Search

The utilization of mild and environment-friendly reaction conditions for the photocatalytic oxidation of sulfides to highly valuable sulfoxides represents a sustainable approach that is highly desirable yet quite challenging. Herein, we present a novel approach to enhance the photocatalytic oxidation of sulfides in water by molecular structural engineering of donor–acceptor (D–A) based polymeric networks. By incorporating electron-deficient heptazine or triazine units as acceptors and electron-rich 2,5-diamino fluorene as donors, a synergistic effect is achieved, promoting efficient charge separation upon light absorption. The two polymeric networks namely HEP-FL and TZ-FL efficiently carried out selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxide with 100% conversion within 1.3 h and 3.5 h, respectively under blue light irradiation. Through advanced spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements, the correlation between molecular structures and optoelectronic properties is elucidated, unveiling tunable band structures and exciton binding energies. Notably, the heptazine-containing polymeric network (HEP-FL) exhibited superior charge separation efficiency and enhanced catalytic activity, attributed to improved electron delocalization and reduced exciton binding energy. Additionally, we have performed green metrics calculations for the synthesis of sulfoxide using HEP-FL as a photocatalyst to prove the sustainability of the reaction system. These findings underscore the significant prospects of donor–acceptor-based polymeric networks as highly effective photocatalysts for selective oxidation reactions, highlighting their potential to advance environmentally conscious practices in organic synthesis and industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and their applications in photocatalysis have been extensively studied, but the instability of imine‐linked COFs is an important factor limiting their performance. In this work, two imine‐linked COFs were successfully converted to amide‐linked COFs through post synthetic modification (PSM). The oxidized COFs presented lower binding energy to O2, exhibited higher photocatalytic activity for oxidation of thioethers and coupling of benzylamines with excellent stability. The present work can serve as a reliable reference for the development of novel highly active and stable COF‐based photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomic‐level modulation of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) structure for enhanced photocatalytic oxidation is highly important but still challenging. Herein, a series of β‐ketoenamine‐linked COFs have been synthesized by using 2,4,6‐triformyl‐phloroglucinol (Tp) as a modular molecule, 5,5′‐Diamino‐2,2′‐bipyridine (Bpy), and 3,6‐Pyridazinediamine (Dz) linkers with atomic level N sites substitute 4,4′‐diamino‐bipheny (BD) and 1,4‐phenylenediamine (Pa) to construct COFs with adjustable photocatalytic performance. Mechanism study reveals that in COFs with N sites‐based linkers, 1O2 adsorbed on the pore walls of TpBpy‐COF (−4.23 kcal mol−1) and TpDz‐COF (−4.63 kcal mol−1) with higher adsorption energy than on TpBD‐COF (−2.73 kcal mol−1) and TpPa‐COF (−2.17 kcal mol−1), enabling 1O2 activation and high catalytic performance toward thioether oxidation with almost >99% conversion, outperforming most reported organic photocatalysts. Notably, TpBpy‐COF exhibits a superior catalytic activity for thioether oxidation (e.g., aromatic thioethers, aliphatic sulfide, and Mustard Gas sulfide) because of its narrow bandgap, fast charge separation and transfer ability, and single‐ended activation ability. This study provides a novel and effective strategy for modulating exciton effects and photocatalytic activity of COFs‐based organic photocatalysts at the atomic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi2O2CO3 is a typical bismuth‐based semiconductor photocatalyst that has attracted much attention because of layered structure and polarization characteristics. However, the wide bandgap of Bi2O2CO3 limits its practical applications in photocatalysis. In this study, the nickel (II)‐doped Bi2O2CO3 (Ni2+‐Bi2O2CO3) with oxygen vacancies was prepared by adding a controllable amount of nickel ions. The photocatalytic efficiency of the optimized sample for ppb‐grade NO under visible light irradiation is 59.4 %, which is 2.8 times than that of its counterpart, Bi2O2CO3 (21.2 %). Based on experiments and characterizations, Introduction of nickel ions and oxygen vacancies improves the photocatalytic performance of Ni2+‐Bi2O2CO3, which not only lowered the bandgap from 3.25 eV to 2.92 eV, but also reduced the recombination of photogenerated carriers by formation of the impurity level. Furthermore, the adsorption and photocatalytic conversion pathway of NO was explored by in situ DRIFTS, the principal byproducts of photocatalytic oxidation of NO are NO3− and NO2−. This work offers a new perspective to improve the photocatalytic activity by doping mothed for air purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wastewater generated by the sugar industry contains high levels of organic pollutants, posing significant environmental and health risks. Traditional treatment methods often fall short in effectively managing these pollutants, necessitating innovative approaches for wastewater treatment and hydrogen production. In this study, machine learning (ML) algorithms are explored to predict hydrogen evolution from sugar industry wastewater treated via photocatalytic oxidation using solar-driven photocatalysts. By leveraging ML-driven models, we aim to streamline experimental procedures, reduce costs, and enhance energy efficiency. Our proposed stacking model, which combines Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, XGBoost, and Extra Trees, achieved superior results with R2 values of 0.9933, 0.9866, and 0.9906, and mean squared errors (MSE) of 0.0350, 0.0412, and 0.0412 for GLFO, GBFO, and GLRO, respectively. These results demonstrate the significant advantages of using ensemble techniques, particularly our proposed stacking method, which outperformed all individual models. The blending model, which averaged predictions from XGBoost and Gradient Boosting, also performed well with R2 values of 0.9866, 0.9811, and 0.9820, and MSEs of 0.0702, 0.0815, and 0.0795 for GLFO, GBFO, and GLRO, respectively. This study highlights the efficacy of ensemble methods in predicting hydrogen production, providing a novel and effective approach for wastewater treatment and renewable energy generation. [Display omitted] • The study uses ML models to predict H 2 evolution from sugar industry wastewater. • The stacking method (SM) outperformed all individual models. • SM achieved R2 of 0.9933 and MSE of 0.0350 for GLFO. • Blending model (XGBoost + Gradient Boosting) shows strong results. • Ensemble techniques significantly improve H₂ prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The 0D/1D CuWO 4 /Mn 0.3 Cd 0.7 S S-scheme heterojunction was synthesized successfully. • The catalysts achieved full-spectrum dual-functional photocatalytic degradation and hydrogen production. • The full-spectrum responses mechanism and S-scheme heterojunction mechanism were explained by DFT. Integrating photocatalytic oxidation for pollutant removal with hydrogen production via photocatalysis presents a promising approach for sustainable water purification and renewable energy generation, circumventing the sluggish multi-electron transfer inherent in photocatalytic water oxidation. This study introduces novel zero-/one-dimensional (0D/1D) CuWO 4 /Mn 0.3 Cd 0.7 S step-scheme (S-scheme) heterojunctions that exhibit exceptional bifunctional capabilities in photocatalytic degradation and hydrogen production under full-spectrum illumination. The degradation efficiency for tetracycline (TC) using 5 %-CuWO 4 /Mn 0.3 Cd 0.7 S reaches 94.3 % and 94.5 % within 60 min and 6 h, respectively, under ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and near-infrared (NIR) light. Notably, these 0D/1D CuWO 4 /Mn 0.3 Cd 0.7 S S-scheme heterojunctions demonstrate superior hydrogen production, achieving rates of 12442.03 μL g-1h−1 and 2418.54 μL g-1h−1 under UV–Vis light and NIR light irradiation, respectively—these rates are 2.3 times and 55.2 times higher than that of Mn 0.3 Cd 0.7 S alone. This performance enhancement is attributed to the intrinsic dimensional effects, transitions of transition metal d-d orbitals, and S-scheme hole/electron (h+/e−) separation characteristics. Additionally, experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have clarified the modulation of electronic configurations, band alignment, and interfacial interactions via 0D/1D S-scheme heterojunction engineering. This study sheds light on the electron transfer mechanism within S-scheme heterojunction and enhances the effectiveness, economy, and sustainability of recalcitrant pollutant removal and hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, nanowire (NW) structured TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared using the hydrothermal method and characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and BET specific surface area techniques. They were obtained in the anatase phase and presented a high surface area (ca. 300 m2/g). A commercial TiO2 (anatase, Merck) was used for comparison. The TiO2 catalysts were tested for photocatalytic oxidation of 3-pyridinemethanol to 3-pyridinemethanal and vitamin B3 in water under UVA irradiation. The effects of acid treatment and subsequent calcination for TiO2 catalysts after the hydrothermal synthesis were also investigated. The sample, subjected to acid treatment and calcined at 300 °C (NW-HCl-300), showed the highest photocatalytic activity and selectivity towards the products. Consequently, this sample and Merck TiO2 were used to prepare polystyrene (PS)/TiO2 composites using the hydrothermal method. They were characterized by XRD, SEM–EDX, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), UV–Vis, Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), and contact angle measurements and tested for PS (present in the composite) photodegradation. The results indicated that NW-HCl-300 had a high surface area, and was highly hydroxylated, favouring a good distribution of PS in the composite. The composite presented high thermal stability, but under UVA irradiation the polymer underwent solid-state photocatalytic degradation due to the contact with TiO2. The composite photodegradation was investigated using gravimetric, GPC, FT-IR, UV–Vis, and SEM techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal dipyrrinato complexes of 4d and 5d metals have distinctive features such as high absorption coefficients in the visible section and room temperature phosphorescence in the red region. This work demonstrates the light‐assisted oxidation of organic compounds employing rhenium(I)dipyrrinato complexes as catalysts. The heavy atom effect in rhenium(I)dipyrrinato complexes leads to the formation of long‐lived triplet excited states, and these complexes can generate singlet oxygen in excellent yields (up to 84 %). A method was developed for photocatalytic aerobic oxidation of sulfides and amines using only 0.05 mol % and 0.025 mol % of the rhenium(I)dipyrrinato complexes, respectively. The method is efficient, and within 2 h, a variety of substrates were oxidized to produce sulfoxides and imines in high yields (up to 97 %). Rhenium(I)dipyrrinato complexes work very well both in visible light and sunlight, making them promising candidates for photocatalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly toxic carcinogen severely harmful to humans and animals. This study fabricated SDB-6-K-9@TiO2 composites via the hydrothermal synthesis method to reduce AFB1. The structural characterization results of the photocatalytic composites showed that TiO2 was successfully loaded onto SDB-6-K-9. The different photocatalytic degradation conditions, photocatalyst kinetics, recycling performance, and photocatalytic degradation mechanism were investigated. Photocatalysis with 6 mg of 4%SDB-6-K-9@TiO2 in a 100 μg/mL AFB1 solution presented a reduction of over 95%, exhibiting excellent performance, high stability, and reusability even after five cycles of photocatalytic experiments. Active species trapping experiments confirmed that holes (h+) played the most critical role. After structural analysis and identification of the photocatalytic degradation products, the photodegradation path and photocatalytic oxidation mechanism of 4%SDB-6-K-9@TiO2 were postulated. The results show a new way to improve TiO2's photocatalytic performance, providing a certain theoretical basis for the effective AFB1 reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZIF-67 has garnered much attention in the field of photocatalytic water splitting due to the advantages of MOFs and zeolite sieves. However, post-modification and composite strategies have emerged as effective approaches to enhance its photocatalytic performance, particularly in enabling bi-functionality for oxidation-coupled reduction reactions. In this study, 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (MBI) modified ZIF-67 and cadmium sulfide (CdS) composites were prepared to investigate their application in photocatalytic oxidation-coupled hydrogen evolution reactions. The results demonstrated an enhancement in hydrogen production performance over CdS@ZIF-67-MBI, with an increase from 2.39 mmol g−1 h−1 to 4.49 mmol g−1 h−1 upon the introduction of MBI. Moreover, the conversion efficiency of benzyl alcohol reached an improved value of 58.5%. The study findings revealed that the heterogeneous coupling between ZIF-67 and CdS, along with the effective charge transfer facilitated by the anion S, played a decisive role in promoting charge–hole separation of composite materials and improving carrier transport efficiency. This demonstrates the viability of utilizing ZIF-67 in a bifunctional photocatalytic reaction system, thereby paving the way for broader applications of ZIF-67. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous organic polymers (POPs) are emergent tailor‐made materials, which can be accessed by covalent polymerization of diligently designed molecular building blocks in a bottom‐up fashion. Acridone, a well‐known chromophore that undergoes intersystem crossing (ISC) with near‐unity quantum yield akin to benzophenone, was structurally elaborated into a building block and subjected to Friedel‐Crafts polyalkylation to afford a series of POPs, namely, Ac‐MePOP, Ac‐OMePOP, and Ac‐CBPOP. These POPs exhibit remarkable porosity and significant absorption in the visible region. Of the three polymers, Ac‐CBPOP with the highest BET surface area of ca. 1027 m2/g is shown to serve as an excellent heterogeneous photocatalyst for visible light‐mediated oxidative transformations, that is, oxidative coupling of benzylamines to imines and cyclocondensation of o‐phenylenediamines with aldehydes to benzimidazoles under oxygen atmosphere. It is further shown that Ac‐CBPOP can be reused for several reaction cycles without any loss of catalytic activity with its stability intact. Mechanistic studies show that 1O2 serves as the key reactive oxygen species, formed by the energy transfer from Ac‐CBPOP to 3O2, in the photocatalytic oxidation reactions. The results demonstrate the development of stable photocatalytic POP materials with tailor‐made properties by a bottom‐up covalent polymerization of programmed molecular building blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton supply is as critical as O2 activation for artificial photosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e− ORR). However, proton release via water dissociation is frequently hindered because of the sluggish water oxidation reaction (WOR), extremely limiting the efficiency of photocatalytic H2O2 production. To tackle this challenge, carboxyl‐enriched supramolecular polymer (perylene tetracarboxylic acid—PTCA) is elaborately prepared by molecular self‐assembly for overall photosynthesis of H2O2. Interestingly, the interconversion between carboxyl as Brønsted acid and its conjugated base realizes rapid proton circulation. Through this efficient tandem proton transfer process, the spatial effect of photocatalytic reduction and oxidation reaction is greatly enhanced with reduced reaction barrier. This significantly facilitates 2e− photocatalytic ORR to synthesize H2O2 and in the meanwhile promotes 4e− photocatalytic WOR to evolve O2. Consequently, the as‐developed PTCA exhibits a remarkable H2O2 yield of 185.6 μM h−1 in pure water and air atmosphere under visible light illumination. More impressively, an appreciable H2O2 yield of 78.6 μM h−1 can be well maintained in an anaerobic system owing to in situ O2 generation by 4e− photocatalytic WOR. Our study presents a novel concept for artificial photosynthesis of H2O2 via constructing efficient proton transfer pathway to enable rapid proton circulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) involving a donor‐π bridge‐acceptor (D‐π‐A) structure are considered one of the most promising photocatalytic materials, in which the π bridge is known to play an important role in influencing the photocatalytic performance. So far, much effort has been directed at the designing of the different π bridge structure to facilitate the photo‐induced charge separation. However, the orientation of the π bridge units (configurational isomerism) has not been considered. In this paper, a pair of pyridine‐bridged D‐π‐A type CTFs, named TFA‐P1‐CTF and TFA‐P2‐CTF, were designed to investigate how the orientation of the π bridge would influence their performance in the photocatalytic oxidation of olefins into carbonyl compounds. Interestingly, due to the superior charge separation capability, TFA‐P2‐CTF was found to be able to catalyze the reaction more efficiently than TFA‐P1‐CTF. Our study eventually provided a guide for the design of D‐π‐A type CTFs as high‐performance photocatalytic materials via tuning the configurational isomerism of the π bridge unit for use in chemical transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF) through photocatalytic oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is an attractive approach. In this manuscript, a photocatalytic selective oxidation strategy for HMF was developed, using Ag/Ag3PO4 as the photocatalyst and O2 as the oxidizing agent. The prepared catalyst was characterized systematically by SEM, XRD, XPS, UV‐Vis, PL spectra, and so on. In contrast to previous photocatalytic oxidation strategies for HMF conversion, this catalytic system could efficiently generate 1O2 without other reactive oxygen species (ROS) under visible light irradiation. DFF would be obtained with about 90 % selectivity. Moreover, the exclusive formation of 1O2 was linked to the more positive conduction band potential (+0.90 eV) of Ag/Ag3PO4, confirmed by an array of characterization techniques. Additionally, the stability of the catalyst was assessed through cyclic testing and analyses including XRD, and XPS. Nonetheless, this catalytic system could potentially serve as a robust platform for various selective oxidation reactions in the future, due to its exclusive presence of 1O2 without the involvement of other ROS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lattice‐oxygen activation has emerged as a popular strategy for optimizing the performance and selectivity of oxide‐based thermocatalysis and electrolysis. However, the significance of lattice oxygen in oxide photocatalysts has been ignored, particularly in gas–solid reactions. Here, using methane oxidation over a Ru1@ZnO single‐atom photocatalyst as the prototypical reaction and via 18O isotope labelling techniques, we found that lattice oxygen can directly participate in gas–solid reactions. Lattice oxygen played a dominant role in the photocatalytic reaction, as determined by estimating the kinetic constants in the initial stage. Furthermore, we discovered that dynamic diffusion between O2 and lattice oxygen proceeded even in the absence of targeted reactants. Finally, single‐atom Ru can facilitate the activation of adsorbed O2 and the subsequent regeneration of consumed lattice oxygen, thus ensuring high catalyst activity and stability. The results provide guidance for next‐generation oxide photocatalysts with improved activities and selectivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porphyrins‐based porous organic polymers (POP) were widely used in photocatalytic oxidation under visible light owing to their superiority in the activation of oxygen. In contrast, the efficiency is usually limited due to the fast recombination and slow electron transfer. Herein, we report the use of a trioporphyrins‐based covalent triazine framework (Por‐CTF) as visible‐light‐active photocatalyst for the coupling oxidative of amines to imines at room temperature. By incorporating the π‐conjugated porphyrin building block led to the enhanced electron transport between molecules, and the extended recombination time of excited electrons. The photocatalytic efficiency of Por‐CTF is superior to that of polymer in absence of triazine framework (POP‐TSP), which was prepared by radical polymerization using tetra‐(4‐vinylphenyl) porphyrin (TSP) as monomer. Por‐CTF catalyst presented excellent efficiency for various primary amines and stability. This work provides a reasonable guidance of catalyst molecular structure design for enhancing efficiency in the photocatalytic oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a versatile oxidant, and its eco-friendly synthesis via visible light and air oxygen is crucial. Anthraquinone compounds were employed as homogeneous photocatalysts for alcohol oxidation, yielding H2O2 under visible light. Instead of using traditional catalyst library screening, a model based on density functional theory was proposed to structurally optimize anthraquinone photocatalysts, resulting in the discovery of a novel catalyst significantly boosting H2O2 generation (up to 621.2 mM h-1 intermittently). Continuous flow reactor design improvements can enhance chemical transformation efficiency, as demonstrated by continuous H2O2 production using 2,6-di-tert-butyl anthraquinone. When isopropanol was used as the hydrogen atom donor, H2O2 production rates reached 3950.6 mM h-1 in a 7-minute reaction, with a space--time yield of 7.90 mol (L h) -1, showcasing promising advancements in green H2O2 synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic nitrogen oxidation reactions has emerged as promising techniques for air‐based nitrate synthesis, bolstering sustainable nitrogen fixation in industrial chains centered around nitrates. However, significant disparities in orbital energy levels impose constraints on N2 conversion, highlighting the pivotal role of nitrogen activation, particularly in oxygen‐rich environments. Herein, a novel Ir‐WO3 catalyst with cation vacancy chains is fabricated and utilized as a highly efficient catalyst for thermal‐assisted nitrogen oxidation under an innovative discontinuous light illumination strategy. Remarkably, an unexpected NO3− yield of 381.21 µmol g−1 h−1 is achieved, marking a 10.4‐fold increase compared to regular continuous light illumination. This exceptional performance is attributed to the unique structure and discontinuous light illumination, which lowered the energy barrier of the rate‐determining step for forming *NN(OH) intermediates and enhanced the abundance of •OH. Furthermore, a novel •OH assisted nitrogen activation mechanism is proposed based on the identification of crucial N2O intermediate and operando experiments. This work offers novel insights into free radicals‐based photocatalytic conversion processes and also presents a potential nitrate synthesis pathway for nitrates‐centric industrial nitrogen fixation chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPhotocatalytic oxidation is an advanced oxidation technique widely preferred for the removal of pollutants in wastewater. In this work, paramagnetic metallo-phthalocyanines EB2 and EB3 (Co(II)phthalocyanine and Cu(II)phthalocyanine) have been synthesized and characterized. They were interfaced with C3N4 (graphitic carbon nitride) to prepare metallophthalocyanines/C3N4 structures (EB2-C3N4 and EB3-C3N4) using ultrasonic methods. New structures were identified with FT-IR, SEM and TGA. The photocatalytic performances of EB2-C3N4 and EB3-C3N4 for reaction with p-nitrophenol (p-NP) were established. The product selectivity for industrially important benzaldehyde was 85.1% for EB2-C3N4 and 80.6% for EB3-C3N4. EB2-C3N4 showed good potential for p-NP photocatalyic oxidation with high turn-over number (TON) and turn-over frequency (TOF) (390 and 1565) over 15 min. Upon excitation of EB2-C3N4 and EB3-C3N4 with light, 4-nitrophenol was easily reduced to hydroquinone, prompted by electron transfer from C3N4 to phthalocyanine and from phthalocyanine to 4-nitrophenol. Computational investigations were used to determine the energies of the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMO) of EB2, EB3 and C3N4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An method of high-density ultrasound for enhanced mass transfer in liquid-liquid interfacial reaction was proposed. • The mass transfer coefficient in liquid-liquid interfacial reaction systems was enhanced by 252 %. • Iron doping rate of prepared Fe-CDs reached 20.9 %. • Photocatalytic oxidation efficiency of prepared Fe-CDs on 1,4-DHP reached 98.2 %. • Ultrasonically regulated particle size, size distribution and fluorescence of prepared Fe-CDs. The precise and controllable preparation of carbon nanomaterials under mild conditions poses a great challenge, especially for metal-catalysed multiphase preparation. This work proposes an efficient method that utilizing high-density ultrasound to enhance the liquid-liquid interfacial reaction system. Iron-doped carbon dots (Fe-CDs) are successfully synthesized in such a normal temperature and atmospheric-pressure reaction condition. It is shown that transient cavitation provides a high-temperature and high-pressure microenvironment for the preparation of Fe-CDs. Moreover, the size of the reactant droplets is reduced from 200.0 ± 17.3 μm to 8.1 ± 2.9 μm owing to the acoustic flow and cavitation effects, which increases the specific surface area of the two reacting phases and improves the mass transfer coefficient by more than 252.0 %. As a result, the yield increases by more than an order of magnitude (from 0.7 ± 0.1 % to 11.9 ± 0.2 %) and the Fe doping rate reaches 20.9 %. The photocatalytic oxidation conversion of 1,4-Dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP) using the obtained Fe-CDs is as high as 98.2 %. This research gives a new approach for the efficient and safe production of Fe-CDs, which is promising for industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The covalent bonding of a ruthenium bipyridine complex derivative with the aromatic network of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) through a stepwise protocol is presented, thus yielding the sample SWNT-Ru. To do that, an-amino decorated phenanthroline is bonded to the nanotube by means of the diazonium chemistry protocol, providing anchoring points for discrete organometallic units as depicted by the solid characterization techniques employed. The hybrid material, able to emit upon excitation, is active in the visible light-driven photocatalytic oxidation of organic sulfides to sulfoxides. SWNT-Ru presents a wide scope being able to convert more than 10 substrates with different characteristics, including added-value chemicals, with a stable performance over more than 6 cycles without metal leaching and enhanced activity compared to related homogeneous complexes. A versatile character is also demonstrated since this hybrid catalyst follows both possible photooxidation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The perylene diimide (PDI) connected with barbituric acid through was prepared by the self-assembly method. • The local weak hydrogen bond-induced dipole–dipole interactions. • The local weak hydrogen boosts the excitons dissociation and charge transfer. • The unique electronic structure facilitates the transfer of polarity to the reactive molecule. Functionalizing organic polymers is an effective strategy for enhancing their photocatalytic performance. However, this approach is currently limited by specific motifs, complex preparation methods, and an unclear electron transfer mechanism. Here, we present a meticulously designed structure of perylene diimide connected with poly (barbituric acid trimer) through self-assembled hydrogen bonding. In particular, the local chemical environment of the two components is adjusted by hydrogen bond-induced dipole–dipole interactions, leading to the emergence of a significant inherent electric field. Additionally, the formation of hydrogen bonds provides electronic pathways that facilitate charge transfer from perylene to adjacent units. Moreover, the distinctive electronic structure enhances polarity transfer and improves activation and adsorption capabilities for reactive molecules. Ultimately, B-PDI exhibits outstanding oxidation rates for benzylamine to N -benzylidene-benzylamine (10.03 mmol g-1h-1) and selectivity (>99.99 %). Our work offers a widely popular approach for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of organic semiconductor materials by constructing hydrogen bonds in heterogeneous molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The versatility and significance of imines (Schiff bases) make them highly attractive for many industrial applications. This study investigates photocatalytic routes for the one-pot synthesis of Schiff bases using alcohol and an aromatic nitro compound as reagents, rather than the more conventional amine and aldehyde or ketone. Utilizing photoirradiation at 370 nm with TiO2 loaded with various metals, we demonstrate the exceptional efficiency of the one-pot synthesis of Schiff bases under an inert atmosphere. Notably, the Fe3O4@TiO2 magnetic catalyst offers an excellent option for synthesizing the corresponding imine, achieving a remarkable production rate of 6.8 mmol h−1 during the first 6 h of irradiation with UVA light and reaching over 99% yield after 20 h. This success is attributed to a series of reactions involving the photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and the simultaneous in situ reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline. The subsequent catalytic condensation of these products, facilitated by the active sites at the TiO2-metal interface, ultimately yields the desired imine. Additionally, while irradiation in the UVA region alone can photocatalyze the process, incorporating blue light (450 nm) accelerates it significantly. Dual-wavelength irradiation increased the production of the benzaldehyde to 77.9 mmol and more than doubled the Schiff base yield, from 7.5 mmol (with UVA light) to 17 mmol in 3 h of irradiation. Additionally, the reusability of the catalyst under simultaneous 450 nm and 370 nm light exposure significantly enhanced Schiff base production, which rose from 16.9 mmol to 48.9 mmol after adding fresh 0.1 M nitrobenzene for the second use. This highlights the effectiveness of color-coordinated catalysis in advancing sustainable chemistry through two-color photochemistry. The magnetic catalytic system not only demonstrates remarkable performance but also shows excellent reusability, representing a promising alternative for sustainable and efficient chemical transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photocatalytic oxidation and generation/regeneration of amines to imines and leucodopaminechrome (LDC)/NADH are subjects of intense interest in contemporary research. Imines serve as crucial intermediates for the synthesis of solar fuels, fine chemicals, agricultural chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. While significant progress has been made in developing efficient processes for the oxidation and generation/regeneration of secondary amines, the oxidation of primary amines has received comparatively less attention until recently. This discrepancy can be attributed to the high reactivity of imines generated from primary amines, which are prone to dehydrogenation into nitriles. In this study, we present the synthesis and characterization of a novel polymer‐based photocatalyst, denoted as PMMA‐DNH, designed for solar light‐harvesting applications. PMMA‐DNH incorporates the light‐harvesting molecule dinitrophenyl hydrazine (DNH) at varying concentrations (5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%). Leveraging its high molar extinction coefficient and slow charge recombination, the 30% DNH‐incorporated PMMA photocatalyst proves to be particularly efficient. This photocatalytic system demonstrates exceptional yields (96.5%) in imine production and high generation/regeneration rates for LDC/NADH (65.27%/78.77%). The research presented herein emphasizes the development and application of a newly engineered polymer‐based photocatalyst, which holds significant promise for direct solar‐assisted chemical synthesis in diverse commercial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An open new perspective has been established toward synthesizing eco‐friendly CSA@g‐C3N4 employing surface engineering. The carbon nitride modified through camphorsulfonic acid was designed and developed in a category of the new generation of photocatalysts for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol and thioanisole in the existence of a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES). In comparison with pure g‐C3N4, not only does CSA@g‐C3N4 exhibit an extraordinarily higher ability for harvesting visible light stemming from declining the recombination rate of electrons/holes dependent on PL results but it also reveals notable photocatalytic oxidation capability in the transformation of alcohols as well as thiols into relevant compounds. In addition, non‐metal compound (CSA) incorporation would result in considerably diminishing the energy band gap value from 2.8 to 2.28 eV to escalate the visible‐light absorption of g‐C3N4. While the conventional consensus implies that inherent properties of photocatalysts bring on high photoactivity, this study indicates that deploying choline chloride–urea deep eutectic solvent as an external factor plays the role of photoactivity accelerator. Furthermore, readily recycling and reusability can be achieved for the photocatalytic setup of CSA@g‐C3N4 ascribed to its heterogeneous nature with no drop in the photoactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photocatalytic oxidation of biomass‐derived benzyl alcohol provides a promising way for the synthesis of benzoic acid, which is an important intermediate with wide applications. To improve the efficiency of photocatalytic benzyl alcohol oxidation to benzoic acid is of great interest. In this work, we propose the utilization of NH2‐UiO‐66‐ID‐Fe catalyst for photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzoic acid, where NH2‐UiO‐66 is a typically used metal‐organic framework, ID is indole‐2,3‐dione (ID) that has biocompatibility, light absorption property and can be covalently combined with amino‐functionalized substances. The NH2‐UiO‐66‐ID‐Fe catalyst exhibits improved light absorption and photo‐generated electron‐hole separation ability compared with NH2‐UiO‐66. The photocatalytic performance of NH2‐UiO‐66‐ID‐Fe was examined for the oxidation of bio‐based benzyl alcohol under mild conditions of air atmosphere, room temperature and no additive or additional oxidant involved. The results show that the conversion of benzyl alcohol and the selectivity to benzoic acid could both reach over 99 % in 6 h, and the generation rate of benzoic acid per gram of catalyst is 3.36 mmol g−1 h−1. The reaction mechanism was detected by radical trapping method and in situ electron paramagnetic resonance. This study presents an efficient and environmentally benign avenue for the synthesis of carboxylic acid compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect has garnered extensive attention in semiconductor photocatalysis for solar energy conversion, thanks to its remarkable optical properties. However, the majority SPR‐induced photocatalytic systems have been limited to achieving hydrogen evolution or oxygen evolution half reactions, and attaining overall water splitting on a SPR‐induced photocatalyst under visible light remains a formidable challenging. In this study, we employed a plasmonic photocatalyst Au/SrTiO3, and further enhanced its performance by doping aluminum (Al) into the SrTiO3 lattice (denoted as Au/SrTiO3:Al). By constructing reduction cocatalyst (RhCrOx) and oxidation cocatalyst (CoOOH), the Au/SrTiO3:Al photocatalyst successfully realizes photocatalytic overall water splitting with a stoichiometric ratio of H2 and O2 under visible light (λ≥440 nm). We revealed that the introduction of Al species effectively modified the electronic structure of SrTiO3, thereby enhancing the hydrogen evolution reaction in Au/SrTiO3:Al. Simultaneously, the RhCrOx and CoOOH cocatalysts synergistically capitalized on the short‐lived hot electrons and holes generated by the plasmonic Au/SrTiO3:Al photocatalyst, enabling to realize photocatalytic overall water splitting. This work offers a promising avenue for the rational design of plasmon‐induced overall water splitting photocatalysts through the integration of suitable cocatalysts and surface/interface engineering strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic effect between rutile TiO2 nanotubes and silver nanoparticles on the surface was studied. For that purpose, rutile TiO2 nanotubes were elaborated by a hydrothermal method, doped with silver by a wetness impregnation approach and fully characterized. The as synthesized material showed an improved photocatalytic activity, compared with bare rutile nanotubes, which was correlated to the changes in the optical, structural, and textural properties associated with the variation of silver amount. The photocatalytic activity of the as‐prepared catalysts was evaluated into the oxidation of different benzyl alcohol derivatives under visible light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, nanocomposite of nickel nanoparticles-embedded biochar (Ni@BC) was prepared by one-pot pyrolysis method. The role of Ni content to the physicochemical character relevant to adsorption, catalytic oxidation and photocatalytic oxidation activities of the nanocomposite was investigated. The instrumental analyses using X-ray difraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and gas sorption analysis were employed to analyze the features of nanocomposite, meanwhile the photocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange (MO) was chosen to evaluate the photocatalytic performance of the nanocomposite. The instrumental analysis results suggest that single phase of dispersed-nickel nanoparticles onto biochar structure was obtained by Ni content of 5, 10, and 30 % wt. With a mean particle's size of 50 nm. From XRD analysis, it was obtained that the higher Ni content in the nanocomposite leads to create higher crystallite size, where the Ni content of 5, 10, and 30 %wt. Gave the size of 18.7, 27.8, and 29.5 nm, respectively. The samples exhibited magnetism with saturation magnetization (Ms) ranging at 3.87 emu g−1- 9.87 emu, which the higher Ni content result in higher magnetism. Similarly, higher Ni content corresponded to a higher specific surface area. Highly photoactivity and stability of Ni@BC was expressed by complete (100 %) methyl orange removal for 30 min, and recyclability until 5th use without appreciable physicochemical properties of the nanocomposite.

Batteries are one of many types of solid waste. Once utilized, they are considered and categorized as 'hazardous waste' since they can cause major problems if unlawfully disposed of. The synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using eco-friendly methods and their application in photocatalysis is crucial due to the environmental and economic benefits of recycling Zn plates from waste batteries. This innovative approach not only offers a sustainable solution for waste management but also presents an opportunity to harness the photocatalytic properties of ZnO nanoparticles for various environmental remediation applications, thereby contributing to the advancement of green nanotechnology and sustainable development. This study aims to address environmental concerns associated with battery waste and water pollution by proposing a sustainable and innovative approach. The focus is on recycling zinc plates from discarded batteries and synthesizing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using eco-friendly methods. In this study, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized on the Zn plates isolated from waste batteries by reacting the plates in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. SEM and EDS were used to characterize the final ZnO-coated Zn plate. The presence of ZnO nanoparticles with small spherical forms and modest diameter variation on the Zn plate was confirmed by SEM data. Furthermore, the photocatalytic treatment of azo dyes with the obtained ZnO-coated Zn plates was examined. The investigation yielded degradation rates of 72.7% and 57.4% for Remazol Brillant Blue R (RBBR) and Basic Red 18 (BR 18), respectively. Results demonstrate the potential of the ZnO-coated Zn plates as effective photocatalysts, highlighting their role in promoting sustainability in both waste management and water treatment. This work contributes to advancing eco-friendly technologies and underscores the importance of sustainable practices in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

The synthesis of high‐efficiency magnetic composite photocatalyst by doping magnetic cobalt ferrite and compounding single semiconductor photocatalyst is a promising strategy to improve the oxidation ability of photocatalytic systems. In this paper, CoFe1.95Dy0.05O4 (CFDO) was prepared by doping Dy element into magnetic CoFe2O4, and Ag2S (AS)/CFDO with high‐efficiency magnetic photocatalyst was synthesized by compounding AS with CFDO as the substrate. The photocatalytic samples were characterized by different advanced characterization methods, and their photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) was studied. The results show that AS/CFDO exhibits higher visible light response, excellent photogenerated charge separation ability and migration efficiency, and excellent catalytic performance in the catalytic degradation system. The photocatalytic activity of AS/CFDO was the highest, and its photocatalytic degradation kinetic constant K was 2.48 and 1.54 times that of AS and CFDO, respectively. In addition, the catalyst contained in the catalytically contaminated solution can be effectively separated by an external magnetic field to achieve multiple cycles of degradation and recycling. The cyclic degradation experiments showed that AS/CFDO exhibited high degradation stability during the photodegradation process. After the fifth reuse, the degradation efficiency was still more than 88.0%. Finally, the possible photocatalytic mechanism of the samples was discussed. Therefore, this work provides an effective solution for the construction of photocatalysts with high efficiency, magnetic recovery, and cyclic degradation stability and avoids the secondary pollution of catalysts to organic wastewater. It is of great significance to create an environmentally friendly catalytic method for efficient cyclic degradation of organic wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A supramolecular naphthalenediimide radical anion was developed through host--guest interactions between NDI and cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), which can be greatly promoted in the presence of chloride ions to obtain Cl• and NDI-2CB[7]•-. Under the synergistic action of Cl• as a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) agent and NDI-2CB[7]•- transferring electrons to O2 to produce O2•, the photocatalytic oxidation reactions of alkylarenes to carbonyls can be realized with universal applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite quantum dots (QDs) have shown attractive prospects in the field of visible photocatalysis, especially in the synthesis of high value‐added chemicals. However, under aerobic conditions, the stable operation of QD catalysts has been limited by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by photoexcitation, especially superoxide species O2⋅−. Here, we propose a strategy of Ce3+ doping in perovskite QDs to guide superoxide species for photocatalytic oxidation reactions. In C(sp3)−H bond oxidation of hydrocarbons, superoxide species were rapidly generated and efficiently utilized on the surface of perovskite QDs, which achieves the stable operation of the catalytic system and obtains a high product conversion rate (15.3 mmol/g/h for benzaldehydes). The mechanism studies show that the strong Ce‐oxygen affinity accelerates the relaxation process of photoinduced exciton transfer to superoxide species and inhibits the radiative recombination pathway. This work provides a new idea of utilizing oxygen species on perovskite surface and broadens the design strategy of high‐performance QD photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the quest for effective photocatalysts for hydrogen production via photocatalytic water splitting, ZnIn 2 S 4 has garnered considerable attention due to its high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution capability. In this study, boron-doped ZnIn 2 S 4 was successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal method, with a small amount of cobalt phosphate (Co-Pi) decorated on its surface. The hydrogen evolution rate of boron-doped ZnIn 2 S 4 was determined to be 5.2 mmol g−1 h−1, surpassing that of pure ZnIn 2 S 4 by 1.68 times. Moreover, with the addition of Co-Pi to boron-doped ZnIn 2 S 4 , the hydrogen production rate escalated to 29.7 mmol g−1 h−1, which is 9.58 times higher compared to pure ZnIn 2 S 4. UV–vis analysis revealed that boron doping introduced new energy levels into ZnIn 2 S 4 , effectively narrowing the bandgap and enhancing light absorption wavelength range. Furthermore, PL and XPS analyses indicate that Co-Pi effectively captures photogenerated holes (h+) in ZnIn 2 S 4 , retaining photogenerated electrons and overcoming the disadvantage of electron-hole pair recombination in ZnIn 2 S 4. The doping and loading of Co-Pi as a cocatalyst ultimately contribute to enhancing hydrogen production efficiency, thereby significantly improving the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution capability of ZnIn 2 S 4. This study provides a scalable idea for designing composite catalysts in which doping and co-catalysts work together. • ZnIn 2 S 4 (ZIS) was synthesized hydrothermally using ZnCl 2 , In(NO 3) 3 ·xH 2 O, and thioacetamide (TAA) as precursors. • Defective ZnIn 2 S 4 (B-ZIS) was hydrothermally synthesized from ZIS and NaBH 4. • B-ZIS-CP composites were prepared through the in situ photodeposition of cobalt phosphide (Co-Pi) onto B-ZIS. • The composite catalysts exhibited exceptional photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution. • B-ZIS-CP demonstrates remarkable separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a simple hydrothermal synthesis method is used to prepare photocatalytic NiO/WO 3 -biochar composite material, which is applied to catalyze the one-step conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid with synergistic hydrogen production. The optoelectronic properties of NiO/WO 3 -biochar composite material are characterized. The results indicate that the p-n heterojunction-coupled biochar structure between NiO and WO 3 in the NiO/WO 3 -biochar composite is an important prerequisite for ensuring the one-step oxidation reaction of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. The experimental results reveal the possible reaction pathways. Under the optimal ratio of NiO/WO 3 -biochar composite material, the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural conversion rate reaches 100%, the 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid yield reaches 99.6%, and the Faraday efficiency of hydrogen evolution is 98%. This study provides a new approach for the one-step photocatalytic synthesis of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, as well as a novel and efficient catalyst for photocatalytic oxidation technology. [Display omitted] • NiO/WO 3 -biochar composite is successfully prepared. • Mechanism of hydrogen production by photocatalytic reaction of straw is analyzed. • HMF undergoes photocatalytic one-step oxidation to FDCA with 99.6% efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) in industrial and household products increases the risk of their environmental exposure, posing a serious threat to ecosystems and human health. Photocatalytic technology has been widely used in wastewater treatment due to its high efficiency, mild reaction conditions, and robustness. This review summarizes the current status of research on photocatalytic degradation of OPFRs, focusing on the effect of different types of catalysts on the degradation efficiency, the effects of pH, and co-existing inorganic and organic ions. And pH and co-existing inorganic mainly affect the active oxygen and the active surface sites of the catalyst. In addition, toxicological calculations of the intermediates of the degradation pathway using T.E.S.T. and ECOSAR showed that photocatalysis could effectively reduce the toxicity of OPFRs. Development of new photocatalytic materials, in-depth study of the degradation mechanism of different catalysts and flame retardants, and attention to practical applications and toxicity issues can be the development direction of future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High carrier recombination causes a huge waste of photogenic charge, which severely restrains the photocatalytic efficiency. Creating polarization electric field by polar photocatalytic materials proves effective to promote charge separation, while developing efficient polarization strategy is challenging and the related micromechanism remains obscure. Here, overall polarization is achieved in Bi2MoO6 single crystal photocatalyst by lateral growth of the nanoplate along {010} facets. Gradual elongation of equatorial Mo─O bonds along the MoO6 octahedral layer occurs, while the length of apical Mo─O bonds basically remains unchanged, thus allowing the large asymmetric distortion of MoO6 octahedron for producing the microscopic polarization. Meanwhile, the lateral growth of Bi2MoO6 nanoplates enables the accumulation of distorted polar units, further increasing the polarization intensities. The inside‐out crystal polarization significantly promotes the separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers. The finely polarized Bi2MoO6 nanoplates exhibit an exceptional photocatalytic selective oxidation rate of benzyl alcohol (BA) to benzaldehyde (BAD) under visible light irradiation (Conversion (Con.) ≈100% within 30 min, Selectivity (Sel.) ≥95%), over 70.7 times that of original Bi2MoO6 nanosheets, on the condition of comparable O2 adsorption capability. This study advances atomic‐level mechanistic insight into polarized materials toward precise design of high‐performance photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present photophysical studies on homoleptic zinc-dipyrrin complexes representing intramolecular donor–acceptor systems. Intramolecular charge transfer depends on ligand variation and intermolecular environmental influences. In particular, we focus on steady-state and transient absorption methods to compare the response of the ligand dynamics with that of the complexes after photoexcitation. For the first time, we successfully tested zinc bis(dipyrrinato) complexes as photocatalysts in two different aerobic photooxidation reactions. Early-time dynamics after 100 fs in dichloromethane and in ethanol can be assigned to charge transfer states, while the subsequent response constitutes broad-band excited state dynamics, most likely of overlapping singlet and triplet states when probed in a relatively wide spectral window from 350 to 1400 nm and up to a delay time of 1.6 ns. In addition, a strong correlation between steady-state and time-resolved experiments makes this experimental approach a versatile tool for future investigations of this class of molecules, especially with respect to photocatalysis. The results of this study underpin the need for further development for quantifying amplitudes of the excited state population of electronically excited singlet and triplet states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conversion of CO2 into high‐value chemicals using solar energy is one of promising approaches to achieve carbon neutrality. However, the oxidation of water in the photocatalytic CO2 reduction is kinetically unfavorable due to multi‐electron and proton transfer processes, along with the difficulty in generating O−O bonds. To tackle these challenges, this study investigated the coupling reaction of photocatalytic CO2 reduction and selective propane oxidation using the Pd/P25 (1 wt%) catalyst. Our findings reveal a significant improvement in CO2 reduction, nearly fivefold higher, achieved by substituting water oxidation with selective propane oxidation. This substitution not only accelerates the process of CO2 reduction but also yields valuable propylene. The relative ease of propane oxidation, compared to water, appears to increase the density of photogenerated electrons, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of CO2 reduction. We further found that hydroxyl radicals and reduced intermediate (carboxylate species) played important roles in the photocatalytic reaction. These findings not only propose a potential approach for the efficient utilization of CO2 through the coupling of selective propane oxidation into propylene, but also provide insights into the mechanistic understanding of the coupling reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The semiconducting properties of Mn3O4 thin films were assessed for the heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation of Rhodamine B (Rh B). The films were grown on Al-substrate using a spray coating, and their physical and photoelectrochemical characteristics were studied. X-ray diffraction analysis showed a well-crystallized structure of the spinel Mn3O4. The atomic force microscopy revealed dense and irregular grains with a mean size of ~ 50 nm and a thickness of ~ 1 µm. The direct optical transition at 2.19 eV, in agreement with the brown color, is assigned to d–d transitions within the incomplete Mn-3d shell, which enables efficient photocatalytic conversion of the solar radiation. The photoelectrochemical measurements demonstrated p-type comportment, evidenced by a negative slope in the [capacitance−2–potential: C−2–E] graph with a flat band potential of + 0.35 VSCE and a hole density of 6.5 × 1018 cm−3. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) plot showed a semicircle due to a capacitive comportment of the bulk spinel (Rb = 70 kΩ cm2). The center positioned below the abscissa axis (− 23°) with a constant phase element (CPE). The conduction band (− 1.64 VSCE) is more cathodic than the O 2 / O 2 ∙ - level, thus catalyzing the photocatalytic process by O 2 ∙ - radicals. Under sunlight, 50% reduction of the Rh B concentration (10 ppm) was achieved within 1 h, the color removal, followed by spectrophotometry obeys a pseudo-first-order kinetic model with a rate constant of 9.9 × 10–3 min−1 (t1/2 = 70 min). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized by simple sol gel method and annealed at 300, 500, and 600°C. Photocatalytic performance of as‐prepared TiO2 and annealed TiO2 samples was evaluated for the decomposition of acetaldehyde under UV light irradiation. TiO2 annealed at 500°C (T500) showed the highest acetaldehyde removal performance, which was attributed to combined effects of its crystallinity, defect density, surface area, narrow band gap with the dual phase of TiO2, and lifetimes of charge carriers. In humid conditions, overall acetaldehyde removal performance of T500 slightly decreased, but the extent of total oxidation of acetaldehyde into CO2 increased in high humidity as compared to dry conditions. Moreover, fixation of T500 on mica sheet using binders resulted in promising photocatalytic performance, making it a potential candidate for air purification applications. Fourier‐transform infra‐red (FT‐IR) analysis confirmed the stable existence of binder structure under dry air and UV treatment, which is crucial for real applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the heterogeneous catalysts of Fe3O4@SiO@TiO‐FePc and Fe3O4@SiO@TiO‐ CuPcN (FePc = iron (II) phthalocyanine and CuPcN = copper (II) tetraazaphthalocyanine), termed respectively as nanocomposites 1 and 2, were prepared by immobilizing the FePc and CuPcN complexes on the Fe3O4@SiO@TiO surface and used for the photocatalytic water oxidation reaction. Since phthalocyanine complexes have received very little attention as photocatalysts for water oxidation, the advantage of the synthesized photocatalyst owes to the ability of the phthalocyanine complex grafted on the titanium substrate to oxidize water in the photocatalytic reaction. The prepared nanocomposites were then studied by diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopies, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, ultraviolet diffuse reflectance (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. The photocatalytic response of water oxidation by nanocomposites 1 and 2 was investigated in the presence of silver nitrate as an electron recipient at ambient temperature. The progress of the water oxidation reaction was monitored with an oxygen meter. The amount of oxygen generated in the presence of nanocomposites 1 and 2 under visible light irradiation was found to be 2.6 and 2.1 mg L−1, respectively. Owing to the existence of magnetic material, these nanocomposites can be effortlessly removed from the response medium with an external magnet. The involved nanocomposites can be used up to three times in catalytic water oxidation reactions with no significant change in their photocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current status of employing photocatalytic oxidation techniques for the purification of pharmaceutical wastewater is comprehensively reviewed. Emphasis is particularly placed on the application of semiconductor photocatalysts and photocatalytic composite membranes. Additionally, the integration of associated technologies with photocatalytic oxidation for the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater is profoundly discussed. The article elaborates on the efficiency of various techniques towards the purification of pharmaceutical wastewater, highlighting their respective advantages and disadvantages. The potential re-search directions and future prospects for the application of photocatalytic oxidation in pharmaceutical wastewater treatment are envisaged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Batteries are one of many types of solid waste. Once utilized, they are considered and categorized as 'hazardous waste' since they can cause major problems if unlawfully disposed of. The synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using eco-friendly methods and their application in photocatalysis is crucial due to the environmental and economic benefits of recycling Zn plates from waste batteries. This innovative approach not only offers a sustainable solution for waste management but also presents an opportunity to harness the photocatalytic properties of ZnO nanoparticles for various environmental remediation applications, thereby contributing to the advancement of green nanotechnology and sustainable development. This study aims to address environmental concerns associated with battery waste and water pollution by proposing a sustainable and innovative approach. The focus is on recycling zinc plates from discarded batteries and synthesizing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using eco-friendly methods. In this study, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized on the Zn plates isolated from waste batteries by reacting the plates in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. SEM and EDS were used to characterize the final ZnO-coated Zn plate. The presence of ZnO nanoparticles with small spherical forms and modest diameter variation on the Zn plate was confirmed by SEM data. Furthermore, the photocatalytic treatment of azo dyes with the obtained ZnO-coated Zn plates was examined. The investigation yielded degradation rates of 72.7% and 57.4% for Remazol Brillant Blue R (RBBR) and Basic Red 18 (BR 18), respectively. Results demonstrate the potential of the ZnO-coated Zn plates as effective photocatalysts, highlighting their role in promoting sustainability in both waste management and water treatment. This work contributes to advancing eco-friendly technologies and underscores the importance of sustainable practices in addressing contemporary environmental challenges. [Display omitted] • Zn plates were recycled from waste batteries and utilized in water treatment. • ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized on the surface of Zn plates using eco-friendly methods. • The photocatalytical activity of nano ZnO-coated plates was excellent. • The catalyst can be easily separated from the system after the procedure. • RBBR and BR 18 dyes were degraded by 72.7% and 57.4%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]