Lignin‐Derived Carbon Nanofibers Loaded with TiO₂ Enables Efficient Photocatalysis

Abstract

The high value‐added application of lignin is of great significance for the effective utilization of biomass and environmental protection. In this work, TiO2‐loaded lignin‐derived carbon nanofibers (TiO2@LCNFs) are developed by the process of electrospinning, per‐oxidation, and carbonization. The effects of TiO2 content, carbonization temperature, initial RhB concentration, and solution pH value on the photocatalytic efficiency are systematically studied. Up to 86% photocatalytic efficiency and excellent cycling stability of the TiO2@LCNFs to rhodamine B under optimized conditions are achieved. The superior catalytic property of the TiO2@LCNFs can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the uniform distribution of TiO2 on the fiber surface and the good electrical conductivity of LCNFs. It is expected that this work will provide some guidance for the preparation of efficient photocatalytic materials, especially those based on biomass‐derived fiber materials.

Heteroatom‐Doped Carbon Nanotube Membranes from Waste Biomass for Photoelectro‐Catalytic Water Purification

“…These values are lower than those of 2.91 and −0.29 eV for TiO 2 , respectively. [72] In this sense, the introduction of TiO 2 increases the energy level in the heterojunction of CNTM and C 3 N 4 , resulting in a multicomponent semiconductor heterojunction. This heterojunction can improve the separation efficiency of holes and can further enhance the photocatalytic ability.…”

Biowaste valorization: multifunctional hybrid lignin/TiO2 nanostructures for bacterial-biocide disinfection and dye removal

“…18,19 Among them, titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) is one of the most interesting, due to its availability and low toxicity; specifically, TiO 2 could interact with lignin through the formation of metalligand complexes, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and van der Waals force, thus impacting the overall morphology and the activity of the final material. 20,21 For instance, TiO 2 -lignin hybrid nanomaterials have been previously developed as additives to enhance the mechanical and the functional properties of polymeric materials, 22,23 as metal ion adsorbers, 24 as antimicrobial or antioxidant agents, [25][26][27] as (photo)catalysts, [28][29][30] and as UV-protecting agents for cosmetic applications. 25,31,32 However, to our knowledge, most of the scientific literature on this subject has concentrated on the extra situ modification of prepared TiO 2 nanoparticles and often includes calcination steps, leading to a partial degradation of lignin.…”

“…For instance, TiO 2 –lignin hybrid nanomaterials have been previously developed as additives to enhance the mechanical and the functional properties of polymeric materials, 22,23 as metal ion adsorbers, 24 as antimicrobial or antioxidant agents, 25–27 as (photo)catalysts, 28–30 and as UV-protecting agents for cosmetic applications. 25,31,32…”

Push–Pull Engine─Electron Pumping by Anchored Ligands over ZnO/C: Boosting Photo-Fenton-Like Catalysis without Additional Oxidants

“…Since its inception by Honda and Fujishima, heterogeneous photocatalysis has been attributed to the photogenerated charges (excitons). − Therefore, efficient photocatalysis relies on enhanced exciton generation, their effective diffusion to the external surface, and subsequent transfer to reactants at the interface. , As a surface phenomenon, the catalytic performance of heterogeneous photocatalysts is intricately linked to the accessibility of reactants to the active surface sites. , Taking this into consideration, a metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived metal-oxide nanocomposite, referred to as ZnO/C HNMs, was developed by us . In this catalyst, ZnO nanoparticles are evenly dispersed within a hierarchically assembled mesoporous carbon matrix.…”