ABSTRACT
MXene is an innovative multilayered material that has been prepared by an acid-salt (HCl + NH4F) etching route and tested for the removal of 133Ba and 137Cs in radioactive conditions for the first time. MXene has exhibited high uptake capacity of about 154.9 and 121.5 mg g-1 for 133Ba and 137Cs, respectively, in 0.01 mol L-1 solution and using 5 g L-1 of adsorbent at natural pH.
ABSTRACT
TiO2 nanotube (TNT) layers are generally prepared in fluoride-based electrolytes via electrochemical anodization that relies on the field-assisted dissolution of Ti metal forming nanoporous/nanotubular structures. However, the usage of fluoride ions is considered hazardous to the environment. Therefore, we present an environmentally friendly synthesis and application of TNT layers prepared in fluoride-free nitrate-based electrolytes. A well-defined nanotubular structure with thickness up to 1.5 µm and an inner tube diameter of â¼55 nm was obtained within 5 min using aqueous X(NO3)Y electrolytes (X = Na+, K+, Sr2+, Ag+). For the first time, we show the photocatalytic performance (using a model organic pollutant), HOË radical production, and thorough characterization of TNT layers prepared in such electrolytes. The highest degradation efficiency (k = 0.0113 min-1) and HOË radical production rate were obtained using TNT layers prepared in AgNO3 (Ag-NT). The intrinsic properties of Ag-NT such as the valence band maximum of â¼2.9 eV, surface roughness of â¼6 nm, and suitable morphological features and crystal structure were obtained. These results have the potential to pave the way for a more environmentally friendly synthesis of anodic TNT layers in the future using the next generation of fluoride-free nitrate-based electrolytes.
