Co-reporter:Yanjie Hao, Shi-Zhao Kang, Xing Liu, Xiangqing Li, Lixia Qin, and Jin Mu
ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2017 Volume 5(Issue 1) pp:
Publication Date(Web):November 14, 2016
DOI:10.1021/acssuschemeng.6b02499
In the present work, Cu/Ni-codoped Cd05Zn0.5S nanoplates were synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal process. Meanwhile, photocatalytic H2 evolution from water over the as-prepared Cu/Ni-codoped Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanoplates was investigated under visible irradiation using Na2S and Na2SO3 as sacrificial reagents. The results indicate that the as-prepared Cu/Ni-codoped Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanoplates are an efficient photocatalyst for visible-light-driven H2 evolution from water, and there exists obvious synergy effect between Cu and Ni dopants. The photocatalytic activity of the Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanoplates can be significantly enhanced due to the introduction of Cu and Ni. Under optimal conditions, the H2 evolution rate over the Cu/Ni-codoped Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanoplates is up to 58.33 mmol h–1 g–1, which is 3.5 times higher than that over the pure Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanoplates. Finally, the photocatalytic mechanism was preliminarily discussed.Keywords: Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanoplates; Cu; doping; Ni; photocatalytic hydrogen evolution;
Co-reporter:Xing Liu;Xiangqing Li;Lixia Qin;Jin Mu
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2017 vol. 5(Issue 28) pp:14682-14688
Publication Date(Web):2017/07/18
DOI:10.1039/C7TA04589A
In the present work, phosphorized Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanosheets were prepared through a hydrothermal process followed by phosphorization calcination at 500 °C. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared phosphorized Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanosheets was explored for H2 evolution from water under visible light irradiation. The results indicate that the photocatalytic activity of the Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanosheets can be dramatically enhanced by phosphorization. Under optimal conditions, the H2 evolution rate over the phosphorized Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanosheets is up to 22.5 mmol h−1 g−1, and the apparent quantum efficiency is about 4.6% at 450 nm, which is 1.3 times higher than that over the pure Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanosheets. Furthermore, the photocatalytic mechanism was preliminarily discussed. It is found that the aforementioned enhancement of the photocatalytic activity may be ascribed to the introduction of Zn3P2 clusters. Here, the Zn3P2 clusters serve as charge transferring sites and/or active sites, which leads to efficient separation of the photogenerated electrons and holes, fast charge transfer and a lower hydrogen overpotential.
Co-reporter:Juanjuan Huo, Xing Liu, Xiangqing Li, Lixia Qin, Shi-Zhao Kang
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 2017 Volume 42, Issue 23(Volume 42, Issue 23) pp:
Publication Date(Web):8 June 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.05.033
•Preparation of 3D mesoporous graphene assembly cross-linked by triethylenetetramine.•Photocatalytic system containing Eosin Y, graphene assembly and CuO nanoparticles.•Efficient visible photocatalyst for H2 evolution with a rate of 5.85 mmol h−1g−1.In the present work, 3D mesoporous graphene assembly was fabricated in a hydrothermal process using triethylenetetramine molecules as cross-linkers. And CuO nanoparticles were introduced in the graphene assembly via in-situ photodeposition. Then, a photocatalytic system containing Eosin Y as a sensitizer, graphene assembly as a supporter material and electron transfer channel, and CuO nanoparticles as an active center of H2 evolution from water was prepared. Meanwhile, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water over the as-prepared photocatalytic system was explored under visible irradiation. Furthermore, for practical purposes, the durability of the photocatalytic system was also studied. And the photocatalytic mechanism was preliminarily discussed. The experimental results indicate that the as-prepared photocatalytic system is an efficient photocatalyst for visible-light-driven H2 evolution from water. The rate of H2 evolution over the photocatalytic system is up to 5.85 mmol g−1 h−1 under optimal conditions, which is 2.3 times higher than that over reduced graphene oxide loaded with CuO. The 3D porous graphene assembly plays an important role in the photocatalytic process. It can not only efficiently enhance the electron transfer in the photocatalytic system, but also result in fast diffusion of sacrificial reagent and timely release of H2 bubbles. This work provides us with new possibility for designing an efficient Pt-free visible photocatalyst for H2 evolution from water.
Co-reporter:Hao Yan, Xiangqing Li, Lixia Qin, Shi-Zhao Kang
Catalysis Communications 2017 Volume 97(Volume 97) pp:
Publication Date(Web):5 July 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.catcom.2017.04.002
•Bipyridine covalently linked graphene monolith with 3D framework•Graphene monolith is an efficient Pt-free photocatalyst•Graphene monolith is a promising photocatalyst for continuous flow system•Rate of H2 evolution of approximately 1.07 mmol g− 1 h− 1In the present work, 4,4-bipyridine covalently-linked graphene monolith was prepared in a hydrothermal process. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic behavior of the as-prepared graphene monolith was explored in light-driven H2 evolution from water. The results indicate that the graphene monolith obtained consists of single or few-layered graphene nanosheets covalently-linked with 4,4-bipyridine and possesses a 3D framework. Moreover, the graphene monolith is a promising photocatalyst for the photocatalytic H2 evolution which is suitable for a continuous flow system. The rate of H2 evolution is up to 1.07 mmol g− 1 h− 1 under optimal conditions.Download high-res image (97KB)Download full-size image
Co-reporter:Qin Zhou, Shi-Zhao Kang, Xiangqing Li, Lixia Qin, Jin Mu
Applied Surface Science 2016 Volume 363() pp:659-663
Publication Date(Web):15 February 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.apsusc.2015.12.132
Highlights
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Tetragonal CuGaS2 film was prepared in a simple process.
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CuGaS2 film exhibits a narrow emission.
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High sensitivity to LNE with a detection limit of 2.83 ng cm−2.
Co-reporter:Lei Wang, Shi-Zhao Kang, Xiangqing Li, Lixia Qin, Hao Yan, Jin Mu
Materials Chemistry and Physics 2016 Volume 178() pp:190-195
Publication Date(Web):1 August 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.matchemphys.2016.05.004
•“Water dispersible” TiO2 nanoparticles with high photocatalytic activity.•100% Cr (VI) (10 mg L−1) can be reduced within 10 min.•Obvious decrease of electrical energy consumption.In the present work, “water dispersible” TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared, and meanwhile, their photocatalytic activity was systematically tested for the reduction of aqueous Cr(VI) ions. It is found that the as-prepared “water dispersible” TiO2 nanoparticles are a highly efficient photocatalyst for the reduction of Cr(VI) ions in water under UV irradiation, and suitable for the remediation of Cr(VI) ions wastewater with low concentration. Compared with commercial TiO2 nanoparticles (P25), the “water dispersible” TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit 3.8-fold higher photocatalytic activity. 100% Cr (VI) ions can be reduced into Cr(III) ions within 10 min when the Cr (VI) ions initial concentration is 10 mg L−1. Moreover, the electrical energy consumption can be obviously decreased using the “water dispersible” TiO2 nanoparticles. These results suggest that the “water dispersible” TiO2 nanoparticles are a promising photocatalyst for rapid removal of Cr (VI) in environmental therapy.
Co-reporter:Qifan Wang, Shi-Zhao Kang, Xiangqing Li, Ying-Wei Yang, Lixia Qin, Jin Mu
Journal of Alloys and Compounds 2015 Volume 631() pp:21-25
Publication Date(Web):15 May 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.jallcom.2014.12.259
•GeS2 nanoplates were prepared by a low temperature solvothermal process.•GeS2 nanoplates obtained possess high crystallinity.•Nanostructured GeS2 is first applied in the photocatalytic H2 evolution.Crystalline GeS2 nanoplates were prepared by low temperature solvothermal process and characterized with X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersion X-ray analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption, Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy and UV–vis–NIR diffuse reflectance absorption spectroscopy. Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water over the as-prepared GeS2 nanoplates was explored using Na2S and K2SO3 as sacrificial reagents. The results indicate that the crystalline orthorhombic GeS2 nanoplates can be obtained at 140 °C using this simple method and acetic acid as the solvent plays an important role in the formation of the GeS2 nanoplates. More importantly, the as-prepared GeS2 nanoplates can serve as a potential photocatalyst with a rate of H2 evolution of 144 μmol g−1 h−1 for hydrogen production from water when a xenon lamp is used as a light source. In addition, the formation mechanism of GeS2 nanoplates was preliminarily discussed.The crystalline GeS2 nanoplates have been successfully prepared in the low temperature solvothermal process. Meanwhile, the as-prepared crystalline GeS2 nanoplates show considerable photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution from water, implying that GeS2 nanomaterials have great potential in the field of hydrogen generation from light-driven water splitting.
Co-reporter:Ruixue Zhou, Shi-Zhao Kang, Xiangqing Li, Lei Wang, Lixia Qin and Jin Mu
RSC Advances 2015 vol. 5(Issue 9) pp:6954-6961
Publication Date(Web):18 Dec 2014
DOI:10.1039/C4RA12864H
In the present work, TiO2 nanotube arrays were fabricated on metallic Ti meshes using anodic oxidation method, and decorated with Pt via electrodeposition. Meanwhile, the application of the TiO2 nanotube arrays loaded with Pt in a continuous flow system was explored as a photocatalyst for H2 evolution from water. Furthermore, for practical purposes, the photocatalytic H2 evolution was studied as a function of content of loaded Pt, annealing temperature, anodic oxidation time, and flow velocity. The results indicate that the TiO2 nanotube arrays fabricated on metallic Ti meshes are an efficient photocatalyst which can be used in a continuous flow system for H2 evolution from water. During the first hour of irradiation, a rate of H2 evolution of approximately 4.6 L m−2 h−1 was achieved under optimal conditions. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 nanotube arrays fabricated on Ti meshes is obviously higher than that of the TiO2 nanotube arrays fabricated on metallic Ti foils. The rate of H2 evolution can increase by a factor of 5 when the TiO2 nanotube arrays are fabricated on metallic Ti meshes. Finally, the photocatalytic mechanism was preliminarily discussed.
Co-reporter:Wenjiu Wang, Shi-Zhao Kang, Dong Wang, Xiangqing Li, Lixia Qin and Jin Mu
RSC Advances 2015 vol. 5(Issue 128) pp:105969-105979
Publication Date(Web):07 Dec 2015
DOI:10.1039/C5RA24178B
In the present work, a photoelectrochemical system containing eosin Y, rhodamine B and graphene loaded with Pt nanoparticles was fabricated. The synergistic effect between eosin Y and rhodamine B was explored using photoelectrochemical techniques. The results show that there exists an obvious synergistic effect between eosin Y and rhodamine B in the as-fabricated photoelectrochemical system. Compared with the photoelectrochemical systems containing only eosin Y or rhodamine B, the photoelectrochemical system containing eosin Y and rhodamine B exhibits higher photoelectrochemical response. When graphene loaded with Pt nanoparticles is cosensitized by eosin Y and rhodamine B, the photocurrent is about 71% higher than the sum of the photocurrents of the photoelectrochemical system containing eosin Y and the photoelectrochemical system containing rhodamine B. This synergistic effect may be ascribed to the energy transfer from eosin Y to rhodamine B under irradiation. Herein, the Pt nanoparticles play an important role in the photovoltaic performance. The synergistic effect between eosin Y and rhodamine B cannot be observed if the Pt nanoparticles are absent. Moreover, the synergistic effect was investigated as a function of pH, content of Pt, molar ratio of eosin Y to rhodamine B, and total concentration of eosin Y and rhodamine B, respectively.
Co-reporter:Qin Zhou, Shi-Zhao Kang, Xiangqing Li, Lixia Qin, Jin Mu
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 2015 Volume 40(Issue 11) pp:4119-4128
Publication Date(Web):22 March 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.01.143
•AgGaS2 nanoplates were synthetized by a facile one-pot hydrothermal process.•Visible photocatalytic system containing AgGaS2 nanoplates and CuS.•“Explosive” photocatalytic H2 evolution with a rate of 772 μmol h−1 g−1.Crystalline tetragonal quasi-rounded AgGaS2 nanoplates with a diameter of about 40 nm were successfully synthetized by a facile one-pot hydrothermal process. The as-prepared product was characterized with X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms and UV–vis spectroscopy. Meanwhile, photocatalytic H2 evolution from water over the as-prepared AgGaS2 nanoplates loaded with CuS was explored using Na2S and Na2SO3 as sacrificial reagents. The results indicate that the AgGaS2 nanoplates loaded with CuS is an efficient photocatalyst under visible irradiation. More importantly, the photocatalytic H2 evolution is very rapid in the presence of the AgGaS2 nanoplates with CuS. In the first hour of irradiation, more than 65% of the total hydrogen production can be obtained and the rate is up to 772 μmol h−1 g−1. Furthermore, for practical purposes, the photocatalytic H2 evolution was studied as a function of content of loaded CuS, hydrothermal reaction temperature, hydrothermal reaction time, dosage of photocatalyst, and concentration of sacrificial reagents, respectively. At last, the formation mechanism of AgGaS2 nanoplates and the photocatalytic mechanism were preliminarily discussed.
Co-reporter:Cheng Huang, Shi-Zhao Kang, Xiangqing Li, Dong Wang, Lixia Qin, Deli Lu and Jin Mu
RSC Advances 2015 vol. 5(Issue 81) pp:65660-65667
Publication Date(Web):28 Jul 2015
DOI:10.1039/C5RA11248F
In the present work, a green efficient photocatalyst was prepared using a silicon nanowire array and nickel(II)-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid to reap three benefits simultaneously: (1) efficient H2 evolution under sunlight irradiation, (2) avoidance of the potential environment and health hazards that arise from the release of nanomaterials, (3) achievement of a Pt-free photocatalyst. The experimental results indicate that the as-prepared photocatalyst possesses high performance towards photocatalytic H2 evolution from water under simulated sunlight irradiation. A rate of H2 evolution of approximately 2.2 L m−2 h−1 can be achieved under optimal conditions. Here, nickel(II)-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid plays an important role in the photocatalytic process as both a sensitizer and a sacrificial reagent. The photocatalytic activity of the nickel(II)-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid sensitized silicon nanowire array is obviously higher than that of the silicon nanowire array. The rate of H2 evolution can be enhanced by a factor of 4 when nickel(II)-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid is used instead of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid disodium. Besides, the photocatalytic H2 evolution was studied as a function of the length of silicon nanowires, the concentration of nickel(II)-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and pH. And the photocatalytic mechanism was preliminarily discussed.
Co-reporter:Lixia Qin, Guofeng Si, Xiangqing Li and Shi-Zhao Kang
RSC Advances 2015 vol. 5(Issue 124) pp:102593-102598
Publication Date(Web):25 Nov 2015
DOI:10.1039/C5RA22757G
Herein, a series of novel SrTiO3 (STO) based photocatalysts loaded with Cu–Pt bimetallic co-catalysts have been synthesized through a simple photodeposition process. This photocatalyst of STO/Cu–Pt displayed enhanced photocatalytic activity for hydrogen generation from water in the presence of methanol as a sacrificial reagent. Moreover, the hydrogen generation efficiency over the STO/Cu95–Pt5 photocatalyst was about 2.79 and 1.76 times of STO/Cu100–Pt0 and STO/Cu0–Pt100, respectively. Thus, this Cu–Pt synergetic cocatalyst presents an inexpensive and high efficiency cocatalyst to achieve efficient hydrogen evolution from water.
Co-reporter:Luwei He;Xiangqing Li;Lei Wang;Lixia Qin;Jin Mu
Catalysis Letters 2015 Volume 145( Issue 6) pp:1307-1311
Publication Date(Web):2015 June
DOI:10.1007/s10562-015-1519-2
In this work, a photocatalytic system containing ZnO “nanograss”, Eosin Y and Pt was fabricated on an ITO substrate, and its photocatalytic activity was investigated for H2 evolution under visible irradiation. The results indicate that this photocatalytic system possesses high activity for visible-light-driven H2 evolution. A rate of H2 evolution of approximate 0.46 L m−2 h−1 was achieved under optimal condition, which is 1.26 times higher than that of the Eosin Y sensitized ZnO nanoparticles immobilized on the ITO substrate. At last, the enhancement mechanism of the photocatalytic activity was preliminarily discussed using photoelectrochemical techniques.
Co-reporter:Qin Zhou, Shi-Zhao Kang, Xiangqing Li, Lei Wang, Lixia Qin, Jin Mu
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 2015 Volume 465() pp:124-129
Publication Date(Web):20 January 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.colsurfa.2014.10.039
•Wurtzite CuGaS2 was prepared in a simple hydrothermal process.•CuGaS2 exhibit a narrow emission.•High sensitivity to LNE in water with a detection limit of 5 × 10−7 mol L−1.Wurtzite CuGaS2 was successfully synthesized in a facile one-pot hydrothermal process using CuCl, Ga(NO3)3 and thioacetamide as reagents. The as-prepared product was characterized with X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy. Furthermore, the application of CuGaS2 obtained in the trace detection of l-noradrenaline was explored as a photoluminescent probe. The results indicate that the as-prepared sample is an aggregation of wurtzite CuGaS2 nanosheets and nanorods, and possess high crystallinity. This CuGaS2 hierarchical nanostructure can exhibit a strong emission at 832 nm with full width at half maximum of approximate 20 nm. In addition, the as-prepared CuGaS2 possess high sensitivity to l-noradrenaline in water with a detectable concentration of 5.0 × 10−7 mol L−1 when it used as a photoluminescent probe, implying that it is a promising candidate in the field of biological and chemical sensing in future.
Co-reporter:Yilun Zou, Shi-Zhao Kang, Xiangqing Li, Lixia Qin, Jin Mu
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 2014 Volume 39(Issue 28) pp:15403-15410
Publication Date(Web):23 September 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2014.07.174
•Rutile TiO2 nanosheets were prepared by a simple solvothermal process.•Photocatalytic system containing TiO2 nanosheets and Cu was fabricated.•High rate of H2 evolution of approximately 22.1 mmol g−1 h−1.Rutile TiO2 nanosheets were prepared by a simple solvothermal process, and Cu was loaded on the surface of TiO2 nanosheets using the in situ photo-deposition method. Meanwhile, photocatalytic H2 evolution from water over the as-prepared TiO2 nanosheets loaded with Cu was explored using methanol as a sacrificial reagent. The results indicate that the TiO2 nanosheets loaded with Cu is an efficient photocatalyst under UV irradiation. During the first 5 h, a rate of H2 evolution of approximately 22.1 mmol g−1 h−1 was achieved under optimal conditions. Furthermore, for practical purposes, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution was studied as a function of content of Cu, pH of solution, concentration of methanol and dosage of photocatalyst, respectively. At last, the photocatalytic mechanism was preliminarily discussed.
Co-reporter:Shi-Zhao Kang, Ladi Jia, Xiangqing Li, Jin Mu
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 2012 Volume 398() pp:48-53
Publication Date(Web):20 March 2012
DOI:10.1016/j.colsurfa.2012.02.008
Quasi-monodispersed CdxZn1−xS nanocrystals were prepared in a solvothermal process and characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersion X-ray analysis (EDX), UV–vis diffuse reflectance absorption spectra and photoluminescence spectra. The results showed that the uniform CdxZn1−xS nanocrystals with narrow size distribution could be obtained using laurylamine as solvent; and the mean diameter was 2.8 nm. Meanwhile, it was also found that the band gap energies and the fluorescence emission peaks of as-prepared CdxZn1−xS nanocrystals systematically shifted to shorter wavelength with increasing Zn content. The Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanocrystals can exhibit obviously upconversion emission due to two-photon excitation. In addition, the preparation and properties of CdxZn1−xS nanocrystals were studied as functions of reaction time and reaction temperature, respectively.Graphical abstractHighlights► Quasi-monodispersed CdxZn1−xS nanocrystals were prepared in a solvothermal process. ► The emission systematically shifts to shorter wavelength with increasing Zn content. ► The Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanocrystals obtained can exhibit obviously upconversion emission.
Co-reporter:Xiangqing Li, Lifang Liu, Shi-Zhao Kang, Jin Mu, Guodong Li
Applied Surface Science 2011 Volume 257(Issue 14) pp:5950-5956
Publication Date(Web):1 May 2011
DOI:10.1016/j.apsusc.2011.01.058
Abstract
In order to study the effects of anchoring modes on the properties of porphyrin zinc (ZnP) coupled titanate nanotubes (TNTs), the TNTs coupled with 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin zinc (ZnTPP) and 5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin zinc (ZnMOHPP), which were denoted as TNTs–ZnTPP and TNTs–ZnMOHPP, were prepared using a simple refluxing method, respectively. Based on the different experimental phenomena observed during the synthesis process as well as the results of the spectral characterization, thermogravimetric analysis, photocatalysis test and photoelectrochemistry measurement, it was demonstrated that the ZnMOHPP molecules were bonded mainly on the outer surfaces of the TNTs through hydrogen bonds, while the ZnTPP molecules were physically adsorbed into the pore channels of the TNTs via a capillary process. The different anchoring modes of ZnP on the TNTs as well as the special morphology of TNTs resulted in the remarkable distinctions in the thermal stability, photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical properties.
Co-reporter:Shi-Zhao Kang, Hong Chen, Jin Mu
Solid State Sciences 2011 Volume 13(Issue 1) pp:142-145
Publication Date(Web):January 2011
DOI:10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2010.11.001
In the present work, the electrodes modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes carrying Fe3O4 beads (Fe3O4/MWCNTs) were fabricated and their electrochemical behavior was investigated by using cyclic voltammetry. Meanwhile, the sensitivity to H2O2 (aq) of these electrodes was also explored. The results indicate that the electrodes coated with Fe3O4/MWCNTs exhibit high sensitivity to H2O2 (aq) with a detectable concentration of 1.6 × 10−9 mol⋅dm−3, implying promising for the development of carbon nanotubes-based biosensing devices.The electrodes modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes carrying Fe3O4 beads (Fe3O4/MWCNTs) were fabricated and the sensitivity to H2O2 (aq) of these electrodes was explored. The results indicate that the electrodes coated with Fe3O4/MWCNTs exhibit high sensitivity to H2O2 (aq) with a detectable concentration of 1.6 × 10−9 mol⋅dm−3.
Co-reporter:Shi-Zhao Kang, Die-er Yin, Xiangqing Li, Jin Mu
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 2011 Volume 384(1–3) pp:363-367
Publication Date(Web):5 July 2011
DOI:10.1016/j.colsurfa.2011.04.036
The multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified with hydroxyl groups were prepared in deoxygenated tetrahydrofuran using sodium zincate as an electrophilic reagent. NaOH solution and Zn powder were mixed to synthesize sodium zincate. The multiwalled carbon nanotubes were covalently modified with hydroxyl groups by the reaction between sodium zincate and multiwalled carbon nanotubes under sonication at room temperature. The product was characterized with FT-IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope. The results indicate that the multiwalled carbon nanotubes are readily modified with hydroxyl groups, and their diameter and morphology are well retained. Moreover, the multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified with hydroxyl groups can be highly dispersed in ethanol to form a uniform and stable solution.Graphical abstractHighlights► The multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified with hydroxyl groups were prepared. ► Their dispersibility in ethanol was evaluated. ► This route offers a simple and mild approach for the modification of MWNTs. ► MWNTs modified with hydroxyl groups obtained can be well dispersed in alcohol.
Co-reporter:Xiangqing Li, Ying Cheng, Shizhao Kang, Jin Mu
Applied Surface Science 2010 Volume 256(Issue 22) pp:6705-6709
Publication Date(Web):1 September 2010
DOI:10.1016/j.apsusc.2010.04.074
Abstract
An inorganic–organic composite (ZnO/TAPPI–CoTPPS) composed of ZnO microrods and nano-heteroaggregates containing tetrakis(4-trimethylaminophenyl) porphyrin (TAPPI) and tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin cobalt(II) (CoTPPS), has been achieved by a simple mixing method. From the solid diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectrum of ZnO/TAPPI–CoTPPS, it can be observed that the Soret band of the porphyrin heteroaggregate of ZnO/TAPPI–CoTPPS is blue-shifted in comparison with that of the pure TAPPI–CoTPPS heteroaggregate while the Q bands are red-shifted, which demonstrates that there exists some interaction between the porphyrin heteroaggregate and ZnO. In addition, the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) in water catalyzed by ZnO/TAPPI–CoTPPS was investigated at room temperature. Under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm), the photocatalytic activity of the ZnO/TAPPI–CoTPPS composite was higher than those of the porphyrin monomers modified ZnO composite and pure ZnO.
Co-reporter:Shi-Zhao Kang, Tan Wu, Xiangqing Li, Jin Mu
Materials Letters 2010 Volume 64(Issue 12) pp:1404-1406
Publication Date(Web):30 June 2010
DOI:10.1016/j.matlet.2010.03.043
Li2ZrO3 nanoparticles containing Li6Zr2O7 were prepared by a biomimetic soft solution route and characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and nitrogen adsorption. The results show that the tetragonal Li2ZrO3 nanoparticles containing monoclinic Li6Zr2O7 can be obtained using this simple method. The mean diameter of the nanoparticles is approximately 90 nm and the corresponding specific surface area is 23.7 m2 g− 1. Moreover, the Li2ZrO3 nanoparticles obtained were thermally analyzed under a CO2 flux to evaluate their CO2 capture capacity at high temperature. It was found that the as-prepared Li2ZrO3 nanoparticles would be an effective acceptor for high temperature CO2 capture.
Co-reporter:Shi-Zhao Kang, Hong Chen, Xiangqing Li, Jin Mu
Diamond and Related Materials 2010 Volume 19(Issue 10) pp:1221-1224
Publication Date(Web):October 2010
DOI:10.1016/j.diamond.2010.06.014
l-alanine ethyl ester modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs-Ala) were prepared and characterized with FT-IR spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of d- and l-tryptophan on the MWNTs-Ala coated electrode was investigated by using cyclic voltammetry. Meanwhile, in order to understand the mechanism of the electrochemical process, the electrochemical behavior of d- and l-tryptophan on the bare glassy carbon electrode and the electrode coated with MWNTs having carboxyl groups (MWNTs-COOH) was also discussed, respectively. The results showed that the electrode coated with MWNTs-Ala could recognize the d- and l-tryptophan chiral isomers due to the introduction of l-alanine ethyl ester on the MWNTs. Furthermore, the enantioselectivity of the MWNTs-Ala coated electrode was studied as functions of the solution pH and scan rate.
Co-reporter:Shi-Zhao Kang, Tan Wu, Xiangqing Li, Jin Mu
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 2010 Volume 369(1–3) pp:268-271
Publication Date(Web):20 October 2010
DOI:10.1016/j.colsurfa.2010.08.029
In the present work, ZnO nanosheets were prepared in a simple gelatin assisted pyrolytic process and characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV–vis spectrum, fluorescence spectrum and nitrogen adsorption. A growth mechanism for the ZnO nanosheets was proposed on the basis of thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Meanwhile, Rhodamine B (RhB) as a model pollutant was used to probe the photocatalytic activity of the ZnO nanosheets. The results show that the wurtzite ZnO nanosheets with high crystallinity can be obtained using this simple method. Gelatin plays an important role in the formation of the ZnO nanosheets. Moreover, the ZnO nanosheets would be an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of RhB under UV irradiation.
Co-reporter:Shi-Zhao Kang, Yi-Kai Yang, Wenbo Bu, Jin Mu
Journal of Solid State Chemistry 2009 Volume 182(Issue 11) pp:2972-2976
Publication Date(Web):November 2009
DOI:10.1016/j.jssc.2009.08.014
TiO2 nanoparticles incorporated with CuInS2 clusters were prepared in a solvothermal process and characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersion X-ray analysis (EDX). Compared with pure TiO2 nanoparticles, the TiO2 nanoparticles incorporated with CuInS2 clusters display higher photocatalytic activity with 99.9% of degradation ratio of 4-nitrophenol after 2 h irradiation. In order to investigate the effect of the CuInS2 clusters on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles, diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectra (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and photocurrent action spectra were measured. The results indicate that the enhanced photocatalytic activity is probably due to the interface between TiO2 and CuInS2 as a trap of the photogenerated electrons to decrease the recombination of electrons and holes.Kinetic curves of 4-nitrophenol (1.44×10−4 mol L−1) degradation under UV irradiation.
Co-reporter:Wei Zhou, Xiangqing Li, Lixia Qin, Shi-Zhao Kang
Journal of Materials Science & Technology (January 2017) Volume 33(Issue 1) pp:
Publication Date(Web):January 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.jmst.2016.03.013
In this study, Ag2ZnGeO4 flower-like hierarchical nanostructure was prepared using a simple and mild method. The as-prepared samples were characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption and desorption isotherms. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared samples was explored using Rhodamine B as a model pollutant. The results indicated that the Ag2ZnGeO4 hierarchical nanostructures obtained consisted of nanoplates and nanorods, and adopted spherical flower-like morphology. Moreover, the as-prepared Ag2ZnGeO4 hierarchical nanostructure was an efficient and stable visible-light photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dyes in water. After visible light irradiation for 105 min, the degradation of Rhodamine B was up to 92%. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of Ag2ZnGeO4 remained unchanged after three successive cycles.
Co-reporter:Qiang Zhang, Shi-Zhao Kang, Dong Wang, Xiangqing Li, Lixia Qin, Jin Mu
Catalysis Communications (5 July 2016) Volume 82() pp:7-10
Publication Date(Web):5 July 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.catcom.2016.04.003
•Multi-layered mesh-like MoS2 hierarchical nanostructure fabricated on Ti foil•The MoS2 hierarchical nanostructure is an efficient Pt-free photocatalyst.•Rate of H2 evolution of approximately 240 μmol g− 1 h− 1In the present work, multi-layered mesh-like MoS2 hierarchical nanostructure was fabricated on a Ti foil in a hydrothermal process. Meanwhile, photocatalytic H2 evolution from water over the as-prepared MoS2 hierarchical nanostructure was investigated under visible irradiation. The results indicate that the as-prepared MoS2 hierarchical nanostructure consists of the vertically grown few-layers MoS2 nanosheets. And this three-dimensional mesh-like MoS2 hierarchical nanostructure possesses high photocatalytic activity for visible-light-driven H2 evolution from water. A rate of H2 evolution of approximately 240 μmol g− 1 h− 1 was achieved under optimal conditions. Furthermore, the photocatalytic mechanism was preliminarily discussed.Download full-size image
Co-reporter:Xing Liu, Xiangqing Li, Lixia Qin, Jin Mu and Shi-Zhao Kang
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2017 - vol. 5(Issue 28) pp:NaN14688-14688
Publication Date(Web):2017/06/19
DOI:10.1039/C7TA04589A
In the present work, phosphorized Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanosheets were prepared through a hydrothermal process followed by phosphorization calcination at 500 °C. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared phosphorized Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanosheets was explored for H2 evolution from water under visible light irradiation. The results indicate that the photocatalytic activity of the Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanosheets can be dramatically enhanced by phosphorization. Under optimal conditions, the H2 evolution rate over the phosphorized Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanosheets is up to 22.5 mmol h−1 g−1, and the apparent quantum efficiency is about 4.6% at 450 nm, which is 1.3 times higher than that over the pure Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanosheets. Furthermore, the photocatalytic mechanism was preliminarily discussed. It is found that the aforementioned enhancement of the photocatalytic activity may be ascribed to the introduction of Zn3P2 clusters. Here, the Zn3P2 clusters serve as charge transferring sites and/or active sites, which leads to efficient separation of the photogenerated electrons and holes, fast charge transfer and a lower hydrogen overpotential.
