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[Display omitted] Hypothesis: The small size of the nanoparticles used to obtain high surface area photocatalysts makes their removal from solution difficult. Producing photocatalysts on substrates would alleviate this limitation. Adding heterojunctions to photocatalysts, for example, TiO 2 /Ag, could improve photocatalytic performance due to Schottky junction formation and introduce antibacterial properties. Experiments: TiO 2 nanorod arrays were synthesised on a substrate via a hydrothermal approach, on which Ag nanoparticles were deposited using an electroless plating technique with varied deposition times and metal precursor concentrations. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated by monitoring Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation under ultraviolet light and antibacterial properties of the films tested using Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Findings: The Ag nanoparticle content was controlled by the Ag deposition process. The TiO 2 /Ag nanorod array containing 6.6 atomic% Ag as nanoparticles of ∼ 25 nm in diameter degraded 88 % of the RhB in 6 h compared to 54 % degradation for bare TiO 2 nanorods under the same reaction conditions. Decreased photoluminescence with heterojunction formation would indicate electron transfer from the TiO 2 into the Ag nanoparticles, thereby reducing charge carrier recombination. The antibacterial test conducted in the dark revealed enhanced performance for the TiO 2 /Ag sample compared to TiO 2 nanorods against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus after 16 h exposure with a death rate of 84 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are typical persistent organic pollutants, and their removal is urgently required but challenging. Photocatalysis has shown potential in PFASs degradation due to the redox capabilities of photoinduced charge carriers in photocatalysts. Herein, hexagonal ZnIn 2 S 4 (ZIS) nanosheets were synthesized by a one-pot oil bath method and were well characterized by a series of techniques. In the degradation of sodium p -perfluorous nonenoxybenzenesulfonate (OBS), one kind of representative PFASs, the as-synthesized ZIS showed activity superior to P25 TiO 2 under both simulated sunlight and visible-light irradiation. The good photocatalytic performance was attributed to the enhanced light absorption and facilitated charge separation. The pH conditions were found crucial in the photocatalytic process by influencing the OBS adsorption on the ZIS surface. Photogenerated e− and h+ were the main active species involved in OBS degradation in the ZIS system. This work confirmed the feasibility and could provide mechanistic insights into the degradation and defluorination of PFASs by visible-light photocatalysis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conjugated microporous polymer/PVDF membranes prepared based on functional regulation and physical doping show great potential in photocatalytic degradation and antibacterial. It provides a feasible way for the development of new photocatalyst films. [Display omitted] • A photocatalytic CMPs/TiO 2 membrane was fabricated. • TiO 2 , as an electron transfer platform, accelerates the migration rate of photo generated charge carriers. • The modified CMPs made the membrane material have good hydrophilicity. • CMPs/TiO 2 membranes show efficient and versatile applications. Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) are widely used in the field of photocatalysis due to their unique conjugated structures and various synthesis methods. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of conjugated microporous polymers hollow spheres (CMPs-HS) superhydrophilic modified by acetylcysteine (CMPs-HS-S) and compounded with the inorganic semiconductor material titanium dioxide (CMPs-HS-S/TiO 2) for efficient photocatalytic degradation. To facilitate recycling, the composite membrane material was prepared by combining the materials mentioned above with PVDF membrane. The composite membrane materials had good hydrophilic and photocatalytic properties. Under visible light, the degradation rate of tetracycline (TC) (10 mg/L 180 min) reached 90 %, and the bactericidal rates for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were 89 % and 99.99 %, respectively. The efficient photocatalytic performance of the composite membranes could be attributed to the hollow sphere structure of CMPs and the role of TiO 2 as a photogenic electron transfer platform. Additionally, the hydrophilicity of the membrane also helped to accelerate the occurrence of photocatalytic reactions. After electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) detection, h+, 1O 2 and O 2 − were proved to be important reactive substances, which played a major role in degradation. These studies reflect the versatility of CMPs-based photocatalysts and provide a new idea for the future development of CMPs-based photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution, which is produced especially by pharmaceutical waste and organic dyes that are discharged into waterbodies without being properly treated, is now becoming a greater hazard to aquatic species and ecosystems. Various approaches have previously been used to degrade organic dyes and pharmaceutical waste. Advanced oxidation method, notably titanium dioxide doped with semiconductors like silver, has significant advantages over conventional systems. The photocatalytic reaction mechanism is briefly explored. The effectiveness of silver-doped titanium dioxide for the demineralisation of medicines as well as for different types of dyes has been reviewed along with various factors affecting photocatalytic reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green hydrogen production from methanol is a pivotal technology for energy transformation. In this work, the heterojunction structure of NiO–TiO 2 and incorporated Pd/Ir/Ru nanoparticles were successfully prepared through the utilization of sol-gel and in situ photodeposition methods. The highest yield of hydrogen from methanol is contributed by 0.5Pd–1Ni–TiO 2 showing 80.73 mmol g−1 H 2 for 4 h, which is 15.03 times higher than the H 2 yield obtained using TiO 2. Furthermore, this work reveals that methanol adsorbs in two states: molecular CH 3 OH and dissociated CH 3 O∗, and the main adsorption modes of methanol on the surfaces of TiO 2 , 1Ni–TiO 2 and 0.5Pd–1Ni–TiO 2 exhibit similarities, with bridge adsorption being identified as the most favorable mode. The possible mechanism of the formation of main products was proposed. HCOOH is formed by oxidation of HCHO, or from desorption of formate. The two C–C coupling reactions of ·COOH + ·COOH and ·COOH + ·CH 3 produce CH 3 COOH. [Display omitted] • NiO–TiO 2 heterojunction structure and noble metal were successfully prepared. • Optimal photoactivity was achieved with Pd and 1% NiO loaded in TiO 2. • Possible charge transfer mechanism in Pd–1Ni–TiO 2 was proposed. • Key products of photoreforming methanol were experimentally studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of using polyaniline/titanium dioxide heterostructures as efficient photocatalysts is based on the synergistic effect of conducting polymer and metal oxide semiconductors. Due to inconclusive literature reports, the effect of different polyaniline/TiO2 ratios on photocatalytic activity under UV and visible light was investigated. In most papers, non-recommended dyes are used as model compounds to evaluate visible light activity. Therefore, colorless phenol was used instead of dyes in this study to clarify the real visible light-induced photocatalytic activity of polyaniline/TiO2 composites. This publication also includes a discussion of whether materials derived from bulk (non-nanostructured) polyaniline and TiO2 by the standard in situ oxidative polymerization method are suitable candidates for promising photocatalytic materials. The evaluation of photocatalytic activity was performed in both UV and visible light systems. X-ray diffraction and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy methods were applied to characterize the obtained samples. Obtained polyaniline (pure and in composites) was identified as emeraldine salt. In the UV system, none of the prepared samples with different polyaniline–titania ratios had activity better than reference P25 titania. It has been observed that the presence of polyaniline adversely affects the photocatalytic properties, as the polyaniline layer covering the titania surface can shield the UV light transmission by blocking the contact between the TiO2 surface and organic molecules. In the case of using visible light, no synergies have been observed between polyaniline and titania either. The photodegradation efficiencies of the most active samples were similar to those of pure polyaniline. In conclusion, in order to obtain efficient polyaniline/titania photocatalysts active in UV and/or visible light, it is necessary to take into account the morphological and surface properties of both components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sr2TiO4, a prominent member of the Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskite family, has garnered significant interest in photocatalysis, primarily owing to its distinctive two-dimensional (2D) layered structure. In this review, we provide an insightful and concise summary of the intrinsic properties of Sr2TiO4, focusing on the electronic, optical, and structural characteristics that render it a promising candidate for photocatalytic applications. Moreover, we delve into the innovative strategies that have been developed to optimize the structural attributes of Sr2TiO4. These strategies aim to maximize light absorption, improve charge separation, and accelerate the photocatalytic reaction rates. By highlighting these unique approaches, we strive to contribute to a more profound understanding of the material's potential and stimulate further advancements in developing Sr2TiO4-based photocatalytic systems. The review not only synthesizes the existing knowledge but also offers a perspective in future directions for research and application. As the field of photocatalysis continues to evolve, Sr2TiO4 stands poised to play a pivotal role in the quest for more efficient and sustainable solar energy conversion technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalocyanine-sensitized TiO2 significantly enhances photocatalytic performance, but the method of phthalocyanine immobilization also plays a crucial role in its performance. In order to investigate the effect of the binding strategy of phthalocyanine and TiO2 on photocatalytic performance, a dual-pathway study has been conducted. On the one hand, zinc-tetra (N-carbonylacrylic) aminephthalocyanine (Pc) was directly grafted onto the surface of Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 (FST). On the other hand, Pc was immobilized on a silane coupling agent ((3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane) grafted onto the surface of the FST. Through photocatalytic experiments on the two types of composite materials synthesized, the results showed that the photocatalyst obtained by directly sensitizing Pc (FSTP) exhibited better performance on rhodamine B(RhB) removal than did the other photocatalyst using the silane coupling agent (FSTAP). Further mechanistic studies showed that directly sensitized FSTP exhibited more efficient photogenerated electron–hole pair separation, whereas FSTAP linked by a silane coupling agent created an additional transport distance that might greatly affect the photogenerated electron transport. Therefore, the dual-pathway research in this work provides new guidance for efficiently constructing phthalocyanine-sensitized TiO2 photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we investigated the influence of surface fluorine (F) on TiO 2 for the photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) of toluene. TiO 2 modified with different F content was prepared and tested. It was found that with the increasing of F content, the toluene conversion rate first increased and then decreased. However, CO 2 mineralization efficiency showed the opposite trend. Based on the characterizations, we revealed that F substitutes the surface hydroxyl of TiO 2 to form the structure of Ti-F. The presence of the appropriate amount of surface Ti-F on TiO 2 greatly enhanced the separation of photogenerated carriers, which facilitated the generation of ·OH and promoted the activity for the PCO of toluene. It was further revealed that the increase of only ·OH promoted the conversion of toluene to ring-containing intermediates, causing the accumulation of intermediates and then conversely inhibited the ·OH generation, which led to the decrease of the CO 2 mineralization efficiency. The above results could provide guidance for the rational design of photocatalysts for toluene oxidation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sol-gel method was used to prepare nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticle using tetrabutyl titanate as the titanium source and urea as the nitrogen source. The structure and properties of the samples were characterized by modern testing methods. The photocatalytic performance of N-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticle was evaluated by taking Polyacrylic amide (PAM) in the wastewater from petroleum extraction as the target degradation product. The results show that, after N-nano TiO2 is calcined at 650 °C, the TiO2 is mainly of anatase type, with a large amount of rutile titanium dioxide nanoparticle between the crystals, and the average grain size decreases from 25.9 nm to 16.8 nm. Under visible light, the removal rate of N-TiO2 on PAM simulated wastewater for 3 h was determined to have been 59% and this is increased to 79.8%. After the photocatalyst was regenerated by ultraviolet irradiation, the removal rate of pollutants still reached 74.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of advanced photocatalyst for the complete and sustainable removal of emerging organic pollutants such as pharmaceuticals in wastewater is still challenging. Thus, a new three-dimensional cauliflower of TiO2 immobilised on a bio sourced activated carbon (AC/3D-TiO2) was successfully synthesised by a hydrothermal method. Its morphological and physicochemical properties were well-characterised with a pure 3D-TiO2 anatase phase, a high surface area (763 m2.g−1) and a cauliflower-shaped morphology composed of TiO2 tubes in a radial direction at a micrometric scale. 3D-TiO2-AC photocatalytic activity on carbamazepine (CBZ), in water showed that around 90% of CBZ elimination is obtained after 4 h of exposure, that is 1.5 times more efficient than commercial TiO2 P25. This was confirmed on five pharmaceuticals (CBZ, ketoprofen, sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin and diclofenac) by measuring their adsorption, elimination, and mineralisation in wastewater highlighting the promising application of AC/3D-TiO2 in the treatment of wastewaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper focuses on designing and developing nanocomposites to modify their properties to increase the ability to generate hydrogen and degrade dyes using photocatalysis. A nanocomposite of nickel ferrite (NiFe 2 O 4)/Titanium dioxide (TiO 2) was formulated using the sol-gel self-ignition method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) tool was adopted to analyze the structural behavior of pure nickel ferrite (NiFe 2 O 4), pure titanium dioxide (TiO 2), and nanocomposite of NiFe 2 O 4 /TiO 2. XRD pattern of NiFe 2 O 4 and TiO 2 shows a monophasic nature whereas the XRD pattern of nanocomposites shows mixed phases of NiFe 2 O 4 and TiO 2. FTIR spectra confirm the formation of NiFe 2 O 4 , TiO 2, and their composites with absorption bands near 400 cm−1 and 600 cm−1, 1500 cm−1. Raman spectra unveiled the presence of five active Raman modes in the case of NiFe 2 O 4 whereas three active Raman modes are seen in TiO 2. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images exposed the dense structure with spherical cluster-like morphology in the case of NiFe 2 O 4. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis confirms the presence of all the desired elements of NiFe 2 O 4 , TiO 2, and their composites in stoichiometric proportions. BET analysis of nickel ferrite NPs suggests a large surface area of the order of 31.54 m2/gm in comparison with TiO 2 (19.23 m2/gm). The optical characterization was made through the UV–visible spectroscopic technique. TiO 2 shows a maximum band gap of the order of 3.02 eV while NiFe 2 O 4 shows a low band gap of the order of 1.74 eV. A typical M − H curve with saturation magnetization of the order of 27.54 emu/gm was observed for pure NiFe 2 O 4. No magnetic properties were observed for TiO 2 as it is a semiconductor. Enhancement in magnetic properties is observed with increases in NiFe 2 O 4 content in a composite of NiFe 2 O 4 /TiO 2. The photocatalytic activities were examined by degrading Methylene Blue (MB) dye under sunlight for pure nickel ferrite (NiFe 2 O 4), pure titanium dioxide (TiO 2), and a nanocomposite of NiFe 2 O 4 /TiO 2. Photocatalytic hydrogen production reactions were carried out in a methanol/water solution under visible light. Consequently, the best configuration of the photocatalyst was determined as 25 % wt% NiFe2O4/TiO2 which had shown the maximum hydrogen (H2) production rate as 146.3 μmol/g/h after 8 h owing to its reduced bandgap energy and delayed e−/h+ recombination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured‐based photocatalysts have always exhibited the potential to solve various environmental issues resulting from global urbanization and industrialization. The creation of nanostructured materials has given humans access to various techniques for treating the numerous inorganic and organic contaminants found in wastewater from multiple sources. Due to their exceptional photocatalytic activity, semiconductor materials, among various other materials have different environmental uses. Studying nanocomposites of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and carbon‐based material, particularly graphene‐based material, is one of the burgeoning research areas of visible‐light‐driven photocatalysts. It has been demonstrated that the combination of graphene‐based material with titanium dioxide is more successful than titanium dioxide alone in photocatalysis. TiO2/graphene‐based nanocomposites stand out due to their superior physical and chemical characteristics, such as their moderate band gap, high specific surface area, nontoxic, low cost, high corrosion resistance, high photoactivity, stability, and ease of handling in various configurations. Designing high‐performance TiO2/graphene‐based photocatalysts has drawn more and more attention. This study has evaluated TiO2/graphene‐based nanocomposites for photocatalytic environmental applications from 2022 to 2024. These nanocomposites' diverse preparation methods have been discussed. The recent discoveries in TiO2/graphene‐based nanocomposite composites and their uses in photocatalysis, such as wastewater treatment to remove contaminants and photoconversion of CO2 into renewable fuels are also briefly discussed in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous sustainable water processing techniques have been widely investigated and are capable of boosting the quality of water. Among these techniques, photonanocatalysis has stood tall with great promises in the last few decades. Nonetheless, a major challenge in the environmental remediation of photocatalyst technology is to develop an ideal photocatalyst that must have excellent photocatalytic efficiency, large specific surface area, maximum harvesting of solar energy, high durability and recyclability. Due to their stability, low toxicity, low cost and superhydrophilicity TiO2 has been used by researchers as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants. Unfortunately, it suffers greatly due to its high band gap with 3.2 eV, insufficient visible light response, fast photogenerated electrons and holes recombination rate and serious agglomeration. Keeping these views, the present review highlights the principal results of studies on current practical synthesis and photocatalytic activity of graphene-based TiO2 nanocomposite materials for the treatment of water. The amalgamation of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with nanoscale TiO2 particles results in synergistic properties thereby tuning and increasing the functionality of the composite. In this regard, the review also addressed the progress and insight into graphene-based TiO2 nanocomposite in photocatalytic removal of organic pollutants including basis mechanism, possible key strategies of the composite, and an overview of how to elevate efficacy. Finally, brief challenges and future perspectives in this field are also presented. Indeed, this work illustrated that graphene-based TiO2 composite nanomaterials can be a green signal in the future of photocatalysis targeting water pollution remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remediation of antibiotics by photocatalysis technique has been regarded as a promising route to tackle with the environmental pollution affecting human survival and development. In this work, brookite TiO2 nanorods with different oxygen vacancy have been synthesized through tailoring the volume of ethylene glycol by hydrothermally treatment with NaTiOx-nanoassembly. After constitute and morphology confirmation with different characterizations, their photocatalytic performances are evaluated via ciprofloxacin (CIP) antibiotic degradation experiments. The result shows that the TiO2-0 has the highest photocatalytic efficiency towards CIP degradation, comparing with TiO2-15 and TiO2-30 samples. Although the TiO2-30 has high concentration oxygen vacancy, it exhibits excellent adsorption ability in the dark, rather than CIP degradation rate. The photo/electrochemical tests suggest the photo-generated electron lifetime, charge transfer ability, and the effective active sites on the material's surface are inversely proportional to the concentration of oxygen vacancies. It also concludes that rational fabrication conditions tailoring of the photocatalyst could optimize the corresponding capability in the antibiotic degradation process. In addition, the possible degradation pathway is also proposed based on the high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), and the acute toxicity changes in the degradation process are also predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative charge self-regulation strategy is proposed to construct a strongly interacting 2D/2D ReS 2 -MoS 2 in-plane hetero-cocatalyst, which collectively enables the activation of H 2 O molecules and subsequent H 2 evolution. [Display omitted] • A in-plane 2D/2D ReS 2 -MoS 2 hetero-catalyst was developed via molten salt methods. • H 2 -evolution rate of TiO 2 can be greatly improved by ReS 2 -MoS 2 hetero-cocatalyst. • The high activity of ReS 2 -MoS 2 was due to the formed Re(4−δ)+ and S(2−δ)− sites. • A charge self-regulation mechanism of ReS 2 -MoS 2 was proposed. The rationally designing and constructing atomic-level heterointerface of two-dimensional (2D) chalcogenides is highly desirable to overcome the sluggish H 2 O-activation process toward efficient solar-driven hydrogen evolution. Herein, a novel in-plane 2D/2D molybdenum disulfide-rhenium disulfide (ReS 2 -MoS 2) heterostructure is well-designed to induce the charge self-regulation of active site by forming electron-enriched Re(4−δ)+ and electron-deficient S(2−δ)− sites, thus collectively facilitating the activation of adsorbed H 2 O molecules and its subsequent H 2 evolution. Furthermore, the obtained in-plane heterogenous ReS 2 -MoS 2 nanosheet can powerfully transfer photoexcited electrons to inhibit photocarrier recombination as observed by advanced Kelvin probe measurement (KPFM), in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (fs-TAS). As expected, the obtained ReS 2 -MoS 2 /TiO 2 photocatalyst achieves an outperformed H 2 -generation rate of 6878.3 μmol h−1 g−1 with visualizing H 2 bubbles in alkaline/neutral conditions. This work about in-plane 2D/2D heterostructure with strong free-electron interaction provides a promising strategy for designing novel and efficient catalysts for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Photocatalysis is a promising sustainable technology to remove organic pollution and convert solar energy into chemical energy. Titanium dioxide has drawn extensive attention in this field owing to its high activity under UV light, good chemical stability, large availability, low price and low toxicity. However, the poor quantum efficiency derived from fast electron/hole recombination, the limited utilization of sunlight, and a weak reducing ability still hinder its practical application. Among the modification strategies of TiO 2 to enhance its performance, the construction of heterojunctions with other semiconductors is a powerful and versatile way to maximise the separation of photogenerated charge carriers and steer their transport toward enhanced efficiency and selectivity. Here, the research progress and current status of TiO 2 modification are reviewed, focusing on heterojunctions. A rapid evolution of the understanding of the different charge transfer mechanisms is witnessed from traditional type II to the recently conceptualised S-scheme. Particular attention is paid to different synthetic approaches and interface engineering methods designed to improve and control the interfacial charge transfer, and several cases of TiO 2 heterostructures with metal oxides, metal sulfides and carbon nitride are discussed. The application hotspots of TiO 2 -based photocatalysts are summarized, including hydrogen generation by water splitting, solar fuel production by CO 2 conversion, and the degradation of organic water pollutants. Hints about less studied and emerging processes are also provided. Finally, the main issues and challenges related to the sustainability and scalability of photocatalytic technologies in view of their commercialization are highlighted, outlining future directions of development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of titania-based photocatalysts has been largely investigated in the literature. Nevertheless, the study of the influence of different solvents in the synthesis mixture requires further analysis. Addressing this issue, we explored the potential of heterogeneous photocatalysis with nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) synthesized via the sol–gel method with and without ultrasound for the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in water. Specifically, we engineered TiO2 nanoparticles within the 20–30 nm range, in order to work in the same particle size range of Evonik P25. The synthesis was conducted in five distinct solvents, n-hexane, decane, isopropanol, ethanol, and 1-octanol, and it was evaluated with the presence and absence of ultrasound. Following synthesis, the powders were thoroughly characterized. When nonpolar solvents were used, the photocatalysts were characterized by the presence of both anatase and brookite phases, while with polar solvents, the only polymorph present was anatase. A different behavior was shown by 1-octanol, where the role of the solvent was so important that US did not affect the final sample features. The samples prepared in ethanol and isopropanol exhibited superior activity compared to those synthesized in other solvents in the SMX photodegradation (about 35% after 6 h), and the effect of US during preparation resulted positive for all solvents (an average increase of SMX photodegradation in the range of 5–10% for the different photocatalysts for each degradation time). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rational design of photonic crystal photocatalysts has attracted significant interest in order to improve their light harvesting and photocatalytic performances. In this work, an advanced approach to enhance slow light propagation and visible light photocatalysis is demonstrated for the first time by integrating a planar defect into CoOx-TiO2 inverse opals. Trilayer photonic crystal films were fabricated through the successive deposition of an inverse opal TiO2 underlayer, a thin titania interlayer, and a photonic top layer, whose visible light activation was implemented through surface modification with CoOx nanoscale complexes. Optical measurements showed the formation of "donor"-like localized states within the photonic band gap, which reduced the Bragg reflection and expanded the slow photon spectral range. The optimization of CoOx loading and photonic band gap tuning resulted in a markedly improved photocatalytic performance for salicylic acid degradation and photocurrent generation compared to the additive effects of the constituent monolayers, indicative of light localization in the defect layer. The electrochemical impedance results showed reduced recombination kinetics, corroborating that the introduction of an optical defect into inverse opal photocatalysts provides a versatile and effective strategy for boosting the photonic amplification effects in visible light photocatalysis by evading the constraints imposed by narrow slow photon spectral regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated the properties of photocatalytic cementitious composites, including their air-purification efficiency. A method of characterizing the removal of airborne pollutants (nitrogen oxides), simulating the actual NOx concentration and irradiation conditions in Warsaw, Poland, in the autumn/winter season was established. The study analyzed the impact of changes in the composition of cement mortars—partial substitution of the binder with mineral fillers—on the properties of the external photoactive surface of the composite. The designed experimental plan included both quantitative and qualitative variables (type and amount of fillers used). It was found that the photocatalytic performance of the composite was correlated with its pore total content and pore size distribution—the higher the content of mineral fillers, the lower the porosity and the less effective its photocatalytic properties. The selectivity of the photocatalytic NOx reactions also deteriorated as the content of the mineral fillers increased. The study confirmed the validity of increasing the binder content in cementitious composites to enhance their photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aflatoxins (AF) are highly toxic secondary metabolites produced by various species of Aspergillus, posing significant health risks to humans and animals. The four most prominent types are aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), and aflatoxin G2 (AFG2). These mycotoxins are prevalent in various environments, including water sources and food products. Among these mycotoxins, AFB1 is recognized as the most toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic to humans. Consequently, most efforts to mitigate the impact of AF have been focused on AFB1, with photocatalysis emerging as a promising solution. Recent research has demonstrated that using semiconductor photocatalysis, particularly titanium dioxide (TiO2), combined with UV–visible irradiation significantly enhances the efficiency of AF degradation. TiO2 is noted for its high activity under UV irradiation, non-toxicity, and excellent long-term stability, making it a favorable choice for photocatalytic applications. Furthermore, TiO2 combined with visible light has demonstrated the ability to reduce AF contamination in food products. This article summarizes the working conditions and degradation rates achieved, as well as the advantages, limitations, and areas of opportunity of these methodologies for the degradation of AF and preventing their production, thereby enhancing food and water safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-cleaning concept has drawn a lot of attention due to its unique characteristics and wide range of potential applications in a variety of sectors. In the present study, the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanoparticles for achieving the self-cleaning ability on banana fabric were explored using sol–gel technology. Highly stable TiO2 nano sols were developed using a simple, rapid, and relatively low acid content process at low temperatures. Pad-dry-cure method was used to obtain a homogeneous coating of TiO2 nano sols on the surface of the banana fabric. The coated fabrics were characterised using techniques like Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, and UV–Vis Spectroscopy. After light irradiation, the photocatalytic activity was determined by stain degradation of different stains by analysing colour difference and K/S. Anatase TiO2 nanoparticles were formed in good concentration exhibiting photocatalytic activities shown by the photodegradation of Coffee and Rhodamine B stains on exposure to light. Overall, the proposed method can incorporate titanium dioxide functionalization of a new class of cellulosic-based materials, i.e. banana fabrics intended for self-cleaning applications, in a stable, rapid, cost-effective, and ecologically acceptable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photocatalytic removal of toxic heavy metals using titanium dioxide nanoparticles is an emerging technology for environmental remediation. Pure and Mo-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using a modified sol-gel process, and then characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and particle size analysis (PSA) to determine their morphology and size, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to determine their crystalline phase and composition. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis was used to measure the surface area and porosity of the synthesized catalysts applying Langmuir and BET models. The catalyst was mainly composed of spherical anatase TiO2 particles, with a diameter in the range of 15–75 nm, and the maximum doping percentage of Mo was 3.3%. The Langmuir surface area of pure and Mo-doped TiO2was 91.63 and 128.73 m2/g, and the average pore volume was 0.029 and 0.032 cm3/g, respectively. The nanomaterials were used in the photocatalytic removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions, and the adsorption isotherms indicated that the catalyst uptake (qe,max) amounts for Mo-doped TiO2 and pure TiO2 were 12.5 and 6.5 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, the equilibrium removal percentage was improved from 41% for pure TiO2 to 90% for Mo-doped TiO2, which confirms that photocatalytic activity is enhanced by doping TiO2 with molybdenum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the development and performance of photocatalytic cementitious composites modified with nano-TiO2 to address urban air quality and sustainability challenges. Nine mortar series were prepared, incorporating binders with varying carbon footprints and mass contents across different series. The interplay between the fundamental (abrasion resistance) and functional (air purification efficiency) properties of the composites' surfaces and interfaces was investigated. The photocatalytic removal of airborne pollutants, specifically nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ozone (O3), was evaluated under simulated environmental conditions. The variations in binder composition influenced the composites' overall initial carbon footprint and air purification efficiency. The assessment revealed a possible net decrease in carbon emissions over the life cycle of the composite due to the removal of ozone (greenhouse gas) and its precursor—NOx, highlighting the potential of photocatalytic cementitious composites for dual environmental benefits in an urban environment, emphasizing the critical role of surface and interface engineering in achieving carbon-negative composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The incorporation of Co 3 O 4 enhances the full-spectrum absorption of the catalyst. • The Co 3 O 4 NPs are uniformly dispersed on the TiO 2 support. • The introduction of Ce brings in the advantageous dual redox cycles. • Co3+, Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies play important roles in toluene catalytic oxidation. • Light irradiation displays a promoting effect on catalytic activity. Cerium and cobalt loaded Co-Ce/TiO 2 catalyst prepared by impregnation method was investigated for photothermal catalytic toluene oxidation. Based on catalyst characterizations (XPS, EPR and H 2 -TPR), redox cycle between Co and TiO 2 (Co2+ + Ti4+ ↔ Co3+ + Ti3+) results in the formation of Co3+, Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies, which play important roles in toluene catalytic oxidation reaction. The introduction of Ce brings in the dual redox cycles (Co2+ + Ti4+ ↔ Co3+ + Ti3+, Co2+ + Ce4+ ↔ Co3+ + Ce3+), further promoting the elevation of reaction sites amount. Under full spectrum irradiation with light intensity of 580 mW/cm2, Co-Ce/TiO 2 catalyst achieved 96% of toluene conversion and 73% of CO 2 yield, obviously higher than Co/P25 and Co/TiO 2. Co-Ce/TiO 2 efficiently maintains 10-hour stability test under water vapor conditions and exhibits better photothermal catalytic performance than counterparts under different wavelengths illumination. Photothermal catalytic reaction displays improved activities compared with thermal catalysis, which is attributed to the promotional effect of light including photocatalysis and light activation of reactive oxygen species. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique S-scheme ReS 2 -TiO 2 photocatalyst is fabricated via self-assembly strategy for the removal of Perfluorooctanoic Acid. [Display omitted] Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), recognized as persistent organic pollutants, resist degradation in the environment due to the high bond energy of the C–F. Increasing carrier density via adopting electrostatic self-assembly strategy has been shown to effectively cleave C–F bonds. In this work, a unique S-scheme structure was fabricated by combining oppositely charged semiconductors, TiO 2 and ReS 2 , through electrostatic self-assembly. The resulting 2 % ReS 2 -TiO 2 composite achieved a photodegradation efficiency of 98 % for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), considerably higher than the 62 % efficiency observed for pure TiO 2. Additionally, the 2 % ReS 2 -TiO 2 composite demonstrated broad applicability for the removal of other PFCs. The introduction of ReS 2 , with a lower work function than TiO 2 , could generate an internal electric field (IEF) to facilitate electron transfer from TiO 2 to ReS 2 under continuous irradiation and thereby enhance charge separation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photocatalytic removal of toxic heavy metals using titanium dioxide nanoparticles is an emerging technology for environmental remediation. Pure and Mo-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using a modified sol-gel process, and then characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and particle size analysis (PSA) to determine their morphology and size, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to determine their crystalline phase and composition. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis was used to measure the surface area and porosity of the synthesized catalysts applying Langmuir and BET models. The catalyst was mainly composed of spherical anatase TiO2 particles, with a diameter in the range of 15–75 nm, and the maximum doping percentage of Mo was 3.3%. The Langmuir surface area of pure and Mo-doped TiO2was 91.63 and 128.73 m2/g, and the average pore volume was 0.029 and 0.032 cm3/g, respectively. The nanomaterials were used in the photocatalytic removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions, and the adsorption isotherms indicated that the catalyst uptake (qe,max) amounts for Mo-doped TiO2 and pure TiO2 were 12.5 and 6.5 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, the equilibrium removal percentage was improved from 41% for pure TiO2 to 90% for Mo-doped TiO2, which confirms that photocatalytic activity is enhanced by doping TiO2 with molybdenum.