Novel Nd-N/TiO2 Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic and Antioxidant Applications Using Hydrothermal Approach

Abstract

In this study, photocatalysis was employed to degrade a wastewater pollutant (AB-29 dye) under visible light irradiation. For this purpose, nitrogen (N)- and neodymium (Nd)-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared using the simple hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed an anatase phase structure of the Nd-N/TiO2 photocatalyst, whereas properties including the surface morphology, chemical states/electronics structure and optical structure were determined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–visible (UV–vis.) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. Photocatalytic testing of the prepared nanomaterials was performed to remove acid blue-29 (AB-29) dye under visible-light exposure. The prepared Nd-N/TiO2 nanoparticles demonstrated a superior photocatalytic activity and the decolorization efficiency was about 92% after visible-light illumination for 1 h and 20 min, while N/TiO2, Nd/TiO2 and TiO2 only showed a 67%, 43% and 31% decolorization efficiency, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the Nd-N/TiO2 photocatalyst was due to a decrease in the electron/hole’s recombination and the increased absorption of TiO2 in the visible range. The reusability results showed that the average photocatalytic activity decrease for all the samples was only about 16% after five consecutive cycles, indicating a good stability of the prepared nanomaterials. Moreover, the radical scavenging activity of the prepared nanomaterials was evaluated using the DPPH method. The novel Nd-N/TiO2 exhibited a higher antioxidant activity compared to all the other samples.

Long-Term Stable Complementary Electrochromic Device Based on WO3 Working Electrode and NiO-Pt Counter Electrode

“…However, the mismatch of charge capacity between cathode and anode films results in poor stability of these ECDs, as evidenced by the tendency toward uneven coloration and bubbles after multiple cycles [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. To ensure the practical application of ECDs in smart windows, electronic displays and anti-glare mirrors, further improvement of the cycling performance and stability of the devices remains the main focus of current research [ 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”

Enhanced photocatalytic and electrochemical performance of hydrothermally prepared NiO‐doped Co nanocomposites

“…The XRD analysis also showed that NiO‐doped Co nanoparticles had smaller grain sizes than undoped NiO nanoparticles, with an average size of 26 nm. Adding cobalt ions resulted in broader Bragg's peak positions and increased peak intensity [35–40]. The formation of new peak positions such as (100), (232), and (103) indicated the presence of face‐centered cubic phases in the NiO‐doped Co nanocomposites.…”

Catalytic Decomposition of H2O2 in the Aqueous Dispersions of the Potassium Polytitanates Produced in Different Conditions of Molten Salt Synthesis

“…Thus, the PPT powders, produced via molten salt synthesis and characterized with high [Ti 3+ ], can be considered new promising low-cost catalysts of H 2 O 2 decomposition in aqueous solutions and may be recommended for use in the oxidation processes of green chemistry and in the systems generating O 2 with a controlled rate, i.e., for medical purposes (oxy-therapy). The powdered products obtained as a result of the PPT chemical interaction with H 2 O 2 aqueous solutions (peroxide form of potassium polytitanate) have a yellow color and could be potentially considered prospective photocatalysts that can be active in the visible range of solar radiation and could be destined for water purification or antioxidant applications, similar to [ 45 ].…”