Themed collection Photocatalysis and Photoelectrochemistry
Building heterogeneous nanostructures for photocatalytic ammonia decomposition
In this review, we summarize the recent advantages of heterogeneous nanostructures for photocatalytic ammonia decomposition.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 3610-3623
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NA00161A
Graphene nanocrystals in CO2 photoreduction with H2O for fuel production
Graphene nanocrystals can utilize solar light and are valuable in cases where electricity is lacking due to their chemical stability during the photocatalytic process, low cost and non-toxicity.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 991-1006
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00756C
Transparent conductive oxides in photoanodes for solar water oxidation
Rational designs of the conductive layer below photocatalytic films determine the efficiency of a photoanode for solar water oxidation.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 626-632
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00700H
Overall water splitting and hydrogen peroxide synthesis by gold nanoparticle-based plasmonic photocatalysts
“Solar hydrogen and oxygen cycles” involving hydrogen (H2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as the key compounds, respectively, can be driven by gold nanoparticle-based plasmonic photocatalysts.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 4238-4245
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00431A
Photo/electrocatalysis and photosensitization using metal nanoclusters for green energy and medical applications
This review summarizes recent developments in the photo/electro catalytic and photosensitizing characteristics of metal and alloy NCs for green energy and medical applications.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 17-36
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00583H
Mesocrystals for photocatalysis: a comprehensive review on synthesis engineering and functional modifications
In this review, we mainly summarize the important progresses made in the development of photocatalysis-oriented mesocrystals, including synthesis engineering, functional modifications (hybridization and doping), and typical structure-related photocatalytic mechanisms. Some urgent issues and perspectives have also been discussed.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 34-63
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NA00196K
Novel 3D hierarchically structured cauliflower-shaped SnO2 nanospheres as effective photoelectrodes in hybrid photovoltaics
Optical and electrical characteristics of wide bandgap metal oxides, namely the charge mobility, bandgap and energy level, directly define the performance and stability of photovoltaics.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 2167-2173
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00192A
Sunlight active U3O8@ZnO nanocomposite superfast photocatalyst: synthesis, characterization and application
Sunlight active U3O8@ZnO nanocomposite photocatalyst has been synthesized for the first time using co-precipitation method.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 481-485
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NA00051D
3D-printed Cu2O photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Cu2O 3D photoelectrode for PEC water splitting are realized by a sequential process including extrusion-based 3D printing and electrodeposition.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 5600-5606
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NA00512F
One-pot synthesis of MoS2(1−x)Se2x on N-doped reduced graphene oxide: tailoring chemical and structural properties for photoenhanced hydrogen evolution reaction
Molybdenum sulfoselenides are investigated as photoelectrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction. Crystallinity and selenium-to-sulphur ratio are key to control activity.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 4830-4840
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NA00375A
Enhancement of the photocatalytic synchronous removal of Cr(VI) and RhB over RP-modified flower-like SnS2
RP/SnS2 nanocomposite as photocatalyst was fabricated for the first time, exhibiting remarkable activity to synchronous removal of Cr(VI) and RhB. The possible pathway of carriers and photocatalytic degradation mechanism was systematically studied.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 4220-4228
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NA00489H
A solar-responsive zinc oxide photoanode for solar-photon-harvester photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells
Deposition of highly efficient, nanostructured, solar-responsive ZnO (SRZO) photoanode for H2 generation by solution precursor plasma spray deposition technique. In PEC Cell, SRZO shows a STH conversion efficiency of 2.32% as seen by evolved H2.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 3350-3357
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NA00139B
Agro-waste extracted cellulose supported silver phosphate nanostructures as a green photocatalyst for improved photodegradation of RhB dye and industrial fertilizer effluents
Re-utilization of waste for fabricating photocatalyst to treat polluted water.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 2870-2884
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NA00181C
A hierarchical SnS@ZnIn2S4 marigold flower-like 2D nano-heterostructure as an efficient photocatalyst for sunlight-driven hydrogen generation
Herein, we report the in situ single-step hydrothermal synthesis of hierarchical 2D SnS@ZnIn2S4 nano-heterostructures and the examination of their photocatalytic activity towards hydrogen generation from H2S and water under sunlight.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 2577-2586
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NA00175A
Bandgap engineering via boron and sulphur doped carbon modified anatase TiO2: a visible light stimulated photocatalyst for photo-fixation of N2 and TCH degradation
Doped anatase TiO2 towards photocatalytic N2 fixation and TCH degradation under visible light illumination.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 2004-2017
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NA00183J
A magnetic γ-Fe2O3@PANI@TiO2 core–shell nanocomposite for arsenic removal via a coupled visible-light-induced photocatalytic oxidation–adsorption process
A magnetic γ-Fe2O3@PANI@TiO2 nanocomposite acts as an efficient photocatalyst coupled with adsorption for arsenic removal. It could achieve a good capacity of As(III) removal under visible light.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 2018-2024
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NA00171F
Microdroplet photofuel cells to harvest high-density energy and dye degradation
Prototype microdroplet fuel cells propose a synergistic approach towards energy harvesting and environmental remediation, thereby advancing the development of sustainable hybrid devices.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 1613-1624
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00785G
Biogenic synthesis of a green tea stabilized PPy/SWCNT/CdS nanocomposite and its substantial applications, photocatalytic degradation and rheological behavior
A green tea leaf-derived cadmium sulfide quantum dot-based system containing different weight percentages of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and polypyrrole, named PSC, was designed via a green method.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 1634-1645
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NA00029A
Porous nickel doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles with improved visible light photocatalytic activity
A green hydrothermal synthesis route to prepare a porous Ni doped TiO2 nanostructured photocatalyst has been developed in this research. Ni doping can increase the visible light photocatalytic performance of TiO2 with cycle capability of 5 times.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 1352-1357
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00760A
Preparation of a Ti0.7W0.3O2/TiO2 nanocomposite interfacial photocatalyst and its photocatalytic degradation of phenol pollutants in wastewater
The Ti0.7W0.3O2/TiO2 nanocomposite interfacial photocatalyst was designed and prepared for the photocatalytic degradation of phenol pollutants in wastewater.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 425-437
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00478E
Isopropanol-assisted synthesis of highly stable MAPbBr3/p-g-C3N4 intergrowth composite photocatalysts and their interfacial charge carrier dynamics
Isopropanol-assisted synthesis MAPbBr3 wrapped/entrapped p-g-C3N4 intergrowth microcrystals have inverted type-I core/shell band configuration which leads to enhanced interfacial charge transfer and molecular oxygen activation.
Nanoscale Adv., 2020,2, 274-285
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00634F
Geometry-driven carrier extraction enhancement in photovoltaic cells based on arrays of subwavelength light funnels
Texturing the front surface of thin film photovoltaic cells with ordered or disordered arrangements of subwavelength structures is beneficial in terms of efficient light harvesting as well as efficient carrier extraction.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 4755-4763
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00599D
Synthesis of Au@TiO2 core–shell nanoparticles with tunable structures for plasmon-enhanced photocatalysis
Au@TiO2 core–shell nanocomposites with tunable morphology, shell thickness, and crystallinity are developed as effective catalysts for plasmon-enhanced photocatalysis.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 4522-4528
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00548J
Design of core–shell titania–heteropolyacid–metal nanocomposites for photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO at ambient temperature
We report new efficient core–shell nanocomposites for photocatalytic CO2 to CO conversion at ambient temperature with enhanced yield and selectivity.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 4321-4330
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00398C
Preparation and characterization of 0D Au NPs@3D BiOI nanoflower/2D NiO nanosheet array heterostructures and their application as a self-powered photoelectrochemical biosensing platform
SPR enhanced self-powered PEC sensing platform for glucose detection.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 4313-4320
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00394K
Enhancement of photoelectrochemical organics degradation and power generation by electrodeposited coatings of g-C3N4 and graphene on TiO2 nanotube arrays
Power is generated during organics photoelectrochemical degradation using electrodeposited coatings of g-C3N4 or graphene on TiO2 nanotube arrays.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 4128-4136
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00437H
Behavioral analysis of simultaneous photo-electro-catalytic degradation of antibiotic resistant E. coli and antibiotic via ZnO/CuI: a kinetic and mechanistic study
Photoelectrocatalytic mechanism of ZnO/CuI for antibiotic resistant bacterial disinfection.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 3992-4008
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00483A
In situ electron microscopy observation of the redox process in plasmonic heterogeneous-photo-sensitive nanoparticles
Observation of relevant phenomena related with dynamical redox process in a plasmonic heterogeneous-photocatalyst system composed by Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in contact with amorphous AgCl NPs are reported by in situ transmission electron microscopy.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 3909-3917
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00469F
A Ag nanoparticle functionalized Sg-C3N4/Bi2O3 2D nanohybrid: a promising visible light harnessing photocatalyst towards degradation of rhodamine B and tetracycline
Optimum Ag loading and hetero-junction formation of a Sg-C3N4/Bi2O3/Ag (15%) 2D-nanohybrid are responsible for enhanced degradation of RhB and TCH under visible light.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 3212-3224
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00172G
Low-temperature activation of carbon black by selective photocatalytic oxidation
Carbon black is chemically activated by selective TiO2 photocatalytic oxidation functionalizing the graphitic carbon fraction, while mineralizing amorphous carbon.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 2873-2880
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00188C
Enhanced photocatalysis and bacterial inhibition in Nb2O5via versatile doping with metals (Sr, Y, Zr, and Ag): a critical assessment
Enhanced photoactivity in Nb2O5 on incorporation of metal dopants towards degradation of water pollutants.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 2748-2760
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00305C
Constructing a novel family of halogen-doped covalent triazine-based frameworks as efficient metal-free photocatalysts for hydrogen production
Developing metal-free halogen-doped covalent triazine-based frameworks for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2-production performances.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 2674-2680
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00089E
Tailoring the stability, photocatalysis and photoluminescence properties of Au11 nanoclusters via doping engineering
Au8Ag3(PPh3)7Cl3 alloy nanoclusters with C3-axis Ag doping exhibit photothermodynamic and electrochemical stability improvements to afford photoluminescence and photocatalytic oxidation enhancement.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 2529-2536
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00234K
Facile construction of a novel NiFe2O4@P-doped g-C3N4 nanocomposite with enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity
Fabrication of a novel NFO@P–CN nanocomposite for the photocatalytic degradation of phenol and evolution of H2 through a Z-scheme mechanism.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 1864-1879
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00018F
Truncated octahedral bipyramidal TiO2/MXene Ti3C2 hybrids with enhanced photocatalytic H2 production activity
MXene Ti3C2/TiO2 hybrids with a 2D multilayer structure, prepared by calcination of F-terminated Ti3C2, exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic H2-production activity.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 1812-1818
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00023B
Large-scale synthesis of carbon dots/TiO2 nanocomposites for the photocatalytic color switching system
In view of the easy control and contactless spatial nature of light, the photoreversible color switching system has attracted tremendous attention.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 1819-1825
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NA00054B
Unraveling the impact of the Pd nanoparticle@BiVO4/S-CN heterostructure on the photo-physical & opto-electronic properties for enhanced catalytic activity in water splitting and one-pot three-step tandem reaction
Influence of Pd NPs in the BiVO4/S-CN photocatalyst is demonstrated for the efficient water splitting and imine synthesis via tandem reaction.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 1395-1412
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NA00372F
Enhanced charge separation in g-C3N4–BiOI heterostructures for visible light driven photoelectrochemical water splitting
Heterojunctions of the low bandgap semiconductor bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI) with bulk multilayered graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and few layered graphitic carbon nitride sheets (g-C3N4-S) are synthesized and investigated as an active photoanode material for sunlight driven water splitting.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 1460-1471
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NA00264A
An in situ Bi-decorated BiOBr photocatalyst for synchronously treating multiple antibiotics in water
A well-defined Bi/BiOBr flowerlike heterostructure has been fabricated via an in situ solvothermal strategy, and it exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for synchronously removing multiple antibiotics coexisting in water.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 1124-1129
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NA00197A
Green biomimetic preparation of efficient Ag–ZnO heterojunctions with excellent photocatalytic performance under solar light irradiation: a novel biogenic-deposition-precipitation approach
A novel biogenic-deposition-precipitation (BDP) approach has been presented for the preparation of stable binary composites using fennel seed extract.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 1035-1044
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NA00318A
Synthesis of nanoporous Mo:BiVO4 thin film photoanodes using the ultrasonic spray technique for visible-light water splitting
The use of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) scheelite structures for converting solar energy into fuels and chemicals for fast growth in lab to industrial scale for large-area modules is a key challenge for further development.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 799-806
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NA00209F
Photocatalytic overall water splitting on Pt nanocluster-intercalated, restacked KCa2Nb3O10 nanosheets: the promotional effect of co-existing ions
A significant promotional effect of co-existing ions on photocatalytic water splitting performance of KCa2Nb3O10 restacked nanosheets with deposited Pt nanoclusters is presented.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 189-194
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NA00240A
Rational design of C2N-based type-II heterojunctions for overall photocatalytic water splitting
We screened 2D monolayers to explore the materials which could be used to fabricate type-II heterojunctions with C2N monolayers to further improve their photocatalytic performance.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 154-161
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NA00084K
Construction of in situ self-assembled FeWO4/g-C3N4 nanosheet heterostructured Z-scheme photocatalysts for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B and tetracycline
Constructing a direct Z-scheme photocatalyst of in situ self-assembled FeWO4/g-C3N4 nanosheet composite provides a sustainable pathway for organic pollutant degradation.
Nanoscale Adv., 2019,1, 322-333
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NA00041G
About this collection
This topical collection highlights nanoscale-based approaches to photocatalysis and photoelectrochemistry, and includes contributions covering water splitting, CO2 photo-reduction, hydrogen evolution, waste treatment and biomedical applications.