Surfactant-free synthesis of a novel octahedral ZnFe2O4/graphene composite with high adsorption and good photocatalytic activity for efficient treatment of dye wastewater

Recently, significant effort has been made toward the development of graphene-based visible-ligh-responsive photocatalysts and their application to dye wastewater treatment. Herein, a series of octahedral ZnFe₂O₄/graphene (ZnFe₂O₄-G) nanocomposites were synthesized using a one-pot solvothermal reaction without the need of a surfactant as novel bifunctional materials exhibiting both high adsorption and good visible-light-responsive photocatalyst properties. The crystal structure, morphology and photocatalytic degradation properties, as well as adsorption behavior, of the octahedral ZnFe₂O₄/graphene composites were investigated in detail. The adsorption capacity and UV–vis spectrometry results indicate that the dye removal efficiency over the samples followed the order of: methylene blue (MB) > rhodamine B (RhB) > methyl orange (MO). The ZnFe₂O₄-G materials exhited enhanced photocatalytic degradation properties for cationic dyes (MB and RhB) compared to those for the anionic dye (MO). In addition, the experimental results indicate that the ZnFe₂O₄-G materials can decompose H₂O₂ in the visible-light photocatalytic process to form hydroxyl radicals (•OH), which are mainly responsible for the photodegradation of the organic contaminants.     

Photocatalytic degradation of Brilliant Red M5B using four different nanocomposites (ZnFe2O4, porous ZnFe2O4, ZnFe2O4–TiO2, FeTiO3) coated on glass

This paper presents the preparation, characterization, and application of four different nanocomposites in photocatalytic degradation of the Brilliant Red M5B as a dye contaminant. Nanocomposites include ZnFe₂O₄, porous ZnFe₂O₄, ZnFe₂O₄–TiO₂, and FeTiO₃ prepared and coated on a glass slide by doctor blade method. Different techniques to characterize composites are X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). FESEM shows that nanocomposites are nanocrystallines and a narrow dispersion in size. XRD confirms that the prepared nanocomposites are composed of ZnFe₂O₄, FeTiO₃ and TiO₂. Degradation efficiency of composites is evaluated using Brilliant Red M5B as a model pollutant under UV irradiation with homemade photocatalytic apparatus. The results showed that the photocatalytic efficiency of ZnFe₂O₄–TiO₂ is higher than that of other photocatalyst, which is mainly ascribed to ZnFe₂O₄ NPs with the spinel structure.     

Mn-doped ZrO2 nanoparticles prepared by a template-free method for electrochemical energy storage and abatement of dye degradation

A template-free technique was used to prepare pure and Mn-doped ZrO₂ photocatalyst samples in this study. The effect of doping on the structural, optical, photocatalytic, and supercapacitor properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the prepared samples had a tetragonal crystal structure. The optical band gap was narrowed due to the incorporation of Mn ions. The photocatalytic activity of methyl orange organic dye degradation with the Mn-doped ZrO₂ sample was examined under visible-light irradiation. The doped sample showed 83% of dye degradation after 100 min of irradiation. Cyclic voltammetry was used to study the supercapacitor properties, and the doped samples exhibited capacitance seven times greater than that of the pure sample.     

Synthesis of Ternary Heterostructure Semiconductor Photocatalyst and Its Photocatalytic Performance Under Visible Light Irradiation

Introducing magnetic metal onto semiconductor materials has been proven to be an attractive strategy for enhancing the photocatalytic activity in the visible region. In this work, ternary heterostructure magnetic semiconductor photocatalyst RGO/ZnFe₂O₄/Ag₂WO₄ was successfully synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method and was evaluated by photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The composition, structure, morphology, and optical absorption properties of the as-prepared photocatalyst were investigated by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and UV–Vis DRS, respectively. It was found that the photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation was in the order of RGO/ZnFe₂O₄/Ag₂WO₄?>?ZnFe₂O₄?>?Ag₂WO₄?>?RGO/ZnFe₂O₄ and RGO/ZnFe₂O₄/Ag₂WO₄. The enhancement of photocatalytic performance could be attributed to the reduced graphene oxide sheets can function as an electron collector and transporter to lengthen the lifetime of the charge carriers, improving the whole photocatalytic activity. The reaction kinetics, possible degradation pathway, and catalyst stability, as well as the roles of ZnFe₂O₄ and Ag₂WO₄ in photoreaction, were comprehensively studied. The obtained results indicate that the prepared magnetic and effective catalytic materials could be potentially applied in environmental organic pollutants purification.

     

Preparation, characterization and activity evaluation of p–n junction photocatalyst p-CaFe2O4/n-ZnO

p–n junction photocatalyst p-CaFe₂O₄/n-ZnO was prepared by ball milling of ZnO in H₂O doped with p-type CaFe₂O₄. The structural and optical properties of the p–n junction photocatalyst p-CaFe₂O₄/n-ZnO were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis diffuse reflection spectrum (DRS) and fluorescence emission spectra. The photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB). The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of the p-CaFe₂O₄/n-ZnO was higher than that of ZnO. When the amounts of doped p-CaFe₂O₄ were 0.0 wt.% and 1.0 wt.%, the photocatalytic degradation efficiencies were 50.1 and 73.4%, respectively. Effect of ball milling time on the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst was also investigated. The mechanisms of influence on the photocatalytic activity were also discussed by the p–n junction principle.     

Preparation of magnetic α-Fe2O3/ZnFe2O4@Ti3C2 MXene with excellent photocatalytic performance

The high conductivity Ti₃C₂ MXene with the unique lamellar nanostructure can effectively improve photoelectrocatalytic ability of composite as cocatalyst. In this paper, the magnetic α-Fe₂O₃/ZnFe₂O₄ heterojunctions were obtained using one-step hydrothermal synthesis. And α-Fe₂O₃/ZnFe₂O₄@Ti₃C₂ MXene photocatalyst can be easily obtained by ultrasonic assisted self-assembly approach for dispersing magnetic α-Fe₂O₃/ZnFe₂O₄ heterojunctions on Ti₃C₂ MXene surface. Due to the improving photoelectron ability, the α-Fe₂O₃/ZnFe₂O₄@Ti₃C₂ MXene was found to exhibit the higher photocatalytic ability than the α-Fe₂O₃/ZnFe₂O₄ heterojunctions in eliminating Rhodamine B (RhB) pollutant and toxic Cr(Ⅵ) in water. Even more important, as a magnetic composite, the 10 wt% α-Fe₂O₃/ZnFe₂O₄@Ti₃C₂ MXene photocatalyst exhibited the excellent reusability. The terrific photocatalytic ability is due to the numerous heterostructure interfaces, the increase of visible light harvesting and high conductivity.     

Photocatalytic Decolorization of Congo Red Wastewater by Magnetic ZnFe2O4/Graphene Nanosheets Composite under Simulated Solar Light Irradiation

ABSTRACT

ZnFe₂O₄ supported on graphene nanosheets (ZnFe₂O₄@GNs) was prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method. Characterization results of XRD and SEM demonstrated that ZnFe₂O₄ has been anchored on the surface of graphene nanosheets. After four successive cycles, removal efficiency of congo red is 88.66% by ZnFe₂O₄@GNs while 39.80% by ZnFe₂O₄, suggesting high photocatalytic stability of ZnFe₂O₄@GNs under simulated solar light. Quenching experiments confirmed that h⁺ generated is the primary oxidizing agent, while both ?OH and O₂^?? reactive species are also involved for the photodegradation of organic dye pollutants. ZnFe₂O₄@GNs can be easily separated from the reacted aqueous solution using magnetic field. Results indicate the potential applications of ZnFe₂O₄@GNs in effective removal of organic dye wastewater.     

α-Bi2O3 nanosheets: An efficient material for sunlight-driven photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B

Herein, we report the sunlight driven photocatalytic degradation of toxic organic dye, Rhodamine B using α-Bi₂O₃ nanosheets as an effective photocatalyst. The α-Bi₂O₃ nanosheets were prepared by simple annealing assisted thermal decomposition method and characterized by several techniques in order to understand its morphological, compositional, structural and optical properties. Morphological, structural and compositional investigations confirmed the formation of sheet-like morphologies, high-crystalline monoclinic crystal structure, and pure α-Bi₂O₃, respectively. The synthesized α-Bi₂O₃ nanosheets exhibited a high photocatalytic degradation of a toxic organic dye, i.e. Rhodamine B (RhB). Under optimal reaction conditions, ～95% photocatalytic degradation of RhB (10 mg/L, pH 10) was observed in 180 min using 0.75 g/L catalyst dosage under sunlight irradiation. According to the findings, the synthesized catalyst had outstanding photocatalytic properties and can be used to cleanse textile wastewater under direct sunlight.     

Photocatalytic and antibacterial activity of PVA mediated Zinc–Zirconium ferrite composites

In this work, Novel zinc-zirconium ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄/ZrFe₂O₅) composite and Zinc ferrite/zirconia (ZnFe₂O₄/ZrO₂) composite were synthesized via coprecipitation technique using Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as surfactant. The crystalline structures of the samples were revealed by X-ray diffraction technique. The crystallite sizes were in the range of 50–70 nm. The morphology and elemental composition were studied using scanning electron microscopy, where the zinc ferrite had a truncated octahedral structure with zirconium ferrite decorated on it. The optical properties analyzed through diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed that the samples had good UV and Visible light responses and had oxygen vacancies. The oxygen vacancies enhanced the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue studied under sunlight and halogen lamp. The vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis corroborates the ferrimagnetic nature of the composites. The antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was also examined and compared with the commercial antibiotic, amikacin, and other ferrite-composites reported.     

Controlled synthesis of (CuO-Cu2O)Cu/ZnO multi oxide nanocomposites by facile combustion route: A potential photocatalytic,antimicrobial and anticancer activity

Photocatalytic activity of (CuO-Cu₂O)Cu/ZnO hetero-junction nanocomposites along with their luminescent, biological applications in the progress of anticancer and antibacterial agents is investigated. The Cu and Zn bi-components modified (CuO-Cu₂O)Cu/ZnO nanocomposites were synthesized via facile combustion route in the presence of controlled fuel to oxidizer ratio and were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), High resolution Transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), photoluminescence (PL) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The PL and UV–Visible diffused reflectance spectral (UV–Vis-DRS) techniques were used to measure the optical sensitivity and tuning of band gap in the samples. The excellent photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue and industrial waste water under Sunlight irradiation depends on the mass ratios of Cu/Zn. The findings show that the addition of a certain proportion of CuO, Cu₂O, ZnO, and Cu can promote efficiency in Sunlight harvesting and separation of charge carriers. Process parameters namely catalyst quantity, dye concentration and a proposal for the mechanism of degradation pathway, experiments for trapping and enhancer are investigated. The study of photoluminescence, CIE and CCT calculations suggests that the present nanocomposite may find applications as phosphor material in warm white LEDs. The second segment of this study deals with the investigation of antibacterial performance of composites upon Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The results indicate that nanocomposites can be used in antibacterial control systems and as an important growth inhibitor in various microorganisms. The cytotoxic effect of the (CuO-Cu₂O)Cu/ZnO (CCCZ11) nanocomposite was determined by colorimetric and flow cytometric cell cycle analysis. Our experimental results show that the nanocomposite can induce apoptosis and suppress the proliferation of HeLa cells. The applications of nanocomposites based on Cu, an abundant and inexpensive metal has created much interest in various multifunctional applications.     

Electrospinning synthesis of ZnFe2O4/Fe3O4/Ag nanoparticle-loaded mesoporous carbon fibers with magnetic and photocatalytic properties

The sol–gel method combined with electrospinning was used to synthesize polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofibers loaded with a mixture of Zn(Ac)₂·2H₂O, Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O and AgNO₃, which generated mesoporous carbon fibers loaded with compounds including ZnFe₂O₄, Fe₃O₄ and Ag after heat treatment at 850 °C in a N₂ atmosphere. Mesoporous carbon fibers loaded with ZnFe₂O₄–Fe₃O₄–Ag had a uniform pore size distribution, high specific surface area and strong ferromagnetism. They displayed high photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange under visible light irradiation. This kind of complex magnetic semi-conductive mesoporous carbon fiber can be repeatedly used as a photocatalyst to dispose of organic wastewater. This simple synthesis method can be used to prepare other complex materials with multi-functional components.     

Synthesis,characterization, photocatalytic and antibacterial properties of copper Ferrite/MXene (CuFe2O4/Ti3C2) nanohybrids

The synthesis of CuFe₂O₄/MXene nanohybrids was carried out via an ultrasonication approach. The prepared composite material exhibited an outstanding photocatalytic performance and antibacterial activity compared to individual CuFe₂O₄ (CF) and MXene. The CF nanonuts (Nns) assisted the reduced aggregation of MXene layers. The structural and morphological analysis of the presented nanohybrids were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy. The obtained sheet-to-sheet linkage provided an opportunity for the degradation of organic dyes. The photocatalyst CF/MXene nanohybrids exhibited 4.5-fold higher photocatalytic activity than pristine CF. The mechanism of degradation of methylene blue dye by CF/MXene was explained through kinetic studies. This work will offer significant scientific contributions to researchers working on water desalination.     

A selective and convenient synthesis of 2-(bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino)ethyl alkanoate over mixed metal oxides

Esterification reactions carried out using various mineral acids are threat to environment hence process modification using commercially viable heterogeneous catalysts are in demand. In current work, the esterification of tri-ethanolamine (TEA, C₆H₁₅O₃N) with several fatty acids in liquid phase has been investigated on a series of heterogeneous mixed metal oxides catalyst prepared by co-precipitation method, crystallizing with spinel lattice such as, CuFe₂O₄, ZnFe₂O₄, CoFe₂O₄, NiFe₂O₄ and 10% (w/w) ZnFe₂O₄ supported on SiO₂ and ZrO₂. The best catalyst for the selective preparation of 2-(bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino)ethyl alkanoate was 10% (w/w) ZnFe₂O₄ supported on ZrO₂. Detail comparison of a 10% (w/w) ZnFe₂O₄/ZrO₂ prepared by co-precipitation method was carried out with 10% (w/w) ZnFe₂O₄/ZrO₂ prepared by template route for the selective formation of 2-(bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino)ethyl alkanoate. The effects of variety of parameters including effect of catalyst preparation were studied in a batch reactor.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of α-Fe2O3/ZnFe2O4/ZnO ternary hybrid nanostructures for photocatalytic applications

Solar-driven highly efficient photocatalytic decomposition of toxic organic contaminants using magnetically separable α-Fe₂O₃/ZnFe₂O₄/ZnO ternary hybrid nanodiscs is reported. α-Fe₂O₃/ZnFe₂O₄/ZnO ternary hybrid nanostructures were synthesized by microwave-assisted co-precipitation and simple co-precipitation methods and well characterized by XRD, micro-Raman, FESEM and UV–vis spectroscopy. FESEM micrographs revealed nanodiscs in case of microwave-assisted co-precipitation whereas nanoparticles and their aggregates were formed under co-precipitation combined with calcination. XRD and Raman studies confirmed the hybrid nature of prepared α-Fe₂O₃/ZnFe₂O₄/ZnO nanostructures. Photocatalytic performance of α-Fe₂O₃/ZnFe₂O₄/ZnO hybrid nanostructures was investigated by carrying out the photodegradation of organic dyes MB and MG under solar light illumination. The prepared α-Fe₂O₃/ZnFe₂O₄/ZnO ternary hybrid magnetic nanodiscs decomposed MB and MG dyes in only 32 and 24 min, respectively. α-Fe₂O₃/ZnFe₂O₄/ZnO hybrid nanodiscs showed excellent photocatalytic performance together with reusability and easy magnetic separation demonstrating its suitability for solar-driven photocatalytic water purification applications. In-situ scavenger studies showed ?OH radicals are the main active radicals in solar-driven photocatalysis by α-Fe₂O₃/ZnFe₂O₄/ZnO nanodiscs. The tentative mechanism of growth of α-Fe₂O₃/ZnFe₂O₄/ZnO ternary hybrid nanodiscs and the photocatalytic mechanism are discussed.     

Enhanced sunlight driven photocatalytic activity and electrochemical sensing properties of Ce-doped MnFe2O4 nano magnetic ferrites

This research deals with the facile combustion synthesis of manganese ferrite (MFO) nanoparticle with different cerium concentration and their potential application as an efficient photocatalyst and chemical sensor. The concentration of introduced cerium affects the size, structure, compositional, morphological, optical, photoluminescence and magnetic properties of the ferrite nanoparticle. The X-ray diffraction pattern affirmed the arrangement of cubic spinel structure with the formation of secondary phase CeO₂ as the cerium concentration exceed 3 mol%. SEM micrographs revealed irregular morphology with more number of pores and voids. HRTEM along with SAED pattern revealed the crystalline cubic nature. The optical band gap deduced from UV–Vis-DRS spectra was observed to be in the range 2.3–2.8 eV. PL studies indicated a significant minimization in combination of electrons & holes in MnFe₂O₄ on addition of Ce dopant. VSM investigation demonstrated the soft magnetic nature of the prepared sample with moderate magnetization value. An excellent photocatalytic performance of Cerium doped MFO (3 mol%) towards MB and AR dye degradation was found to be 1.5 and 1.67 times more compared to host matrix under Sunlight irradiation that correlated to reduced band gap, Ce dopant and efficient separation of charge carriers. Cerium doped MFO (3 mol%) have high specific capacitance value of 471.7 and 1546.8 Fg^-1 for NaNO₃ and HCl electrolytes respectively, indicating the pseudo capacitance nature due to which it can be used as a supercapacitor. The synthesized nanoparticles can sense d-Glucose and Paracetamol even at a lower concentration varying from 1 to 10 mM. The synthesized Ce-doped MnFe₂O₄ nanomaterials have great potential to be used in the future production of promising active photocatalysts and sensitive chemical sensors for the identification and degradation of toxic industrial dyes for improved safety in the fields of environment and health care.     

Ultrasound assisted synthesis of heterostructured TiO2/ZnFe2O4 and TiO2/ZnFe1.98La0.02O4 systems as tunable photocatalysts for efficient organic pollutants removal

As a response to the everyday growing concern about wastewater treatment, some new mesoporous TiO₂/ZnFe₂O₄ and TiO₂/ZnFe_1.98La_0.02O₄ catalysts were synthesized during this research. The ultrasound template-assisted sol-gel method was employed in the synthesis, using conventional calcination and microwave treatment for pore directing agent removal. The as-prepared samples were characterized from the structural, optical, morphological and textural points of view, confirming the presence of spinel ferrites and TiO₂ anatase crystals in the nanocomposites. The synthetized powders exhibit promising characteristics for their use in adsorption and light activated degradation of organic pollutants. The photodegradation experiments of model pollutant basic blue 9 (methylene blue) dye were performed at laboratory scale and the optimum experimental parameters were determined as 0.4 g/L catalyst and 30 mg/L initial dye concentration, under UV light irradiation, visible irradiation and natural sun light irradiation. The conventionally calcined lanthanum doped TiO₂/ZnFe_1.98La_0.02O₄ system exhibited the highest efficiencies of 97%, 70% and 91% for dye removal from the solution, under UV light, visible light and natural sun light irradiation, respectively. Moreover, the catalytic activity was similar for up to four consecutive cycles. A lower yield of organic pollutant removal was observed in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent. The obtained results show that the newly synthesized catalysts are good candidates for the removal of water pollutants through adsorption and photocatalysis.     

Synergistic effect of binary metal doping and nanotechnology to boost the light-harvesting properties of rare earth metal oxide

Material scientists are currently focusing on employing photocatalytic materials to detoxify household and industrial waste to tackle rising water pollution problems. Narrow-bandgap materials are more valuable than other photocatalysts due to their visible light-harvesting characteristics. In this research, binary metal-doped cerium oxide (3 mol % Cd, 5 mol % Zn–CeO₂ = CZC-1 and 5 mol % Cd, 3 mol % Zn–CeO₂ = CZC-2) photocatalysts were successfully prepared through the facile and affordable co-precipitation method. The crystal structure, chemical functionality, morphology, composition, and optical behavior of the as-prepared binary metal-doped cerium oxide samples were explored via advanced physiochemical techniques. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed that the CZC-2 photocatalyst possessed a relatively lower bandgap (2.15 eV) than the counterpart (CZC-1); hence it could be used as a visible-light triggered catalyst. The binary metal-doped photocatalyst's dye and microbe degradation efficacies were compared using methylene blue and P. Vulgaris, respectively. The CZC-2 photocatalyst showed superior dye degradation activity and mineralized almost 97% dye after 60 min irradiation time. Even after five reuse cycles, the recyclability tests showed that the catalytic efficiency of CZC-2 NPs only dropped by 4.5%. The CZC-2 photocatalyst's high photocatalytic activity and long-term stability show that the CZC-2 nanoarchitecture can be used in practical ways to clean up the environment.     

Synthesis of ternary zinc spinel oxides and their application in the photodegradation of organic pollutant

Ternary zinc spinel oxides such as Zn₂SnO₄, ZnAl₂O₄ and ZnFe₂O₄ were synthesized and characterized, and their activities in the photodegradation of phenol molecules were investigated. Zn₂SnO₄, ZnAl₂O₄ and ZnFe₂O₄ powders were synthesized by hydrothermal, metal–chitosan complexation and solvothermal routes, respectively. The face-centered cubic spinel structure of each material was confirmed by powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and its porous structure by N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms. The characterization of spinels was complemented with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-rays fluorescence (XRF), revealing the formation of spinel structures with high purity. The photocatalytic activity in the degradation of phenol was observed only with Zn₂SnO₄ oxide. Mineralization degree of phenol molecules by Zn₂SnO₄ photocatalyst determined by total organic carbon analysis (TOC) reached 80% at 360 min under sunlight.     

Nanostructure composite ZnFe2O4–FeFe2O4–ZnO immobilized on glass: Photocatalytic activity for degradation of an azo textile dye F3B

An efficient and scalable one-pot synthetic method to prepare nanostructure composite of ZnFe₂O₄–FeFe₂O₄–ZnO (ZFZ) has been investigated. This method is based on thermal decomposition of iron(III) acetate and zinc acetate in monoethanolamine (MEA) as a capping agent. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTG) was performed to determine the temperature at which the decomposition and oxidation of the chelating agents took place. ZFZ was immobilized on glass using doctor blade method and calcinated at different temperatures. The properties of the ZFZ nanocomposite have been examined by different techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and diffuse reflectance (DRS). FESEM shows that nanocomposite is monocrystallines and a narrow dispersion in size of 48 nm. XRD confirms that the prepared nanocomposite is composed of franklinite, ZnFe₂O₄ (54%), magnetite, FeFe₂O₄ (8%) and wurtzite, ZnO (48%). Photocatalytic activity of ZFZ immobilized on glass was carried out by choosing an azo textile dye, Reactive Red 195 (F3B) as a model pollutant under UV irradiation with homemade photocatalytic apparatus and the results indicated that ZFZ exhibited good photocatalytic activity.     

TiO2 NTAs decorated with thin CuBi2O4 nanosheets for efficient photocatalytic dye degradation and hydrogen generation

Photocatalytic technology is the recent investigation focus because of the wide applications in sewage disposal and new energy generation. In this paper, the optical and photocatalytic properties of TiO₂ NTAs were enhanced by the hydrothermal deposition of CuBi₂O₄ by regulating the precursor concentration. The results indicated that the precursor concentration played remarkable influences on the morphology and photocatalytic ability. The mild reagent concentration was in favor of super-thin CuBi₂O₄ nanosheet formation. CuBi₂O₄/TiO₂ NTAs with high reagent concentration exhibited high photocurrent and hydrogen production, and showed outstanding performance in the removal of organic dyes and heavy metal ions. The free radical production and the photocatalytic progress were introduced in detail. The high photocatalytic activity exhibits prospective foreground in industrial waste water treatment and novel energy resource development.