Photocatalysis: Activity of Nanomaterials

A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Photocatalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2020) | Viewed by 50515

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, p. le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
Interests: photocatalysis; nanomaterials synthesis; structure–function relationships; thermo-analytical methodologies; hybrid materials design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, P. le Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
2. Center for Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI), Via della Lastruccia, 80100 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
Interests: nanochemistry; colloids; amphiphiles; hybrid nanomaterials; functional biointerfaces; emulsions; EPR spectroscopy; neutron scattering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Photocatalytic processes have shown great potential as a low-cost, green-chemical, and sustainable technology able to address energy and environmental issues. Nanosized materials, with their superior features, including structural, optical, as well as size-tunable electronic properties, can endow remarkable catalytic performance and even novel functionalities. This has expanded the photocatalysis frontier from H2 production and environmental remediation toward novel applications such as photoelectric sensing and photodynamic therapy. Notably, comprehension of processing–structure–property relationships in functional photoactive nanomaterials has been unveiling mechanistic pathways underlying the photocatalytic process. Understanding the nanoscale will drive design and synthesis strategy to tailor photocatalytic and/or optical properties of nanostructured materials, including coupled, capped, sensitized, and organic–inorganic nanocomposite semiconductor systems.

This Special Issue aims to present recent advances in any aspect of nanomaterials in photocatalysis. It collects original research papers, reviews, and commentaries focused on synthesis methods; surface, microstructural, optical, and magnetic features properties; as well as computational studies and reaction mechanisms of nanostructured materials for photocatalytic applications to bring forward the next generation of photocatalytic systems.

Submissions are welcome especially (but not exclusively) in the following areas:

  • Nanomaterials design and synthesis;
  • Photocatalytic activity;
  • Surface and microstructural properties;
  • Reaction mechanisms;
  • Environmental remediation;
  • Processing–structure–property relationships.

Prof. Giuseppina Luciani
Dr. Giuseppe Vitiello
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Photocatalytic processes
  • Green chemistry
  • Nanostructured materials
  • Synthesis methods
  • Semiconductors
  • Defects and microstructural properties
  • Processing–structure–property relationships
  • Environmental remediation
  • Reaction mechanisms

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 168 KiB  
Editorial
Photocatalysis: Activity of Nanomaterials
by Giuseppe Vitiello and Giuseppina Luciani
Catalysts 2021, 11(5), 611; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal11050611 - 11 May 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1635
Abstract
Photocatalytic processes have shown great potential as a low-cost, green-chemical, and sustainable technology able to address energy and environmental issues [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis: Activity of Nanomaterials)

Research

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16 pages, 4874 KiB  
Article
Eco-Friendly Photocatalysts for Degradation of Dyes
by Gee Een Lau, Che Azurahanim Che Abdullah, Wan Amir Nizam Wan Ahmad, Suvik Assaw and Alvin Lim Teik Zheng
Catalysts 2020, 10(10), 1129; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal10101129 - 01 Oct 2020
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3736
Abstract
In the current era of globalization, synthetic dyes are one of the key factors of water pollution. Photocatalysis constitutes a promising technology for the treatment of wastewater, especially to those containing hard-to-remove organic compounds. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) play a vital role as [...] Read more.
In the current era of globalization, synthetic dyes are one of the key factors of water pollution. Photocatalysis constitutes a promising technology for the treatment of wastewater, especially to those containing hard-to-remove organic compounds. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) play a vital role as a photocatalyst material. This research highlights the synthesized ZnONPs with roselle flower and oil palm leaf extract. The extracts and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) act as reducing agents during the synthesis process. Synthesis without the addition of plant extract is used as blank control for the experiment. Structural and optical studies of the three variants of ZnONPs were performed. High purity of ZnONPs with element Zn and O was obtained. The size of the three variants of ZnONPs was from 10–15 nm and found in agglomerated spherical shape. Large band gap, 3.2 eV was obtained by UV-Vis and high thermal stability was proven by TGA. Oxygen vacancies that assist in the degradation phenomenon were found in ZnONPs. Five percent of ZnONPs with the presence of 10 W UV light could effectively degrade 10 ppm MO in 5 h and MB in 3 h. Besides, high antioxidant properties and low toxicity demonstrated the ability of ZnONPs to be used as photocatalysts. In conclusion, ZnONPs can be further developed for pharmaceutical and industrial use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis: Activity of Nanomaterials)
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13 pages, 2695 KiB  
Article
Electrospun Active Media Based on Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)-Graphene-TiO2 Nanocomposite Materials for Methanol and Acetaldehyde Gas-Phase Abatement
by Carlo Boaretti, Giuseppe Vitiello, Giuseppina Luciani, Alessandra Lorenzetti, Michele Modesti and Martina Roso
Catalysts 2020, 10(9), 1017; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal10091017 - 03 Sep 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2030
Abstract
The abatement of organic pollutants by TiO2 photocatalysis has been established as one of the benchmark applications of advanced oxidation processes for both liquid and gas phase purification. Such solution is particularly suitable for indoor air pollution where volatile organic compounds (VOCs) [...] Read more.
The abatement of organic pollutants by TiO2 photocatalysis has been established as one of the benchmark applications of advanced oxidation processes for both liquid and gas phase purification. Such solution is particularly suitable for indoor air pollution where volatile organic compounds (VOCs) represent a class of chemicals of high concern for their adverse effects on both environment and human health. However, different shortcomings still affects TiO2 photocatalytic performance in terms of weak adsorptivity and fast electron-hole recombination, limiting its applicability. As a result, different strategies have been investigated over the last years in order to promote a higher TiO2 photo-efficiency. In this study we used electrospun (PVDF) nanofibers as a support for the photo catalytic system obtained by coupling graphene based materials and TiO2 during solvothermal synthesis. The resultant nanostructured membranes have been tested for acetaldehyde and methanol degradation under UV light showing an increase in the photocatalytic activity compared to bare TiO2. Such results may be ascribed to the decrease of band-gap energy and to increased electron mobility in the photocatalytic nanocomposite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis: Activity of Nanomaterials)
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11 pages, 3276 KiB  
Article
Facile Fabrication of a Novel Au/Phosphorus-Doped g-C3N4 Photocatalyst with Excellent Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity
by Hao Li, Nan Zhang, Fei Zhao, Tongyao Liu and Yuhua Wang
Catalysts 2020, 10(6), 701; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal10060701 - 22 Jun 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3302
Abstract
The intrinsic disadvantages of pristine graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) significantly restrict its applications in photocatalysis field. Hence, we have demonstrated facile thermal copolymerization and in situ photodeposition methods to fabricate a novel Au/phosphorus-doped g-C3N4 (Au/P-g-C3 [...] Read more.
The intrinsic disadvantages of pristine graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) significantly restrict its applications in photocatalysis field. Hence, we have demonstrated facile thermal copolymerization and in situ photodeposition methods to fabricate a novel Au/phosphorus-doped g-C3N4 (Au/P-g-C3N4) photocatalyst. The results showed that phosphorus was doped into the structure of g-C3N4 and that the surface deposition of gold was successfully accomplished. The H2 generation rate of the optimal Au/P-g-C3N4 is 8.4 times compared with the pristine g-C3N4 under visible light irradiation. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity is due to the synergic effect between gold induced surface plasmon resonance and the modified structural and electronic properties of the g-C3N4 induced by the phosphorus dopant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis: Activity of Nanomaterials)
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19 pages, 3461 KiB  
Article
Application of TiO2-Cu Composites in Photocatalytic Degradation Different Pollutants and Hydrogen Production
by Boglárka Hampel, Zsolt Pap, Andras Sapi, Akos Szamosvolgyi, Lucian Baia and Klara Hernadi
Catalysts 2020, 10(1), 85; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal10010085 - 07 Jan 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3772
Abstract
In the present work, copper nanoparticles were deposited onto the surface of two different commercial titanias (Evonik Aeroxide P25 and Aldrich anatase). During the synthesis, the concentration of copper was systematically varied (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 5.0%, and 10 wt.%) to optimize the composite-composition. [...] Read more.
In the present work, copper nanoparticles were deposited onto the surface of two different commercial titanias (Evonik Aeroxide P25 and Aldrich anatase). During the synthesis, the concentration of copper was systematically varied (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 5.0%, and 10 wt.%) to optimize the composite-composition. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated under UV-light, using methyl orange and Rhodamine B as model and ketoprofen as real pollutant. For the hydrogen production capacity, oxalic acid was used as the sacrificial agent. The morpho-structural properties were investigated by using XRD (X-ray diffraction), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) DRS (Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy), XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy), and SEM-EDX methods (Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis). Increasing the copper concentration enhanced the photocatalytic activity for methyl orange degradation in the case of Aldrich anatase-based composites. When the P25-based composites were considered, there was no correlation between the Cu concentration and the activity; but, independently of the base photocatalyst, the composites containing 10% Cu were the best performing materials. Contrarily, for the ketoprofen degradation, increasing the copper concentration deteriorated the photoactivity. For both Aldrich anatase and P25, the best photocatalytic activity was shown by the composites containing 0.5% Cu. For the degradation of Rhodamine B solution, 1.5% of copper nanoparticles was the most suitable. When the hydrogen production capacity was evaluated, the P25-based composites showed higher performance (produced more hydrogen) than the Aldrich anatase-based ones. It was found that Cu was present in four different forms, including belloite (Cu(OH)Cl), metallic Cu, and presumably amorphous Cu(I)- and Cu(II)-based compounds, which were easily convertible among themselves during the photocatalytic processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis: Activity of Nanomaterials)
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13 pages, 3330 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Visible Light Photodegradation of Microplastic Fragments with Plasmonic Platinum/Zinc Oxide Nanorod Photocatalysts
by Tajkia Syeed Tofa, Fei Ye, Karthik Laxman Kunjali and Joydeep Dutta
Catalysts 2019, 9(10), 819; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal9100819 - 28 Sep 2019
Cited by 122 | Viewed by 10247
Abstract
Microplastics are persistent anthropogenic pollutants which have become a global concern owing to their widespread existence and unfamiliar threats to the environment and living organisms. This study demonstrates the degradation of fragmented microplastics particularly low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film in water, through visible light-induced [...] Read more.
Microplastics are persistent anthropogenic pollutants which have become a global concern owing to their widespread existence and unfamiliar threats to the environment and living organisms. This study demonstrates the degradation of fragmented microplastics particularly low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film in water, through visible light-induced plasmonic photocatalysts comprising of platinum nanoparticles deposited on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (ZnO-Pt). The ZnO-Pt nanocomposite photocatalysts were observed to have better degradation kinetics for a model organic dye (methylene blue) compared to bare ZnO nanorods, attributed to the plasmonic effects leading to better interfacial exciton separation and improved hydroxyl radical activity along with a 78% increase in visible light absorption. These demonstrations of the plasmonically enhanced photocatalyst enabled it to effectively degrade microplastic fragments as confirmed following the changes in carbonyl and vinyl indices in infrared absorption. In addition, visual proof of physical surface damage of the LDPE film establishes the efficacy of using plasmonically enhanced nanocomposite photocatalytic materials to tackle the microplastic menace using just sunlight for a clean and green approach towards mitigation of microplastics in the ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis: Activity of Nanomaterials)
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14 pages, 6266 KiB  
Article
Electromagnetic Effective Medium Modelling of Composites with Metal-Semiconductor Core-Shell Type Inclusions
by Yael Gutiérrez, Dolores Ortiz, Rodrigo Alcaraz de la Osa, José M. Saiz, Francisco González and Fernando Moreno
Catalysts 2019, 9(7), 626; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal9070626 - 22 Jul 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3532
Abstract
The possibility of using light to drive chemical reactions has highlighted the role of photocatalysis as a key tool to address the environmental and energy issues faced by today’s society. Plasmonic photocatalysis, proposed to circumvent some of the problems of conventional semiconductor catalysis, [...] Read more.
The possibility of using light to drive chemical reactions has highlighted the role of photocatalysis as a key tool to address the environmental and energy issues faced by today’s society. Plasmonic photocatalysis, proposed to circumvent some of the problems of conventional semiconductor catalysis, uses hetero-nanostructures composed by plasmonic metals and semiconductors as catalysts. Metal-semiconductor core-shell nanoparticles present advantages (i.e., protecting the metal and enlarging the active sites) with respect to other hetero-nanostructures proposed for plasmonic photocatalysis applications. In order to maximize light absorption in the catalyst, it is critical to accurately model the reflectance/absorptance/transmittance of composites and colloids with metal-semiconductor core-shell nanoparticle inclusions. Here, we present a new method for calculating the effective dielectric function of metal-semiconductor core-shell nanoparticles and its comparison with existing theories showing clear advantages. Particularly, this new method has shown the best performance in the prediction of the spectral position of the localized plasmonic resonances, a key parameter in the design of efficient photocatalysts. This new approach can be considered as a useful tool for designing coated particles with desired plasmonic properties and engineering the effective permittivity of composites with core-shell type inclusions which are used in photocatalysis and solar energy harvesting applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis: Activity of Nanomaterials)
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14 pages, 5164 KiB  
Article
Hydrogen Production Improvement on Water Decomposition Through Internal Interfacial Charge Transfer in M3(PO4)2-M2P2O7 Mixed-Phase Catalyst (M = Co, Ni, and Cu)
by Junyeong Kim, Jun Neoung Heo, Jeong Yeon Do, Seog Joon Yoon, Youngsoo Kim and Misook Kang
Catalysts 2019, 9(7), 602; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal9070602 - 13 Jul 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4323
Abstract
In this study, three types of Nasicon-type materials, Co3(PO4)2-CO2P2O7, Ni3(PO4)2-Ni2P2O7, and Cu3(PO4)2-Cu2 [...] Read more.
In this study, three types of Nasicon-type materials, Co3(PO4)2-CO2P2O7, Ni3(PO4)2-Ni2P2O7, and Cu3(PO4)2-Cu2P2O7, were synthesized as mixed-phase catalysts (MPCs) for evaluating their potential as new photocatalytic candidates (called Co3(PO4)2-CO2P2O7mpc, Ni3(PO4)2-Ni2P2O7mpc, and Cu3(PO4)2-Cu2P2O7mpc herein). Based on various physical properties, it was confirmed that there are two phases, M3(PO4)2 and M2P2O7, in which a similar phase equilibrium energy coexists. These colored powders showed UV and visible light responses suitable to our aim of developing 365-nm light-response photocatalysts for overall water-splitting. The photocatalytic performance of Ni2(PO4)3-Ni2P2O7 MPC showed negligible or no activity toward H2 evolution. However, Co2(PO4)3-Co2P2O7 MPC and Cu3(PO4)2-Cu2P2O7 MPC were determined as interesting materials because of their ability to absorb visible light within a suitable band. Moreover, an internal interface charge transfer was suggested to occur that would lower the recombination rate of electrons and holes. For Cu3(PO4)2-Cu2P2O7 MPC, the charge separation between the electron and hole was advantageously achieved, a water-splitting reaction was promoted, and hydrogen generation was considerably increased. The performance of a catalyst depended on the nature of the active metal added. In addition, the performance of the catalyst was improved when electrons migrated between the inter-phases despite the lack of a heterojunction with other crystals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis: Activity of Nanomaterials)
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14 pages, 4911 KiB  
Article
Oxygen Vacancy Enhanced Photoreduction Cr(VI) on Few-Layers BiOBr Nanosheets
by Yin Peng, Pengfei Kan, Qian Zhang and Yinghua Zhou
Catalysts 2019, 9(6), 558; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal9060558 - 21 Jun 2019
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4307
Abstract
2D nanomaterials, with unique structural and electronic features, had been demonstrated as excellent photocatalysts, whose catalytic properties could be tunable with surface defect engineering. In this work, few-layer BiOBr nanosheets with oxygen vacancies (BiOBr-Ov) have been fabricated by a simple solvothermal reaction with [...] Read more.
2D nanomaterials, with unique structural and electronic features, had been demonstrated as excellent photocatalysts, whose catalytic properties could be tunable with surface defect engineering. In this work, few-layer BiOBr nanosheets with oxygen vacancies (BiOBr-Ov) have been fabricated by a simple solvothermal reaction with the help of ethylene glycol. The obtained BiOBr-Ov exhibited the superior photocatalytic performance with a complete reduction of Cr(VI) (20 mg/L) within 12 min by visible light irradiation. Moreover, Cr(VI) with a high concentration (such as 30 mg/L) only requires 2 min to be photoreduced completely under solar light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is contributed to the existence of oxygen vacancies. It has been proved by the results of electrochemical impedance and photocurrent that oxygen vacancies can effectively suppress recombination of photogenerated carriers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis: Activity of Nanomaterials)
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Review

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25 pages, 2218 KiB  
Review
Effective Strategies, Mechanisms, and Photocatalytic Efficiency of Semiconductor Nanomaterials Incorporating rGO for Environmental Contaminant Degradation
by Noor Haida Mohd Kaus, Ahmad Fadhil Rithwan, Rohana Adnan, Mohd Lokman Ibrahim, Sirikanjana Thongmee and Siti Fairus Mohd Yusoff
Catalysts 2021, 11(3), 302; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal11030302 - 25 Feb 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4173
Abstract
The water pollution problems severely affect the natural water resources due to the large disposal of dyes, heavy metals, antibiotics, and pesticides. Advanced oxidation processes (AOP) have been developed using semiconductor nanomaterials as photocatalysts for water treatment as an essential strategy to minimize [...] Read more.
The water pollution problems severely affect the natural water resources due to the large disposal of dyes, heavy metals, antibiotics, and pesticides. Advanced oxidation processes (AOP) have been developed using semiconductor nanomaterials as photocatalysts for water treatment as an essential strategy to minimize environmental pollution. Significant research efforts have been dedicated over the past few years to enhancing the photocatalytic efficiencies of semiconductor nanomaterials. Graphene-based composites created by integrating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into various semiconductor nanomaterials enable the unique characteristics of graphene, such as the extended range of light absorption, the separation of charges, and the high capacity of adsorption of pollutants. Therefore, rGO-based composites improve the overall visible-light photocatalytic efficiency and lead to a new pathway for high-performance photocatalysts’ potential applications. This brief review illustrates the strategies of combining rGO with various semiconductor nanomaterials and focuses primarily on modification and efficiency towards environmental contaminants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis: Activity of Nanomaterials)
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27 pages, 8775 KiB  
Review
Unravelling the Mechanisms that Drive the Performance of Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
by Sergio San Martín, Maria J. Rivero and Inmaculada Ortiz
Catalysts 2020, 10(8), 901; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal10080901 - 08 Aug 2020
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 8522
Abstract
The increasing interest and applications of photocatalysis, namely hydrogen production, artificial photosynthesis, and water remediation and disinfection, still face several drawbacks that prevent this technology from being fully implemented at the industrial level. The need to improve the performance of photocatalytic processes and [...] Read more.
The increasing interest and applications of photocatalysis, namely hydrogen production, artificial photosynthesis, and water remediation and disinfection, still face several drawbacks that prevent this technology from being fully implemented at the industrial level. The need to improve the performance of photocatalytic processes and extend their potential working under visible light has boosted the synthesis of new and more efficient semiconductor materials. Thus far, semiconductor–semiconductor heterojunction is the most remarkable alternative. Not only are the characteristics of the new materials relevant to the process performance, but also a deep understanding of the charge transfer mechanisms and the relationship with the process variables and nature of the semiconductors. However, there are several different charge transfer mechanisms responsible for the activity of the composites regardless the synthesis materials. In fact, different mechanisms can be carried out for the same junction. Focusing primarily on the photocatalytic generation of hydrogen, the objective of this review is to unravel the charge transfer mechanisms after the in-depth analyses of already reported literature and establish the guidelines for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis: Activity of Nanomaterials)
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