, refractory biodegradability and toxic characteristics. Photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) technology has gained widespread attention as it can effectively treat refractory organic pollutants. In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO₂)–bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) composite materials were synthesized through the sol–gel/solvothermal hybrid method, and layered heterojunction structures were fabricated via sol–gel precursor preparation followed by spin-coating deposition. The PEC degradation efficiency of rhodamine B (RhB) was systematically evaluated under varying operational conditions in the presence of TiO₂-BiVO₄. The four-layer BiVO₄/four-layer TiO₂ material showed the optimal catalytic activity among the tested structures, achieving an 80.3% removal of RhB under an applied bias of 4 V and illumination intensity of 14,000 lx. Through the equilibrium adjustment of the Fermi levels, the type Ⅱ heterostructure was formed. Moreover, superoxide radical (O₂⁻) was identified as the predominant reactive oxygen species driving the degradation mechanism. Mechanistic analysis revealed that RhB degradation was accomplished through deethylation, benzene ring cleavage, and subsequent ring-opening mineralization. This study prepared an efficient PEC material, which provides a theoretical basis for the PEC treatment of printing and dyeing wastewater. Full article

A series of novel discotic liquid crystalline donor–acceptor hybrid heterojunctions were prepared by blending the triphenylene derivative (T5E36) as donor and perylene tetracarboxylic esters as acceptor. Mesophases of blends were characterized by using polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction. Results suggest that all the blends formed liquid crystalline phases, where both compounds in the blends self-assembled separately into columns yet cooperatively contributed to the overall hexagonal or tetragonal columnar mesophase structure. The charge carrier mobilities were characterized using a time-of-flight technique. The phase-separated columnar nanostructures of the donor and acceptor components play an important role in the formation of molecular heterojunctions exhibiting highly efficient ambipolar charge transport, with mobilities on the order of 10⁻³ cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹. These blends with ambipolar transport properties have great potential for application in non-fullerene organic solar cells, particularly in bulk heterojunction architectures. Full article

ZnO-based photocatalysts have attracted significant attention for their potential use in advanced oxidation processes for environmental remediation. However, critical challenges, such as rapid charge carrier recombination and narrow light absorption, and poor long-term stability necessitate material modifications to enhance performance. This review provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of recent developments in ZnO-based photocatalysts, including heterojunctions with metal oxides, carbon-based hybrids, metal/non-metal doping, and metal–organic framework materials. Furthermore, emerging trends, such as the integration of atomistic calculations and machine learning (ML) techniques in material design, property prediction, and the optimization of photocatalytic performance, are critically examined. These modern computationally driven approaches provide new insights into band gap engineering, charge transport mechanisms, and the optimization of synthesis parameters, thereby accelerating the discovery of high-performance ZnO-based photocatalysts. However, their practical integration remains limited due to the availability of high-quality datasets and the lack of interdisciplinary methodologies. The review also discusses key research gaps, including emerging environmental applications, as well as stability and scalability challenges, providing a roadmap for future research in data-driven photocatalysis. By evaluating current research, this review aims to provide a foundation for the modification of next-generation ZnO-based photocatalysts for environmental applications. Full article

Nonlinear characteristics are essential for neuromorphic devices to process high-dimensional and unstructured data. However, enabling a device to realize a nonlinear response under the same stimulation condition is challenging as this involves two opposing processes: simultaneous charge accumulation and recombination. In this study, a hybrid transistor based on a mixed-halide perovskite was fabricated to achieve dynamic nonlinear changes in synaptic plasticity. The utilization of a light-induced mixed-bandgap structure within the mixed perovskite film has been demonstrated to increase the recombination paths of photogenerated carriers of the hybrid film, thereby promoting the formation of nonlinear signals in the device. The constructed heterojunction optoelectronic synaptic transistor, formed by combining a mixed-halide perovskite with a p-type semiconductor, generates dynamic nonlinear decay responses under 400 nm light pulses with an intensity as low as 0.02 mW/cm². Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that nonlinear photocurrent growth can be achieved under 650 nm light pulses. It is important to note that this novel nonlinear response is characterized by its dynamism. These improvements provide a novel method for expanding the modulation capability of optoelectronic synaptic devices for synaptic plasticity. Full article

Organic nonvolatile transistor memories (ONVMs) using a hybrid spiro [fluorene-9,7′-dibenzo [c, h] acridine]-5′-one (SFDBAO)/polystyrene (PS) film as bulk-heterojunction-like tunneling and trapping elements were fabricated. From the characterization of the 10% SFDBAO/PS based on ONVM, a sterically hindered small-molecule SFDBAO with rigid orthogonal configuration and a donor–acceptor (D-A) structure as a molecular-scale charge storage element demonstrated significantly higher charge trapping ability than other small-molecule materials such as C₆₀ and Alq₃. The ONVM based on 10% SFDBAO/PS presents ambipolar memory behaviors with a wide memory window (146 V), a fast-switching speed (20 ms), an excellent retention time (over 5 × 10⁴ s), and stable reversibility (36 cycles without any noticeable decay). By applying different gate voltages, the above ONVM shows reliable four-level data storage characteristics. The investigation demonstrates that the strategical bulk-heterojunction-like tunneling and trapping elements composed of small-molecule materials and polymers exhibit promising potential for high-performance ambipolar ONVMs. Full article

Photocatalytic hydrogen (H₂) production offers a promising solution to energy shortages and environmental challenges by converting solar energy into chemical energy. Hydrogen, as a versatile energy carrier, can be generated through photocatalysis under sunlight or via electrolysis powered by solar or wind energy. However, the advancement of photocatalysis is hindered by the limited availability of effective visible light-responsive semiconductors and the challenges of charge separation and transport. To address these issues, researchers are focusing on the development of novel nanostructured semiconductors and composite materials that can enhance photocatalytic performance. In this paper, we provide an overview of the advanced photocatalytic materials prepared so far that can be activated by sunlight, and their efficiency in H₂ production. One of the key strategies in this research area concerns improving the separation and transfer of electron–hole pairs generated by light, which can significantly boost H₂ production. Advanced hybrid materials, such as organic–inorganic hybrid composites consisting of a combination of polymers with metal oxide photocatalysts, and the creation of heterojunctions, are seen as effective methods to improve charge separation and interfacial interactions. The development of Schottky heterojunctions, Z-type heterojunctions, p–n heterojunctions from nanostructures, and the incorporation of nonmetallic atoms have proven to reduce photocorrosion and enhance photocatalytic efficiency. Despite these advancements, designing efficient semiconductor-based heterojunctions at the atomic scale remains a significant challenge for the realization of large-scale photocatalytic H₂ production. In this review, state-of-the-art advancements in photocatalytic hydrogen production are presented and discussed in detail, with a focus on photocatalytic nanostructures, heterojunctions and hybrid composites. Full article

Organic–inorganic hybrid flexible perovskite solar cells (F-PSCs) have garnered considerable interest owing to their exceptional power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stable operational characteristics. However, F-PSCs continue to exhibit significantly lower PCE than their rigid counterparts. Herein, we employed 3-chloro-4-methoxybenzylamine hydrochloride (CMBACl) treatment to grow in situ two-dimensional (2D) perovskite layers on three-dimensional (3D) perovskite films. Through comprehensive physicochemical characterization, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and photoluminescence (PL) mapping, we demonstrated that CMBACl treatment enabled the in situ growth of two-dimensional (2D) perovskite layers on three-dimensional (3D) perovskite films via chemical interactions between CMBA⁺ cations and undercoordinated Pb²⁺ sites. The organic cation (CMBA⁺) bound to uncoordinated Pb²⁺ ions and residual PbI₂, while the chlorine anion (Cl⁻) filled iodine vacancies in the perovskite lattice, thereby forming a high-quality 2D/3D heterojunction structure. The CMBACl treatment effectively passivated surface defects in the perovskite films, prolonged charge carrier lifetimes, and enhanced the operational stability of the photovoltaic devices. Additionally, the hybrid 2D/3D architecture also improved energy band matching, thereby boosting charge transfer performance. The optimized flexible devices demonstrated a PCE of 23.15%, while retaining over 82% of their initial efficiency after enduring 5000 bending cycles under a 5 mm curvature radius (R = 5 mm). The unpackaged devices retained 94% of their initial efficiency after 1000 h under ambient conditions with a relative humidity (RH) of 45 ± 5%. This strategy offers practical guidelines for selecting interface passivation materials to enhance the efficiency and stability of F-PSCs. Full article

Heterogeneous photocatalysis has emerged as a versatile and sustainable technology for the degradation of emerging contaminants in water. This review highlights recent advancements in photocatalysts design, including band gap engineering, heterojunction formation, and plasmonic enhancement to enable visible-light activation. Various reactor configurations, such as slurry, immobilized, annular, flat plate, and membrane-based systems, are examined in terms of their efficiency, scalability, and operational challenges. Hybrid systems combining photocatalysis with membrane filtration, adsorption, Fenton processes, and biological treatments demonstrate improved removal efficiency and broader applicability. Energy performance metrics such as quantum yield and electrical energy per order are discussed as essential tools for evaluating system feasibility. Special attention is given to solar-driven reactors and smart responsive materials, which enhance adaptability and sustainability. Additionally, artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches are explored as accelerators for catalyst discovery and process optimization. Altogether, these advances position photocatalysis as a key component in future water treatment strategies, particularly in decentralized and low-resource contexts. The integration of material innovation, system design, and data-driven optimization underlines the potential of photocatalysis to contribute to global efforts in environmental protection and sustainable development. Full article

Due to high responsivity and wide spectral sensitivity, metal halide perovskite photodiodes have a wide range of applications in the fields of visible light and near-infrared photodetection. Specific detectivity is an important quality factor for high-performance perovskite-based photodiodes, while one of the keys to achieving high detectivity is to reduce dark current. Here, 3-fluoro phenethylammonium iodide (3F-PEAI) was used to passivate the perovskite surface and form the two-dimensional (2D) perovskite on the three-dimensional (3D) perovskite surface. The as-fabricated passivated perovskite photodiodes with 2D/3D hybrid-dimensional perovskite heterojunctions showed two orders of magnitude smaller dark current, larger open circuit voltage and faster photoresponse, when compared to the control perovskite photodiodes. Meanwhile, it maintained almost identical photocurrent, achieving a high specific detectivity up to 2.4 × 10¹² Jones and over the visible-near-infrared broadband photodetection. Notably, the champion photoresponsivity value of 0.45 A W⁻¹ was achieved at 760 nm. It was verified that the 2D capping layers were able to suppress trap states and accelerate photocarrier collection. This work demonstrates strategic passivation of surface iodine vacancies, offering a promising pathway for developing ultrasensitive and low-power consumption photodetectors based on metal halide perovskites. Full article

Hybrid nanostructures can be engineered to exhibit superior functionality beyond the level attainable from each of the constituent nanomaterials by synergistically integrating their unique properties. In this work, we designed individual hybrid nanorods (NRs) of ZnO–Ag in different heterojunction configurations where each hybrid NR consists of a single ZnO NR forming a junction with a single Ag NR. We subsequently employed the ZnO–Ag hybrid NRs in the fluorescence detection of the model chemical and biological analytes, rhodamine 6G (R6G), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), that undergo simple as well as more complex immunoreaction steps on the hybrid NRs. We determine how parameters such as the analyte concentration, ZnO–Ag heterojunction configuration, and NR length can influence the fluorescence signals, enhancement factors (EFs), as well as changes in EFs (%EFs) at different positions on the hybrid NRs. We provide much needed insights into the fluorescence enhancement capability of single hybrid NR systems using a signal source located external to the NRs. Moreover, we identify key consideration factors that are critical to the design and optimization of a hybrid NR platform for achieving high signal enhancements. We show that higher EFs are consistently observed from the junction relative to other positions in a given hybrid NR, from the end–end relative to other heterojunction configurations, and from longer than shorter ZnO NRs. Our research efforts demonstrate that the synergistic interplay of the two component NRs of ZnO and Ag escalates the fluorescence detection capability of the ZnO–Ag hybrid NR. A superior enhancement level surpassing those attainable by each component NR alone can be obtained from the hybrid NR. Hence, our work further substantiates the potential utility of individual semiconductor-metal hybrid NRs for highly miniaturized and ultra-trace level detection, especially by leveraging the critical consideration factors to achieve a higher detection capability. Full article