TiO2, TiO2/Ag and TiO2/Au photocatalysts prepared by spray pyrolysis

TiO₂, TiO₂/Ag and TiO₂/Au photocatalysts exhibiting a hollow spherical morphology were prepared by spray pyrolysis of aqueous solutions of titanium citrate complex and titanium oxalate precursors in one-step. Effects of precursor concentration and spray pyrolysis temperature were investigated. By subsequent heat treatment, photocatalysts with phase compositions from 10 to 100% rutile and crystallite sizes from 12 to 120 nm were obtained. A correlation between precursor concentration and size of the hollow spherical agglomerates obtained during spray pyrolysis was established. The anatase to rutile transformation was enhanced with metal incorporations and increased precursor concentration. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by oxidation of methylene blue under UV-irradiation. As-prepared TiO₂ particles with large amounts of amorphous phase and organic residuals showed similar photocatalytic activity as the commercial Degussa P25. The metal incorporated samples showed comparable photocatalytic activity to the pure TiO₂ photocatalysts.     

Effect of Ag addition on the properties of Pd–Ag/TiO2 catalysts containing different TiO2 crystalline phases

Anatase and rutile TiO₂ were used for preparation of the TiO₂ supported Pd and Pd–Ag catalysts for selective hydrogenation of acetylene. It was found that Pd/TiO₂-anatase exhibited higher acetylene conversion and ethylene selectivity than rutile TiO₂ supported ones. However, addition of Ag to Pd/TiO₂-anatase catalyst resulted in lower ethylene selectivity while that of Pd/TiO₂-rutile increased. It is suggested that Ag addition suppressed the beneficial effect of the Ti³⁺ sites presented on the anatase TiO₂ during selective acetylene hydrogenation whereas without Ti³⁺, Ag promoted ethylene selectivity by blocking sites for over-hydrogenation of ethylene to ethane.     

Microwave dielectric properties of the (1 − x)Mg2TiO4-xCaTiO3-y wt.% ZnNb2O6 ceramics system

Composite ceramics based on (1 − x)Mg₂TiO₄-xCaTiO₃-y wt.% ZnNb₂O₆ (x = 0.12-0.16, y = 0-8) were prepared by a conventional mixed-oxide route. Zn²⁺ partially replaced Mg²⁺ in Mg₂TiO₄ and formed the spinel-structured (Mg_1−δZn_δ)₂TiO₄ phase. Nb²⁺, is known to be solid soluble in CaTiO₃, was found to change its shape from cubic to pliable. A bi-phase system (Mg_1−δZn_δ)₂TiO₄ and CaTiO₃ exhibited in all samples, where a small amount of second phase Mg_1−δZn_δTiO₃ was also detected. The microwave dielectric properties of specimens were strongly related to ZnNb₂O₆ and CaTiO₃ content. As y increased, ?_r and τ_f decreased, however, Q × f decreased to a minimum value and started to increase thereafter. It was also found that ?_r and τ_f increased and Q × f decreased with increasing x. The optimized microwave dielectric properties with ?_r = 18.37, Q × f = 31,027 GHz (at 6 GHz), and τ_f = 0.51 ppm/°C were achieved for (1 − x)Mg₂TiO₄-xCaTiO₃-y wt.% ZnNb₂O₆ (x = 0.12, y = 4) sintered at 1360 °C for 6 h.     

Effect of M-doping (M = Fe,V) on the photocatalytic activity of nanorod rutile TiO2 for Congo red degradation under the sunlight

Nanorods TiO₂, Fe-TiO₂ (3 and 2 at.% Fe), V-TiO₂ (5 at.% V) were prepared by a low temperature method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, transmission electron microscope and BTE surface area analysis. The as-prepared samples were evaluated as catalysts for photodegradation of Congo red aqueous solution under the sunlight. Nanorods Fe-doped TiO₂ shows higher adsorption and also higher photocatalytic degradation of Congo red solution compared to pure nanorods TiO₂ rutile. A higher activity is obtained when the amount of doped Fe is 2 at.%, compared to 3 at.%. However, nanorods V-TiO₂ does not show neither adsorption nor photodegradation activity of Congo red solution.     

Effects of powder size and metallic bonding layer on corrosion behaviour of plasma-sprayed Al2O3-13% TiO2 coated mild steel in fresh tropical seawater

This study focuses on the effects of powder size and Ni–Al bonding layer on the electrochemical behaviour of plasma-sprayed Al₂O₃-13% TiO₂ coating in fresh tropical seawater. The presence of the metallic bonding layer reduces the coating porosity and increases the surface roughness for both microparticle and nanoparticle coatings. The nanoparticle exhibits better corrosion rate of 1.9×10⁻⁶ mmpy compared to the microparticle coating, with a corrosion rate of 3.05×10⁻⁶ mmpy. However, the presence of the metallic bonding layer increases the corrosion rate for both micro and nanoparticle coatings. The corrosion mechanism for the coating with and without the metallic bonding layer is discussed in detail.     

Microwave dielectric properties and structure of ZnO-Nb2O5-TiO2 ceramics

Ceramic samples based on ZnO-Nb₂O₅-TiO₂ compositions have been prepared using solid state ceramic route. The work was carried out over a wide range of initial ZnNb₂O₆ and Zn_0.17Nb_0.33Ti_0.5O₂ compounds concentration. The crystal structure and microstructure developments were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was shown that the phase compositions of the samples present itself a columbite type and mixture of two phases—solid solutions of columbite and rutile types.The sintering behavior, permittivity, its temperature coefficients and quality factor had been characterized for ceramic samples in depending on compositions. The permittivity of the samples in this system is within the limits from 24 to 80, τ_? from 150 to −560 ppm/°C. For the samples with τ_? ∼ 0, ?_r ∼ 43.8 and Q·f = 35000 GHz at f = 9 GHz. The comparatively low sintering temperature (≤1080 °C) and high dielectric properties in microwave range make these ceramics promising for application in electronics.     

Microstructure evolution of Al2O3/Al2O3 joint brazed with Ag-Cu-Ti + B + TiH2 composite filler

Al₂O₃/Al₂O₃ joint was achieved using Ag-Cu-Ti + B + TiH₂ composite fillers at 900 °C for 10 min. The evolution mechanism of interface during brazing was discussed. Effects of Ti and B atoms content on microstructure of joints were investigated. Results show that a continuous and compact reaction layer Ti₃(Cu,Al)₃O forms at Al₂O₃/brazing alloy interface. Ti(Cu,Al) precipitates near Ti₃(Cu,Al)₃O layer. In situ synthesized TiB whiskers evenly distribute in Ag and Cu based solid solution. The higher content of B powders in composite fillers increases TiB whiskers content, but decreases the thickness of Ti₃(Cu,Al)₃O layer, while the higher TiH₂ powders content thickens Ti₃(Cu,Al)₃O layer. Ag and Cu based solid solutions become uniform and fine with the increasing of TiB whiskers content. Ti(Cu,Al) intermetallics content increase and they gradually distribute from Al₂O₃ side to the central of brazing alloy, but the content of Cu based solid solution decreases when the TiH₂ content increases.     

Creep behavior and related structural defects in Al2O3-Ln2O3 (ZrO2) directionally solidified eutectics (Ln = Gd, Er, Y)

The eutectic architecture of “in situ” composites prepared by solidification from the melt in the Al₂O₃-Ln₂O₃ (ZrO₂) systems gives rise to materials with a high creep resistance. With the objective to elucidate the high temperature deformation micro-mechanisms, microstructural features are investigated on crept specimens. Compressive creep experiments have been carried out between 1400 and 1550 °C for various eutectic compositions. Different deformation regimes depending on considered systems and conditions of stress and temperature are revealed. Transmission electron microscopy studies emphasize the activation of different slip systems in the alumina phase and the deformation by dislocation climb processes controlled by bulk diffusion.     

Surface densification of porous ZrB2-39 mol.% SiC ceramic composites by a laser process

40% porous composites ZrB₂-39 mol.% SiC were irradiated under a mobile laser beam, with a low power of 90 W, in a protective atmosphere of flowing argon. Quasi-full densification of the surface zone was obtained, with thicknesses of more than 20 μm. Temperature reached ca. 2500 °C and a fusible phase rich in SiC appeared, which partially dissolved the ZrB₂, favouring its sintering. The liquid phase filled the porosity present between the ZrB₂ grains, and migrated towards the surface and the bulk of the samples. After cooling, the liquid phase demixed, according to the ZrB₂-SiC phase diagram, and the phases ZrB₂ and SiC interweaved in a eutectic-like solid phase, co-existing with granular zones mainly composed of ZrB₂. Only few cracks were observed. Traces of free carbon were found at the surface, while oxygen never penetrated inside the samples, despite the presence of traces of this element in the surrounding atmosphere. These two last observations were explained by a thermodynamic study. The pellets so obtained could find applications in the fields of aerospace and of low-temperature protonic ceramic fuel cells.     

Effect of Pt addition on the isomerization properties of MoO2 − x(OH)y deposited on TiO2

Isomerization of n-hexane and n-pentane were studied using equivalent 5 monolayers of MoO₃ deposited on TiO₂. Addition of 2.5% Pt by weight of MoO₃ on the Mo catalyst resulted in an increase in the catalytic activity of the system in favor of hydrocracking products. Surface characterization by XPS-UPS and ISS reveal that the sample surface contains Oxygen, Molybdenum, Platinum and Titanium. Apparently, the metallic properties of the deposited Pt favors the hydrocracking reactions and becomes dominant at reaction temperatures higher than 623 K. Balanced metal-acid functions in MoO_2 − x(OH)_y phase seems to be in optimized condition toward the hydroisomerization process. The contribution of Platinum addition to this catalytic reaction is not obvious. Combination of surface XPS-UPS, ISS and catalytic reactions carried out at similar experimental conditions enabled us to have better insight concerning the catalytic activities of the different chemical species present on the sample surface.     

Phase equilibria and glass formation studies in the (1 − x)TeO2-xCdO (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.33 mol) system

Phase equilibria and glass formation studies of the (1 − x)TeO₂-xCdO system (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.33 mol) were realized by using differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The samples were prepared by applying a conventional melt-quenching technique at 800 °C. The glass formation range of the system was determined as 0.05 ≤ x < 0.15 and the sample containing 10 mol% CdO showed the highest glass stability. Crystallization behavior of the TeO₂-CdO glasses was investigated and formation and/or transformation of different phases were detected for each crystallization reaction. In order to obtain thermal stability of the system, as-cast samples were heat-treated above all crystallization reaction temperatures at 550 °C for 24 h. A binary eutectic: liquid → TeO₂ + CdTe₂O₅ was detected at 638 ± 4 °C. Crystallization behavior of the TeO₂-CdO glasses and microstructural characterization of the TeO₂-CdTe₂O₅ system was realized.     

TiO2 nanotubes and CNT–TiO2 hybrid materials for the photocatalytic oxidation of propene at low concentration

In this work, we investigated titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanotubes and CNT–TiO₂ hybrid materials for the photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) of propene at low concentration (100 ppmv) in gaseous phase. The materials were prepared via sol–gel method using sacrificial multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) as templates and subsequent heat treatments to obtain the desired crystalline phase (anatase, rutile or a mixture of both) and eventually to remove the carbon template. We also studied rutile nanotubes for the first time and demonstrate that the activity strongly depends on the crystalline composition, following rutile < anatase < anatase/rutile mixture. The enhanced activity of the anatase–rutile mixture is attributed to the decrease in the electron–hole pair recombination due to the multiphasic nature of the particles. The key result of this work is the exceptional performance of the CNT–TiO₂ hybrid, which yielded the highest observed photocatalytic activity. The improved performance is attributed to synergistic effects due to the hybrid nature of the material, resulting in small anatase crystalline sizes (CNT act as heat sinks) and a reduced electron–hole pair recombination rate (CNTs act as electron traps). These results demonstrate the great potential of hybrid materials and stimulate further research on CNT-inorganic hybrid materials in photocatalysis and related areas.     

Influence of TiO2 and CeO2 on the hydrogenation activity of bulk Ni2P

TiO₂- and CeO₂-promoted bulk Ni₂P catalysts were prepared by impregnation and in-situ H₂ temperature-programmed reduction method. The prepared catalysts were characterized by XRD and XPS. The hydrogenation activities of the catalysts were studied using 1.5 wt.% 1-heptene in toluene and 1.0 wt.% phenylacetylene in ethanol as the model feeds. The results indicate that bulk Ni₂P possesses low hydrogenation activity but is tunable by simply controlling the content of the additives (TiO₂ or CeO₂), suggesting that TiO₂ and CeO₂ are effective promoters to enhance the hydrogenation activity of Ni₂P.     

Synthesis of TiO2/PAA nanocomposite by RAFT polymerization

Due to the strong tendency of nanoparticles such as metal oxides to agglomerate, homogeneous dispersion of these materials in a polymeric matrix is extremely challenging. In order to overcome this problem and to enhance the filler-polymer interaction, this study focused on living polymerization that was initialized from the surface of titania nanofillers. A new method for synthesizing TiO₂/polymer nanocomposites was found with a good dispersion of the nanofillers by using the bifunctional RAFT agent, 2-{[(butylsulfanyl)carbonothioyl]sulfanyl}propanoic acid). This RAFT agent has an available carboxyl group to anchor onto TiO₂ nanoparticles, and an SC(SC₄H₉) moiety for subsequent RAFT polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) to form n-TiO₂/PAA nanocomposites. The functionalization of n-TiO₂ was determined by FTIR and partitioning studies, the livingness of the polymerization was verified using GPC and NMR, while the dispersion of the inorganic filler in the polymer was studied using electron microscopy, FTIR and thermal analysis.     

TiO2-V2O5纳米纤维光催化氧化烟气中的Hg0

对静电纺丝法制备的TiO₂和TiO₂-V₂O₅纳米纤维进行光催化脱除模拟烟气中Hg⁰的研究。对纳米纤维进行了SEM、TEM、XRD、BET和UV-Vis检测。结果表明TiO₂-V₂O₅纳米纤维为锐钛矿,V₂O₅高度分散在TiO₂中。纤维直径在200 nm左右,由粒径为10 nm左右的微粒组成。掺杂V₂O₅后,纤维的吸光范围扩大,在可见光范围内的吸光度比纯TiO₂时有了很大提高。实验研究了不同光照条件、V₂O₅的掺杂量和循环次数对脱汞的影响,分析了TiO₂-V₂O₅催化脱汞的机理。当V₂O₅的质量含量为3%时,TiO₂-V₂O₅在可见光下的脱汞率可达到66%,比纯TiO₂时的7%有了显著提高;纤维的脱汞性能稳定,多次循环后紫外光和可见光下的脱汞率仍分别保持在80%和65%左右。电子的跃迁和电子、空穴的快速分离是TiO₂-V₂O₅在可见光下脱汞率提高的主要原因。     

Mechanical properties of plasma sprayed nanostructured TiO2 coatings on mild steel

This paper discusses the effects of plasma spray parameters on the mechanical properties of nanostructured TiO₂ coatings deposited on mild steel substrates. The design of experiment method was applied to investigate the significant effects of each property and to optimize the operational spray parameters. Plasma power, powder feed rate, and stand-off distance were selected as independent variables. Agglomerated and sintered nano-TiO₂ powder was deposited on A-36 commercial mild steel. The microstructural and mechanical properties of the coatings such as porosity, microhardness, surface roughness, and wear rate were evaluated. Both plasma power and powder feed rate were found to be the main factors affecting all four responses. It was also noted that the stand-off distance was a significant factor mainly in influencing the surface roughness of the coatings. All in all, the optimized properties can be achieved by applying a plasma power of 30 KW (high level), a powder feed rate of 22 g/min (high level), and a stand-off distance of 80 mm (low level).     

Excellent antimicrobial properties of mesoporous anatase TiO2 and Ag/TiO2 composite films

Optically transparent, crack-free, mesoporous anatase TiO₂ thin films were fabricated. The Ag/TiO₂ composite films were prepared by incorporating Ag in the pores of TiO₂ films with an impregnation method via photoreduction. The as-prepared composite films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectronic spectra (XPS) and N₂ adsorption. The release behavior of silver ions in the mesoporous composite film was also studied. Moreover, the antimicrobial behaviors of the mesoporous film were also investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The antibacterial activities of the composite films were studied by a fluorescence label method using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as a model. The as-prepared mesoporous TiO₂ films showed much higher antimicrobial efficiency than that of glass and commercial P25 TiO₂ spinning film. The facts would result from the high surface area, small crystal size and more active sites for the mesoporous catalysis. After the doping of Ag, a significant improvement for the antimicrobial ability was obtained. To elucidate the roles of the membrane photocatalyst and the doped silver in the antimicrobial activity, cells from a silver-resistant E. coli were used. These results indicated that Ag nanoparticles in the mesoporous were not only an antimicrobial but also an intensifier for photocatalysis. The as-prepared mesoporous composite film is promising in application of photocatalysis, antimicrobial and self-clean technologies.     

Effect of TiO2 on phase evolution and microstructure of MgAl2O4 spinel in different atmospheres

The effect of TiO₂ on the formation and microstructure of magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl₂O₄) at 1600 °C in air and reducing conditions were investigated. Under reducing conditions, stoichiometric MgAl₂O₄ spinel shifted toward alumina-rich types owing to volatilization of MgO, resulting in an increase in the porosity of fired samples. Addition of graphite to mixtures of MgO and Al₂O₃ intensified the reducing conditions and accelerated the formation of non-stoichiometric MgAl₂O₄. For TiO₂-containing samples on addition of MgAl₂O₄, magnesium aluminum titanium oxide (Mg_xAl_2(1−x)Ti_(1+x)O₅, x = 0.2 or 0.3) was detected as a minor phase. Under reducing conditions, XRD peak shifts were smaller for TiO₂-containing samples than for samples without TiO₂ owing to the formation of a solid solution of TiO₂ in MgAl₂O₄ and establishment of alumina-rich spinel, which have opposite effects on increasing the lattice parameter. In bauxite-containing samples, MgAl₂O₄ spinel, corundum, magnesium orthotitanate spinel (Mg₂TiO₄) and amorphous phases were identified. Mg₂TiO₄ spinel formed a complete solid solution with MgAl₂O₄ spinel but Mg₂TiO₄ remained as a distinct phase owing to the heterogeneous microstructure of bauxite-containing samples. Also dense microstructure established in air fired TiO₂ containing samples. The results are discussed with emphasis on the application and design of alumina-magnesia-carbon refractory materials, which are used in the steel industry.