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In this work, a hollow MoSe2/CuS type-II heterojunction was fabricated using hollow MoSe2 nanospheres as the basis for structural design. UV–Vis–NIR diffuse absorption tests show that MoSe2/CuS has a broad spectral absorption to extend the optical response range from UV–Vis to NIR. The light source utilization rate and interfacial area are increased by the hollow MoSe2/CuS core–shell structure. The broad absorption ability of MoSe2/CuS can facilitate the photocatalysis process. As the electrochemical impedance of MoSe2/CuS is lower than that of the MoSe2, MoSe2/CuS has a good photogenerated carrier separation efficiency. Benefiting from the synergistic facilitation effect of the multi-level 3D hollow nanosphere and the significant space charge region in type-II heterojunction, the RhB degradation efficiency of MoSe2/CuS reached 96.0% in 120.0 min under Xe (350 W) broadband spectrum light irradiation. The photocatalysis mechanism of the hollow MoSe2/CuS core–shell structure was investigated. This work provides an insight into the application of broad spectrum semiconductor heterojunctions to solve environmental problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linker-assisted Ag-TiO2 nanocomposite (NC)-based photocatalysts have been successfully synthesized using thioglycolic acid (TGA) and 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) as bifunctional linker molecules (LMs). The Ag–LMs–TiO2 composites showed greatly improved photocatalytic performance for the degradation of an organic dye mixture under direct sunlight over bare Ag–TiO2 NCs. The efficiencies estimated from the degradation curves for Ag–TiO2, Ag–MPA–TiO2, and Ag–TGA–TiO2 are found to be 82.9%, 90.2%, and 96.1%, respectively. Compared to Ag–MPA–TiO2, Ag–TGA–TiO2 NCs exhibit an enhanced photocatalytic activity, which can be attributed to the TGA molecule's shorter chain length and, hence, faster and more charge transfer, which is duly confirmed by photoluminescence (PL) quenching and TRPL decay curves. Furthermore, higher Stern–Volmer quenching constant values (Ksv) have been obtained for Ag–TGA–TiO2 NCs compared to the bare Ag–TiO2 and Ag–MPA–TiO2 NCs from the PL quenching and estimated Ksv values for Ag–TiO2, Ag–MPA–TiO2, and Ag–TGA–TiO2 are 1400, 1950, and 2560 l−1, respectively. Interestingly, the Ag–TGA–TiO2 recycling analysis confirmed high stability and fast photodegradation up to 40 cycles. From the obtained results, it is concluded that the interfacial electron transfer kinetics in Ag–LM–TiO2 assemblies rely on the length of the alkyl-containing molecular linkers; the shorter the length, the more the charge transfer will be, thereby improving the photocatalytic behavior of the NCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor-based photocatalysts have become increasingly used in the removal of pollutants from wastewater, especially antibiotics. A series of composite-based cuprous oxide and bismuth vanadate (Cu2O/BiVO4) composite-based photocatalysts were synthesized by using the chemical method. The structure of the Cu2O/BiVO4 composite was verified by using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV–visible spectra. The degradation of methylene blue (MB) and tetracycline (TC) was investigated to check the photocatalytic activity of the Cu2O/BiVO4 composite series. The quantity of Cu2O was varied from 1% to 7% by weight to prepare the series of Cu2O/BiVO4 composites. The analysis of results verified that 5% Cu2O/BiVO4 exhibits an outstanding photocatalytic activity as compared to 1%, 3%, and 7% Cu2O/BiVO4, pure Cu2O, and pure BiVO4 under visible light irradiation. The optimum value of photocatalytic degradation achieved with 5% Cu2O/BiVO4 was 97% for MB dye and 95% for TC in 120 min, which is greater than the photocatalytic degradation of pure BiVO4 (MB 45% and TC 72%), pure Cu2O (MB 57% and TC 80%), 1% Cu2O/BiVO4 (MB 72% and TC 85%), 3% Cu2O/BiVO4 (MB 83% and TC 88%), and 7% Cu2O/BiVO4 (MB 87% and TC 91%). The stability and reusability of Cu2O/BiVO4 were also investigated. To check the major role of trapping in degradation, a trapping experiment was also performed by using three trapping agents: BQ, EDTA, and tBuOH. The results showed that Cu2O/BiVO4 exhibits an improved photocatalytic activity in the degradation of antibiotics in polluted water because the recombination rate of the electron–hole pair decreased and the surface area increased, which increased the active sites for redox reactions. Such a photocatalytic composite with high efficiency has various applications, such as energy production, environmental remediation, and water remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the synthesis of La 10 Si 6 O 27 :Sm3+ nanoparticles (LSNP) with varying samarium (Sm3+) concentrations (0–8 mol%) using eco-friendly solution combustion method with urea as a fuel. Using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), we determined that the nanoparticles typically measure between 15 and 17 nm and display a spherical morphology. These rare earth (RE)-doped nanoparticles were employed as a novel photocatalyst for the degradation of malachite green (MG) dye, exhibit unprecedented photocatalytic efficiency. The release of OH radicals during the degradation process was found to vary with the chemical structure and concentration of the photocatalyst, with the 6 mol% LSNP formulation showing a significant advancement under both UV and sunlight. Electrochemical assessments revealed that these nanoparticles exhibit excellent cyclic stability and robust performance. Notably, the specific capacitance of the nanoparticles increased with the samarium concentration, reaching a peak of 261.3 F/g in 0.1 M HCl. Furthermore, graphite-modified electrodes incorporating these nanoparticles showed significant potential as sensitive materials for detecting mercury and lead in concentrations as low as 1–6 mM, underscoring the versatility and functional adaptability of the synthesized nanoparticles in environmental and electrochemical applications. The prepared La 10 Si 6 O 27 :Sm3+ nanoparticles The nanoparticles demonstrated an optimal photocatalytic efficiency of 95.5 % under UV light and 88.15 % under sunlight at 6 mol% Sm3+ doping. Additionally, a peak specific capacitance of 261.3 F/g was achieved in 0.1 M HCl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel Y-NaBi(MoO 4) 2 @NaYF 4 :Yb, Tm composite was successfully synthesized for the first time by hydrothermal method. The lamellar Y-NaBi(MoO 4) 2 was dispersed on the surface of the hexagonal prism NaYF 4 :Yb, Tm without aggregation. The composite achieved a broad spectral response. The NaYF 4 :Yb, Tm absorbed near-infrared light and emitted ultraviolet and visible light by the energy transfer upconversion process. The emitted light was reabsorbed by Y-NaBi(MoO 4) 2 through the fluorescence resonance energy transfer process. Moreover, the doping of Y3+ ions enhanced the light response capability of the composite. The experimental results revealed that the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ciprofloxacin (CIP) reached 96.2 % after 180 min of illumination under simulated sunlight. Meanwhile, the degradation pathways and attack sites of CIP were intensively investigated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and density functional theory theoretical calculations. The upconversion process, the separation of photogenerated carriers and rare earth metal ion doping all contributed to the high effective photodegradation. This work provided a new strategy for effective utilization of solar energy for the degradation of emerging pollutants to mitigate environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of global economy and industrialization, the management and protection of water resources have become increasingly important. In this paper, a novel three-dimensional Chitosan/Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 @MXene photocatalyst with excellent degradation and bacterial inhibition properties was prepared by a simple one-step hydrothermal method using FeCl 3 ·6H 2 O, Chitosan (CS) and MXene (Ti 3 C 2) as main raw materials. TiO 2 was generated in-situ on the surface of Ti 3 C 2 nanosheets and modified by loading Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles and CS films. The conformations and band gaps of the composites were modified, and then photocatalytic mechanisms, phase compositions, morphological structures, magnetic properties and photoelectrochemical properties of the photocatalysts were systematically analyzed. The degradation efficiency of the CS/Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 @Ti 3 C 2 composite photocatalyst can reach 95.9 % when the ration of CS to FeCl 3 ·6H 2 O is 1:3 and the hydrothermal temperature is 180 °C, which showing excellent photocatalytic performance. Meanwhile, the inhibition rate of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is close to 98.91 % under the light condition. This study further reveals that visible light is a cost-effective way to treat pollution in terms of degradation and bacteriostatic inhibition, and the composite photocatalysts can be efficiently recycled and reused under the action of a magnetic field. [Display omitted] • CS/Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 @MXene with excellent degradation and bacteriostatic properties was synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method. • Fe 3 O 4 formed Schottky heterojunction with TiO 2 generated in situ, CS formed a double-layer film regulation system with Ti 3 C 2. • Bacteriostatic system was built: Nanoparticles brought ROS, loaded on sharp sheets, wrapped by CS with positive charges. • The material also has outstanding cyclic degradation performance, can be easily recycled and reused due to its magnetism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to develop an efficient, easily recoverable membrane-based photocatalyst for removing organic pollutants from aqueous solutions. This study documents the effective synthesis of a novel composite photocatalyst comprising WO3/g-C3N4 (WCN) loaded onto cellulose acetate (CA). The physicochemical properties of the synthesized nanocomposites were validated using a range of techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. SEM analysis revealed that the WCN particles exhibited a well-decorated arrangement on the CA surface in the form of spherical particles. The successfully synthesized film was utilized as a potential adsorbent for removing organic pollutants such as Rhodamine B (Rh-B) and Methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions under UV light illumination. The results showcased the significant potential of the WCN@CA nanocomposite, achieving a remarkable 83% and 85% efficiency in eliminating Rh-B and MB. The pseudo-first-order kinetic models were found to be appropriate for both dye adsorption onto the WCN@CA nanocomposite. The WCN@CA catalyst, capable of being reused five times without significant loss of efficiency, shows great potential for decomposing toxic organic pollutants. The novelty of this work lies in the innovative combination of WCN with CA, resulting in a highly efficient and reusable photocatalyst for environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the biggest problems in the ecosystem is wastewater contaminated with industrial dyes. These pollutants have a very stable chemical structure, which causes complicated removal. However, a possible alternative for wastewater treatment is zinc oxide semiconductor nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The approach of this study was the implementation of a green synthesis methodology for the obtention of ZnO nanoparticles employing Ipomoea stans (TV) leaves as extracts. The properties of the ZnO nanoparticles synthesized at 1 %, 2 %, and 4 % w/v (weight/volume) concentration of the extract were obtained from the characterization using different techniques. The FTIR analysis determined the presence of the active functional groups attached to the surface, which capped and stabilized the ZnO NPs; a band located in the range of 500-390 cm−1 confirms the presence of the Zn–O bond. The UV absorption spectra of all ZnO NPs samples were determined by executing the ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy technique, with a characteristic signal located at ∼370 nm and energy gap values between 3.036 eV and 3.101 eV. In addition, XRD patterns determined the average crystallite sizes to be 30.78 nm for ZnO-TV 1 %, 18.68 nm ZnO-TV 2 %, and 11.96 nm ZnO-TV 4 %, respectively. Furthermore, the results from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) displayed the following values of mean particle size of 21 nm, 24.4 nm, and 10.16 nm for ZnO-TV 1 %, ZnO-TV 2 % and ZnO-TV 4 % with S.D. 9.10, 12.5 and 3.6. Finally, the photocatalytic activity was evaluated utilizing the industrial dyes Methyl Orange, Methylene Blue, Rhodamine B, Malachite Green, and Congo Red. Obtaining outstanding results in the degradation of all industrial dyes. All syntheses achieved degradation greater than 91 % for methyl orange, methylene blue, and rhodamine B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical anodization, under a constant voltage of 45 V and for 15, 30, and 45 min, was performed to fabricate highly ordered TiO 2 nanotubes. Depending on the processing paramters, the diameter of the TiO 2 nanotubes was found to be around 95 ± 6 nm, while the thickness of TNT layer exhibited a change with anodizing time, varying from 1 to 4 μm. Subsequent to the anodization α-Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 heterogeneous structure was created by the spin coating of iron precursor based solutions on TiO 2 nanotubes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were utilized to ascertain the phase structure and morphology of TiO 2 nanotubes. The change of optical band gap values depending on the processing parameters was calculated using UV–Vis spectrophotometer data. The photocatalytic performances of the samples, namely the degradation rates and kinetics, were evaluated by examining the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB). The (TC15) sample, obtained by anodizing for 15 min and decorated with α-Fe 2 O 3 , exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity, with a degradation efficiency of 70 % at the end of 7 h of light exposure. On the other hand, the inhibition percentages of bacterial growth were examined and it was seen that the TC30 sample with the highest value was 88.89 % for E.coli bacteria and 70.57 % for S.aureus. To assess the mechanism of antimicrobial activity, ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) Analysis were perfomed on T30 and TC30 groups and the ROS amount of TC30 was higher than T30. According to the results of the L929 mouse fibroblast cytotoxicity experiment with indirect contact according to ISO 10993-5 standards, all samples showed a successful performance in terms of cell viability. The cell viability of TC15 was higher in comparison to the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, highly ordered mesoporous silica (SBA-16) were synthesized by a one-step sol–gel method, relating to the interaction with the self-assembly of the non-ionic surfactant, pluronic F127 under an acidic condition without the hydrothermal process. SBA-16 was further incorporated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) with varied Si/Ti ratios (11.2, 2.8 and 0.7) to optimize a suitable condition for producing SBA-16/TiO2 composites. After calcination, the composites were characterized by using various techniques to evaluate pore characteristics, morphologies and phase present. Typically, the highly ordered porous structure of the synthesized SBA-16 was confirmed by low angle X-ray analysis (LAXRD) and N2 adsorption isotherms. TiO2 nanoparticles were found at the surfaces of SBA-16 of each composite based on the HR-TEM images. Diuron herbicide in aqueous solutions (50 ppm of the initial concentration) was used as a polluted model for studying on the photocatalytic activity of the composites under an artificial UV illumination for 24 h. Experimental results revealed that SBA-16 could assist on diuron reduction in the dark condition by the adsorption process. Diuron in the solutions were fully degraded by the synthesized TiO2 and the SBA-16/TiO2 composite (0.7 Si/Ti ratio) within 24 h of the UV illumination. In addition, it revealed that SBA-16 could assist on diuron reduction in the dark condition by the adsorption process. The degradation was calculated and followed to the first order kinetic model. Finally, a mechanism of the degradation was discussed and proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon nanotubes/zinc oxide (CNTs/ZnO) nanocomposites were immobilized on the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) membrane for highly reutilization rate in photocatalytic degradation of RhodamineB (RhB) based on the combination of electrospinning and ultrasonication treatment. The results revealed that the CNTs are successfully compounded with ZnO, and the surface of nanofibers was uniformly covered with CNTs/ZnO nanoparticles. Under visible light irradiation, the CNTs/ZnO@PVA nanocomposites displayed excellent photocatalytic activity with 98.4% of RhB degradation rate within 3 h illumination. In comparison with pure PVA, and CNTs/ZnO with equivalent loading capacity on CNTs/ZnO@PVA film suspended in aqueous solution, the synthesized CNTs/ZnO@PVA film degrades RhB dye more efficiently. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of CNTs/ZnO@PVA nanocomposites did not change significantly even after five recycles, indicating a certain degree of reusability. The mechanism of enhanced photocatalytic activity was proposed. The as‐prepared flexible CNTs/ZnO@PVA nanocomposites could be employed as a promising material for the practical photocatalytic degradation of wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of visible light in photocatalytic semiconductors is restricted by the presence of a wide energy bandgap and fast electron–hole pair recombination. This study aims to address this limitation by synthesizing nitrogen- and cation-doped Cs0.68Ti1.83O4 at varying temperatures and subsequently analyzing the photocatalytic performance and mechanism. The optical experimental findings indicate that the co-doping of N/M (where M represents Zn, Co, or Cu) can considerably decrease the energy bandgap of Cs0.68Ti1.83O4 by regulating the energy band position and effectively suppressing the recombination of photogenerated carriers. Notably, at a temperature of 600 °C, the N/Cu co-doped Cs0.68Ti1.83O4 exhibits the smallest energy bandgap of 1.98 eV, thereby demonstrating superior photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic degradation test of pollutants shows that the degradation efficiency of methylene blue solution in 120 minutes under light was 84%, which is the result of the interaction between ˙OH and ˙O2−. This study provides new possibilities for the study of co-doped modified photocatalytic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatiotemporally controlled two‐photon photodegradation of hydrogels has gained increasing attention for high‐precision subtractive tissue engineering. However, conventional photolabile hydrogels often have poor efficiency upon two‐photon excitation in the near‐infrared (NIR) region and thus require high laser dosage that may compromise cell activity. As a result, high‐speed two‐photon hydrogel erosion in the presence of cells remains challenging. Here we introduce the design and synthesis of efficient coumarin‐based photodegradable hydrogels to overcome these limitations. A set of photolabile coumarin‐functionalized polyethylene glycol linkers are synthesized through a Passerini multicomponent reaction. After mixing these linkers with thiolated hyaluronic acid, semi‐synthetic photodegradable hydrogels are formed in situ via Michael addition crosslinking. The efficiency of photodegradation in these hydrogels is significantly higher than that in nitrobenzyl counterparts upon two‐photon irradiation at 780 nm. A complex microfluidic network mimicking the bone microarchitecture is successfully fabricated in preformed coumarin hydrogels at high speeds of up to 300 mm s−1 and low laser dosage down to 10 mW. Further, we demonstrate fast two‐photon printing of hollow microchannels inside a hydrogel to spatiotemporally direct cell migration in 3D. Collectively, these hydrogels may open new avenues for fast laser‐guided tissue fabrication at high spatial resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regular octahedral CdS/K 2 Nb 2 O 6 core-shell Z-Scheme heterojunction is synthesized via an approach of hydrothermal-chemical method. The CdS/K 2 Nb 2 O 6 nano-heterojunction (CdS/KNO-3) exhibits arresting enhanced photocatalytic HER (∼634.39 μmol g−1 h−1)/degradation (∼0.05428 min−1) than the monomer K 2 Nb 2 O 6 (∼27.8/14.4 folds) and CdS (∼20.3/10.0 folds), including a decent stability (average HER of ∼621.39 μmol∙g−1 h−1). It can be mainly attributed to the CdS/K 2 Nb 2 O 6 Z-Scheme heterojunction with appropriate potential gradient can promote the interface carrier driving to optimize carrier efficiency, including increasing carrier transport, extending carrier lifetime and reducing recombination. Additionally, the octahedral core-shell nanostructure can provide numerous active sites for decreasing overpotential and promoting electron diffusion, while improving the solar efficiency (high solar response of CdS), including shorting carrier pathway for photocorrosion optimization and increasing structural stability. [Display omitted] • Z-scheme heterojunction optimize carrier efficiency by greater Fermi levels gradient. • Core-shell structure can increase active sites to promote electron diffusion. • CdS nano-shell can enhance visible light response and shorten carrier pathway. • Regular octahedral nano-structure can increase structural stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for materials to treat wastewater is especially crucial. Herein, we have prepared 1D molybdenum oxide (MoO 3) nanobelts through a hydrothermal approach. The binary (MoO 3 /SiO 2) and ternary composites of MoO 3 /SiO 2 /MXene were synthesized via ultrasonication route. The as-prepared MoO 3 , MoO 3 /SiO 2, and MoO 3 /SiO 2 /MXene composites were employed to investigate the photocatalytic behavior of two organic dyes, methyl orange (MO) and crystal violet (CV). The % degradation of MO in the presence of MoO 3 nanobelts and MoO 3 /SiO 2 was calculated to be 48.9 % and 74.4 %, respectively. In the case of CV dye, the degradation (%) was observed at 53.7 % and 75.9 %. The MoO 3 /SiO 2 /MXene composite revealed the best photocatalytic behavior against both MO and CV dyes by removing 94.7 % and 97.7 % under visible light irradiation. The rate constant values of MoO 3 nanobelts, MoO 3 /SiO 2 and MoO 3 /SiO 2 /MXene composite for MO dye were calculated to be 0.00568 min−1, 0.01156 min−1, and 0.02399 min−1 and for CV dye 0.00679 min−1, 0.01208 min−1, and 0.02798 min−1 respectively. A scavenging test was carried out to monitor the main photo-active species that take part during the photocatalysis and hydroxyl radicals were found to be the highly active species during whole photodegradation progression. The SiO 2 particles function as a good adsorbent medium and transfer the adsorbed organics toward more active sites to advance the reaction. 2D MXene nanosheets, as good conductors, reduce the recombination rate of charges, offer large surface area, and facilitate fast transfer of charges. The results suggest that MoO 3 /SiO 2 /MXene composite is a potential contender for wastewater remediation applications. [Display omitted] • Ternary composite (MoO 3 /SiO 2 /MXene) was synthesized using an ultrasonication approach, with a crystallite size of 19.48 nm. • SEM analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of MoO 3 nanobelts and their ternary composite with SiO 2 and MXene sheets. • The synthesized samples were utilized for the photodegradation of two organic dyes, Crystal Violet and Methyl Orange. • The MoO 3 /SiO 2 /MXene nanocomposite demonstrated the highest photocatalytic activity against both dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphitic carbon nitride nanorods/titanium dioxide microspheres (g-C 3 N 4 NRs/TiO 2 MSs) Z-scheme heterojunctions were simply prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method, which showed improved visible-light-induced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-HCl). The photodegradation activity of g-C 3 N 4 NRs/TiO 2 MSs is 6.6 and 1.9 times better than that of pristine g-C 3 N 4 and TiO 2 , which is assigned to the unique morphology and formed heterojunction. Hydroxyl radical (⋅OH) and superoxide radical (⋅O 2 −) were the main species for TC-HCl photodegradation according to capture experiments, and a possible mechanism is proposed. This study provides an effective reference for the preparation of binary heterostructures with excellent photocatalytic activity from a simplified process. Z-scheme g-C 3 N 4 NRs/TiO 2 MSs heterojunction was successfully constructed from the simple one-step process which shows enhanced photocatalytic activity and good stability for treating refractory tetracycline hydrochloride. The enhancement is assigned to unique morphology and the formed heterojunction which facilitates charge transfer and visible light absorption. [Display omitted] • Z-scheme g-C 3 N 4 NRs/TiO 2 MSs heterojunction was simply constructed by a one-step hydrothermal method. • TiO 2 microspheres were tightly attached to the surface of g-C 3 N 4 nanorods. • g-C 3 N 4 NRs/TiO 2 MSs (0.8:1) shows 6.6-fold higher TC-HCl degradation rate than g-C 3 N 4 NRs. • The improved activity is related to the unique morphology and heterojunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatiotemporally controlled two‐photon photodegradation of hydrogels has gained increasing attention for high‐precision subtractive tissue engineering. However, conventional photolabile hydrogels often have poor efficiency upon two‐photon excitation in the near‐infrared (NIR) region and thus require high laser dosage that may compromise cell activity. As a result, high‐speed two‐photon hydrogel erosion in the presence of cells remains challenging. Here we introduce the design and synthesis of efficient coumarin‐based photodegradable hydrogels to overcome these limitations. A set of photolabile coumarin‐functionalized polyethylene glycol linkers are synthesized through a Passerini multicomponent reaction. After mixing these linkers with thiolated hyaluronic acid, semi‐synthetic photodegradable hydrogels are formed in situ via Michael addition crosslinking. The efficiency of photodegradation in these hydrogels is significantly higher than that in nitrobenzyl counterparts upon two‐photon irradiation at 780 nm. A complex microfluidic network mimicking the bone microarchitecture is successfully fabricated in preformed coumarin hydrogels at high speeds of up to 300 mm s−1 and low laser dosage down to 10 mW. Further, we demonstrate fast two‐photon printing of hollow microchannels inside a hydrogel to spatiotemporally direct cell migration in 3D. Collectively, these hydrogels may open new avenues for fast laser‐guided tissue fabrication at high spatial resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review explores advancements, challenges, and considerations in photocatalytic dye degradation for sustainable wastewater treatment. It highlights smart photocatalyst design, visible‐light‐responsive materials, and co‐catalyst engineering, which enhance system efficacy. Despite environmental concerns, the eco‐friendly aspects of photocatalysis offer a promising alternative to traditional methods. Future perspectives emphasize nanotechnology's role in developing effective photocatalysts and integrating visible‐light and solar‐driven systems to meet sustainability goals. Efforts in co‐catalyst engineering and reactor design aim to optimize processes, addressing kinetic and scalability challenges, while economic research focuses on reducing costs to improve competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a novel Fe3O4@Ti3C2 MXene nanocomposite was prepared by a simple ultrasonic method by combining Ti3C2 MXene and Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and was used for the remediation of malachite green (MG) dye, as an example of an organic pollutant, from the environment through photocatalytic degradation under visible light irradiation. A wide variety of techniques were used to characterize the synthesized Fe3O4@Ti3C2 MXene nanohybrid, including X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), surface area analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in addition to the optical properties and band gap analysis. The results showed that the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase's Al layer was successfully selectively etched, resulting in the two-dimensional layered Ti3C2 MXene (average diameter of 78 nm). Additionally, the results revealed the preparation of the cubic Fe3O4 phase (average particle size of 11 nm), which was distributed homogeneously on the Ti3C2 MXene surface, as indicated by XRD, SEM, and TEM analysis. Moreover, the Fe3O4@Ti3C2 MXene nanophotocatalyst exhibits good visible light absorption ability under visible light (> 420 nm) due to its huge surface area, excellent conductivity, and sufficient quantity of active sites, and the accessibility of all elements required for effective photocatalysis. Accordingly, under 300 min of visible light exposure, the Fe3O4@Ti3C2 MXene nanophotocatalyst successfully photodegraded MG dye more efficiently than the pure MXene with a removal percentage of 95.4% with 0.5 g/L loading. Overall, the current study has shown that the Fe3O4@Ti3C2 MXene nanophotocatalyst has the potential to be a valuable photocatalyst for exceptionally efficient wastewater treatment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the environmental problems caused by microplastics (MPs) as novel pollutants have received widespread attention, and photocatalytic technology can degrade MPs into small molecule compounds such as aldehydes and ketones. Among the existing catalysts, graphitic phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4) shows great potential in degrading pollutants due to its unique properties. In this paper, the structure, preparation method, modification method, mechanism of degradation of MPs and influencing factors of g-C3N4 are systematically reviewed. It is summarized that ·OH, h+, and ·O2− are the main active species in the degradation of MPs by g-C3N4, and the external conditions such as pH, light intensity, and the morphology of MPs themselves can affect the degradation of MPs. However, g-C3N4 photocatalytic degradation of MPs is still only in the laboratory stage at this stage, and problems such as the degradation of MPs in actual water bodies have not been carried out, so how to solve the above problems is the focus of future research in the field of g-C3N4 photocatalytic degradation of MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing the efficiency of charge carrier separation is crucial for improving the performance of photocatalysts, thereby offering more effective solutions to energy and environmental pollution challenges. In this study, a carbon‐deficient ultra‐thin porous g‐C3N4 (Vc‐UPCN) was synthesized and subsequently was integrated with Bi2Fe4O9 (BFO) using a sonochemical self‐assembly technique, a Bi2Fe4O9/Vc‐UPCN (BC) photocatalyst featuring a Z‐scheme heterojunction. The BC catalyst was subjected to corona poling treatment to obtain BCp, which possesses an intrinsic electric field. Compared with pure BFO and Vc‐UPCN, the BC heterojunction exhibited higher photo‐generated electron–hole separation efficiency and photodegradation ability. Upon introduction of corona polarization, the photocatalytic performance of BC was further enhanced. Specifically, BCp‐15 (BFO/BC mass fraction = 15) achieved complete degradation of methylene blue (MB) within 30 min. BCp‐15 demonstrated that its degradation efficiency for MB was 1.28 times higher than that of BC‐15, 1.85 times higher than that of Vc‐UPCN, and impressive 7.69 times higher than that of pure BFO. The coupling effect of the heterojunction and ferroelectric polarization significantly improved the separation efficiency of photo‐generated carriers in BCp. This study is expected to provide a reference for the synergistic application of heterojunction and ferroelectric polarization in traditional semiconductor photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surfactant‐assisted synthesis of photocatalysts for water treatment has received extensive attention from researchers. In this paper, a novel and efficient BiOBr/graphene oxide (BiOBr/GO) photocatalyst assisted by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was synthesized by a simple solvothermal method. Compared with use of other surfactants, like polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), BiOBr/GO (SDS) shows outstanding photocatalytic degradation activity under optimal conditions: The degradation rate constants of BiOBr/GO (SDS) for oxytetracycline (OTC), tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), brilliant blue (BB), and Rhodamine B (RhB) are 0.073, 0.057, 0.166, and 0.626 min−1, which are 2.8, 1.8, 9, and 1.5 times larger than pure BiOBr, respectively. In addition, after five cycles, BiOBr/GO (SDS) exhibits superior cycling stability. The enhanced photocatalytic performance can benefit from the introduction of SDS and GO. With the assistance of SDS in the preparation process, BiOBr/GO (SDS) nanosheets have good adsorption performance and dispersion effect, which is favorable for raising their specific surface area. Meanwhile, the electron capture effect of GO improves the transfer and separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. Moreover, the possible degradation pathway for TCH is identified through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). This research can become a valuable reference for synthesizing photocatalysts with visible light response to degrading organic pollutants such as antibiotics and dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The first step in carbon (C) turnover, where senesced plant biomass is converted through various pathways into compounds that are released to the atmosphere or incorporated into the soil, is termed litter decomposition. This review is focused on recent advances of how solar radiation can affect this important process in terrestrial ecosystems. We explore the photochemical degradation of plant litter and its consequences for biotic decomposition and C cycling. The ubiquitous presence of lignin in plant tissues poses an important challenge for enzymatic litter decomposition due to its biological recalcitrance, creating a substantial bottleneck for decomposer organisms. The recognition that lignin is also photolabile and can be rapidly altered by natural doses of sunlight to increase access to cell wall carbohydrates and even bolster the activity of cell wall degrading enzymes highlights a novel role for lignin in modulating rates of litter decomposition. Lignin represents a key functional connector between photochemistry and biochemistry with important consequences for our understanding of how sunlight exposure may affect litter decomposition in a wide range of terrestrial ecosystems. A mechanistic understanding of how sunlight controls litter decomposition and C turnover can help inform management and other decisions related to mitigating human impact on the planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of fresh water is limited compared to its huge consumption. Conversely, certain industries like dyes, textiles, paper, and tanning not only consume vast quantities of fresh water, but also generate significant amounts of wastewater that poses severe threats to living organisms. The present investigation focuses on the degradation of Rhodamine-B (Rh–B) as a model pollutant by using the nanocomposite based on waste scrap tire-derived activated carbon (AC) and titanium dioxide (TiO 2). These nanostructures were fabricated using wet chemistry techniques. Analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the morphology of the structures remained largely unchanged even with a concentration of 6 mg of AC. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed the successful fabrication of rutile and anatase phases of TiO 2 @AC nanocomposite. The XPS results confirmed the presence of AC and TiO 2 in the composite. Furthermore, the optical band gap of the nanocomposites decreased up to 17.17 % and 34.57 % through direct and indirect methods respectively, owing to the varying quantity of AC used. The narrowing of optical band gap and the increased surface oxygen vacancies were caused by the successive addition of AC during the synthesis of nanocomposites. This resulted in the efficient degradation of Rhodamine-B (Rh–B) using adsorption and photocatalytic oxidation. The findings demonstrate a significant influence of AC on the TiO 2 catalyst in the removal of Rh–B dye. The maximum efficiency of dye removal, reaching up to 99.14 %, was achieved with the highest concentration of AC, thus demonstrating almost complete elimination of Rh–B dye. The findings suggest that the use of waste scrap tires can be effectively applied to design efficient photocatalysts for addressing the wastewater management issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A palladium (Pd)-doped rGO/ZnO nanocomposite was prepared using the hydrothermal method. The nanocomposite underwent various analytical assessments to determine its structural, optical, and morphological properties. The analytical results confirmed the successful formation of the Pd-doped rGO/ZnO composite. This composite, referred to as Pd-rGO/ZnO, was employed for the photocatalytic degradation of Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 (CBR) dye. The prepared photocatalyst, Pd-rGO/ZnO, exhibited a remarkable 93% efficiency in degrading CBR dye within 150 min under UV light. The enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial activities were achieved by modifying rGO and introducing Pd, which effectively increased the reactive surface area and facilitated electron transfer. Moreover, the composite also displayed significant antibacterial activity in a dose-dependent manner. Dye degradation over Pd-rGO/ZnO photocatalyst under UV light irradiation (DM – Dye molecules). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A photocatalysis system is widely regarded as the most renewable approach to environmental treatment since sunlight is a long-term source of energy for the planet. This study assessed the efficacy of a photocatalyst graphitic carbon nitride/bismuth oxychloride (g-C3N4/BiOCl) by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photo-luminance, photocurrent density, and X-ray diffraction to characterize the photocatalyst. The results showed an improvement in morphology and enhanced photodegradation of pharmaceutical residues such as Nitenpyram, Tetracycline, and Rhodamine B. For a wavelength range of 655 to 420 nm, the synthesized photocatalysts were good at the absorption of visible light. A photodegradation proficiency of 64.72% was observed with tetracycline, 48.91% nitenpyram, and 98.70% with Rhodamine B in 30 min. The g-C3N4/BiOCl displayed a significant photocatalytic activity due to high load separation and transition. This study shows that g-C3N4/BiOCl photocatalyst has been confirmed as one of the most intriguing contenders for innovative photocatalyst designs and can potentially be used in treating wastewater and the environment at large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • EDTA-2Na can directionally regulate the formation of only superoxide radicals in TiO 2 under light illumination. • Directional regulation of reactive oxygen species in TiO 2 can significantly promote azo dye degradation. • Methyl orange, acid orange and basic orange at a concentration of 10 mg/L can be completely degraded in 20 min. • Basic orange can be completely degraded in 30 min under natural sunlight illumination. It has been widely accepted that the generation of reactive oxygen species such as superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, and hydrogen peroxide during photocatalysis is responsible for the degradation of azo dyes. However, it is unclear which reactive oxygen species primarily contributes to the degradation efficiency of azo dyes. Here, we demonstrate that the directional regulation of reactive oxygen species in titanium dioxide (TiO 2) to form superoxide radicals by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA-2Na) can significantly improve the degradation performance of methyl orange. The optimized addition of EDTA-2Na can completely degrade azo dyes such as methyl orange, acid orange and alkaline orange at a concentration of 10 mg/L in about 20 min, which is not only higher than that achieved by pristine TiO 2 under Xe lamp light but also far superior to the reported degradation efficiency of modified TiO 2. Even under natural sunlight, this strategy can also effectively decompose azo dyes, demonstrating the great potential for practical water treatment using low-cost TiO 2 photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Y 2 O 3 is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly wide-band gap photocatalyst with extensive application potential. However, its limited ability to be excited by visible light restricts its practical uses. In this study, we coupled the narrow bandgap semiconductor AgI with Y 2 O 3 to form a Z-scheme heterostructure, significantly promoting its photocatalytic degradation activity. Characterization and experimental results demonstrated the formation of Y-O-Ag bonds through coupling with AgI, leading to an increase in oxygen vacancies in Y 2 O 3 , which promotes the chemisorption of H 2 O and O 2. The Y-O-Ag bond introduction promotes electron transfer, improves hole utilization, and boosts energy transfer efficiency, thus promoting the efficient generation of ·OH and 1O 2. The photocatalytic degradation rates of RhB and o-nitrophenol by 7.5% AgI/Y 2 O 3 were 26.5 and 4 times higher than those of pure Y 2 O 3 , respectively. This study provides theoretical support for the Z-scheme heterojunction to improve photocatalytic activity and offers efficient solutions and practical design ideas for sewage purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to reveal the role of inorganic nanoparticles concerning silicon dioxide (SiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) in retarding the photodegradation of thermochromic microcapsules for extending the serviceability of thermochromic cool pavement material. Thermochromic asphalt binders (TABs) with and without inorganic nanoparticles were prepared. The varying trends of physical, rheological, chemical and morphological properties with the extended ultraviolet irradiation (UV) ageing duration were compared among asphalt binders. The effects of inorganic nanoparticles on the long-term cooling effects of TABs were evaluated. The results indicate that differing from regular asphalt binder, TABs present an inversely-age hardening phenomenon due to the photodegradation of thermochromic microcapsules. ZnO shows the best efficiency in retarding the photodegradation of thermochromic microcapsules, followed by TiO2 and SiO2. The addition of ZnO or TiO2 can effectively mitigate the impacts of long-term UV ageing on the cooling effects shown by TAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of microplastics (MPs) which are pervasive and ubiquitous pollutants, has given rise to a pressing need for a thorough understanding of them and the development of effective strategies to mitigate their impact. These tiny particles are derived from a wide array of human activities, including industrial processes, urban centers, and even our daily routines. To devise effective mitigation measures, it is essential to comprehend the sources and the complexity of their distribution across terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric domains, which adversely affect ecosystems worldwide. Extraction methods have been cultivated and established to remove MPs from the environment with higher efficiency. This paper elucidates the complexity of their dispersal and sheds light on the extraction methods along with their degradational strategies. It also discusses the use of machine learning models in MP identification, detection, and classification. The integration of machine learning, particularly with features extracted from holographic images and spectroscopic data offers a precise and efficient method for identifying MPs. The toxicological effects of MPs on organisms and ecosystems are also discussed, emphasizing the need for further research to mitigate their impact. The exploration of degradation strategies offers a promising solution to combat the pervasive presence of MPs. While several mechanisms contribute to MP degradation, microbial-driven processes have emerged as a dominant factor. This review delves deep into the realm of microbial degradation, highlighting its potential to transform the fate of these pollutants. The paper showcases the latest research and innovations, paving the way for an environmentally sustainable future. This comprehensive review emphasizes the urgency of addressing the MP predicament and presents a refined roadmap towards a sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study focuses on synthesizing and characterizing the Gd and Ni co-doped Ba1-xGdxFe12-yNiyO19 nanoparticles (NPs) via emulsion method. The as-fabricated NPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis , Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, Raman spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis. The synthesis of single-phase Ba-hexaferrites with hexagonal geometry was successfully formed, with co-doping of Gd at tetrahedral and Ni at octahedral sites. SEM analysis revealed tubular particles with rounded spherical geometry, with an increased surface area increase in particle size from 25 to 35 nm upon doping. The magnetic investigation showed increased magnetization (45.7–70.2 emu/g) with co-doping. The doped materials showed excellent photocatalytic activities, degrading almost 90.2% of methyl green (MG) dye in 60 min of sunlight illumination in comparison with 32.26% of their counterpart. The reusability test showed excellent stability and recoverability, with only 1% loss in degradation activity after 5 runs. The results suggest that Gd- and Ni-doped Ba1-xGdxFe12-yNiyO19 NPs have superior photocatalytic activities, more magnetization, an exposed surface area, and excellent reusability, making them suitable for potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a one-step solvothermal method was used to fabricate Fe3+ doped BiOCl microflowers with abundant oxygen vacancies (OVs) in the presence of glacial acetic acid. Various analytical techniques were employed to characterize the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the prepared samples. The presence of OVs was confirmed by low temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis. The photocatalytic results show that Fe3+ doped BiOCl photocatalysts have higher activity than the bare BiOCl, and 10% Fe3+/BiOCl exhibits the highest photocatalytic performance, the photocatalytic efficiency of this sample is 2.3 and 1.1 times higher than that of the blank BiOCl toward photocatalytic degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and rhodamine B (RhB), respectively. Furthermore, Fe3+ doped BiOCl demonstrates excellent reusability. Based on the experimental observations, an enhancement mechanism for the photocatalytic activity of Fe3+ doped BiOCl was reasonably elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the advent of nanotechnology, nanocomposites (NCs) have been synthesized via novel approaches. In this regard, polymer-based NCs have been widely explored due to their exceptional characteristics as a result of the incorporation of nanofillers into the polymer matrix. In the present research, the synthesis of titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) was synthesized using Azadirachta indica seed extract. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used to synthesize metal oxide NCs. Using the solution casting approach, PVA/TiO2 NC films with various weight percentages of TiO2 NPs (2, 4, 6, and 8%) were fabricated. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were employed to characterize the TiO2 and PVA/TiO2 NCs. The antibacterial activity of the TiO2 NPs and PVA/TiO2 NCs was investigated against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative (Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. Methyl orange and methylene blue breakdown of undoped TiO2 and PVA/TiO2 nanomixture was examined under UV–visible irradiation. Uniformly dispersed nanoflake particles were visible in the PVA film matrix and on the 4% TiO2 NC surface. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that TiO2 NPs synthesized using a higher concentration of the extract showed larger crystallite sizes, whereas those fabricated using a lower concentration of plant extract showed larger crystallite sizes. Among the different concentrations investigated, 4% PVA/TiO2 NCs showed the highest extent of degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange. Furthermore, these NCs showed the highest antibacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this work, we present a simple method for the pyrofabrication of a new kaolinite‐ silver oxide quantum dots nanocomposite (Kao‐Ag2O/QDs) that is used for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and indigo carmine (IC) dyes. A homogenous combination of kaolinite and silver nitrate was sintered up to 350 °C to create the extremely effective photocatalyst (Kao‐Ag2O/QDs). Various analytical techniques were employed to characterize the Kao‐Ag2O/QDs photocatalyst such as XRD, FTIR, XPS, SEM–EDX, TEM, DTA/TGA, ZP, BET, and UV–Vis DRS. The degradation of RhB and IC dyes through the photocatalyst was carried out in aqueous solutions utilizing several pH dye solutions and sustainable solar energy in atmosphere conditions. The nanocomposite that was prepared had shown an enhanced specific surface area of 53.3005 m2/g, a pore size of 8.1197 nm, and a total pore volume of 0.216 cm3/g. It also displayed an optical band gap energy of 2.9 eV. The study creates that employing the ideal dose of 2000 and 1500 mg/L of the Kao‐Ag2O/QDs photocatalyst at neutral conditions (pH = 7) resulted a maximum degradation effectiveness of RhB and IC of 91.06 and 93.46% after 90 min, respectively. RhB and IC dyes degradation followed Langmuir first‐order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.0217 and 0.0216 min−1 at pH = 7, respectively. The photocatalytic degradation activity for RhB dye is based on hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) and superoxide radicals (˙O2−), while the mechanism of IC removal is based on superoxide radicals (˙O2−), as revealed by scavenger‐based radical trapping studies. A triple reusability study found that the Kao‐Ag2O photocatalyst is highly stable with degradation efficiencies of RhB and IC dyes from the initial 91.09 to 90.04, 88.54, and 86.27% and from the initial 93.46 to 92.8, 91.4 and 89.32%, respectively. The optimal situations for the parameters were identified by the Box–Behnken design (BBD), which was well matched with photocatalytic degradation tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visible light photocatalysis offers a green and sustainable approach to wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. This study focuses on the synthesis of fibrous silica titania (FST) via a green method and comprehensively evaluates its photocatalytic performance compared with Ti3AlC2 powder. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed superior crystallinity and unique lamellar structures in FST, contributing to its enhanced photocatalytic activity. The FST catalyst achieved remarkable degradation efficiencies of 93% for MB and 96% for rhodamine B (RB) under visible light, outperforming the bare Ti3AlC2 powder. This promising performance is attributed to FST's narrow band gap (∼2.98 eV), high surface area, and minimal photogenerated charge carrier recombination. Kinetic studies showed excellent agreement with pseudo-first-order kinetics, with R2 values of 0.9801 and 0.988 for MB and RB, respectively. Reusability tests demonstrated sustained efficiency, with degradation rates remaining above 80% after four cycles. GC-MS analysis identified intermediates formed during photocatalytic degradation, ultimately converting them into harmless products, i.e., CO2 and H2O. These findings highlight FST as an economical, sustainable, and efficient photocatalyst for organic pollutant degradation compared to Ti3AlC2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many common explosives are mostly composed of nitro-compounds. Picric acid (PA) has emerged as a potential alternative due to its great explosive capability. Moreover, PA is also a serious groundwater contaminant due to its high-water solubility. As a result, the development of advanced sensors and catalysts to enable the precise detection and elimination of PA in water and food samples is critical for public health and the environment. In the present investigation, we developed NaxLiyPr(MoO4)2:Tb3+@Arg and NaxLiyPr(WO4)2:Tb3+@Arg (x = 10 mmol and y = 5 mmol) via a hydrothermal process and established their potency for photoluminescence (PL) detection and photocatalytic degradation of PA. The characterization of the produced nanoparticles was done by various techniques. The PL characteristics of NaxLiyPr(MoO4)2:Tb3+@Arg show that it is highly sensitive and selectively detects PA in an aqueous medium. The predominant emission band at 545 nm exhibited a distinguished quenching with the introduction of PA solution in the colloidal solution of the prepared nanomaterials. The NaxLiyPr(MoO4)2:Tb3+@Arg demonstrated exceptional selectivity and sensitivity against PA, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.44 ppm and a quenching constant (KSV) of 2.74 × 104 M−1. Alternatively, the NaxLiyPr(WO4)2:Tb3+@Arg showed remarkable photocatalytic activity for PA degradation. The UV-Vis spectroscopy findings specify that NaxLiyPr(WO4)2:Tb3+@Arg (Eg = 2.95 eV) might operate as a superior photocatalyst compared to NaxLiyPr(MoO4)2:Tb3+@Arg (Eg = 3.38 eV) nanoparticles. The degradation efficacy of NaxLiyPr(WO4)2:Tb3+@Arg towards PA is around 96.7% within 60 minutes of UV irradiation and the photocatalyst's reusability was monitored to ensure good stability. This remarkable photocatalytic activity of NaxLiyPr(WO4)2:Tb3+@Arg was ascribed to increased migration efficiency of photo-generated electrons and holes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document is a contents list for the journal CrystEngComm, which focuses on the design and understanding of solid-state and crystalline materials. It includes articles on topics such as the synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, the structural basis of pharmaceutical solvate crystals, and the synthesis of multicomponent cocrystals and salts. The journal is published by The Royal Society of Chemistry, a leading chemistry community. The document also provides information on other papers and research topics covered in the journal. [Extracted from the article]

Metal–organic–inorganic polyacid complexes, as a class of innovative materials combining the properties of metal–organic compounds and inorganic polyacids, have shown great potential and prospects in environmental protection in recent years, especially in the field of photocatalytic degradation of dye wastewater. With their unique structures, good stability and efficient catalytic properties, these complexes have become a hot spot for researchers. In this study, we synthesized a series of metal–organic–inorganic polyacid complexes with novel structures and excellent properties. In this study, rare earth chloride, tetraisopropyl ethylene diphosphate and phosphotungstic acid were used as raw materials. A series of metal–organic–inorganic polyoxometalate complex catalysts with novel structure and excellent properties were synthesized by heating and stirring in a water and acetonitrile mixture. In order to comprehensively analyse the structures and properties of these new catalysts, we employed various characterisation tools, including single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) to accurately determine the crystal structures of the complexes and reveal their atomic level arrangements; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) to confirm the presence of functional groups and the vibrational modes of the chemical bonding; thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to evaluate the catalysts' thermal stabilities; powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) to verify the phase purity and crystallinity of the catalysts; ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS) to reveal the light-absorption properties of the catalysts; and terahertz (THz) spectroscopy, which provides a unique perspective to understand the electromagnetic response of the catalysts at specific frequencies. Further, we also investigated the photocatalytic degradation performance of the complexes of this system as catalysts in water-soluble dye (methylene blue). Under UV irradiation, all the 11 samples prepared showed similar and efficient photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MB, with degradation efficiencies of 98.48–99.78% within 65 min. The great potential of this system catalyst in dye wastewater treatment was fully demonstrated. Finally, in order to reveal the photocatalytic degradation mechanism, we systematically explored the role of each active species in the photocatalytic degradation process by adding different types of active substance scavengers into the reaction system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advanced in situ oxidation polymerization technique was employed to synthesize the SiNWs@PANI composite material, which exhibited a unique hybrid structure displaying remarkable properties. The optimized polyaniline content of 5% significantly enhanced the photocatalytic performance of SiNWs@PANI, surpassing pure SiNWs in degradation efficiency. A comprehensive study explored the photocatalytic mechanisms of SiNWs@PANI, focusing on environmental factors such as catalyst composite content, pollutant nature, and solution pH. The material exhibited exceptional activity in the photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin, achieving a remarkable degradation efficiency of up to 91.54% at a concentration of 10 mg L−1. Our findings revealed a significant dependency of degradation efficiency on solution pH, with alkaline conditions favoring enhanced catalytic activity. A rigorous derivation experiment identified the final degradation product, corroborating the effectiveness of SiNWs@PANI in ciprofloxacin degradation and providing insights into the underlying photocatalytic processes. This work offers a novel perspective and methodology for developing highly efficient and environmentally friendly photocatalytic materials, with promising implications for water treatment and environmental remediation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy and water are essential resources currently facing high demand due to the depletion of fossil fuels and increasing water pollution. Conducting polymers like polyaniline (PANI) have gained attention for addressing these challenges. In this study, polyaniline/pullulan composites (PANI/Pul Cps) are synthesized via oxidative polymerization. The influence of the aniline‐to‐pullulan mass ratio on the composite properties is evaluated using various techniques. XRD analysis showed enhanced crystallinity with the addition of pullulan, while TEM results revealed that the composites exhibited a rod‐like shape, with dimensions of 51–55 nm in width and 131–152 nm in length. The photocatalytic potential of the composites is assessed by testing their ability to degrade Crystal Violet dye, with the highest degradation rate observed at 0.0086 min⁻¹. The electrochemical performance of the PANI/Pul Cps is also evaluated, with specific capacitance values ranging from 92 to 123 F/g. These results suggest that PANI/Pul Cps have potential for both wastewater treatment and energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes the effect of the type of surface modification (using silane coupling agents and dicarboxylic acids) on titanium dioxide particles used as fillers in polylactic acid composites, which were exposed to a photodegradative process. The thermomechanical properties of the composites were analyzed; it was found that the silane coupling agent with Imidazole allowed the composites to have Young’s modulus values 60% lower than the composite without filler. On the other hand, the crystallization rate was 30% higher for composites with azelaic Acid attached to TiO2 particles than for composites without filler at a cooling rate of 5°C min−1. Once degraded composites containing azelaic acid were the least brittle, with a minor increment in Young’s Modulus compared to pure polylactic acid composites. When a mixture of modified titanium dioxide particles (with imidazole and either azelaic acid or pimelic acid) was used, there was a synergistic effect regarding photostability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on the synthesis and characterization of nanoscale nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles doped with manganese (Mn) utilizing the cost-effective co-precipitation technique. For extensive characterization, a range of analytical methods are used, such as photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV) spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis. The findings demonstrate that the addition of Mn causes the synthesized nanoparticles' crystalline size to decrease, which narrows the band gap to 3.13 eV. Furthermore, compared to pure NiO (44.11 m2/g), the surface area of Mn-doped NiO increases to 178.87 m2/g. Also as compared to pure NiO the electron-hole recombination rate of % Mn-doped NiO has decreased and an increase in the defect is observed. The study of Mn-doped NiO nanoparticles' photocatalytic activity against Rhodamine B (Rh. B) demonstrates their improved efficiency under solar light irradiation, as evidenced by their degradation up to 97.57 %, which is higher than that of pure NiO (90.94 %) in 70 min. Numerous aspects are investigated, including pH, catalyst dosage, original dye concentration, and scavenger studies. Studies on regeneration show that 5 % Mn-doped NiO nanoparticles may be recycled effectively and steadily for up to five cycles. These results demonstrate how effective photocatalysts for environmental remediation applications may be made from Mn-doped NiO nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the innovative hybrid photocatalyst PET-based Zn-MOF on orange peel biochar (BC)(PZM/BC) was designed and synthesized via the hydrothermal method. Electrochemical methods have been used to demonstrate the action of the PET-MOF in the PZM/BC photocatalyst as a medium for electron transfer. The latter involved the synthesis of a zinc-containing metal–organic framework (MOF) in which the linkers were derived from the depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) originating from plastic wastes. According to research, the catalytic reactions are sped up when porous BC and linker PET are assimilated into PZM/BC photocatalyst hetero-junction. Furthermore, BC stored electrons under light and released these electrons under dark conditions. When BC was combined with PET-MOF, the electrons on the biochar activated the catalytic redox activity of acetaminophen. Additionally, it lowers the reassimilation rate due to the combined meshed nanostructures and functionality of PET-MOF and PZM/BC. UV–Vis DRS, Mott-Schottky, Photoluminescence(PL), and Electrochemical Impedance spectra(EIS) results showed that the PZM/BC exhibited efficient spatial separation and transportation of photogenerated charge carriers and exhibited superior photocatalytic ability. Electron spin resonance(ESR) analysis confirmed that ⋅OH and h+ were the predominant radical species responsible for the degradation of acetaminophen(ACT). The optimum conditions for ACT removal were observed at pH 6.07, with a PZM/BC dosage of 0.1 g L−1, and an initial ACT concentration of 50 mg L−1, highlighting the pivotal role of the PZM/BC system in ACT degradation. Furthermore, potential photocatalytic degradation pathways of ACT were inferred renders on the identified intermediates which are responsible for the degradation of refractory intermediates. Regeneration trials were carried out to assess the stability of the photocatalyst. Additionally, the degraded intermediates generated during the degradation processes were examined, providing a comprehensive elucidation of the degradation mechanism. Highlights: PZM/BC exhibited high ACT degradation efficiency and photostability under visible light. Strong redox potential enabled the generation of reactive oxygen radicals (ROS). Formation of ⋅OH and ⋅O2− radicals boosted ACT degradation over PZM/BC. Defect engineering to promote synergistic charge separation and visible-light absorption. Photocatalytic mechanism and electrochemical elucidated charge transfer pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This work designed and synthesized a series of functionalized copper phenylacetylides (R‐Ph‐C≡C‐Cu) for highly efficient degradation of dye pollutants with light irradiation. Different growth modes caused by the introduction of different functional groups were studied and demonstrated. Among all the prepared samples, 3‐OH‐Ph‐C≡C‐Cu performed the highest activity for methyl orange (MO) degradation under full spectrum light irradiation. Under full spectrum light and sunlight irradiation, the highest photodegradation capability of MO with the concentration of 600 mg/L can be achieved to 595.73 mg/g, which is about 30 times higher than the raw Ph‐C≡C‐Cu, 6.5 times higher than that by P25, and 18 times higher than that by g‐C3N4. It shows good universality for the conditions of basic room temperatures (20–50 °C), pH of 4–9 and the co‐existence of most ions. It also has good photodegradation effect on other dye pollutants, such as carmine, malachite green (MG), congo red (CR), and sunset yellow (SY). This highly efficient photodegradation of MO by 3‐OH‐Ph‐C≡C‐Cu is demonstrated to its strong hydrophilicity with the water contact angle of 35.1°, which results in the good contact of dye molecules on its surface. This work prepared an efficient photodegradation material and significantly improved the photodegradation capacity of dye pollutants. It is highly expected to achieve practical application in the treatment of industrial printing and dyeing wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the low specific surface area and high recombinant light generation carriers of BiOBr, loading BiOBr onto suitable Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is an effective strategy to unleash its efficient visible light response and intrinsic catalytic activity. In this study, using classic MOF CAU‐17 as a precursor, using a straightforward co‐precipitation technique, four BiOBr/CAU‐17 composites with distinct MOF contents values BCAU‐1, BCAU‐2, BC, AU‐3, and BCAU‐4 were created, and their photo‐catalytic characteristics were examined. The BCAU‐2 composite exhibited much higher photo‐catalytic degradation efficiency for Rhodamine B (RhB) and Tetracycline (TC) than the pristine materials, counter compositions, and early reported materials. XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, and EDX results revealed the strong synergistic photo‐catalytic effect of BiOBr and CAU‐17. The photocatalytic degradation of TC was significantly enhanced by the BiOBr bimetal modification, with the 2 wt.% BiOBr/CAU‐17 nanocomposite achieving an 87.2 % degradation of TC and 82 % Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal within 60 min. The high photo‐degradation efficiency of BCAU‐2 composite should be attributed to the efficient transfer of photo‐generated carriers at interfaces and the synergistic effect between BiOBr/CAU‐17. Furthermore, the experiments on the capture of the active species proved that the main active free radicals involved in the degradation of RhB and TC are attributed to the photo‐induced holes h+ and ⋅ O2− under visible light. The catalyst's efficacy is corroborated by the outcomes of photoluminescence spectroscopy and photo current response. This study offers a new understanding for the design of green synthesis schemes for photo‐catalytic dye degradation and removal of certain antibiotics from the aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The rapid increase of water pollution globally is a vital environmental concern that requires the immediate attention of researchers to find new innovative ways to remove unwanted environmental pollutants from our water sources. With the advances in the field of sustainable engineering, there is a high demand for the effective utilization of biomass resources for the removal of aqueous environmental contaminants. Biochar is carbon carbon‐enriched substance obtained by biomass pyrolysis; it is inexpensive and has received wide attention in the field of wastewater treatment. Herein, we describe the synthesis of pea pod (PO) biochar‐reinforced zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐8) nanocomposite (PO@ZIF‐8) through the in situ precipitation of ZIF‐8 onto the biochar surface. The crystal growth, morphology, chemical composition, and optical characteristics of fabricated PO@ZIF‐8 nanocomposite were scrutinized through PXRD, SEM, TEM, UV‐DRS, PL, and XPS analysis. The dodecahedral‐shaped PO@ZIF‐8 particles have an average size between 140 and 160 nm. The biochar‐reinforced ZIF‐8 nanocomposite showed significantly higher photocatalytic activity than the pure ZIF‐8 for the degradation of two commonly found organic dyes crystal violet (CV) and Victoria Blue (VB) in the presence of direct sunlight irradiation. The PO@ZIF‐8 nanocomposite showed the highest degradation efficiency of ~87% and ~80% within 50 min of irradiation time at a catalyst dosage of 20 mg for 30 ppm CV and VB dye solutions at pH 8. First‐order kinetics were obeyed during the photodegradation with 0.041 and 0.030 min−1 as the constant of degradation for the removal of CV and VB. The radical scavenger experiment and the photoluminescence analysis confirm the active participation of ·OH radical in the degradation of both dyes. LC–MS and TOC analysis was also performed to determine the degradation products and for evaluation of the degradation progress. Moreover, the synthesized PO@ZIF‐8 composite also exhibit good stability till the fourth cycle with high degradation efficiency thus making it a good choice of catalyst in the field of environmental decontamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT BiOBr nanosheets were loaded onto SnO2 quantum dots, ZnO nanosheets, and SnO2/ZnO‐2 (SZ‐2) to form different heterojunction photocatalysts by sonochemistry, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared photocatalysts was evaluated by degrading the target dye Rhodamine B (RhB). The results showed that the degradation efficiency of BiOBr/SnO2/ZnO (BSZ) for RhB reached 97.5% at 80 min. The significant increase in catalytic activity of BSZ was attributed to the synergistic and interfacial effects among the three materials. Combined with the radical trapping experiments, it can be concluded that the catalytic mechanism of BSZ as a dual Z‐type heterojunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of antibiotic wastewater is one of the environmental problems that humans must solve. Low-cost and high-activity photocatalysts are the key to the treatment of antibiotic wastewater environments. In this work, a single-layer coated TiO2/g-C3N4/BN (TCB) ternary composite heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully prepared. The appropriate amount of boron nitride (BN) was doped into the composite to form a I/II type double heterogeneous junction, which promoted the charge transfer and improved the separation efficiency of the photogenic carriers. Notably, a heterogeneous photocatalyst was constructed that could degrade tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) in 30 min with a rapid degradation efficiency of 94.96%. When the light duration was increased to 60 min, the removal rate of TCH from aqueous solution could reach 99.16%. The reaction dynamics constant was 0.10128 s−1, which was 5.73 and 3.27 times higher than that of TiO2 and TiO2/g-C3N4, respectively. This work reveals the potential application of ternary composites with double heterojunction for photocatalytic degradation as well as provides a reference value for titanium matrix composites for antibiotic wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]