La/Ce-codoped Bi2O3 composite photocatalysts with high photocatalytic performance in removal of high concentration dye

A series of La/Ce-codoped Bi_2O_3 composite photocatalysts were fabricated via hydrothermal–calcination process. The as-prepared products were intensively characterized by some physicochemical characterizations like N_2 physical adsorption, X-ray powder diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscope(SEM), transmission electron microscope(TEM), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance(UV–Vis DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),photoelectrochemical measurements, and photoluminescence(PL) spectroscopy. The characterization results indicated that La and Ce doping induced obvious crystal phase transformation in Bi_2O_3, from monoclinic to tetragonal phase. La and Ce codoping also gave rise to the obvious synergetic effects, e.g., the lattice contraction of Bi_2O_3, the decrease of crystal size and the increase of surface area. The photocatalytic performance of the prepared catalysts was evaluated by removal of dye acid orange II with high concentration under visible light irradiation. Results showed that La/Ce-codoped Bi_2O_3 displayed much higher photocatalytic performance than that of bare Bi_2O_3, single La or Ce doped Bi_2O_3 samples. The superior photocatalytic activity was mainly attributed to the improved texture and surface properties and the synergistic effects of La and Ce codoping on suppressing the recombination of photo-generated electrons(e~-) and holes(h~+).     

In situ preparation of g-C3N4/Bi4O5I2 complex and its elevated photoactivity in Methyl Orange degradation under visible light

A graphite carbon nitride(g-C_3N_4) modified Bi_4O_5I_2 composite was successfully prepared insitu via the thermal treatment of a g-C_3N_4/Bi OI precursor at 400°C for 3 hr.The as-prepared g-C_3N_4/Bi_4O_5I_2 showed high photocatalytic performance in Methyl Orange(MO) degradation under visible light.The best sample presented a degradation rate of 0.164 min~(-1),which is 3.2 and 82 times as high as that of Bi_4O_5I_2 and g-C_3N_4,respectively.The g-C_3N_4/Bi_4O_5I_2 was characterized by X-ray powder diffractometer(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),Raman,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra(DRS),electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) and transient photocurrent response in order to explain the enhanced photoactivity.Results indicated that the decoration with a small amount of g-C_3N_4 influenced the specific surface area only slightly.Nevertheless,the capability for absorbing visible light was improved measurably,which was beneficial to the MO degradation.On top of that,a strong interaction between g-C_3N_4 and Bi_4O_5I_2 was detected.This interplay promoted the formation of a favorable heterojunction structure and thereby enhanced the charge separation.Thus,the g-C_3N_4/Bi_4O_5I_2 composite presented greater charge separation efficiency and much better photocatalytic performance than Bi_4O_5I_2.Additionally,g-C_3N_4/Bi_4O_5I_2 also presented high stability.·O_2~-and holes were verified to be the main reactive species.     

Synthesis of novel CeO2-BiVO4/FAC composites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic properties

To utilize visible light more effectively in photocatalytic reactions, a fly ash cenosphere （FAC）-supported CeO2-BiV04 （CeO2-BiVO4/FAC） composite photocatalyst was prepared by modified metalorganic decomposition and impregnation methods. The physical and photophysical properties of the composite have been characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscope （SEM） and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy （EDX）, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS）, and UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectra. The XRD patterns exhibited characteristic diffraction peaks of both BiVO4 and Ce02 crystalline phases. The XPS results showed that Ce was present as both Ce4＋ and Ce3＋ oxidation states in Ce02 and dispersed on the surface of BiV04 to constitute a p-n heterojunction composite. The absorption threshold of the CeO2-BiVO4/FAC composite shifted to a longer wavelength in the UV-Vis absorption spectrum compared to the pure Ce02 and pure BiV04. The composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for Methylene Blue （MB） degradation under visible light irradiation. It was found that the 7.5 wt.% CeO2-BiVO4/FAC composite showed the highest photocatalytic activity for MB dye wastewater treatment.     

Application of Ag/AgBr/GdVO4 composite photocatalyst in wastewater treatment

Ag/AgBr/GdVO_4 composite photocatalysts were designed and synthesized in this paper.The physical and chemical structures, as well as optical properties of the synthesized composite were investigated via XRD, XPS, TEM, and UV–vis. It is found that the composite showed a ternary heterojunction structure of Ag, Ag Br and GdVO_4. Meanwhile, it has a high intensity of light current, indicating its high separation efficiency of electron and hole.Photocatalytic oxidation of rhodamine B(RhB) under visible light irradiation was performed to investigate the activity of the Ag/Ag Br/GdVO_4 composite. Result indicates that it shows excellent photocatalytic activity. Under visible light irradiation for 12 min, about 80% of Rh B(30 μmol/L) was degraded. The degradation rate is estimated to be 0.253 min1, which is three times higher than that of pure AgBr. The high photoactivity can be ascribed to the synergetic effect of Ag Br, GdVO_4, and Ag nanoparticle in separation of electron–hole pairs.     

Photocatalytic properties of P25-doped TiO2 composite film synthesized via sol–gel method on cement substrate

TiO_2 films have received increasing attention for the removal of organic pollutants via photocatalysis. To develop a simple and effective method for improving the photodegradation efficiency of pollutants in surface water, we herein examined the preparation of a P25-TiO_2 composite film on a cement substrate via a sol–gel method. In this case, Rhodamine B(Rh B)was employed as the target organic pollutant. The self-generated TiO_2 film and the P25-TiO_2 composite film were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD), N_2 adsorption/desorption measurements, scanning electron microscopy(SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy(DRS). The photodegradation efficiencies of the two films were studied by Rh B removal in water under UV(ultraviolet) irradiation. Over 4 day exposure, the P25-TiO_2 composite film exhibited higher photocatalytic performance than the self-generated TiO_2 film. The photodegradation rate indicated that the efficiency of the P25-TiO_2 composite film was enhanced by the addition of the rutile phase Degussa P25 powder. As such, cooperation between the anatase TiO_2 and rutile P25 nanoparticles was beneficial for separation of the photo-induced electrons and holes. In addition, the influence of P25 doping on the P25-TiO_2 composite films was evaluated. We found that up to a certain saturation point, increased doping enhanced the photodegradation ability of the composite film. Thus, we herein demonstrated that the doping of P25 powders is a simple but effective strategy to prepare a P25-TiO_2 composite film on a cement substrate, and the resulting film exhibits excellent removal efficiency in the degradation of organic pollutants.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of rGO/TiO2 for the decomposition of formaldehyde under visible light irradiation

Due to the low concentration of indoor air contaminants,photocatalytic technology shows low efficiency for indoor air purification.The application of TiO_2 for photocatalytic removal of formaldehyde is limited,because TiO_2 can only absorb ultraviolet(UV) light.Immobilization of TiO_2 nanoparticles on the surface of graphene can improve the visible light photocatalytic activity and the adsorption capacity.In this study,rGO(reduced graphene oxide)/TiO_2 was synthesized through a hydrothermal method using titanium tetrabutoxide and graphene oxide as precursors,and was used for the degradation of low concentration formaldehyde in indoor air under visible light illumination.Characterization of the crystalline structure and morphology of rGO/TiO_2 revealed that most GO was reduced to rGO during the hydrothermal treatment,and anatase TiO_2 nanoparticles(with particle size of 15–30 nm) were dispersed well on the surface of the rGO sheets.rGO/TiO_2 exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for degradation of formaldehyde in indoor air and this can be attributed to the role of rGO,which can act as the electron sink and transporter for separating photo-generated electron–hole pairs through interfacial charge transfer.Furthermore,rGO could adsorb formaldehyde molecules from air to produce a high concentration of formaldehyde on the surface of rGO/TiO_2.Under visible light irradiation for 240 min,the concentration of formaldehyde could be reduced to 58.5 ppbV.rGO/TiO_2 showed excellent moisture-resistance behavior,and after five cycles,r GO/TiO_2 maintained high photocatalytic activity for the removal of formaldehyde(84.6%).This work suggests that the synthesized rGO/TiO_2 is a promising photocatalyst for indoor formaldehyde removal.     

Optimized photocatalytic regeneration of adsorption-photocatalysis bifunctional composite saturated with Methyl Orange

Photo-responsive adsorption-photocatalysis nanocomposites are generally used in water and wastewater decontamination; however, the prolonged adsorption capacity of composites and the role of adsorption in concomitant photocatalysis are typically neglected. These composites can be regenerated under light irradiation as their adsorption capacity decreases. Herein, a novel adsorption-photocatalysis bifunctional nanocomposite, Bi-doped TiO₂ supported on powdered activated carbon (Bi₂O₃/TiO₂/PAC), was prepared using the sol-impregnation-hydrothermal procedure. Bi₂O₃/TiO₂/PAC with a secondary calcination temperature of 700°C under a nitrogen atmosphere was selected for maximum adsorption capacity on Methyl Orange (MO). The composite displayed an excellent adsorption capacity and was easily separated and recycled. The results demonstrate that 71.2% photocatalytic regeneration efficiency could be attained under visible light irradiation for 1 hr at an intensity of 750?W/m² and pH 7. Characterization of the as-prepared Bi₂O₃/TiO₂/PAC nanocomposite (700°C) indicates that it possesses a highly specific surface area and great optical properties, showing bifunctional adsorption-photocatalysis characteristics. The p-n heterojunction of the composite played a dominant role in the photocatalytic regeneration process, and effective degradation of MO could be achieved along with composite regeneration.     

Reaction site and mechanism in the UV or visible light induced TiO2 photodegradation of Orange G

For TiO2 heterogeneous reaction, the reaction site and the detailed mechanism are interesting and controversy topics. In this paper, effects of surface fluorination of TiO2 on the photocatalytic degradation of an azo dye, Orange G（OG） under UV or visible light irradiation were investigated, and the possible reaction site and mechanism were elucidated. The adsorption of OG on TiO2 was nearly inhibited by fluoride but its UV light induced photodegradation rate was greatly increased by a factor of about 2.7, which was due to the more generated free hydroxyl radicals. It supported the views that fluoride could desorb the oxidant species from surface and that the reaction sites could move to the bulk solution. In TiO2/Vis system, the observed inhibition effects of fluorination could be interpreted by the competitive adsorption, which provided additional evidences that the visible light sensitized photodegradation of dye pollutants on the catalyst surface.     

Effect of TiO2 calcination temperature on the photocatalytic oxidation of gaseous NH3

Carbon-modified titanium dioxide(TiO2) was prepared by a sol-gel method using tetrabutyl titanate as precursor, with calcination at various temperatures, and tested for the photocatalytic oxidation(PCO) of gaseous NH3 under visible and UV light. The test results showed that no samples had visible light activity, while the TiO2 calcined at 400℃ had the best UV light activity among the series of catalysts, and was even much better than the commercial catalyst P25. The catalysts were then characterized by X-ray diffractometry, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller adsorption analysis, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry coupled with mass spectrometry, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra, photoluminescence spectroscopy and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. It was shown that the carbon species residuals on the catalyst surfaces induced the visible light adsorption of the samples calcined in the low temperature range( 300℃). However, the surface acid sites played a determining role in the PCO of NH3 under visible and UV light over the series of catalysts. Although the samples calcined at low temperatures had very high SSA, good crystallinity, strong visible light absorption and also low PL emission intensity, they showed very low PCO activity due to their very low number of acid sites for NH3 adsorption and activation. The TiO2 sample calcined at 400℃ contained the highest number of acid sites among the series of catalysts, therefore showing the highest performance for the PCO of NH3 under UV light.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,photodegradation kinetics and photocatalytic activity of novel photocatalyst ZnBiYO4

ZnBiYO4 was synthesized by a solid-state reaction method for the first time. The structural and photocatalytic properties of ZnBiYO4 were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance.ZnBiYO4 crystallized with a tetragonal spinel structure with space group I41/A. The lattice parameters for ZnBiYO4 were a = b = 11.176479  and c = 10.014323 . The band gap of ZnBiYO4 was estimated to be 1.58 e V. The photocatalytic activity of ZnBiYO4 was assessed by photodegradation of methyl orange under visible light irradiation. The results showed that ZnBiYO4 had higher catalytic activity compared with N-doped Ti O2 under the same experimental conditions using visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange with ZnBiYO4 or N-doped Ti O2 as catalyst followed first-order reaction kinetics, and the first-order rate constant was 0.01575 and 0.00416 min-1for ZnBiYO4 and N-doped Ti O2, respectively. After visible light irradiation for 220 min with ZnBiYO4 as catalyst, complete removal and mineralization of methyl orange were observed. The reduction of total organic carbon, formation of inorganic products, SO2-4and NO-3, and evolution of CO2 revealed the continuous mineralization of methyl orange during the photocatalytic process. The intermediate products were identified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The ZnBiYO4/(visible light) photocatalysis system was found to be suitable for textile industry wastewater treatment and could be used to solve other environmental chemical pollution problems.     

Preparation and photocatalytic properties of porous C and N co-doped TiO2 deposited on brick by a fast, one-step microwave irradiation method

A one-step microwave irradiation method was used to deposit carbon and nitrogen co-doped TiO_2((C, N)-TiO_2) on commercial brick((C, N)-TiO_2/brick). The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible(UV–vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). A selective technique was also used to investigate the concentration of hydroxyl radicals during UV–vis irradiation of the Methyl Orange solution with the as-prepared samples. The C and N dopants enhanced visible light absorption and provided a longer lifetime for the photo-generated electron–hole pairs. The SEM images showed that the as-prepared sample is porous. The dark adsorption and photodegradation test for(C, N)-TiO_2/brick showed good photodegradation and good recyclability. The best photodegradation rate was 94% after 2 hr. The maximum degradation rate was maintained even after the 6th cycle. The good photocatalytic properties are attributed to the enhanced visible light absorption, enhanced pollutant adsorption arising from the porous structure of the(C, N)-TiO_2 thin film, and longer lifetime of the photo-generated electron–hole pairs.(C, N)-TiO_2/brick should have potential commercial applications in photodegradation processes because of its low cost, good photodegradation, and excellent recyclability.     

Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic activity of porous La–N–co-doped TiO2 nanotubes for gaseous chlorobenzene oxidation

The photocatalytic oxidation of gaseous chlorobenzene(CB) by the 365 nm-induced photocatalyst La/N–Ti O2, synthesized via a sol–gel and hydrothermal method, was evaluated. Response surface methodology(RSM) was used to model and optimize the conditions for synthesis of the photocatalyst. The optimal photocatalyst was 1.2La/0.5N–Ti O2(0.5) and the effects of La/N on crystalline structure, particle morphology, surface element content, and other structural characteristics were investigated by XRD(X-ray diffraction), TEM(Transmission Electron Microscopy), FTIR(Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), UV–vis(Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy), and BET(Brunauer Emmett Teller). Greater surface area and smaller particle size were produced with the co-doped Ti O2 nanotubes than with reference Ti O2. The removal of CB was effective when performed using the synthesized photocatalyst,though it was less efficient at higher initial CB concentrations. Various modified Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic models involving the adsorption of chlorobenzene and water on different active sites were evaluated. Fitting results suggested that competitive adsorption caused by water molecules could not be neglected, especially for environments with high relative humidity. The reaction intermediates found after GC–MS(Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) analysis indicated that most were soluble, low-toxicity, or both. The results demonstrated that the prepared photocatalyst had high activity for VOC(volatile organic compounds) conversion and may be used as a pretreatment prior to biopurification.     

Highly efficient Zr doped-TiO2/glass fiber photocatalyst and its performance in formaldehyde removal under visible light

Zr-doped-TiO_2 loaded glass fiber(ZT/GF) composite photocatalysts with different Zr/Ti ratios were prepared with a sol–gel process. Zr4+can replace Ti4+in the TiO_2 lattice, which is conducive to forming the anatase phase and reducing the calcination temperature. The glass fiber carrier was responsible for better dispersion and loading of Zr-doped-TiO_2 particles, improving the applicability of the Zr-doped-TiO_2. The ZT/GF photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscope(SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy(UV–vis) and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda(BJH). The performance of photocatalysts with different loading was evaluated in formaldehyde degradation under visible light at room temperature. ZT/GF0.2exhibited the highest activity, with a formaldehyde removal rate as high as 95.14% being observed, which is better than that of the photocatalyst particles alone. The stability of the catalyst was also tested, and ZT/GF exhibited excellent catalytic performance with 94.38%removal efficiency, even after seven uses.     

Rapid synthesis of Ti-MCM-41 by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method towards photocatalytic degradation of oxytetracycline

This study employed microwave-assisted hydrothermal method to synthesize Ti-MCM-41,which are mesoporous materials with a high surface area and excellent photocatalytic ability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), X-ray diffraction(XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy(UV–Vis) were employed. The XRD findings showed that Ti-MCM-41 exhibited a peak at 2θ of 2.2°, which was attributed to the hexagonal MCM-41 structure. The BET(Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) results agreed with the TEM findings that Ti-MCM-41 has a pore size of about 3–5 nm and a high surface area of 883 m~2/g. FTIR results illustrated the existence of Si–O–Si and Si–O–Ti bonds in Ti-MCM-41. The appearance of Ti2 p peaks in the XPS results confirmed the FTIR findings that the Ti was successfully doped into the MCM-41 structure. Zeta(ζ)-potential results indicated that the iso-electric point(IEP) of Ti-MCM-41 was at about pH 3.02. In this study, the photocatalytic degradation of oxytetracycline(OTC) at different pH was investigated under Hg lamp irradiation(wavelength 365 nm). The rate constant(K′_(obs)) for OTC degradation was 0.012 min-1at pH 3. Furthermore, TOC(total organic carbon) and high resolution LC–MS(liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry) analyses were conducted to elucidate the possible intermediate products and degradation pathway for OTC. The TOC removal efficiency of OTC degradation was 87.0%, 74.4% and 50.9% at pH 3, 7 and 10, respectively. LC–MS analysis results showed that the degradation products from OTC resulted from the removal of functional groups from the OTC ring.     

Highly selective catalytic reduction of NOxby MnOx–CeO2–Al2O3 catalysts prepared by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis

We first present preparation of MnOx–CeO_2–Al_2O_3 catalysts with varying Mn contents through a self-propagating high-temperature synthesis(SHS) method, and studied the application of these catalysts to the selective catalytic reduction of NOxwith NH3(NH_3-SCR).Using the catalyst with 18 wt.% Mn(18 MnCe1Al2), 100% NO conversion was achieved at 200°C and a gas hourly space velocity of 15384 hr-1, and the high-efficiency SCR temperature window, where NO conversion is greater than 90%, was widened to a temperature range of 150–300°C. 18 MnCe1Al2 showed great resistance to SO_2(100 ppm)and H_2O(5%) at 200°C. The catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller(BET) analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and H_2 temperature programmed reduction. The characterization results showed that the surface atomic concentration of Mn increased with increasing Mn content, which led to synergism between Mn and Ce and improved the activity in the SCR reaction. 18 MnCe1Al2 has an extensive pore structure,with a BET surface area of approximately 135.4 m~2/g, a pore volume of approximately 0.16 cm~3/g, and an average pore diameter of approximately 4.6 nm. The SCR reaction on 18 MnCe1Al2 mainly followed the Eley-Rideal mechanism. The performances of the MnOx–CeO_2–Al_2O_3 catalysts were good, and because of the simplicity of the preparation process,the SHS method is applicable to their industrial-scale manufacture.     

Comparison of activated carbon and iron/cerium modified activated carbon to remove methylene blue from wastewater

The methylene blue(MB)removal abilities of raw activated carbon and iron/cerium modified raw activated carbon(Fe–Ce-AC)by adsorption were researched and compared.The characteristics of Fe–Ce-AC were examined by N_2adsorption,zeta potential measurement,FTIR,Raman,XRD,XPS,SEM and EDS.After modification,the following phenomena occurred:The BET surface area,average pore diameter and total pore volume decreased;the degree of graphitization also decreased.Moreover,the presence of Fe_3O_4led to Fe–Ce-AC having magnetic properties,which makes it easy to separate from dye wastewater in an external magnetic field and subsequently recycle.In addition,the equilibrium isotherms and kinetics of MB adsorption on raw activated carbon and Fe–Ce-AC were systematically examined.The equilibrium adsorption data indicated that the adsorption behavior followed the Langmuir isotherm,and the pseudo-second-order model matched the kinetic data well.Compared with raw activated carbon,the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of Fe–Ce-AC increased by27.31%.According to the experimental results,Fe–Ce-AC can be used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of MB from dye wastewater.     

Fabrication of Bi2O3/TiO2 nanocomposites and their applications to the degradation of pollutants in air and water under visible-light

A nanoheterojunction composite photocatalyst Bi2O3/TiO2working under visible-light(λ 420 nm) was prepared by combining two semiconductors Bi2O3 and TiO2 varying the Bi2O3/TiO2molar ratio. Maleic acid was employed as an organic binder to unite Bi2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticles. The SEM, TEM, XRD and diffuse reflectance spectra were utilized to characterize the prepared Bi2O3/TiO2nanoheterojunction. The nanocomposite exhibited unusual high photocatalytic activity in decomposing 2-propanol in gas phase and phenol in aqueous phase and, evolution of CO2 under visible light irradiation while the end members exhibited low photocatalytic activity. The composite was optimized to 5 mol% Bi2O3/TiO2. The remarkable high photocatalytic efficiency originates from the unique relative energy band position of Bi2O3 and TiO2 as well as the absorption of visible light by Bi2O3.     

Iron-doped Mn-Ce/TiO2 catalyst for low temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3

The catalysts of iron-doped Mn-Ce/TiO 2(Fe-Mn-Ce/TiO 2) prepared by sol-gel method were investigated for low temperature selective catalytic reduction(SCR) of NO with NH 3.It was found that the NO conversion over Fe-Mn-Ce/TiO 2 was obviously improved after iron doping compared with that over Mn-Ce/TiO 2.Fe-Mn-Ce/TiO 2 with the molar ratio of Fe/Ti = 0.1 exhibited the highest activity.The results showed that 96.8% NO conversion was obtained over Fe(0.1)-Mn-Ce/TiO 2 at 180°C at a space velocity of 50,000 hr 1.Fe-Mn-Ce/TiO 2 exhibited much higher resistance to H 2 O and SO 2 than that of Mn-Ce/TiO 2.The properties of the catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction(XRD),N 2 adsorption,temperature programmed desorption(NH 3-TPD and NOx-TPD),and Xray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) techniques.BET,NH3-TPD and NOx-TPD results showed that the specific surface area and NH3 and NOx adsorption capacity of the catalysts increased with iron doping.It was known from XPS analysis that iron valence state on the surface of the catalysts were in Fe3+ state.The doping of iron enhanced the dispersion and oxidation state of Mn and Ce on the surface of the catalysts.The oxygen concentrations on the surface of the catalysts were found to increase after iron doping.Fe-Mn-Ce/TiO2 represented a promising catalyst for low temperature SCR of NO with NH3 in the presence of H2 O and SO2.     

Photocatalytic degradation of aqueous Methyl Orange using nitrogen-doped TiO2 photocatalyst prepared by novel method of ultraviolet-assisted thermal synthesis

A nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide composite photocatalyst(N–TiO_2) with heterojunction structures is synthesized by three different approaches: a novel UV-assisted thermal synthesis, annealing, and microwave technique. Photocatalytic activities of synthesized photocatalysts are evaluated by the degradation of Methyl Orange under ultraviolet light types A(UV-A), B(UV-B), and C(UV-C), visible light, and direct sunlight irradiation. Results show that by using N–TiO_2 photocatalyst prepared by the UV-assisted thermal synthesis and annealing, the degradation increases by 16.5% and 20.4%, respectively, compared to that by bare TiO_2. The best results are obtained at a nitrogen to TiO_2 mass ratio of 0.15(N:TiO_2). The enhancement of the photocatalytic activity observed in the visible range is mainly attributed to the increasing separation rate of photogenerated charge carriers. The novel UV-assisted thermal synthesis has produced encouraging results as a preparation method for the nitrogen-doped TiO_2 photocatalyst; thus, further studies are recommended for process optimization, immobilization, and scale-up to evaluate its applicability in wastewater treatment.     

One-step synthesis of Cu(II) metal–organic gel as recyclable material for rapid, efficient and size selective cationic dyes adsorption

Efficient removal of non-biodegradable and hazardous dyes from wastewater remains a hot research topic. Herein, a rationally designed a Cu(Ⅱ)-based metal–organic gel(Cu-MOG) with a nanoporous 3 D network structure prepared via a simple one-step mixing method was successfully employed for the removal of cationic dyes. The Cu-MOG exhibited high efficiency, with an adsorption capacity of up to 650.32 mg/g, and rapid adsorption efficiency, with the ability to adsorb 80% of Neutral Red within 1 min. The high adsorption efficiency was attributed to its large specific surface area, which enabled it to massively bind cationic dyes through electrostatic interaction, and a nanoporous structure that promoted intra-pore diffusion. Remarkably, the Cu-MOG displayed size-selective adsorption, based on adsorption studies concerning dyes of different sizes as calculated by density functional theory. Additionally, the adsorption performance of the Cu-MOG still maintained removal efficiency of 100% after three regeneration cycles. These results suggested that the Cu-MOG could be expected to be a promising and competitive candidate to conveniently process wastewater.