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Low crystalline photocatalysts with unsaturated active sites, such as oxygen vacancy (Ov), is reported to exhibit enhanced adsorption and activation of oxygen‐containing small molecules, such as H2O and CO2, thus boosting the activity in photocatalytic H2 evolution and CO2 reduction. However, numerous low‐crystalline photocatalysts show unsatisfactory stability due to the easily repaired surface Ov. Herein, three SnNb2O6 with different crystallinity were prepared by hydrothermal approach with similar precursors. Compared with bulk SnNb2O6 and ultra‐thin layered SnNb2O6, low‐crystalline SnNb2O6 (SNA) exhibits optimal visible‐light‐driven evolution rates of H2 (86.04 μmol g−1 h−1) and CO from CO2 (71.97 μmol g−1 h−1), which is mainly ascribed to the fast separation of the photogenerated carriers and enhanced photoreduction power caused by the surface Ov. More importantly, the sharp decrease of photocatalytic activity of SNA after seven cycles is well restored by the hydrothermal treatment of recycled SNA, ascribed to the reactivated surface Ov with the recovered low‐crystalline structure. These works thus offer a promising strategy for developing low‐crystalline and amorphous photocatalysts with high activity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports on the simple fabrication of a silver loaded and carbon doped zinc tantalate (Ag/C-ZnTa2O6) photocatalyst with visible light photocatalytic activity toward broad wastewater remediation, including high photo-reduction of Cr(VI) (98.4% in 210 min), excellent photo-oxidation of tetracycline hydrochloride (94.7% in 210 min), and superior photo-degradation of multiple dyes (>99.0% within 210 min). The optimal photocatalytic performance of Ag/C-ZnTa2O6 is mainly due to the excellent visible light absorption capacity and superior electron–hole separation efficiency, which is ascribed to the complementary behavior between carbon doping and silver loading. Particularly, the generation of defects due to C-doping is greatly inhibited by Ag-loading, and the SPR effect of Ag nanoparticles is enhanced due to the obstruction of Ag+ by C doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pt/WO3-NaTaO3 composite catalysts for different W/Ta molar ratios were obtained via a facile hydrothermal method. The WO3-NaTaO3 heterojunction was constituted and could be regulated by the adjustment of the W : Ta ratio, as confirmed by multiple characterizations. Due to the favorable CO anti-poisoning characteristics ascribed to the sufficient surface –OHad provided by both WO3 and NaTaO3, excellent stability of the WO3-NaTaO3 composite in acidic and alkaline environments, and charge transfer from metal oxide to Pt, the as-obtained Pt/WO3-NaTaO3 composite catalyst could exhibit desirably high electrocatalytic performances. As a result, the as-prepared Pt/WO3-NaTaO3 (W : Ta = 3 : 1) and Pt/WO3-NaTaO3 (W : Ta = 0.2 : 1) products exhibited optimal performances in the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) process in acids and alkalis, respectively, as compared to those of commercial Pt/C, Pt/NaTaO3, and Pt/WO3 catalysts. In particular, in acidic and alkaline environments, the highest electrocatalytic activity of Pt/WO3-NaTaO3 catalyst could reach three times that of commercial Pt/C and its stability could reach more than five times that of commercial Pt/C. Density functional theory calculations further proved the enhancement of WO3 with regard to methanol electrooxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag3VO4/mpg‐C3N4 (mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride) heterojunction photocatalysts were prepared by anchoring tiny Ag3VO4 particles on the nanosheet of mpg‐C3N4. The prepared Ag3VO4/mpg‐C3N4 heterojunctions were used to remove tetracycline (TC), a kind of antibiotics widely released into the aquatic environment under solar irradiation. Compared with pure mpg‐C3N4 and Ag3VO4, Ag3VO4/mpg‐C3N4 displayed much higher photocatalytic activity (83.2% removal rate within 90 min under visible‐light irradiation). Importantly, no apparent deactivation was observed for Ag3VO4/mpg‐C3N4‐40 after five cycles, inferring a good reusability. As confirmed by photocurrent measurement and photoluminescence spectra, the excellent photocatalytic property of Ag3VO4/mpg‐C3N4 was credit to the electron–hole separation enhancement at the formed heterojunction of two semiconductors. In addition, a possible mechanism and intermediate products for the Ag3VO4/mpg‐C3N4 photocatalysts toward the photodegradation of TC in aqueous solution under artificial sunlight radiation were proposed based on the scavengers trapping test, ESR spectra and a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometer (MS) analysis. This investigation provides a low cost, green and easily practical approach to remove the antibiotics in the aquatic environment. The intermediate products and reaction pathway for TC degradation over Ag3VO4/mpg‐C3N4 are presented with the assistance of theoretical analysis and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon dots (C-dots) mediated Sn 2 Ta 2 O 7 /SnO 2 heterostructures with spongy structure were successfully assembled by simple hydrothermal route. The photocatalytic removal efficiency of amoxicillin (AMX, 20 mg L−1) over C-dots/Sn 2 Ta 2 O 7 /SnO 2 was estimated to reach up 88.3% within 120 min simulated solar light irradiating. Meanwhile, the HPLC-MS/MS analysis and density functional theory (DFT) computation were examined to clarify the photo-degradation pathway of AMX. The mechanism investigation proposed that with the modification of C-dots, the photocatalysts improves the utilization of solar energy by harvesting the long wavelength solar light due to their unique up-converted photoluminescence (UCPL). In addition, the porous spongy structure and plenty of tiny C-dots promote the ability of adsorption by enlarged specific surface area. Furthermore, the C-dots mediated Z-type heterojunction of Sn 2 Ta 2 O 7 /SnO 2 facilitates the efficient separation and transfer of photo-induced carriers. Our work affords a promising approach for the design of the high-efficient photocatalysts to remedy poisonous antibiotics in aqueous environment. Image 1 • C-dots mediated Z-type Sn 2 Ta 2 O 7 /SnO 2 heterojunction was successfully assembled. • C-dots/Sn 2 Ta 2 O 7 /SnO 2 displays high photocatalytic activity and reusability to AMX. • UCPL effect of C-dots and self-doping of Sn2+-Sn4+ pair extend solar light harvest. • C-dot accelerates electron transport due to its good electrical conductivity. • High redox potentials are maintained by a Z-type electron's transfer tunnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin niobate photocatalysts with the phase structures of froodite (SnNb2O6) and pyrochlore (Sn2Nb2O7) were obtained by a facile solvothermal method in order to explore the impact of phase structure and electronic structure on the charge kinetics and photocatalytic performance. By employing tin niobate as a model compound, the effects of phase structure over electronic structure, photocatalytic activity toward methyl orange solution and hydrogen evolution were systematically investigated. It is found that the variation of phase structure from SnNb2O6 to Sn2Nb2O7 accompanied with modulation of particle size and band edge potentials that has great consequences on photocatalytic performance. In combination with the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), transient photocurrent responses, transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS), and the analysis of the charge-carrier dynamics suggested that variation of electronic structure has great impacts on the charge separation and transfer rate of tin niobate photocatalysts and the subsequent photocatalytic performance. Moreover, the results of the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the existent of Sn4+ species in Sn2Nb2O7 could result in a decrease in photocatalytic activity. Photocatalytic test demonstrated that the SnNb2O6 (froodite) catalyst possesses a higher photocatalytic activity toward MO degradation and H2 evolution compared with the sample of Sn2Nb2O7 (pyrochlore). On the basis of spin resonance measurement and trapping experiment, it is expected that photogenerated holes, O2−•, and OH• active species dominate the photodegradation of methyl orange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CO 2 photocatalytic reduction is an essential strategy to meet with the carbon-neutral cycle. This investigation presents the successful preparation of a CuBi 2 O 4 /Bi 12 O 17 Cl 2 (CuBO/UBOCl) composite for CO 2 photocatalytic reduction, forming a series S-type heterostructures where CuBO rectangle plates tile on UBOCl nano-belts. The optimal CuBO/UBOCl-50 % achieved significant CO 2 reduction to CO (231.84 μmol·g−1) within 3 hours of simulated sunlight irradiation, with dramatically improved stability. Mechanistically, CuBO's narrowed band gap enables efficient solar energy absorption, while UBOCl's abundant anion defects facilitate CO 2 trapping, enhancing photocatalytic performance. Furthermore, the formation of a S-type heterostructure can best separate photo-carriers and maintain strong redox capacity. In conclusion, this investigation proposes a novel approach for developing solar-driven photocatalysts for effective CO 2 conversion. • A S-type heterostructure photocatalyst was prepared with rectangle CuBi 2 O 4 tile on Bi 12 O 17 Cl 2 nanobelt. • CuBi 2 O 4 /Bi 12 O 17 Cl 2 reduce CO 2 to CO with a 77.28 μmol·g−1∙h−1 yield by 3 h sunlight irradiation. • A band narrowed CuBi 2 O 4 adsorbs solar energy and defects affluent Bi 12 O 17 Cl 2 traps CO 2. • CuBi 2 O 4 /Bi 12 O 17 Cl 2 array well separate electron-hole and maintain strong redox ability. • CuBi 2 O 4 /Bi 12 O 17 Cl 2 exhibits good stability, ascribed to the strong component's interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring cheap, eco-friendliness, and highly efficiency photocatalysts for improving the degradation performance of ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a challenge in the environmental remediation field. Herein, 2D/2D ultrathin g-C 3 N 4 /NH 4 V 4 O 10 (CNNS/NH 4 V 4 O 10) heterojunction is successfully prepared by intercalating g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets into the ultrathin NH 4 V 4 O 10 nanobelts. For the optimized 50-CNNS/NH 4 V 4 O 10 , the removal rate is 92% for 10 mg·L−1 CIP under simulated solar light, far better than the separated components CNNS and NH 4 V 4 O 10. Moreover, the wide degraded concentration of CIP ranges from 5 to 40 mg·L−1 devotes a prospect of practical application. The mechanism investigation confirms the intercalating action can break the interlaminar bonding linkage of NH 4 , which increases the surface NH 4 + content and promotes the steered adsorption capacity toward ciprofloxacin through binding to F- in CIP via H-bonding. This work provides a novel design idea for constructing 2D/2D intercalated nanocomposite for the application in the removal of the deleterious fluoric-containing organic pollutants in water environment. [Display omitted] • A S-type 2D/2D g-C 3 N 4/ NH 4 V 4 O 10 (CNNS/NH 4 V 4 O 10) was prepared. • g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets were intercalated into the laminar space of NH 4 V 4 O 10 nanobelts. • CNNS/NH 4 V 4 O 10 has highly photocatalytic activity and reusability to ciprofloxacin. • The expand interlayer space of CNNS/NH 4 V 4 O 10 can increase accessible active sites. • The bonding interaction of NH 4 + and F- is favorable to pre-adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • In situ planting BiOCl nanoflower on Bi-MOF nanosheet to obtain BiOCl/Bi-MOF hybrids. • Shared Bi-Cl bonds form a smooth photo-generated carriers transport tunnels. • BiOCl flowers contribute to harvest light and Bi-MOF leaves response to capture CO 2. • The assembly presents excellent CO 2 capture and light-driven CO 2 -conversion activity. Recently, capturing and photocatalytically converting CO 2 to carbon fuels has been demonstrated as a sustainable and green approach to solve the issue of greenhouse gas with good efficiency and low cost. However, the most photocatalysts suffer from low solar light harvest and poor CO 2 adsorption capacity. Here, the BiOCl nanoflowers have been in situ planted on Bi-MOF nanosheets to form BiOCl/Bi-MOF hybrids, in which BiOCl flowers contribute to harvest solar light and Bi-MOF nanosheets response to capture CO 2. Moreover, by the shared Bi-Cl bonding linkage, the smoothly tunnels is constructed to quickly transport photo-generated carriers. Hence, the assembly presents excellent CO 2 capture and light-driven CO 2 -conversion activity, reaching up to 456.7 μmol⋅g−1⋅h−1. Furthermore, different from the quickly decreased activity of the pristine BiOCl during the reaction proceeding, the CO 2 photoreduction performance of BiOCl/Bi-MOF hybrid does not change much under wet air with consecutive eight hours recycle. The present investigation may provide a new strategy to prepare highly effective photocatalysts by in situ constructing bifunctional heterojunctions in the application of CO 2 capture and visible-light-driven conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Ca x H 4-x Si 4 W 12 O 40 /Ca 2 Ta 2 O 7 was prepared via an in-situ deposition reaction. • The composite exhibited a good photocatalytic efficiency in reducing Cr(VI) ions. • The composite presented a better stability due to the formation of Ca x H 4-x Si 4 W 12 O 40. • The agglomeration of H 4 Si 4 W 12 O 40 were prevented by Ca-O linkage with Ca 2 Ta 2 O 7. • A probable mechanism of reducing Cr(VI) is proposed by DFT simulation. A novel heterogeneous photocatalyst Ca x H 4-x Si 4 W 12 O 40 /Ca 2 Ta 2 O 7 was prepared by planting silicotungstic acid on the surface of calcium tantalate. The materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microspectroscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), BET surface area, and Malvern ZEN3690 Particle Analyzer (ZP). The results recovered Ca 2 Ta 2 O 7 presented regular octahedron morphology with the cubic phase structure, and H 4 Si 4 W 12 O 40 uniformly grew on the surface of Ca 2 Ta 2 O 7 with the form of Ca x H 4-x Si 4 W 12 O 40. The primary Keggin structures of H 4 Si 4 W 12 O 40 was found to remain intact as noticed by XRD and FTIR. The modification of H 4 Si 4 W 12 O 40 on Ca 2 Ta 2 O 7 surface contributed the increase in negative zeta potential and red shifts. The as-prepared catalyst exhibited greatly enhanced UV photocatalytic efficiency in the reduction of Cr(VI) ions as high as 94.6% under the optimum conditions (Ca 2 Ta 2 O 7 to H 4 Si 4 W 12 O 40 was 1:2). Moreover, the composite presented an excellent reusability, which was mainly ascribed to the locally formation of water-insoluble Ca x H 4-x Si 4 W 12 O 40. A probable mechanism involved in the enhanced reducible activity and well recycled performance via Ca O binding linkage of H 4 Si 4 W 12 O 40 and Ca 2 Ta 2 O 7 is proposed by DFT simulation. This work will be significant in the design of heteropoly acid as stable heterogeneous photocatalyst applied to heavy metal ions reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce the cost of commercial visible-light photocatalyst, a self-assembly strategy was deployed in producing a Ti-coupled N-embedded chicken feather biochar based catalyst (TINCs). The TINCs were manufactured by blending Ti-contained cross-link agent with hydrolyzed N-embedded chicken feather. These synthesis materials were well characterized with X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, Scanning electron microscopy, Transmission electron microscope, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Surface area analysis and UV–vis absorption spectra. There were multilayered graphene oxide-like structures observed on TINCs, which were similar to the TiO 2 -graphene oxide material. Correspondingly, the TINCs had presented a 90.91% degradation rate of Rhodamine B under visible-light after 240 min. The corresponding TOC of the solution had dropped by 56.26%. Every slice of TINCs was constituted by multilayered graphene oxide-like framework, interspersing with TiO 2 nanoparticles uniformly. Some mechanisms were also analyzed. The cost analysis investigated that TINCs was promising in industrialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a series of Au-loaded Na 2 Ta 2 O 6 nanocomposite photocatalysts were prepared via a chemical reduction process. It was observed the tiny Au nanoparticles (∼5 nm) uniformly anchored on the surface of Na 2 Ta 2 O 6 nanoparticles with a well crystallized octahedral morphology. The as-prepared samples demonstrated high efficiency and good recyclability toward reduction of toxic nitrobenzenes to nontoxic aminobenzene. Significantly, a very quickly rate of 2666.7 min −1 g −1 under the simulated solar light irradiation was observed for nitrobenzenes (NB) derivatives reduction. It was found 4-nitrophenol can be completely converted to 4- aminobenzene in only 4 min, 2.35 times higher than that in dark. By evaluate activities over several representative support materials under different reaction conditions, a new photo-synergistic catalytic mechanism was proposed. In the thermocatalytic process, the surface plasmons resonance of Au nanoparticles excited by visible light, and the electron transfer from Na 2 Ta 2 O 6 semiconductor to Au nanoparticle assisted by ultraviolet light, all make the significantly contributions to achieve the efficient reduction of 4-nitrophenol under solar illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AgTaO 3 /AgBr heterojunction was constructed for visible light driven photocatalytic purpose in order to investigate the relevance of phase conversion, electronic structure and photocatalytic properties. The result indicated that AgBr grafted on AgTaO 3 to form AgTaO 3 /AgBr heterojunction gave intense visible light absorption, which exhibits highly enhanced photocatalytic performance than their individual counterpart. Theoretical and experimental investigation showed that the matched electronic structure between AgTaO 3 and AgBr induced an efficient transfer of photogenerated electrons from AgBr to AgTaO 3 , leading to efficient charge separation and the subsequent improved photocatalytic activity. Partial AgBr converted to AgBr/Ag during the photocatalytic process, leading to the construction of ternary AgTaO 3 /AgBr/Ag photocatalyst. Because of the surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag, the resulting AgTaO 3 /AgBr/Ag exhibited wide range absorption and improved charge separation efficiency, which showed high durability and superior photocatalytic activity toward methyl orange degradation. On the basis of spin resonance measurement and trapping experiment, it is expected that photogenerated electrons, O 2 − , and OH active species dominate the photodegradation of methyl orange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, WO 3 -wrapped NaTaO 3 nanospheres photocatalysts with different W/Ta molar ratios were successfully prepared via a facile hydrothermal method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission and scan electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, FT-IR spectrum, UV−vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and Barrett−Emmett−Teller technique. The photocatalytic activities for degrading tetracycline hydrochloride under visible light irradiation were examined. The results indicated that the as-prepared NaTaO 3 @WO 3 photocatalysts showed the obvious enhancement in the tetracycline hydrochloride degradation ratio, compared with the pure NaTaO 3 and WO 3 under visible light irradiation. The optimum percentage of NaTaO 3 @WO 3 composites with a 60.88% degradation rate was W:Ta = 0.3:1 in mole, which was mainly attributed to the effective separation of the photo-generated electron and hole as well as the expanding of the absorption edge to the visible region due to the spherical heterojunction by wrapping WO 3 on the surface of NaTaO 3 . The radicals trapping experiments demonstrated that there were multiple active species during the degrading process of TC. The possible mechanism of tetracycline hydrochloride degradation by NaTaO 3 @WO 3 composite was also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports on the fabrication of a novel ternary component Ag–Sr 0.25 H 1.5 Ta 2 O 6 ·H 2 O/g-C 3 N 4 photocatalytic system with highly enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity toward Cr(VI) photoreduction and methyl orange degradation. The result indicated that Sr 0.25 H 1.5 Ta 2 O 6 ·H 2 O nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of g-C 3 N 4 with high dispersion and that obtained Sr 0.25 H 1.5 Ta 2 O 6 ·H 2 O/g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction photocatalyst showed strong absorption in the visible light region. The Sr 0.25 H 1.5 Ta 2 O 6 ·H 2 O/50 wt%–g-C 3 N 4 composite displayed increased photocatalytic activity for Cr(VI) photoreduction and methyl orange degradation in comparison with the pristine Sr 0.25 H 1.5 Ta 2 O 6 ·H 2 O and g-C 3 N 4 under visible light irradiation. The matching of the band structure between Sr 0.25 H 1.5 Ta 2 O 6 ·H 2 O and g-C 3 N 4 induced an efficient photogenerated electron transfer from the conduction band of g-C 3 N 4 to the conduction band of Sr 0.25 H 1.5 Ta 2 O 6 ·H 2 O, resulting in efficient separation of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs and the subsequent promotion of photocatalytic activity. Moreover, Ag decorated on Sr 0.25 H 1.5 Ta 2 O 6 ·H 2 O/g-C 3 N 4 can enhance the visible light absorption efficiency and robustly improve the photocatalytic activity by a factor of 4.7 for Cr(VI) photoreduction and 14.2 for methyl orange degradation, respectively. Ag nanoparticles on Sr 0.25 H 1.5 Ta 2 O 6 ·H 2 O/g-C 3 N 4 not only extended the visible light absorption region due to surface plasmon resonance effects, but also acted as an electron mediator as well as an electron acceptor for efficient charge separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report on the synthesis of a novel ternary component Ag-SrTa 2 O 6 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalytic system with efficient visible light photocatalytic activity toward Cr(VI) photoreduction and methyl orange degradation. The samples were carefully characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and photocatalytic test. It is found that SrTa 2 O 6 was deposited on the surface of g-C 3 N 4 and that obtained SrTa 2 O 6 /g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction photocatalyst showed strong absorption in the visible light region. Photocatalytic test indicated that the as-prepared SrTa 2 O 6 /g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction showed increased photocatalytic activity toward Cr(VI) photoreduction and methyl orange degradation in comparison with the bare SrTa 2 O 6 and g-C 3 N 4 under visible light irradiation. The matching of the band structure between SrTa 2 O 6 and g-C 3 N 4 induced an efficient photogenerated electron transfer from the conduction band of g-C 3 N 4 to the conduction band of SrTa 2 O 6 , resulting in efficient separation of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs and the subsequent promotion of photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the decoration of Ag on SrTa 2 O 6 /g-C 3 N 4 led to the formation of ternary component Ag-SrTa 2 O 6 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst, which can highly enhance the visible light absorption efficiency and robustlypromote the photocatalytic activity by a factor of 2.8 for Cr(VI) photoreduction and 4.6 for methyl orange degradation, respectively. Ag decoration on SrTa 2 O 6 /g-C 3 N 4 can not only extend the visible light absorption region due to surface plasmon resonance effects, but also act as an electron mediator for efficient migration of photogenerated electrons and simultaneously prevent the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs as much as possible. Finally, a possible photocatalytic mechanism of the charge transfer in Ag-SrTa 2 O 6 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Au/ZrO 2 nanoparticles have been widely used as photocatalysts in various organic syntheses because of their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effects. In our work, Au/ZrO 2 has been synthesized by a solution method and it was used as a heterogeneous catalyst in the synthesis of imines from alcohols and aniline with irradiation by visible light. The reaction occurred in two steps: step 1 was the aerobic oxidation of the alcohols and step 2 was the nucleophilic addition of aniline. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as a solvent in the reaction. The selectivity in the synthesis of imines over 3 wt% Au/ZrO 2 (with mean particle size of 5 nm) was high (over 90%) with irradiation by visible light at room temperature, and an obvious difference in the conversion was observed between the reactions with light irradiation and those without light. The intensity and wavelength of the light strongly affected the reaction. The Au/ZrO 2 could be used at least 5 times. A reaction mechanism was proposed based on the experimental results. The results indicate that the reaction of alcohols and aniline using Au/ZrO 2 as the photocatalyst can proceed under mild conditions. Furthermore, this process is environmentally friendly and green. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bimetal SA catalysts are prepared via PH 3 -induced annealing method using soft-templates as precursors. • Dual-active sites synergistically affect the electron structure via P bridging. • Fe-P-Ni can activate Fe sites via donating electrons from Ni to Fe. • One-step defluorination can be achieved by CN-FeNi-P during enoxacin degradation. Understanding of synergistic mechanisms on bimetal single atom catalysts is a vital basis to design and synthesize effective catalytic materials. A bimetal of Fe and Ni anchored carbon nitride (CN-FeNi-P) is prepared by PH 3 -induced annealing method using soft-template precursors. Experimental results show that the coordination sites of Fe/Ni-N 4 P 2 are uniformly distributed on the carbon nitride, and a structure of Fe-P-Ni is formed at the second shell via P bridging. Herein, Fe-dominated active sites are formed by the interaction between Fe and Ni single atoms in CN-FeNi-P. Benefitting from the synergistic effects, the CN-FeNi-P exhibits a high efficiency electron utilization, achieving 100% of enoxacin degradation under visible light irradiation within 40 min. In addition, it achieves 58% of defluorination rate which is rarely mentioned in others. The facile method expands to other single atom catalysts in photocatalysis and electrolysis, and this work provides a new insight into understanding synergistic mechanisms of bimetal single atom catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • CdS QDs intercalated laminar ultrathin NH 4 V 4 O 10 nanobelts was prepared. • CdS/NH 4 V 4 O 10 shows highly photocatalytic activity and reusability to amoxicillin. • CdS/NH 4 V 4 O 10 expand interlayer space to increase the accessible active sites. • CdS QDs intercalated structure prevent its agglomeration and shedding to stability. • The hydrogen bond of NH 4 + from CdS/NH 4 V 4 O 10 and AMX is favorable to pre-adsorption. Due to their solubility and structural perseverance, the deleterious amoxicillin (AMX) residuals in aqueous environment are awfully difficult to be contaminated and thus it is great challenge to design and construct photocatalysts with the advantages of highly efficiency, eco-friendliness, and easy feasibility. Here we have prepared an intercalated CdS/NH 4 V 4 O 10 composite by implanting CdS quantum dots into the laminar ultrathin NH 4 V 4 O 10 nanobelts with a facile heating reflux method. The special ultrathin layer structures provided larger surface area, the accelerated separation and transfer of charges, and the abundant active sites to photo-degrade AMX. The optimal composite 6-CdS/NH 4 V 4 O 10 presented a best degradation performance (94.4% removal rate with 5 wt% AMX) and high reusable stability. The investigation on the photodegradation mechanism revealed that the intercalation of CdS quantum dots into the laminar ultrathin NH 4 V 4 O 10 nanobelts could not only expand interlayer space to increase the accessible active sites, but also well prevent CdS quantum dots agglomeration and shedding. In addition, in such architecture, the oxidation ability is maintained while the photo-excited hole and electrons is well separated. And all these contributes to the enhanced photocatalytic activity and lastingly stability. Our work provides a new design idea to prepare a kind of the intercalated composite with laminar ammonium vanadium bronze by implanting superfine semiconductor and apply them to purify the deleterious and perseverance pollutants with a lasting reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ti 3 C 2 MXene improved the electrons separation at the interfaces. • Trapped electrons on CXM increased the active species formation. • Z-scheme CXM enhanced enoxacin degradation under visible light irradiation. • Main reactive species were O 2 − and photogenerated electrons during degradation. • CXM exhibited better photocatalytic activity for fluoroquinolone contaminants. A Z-scheme heterojunction of g-C 3 N 4 /Ti 3 C 2 MXene/MoSe 2 (CXM) was constructed that achieved effective visible light-induced removal of enoxacin within 60 min. The morphology, component distribution and optical properties of the as-synthesized CXM were carried out by techniques. Based on the characterization results in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, a reasonable Z-scheme heterojunction band structure was proposed. Herein, Ti 3 C 2 MXene-induced interface electron separation played a vital role on highly efficient degradation. As an excellent mediator between g-C 3 N 4 and MoSe 2 , Ti 3 C 2 MXene effectively transferred electron and inhibited its recombination. Meanwhile, a Schottky junction can be formed between conductor (Ti 3 C 2 MXene) and semiconductor (g-C 3 N 4 and MoSe 2) to enhance the electron trapping. The trapped electron furtherly induced the active species formation to improve the activity. The degradation routes of the CXM were inferred, simultaneously, its bio-toxicity was assessed during degradation. Moreover, the CXM presented a potential application in degradation of other fluoroquinolones (FQs) contaminants, including moxifloxacin (100%), ofloxacin (100%), levofloxacin (100%), norfloxacin (80%), ciprofloxacin (80%) and gatifloxacin (65%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag 2 O/ZnO/rGO heterojunction photocatalysts were synthesized via a rapid microwave hydrothermal method for photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) under simulated solar light. Ag doping efficiently decreased the bandgap of ZnO, and loading on rGO inhibited the recombination of photoinduced electron-hole pairs. The highest BPA removal rate (80%) was achieved with an Ag doping ratio of 5% and a GO loading ratio of 3 wt%. The enhanced photocatalytic performance was attributed to the narrower bandgap and the improved separation efficiency of electron-hole pairs. Moreover, the recycling experiments proved that Ag 2 O/ZnO/rGO possessed excellent photostability. Hole (h +) and •OH played crucial roles in the photocatalytic system. The degradation pathway of BPA including hydroxylation and the cleavage of covalent bonds was proposed. The toxicity assessment of intermediates elucidated that most of intermediates were less toxic than BPA. The as-prepared Ag 2 O/ZnO/rGO exhibited outstanding photostability and pH adaptability, having great potential to be applied to the degradation of emerging organic pollutants in wastewater. ga1 • Ag 2 O/ZnO/rGO was synthesized by a facile microwave hydrothermal method. • The optimal degradation and synthetic conditions were investigated. • The reusability of photocatalysts were improved significantly after loading on rGO. • BPA photocatalytic degradation mechanism and pathway were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Zn 0.94 Fe 0.04 S/g-C 3 N 4 was synthesized by a rapid microwave hydrothermal method. • This catalyst exhibited high activity with large surface area and short synthetic time. • Photo-Fenton reactions played a dominant role in the PNP degradation. • PNP degradation involved denitration and hydroxylation processes. The visible-light responsive hybrid catalysts (Zn 0.94 Fe 0.04 S/g-C 3 N 4 or ZCN) were synthesized by a rapid microwave hydrothermal method. Our results showed that the deposition of Fe-doped ZnS onto g-C 3 N 4 sheets prevented the aggregation of Zn 0.94 Fe 0.04 S and increased the surface area for mass transfer and light absorption. The highest degradation rate of p -nitrophenol (PNP) was 96.0% and the total organic carbon removal rate was 55.4% after 60-min simulated solar light irradiation on ZCN with Fe doping and g-C 3 N 4 loading ratios of 0.04 and 0.20, respectively. Hydroxyl radical played a dominant role in PNP degradation, which was primarily attributed to the photo-Fenton reactions. The PNP degradation pathway involved denitration and hydroxylation reactions according to the Density Function Theory calculations and HPLC-MS/MS results. The QSAR analysis indicated that the toxicity of most intermediates was lower than PNP. This study develops novel materials with superior photocatalytic activity for elimination of refractory organic pollutants in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]