Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology最新文献

{"title":"Comparative study of Neem, Guava, and mixed Neem–Guava extracts in green-synthesized CuO nanoparticles: structural, optical, and antibacterial insights","authors":"Dipti Shukla","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07235-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07235-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study presents a systematic comparative investigation of green-synthesized CuO nanoparticles using distinct phytochemical systems derived from <i>Azadirachta indica</i>, <i>Psidium guajava</i>, and their mixed extracts. Unlike conventional single-plant-mediated green synthesis approaches, this work introduces a dual-extract phytochemical strategy that enables cooperative biomolecular interactions for controlled nucleation, lattice relaxation, and defect-state modulation without the use of external stabilizing agents or chemical additives. X-ray diffraction confirms phase-pure monoclinic CuO formation in all samples. Williamson–Hall analysis reveals that the mixed-extract sample exhibits larger crystallite size and reduced lattice strain, indicating improved crystallographic ordering driven by synergistic phytochemical effects. The apparent discrepancy between crystallite size (XRD) and particle size (SEM) is attributed to agglomeration of multiple crystallites into larger secondary particles. Optical characterization demonstrates systematic defect engineering. The band gap decreases from 2.60 eV to 2.54 eV, accompanied by reduced Urbach energy, confirming suppression of band-tail disorder and improved structural homogeneity. Photoluminescence analysis shows enhanced radiative recombination with controlled deep-level defect contributions, reflecting effective surface passivation and optimized defect distribution. Furthermore, antibacterial studies indicate superior activity, attributed to defect-mediated reactive oxygen species generation and improved nanoparticle–cell interaction. Notably, this study establishes for the first time a dual-extract phytochemical system as an intrinsic defect-engineering platform, demonstrating that cooperative biomolecular interactions can simultaneously regulate crystallinity, lattice strain, and defect-state distribution without external chemical modifiers. It also provides new insight into the role of phytochemical diversity in tuning structure–property relationships and offers a scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective pathway for designing next-generation metal oxide nanomaterials for optoelectronic, photocatalytic, and biomedical applications.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07235-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synergistic enhancement of charge transport, dielectric behavior, and impedance response in Cu/ZnO dual-nanofiller-loaded NaAlg/CMC biopolymer nanocomposites for biodegradable solid polymer electrolytes","authors":"M. A. Ahlam,&nbsp;Maha A. Alenizi,&nbsp;Munirah A. Almessiere,&nbsp;G. M. Asnag,&nbsp;Tahani M. Alresheedi,&nbsp;Nadiyah M. Alshammari,&nbsp;Helal S. Alharbi,&nbsp;Ahmed N. Al-hakimi","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07237-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07237-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized via a sol-gel method and then incorporated as Cu/ZnO dual nanofillers into sodium alginate (NaAlg)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) biopolymer composite films using the solution-casting technique. The structural, dielectric, electrical, and impedance characteristics of the prepared films were systematically evaluated. XRD analysis showed that Cu/ZnO incorporation progressively disrupted the crystalline domains of the NaAlg/CMC matrix, with the optimum effect observed at 4.0 wt.% filler content. FTIR spectra indicated strong intermolecular interaction between the functional groups of the polymers (–OH/–COO⁻) and the nanofillers through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic coordination. SEM images showed improved dispersion of nanofillers at lower concentrations, while higher loading led to partial agglomeration. The dielectric parameters (<i>ε</i>′ and <i>ε</i>″) strongly depended on the filler content, consistent with Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars (MWS) polarization arising from charge accumulation at the polymer–nanofiller interfaces. The AC conductivity increased with Cu/ZnO incorporation and reached a maximum value of ~2.1 × 10⁻⁵ S.cm⁻¹ at 4.0 wt.% filler loading at high frequency (10 MHz). The Nyquist plots exhibited depressed semicircles, indicating a non-Debye response associated with the bulk resistance of the polymer matrix and interfacial charge-transport processes. Overall, the optimized NaAlg/CMC:Cu/ZnO nanocomposite exhibited enhanced dielectric and electrical properties, indicating its potential as a biodegradable solid polymer electrolyte platform for future energy-storage and electronic applications.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07237-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anticorrosive potential of Garcinia mangostana L. peel extracts-doped hybrid sol-gel films on low carbon steel in salty water","authors":"Tuan Sherwyn Hamidon,&nbsp;Mimisyuhadah Puaad,&nbsp;M. Hazwan Hussin","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07238-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07238-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the corrosion inhibition potential of <i>Garcinia mangostana</i> peel extracts using ethanol (MPE) and water (MPW) as corrosion inhibitors for low carbon steel in aqueous 3.5 wt.% NaCl. To ensure the purity of MP extracts, complementary spectroscopy techniques such as FT-IR, NMR, and TGA were adopted to characterize their structure as well as phytochemical analyses. MPE extract exhibited higher total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total condensed tannin content, and antioxidant activity compared to MPW. Hybrid sol-gel matrices were synthesized using APTES and TEOS silanol precursors, where prepared films were applied via dip-coating. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) studies revealed that 50 ppm MPE-doped hybrid sol-gel coating achieved the highest inhibition efficiency (81.64%), followed by 75 ppm MPW-doped sol-gel coating (73.87%). Both extracts incorporated coating systems rendered mixed-type corrosion protection, predominantly influencing the cathodic reaction. SEM analysis surfaced an improvement in the surface morphology of low carbon steel in the presence of both inhibitors. The projected corrosion inhibition mechanism has also been discussed regarding anticorrosion behavior. Hence, the present work affords a value-added application by exploiting mangosteen peel as a waste material towards potential anticorrosion applications.</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07238-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recent progress in the ferro-photocatalytic properties of KNbO3: a multifunctional material","authors":"Syed Irfan,&nbsp;Saman Zahra,&nbsp;Bo Dai,&nbsp;Xianhua Wei,&nbsp;Fei Zhou,&nbsp;Aiman Anwar,&nbsp;S. AlFaify,&nbsp;Nayyar Abbas Shah","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07216-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07216-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Potassium niobate (KNbO₃) has shown unique performance in photocatalysis due to its effective strategy for mitigating charge-carrier separation. For instance, KNbO₃ (KN) is a ferroelectric semiconductor with some extraordinary photocatalytic properties (i.e., non-toxic, high stability, and chemical inertness). KN serves as a ferro-photocatalyst, offering sustainable solutions to environmental degradation. This review summarizes the fundamental characteristics and ferro-photocatalytic applications of KN and KN-based nanostructures. Initially, various fabrication techniques and structures of KN will be discussed. Subsequently, the review examines the design methods for KN-based photocatalysts to understand their functionality. Recent developments in KN photocatalysts are enabling the synthesis of composites and nanostructures with enhanced surface area and morphology, thereby improving ferroelectric and photocatalytic properties. Finally, we conclude with an outlook on the unique properties of KN and KN-based nanostructures for photocatalytic applications, including organic dye degradation and hydrogen production. In the future, KN-based nanostructures have the potential to be used for CO₂ reduction and antibiotic degradation, making them a multifunctional material.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07216-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148782417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hierarchical graphene oxide/Co-metal-organic framework/Fe₃O₄ structures for high-performance applications","authors":"Elham Mazaheri,&nbsp;Ahmad Gholizadeh","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07228-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07228-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and ferrites face drawbacks such as poor conductivity and self-aggregation. Optimized synthesis methods partially alleviate these issues, while a complementary strategy is to design nanocomposites that integrate both materials. We engineer three-dimensional hierarchically porous nanoparticles, where graphene nanosheets act as a robust substrate that tightly encapsulates Co-MOF/Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. This architecture increases active sites, enhances the electrode–electrolyte interfacial area, improves electron conductivity, and prevents aggregation during charge–discharge cycling. The heterogeneous structure optimizes reaction kinetics, while the graphene nanosheets provide abundant electroactive sites, boosting electrochemical performance. Electrochemical measurements show a specific capacitance of 1710 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹ in a three-electrode configuration. As a supercapacitor electrode, the material delivers 869 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹, an energy density of 212.2 Wh kg⁻¹ at a power density of 8905 W kg⁻¹, and 96.8% capacity retention after 10,000 cycles, demonstrating significant promise as an innovative electrode material. This study introduces a hierarchical GO/Co-MOF/Fe₃O₄ hybrid synthesized through a two-step solvothermal process, providing an integrated conductive and redox-active framework that achieves outstanding electrochemical performance, achievement of high specific capacitance, and excellent cycling stability due to synergistic ion- and electron-transport pathways.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div><div><p>Schematic illustration of the synthesis route and electrochemical mechanism of the hierarchical GO/Co-MOF/Fe3O4 composite electrode.</p></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07228-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148752403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Structural and electrochemical investigation of Fe-doped sheet-like ZnCo₂O₄ as battery-type electrode for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors","authors":"Ramanadha Mangiri,&nbsp;Joonho Bae","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07108-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07108-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Nanostructured multi-transition metal spinel oxides have emerged as promising candidates for enhancing the electrochemical performance of next-generation supercapacitors. In this work, the structural and electrochemical impacts of iron incorporation into ZnCo₂O₄ (ZCO) spinel structures were systematically explored by synthesizing pristine ZCO, 5% Fe-doped ZCO, and 10% Fe-doped ZCO. Detailed characterization confirmed that the sheet-like morphology of both undoped and Fe-doped ZCO effectively minimizes ion/electron transport resistance and provides abundant active sites for ion adsorption, thereby improving redox kinetics. Notably, Fe doping induced favorable structural and electronic modifications within the spinel lattice, leading to superior electrochemical behavior. All electrode showed with battery-type footprints and the 10% Fe-doped ZCO electrode and delivered an impressive specific capacity of 421.3 C g⁻¹ at 10 A g⁻¹ and maintained 85% of its initial capacity after 2000 charge–discharge cycles, demonstrating excellent cycling stability. Therefore, this study underscores the potential of Fe-doped ZnCo₂O₄ as a high-performance battery-type electrode material for advanced hybrid supercapacitor applications.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div><div><p>Schematic representation of Fe-doped ZCO nanomaterials synthesis process.</p></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07108-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148752402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sol–gel auto-combustion synthesis of enzyme-assisted MnFe2O4/MWCNTs for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and eco-toxicity mitigation","authors":"Hissah Hamad Altilasi,&nbsp;Eman Aldosari,&nbsp;Mohammad Ashraf Hossain,&nbsp;Shamil Mahmudov,&nbsp;Alim Asamatdinov,&nbsp;Francisco J. Cano,&nbsp;Muhammad Jamshaid","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07225-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07225-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Water pollution from industrial dye effluents remains a critical global concern, necessitating the development of sustainable and high-performance remediation materials. In this work, manganese ferrite (MnFe₂O₄) nanoparticles were synthesized using banana peel enzymes as an eco-friendly reducing and stabilizing agent and subsequently integrated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to fabricate MnFe₂O₄/MWCNTs and enzyme-functionalized (MnFe₂O₄/MWCNTs) nanocomposites. Structural, morphological, electrical, and surface features of the synthesized materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET, and EIS, confirming phase purity, functional groups, and uniform nanoparticle dispersion. The average crystallite sizes were found to be around 31 nm. The photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites was systematically evaluated for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under natural sunlight irradiation. Optimization studies revealed that a 25 ppm MB concentration, a catalyst dosage of 1.25 g/L, neutral pH (7), and 100 min of irradiation yielded the highest degradation efficiency. Among all samples, the enzyme-assisted MnFe₂O₄/MWCNTs composite achieved the maximum removal efficiency of 91%, attributed to enhanced charge separation and improved surface reactivity. To assess the environmental safety of the treated water, an eco-toxicity evaluation was performed using a barley seed germination assay. Seeds irrigated with treated water exhibited improved germination rate and seedling vigor compared to untreated dye solution, confirming the effective detoxification of MB and the suitability of the treated water for safe reuse. Overall, the enzyme-treated MnFe₂O₄-MWCNTs nanocomposite demonstrates strong potential as a green, efficient, and environmentally benign photocatalyst for wastewater treatment applications.</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07225-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148751549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustainable protein-assisted sol–gel synthesis of α-Al₂O₃ from raw goat milk whey as a bio-based chelating agent","authors":"Jenifer Tejada Cardoso,&nbsp;Ricardo Ferrari Ferraz,&nbsp;Helinando Pequeno de Oliveira,&nbsp;Daniel Ribeiro Menezes,&nbsp;Luciana Cavalcanti de Azevedo,&nbsp;Raquel Aline Pessoa Oliveira","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07232-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07232-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The valorization of agro-industrial by-products offers a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic additives in sol–gel processes. This study reports a protein-assisted sol–gel route for the synthesis of α-Al₂O₃ using raw goat milk whey (RGMW) as a bio-based chelating agent. The precursor gel, prepared from aluminum nitrate and citric acid with RGMW incorporation, was calcined between 900 and 1100 °C. Thermal analysis indicated the decomposition of the organic matrix and the onset of α-phase crystallisation above 1000 °C. X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement confirmed the formation of single-phase α-Al₂O₃ at 1100 °C with a nanoscale crystallite size. FT-IR analysis supported this transformation through characteristic Al–O vibrational bands. X-ray fluorescence revealed a high Al₂O₃ content (96.27 ± 0.69 wt%) with minor residual oxides attributed to the mineral composition of the whey, decreasing with increasing calcination temperature. Scanning electron microscopy showed agglomerated particles with irregular polyhedral morphology typical of sol–gel-derived materials. These results demonstrate that RGMW is an effective bio-based chelating agent and enables the synthesis of α-Al₂O₃ at relatively lower temperatures compared to conventional methods, highlighting its potential as a green route for advanced ceramic processing.</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07232-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148751054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of various plant extracts on TiO₂ nanoparticles as efficient photoanode materials for natural dye-sensitized solar cell applications: Green sol-gel and a comparative study","authors":"Mahyar Radak,&nbsp;Amin Ghadi,&nbsp;Soodabeh Nouri Jouybari","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07227-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07227-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The excessive use of fossil fuels significantly contributes to global warming and environmental damage. A viable solution to these problems is the use of renewable energy sources, especially the clean-energy potential of solar cells. This study investigates the photovoltaic properties of TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) combined with three specific natural dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). TiO₂ NPs were synthesized via a green sol-gel method using <i>Aloe vera</i> extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The materials were analyzed using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDX, Raman, and DRS to investigate its crystal phase, morphology, and optical properties. The results show that the material has a crystallite size of ~17 nm and a band gap of 3.1 eV, making it suitable for efficient light harvesting. Thin films of TiO₂ were deposited on FTO substrates through spin coating, resulting in uniform and compact photoanodes that are favorable for dye adsorption. Platinum-coated FTO served as the counter electrode, ensuring high electrocatalytic activity. The assembled DSSCs utilized an iodide/triiodide redox electrolyte in ethylene glycol and were tested under standard AM 1.5 G illumination (100 mW/cm²). Among the natural dyes tested, black mulberry demonstrated the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) at approximately 1.3%, followed by wild raspberry at 0.7% and red mulberry at 0.3%. The good PCE of black mulberry can be partially attributed to the presence of anthocyanins, which serve as effective light-harvesting pigments, enhancing photon absorption and promoting the generation of charge carriers. The black mulberry device also showed higher FF (0.44) and Jsc (6 mA cm⁻²) compared with wild raspberry (0.41, 5.2 mA cm⁻²) and red mulberry (0.37, 4.6 mA cm⁻²), indicating more efficient electron injection and reduced recombination, which together lead to the improved PCE.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07227-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148751053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Superior photocatalytic efficiency of visible-light-driven metal oxide–BiVO₄ heterostructure on degradation for nitroaromatic pollutants","authors":"Eda Sınırtaş Ilkme,&nbsp;Gulin Selda Pozan Soylu","doi":"10.1007/s10971-026-07220-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10971-026-07220-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>BiVO₄ was synthesized via the hydrothermal method at different temperatures. Metal oxide (CuO, NiO, Fe₂O₃) modified BiVO₄ nanocomposites were prepared using the impregnation method and then X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and other techniques. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism for nitroaromatic pollutants was analyzed by Liquid Chromatography-Mass/Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique. The results show that metal oxides successfully entered the BiVO₄ lattice structure; the composites exhibit strong interactions, narrow band gaps, and small particle sizes, which improve visible-light absorption. Due to the synergistic effect between metal oxide and BiVO₄, which causes weak recombination of electron-hole pairs and high photon efficiency. The nanocomposites exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic properties under light irradiation. The highest degradation efficiency was obtained with the BiVO₄(pH 2-100 ℃) at 100 °C. The addition of CuO to the BiVO₄ structure improved the photocatalytic degradation performance of nitroaromatic compounds. Complete degradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) was achieved in 30 min, and 4-nitroaniline (4-NA) was completely degraded in 60 min with BiVO₄-5CuO. BiVO₄-5CuO nanocomposite exhibits the highest photodegradation rate for 4-NP (1.30 min^–1) and 4-NA (1.41 min^–1). This work presents the synthesis of a novel nanocomposite, which has a spherical-like morphology, that exceptionally enhances the charge-carrying ability and thereby accelerates the photocatalytic degradation of nitrophenols.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":664,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology","volume":"119 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10971-026-07220-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148751052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}