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Catalysts
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Photocatalysis Science and Engineering in Europe
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Photocatalysis Science and Engineering in Europe

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2020) | Viewed by 48348

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Dionissios Mantzavinos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, University Campus, Caratheodory 1, 26504 Patras, Greece
Interests: wastewater treatment technologies; advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) (process integration, kinetics and mechanisms, transformation byproducts and properties and reaction networks, modeling and optimization, scale-up); industrial wastewater treatment and valorization (olive oil production, edible olives, textiles, cotton processing, wineries, leachates); emerging and persistent micro-pollutants in the water cycle (pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, pesticides); inactivation of waterborne pathogens
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Danae Venieri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, 73100 Chania, Greece
Interests: water/wastewater microbiology; advanced disinfection processes; bioremediation; ecotoxicology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue welcomes both review and original research articles on all aspects of heterogeneous and homogeneous photocatalysis with an emphasis on fundamental and applied research implemented across Europe. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Water/wastewater treatment and disinfection;
  • Air treatment;
  • Green synthesis by solar photochemistry and photocatalysis;
  • New materials for photochemistry and photocatalysis;
  • Developments and perspectives in environmental photochemistry;
  • Large scale and commercial applications;
  • Experimental standardization;
  • Models for photochemistry and photocatalysis;
  • Process funtamentals;
  • Process economics and LCA;
  • Photocatalytic hybrid systems;
  • Photocatalytic, photochemical and photosynthetic systems for H2 production and CO2 utilization.

Although papers should report on trends and advances in the field of photocatalysis across Europe; collaborative work between European and non-European partners is also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Dionissios Mantzavinos
Dr. Danae Venieri
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Catalysts is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • TiO2 photocatalysis
  • Solar photocatalysis
  • Visible responsive semiconductors
  • Photo-Fenton and alike reactions
  • Pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites)
  • Antibiotic resistant bacteria
  • Antibiotic resistance genes
  • Emerging micro-contaminants
  • Energy
  • Pollution abatement
  • Water matrix
  • Photochemical AOPs
  • Process coupling and synergy

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 3608 KiB  
Article
New Evidence of the Enhanced Elimination of a Persistent Drug Used as a Lipid Absorption Inhibitor by Advanced Oxidation with UV-A and Nanosized Catalysts
by Narcisa Vrinceanu, Raluca Maria Hlihor, Andrei Ionut Simion, Lacramioara Rusu, Ildikó Fekete-Kertész, Noureddine Barka and Lidia Favier
Catalysts 2019, 9(9), 761; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal9090761 - 11 Sep 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3042
Abstract
This work demonstrates new evidence of the efficient destruction and mineralization of an emergent organic pollutant using UV-A and titanium nanosized catalysts. The target compound considered in this work is the primary metabolite of a lipid regulator drug, clofibrate, identified in many studies [...] Read more.
This work demonstrates new evidence of the efficient destruction and mineralization of an emergent organic pollutant using UV-A and titanium nanosized catalysts. The target compound considered in this work is the primary metabolite of a lipid regulator drug, clofibrate, identified in many studies as refractory during conventional wastewater treatment. The photocatalytic performance study was carried out in batch mode at laboratory scale, in aqueous suspension. Kinetic data showed that titanium dioxide P25 Aeroxide® exhibits the highest photocatalytic efficiency compared to the other investigated catalysts. Pollutant degradation and mineralization efficiencies strongly increased when decreasing the initial substrate concentration. Target molecules oxidized faster when the catalyst load increased, and the mineralization was enhanced under acidic conditions: 92% of mineralization was achieved at pH 4 after 190 min of reaction. Radical quenching assays confirmed that HO• and ( h vb + ) were the reactive oxygen species involved in the photocatalytic oxidation of the considered pollutant. In addition, further results revealed that the removal efficiency decreased in real water matrices. Finally, data collected through a series of phytotoxicity tests demonstrated that the photocatalytic process considerably reduces the toxicity of the treated solutions, confirming the process’s effectiveness in the removal of persistent and biorefractory emergent organic water pollutants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis Science and Engineering in Europe)
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16 pages, 3980 KiB  
Article
Degradation of Sulfamethoxazole Using Iron-Doped Titania and Simulated Solar Radiation
by Athanasios Tsiampalis, Zacharias Frontistis, Vassilios Binas, George Kiriakidis and Dionissios Mantzavinos
Catalysts 2019, 9(7), 612; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal9070612 - 19 Jul 2019
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 3708
Abstract
This work examined the photocatalytic destruction of sulfamethoxazole (SMX), a widely used antibiotic, under simulated solar radiation using iron-doped titanium dioxide as the photocatalyst. Amongst the various iron/titania ratios examined (in the range 0%–2%), the catalyst at 0.04% Fe/TiO2 molar ratio exhibited [...] Read more.
This work examined the photocatalytic destruction of sulfamethoxazole (SMX), a widely used antibiotic, under simulated solar radiation using iron-doped titanium dioxide as the photocatalyst. Amongst the various iron/titania ratios examined (in the range 0%–2%), the catalyst at 0.04% Fe/TiO2 molar ratio exhibited the highest photocatalytic efficiency. The reaction rate followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, where the apparent kinetic constant was reduced as the initial concentration of SMX or humic acid increased. The photodecomposition of SMX was favored in natural pH but retarded at alkaline conditions. Unexpectedly, the presence of bicarbonates (in the range of 0.125–2 g/L) improved the removal of SMX, however, experiments conducted in real environmental matrices showed that process efficiency decreased as the complexity of the water matrix increased. The presence of sodium persulfate as an electron acceptor enhanced the reaction rate. However, only a small synergy was observed between the two individual processes. On the contrary, the addition of tert-butanol, a well-known hydroxyl radical scavenger, hindered the reaction, indicating the significant contribution of these radicals to the photocatalytic degradation of SMX. The photocatalyst retained half of its initial activity after five successive experiments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis Science and Engineering in Europe)
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16 pages, 3244 KiB  
Article
Removal of Organic Micropollutants from a Municipal Wastewater Secondary Effluent by UVA-LED Photocatalytic Ozonation
by Ana M. Chávez, Ana R. Ribeiro, Nuno F. F. Moreira, Adrián M. T. Silva, Ana Rey, Pedro M. Álvarez and Fernando J. Beltrán
Catalysts 2019, 9(5), 472; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal9050472 - 22 May 2019
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3919
Abstract
Numerous contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) have been found in different water bodies. Directive 2013/39/EU and Decision 2018/840/EU are consequently being implemented in the field of water policies. Twelve CECs (e.g., isoproturon, ciprofloxacin, and clarithromycin are among those listed) were detected in a [...] Read more.
Numerous contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) have been found in different water bodies. Directive 2013/39/EU and Decision 2018/840/EU are consequently being implemented in the field of water policies. Twelve CECs (e.g., isoproturon, ciprofloxacin, and clarithromycin are among those listed) were detected in a municipal wastewater secondary effluent by means of solid phase extraction and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-UHPLC-MS/MS). Different advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), based on the combination of ozone, UVA-LED and powdered TiO2, were investigated for their removal in a semi-batch operation. In addition, TiO2-coated glass rings (P25R) were characterized with different techniques (SEM, WDXRF) and used for continuous mode operation in a packed bed reactor (PBR). Among the AOPs studied, ozone-based processes were found to be more efficient than heterogeneous photocatalysis. A kinetic study was performed showing that direct ozonation is the main oxidation pathway for CEC removal. Ozone was successfully decomposed in combination with UVA-LED and P25R, resulting in an apparent rate constant of 3.2 × 10−2 s−1 higher than in the O3/LED system (1.0 × 10−3 s−1) or with ozone alone (8.6 × 10−5 s−1). Hydroxyl radical reaction could prevail over direct ozone reaction for the most refractory compounds (e.g., isoproturon). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis Science and Engineering in Europe)
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24 pages, 7723 KiB  
Article
Pure, Size Tunable ZnO Nanocrystals Assembled into Large Area PMMA Layer as Efficient Catalyst
by Issraa Shahine, Nour Beydoun, Jean Jacques Gaumet, El-Eulmi Bendeif, Hervé Rinnert, Pierre Magri, Aotmane En Naciri, Patrice Miska, Safi Jradi and Suzanna Akil
Catalysts 2019, 9(2), 162; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal9020162 - 07 Feb 2019
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4689
Abstract
Here, we demonstrate for the first time a strategy to self-assemble ZnO nanoparticles (NP) on a large area by a facile one-step process. First, rough and random ZnO nanocrystals (NC), were produced by free-stabilizing aqueous synthesis. Therefore, a post thermal treatment at various [...] Read more.
Here, we demonstrate for the first time a strategy to self-assemble ZnO nanoparticles (NP) on a large area by a facile one-step process. First, rough and random ZnO nanocrystals (NC), were produced by free-stabilizing aqueous synthesis. Therefore, a post thermal treatment at various temperatures ranging from 80 to 800 °C was necessary to obtain size-tunable and photoluminescent crystalline NP. The fabricated NP had both efficient UV photoluminescence and photocatalytic activity by photo-degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) dye. The annealed NP showed an absorption blue shift in the UV region with decreasing size. This shift was attributed to high quantum confinement effect since ZnO NP diameter reached values lower than the Bohr radius of ZnO (~2.7 nm). The photocatalytic activity displayed dependency on the particle’s size, number, and crystallinity. Subsequently, the NP were self-assembled inside poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoholes. Subsequently, large area substrate of homogenous properties ZnO NP was obtained. Moreover, the synthesis facility, photoemission and photocatalytic properties of ZnO NP could be a new insight into the realization of high performance and low cost UV laser devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis Science and Engineering in Europe)
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16 pages, 6419 KiB  
Article
CdS Photocatalysts Modified with Ag: Effect of the Solvothermal Temperature on the Structure and Photoactivity for Hydrogen Production
by Erika Soto, Fernando Vaquero, Noelia Mota, Rufino Manuel Navarro and Jose Luis G. Fierro
Catalysts 2019, 9(2), 110; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal9020110 - 22 Jan 2019
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3879
Abstract
This work studies the effect of the temperature in the solvothermal synthesis of CdS modified with Ag (Ag-CdS) over both the structure of CdS and the chemical state of the Ag species. The increase in the solvothermal temperature produces the evolution of the [...] Read more.
This work studies the effect of the temperature in the solvothermal synthesis of CdS modified with Ag (Ag-CdS) over both the structure of CdS and the chemical state of the Ag species. The increase in the solvothermal temperature produces the evolution of the CdS nanostructures from nanoparticles of low crystallinity in coexistence with small nanocrystals with strong confinement effect to the formation of highly crystalline nanorods. The Ag species also change with the solvothermal temperature from Ag2S species, formed at low temperature, to metallic species as the temperature increases. The photoactivity of the Ag-CdS samples is the result of the combination of three factors: crystallinity of the CdS structures, existence of small nanocrystals with strong confinement effect and the presence of segregated Ag2S species. The Ag-CdS sample prepared at 120 °C shows the better efficiency for hydrogen production because it achieves the better combination of the aforementioned factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis Science and Engineering in Europe)
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16 pages, 4022 KiB  
Article
Synthesis, Characterization of g-C3N4/SrTiO3 Heterojunctions and Photocatalytic Activity for Organic Pollutants Degradation
by Panagiotis-Spyridon Konstas, Ioannis Konstantinou, Dimitrios Petrakis and Triantafyllos Albanis
Catalysts 2018, 8(11), 554; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal8110554 - 17 Nov 2018
Cited by 70 | Viewed by 7403
Abstract
Perovskite-structure SrTiO3 (STO) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4, CN) have attracted considerable attention in photocatalytic technology due to their unique properties, but also suffer from some drawbacks. The development of composite photocatalysts that combine properties of the individual [...] Read more.
Perovskite-structure SrTiO3 (STO) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4, CN) have attracted considerable attention in photocatalytic technology due to their unique properties, but also suffer from some drawbacks. The development of composite photocatalysts that combine properties of the individual semiconductors with enhanced charge separation is the current major trend in the photocatalysis field. In this study, SrTiO3/g-C3N4 (CNSTO) composites with different ratios (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% g-C3N4) were prepared with a sonication mixing method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 porosimetry, Fourrier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance (DRS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). STO spherical particles were successfully loaded on the g-C3N4 planes forming heterojunction composite materials. The photocatalytic activity was tested against the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under simulated solar light (SSL) irradiation following first-order kinetics. The photocatalytic activity followed the trend: 20CNSTO > 30CNSTO > 40CNSTO > 50CNSTO ≈ 10CNSTO, in accordance with the amount of •OH radicals determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. A Z-scheme mechanism was proposed for the enhanced photocatalytic degradation of MB as evidenced by trapping experiments with scavengers. Finally, significant stability and reusability was exhibited, indicating that such composites are of potential interest for photocatalytic treatments under sunlight irradiation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis Science and Engineering in Europe)
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18 pages, 4353 KiB  
Article
Development of SrTiO3 Photocatalysts with Visible Light Response Using Amino Acids as Dopant Sources for the Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Aqueous Systems
by Panagiotis-Spyridon Konstas, Ioannis Konstantinou, Dimitrios Petrakis and Triantafyllos Albanis
Catalysts 2018, 8(11), 528; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal8110528 - 08 Nov 2018
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5326
Abstract
N-doped and N,S-co-doped SrTiO3 photocatalysts were prepared using glycine and L-histidine amino acids as nitrogen sources and L-cysteine as nitrogen and sulphur source. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 porosimetry, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance (DRS) [...] Read more.
N-doped and N,S-co-doped SrTiO3 photocatalysts were prepared using glycine and L-histidine amino acids as nitrogen sources and L-cysteine as nitrogen and sulphur source. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 porosimetry, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance (DRS) and fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS). Cubic SrTiO3 phase is formed in all samples, with crystal size ranged from 14.2 nm to 35.7 nm. The catalysts’ specific surface area and porosity depend on the amino acid dopant showing micro-mesoporosity for glycine, mesoporosity for histidine and non-porosity for cysteine. The lowest band gap (2.95 eV) was observed for the sample G-N-STO3 prepared with glycine (N:Sr:Ti 3:1:1 molar ratio) which produced also the higher amount of •OH radicals. The photocatalytic activity was tested against the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under UV-Vis and visible light irradiation following first-order kinetics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis Science and Engineering in Europe)
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12 pages, 3335 KiB  
Article
Effect of H2O and O2 on the Adsorption and Degradation of Acetaldehyde on Anatase Surfaces—An In Situ ATR-FTIR Study
by Stephanie Melchers, Jenny Schneider, Alexei V. Emeline and Detlef W. Bahnemann
Catalysts 2018, 8(10), 417; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal8100417 - 25 Sep 2018
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4351
Abstract
The effect of H2O and O2 on the adsorption and degradation of gaseous acetaldehyde on the anatase TiO2 surface has been studied, in the dark and upon UV illumination, at ambient temperatures. The processes occurring at the surface have [...] Read more.
The effect of H2O and O2 on the adsorption and degradation of gaseous acetaldehyde on the anatase TiO2 surface has been studied, in the dark and upon UV illumination, at ambient temperatures. The processes occurring at the surface have been elucidated by means of in situ ATR–FTIR (Attenuated Total Reflection—Fourier Transform Infrared) spectroscopy, while gas detectors allowed the analysis of the adducts and products in the gas phase. In the dark and under dry conditions acetaldehyde reacts independently of the atmosphere, upon aldol condensation to crotonaldehyde. However, under humid conditions, this reaction was prevented due to the replacement of the adsorbed acetaldehyde molecules, by water molecules. Upon UV illumination under oxygenic conditions, acetaldehyde was decomposed to acetate and formate. Under an N2 atmosphere, the formation of acetate and formate was observed during the first hour of illumination, until all adsorbed oxygen had been consumed. In the absence of molecular oxygen acetate, methane, and CO2 were detected, the formation of which most likely involved the participation of the bridging O atoms, within the TiO2 lattice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis Science and Engineering in Europe)
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Review

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22 pages, 7750 KiB  
Review
Metal Chalcogenides Based Heterojunctions and Novel Nanostructures for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
by Jian Li, Pablo Jiménez-Calvo, Erwan Paineau and Mohamed Nawfal Ghazzal
Catalysts 2020, 10(1), 89; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal10010089 - 07 Jan 2020
Cited by 49 | Viewed by 5656
Abstract
The photo-conversion efficiency is a key issue in the development of new photocatalysts for solar light driven water splitting applications. In recent years, different engineering strategies have been proposed to improve the photogeneration and the lifetime of charge carriers in nanostructured photocatalysts. In [...] Read more.
The photo-conversion efficiency is a key issue in the development of new photocatalysts for solar light driven water splitting applications. In recent years, different engineering strategies have been proposed to improve the photogeneration and the lifetime of charge carriers in nanostructured photocatalysts. In particular, the rational design of heterojunctions composites to obtain peculiar physico-chemical properties has achieved more efficient charge carriers formation and separation in comparison to their individual component materials. In this review, the recent progress of sulfide-based heterojunctions and novel nanostructures such as core-shell structure, periodical structure, and hollow cylinders is summarized. Some new perspectives of opportunities and challenges in fabricating high-performance photocatalysts are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis Science and Engineering in Europe)
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21 pages, 7245 KiB  
Review
Recent Development of Photocatalysts Containing Carbon Species: A Review
by Zheng-Jun Shi, Ming-Guo Ma and Jie-Fang Zhu
Catalysts 2019, 9(1), 20; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/catal9010020 - 28 Dec 2018
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5170
Abstract
Undoubtedly, carbon-based (nano)composites can be promising photocatalysts with improved photocatalytic activity due to the coupling effect from the incorporation of carbon species. In this mini-review, we focus on the recent development of photocatalysts based on carbon-based (nano)composites. TiO2 is well-known as a [...] Read more.
Undoubtedly, carbon-based (nano)composites can be promising photocatalysts with improved photocatalytic activity due to the coupling effect from the incorporation of carbon species. In this mini-review, we focus on the recent development of photocatalysts based on carbon-based (nano)composites. TiO2 is well-known as a typical photocatalyst. Special attention is paid to the various types of carbon–TiO2 composites such as C-doped TiO2, N–C-doped TiO2, metal–C-doped TiO2, and other co-doped C/TiO2 composites. Various synthetic strategies including the solvothermal/hydrothermal method, sol–gel method, and template-directed method are reviewed for the preparation of carbon-based TiO2 composites. C/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) composites and ternary C-doped composites are also summarized and ascribed to the unique electronic structure of g-C3N4 and the synergistic effect of the ternary interfaces, respectively. In the end, we put forward the future perspective of the photocatalysts containing carbon species based on our knowledge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis Science and Engineering in Europe)
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