ABSTRACT
The sphere-shaped zinc oxide (ZnO) photocatalyst was synthesized by the homogeneous precipitation method, using Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O as a zinc precursor and NH4OH as a precipitating agent. The morphology and crystal structure of the prepared ZnO sample were studied by XRD, SEM, FT-IR, XPS, zeta potential measurements, and a low-temperature nitrogen adsorption-desorption technique. The optical characteristics of ZnO were determined by UV - Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. ZnO photocatalyst performance of up to 100% within 210 min was observed in the photodegradation of the ofloxacin antibiotic under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The effect of antibiotic concentration, heavy metal ions, and water sources on the photocatalytic activity of ZnO demonstrated both the potential of its application under different conditions, and a good adaptability of this photocatalyst. The photodegradation reaction correlated well with the first-order kinetics model, with a rate constant of 0.0173 min-1. The reusability of the photocatalyst was verified after three cycles of use. Admittedly, photogenerated electrons and holes played a key role in removal of the antibiotic. This work showed the suitability of prepared ZnO for antibiotic removal, and its potential use for environmental protection.
ABSTRACT
In this work, large 3D Ti meshes fabricated by direct ink writing were wirelessly anodized for the first time to prepare highly photocatalytically active TiO2 nanotube (TNT) layers. The use of bipolar electrochemistry enabled the fabrication of TNT layers within the 3D Ti meshes without the establishment of an electrical contact between Ti meshes and the potentiostat, confirming its unique ability and advantage for the synthesis of anodic structures on metallic substrates with a complex geometry. TNT layers with nanotube diameters of up to 110 nm and thicknesses of up to 3.3 µm were formed. The TNT-layer-modified 3D Ti meshes showed a superior performance for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue in comparison to TiO2-nanoparticle-decorated and nonanodized Ti meshes (with a thermal oxide layer), resulting in multiple increases in the dye degradation rate. The results presented here open new horizons for the employment of anodized 3D Ti meshes in various flow-through (photo)catalytic reactors.
ABSTRACT
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have significant potential for hydrogen storage. The main benefit of MOFs is their reversible and high-rate hydrogen adsorption process, whereas their biggest disadvantage is related to their operation at very low temperatures. In this study, we describe selected examples of MOF structures studied for hydrogen adsorption and different factors affecting hydrogen adsorption in MOFs. Approaches to improving hydrogen uptake are reviewed, including surface area and pore volume, in addition to the value of isosteric enthalpy of hydrogen adsorption. Nanoconfinement of metal hydrides inside MOFs is proposed as a new approach to hydrogen storage. Conclusions regarding MOFs with incorporated metal nanoparticles, which may be used as nanoscaffolds and/or H2 sorbents, are summarized as prospects for the near future.
ABSTRACT
2D Ti-Fe multilayer preparation has been attracting increased interest due to its ability to form intermetallic compounds between metallic titanium and metallic iron thin layers. In particular, the TiFe compound can absorb hydrogen gas at room temperature. We applied femtosecond laser pulses to heat Ti-Fe multilayer structures to promote the appearance of intermetallic compounds and generate surface nanostructuring. The surface pattern, known as Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS), can accelerate the kinetics of chemical interaction between solid TiFe and gaseous hydrogen. The formation of LIPSS on Ti-Fe multilayered thin films were investigated using of scanning electron microscopy, photo-electron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. To explore the thermal response of the multiple layered structure and the mechanisms leading to surface patterning after irradiating the compound with single laser pulses, theoretical simulations were conducted to interpret the experimental observations.
ABSTRACT
Mechanochemical reactions between KBH4 and KBF4 result in the formation of potassium fluoroborohydrides K(BH(x)F(4-x)) (x = 0-4), as determined by (11)B and (19)F solid state NMR. The materials maintain the cubic KBH4 structure. Thermogravimetric (TG) data for a ball-milled sample with KBH4 : KBF4 = 3 : 1 are consistent with only desorption of hydrogen.
