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Nanomaterials based therapeutics transform the ways of disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment with increasing sophistications in nanotechnology at a breakneck pace, but very few could reach to the clinic due to inconsistencies in preclinical studies followed by regulatory hinderances. To tackle this, integrating the nanomedicine discovery with digital medicine provide technologies as tools of specific biological activity measurement. Hence, overcome the redundancies in nanomedicine discovery by the on-site data acquisition and analytics through integrating intelligent sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML). Integrated AI/ML wearable sensors directly gather clinically relevant biochemical information from the subject's body and process data for physicians to make right clinical decision(s) in a time and cost-effective way. This review summarizes insights and recommend the infusion of actionable big data computation enabled sensors in burgeoning field of nanomedicine at academia, research institutes, and pharmaceutical industries, with a potential of clinical translation. Furthermore, many blind spots are present in modern clinically relevant computation, one of which could prevent ML-guided low-cost new nanomedicine development from being successfully translated into the clinic was also discussed. • Roadblocks in clinical translation of nanomedicine are discussed. • Machine learning integration was proposed for synthesis and designing nanomedicine. • Intelligent sensing, diagnosis and monitoring of disease. • Artificial Intelligence efficiently provide computation for multi-omics data of clinical grade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • One step polyol-solvothermal methodology designed for creating the 0D, 1D, 2D and 3D silver. • This methodology eliminated the old traditional factors (stirring/injection speed, etc). • With the produced gases during reaction can directly control the dimensional morphologies. The common polyol techniques were used for the synthesis of solo metallic morphology. Here we reported the single-step polyol-solvothermal strategy for the synthesis of zero, one, two, and three-dimension silver structure by simply switching the reaction pressure with the help of silver amount and halide ions. Silver seeds in the presence of Cl- ion, at 74.1 mmHg grow in [1 1 1] and at 97.4 mmHg grow in [1 1 0] direction for the formation of 0D-Ag and 1D-Ag respectively, by protecting (1 0 0) facet. Extra halide (Br-) presence at 93.2 mmHg imposes the seeds to grow [1 1 0], [1 0 0] direction for 2D-Ag, while at 97.4 mmHg grow only in [1 0 0] direction for 3D-Ag, due to etching and formation of single crystal seeds. This closed reaction system doesn't need any kind of oxygen scavengers, inert gases, nor need to tune injection speed and stirring speed. This switching strategy can be implemented for the synthesis of other metallic morphologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) bridge between two semiconductors (AgBr and graphitic carbon nitride) was created to boost photoelectrochemical performance. The heterojunction created makes the whole system a Z-scheme catalyst. For the construction of this catalyst, the syringe pump methodology was adopted and different analytical techniques were used for the confirmation of structure and morphology. High angle annular dark field (HAADF), dark field (DF), DF-4 and DF-2 techniques, using Z-contrast phenomena, confirmed the heterostructure (ABGCN) and its composition. The constructed structure showed an enhanced photoelectrochemical and catalytic property against 'acute toxicity category-III (MM)' and 'category-IV (tetracycline hydrochloride (TH))' organic pollutants. The constructed catalyst degraded the MM in 57 min and the TH in 35 min with degradation rates of 0.01489 min−1 and 0.02387 min−1, respectively, due to the accumulation of photogenerated electrons on the conduction band (CB) of g-C3N4 and photogenerated holes on the valence band (VB) of AgBr by the transformation of charges through the graphene bridge. An ion trapping study also revealed that ·O2 and h+ were the active species which actively participated in the photocatalytic reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we reported a novel type-I heterojunction between red phosphorus and graphitic carbon nitride under vacuum condition, which is a novel synthesis process. For preparing the red phosphorus composites, the vacuum condition is appropriate to prevent it from self-ignition. The prepared materials were analyzed with different analytic techniques for the confirmation of their heterojunctions and structure formation. The introduction of red phosphorus into graphitic carbon nitride, reduce the structural defects and increase the charge separation ability. After medication, the synthesized composite shows an enhanced photocatalytic activity against acute toxicity category-III non-color (MTSM, Metsulfuron methyl) and color (RhB), organic pollutants. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism (Mott-Schottky and VB-XPS) study reveal that red phosphorus /graphitic carbon nitride possess type-I heterojunction with enhanced catalytic behavior, due to the effective transformation of photo-generated electrons from CB of GCN to CB of RP with the help of heterojunctions and due to unmoved photo holes on VBs. Synthesized composites also maintained their performance after reused them in three cyclic form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Efficient Fe-ZrO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst successfully prepared. • FZ-GCN is efficient for the degradation of acarbose (ACB) and rhodamine (RhB). • Prepared catalyst have more degradation ability under visible light. • Acarbose (ACB) degradation products was studied. Abstract Fe-ZrO 2 imbedded g-C 3 N 4 was successfully prepaid by solvo-thermal method for the photo-degradation of anti-diabetic drug, acarbose (ACB). The synthesized material were characterized with the help of FT-IR-Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV–vis-Spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, HPLC-MS and scanning electron microscopy. These characterization results indicated that the target materials was well prepared and photo-catalytically active. The target catalyst (Fe-ZrO 2 /g-C 3 N 4) showed very high photo-degradation rate against acarbose (ACB) and rhodamine (RhB). Presence of heterojunction between FZ and GCN increased the surface area and light absorbance capability. HPLC-MS scrutiny indicated that photo-degradation process, under visible light, split the ACB into lot of intermediates and finally degraded completely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vacuum tube method has been used for the construction of nondestructive and physically stable graphitic carbon nitride/graphene nanoplatelet composites and their photocatalytic behavior studied by measuring different photoactivities, such as photocurrent, photoluminescence, and the photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride under visible‐light irradiation. The formation of a heterojunction was confirmed by XRD, TEM, SEM, FTIR, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy. The results of this research indicate that the vacuum tube method is a facile, economic, and environmentally friendly approach to the preparation of composites. An ion‐trapping experiment indicated that, under visible light, the most effective photocatalyst generated the superoxide radical (O2·–) and holes (h+) to achieve the complete degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel metal free, graphitic carbon nitride self-type heterojunction was successfully created. A self-type heterojunction between two different kind of graphitic carbon nitride with a promote charge separation ability, one was prepared by solvothermal using the dicyandiamide as precursor and other was prepared by direct heating from melamine precursor. This synthesis process is facile, economical and environment friendly. The confirmation of synthesis and heterojunction formation was based on the X-ray-Diffraction, Transmission electron microscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photocurrent. The potential difference in heterojunction between different types of g-C 3 N 4 is the main acting power for the proficient separation and transformation of photo generated charges. Degradation results indicated that, the removal of antibiotic from effluents, graphitic carbon nitride heterojunction (GCN-DM) pointedly enhanced the visible light catalytic activity over solo graphitic carbon nitride (GCN-D, GCN-M). The improved photocatalytic behaviour of heterojunction may be due to charge separation and transfer ability with prolong lifetime of photo-generated charge carrier. The results also indicated that the optical and surface area properties also play a significance role in enhancement of photo-catalytical ability of target photo-catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Artificial enzymatic catalyst has been widely applied due to their excellent catalytic efficiency. • Hemin is a highly active and eco-friendly enzymatic catalyst with high substrate specificity. • Visible-light active hemin-Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 biomimetic nanocomposites were synthesized. • The central iron of hemin acts as an electron-conducting bridge, adsorb surface oxygen and stabilized the charge dynamic. • The as-prepared HBTO showed immense photodegradation of TCHCL and Cr(VI) photoreduction. The removal of water pollution of persistent pharmaceutical products and heavy metals is highly demanded. It is urgently needed to develop highly efficient and eco-friendly photocatalysts to meet the requirements of current green environmental development. Eco-friendly enzymatic photocatalyst with potential solar light utilization is an effective alternative to environmental remediation. This work demonstrates the combined effect of artificial enzyme hemin immobilization on the surface of semiconductor photocatalyst Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 to fabricate a biomimetic photocatalyst hemin-Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 (HBTO) by using a facile solvothermal method. The HBTO nanocomposite photocatalyst showed high photocatalytic efficiency for the photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCHCL) and photo-reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). Under visible irradiation, the optimum ratio 1.0-HBTO showed ∼ 99.91% TCHCL photodegradation, and ∼ 99.97% Cr(VI) photo-reduction in contrast to pure BTO, which hardly achieved about 33.0% and 58.7%, respectively. Additionally, the photodegradation mechanism of TCHCL was monitored using HPLC-MS, and the photo-reduction performance was studied in detail. The photoabsorption and the photoelectrochemical performance of HBTO were highly improved with ∼ 3.8 times higher photocurrent density than pure BTO. The immobilization of hemin not only can improve the photoabsorption of HBTO but also act as an electron-conducting bridge and a surface oxygen absorption site. This work sheds light on an efficient approach of a synergistic effect of artificial enzyme and semiconductor photocatalyst to fabricate highly efficient biomimetic photocatalyst HBTO for environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research reported electro-static junctions between carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphitic carbon nitride (CCN) with enhanced photocatalytic properties. The CNT and CCN formed the CTCN (CNT/CCN) by the electro-statistic driving force under hydrothermal methodology. The materials fabrication was confirmed by using different analyzing techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, and FTIR (etc). Also, the photocatalytic ability was studied by the degradation of R-610 under visible light irradiation. The CTCN-1 possess the higher degradation rate 0.0105 min−1 and higher current density 0.19 μA/cm2 as compare to other, CTCN-2 (0.0088 min−1, 0.16 μ A/cm2), CTCN-3 (0.0065 min−1, 0.12 μ A/cm2) and CCN (0.0035 min−1, 0.10 μ A/cm2). The combining of CNT with CCN in a specific amount reduces the structure defects in graphitic carbon nitride by reducing the charge recombination ability. Ion-trapping experiments showed that superoxide radicals and holes are the most generated and effective photogenerated species to accomplish the degradation of R-610 (rhodamine-610) under visible light irradiation. • Electro-statistic junctions between CNT and graphitic carbon nitride was created. • Optimum quantity of CNT with CCN can reduce the structure defects. • O− 2 and h+ are the most effective photogenerated species to accomplish the R-610. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitrides (2D g-C3N4) are promising photocatalysts for water splitting to hydrogen due to their non-toxicity and high stability. However, the bulk g-C3N4 has some intrinsic drawbacks, such as rapid electron–hole recombination and low charge-carrier mobility, resulting in poor photocatalytic activity. Here, 2,4-diamine-6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine was employed as a precursor to regulating the assembly of melamine and cyanuric acid in water. The resulting g-C3N4 not only improved the visible light absorption and electron–hole separation but also provided more catalytic sites for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The modified g-C3N4 (CNP10-H) showed a hydrogen-releasing rate of 2184 μmol·g−1·h−1, much higher than the bulk g-C3N4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the fabrication of a peculiar 3D/2D ZnIn 2 S 4 /oxygen-doped graphitic carbon nitride (ZnIn 2 S 4 /SO-GCN) through a simple hydrothermal method. The flower-like morphology of hexagonal ZnIn 2 S 4 disperse on the SO-GCN nanosheets are evidenced by XRD, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The as-synthesized nanocomposites were intensively applied for the visible light photocatalytic removal of aqueous phase 2,4-D. The heterojunction creation and the well-developed combined interface between ZnIn 2 S 4 and SO-GCN significantly increases its photogenerated charge separation capability. The photo-degradation mechanism disclose that the heterojunction has improved catalytic degradation activity, due to efficient transferring of photogenerated electron-holes pairs. Under visible-light irradiation, these nanocomposites showed 3–5 times higher degradation rate of 2,4-D (i.e. 0.0112/min, by 30%-ZnIn 2 S 4 /SO-GCN), as compared to solo ZnIn 2 S 4 and SO-GCN, attributed to the composite's synergistic effect in unique 3D/2D heterojunction, that accelerates the electron-hole separation. The h+ and •OH species contribute a noteworthy role in the degradation process of 2,4-D over 30%-ZnIn 2 S 4 /SO-GCN. In addition, the synthesized nanocomposites sustained their reusability performance in five cyclic run. Our research have implications of constructing 3D/2D nanocomposites which is beneficial for scalable solution of efficient photocatalysts. • Flower like ZnIn 2 S 4 /SO-GCN heterojunction was synthesized by hydrothermal method. • Interfacial microstructures significantly enhanced the photocatalytic performance. • A typical Type II heterostructure was confirmed between SO-GCN and ZnIn 2 S 4. • The degradation rate of 2,4-D by 30%-ZnIn 2 S 4 /SO-GCN was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spherical graphitic carbon nitride was successfully synthesized with one step method. • The degradation rate of spherical-C 3 N 4 was higher as compare traditional-C 3 N 4. • Complete degradation of Tetracycline hydrochloride occurs by SCN in short duration. Graphitic-carbon nitride with spherical morphology (SCN) was synthesized via very simple one step solvothermal method. Prepared photocatalyst was carefully analyzed by different techniques such as FTIR-infrared spectra, XPS, X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. These analysis results indicated that the synthesized material possess the structure of graphitic carbon nitride with a novel morphology. The degradation ability of spherical g-C 3 N 4 was checked by degrading an antibiotic (i.e. Tetracycline hydrochloride, TC-HCl). SCN shows the degradation rate (0.0357 min−1) much higher as compare to traditionally prepared graphitic carbon nitride (0.0047 min−1). Moreover, recycling tests showed that the SCN possess good stability and reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Single crystal micro-particles of nickel have been prepared using oleylamine as a solvent-reductant system. • A variety of surfactants were also used to observe their effect on nickel micro-particles. • Results showed higher crystallinity of the synthesized micro-particles as compared to standard samples. • Magnetic testing results showed the increase in curie temperature, which was higher than previously recorded. Single-crystal nickel micro-particles have been synthesized using oleylamine which perform both functions, as solvent and as reductant, along with nickel nitrate hexahydrate as the metallic salt and C-TAB as a surfactant. SEM imaging and X-ray techniques were used to confirm the presence of the single-crystal structure of nickel micro-particles. The effect of crystallinity on field-based and especially temperature based magnetic properties resulting in higher curie temperatures of nickel micro-particles was also analyzed. Their morphology and magnetic properties were compared with commercially obtained nickel micro-particles and a variety of other nickel microparticles prepared by using different surfactants in the same system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogenic nanoparticles are considered effective alternatives to chemical pesticides for the management of pathogenic plant diseases. This study was focused on the synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to control challenging plant pathogenic bacteria in vitro and in planta. We synthesized AgNPs by reacting different proportions of silver nitrate and aqueous extract of Hedera nepalensis. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized AgNPs were determined by using various physical techniques. The TEM analysis revealed the AgNPs less than 50 nm in size and spherical shaped. For antibacterial assays, different concentrations (1000–15.62 µg/mL, 2-fold dilutions) of the extract-free AgNPs (Ef-AgNPs) or extract-mixed AgNPs (Em-AgNPs), and fruit extracts (FE) were used against plant pathogenic bacteria Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora, Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica, and Ralstonia solanacearum. In the in vitro assays, we found significant inhibition of both bacterial species in response to maximum concentrations of AgNPs. Overall, Ef-AgNPs exhibited a higher percent inhibition of bacterial pathogens. In potato tubers assay, complete inhibition of Erwinia carotovora was observed, except for the lowest AgNPs concentration of 15.62 µg/mL. Similarly, exposure of tomato plants to Ralstonia solanacearum suspensions (OD600 = 0.2) in the soil-drenching experiment and post-exposure treatment with 1000 µg/mL and 125 µg/mL of AgNPs resulted in disease inhibition. This study provides the basis that biogenic nanoparticles prepared from Hedera nepalensis are one of the best substitutes to synthetic pesticide, having displayed better results to control the growth of phytopathogenic microbes. However, field studies need to be conducted in a controlled environment to scale up the current work and find out the efficacy of nanoparticles on a larger scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel tetrabutyl titanate-directed single-unit-cell Ti-doped Bi 2 WO 6 was fabricated by facile hydrothermal method. • The Ti-doping mediate crystal defects and generate surface oxygen vacancies, improving the visible light absorption. • The Ti-doping can act as surface electron scavenger sites, which enhanced the charge transfer and suppress the recombination rate. • The synergistic effect of Ti-doping and surface oxygen vacancies greatly enhance the photocatalytic performance of Ti-Bi 2 WO 6 compared Bi 2 WO 6. • A possible photodegradation pathway for ceftriaxone sodium was proposed and discussed. Crystal defects are crucially important in semiconductor photocatalysis. To improve the reactivity of photocatalysts and attain desirable solar energy conversion, crystal defect engineering has gained considerable attention in real catalysts. Herein, we engineered crystal defects and mediate oxygen vacancies in host Bi 2 WO 6 crystal lattice via varying content of Ti dopant to fabricate single-unit-cell layered structure, resulting in enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic efficiency. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations verified that the substitution of Bi cation in the crystal structure of Bi 2 WO 6 can induce a new defect level, and increase the density of states (DOS) at the valence band maximum, which not only improve the charge dynamic but also the electronic conductivity. Remarkably, the single-unit-cell layers Ti-doped Bi 2 WO 6 structure casts profoundly improved photocatalytic performance towards ceftriaxone sodium degradation, Cr(VI) reduction, and particularly higher photocatalytic H 2 production rate, with a 5.8-fold increase compared to bulk Bi 2 WO 6. Furthermore, the photoelectrochemical measurements unveil that the significantly higher charge migration and charge carrier dynamic counts for the elevated photocatalytic performance. After careful examination of experimental results, it was proved that the Ti doping mediated crystal defects, and engendered oxygen vacancies are critically important for controlling the photocatalytic performance of Bi 2 WO 6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Schematic illustration of the surface ligand exchange by short ligand acting as a sensing species. On the left side, the background-colored pictures represent the fluorescence quenched by ammonia addition under ambient conditions. [Display omitted] • The surface ligand of CsPbBr 3 Perovskite Quantum dots was crafted/exchanged by the sort ligand, and the ligand Exchange species were used as a detecting species. • The CsPbBr 3 Perovskite quantum dot was further encapsulated by the Zeolites imidazole framework to obtain CsPbBr 3 @ZIF-8. • The CsPbBr 3 @ZIF-8 material was immersed on cellulose paper for ammonia recognition via a mobile camera and the naked eye. The substantial optical features of perovskite quantum dots (PQD) lead to rapid growth in the investigation of their surface and lattice doping for optoelectronic and biochemical sensor advancements. Herein, we have used the surface ligand crafting model of PQD by ammonia and its optimum response to recognise ammonia in the sensing cellulose paper. The PQD with acetyl amine and octanoic acid capped were synthesized and entrapped in zeolites imidazole framework to delay the instant quenching and envisaged response to ammonia with high sensitivity. The hybrid perovskite quantum dots and Zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (PQD@ZIF-8) materials were further immersed in cellulose paper for solid-state sensor fabrication for the detection of ammonia by naked-eye and a Xiaomi Note-5 mobile camera. The ammonia was measured with high sensitivity at ambient conditions, with a detection limit of 16 ppm and a linear detection range of 1 to 500 ppm. This research provides a new platform for designing sensor selectivity and sensitivity, which could be used to further develop fluorescent nanomaterials-based sensors for small molecule detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Interface α-MnO 2 /Bi 2 WO 6 heterostructure synthesized with abundant Mn3+/Mn4+ defect. • Boosted visible light by surface oxygen vacancies, defects sites. • O 2 − and 1O 2 were the main ROS for TC-HCl degradation, Cr6 reduction. • DFT calculation reveals high charge density at the built-in-interface. • Mechanistic insights into Z-scheme charge transfer. The construction of visible-light-driven hybrid heterostructure photocatalysts is of great significance for environmental remediation, although the utilization of strong visible-light response photocatalysts with high efficiency and stability remains a major challenge. On the other hand, defect engineering is an excellent way to introduce metal cation vacancies in materials, thereby ensuing in highly enhanced catalytic performance. Inspired by this, we effectively constructed a built-in interface α-MnO 2 /Bi 2 WO 6 heterostructure with abundant intimate interfaces and defective Mn3+/Mn4+ active sites for photocatalytic tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-HCl), hexavalent chromium Cr6+ reduction, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) inactivation. The experimental results, such as the active species test and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, indicated that the defective sites Mn3+/Mn4+, surface oxygen vacancies, and Bi(3+x)+ boosted the visible light absorption, and highly enhanced the photoinduced charge separation/transfer. Furthermore, experimental and DFT calculations reveal the high charge density at the built-in interface heterostructure and the Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism during the photocatalytic process. The results further reveal that O 2 − and 1O 2 are the main reactive active species contributing to the photocatalytic reaction. The exceptional TC-HCl decomposition activity of the α-MnO 2 /Bi 2 WO 6 heterostructure (97.56%, 2.31, and 2.04 times higher than bulk), enhanced reaction kinetics (K app = 0.041 min−1, 6.4, and 5.2 times higher than bulk), removal rate of 80.3%, Cr6+ reduction to Cr3+ (98.56%, K app = 0.0599 min−1), and almost 100% bacterial inactivation compared to bulk α-MnO 2 (42.22%) and Bi 2 WO 6 (47.76%), were mainly due to the enhanced charge separation/transfer at the built-in interface and high charge density. This study opens new horizons for constructing Z-scheme MnO-based interface heterostructures with abundant defect sites for exceptional photocatalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Herein, we reported the adsorption and desorption of Pb(II) on l -lysine modified montmorillonite (L-Mt) with molecular dynamics simulation. l -lysine (Lys) modified montmorillonite (L-Mt) was prepared, characterized by various analytical techniques, and the simulation studies were performed to evaluate the interlayer structure and interaction properties of l -lysine and L-Mt. The results of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum suggested that Lys+ was intercalated into the interlayer of Na-montmorillonite (Na Mt) successfully. The batch adsorption experiments were implemented to study the adsorption capacity of Pb(II) on L-Mt in water. The maximum adsorption capacity of Pb(II) on the L-Mt (up to 43.3 mmol/100 g) were considerably higher than that on Na Mt (up to 15.3 mmol/100 g), at room temperature. The adsorption isotherms of both, L-Mt and Na Mt can fit the Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption experiments showed that Pb(II) removal efficiency of L-Mt is better than Na Mt in acidic solution. The simulation results revealed the micro-mechanism of Lys+ inserted into the interlayer gallery of Na Mt. It can be deduced that lysine interacted with montmorillonite surface mainly through the protonated side-chain amino group rather than through the protonated main-chain amino group or deprotonated carboxyl group. These consequences are expected to elucidate the adsorption mechanisms occurring at the water/clay minerals interface at atom level, providing significant insight into the adsorption and retention of Pb(II) on L-Mt composite, and lead to relevant engineering applications while treating heavy metals of wastewater. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • l -lysine modified montmorillonite (L-Mt) has higher adsorption capacity for Pb(II) than Na Mt. Their maximum adsorption capacity is 43.3 mmol/100 g and 15.3 mmol/100 g, respectively. • L-Mt is more efficient on the retention of Pb(II) than Na Mt. When pH 3.0, the desorption ratio of Pb(II) is 16.08% and 58.31%, respectively. • The microstructure and interaction between lysine and Na Mt has been revealed by molecular dynamic simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract The as-obtained NCNS photocatalyst both increased the absorption of visible light and exhibited more efficient charge separation compared to the precursor of 2D g-C 3 N 4. It also exhibited superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance with high external quantum efficiency (∼10.7%, λ = 420 nm). Highlights • The nitrogen atoms were introduced into the 2D g-C 3 N 4 by using DMF as N source to form a novel photocatalyst (NCNS). • The NCNS both increased the absorption of visible light and exhibited more efficient charge separation. • The NCNS showed superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance. Abstract The two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride (2D g-C 3 N 4) shows excellent photocatalytic performance due to its graphene-like structure, unique electronic and optical property. However, the 2D g-C 3 N 4 suffers from lower visible light utilization because of the quantum size effect. Herein, a new approach was developed to prepare the surface nitrogen modified 2D g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets (NCNS) through a facile hydrothermal treatment route. The as-obtained NCNS exhibited a high hydrogen evolution rate of 19.8 mmol h−1 g−1 with a turnover number (TON) of 642.39 in 5 h, and the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 10.7% at 420 nm was superior to the g-C 3 N 4 different morphological regulation. The surface nitrogen modification prompted electron delocalization of two-dimensional electron system, leading to accelerating photon-generated carrier separation and transportation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3-D composite materials containing nanorods of copper–biphenylamines framework at the exterior of Ag doped g-C 3 N 4 , to reduce colorless/refractory and colored organic contaminants, with prominent improvement in catalytic action was witnessed for 3-D composite 5% Ag/g-C 3 N 4 /Cu(BA), in contrast to original g-C 3 N 4 . The improved samples forced electrons colonizing in upper CB and holes colonizing in lower VB, hence improving redox reaction supremacy of the charge carriers. 5% Ag/g-C 3 N 4 /Cu(BA) can easily degrade 100% to 99.5% of MO & RhB solutions in 60 min and 73% of phenol and 57% of TCP were degraded. Whereas the degradation efficacies of 5% Ag/g-C 3 N 4 /Cu(BN), 5% Ag/g-C 3 N 4 /Cu(PD), 5% Ag/g-C 3 N 4 and g-C 3 N 4 are inferior related to 5% Ag/g-C 3 N 4 /Cu(BA). The resilient dynamic reactive species (O 2 − , h + , 1 O 2 , OH), directly caused mineralization of MO, RhB, phenol and TCP. The k app for 5% Ag/g-C 3 N 4 /Cu(BA) also showed superiority over other modified samples. The above results are advantageous for the expansion of a modified catalyst in a wholesale amount and its use. TEM, SEM, EDS elemental mapping, XRD, UV–vis, XPS, and VBXPS studies confirmed that Cu(BA) and 5% Ag/g-C 3 N 4 display close communication with each other. This investigation delivers an innovative approach for extremely worthwhile composite photocatalyst enterprises for environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel and highly efficient ternary mpg-C 3 N 4 /BiVO 4 /TiO 2 composite was successfully synthesized and characterized with regard to structure, chemical composition, optical properties and degradation application. The photocatalytic activities of as-prepared samples were evaluated by the photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue (MB), practical effluent from alkylation and amination steps in 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) production. Compared with TiO 2 , BiVO 4, and mpg-C 3 N 4 , the binary composites TiO 2 /BiVO 4 and the ternary mpg-C 3 N 4 /BiVO 4 /TiO 2 composites exhibited the higher photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. Compared to solo mpg-C 3 N 4 and BiVO 4 , the photocatalytic efficiency of g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 /BiVO 4 raised up to 94%. The catalytic activity of g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 /BiVO 4 against TATB (alkylation and amination) also confirms its efficiency by creating intermediate which were detected by Q-TOF-MS. The thermal stability and photo-stability of the produced composites were investigated. From the view of practical application, mpg-C 3 N 4 /BiVO 4 /TiO 2 displayed superior photostability after five times recycle. The mechanism research showed the fitting of band structure among BiVO 4 , g-C 3 N 4, and TiO 2 . The presence of mpg-C 3 N 4 and BiVO 4 can notably adjust the band gap energy and the synergy effects of them can prolong the lifetime of the charge carrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Ti-doping can reduce the thickness, highly enhances the BET surface area and porosity, and mediates oxygen vacancies in Bi 2 MoO 6. • The synergistic effect of ultrathin thickness and oxygen vacancies will promote the charge transport from bulk to surface. • Ti-doping can act as surface electron scavenger, which endows as-fabricated catalyst with charge collection ability to facilitate photogenerated e−/h+ separation. • In contrast with pristine Bi 2 MoO 6 , the Ti-mediated Bi 2 MoO 6 ultrathin nanosheet exhibits higher photocatalytic activity. • The photoelectrochemical experiments confirm the promoted charge separation efficiency. Crystal defects have been broadly regarded to modulate the photoreactivity of semiconductors, mostly concerning the crystal and electronic structure of materials. On the other hand, oxygen defect-engineering is a fundamental approach to improve the photolysis activity of materials. Herein, an interactive hybrid intermediate strategy with oxygen defect-engineering was utilized to fabricate atomically-thin Ti-doped Bi 2 MoO 6 nanosheets. Experimental results unveil that the well-engineered ultrathin Ti-doped Bi 2 MoO 6 nanosheets tune the morphology, visible light absorption, local atomic and electronic band structure of Bi 2 MoO 6. Importantly, the Ti-doping hugely affects the BET specific surface area and porosity of Ti-Bi 2 MoO 6 (72 m2 g−1) in contrast to bulk Bi 2 MoO 6 , which is 19 m2 g−1. Furthermore, the density functional theory calculations were carried out to explore the effect of Ti-doping on electronic band structure and the surface charge distribution in Ti-Bi 2 MoO 6. It was found, rather than acting as a recombination center for photogenerated charge carriers, the defect caused by Ti doping mediated O vacancies in the crystal structure of Bi 2 MoO 6 , which favors the photogenerated charge carriers transfer and enhances the photocatalytic reactivity due to delocalized nature. With the advantages of atomically-thin structure Ti-Bi 2 MoO 6 nanosheets, the synergistic effect of ultrathin thickness of Ti-Bi 2 MoO 6 and oxygen vacancies has remarkably improved the photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of nitrofurantoin, and photoreduction of Cr(VI) in a highly acidic and alkaline medium. The present work opens a door for enhancing the photolysis performance of Bi 2 MoO 6 -based photocatalysts with excellent photolysis activity in the various environmental remediation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]