Nano-Photocatalytic Materials: Possibilities and Challenges

Abstract

Photocatalysis is one of the most promising processes within catalysis, due to its increasing potential and the possibility of its being combined with renewable solar energy. There are countless applications, such as hydrogen production from wastewater, decontamination and disinfection of gaseous and water effluents, and more specific applications such as autocleaning surfaces, biosensors, or new chemical synthesis pathways [...]

Photocatalytic degradation of PET microfibers and hydrogen evolution by Ni5P4/TiO2/C NFs

“…Due to the intrinsic band gap of pure TiO 2 (band gap energy 3.2 eV), the prepared pure TiO 2 has an obvious absorption edge at about 380 nm. 28 When the carbon nanofiber film is used as the support, the absorption of TiO 2 /C NFs is significantly enhanced at 400–800 nm, due to the fact that the fiber carbon matrix can decrease the reflection of light. 29 In addition, Ni 5 P 4 has light absorption in the whole optical region, and the absorbance of Ni 5 P 4 /TiO 2 /C NFs in the whole optical region is enhanced as a whole, contributing to the improvement of catalytic performance.…”

Photocatalytic Antimicrobials: Principles, Design Strategies, and Applications

“…However, the major disadvantage of the TiO 2 photocatalyst in practical antimicrobial applications is the limitation caused by UV irradiation. Original TiO 2 can only absorb UV light, while UV light only accounts for ∼4% of solar energy, resulting in low solar-energy utilization and restricted photocatalytic performance . At the same time, the inadequate penetration of UV light into tissue is another key drawback for biomedical application, so it is only suitable for antibacterial treatment of superficial tissues, and the therapeutic effect on deep tissue infection such as organ inflammation is greatly reduced.…”

“…Original TiO 2 can only absorb UV light, while UV light only accounts for ∼4% of solar energy, resulting in low solar-energy utilization and restricted photocatalytic performance. 90 At the same time, the inadequate penetration of UV light into tissue is another key drawback for biomedical application, so it is only suitable for antibacterial treatment of superficial tissues, and the therapeutic effect on deep tissue infection such as organ inflammation is greatly reduced. In addition, many biological molecules, such as proteins and enzymes, would denature under UV light exposure.…”

Exploring structural, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of CeO2-X (X = Pt/Ni) doped and Pt-Ni co-doped CeO2 for optoelectronic applications

“…Increasing global energy crises has produced a valid reason for scientists to propose materials which have photosensitive or optoelectronic applications [14]. In the last few decades, field of optoelectronics has become significant owing to vast applications in modern devices such as solar cells, holography, artificial intelligence, optical memory, optoelectronic synapses, bio-electronic and charge storage devices.…”