{"title":"Enhanced visible light photocatalytic degradation of styrene by g-C3N4 quantum dots/P25 nanocomposites","authors":"Teng Wang , Junhui Zhou , Didi Li , Zhimin Ao","doi":"10.1016/j.esi.2024.04.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esi.2024.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The enhancement of the visible light response of P25 is of significant importance for the photocatalytic degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (CNQD) are nano-sized counterparts of g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>, exhibiting excellent optical properties. Using a simplified hydrothermal one-step approach, CNQD-loaded P25 (CNQD/P25) was obtained in this work. Under visible light, CNQD/P25 achieved styrene degradation rate of 95 % within 240 minutes, surpassing the 60 % degradation rate of pure P25 under identical conditions. This indicates that the presence of CNQDs greatly enhances the photocatalytic performance of P25 in the visible light region. Further investigations revealed that CNQD/P25 exhibited noticeable enhancement in the ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrum, demonstrating increased visible light absorption. CNQD/P25 demonstrated higher photocurrent response, lower photoresistance, and weaker fluorescence response compared to P25 at similar conditions. Therefore, the presence of CNQDs can enhance visible light absorption of P25, increases the number of photo-generated electrons, optimizes charge separation efficiency, and simultaneously reduces the recombination rate of electrons and holes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100486,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Surfaces and Interfaces","volume":"2 ","pages":"Pages 19-25"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949864324000122/pdfft?md5=2fb034eee85d65140ac4d7a7aa26dea1&pid=1-s2.0-S2949864324000122-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140555078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yaxing Zhang , Chaozheng He , Chenxu Zhao , Wei Song
{"title":"Theoretical study of N2 adsorption and dissociation on Ir/Cu loaded Ir(100) catalyst","authors":"Yaxing Zhang , Chaozheng He , Chenxu Zhao , Wei Song","doi":"10.1016/j.esi.2024.02.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esi.2024.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction (NRR) is a promising method for NH<sub>3</sub> synthesis. However, the design of catalysts with high activity for N<sub>2</sub> dissociation remains a key challenge. Herein, we have designed several catalysts based on Ir, including pure Ir(100), and Ir(100) with Ir (Cu) atom loaded on it (denoted as Ir(a)@Ir(100) and Cu(a)@Ir(100)), to study the reactivity of N<sub>2</sub> dissociation. The results showed that Ir(a)@Ir(100) and Cu(a)@Ir(100) can effectively activate N<img>N bond with ultralow dissociation barriers of 0.31 eV and 0.61 eV. However, the adsorption strength of N<sub>2</sub> is significantly poor on Ir(a)@Ir(100) (−0.24 eV) compared to that on Cu(a)@Ir(100) (−0.62 eV). This can be interpreted from the electronic properties: The Ir-5<em>d</em> states can hybridize with N-2π* states significantly near the Fermi level, which is absence for Cu-3<em>d</em> states. Therefore, the loaded Cu atom on Cu@Ir(100) can effectively decrease the occupation of N<sub>2</sub> antibonding orbitals (ICOHP = −7.68) compared to the situation on Ir@Ir(100) (ICOHP = −7.35). Therefore, Cu(a)@Ir(100) can be screened as the favorable candidate although a little higher dissociation barrier of N<sub>2</sub> (0.61 eV), compared to the situation on Ir(a)@Ir(100) (0.31 eV). However, a barrier of 0.61 eV can also be easily overcome at room temperature as 0.31 eV on Ir(a)@Ir(100). We firmly believe that this work can not only open a novel way for the design of Ir-based catalysts, but also provide a promising strategy of N<sub>2</sub> dissociation for experimental works.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100486,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Surfaces and Interfaces","volume":"2 ","pages":"Pages 1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949864324000110/pdfft?md5=775b95b4e5b4b5b1413adccc72caec82&pid=1-s2.0-S2949864324000110-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139998894","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Density functional theory study the mechanism of oxygen-functionalized graphene to activate peroxymonosulfate for VOCs removal in aqueous solution","authors":"Chuying Liu , Jiachun Cao , Didi Li , Zhimin Ao","doi":"10.1016/j.esi.2024.02.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esi.2024.02.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Utilization of carbon materials for persulfate activation has revolutionized advanced oxidation processes in effluent treatment. However, its potential volatile organic compounds (VOCs) removal in gas phase remains an intriguing research area. In this research, the peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activated by graphene functionalized with diverse oxygen groups was investigated, and the corresponding performances for VOCs treatment were examined. Furthermore, the feasibility of employing various functionalized graphene/PMS systems for VOCs treatment by simulating a wet scrubber system was explored. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were served as a useful tool to comprehensively analyze the intricate chemical processes involved: the adsorption and the activation of PMS, as well as the adsorption and degradation of VOCs. The favorable activity of graphene materials incorporating ketone group was showcased in our findings, as evidenced by charge distribution trends, charge transfer during persulfate adsorption, and the lower energy barrier. The mechanism of employing functionalized graphene/PMS systems for effective VOCs treatment was shed light by this research, thereby contributing to the advancement of exhaust gas treatment methods.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100486,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Surfaces and Interfaces","volume":"2 ","pages":"Pages 9-18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949864324000109/pdfft?md5=62328df186b94cf267cd553d25a09c69&pid=1-s2.0-S2949864324000109-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140041736","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Suhang Meng , Yuqing Li , Yuepeng Liu , Sihui Zhan , Qin Ma , Yi Li
{"title":"Recent advances and mechanisms in magnetic field enhanced photocatalysis: A review","authors":"Suhang Meng , Yuqing Li , Yuepeng Liu , Sihui Zhan , Qin Ma , Yi Li","doi":"10.1016/j.esi.2023.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esi.2023.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Under the influence of energy crisis and environmental water pollution, photocatalysis technology using solar energy has been widely used. At present, a variety of catalyst modification strategies have been developed, but the corresponding photocatalytic performance is not ideal. The key to improving the efficiency of photocatalysis is the effective separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers. The electromagnetic effect of magnetic field will affect the spin state and the motion mode of electrons, so it is feasible to enhance the photocatalytic performance with external magnetic field. Additionally, the magnetic field has the advantages of simplicity, non-contact, environmental friendly, and high efficiency which is more in line with the policy requirement of green energy development and utilization. In this paper, the main theories of magnetic field enhanced photocatalysis are reviewed and the mechanism of magnetic field enhanced photocatalysis is explained from three aspects: spin polarization, Lorentz force, and magnetoresistance effect. Then combined with the application of magnetic field in photocatalytic CO<sub>2</sub> reduction, water decomposition, wastewater treatment, and N<sub>2</sub> fixation, the enhancement strategies of various photocatalysts were summarized. Finally, the challenges and potential application value of magnetic field enhanced photocatalytic performance were presented, providing corresponding theoretical basis and experimental guidance for subsequent research.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100486,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Surfaces and Interfaces","volume":"1 ","pages":"Pages 10-23"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949864323000036/pdfft?md5=b8e668393bff4f5e1575c613edbffc18&pid=1-s2.0-S2949864323000036-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138611148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chao-Qun Ma , Ning Han , Rong-Zhen Zhang , Sheng-Nan Lin , Zhijie Chen , Hui Liu , Shengsheng Yu , Rui-Zhi Dong , Yue-Bo Wang , Bing-Jie Ni , Ling-Bao Xing
{"title":"Construction of artificial light-harvesting system based on host-guest interactions of sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin and its application in photocatalysis","authors":"Chao-Qun Ma , Ning Han , Rong-Zhen Zhang , Sheng-Nan Lin , Zhijie Chen , Hui Liu , Shengsheng Yu , Rui-Zhi Dong , Yue-Bo Wang , Bing-Jie Ni , Ling-Bao Xing","doi":"10.1016/j.esi.2023.07.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esi.2023.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Light-harvesting systems (LHSs) play an important role in natural photosynthesis for converting light energy into chemical energy, which paves a prospective way for the exploitation of renewable energy resources. In this work, two artificial light-harvesting systems with an efficient energy transfer were constructed successfully in the aqueous media based on sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and curcumin (Cur) through host-guest interactions, in which two different fluorescence dyes, sulforhodamine (SR101) and Nile blue (NiB) were employed as energy acceptors. The obtained artificial LHSs can achieve an efficient energy transfer process from β-CD+Cur to SR101 or NiB with energy transfer efficiencies of up to 16.3% and 15.8%, respectively. The energy harvested by the acceptors (SR101 and NiB) was used for photocatalysis in the aqueous phase dehalogenation of the α-bromoacetophenone reaction with a yield of up to 80%.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100486,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Surfaces and Interfaces","volume":"1 ","pages":"Pages 3-9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49735569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Environmental surfaces and interfaces: A forward position to the future of environmental research","authors":"Juan Li, Shaobin Wang, Zhimin Ao","doi":"10.1016/j.esi.2023.04.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esi.2023.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":100486,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Surfaces and Interfaces","volume":"1 ","pages":"Pages 1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49720822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}