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In this study, S-doped graphitic carbon nitride (S-C3N4) was prepared using the high-temperature polymerization method, and then S-C3N4/AgCdS heterojunction photocatalyst was obtained using the chemical deposition method through loading Ag-doped CdS nanoparticles (AgCdS NPs) on the surface of S-C3N4. Experimental results show that the AgCdS NPs were evenly dispersed on the surface of S-C3N4, indicating that a good heterojunction structure was formed. Compared to S-C3N4, CdS, AgCdS and S-C3N4/CdS, the photocatalytic performance of S-C3N4/AgCdS has been significantly improved, and exhibits excellent photocatalytic degradation performance of Rhodamine B and methyl orange. The doping of Ag in collaboration with the construction of a Z-scheme heterojunction system promoted the effective separation and transport of the photogenerated carriers in S-C3N4/AgCdS, significantly accelerated its photocatalytic reaction process, and thus improved its photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the energy consumption and cost of the drying of sewage sludge (SS) and to ensure stability during combustion, the pyrolysis and co-combustion characteristics of semi-dry SS after the dehydration of flocculant and bituminous coal (BC) were studied in this work. The results show that the decrease in moisture content accelerates the release of volatile substances, and the increase in heating rate can also enhance the release of water and volatile matters. Furthermore, in the co-combustion of semi-dry SS and BC, the increase in mixing ratio (from 0% to 60%) of semi-dry SS caused the ignition and burnout temperature to decrease from 481 °C to 214 °C and from 702 °C to 627 °C, respectively. During co-combustion, the infrared spectra showed that the temperature range of 300–700 °C was the main gas precipitation area, and the main gaseous products were CO2, NOx, SO2, and volatile organic pollutants (VOCs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global annual consumption of marine metal corrosion is a significant challenge to the service life of metals and the development of marine strategies. A tri-dimensional AgInS2/In2S3 co-modified TiO2 nanobush (NB) superstructure photoanode is constructed. It shows superior photoelectric cathodic protection (PECP) characteristic for pure copper whose self-corrosion potential is more negative in simulated natural marine environment without additional any hole scavengers under simulated solar light illumination. Origin from the more negative energy level potential of AgInS2/In2S3, the quasi-Fermi level of the photogenerated electrons of TiO2 NB/AgInS2/In2S3 was pull to a more negative position, reinforcing the transmission of photogenerated electrons to the pure copper whose self-corrosion potential is more negative. The sensitizer AgInS2 together with the assistant layer In2S3 dramatically enhances the PECP performance of TiO2 NB/AgInS2/In2S3. The tri-dimensional ultrafine branch-like architecture of TiO2 NB with the nanoparticles quickens the collection and transfer of photogenerated electrons to the metallic pure copper. This environmentally friendly 3D photoanode structure provides a good reference for the optimized construction of photoelectric materials for marine metal corrosion protection. The tri-dimensional AgInS2/In2S3 co-modified TiO2 nanobush superstructure photoanode possesses superior photoelectric cathodic protection characteristic for pure cooper whose self-corrosion potential is more negative in simulated marine environment under simulated solar light illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photo‐electrochemical cathodic protection (CP) technology is considered to be a green metallic corrosion protection technology that uses solar energy to protect from corrosion and does not consume any anode materials. In this work, a CdIn2S4/WO3 nanocomposite photoelectrode was prepared, and its photo‐electrochemical CP performance and mechanism were studied and analyzed. WO3 has a well band matching with CdIn2S4, leading to a significantly enhanced photo‐electrochemical CP performance of the nanocomposite. Meanwhile, as confirmed in this work, the CdIn2S4/WO3 nanocomposite can store photoinduced electrons under light illumination through intercalation reactions and changing the valence state of tungsten. Moreover, it can discharge in the dark state to provide continuous CP for the coupled metals. This research will promote the practical application process of the photo‐electrochemical CP technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel photoelectrochemical cathodic protection technology is actively researched and developed for alleviating severe corrosion of marine metallic materials. And the corresponding sustained photoelectrochemical cathodic protection in the dark, under the collaboration of the electron storage materials, is also developed and optimized. WO3, as a kind of electron storage material, shows great potential in this area. The WO3/graphene oxide (WO3/GO) nanothorn cluster composites were synthesized via solovthermal method. The nanoscale graphene oxide (GO) sheets, added as templates, result in the formation of WO3 nanothorn clusters in the WO3/GO composite. The hybrid structure of the WO3/GO composite was formed when the GO adding amount is 0.2 wt%, denoted as WO3/GO 0.2. The lattice of WO3 contracted slightly and the crystallinity of WO3 was enhanced. The WO3/GO 0.2 nanothorn cluster composites promote the transfer and storage efficiency of the electrons compared with pure WO3. The high conductivity of the partly reduced GO leads to a faster electron transfer in the WO3/GO composite. The sustained photoelectrochemical cathodic protection performance of the WO3/GO composite under the assistance of TiO2 (i.e., the coupling of WO3/GO 0.2-TiO2) for 304 stainless steel (SS) was promoted. A larger number of photoinduced electrons, generated by TiO2 under white light illumination, can be stored in the WO3/GO composite and be transferred to the coupled 304 SS electrode after shutting off the light. WO3/GO composite exhibits enhanced sustained photoelectrochemical cathodic protection performance for 304 stainless steel under the assistance of TiO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: By comparing epidemiologic and prognostic data of synovial sarcoma subtypes, this study aims to clarify the difference in prognosis and risk factors among different synovial sarcoma subtypes. Methods: In total, 1692 patients with synovial sarcoma in the USA who were diagnosed during 1975 through 2016 and retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program were studied. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of age and race among three synovial sarcoma subtypes, while no major differences in the distribution of sex, tumor stage, and tumour size were found. The highest five and ten year survival rates were found in the biphasic subtype (69%, 60%), followed by the monophasic subtype (59%, 49%), and lowest in the epithelioid subtype (32%, 26%). Age and SEER historic stage were the two demographic factors that found to have statistically significant impact on survival in all subtypes. Radiation was found to be protective in the monophasic subtype (HR 0.61, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Among different synovial sarcoma subtypes, the biphasic subtype favoured the best survival, while the epithelioid cell subtype was associated with the worst. Male and black race were independently associated with worse survival only in the monophasic subtype. Radiotherapy could provide significant benefit for patients with the monophasic synovial sarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cu2O/TiO2 p-n heterojunction composite photoelectrodes were prepared by depositing Cu2O nanoparticles on the surface of TiO2 nanotubes via anodic oxidation and constant current deposition. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analyses showed that Cu2O nanoparticles not only deposited on the surface of TiO2 nanotube array, but also on the wall of TiO2 nanotubes. The Cu2O deposition amount could be adjusted by changing the deposition time. The photoelectrochemical cathodic protection (PECCP) performance of the prepared photoelectrodes for 316L stainless steel (SS) was tested under visible light. The constant current deposition time had a significant effect on the PECCP performance of Cu2O/TiO2-X photoelectrodes and Cu2O/TiO2-20 had the best PECCP performance for the coupled 316L SS. This was attributed to the appropriate amount and thickness of Cu2O to form p-n heterojunctions with TiO2, in which separation of the photogenerated carriers was accelerated and transfer of the photogenerated electrons to 316L SS for PECCP was facilitated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract SrTiO 3 is a promising material for the photoelectrochemical (PEC) cathodic protection technology due to its intrinsic band structure. Its disadvantage of light absorption only in the ultraviolet region can be effectively solved by Cr doping. The Cr dopant usually exists as two states of Cr3+ and Cr6+, among which the latter one usually behaves as the trapping center for the photoinduced electrons and leads to the decrease of the PEC performance. In this paper, a hydrogen treatment process is performed on the Cr-doped SrTiO 3 to reduce the Cr6+. It is verified that hydrogen treatment reduces Cr6+ to Cr3+, leading to the increase of the concentration of the charge carriers and the decrease of the charge transfer resistance. And also, hydrogen treatment induces the formation of oxygen vacancy, which leads to the negative shift of conduction band potential and the increase of the concentration of the charge carriers. The effect of the hydrogen treatment temperature is further studied in this work. Higher temperature will promote the reduction degree of Cr6+ and increase the concentration of oxygen vacancy. However, hydrogen treatment with excessively high temperature will induce too high concentration of oxygen vacancy, which would act as the recombination centers of the photogenerated charge carriers, suppress the mobility conduction and thus lead to the decrease of the PEC performance. Therefore, benefiting from the Cr6+ reduction and modification with appropriate concentration of oxygen vacancy, the Cr-doped SrTiO 3 with hydrogen treatment at 250 °C shows the optimal PEC cathodic protection performance in NaCl solution. Highlights • H 2 treatment was performed on the Cr-doped SrTiO 3. • H 2 treatment reduces the Cr6+ and induces the formation of oxygen vacancy. • Photoelectrochemical cathodic protection performance is significantly increased after H 2 treatment. • Appropriate H 2 treatment temperature is necessary for the enhanced performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The cobalt-phosphate (Co-Pi) decorated g-C 3 N 4 @ZnO shell-core nanorod array (Co-Pi/g-C 3 N 4 @ZnO NRA) photoanode with broadened spectral response and optimized photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance was prepared. The g-C 3 N 4 @ZnO NRA was prepared via improved urea impregnation and calcination methods in semi enclosed environment. The g-C 3 N 4 flexible slice shell was uniformly wrapped on ZnO nanorods core and the intimately contacted heterojunction was formed between the interface of g-C 3 N 4 and ZnO. The g-C 3 N 4 @ZnO NRA promotes the separation and transfer of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs on g-C 3 N 4 and ZnO under either visible light or white light illumination. The prepared g-C 3 N 4 @ZnO NRA was further electrodeposited with Co-Pi nanoparticles (NPs). The Co-Pi NPs can assist in the consumption of the photoinduced holes as well as pull the Fermi level potential of g-C 3 N 4 @ZnO NRAs towards the positive direction, resulting in the upward band bending at the band-edge position for Co-Pi/g-C 3 N 4 @ZnO NRAs and promoting the separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Consequently, the Co-Pi/g-C 3 N 4 @ZnO NRA exhibits an improved PEC performance under both visible light and white light illumination. In addition, g-C 3 N 4 flexible slice shell decorated with Co-Pi NPs covered on the surface of ZnO NRAs core improved the stability of the ZnO NRA photoanode. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The Co-Pi decorated g-C 3 N 4 @ZnO shell-core NRA was optimized and investigated. • It shows broadened spectral response and enhanced PEC conversion performance. • g-C 3 N 4 shell uniformly wrapped on ZnO NRA core forming shell-core architecture. • Co-Pi NPs pull the Fermi level potential of g-C 3 N 4 @ZnO NRAs to positive direction. • The external bias promotes the separation of photogenerated charge carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) usually shows amphoteric property in a neutral solution. In this work, a K&I co-doped g-C 3 N 4 is prepared by simply sintering the mixture of dicyandiamine, KI and I 2. The K&I co-doping modulates the band structure of g-C 3 N 4 with pulling the Fermi level toward its conduction band minimum. The obtained K&I co-doped g-C 3 N 4 (K&I-C 3 N 4) generates positive photocurrents over the whole investigated potential range, exhibiting a typical n-type semiconductor characteristic. Therefore, the K&I co-doping transforms the g-C 3 N 4 from amphoteric to n-type semiconductor. Also, the prepared K&I-C 3 N 4 shows widened light absorption range and enhanced separation efficiency of the photogenerated charge carriers, which results in the dramatically enhanced photoelectrochemical performance. Highlights • A K&I co-doped g-C 3 N 4 (K&I-C 3 N 4) with an evident n-type characteristic was prepared. • The K&I co-doping pulled the Fermi level of g-C 3 N 4 toward its conduction band. • K&I-C 3 N 4 generated positive photocurrents over whole investigated potential range. • The K&I co-doping increased the electrical conductivity of g-C 3 N 4. • K&I-C 3 N 4 showed dramatically enhanced photoelectrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the present paper, the electronic structure and the optical properties of metallic and nonmetallic elements-doped ZnO were investigated based on the principle of photocatalysis by first-principle density functional theory. Element doping shortens the band gap of ZnO. Due to the p-type characteristics, Fe, Cu, B and N doping brings impurity states over the Fermi level of ZnO, resulting in the shortening of the band gap, extending the absorption and utilization of solar light and thus enhancing the photocatalytic properties of ZnO. However, no impurity states appear in the band gap of Cd- and S-doped ZnO due to the intrinsic doping of Cd and S. Further investigations indicate that different doping atoms can indeed alter the near-Fermi level density of states (DOS) of ZnO and their electronic structures via substitution of zinc and oxygen atoms. In addition, the optical properties of ZnO are improved after doped with different atoms by comparing with those of pure ZnO. Due to the difference of their outer shell electrons of the doped atoms, the optical absorption properties of the investigated materials are followed as the following order: Fe-/B-doped ZnO > Cu-/N-doped ZnO > Cd-/S-doped ZnO > pure ZnO. Highlights • Single element-doped ZnO was investigated by DFT calculation. • The single-doping elements could shorten the band gap of ZnO. • The impurity states near the Fermi level can be induced by Fe, Cu, B and N doping. • The p-type doping and intrinsic doping was proposed to improve the photocatalytic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(NH4)2SO4 is abundant in the dust of the rural and industrial atmosphere, by which a thin layer of (NH4)2SO4 solution will be formed on the copper surface and give rise to serious corrosion as soon as the ambient humidity gets the critical relative humidity. In this work, the corrosion mechanism of copper in (NH4)2SO4 solution was studied by microgravimetry associated with SEM/EDS, FT‐IR, XRD, titration method, and electrochemical tests. The results suggest that the corrosion of copper is not only caused by electrochemical effect, but also caused by the synergistic actions of the electrochemical and chemical reactions. In addition, it is found that the presence of free Cu2+ is the prerequisite for the formation of corrosion products on copper immersed in (NH4)2SO4 solution. NH4+ plays a dual role in promoting the corrosion of copper and inhibiting the formation of corrosion products on copper surface. In this paper, the corrosion mechanism of copper immersed in (NH4)2SO4 solution was studied by microgravimetry associated with SEM/EDS, FT‐IR, XRD, titration method, and electrochemical tests. The corrosion of copper is the synergistic action of electrochemical and chemical reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The AgInS 2 /In 2 S 3 nanoparticles (NPs) co-sensitized TiO 2 nanotube array (NTA) photoanodes with high photoelectrochemical (PEC) conversion efficiency are prepared and optimized. The In 2 S 3 buffer layer around AgInS 2 absorber layer significantly improves the charge generation/separation efficiency of the prepared photoanode. Compared with single AgInS 2 NPs sensitized TiO 2 NTAs, the design of the AgInS 2 /In 2 S 3 heterojunction NPs sensitized TiO 2 NTAs further promotes the charge transfer in the system, and avoids the unmatched energy band alignment between AgInS 2 and TiO 2 . The AgInS 2 (3)/In 2 S 3 (5) NPs co-sensitized TiO 2 NTAs possess the best PEC conversion performance. The AgInS 2 and In 2 S 3 NPs distribute uniformly on TiO 2 NTAs to form close interfacial adhesion. Simultaneously, the one-dimensional TiO 2 nanotubes serve as the direct electron pathways and ensure the rapid collection of charge carriers generated by the system. Moreover, due to the more negative Fermi levels and energy band potentials of AgInS 2 and In 2 S 3 , the prepared TiO 2 NTA/AgInS 2 (3)/In 2 S 3 (5) photoanode also exhibits an excellent PEC cathodic protection performance for 316L stainless steel in NaCl solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up to now the mechanism of the photoelectrochemical (PEC) cathodic protection of the semiconductor materials is still unclear. In this work, the conduction band (CB) potential of the SrTiO 3 -TiO 2 composite was regulated by controlling the deposition amount of SrTiO 3 on the surface of TiO 2 nanotube arrays. When the hydrothermal treating time was 1 h, the prepared SrTiO 3 -TiO 2 photoanode (denoted as SrTiO 3 -TiO 2 -1) exhibited the most excellent PEC cathodic protection performance for 304 stainless steel and Q235 carbon steel in NaCl electrolyte. Further analysis indicates that the PEC cathodic protection performance of the photoanode is determined by the CB potential of the n-type semiconductor material, the separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs and the redox potential of the electrolyte. Among them, sufficient negative CB potential is the prerequisite for providing the PEC cathodic protection for the coupled metals. Under this premise, the higher the separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs and the more negative redox potential of the electrolyte are, a more negative potential of the coupled metal can be cathodically polarized to under the illumination of incident light with suitable wavelength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • WO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 composite with special flower-like structure was successfully prepared. • WO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 exhibits significantly enhanced photoinduced cathodic protection performance. • WO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 shows excellent electron storage capability. • Mechanism of WO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 composite for photoinduced cathodic protection and electron storage was proposed. In this paper, the WO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 composite with special morphology of flower-like structures was prepared by hydrothermal method and its performance of photoinduced cathodic protection (CP) and continuous CP in the dark was studied. The construction of the WO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 composite with special morphology is based on the following considerations. Firstly, the stacking connections of the nanoflakes of flower-like structured WO 3 and ZnIn 2 S 4 forms two-dimensional electron transport channels, which is beneficial to the directional transport of photogenerated electrons; Secondly, the heterojunction electric field formed at the WO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 interface can accelerate the separation of photogenerated carriers; Finally, taking advantage of electron storage properties of WO 3 and good photoinduced CP performance of ZnIn 2 S 4 with a relatively negative conduction band potential, the WO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 composite with excellent performance of photoinduced CP and continuous CP in the dark is obtained. The WO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 system can negatively shift the potential of 304 SS by 332.8 mV, and can store 0.17 C of electricity when light illumination duration is 2 h, which is enough to provide 11.88 h continuous CP for 304 SS in dark state. This study realizes long-term CP in the dark, and provides the possibility for practical application of the photoinduced CP technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Z-Scheme Ag 3 PO 4 /Ag/WO 3−x photocatalyst was prepared through an in situ deposition method. Originally, WO 2.72 with hierarchical sea urchin-like structure was mixed with excessive Ag + ions. The weak reducibility of WO 2.72 was utilized to in situ reduce Ag + into Ag, and Ag nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of WO 2.72 . Subsequently, an appropriate amount of PO 4 3− ions was directly added dropwise to combine with the remaining Ag + ions, as a result, the Ag 3 PO 4 nanoparticles was, therefore, in situ deposited on the surface of Ag/WO 3− x , and the Z-Scheme Ag 3 PO 4 /Ag/WO 3− x photocatalyst was obtained. The experimental results illustrate that, for the Z-Scheme Ag 3 PO 4 /Ag/WO 3− x photocatalyst, Ag nanoparticles serve as carrier-transfer centers, effectively prolong the lifetime of the photoinduced electrons generated by Ag 3 PO 4 and the photoinduced holes generated by WO 3− x , and therefore improve the photocatalytic degradation performance. The utilization of the weak reducibility of the transition metal oxides has been explored as an effective strategy to fabricate Z-scheme ‘reduced state transition metal oxide/noble metal/semiconductor’ photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction of pertechnetate (TcO4−) and perrhenate (ReO4−) by tributyl phosphate (TBP) has been extensively studied, but the structure of the extracted species is subject to debate. In this work, the extraction behavior of TcO4− and ReO4− from both HNO3 and HCl media by TBP in n-dodecane was studied by examining the effects of acid concentration, extractant concentration, and temperature on the extraction. The two anions displayed similar extraction behavior in both the HNO3 and HCl systems, where the distribution ratio of TcO4− was slightly higher than that of ReO4−. The measurement of water content in the organic phase and dynamic light scattering were carried out, which in combination with the extraction behavior indicated that ReO4− was extracted as [H+ReO4−(H2O)8·(TBP)4] and formed microemulsions in the organic phase. Theoretical calculations were performed on the structure of both [H+ReO4−(H2O)8·(TBP)4] and [H+TcO4−(H2O)8·(TBP)4]. The TBP molecules interacted with the [H+ReO4−(H2O)8] and [H+TcO4−(H2O)8] clusters through hydrogen bonding between H2O and the O=P groups, i.e., ReO4− and TcO4− underwent outer-sphere coordination with TBP in the organic phase. Results in this work provide valuable insights into the structures of ReO4− and TcO4− extracted into the organic phase by TBP, and also assist in the analysis of TcO4− species in the PUREX process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model experimental set-up was used to investigate the role of the photovoltaic effect of the synthesized corrosion products of γ-FeOOH and β-FeOOH on the corrosion of 09CuPCrNi weathering steel (WS) under visible light. The photovoltaic effect of γ-FeOOH and β-FeOOH accelerates the corrosion of 09CuPCrNi WS under visible light and the contribution of the photovoltaic effect on the corrosion can be quantitatively evaluated based on the photoinduced current densities data. The research method employed in this work can be acted as a model test for the similar investigations in spite of the limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a H 2 O 2 -treated indium oxide (In 2 O 3 ) semiconductor material was prepared. The photoelectrochemical cathodic protection performance and the photoelectrochemical behaviors of the H 2 O 2 -treated In 2 O 3 were investigated. Under visible light illumination, the H 2 O 2 -treated In 2 O 3 exhibits enhanced photoelectrochemical conversion efficiency (the photoinduced current density was increased by approximately 50%) and enhanced photoelectrochemical cathodic protection performance (the photoinduced cathodic protection current density was increased by approximately 81.8%). The concentrations of adsorbed oxygen and oxygen vacancy in In 2 O 3 were increased after H 2 O 2 treatment, resulting in the enhancement of visible light absorption activity of the H 2 O 2 -treated In 2 O 3 . With the increase of the concentration of oxygen vacancy, the Fermi level of In 2 O 3 negatively shifts, which promotes the photoelectrochemical cathodic protection performance of the H 2 O 2 -treated In 2 O 3 . The increased surface adsorbed oxygen groups is beneficial for capturing the photoinduced electrons, resulting in the promotion of the separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs and the electron transfer capability, and hence leading to the increase of the photoelectrochemical cathodic protection performance of the H 2 O 2 -treated In 2 O 3 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nitride@Indium oxide (C 3 N 4 @In 2 O 3 ) composite with quasi-shell–core structure was successfully prepared in this work. The photoinduced open circuit potential and current density results show that the C 3 N 4 @In 2 O 3 composite with quasi-shell–core structure could provide the optimal photoelectrochemical cathodic protection capability for 304 stainless steel under visible light when the adding amount of C 3 N 4 in the C 3 N 4 @In 2 O 3 composite is 3 wt%. The light absorption capability of the C 3 N 4 @In 2 O 3 composite was enhanced due to the synergistic effect of heterojunction structure. According to the HRTEM images, photoinduced Volt–Ampere characteristic curves and electrochemical impedance spectra, the ultrathin coating layer of C 3 N 4 on the surface of In 2 O 3 helps to form a heterojunction electric field at the interface between C 3 N 4 and In 2 O 3 , which enhances the separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Excessive C 3 N 4 will decline the photoelectrochemical cathodic protection of this composite due to the lower intrinsic electronic mobility and the lower photoelectric conversion property of C 3 N 4 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogenated ZnO nanorod array (NRA) was, for the first time, applied to the field of quantum dots (QDs) sensitized photoanodes. Hydrogen treatment at high temperature can significantly change the surface states of ZnO NRA. Partial oxygen atoms on the surface of ZnO are taken away by hydrogen, resulting in the formation of oxygen vacancies. The formation of oxygen vacancies significantly enhances the charge carrier density and the electron migration ability of ZnO NRA. Meanwhile, the energy barrier of the injection of the photoinduced electrons generated by CdS into ZnO NRA decreases due to the formation of doping energy levels under the conducting band of ZnO. Therefore, the photoelectrochemical performance of CdS QDs sensitized hydrogenated ZnO NRA is significantly improved. This work has potential significance in enhancing the performance of QDs sensitized solar cell as well as dye sensitized solar cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the oxygen-doped C 3 N 4 @TiO 2 (O-C 3 N 4 @TiO 2 ) composites with quasi-shell-core nanostructure were fabricated by coating a monolayer or multilayers of O-C 3 N 4 onto the surface of TiO 2 nanoparticles. Compared with the C 3 N 4 @TiO 2 quasi-shell-core nanocomposite, the O-C 3 N 4 @TiO 2 quasi-shell-core nanocomposite exhibits a significant promotion of the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic performance of TiO 2 , owing to the interfacial chemical bonds formed between the hydroxyl residues on TiO 2 surface and the oxidizing groups on O-C 3 N 4 surface induced by oxygen doping. The experimental results of UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and excited state electron attenuation spectroscopy further reveal that this interfacial chemical bonds formed between O-C 3 N 4 and TiO 2 can become effective transfer channels for the photogenerated electrons, help to capture the electrons from the valence band of O-C 3 N 4 and rapidly quench the photogenerated holes of TiO 2 , thereby effectively reducing the recombination efficiency of the photogenerated electrons and holes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] UV illumination strongly affects the NaCl-induced atmospheric corrosion of Q235 CS. [•] UV illumination resulted in a significant increase in atmospheric corrosion rate. [•] White light illumination resulted in a positive photo-voltage of rusted Q235 CS. [•] UV illumination influences the corrosion reactions due to the photovoltaic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer types which is described as the leading cause of cancer death in women. After competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis was proposed, this triple regulatory network has been observed in various cancers, and increasing evidences reveal that ceRNA network plays a significant role in the migration, invasion, proliferation of cancer cells. In the current study, our target is to construct a CD24-associated ceRNA network, and to further identify key prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer. Using the transcriptom profiles from TCGA database, we performed a comprehensive analysis between CD24high tumor samples and CD24low tumor samples, and identified 132 DElncRNAs, 602 DEmRNAs and 26 DEmiRNAs. Through comprehensive analysis, RP1-228H13.5/miR-135a-5p/BEND3 and SIM2 were identified as key CD24-associated biomarkers, which exhibited highly significance with overall survival, immune microenvironment as well as clinical features. To sum up the above, the current study constructed a CD24-associated ceRNA network, and RP1-228H13.5/miR-135a-5p/BEND3 and SIM2 axis worked as a potential therapeutic target and a predictor for BRCA diagnosis and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Photovoltaic effect of ZnO on the corrosion of metals are quantitatively studied. [•] Open circuit potential of ZnO negatively shifted under white light illumination. [•] OCPs of ZnO and the coupled metal decided the possible photoinduced anticorrosion. [•] The experimental methods used here provided examples for similar investigations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Ultrafine Ag particles were for the first time used to modify mg-C3N4. [•] Electrochemical methods were used to study the performance promotion mechanism. [•] Modifying mg-C3N4 with Ag improved the photocatalytic degradation efficiency. [•] Ag modification significantly increased the electron mobility of mg-C3N4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ZnFe2O4–ZnO nanorod array (NRA) with a three-dimensional network nanometer structure was prepared. The photoelectrochemical performance of the ZnFe2O4–ZnO NRA composite is significantly improved due to the formation of a p–n heterojunction electric field at the interface between ZnFe2O4 and ZnO, the increase of the overall utilization efficiency of incident light energy, and the visible light absorption capability of ZnFe2O4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ni-doped TiO2, which was fabricated via sol–gel method in the present work, possesses the best photoelectrochemical anticorrosion property for 304 stainless steel under visible light illumination when the Ni doping amount is 0.5% (Ti0.995Ni0.005O2). The Ni-doping leads to the extension of the photoresponse of TiO2 from ultraviolet to visible light. Ni is substitutionally doped in TiO2 matrix by substituting the Ti4+ lattice sites and the oxygen vacancy forms for Ti0.995Ni0.005O2. The oxygen vacancy promotes the transfer of photoinduced electrons, resulting in the increase of the photo-to-current conversion efficiency of TiO2 under visible light. Finally, the oxygen vacancy and Ni-doping efficiently enhance the photoelectrochemical anticorrosion property of TiO2 under visible light illumination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigated the photo-to-current conversion properties and photoelectrochemical cathodic protection performance of g-C3N4 in 304 stainless steel under visible or white light illumination for the first time. The results showed that the g-C3N4 thin film could provide 304 stainless steel with very good cathodic protection in the presence of light irradiation. The application of this material represents a potential breakthrough in photoelectrochemical cathodic protection technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Clean and sustainable photoelectric technology has been developed rapidly in many fields. One of which is the novel marine corrosion protection technology that directly utilizes the abundant solar energy falling on the ocean to provide photoinduced cathodic protection for metallic structures, and has received increasing attention year by year. Improving the photoelectrochemical conversion and photoelectric cathodic protection performance for metals under sunlight is vital for achieving effective protection. In particular, optimizing the multi-dimensional nanostructured photoanode to accelerate the collection and transfer of photogenerated electrons and to improve the photoelectric and cathodic protection performance is a promising method. Here, an ultrafine branched anatase TiO2 nanolawn (NL) photoanode co-decorated with CdS nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide quantum dots (rGO QDs) was prepared. Compared with single CdS modified TiO2 NL, the three-phase junction CdS/rGO QDs/TiO2 NL shows further enhanced photoelectrochemical conversion performance under simulated sunlight and visible light irradiation, increased by 66.7% and 83.3% compared to that of CdS/TiO2 NL, respectively. The rGO QDs, which acted as a high-efficiency electron transporter, are uniformly deposited on the TiO2 NL, and further promote the transport efficiency of photogenerated electrons. CdS as a visible-light responder is responsible for broadening the spectral response, and the ultrafine branched TiO2 NL substrate greatly expands the photon capture area and increases the electron collection sites. Finally, the synergy of the above three aspects ensures that the ternary CdS/rGO QDs/TiO2 NL photoanode exhibits further enhanced simulated sunlight-driven and visible light-driven photoelectric conversion efficiency and a photoinduced cathodic protection effect on 316L stainless steel and pure copper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cathodic protection, electron storage, materials science, nanotechnology, photo-electrochemistry Keywords: cathodic protection; electron storage; materials science; nanotechnology; photo-electrochemistry EN cathodic protection electron storage materials science nanotechnology photo-electrochemistry 11479 11479 1 08/16/21 20210811 NES 210811 B Photoelectrochemical cathodic protection b technology is considered to be a green technology that protects metals from corrosion as it uses solar energy for corrosion protection and does not consume any anode materials. Cover Feature: The CdIn2S4/WO3 Nanosheet Composite Has a Significantly Enhanced Photo-electrochemical Cathodic Protection Performance and Excellent Electron Storage Capability (Chem. Eur. J. 45/2021). [Extracted from the article]

• Two-phase WO 3 photoelectrodes with different morphologies were obtained. • WO 3 -3 photoelectrode has the best photoinduced cathodic protection performance. • The mechanism for the enhanced performance of WO 3 -3 was proposed. In this paper, two-phase WO 3 photoelectrodes with different morphologies were obtained by controlling the concentration of Na 2 WO 4 in the precursor solution, and their photoinduced cathodic protection(CP) performance was explored. The heterojunctions formed between hexagonal and monoclinic WO 3 are favorable for the directional separation of photogenerated carriers. Meanwhile, the ordered growth of WO 3 nanorods perpendicular to Ti substrate is conducive to the directional transmission of photogenerated carriers, which makes it have good photoinduced CP performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel nanoflower-structured CdS/Co 9 S 8 Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst was established to explore the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance. The synergistic effect of the hierarchical structure and the Z-scheme heterojunction makes the photogenerated charge carriers quickly and efficiently transfer to the surface of the photocatalyst, which accelerates the photocatalytic hydrogen production process. • A novel Co 9 S 8 hierarchical structure was prepared by a simple solvothermal method without template. • CdS NPs were deposited on the surface of hierarchical Co 9 S 8 to establish CdS/Co 9 S 8 Z-scheme heterojunction system. • CdS/Co 9 S 8 heterojunction photocatalyst displays an excellent photocatalytic hydrogen production performance. • The synergism of hierarchical structure and Z-scheme heterojunction accelerates the photocatalytic hydrogen production process. Hierarchical structure can significantly increase the reactive sites and provide advantages for heterojunction engineering in the field of photocatalysis. However, it is still a great challenge to realize efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production by controlling the band structure and constructing Z-scheme heterojunction system based on the hierarchical photocatalyst. In this paper, a CdS/Co 9 S 8 Z-scheme heterojunction system was prepared by depositing CdS nanoparticles on nanoflower-structured Co 9 S 8 hierarchical photocatalyst, which showed enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production performance. The photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of the CdS/Co 9 S 8 Z-scheme heterojunction system is 11.60 mmol g−1 h−1, which is 13.6 and 55.2 times that of CdS and Co 9 S 8 , respectively. The synergistic effect of the hierarchical structure and the Z-scheme heterojunction makes the photogenerated charge carriers quickly and efficiently transfer to the surface of the photocatalyst, which accelerates the photocatalytic hydrogen production process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of dual metal incorporated CuCex-SAPO-34(x = 0–0.04) samples were synthesized using one-pot hydrothermal method with diethylamine as organic structure-directing agent for selective catalytic reduction of NO x by NH 3. The catalytic properties were elucidated in detail with physicochemical properties being analyzed using various instruments. All the catalysts exhibited typical SAPO-34 crystal structures with high specific surface areas. With the dual-metal incorporation, the surface acidity and amount of isolated Cu2+, which may be active sites for NH 3 -SCR, were significantly enhanced. However, excessive Ce restrained the formation of isolated Cu2+ due to its occupation of cationic sites. Therefore, the 0.05CuCe0.02-SAPO-34 exhibited high NO conversion (≥80%) at 168°C-500°C. Furthermore, the NH 3 -SCR mechanism over different catalysts was investigated in-situ DRIFTS experiments. For the 0.05Cu-SAPO-34, the adsorbed NH 3 species react with gaseous NO and following the E-R mechanism throughout the reaction temperature range. Meanwhile, adsorbed NO 2 was detected and reacted with the adsorbed NH 3 species according to the L-H mechanism in low-temperature region. In contrast, the NH 3 -SCR reaction over the 0.05CuCe0.02-SAPO-34 primarily followed the E-R mechanism throughout the temperature range. The L-H mechanism was cut off due to the loss of the adsorption ability of nitrous species at high temperatures., resulting in NO conversion decreasing. ga1 • One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of dual metal incorporated CuCe-SAPO-34 was successful. • 0.05CuCe0.02-SAPO-34 exhibited excellent NH 3 -SCR activity in broad temperature range. • 0.05CuCe0.02-SAPO-34 followed E-R mechanism throughout the reaction temperature range. • Cutting off the L-H mechanism decreased NO conversion at high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article specifically addresses the issue that there is no suitable method to determine the semiconductor types of non-uniformly distributed corrosion products. The photoinduced volt-ampere (i-V) curve is proved to be able to accurately measure the p/n type of corrosion products, in addition, it can also be used to study the transfer direction of the photogenerated electrons and quantitatively measure the photoelectrochemical effects of the corrosion products with semiconducting properties. This work will help to promote the study of the influencing mechanism of light illumination on corrosion process of metals and the photoelectrochemical cathodic protection mechanism. • A photoinduced i-V curve method was developed to judge the p/n type of corrosion products. • It shows obviously superiority over the common used Mott-Schottky plots. • It can be used to study the transfer direction of the photogenerated electrons. • It can be used to quantitatively study the photoelectrochemical effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoelectrochemical cathodic protection is emerging as a green and environmental method to protect metals against corrosion. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) shows great application potential in this area because of its high efficiency, high stability and low cost. However, the pristine g-C 3 N 4 shows amphoteric properties, resulting in its failure in providing photoelectrochemical cathodic protection for the coupled metal in NaCl solution. In this work, a K&I co-doping technique was performed to modulate the band structure of g-C 3 N 4 , and an n-type g-C 3 N 4 (n-C 3 N 4) was obtained. The changes in the molecular structure were studied by SEM, HRTEM, XRD, EDS, XPS and FT-IR technologies. The n-type semiconductor characteristics were verified by the photoinduced i-V curves, SKP potential distributions and pH drift techniques. The n-C 3 N 4 can generate positive photocurrent in the whole investigated potential range, making it able to provide photoelectrochemical cathodic protection for the coupled 316L stainless steel in NaCl solution. This work is very helpful for promoting the application of g-C 3 N 4 in the fields of the photoelectric conversion and the photoelectrochemical cathodic protection. • An n-type g-C 3 N 4 was prepared to modulate its amphoteric property. • n-C 3 N 4 shows increased Fermi level and generates positive photocurrents. • n-C 3 N 4 can provide PECCP for 316L SS in NaCl solution. • Photocurrent is the criterion for predicting the PECCP performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, Mg-doped CdS nanorods (MgCdS) were prepared by a simple solvothermal method to investigate the band structure and enhanced photocatalytic degradation performance under visible light illumination. Mg element is successfully doped into the lattice of CdS and it doesn't destroy the nanorod structure of CdS. The band gap of CdS is widened by Mg doping. The prepared MgCdS shows improved photocatalytic degradation performance than CdS, and 5% MgCdS has the optimal photocatalytic degradation performance, which can degrade approximately 96% RhB in 70-min visible light illumination. The enhanced photocatalytic degradation performance of 5% MgCdS is due to the increased photogenerated charge carrier concentration and the effectively suppressed recombination of photogenerated carriers. • Mg-doped CdS nanorods were prepared by a simple solvothermal method. • The band structure of CdS and Mg-doped CdS were analyzed. • 5%MgCdS displays a significantly enhanced photocatalytic degradation performance. • The mechanism of the enhanced photocatalytic performance of MgCdS was analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation technologies of thin films are of great significance in the fields of photocatalysis and photoelectrochemistry. Reasonable design and construction of a thin-film photoelectrode is still a great challenge to improve its photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance and stability. In the present work, a novel three-dimensional (3D) sponge-like microporous CdS film was prepared using solvothermal method, and its PEC performance and stability were studied. With the increase of the hydrothermal treatment times, CdS crystalline grains continue to grow on the etched Ti substrate. The prepared CdS thin-film photoelectrode with 3D sponge-like microporous structure possesses excellent PEC performance, and its stability is also greatly improved. The 3D sponge-like microporous structure can significantly increase the light absorption and utilization and improve the conversion efficiency of the CdS thin-film photoelectrode, thereby enhancing its PEC performance. This work provides a new idea for the design and preparation of thin-film photoelectrodes with high PEC performance and stability Unlabelled Image • A novel 3D sponge-like microporous CdS thin-film photoelectrode was prepared using solvothermal method. • The microporous structure of the CdS film significantly increases the light absorption and utilization of CdS. • The CdS thin-film photoelectrode has excellent photoelectrochemical performance and stability. • The CdS thin-film photoelectrode has high photoelectric conversion efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• BiOCl photocatalysts with different morphologies were prepared. • The photocatalytic performance of BiOCl-6 was significantly enhanced. • The energy band structure of BiOCl photocatalysts were regulated. • The mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic performance was proposed. BiOCl photocatalysts with different morphologies were prepared by controlling the adding amount of HCl using a simple one-step solvothermal method, the hierarchical structure of BiOCl changes from nanoneedles to nanosheets and the space between the hierarchical structure increases with the increase of the adding amount of HCl. BiOCl-6 possesses the best photocatalytic rhodamine B (RhB) degradation performance under white light illumination. BiOCl-6 has the more negative conduction band potential, thus the electrons on the conduction band have stronger reduction ability. Free radical trapping experiments show that superoxide radicals play the major role in the photocatalytic RhB degradation of BiOCl-6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TiO 2 /MgTi x O y multiphase-heterojunction film was successfully prepared. • SKP is used to measure the surface work function of the photoelectrodes. • TiO 2 /MgTi x O y exhibits significantly enhanced PECCP Performance. • TiO 2 /MgTi x O y shows high PECCP stability. • The mechanism of TiO 2 /MgTi x O y multiphase heterojunctions for PECCP is proposed. Heterojunction engineering, as a rising star in the photoelectrochemical cathodic protection (PECCP) field, contributes to promote the separation of the photoinduced electrons and holes. In this paper, the TiO 2 /MgTi x O y multiphase-heterojunction film was prepared and its PECCP performance was studied. Due to a good energy band alignment gradient formed between the multiphases, the separation efficiency of the photoinduced electrons and holes generated by TiO 2 /MgTi x O y are dramatically enhanced, leading to its good PECCP performance and high stability. SKP is, for the first time, used to study the surface work function of the TiO 2 /MgTi x O y multiphase-heterojunction film for characterizing its PECCP performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MoS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction photocatalysts were successfully prepared using vacuum freeze drying method. The heterojunction structure promotes the separation efficiency of the photogenerated charge carriers of MoS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 , resulting in its significant increase of the photocatalytic performance. • The MoS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction photocatalysts were prepared by vacuum freeze drying method. • The photocatalytic performance of the prepared MoS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction photocatalysts were significantly enhanced. • The mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic performance of the prepared MoS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction photocatalysts was proposed. The MoS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction photocatalyts were successfully synthesized by vacuum freeze drying method and mechanical mixing method in this paper. The pore size and specific surface area of the MoS 2 /g-C 3 N 4 -3% (MC-3%) heterojunction photocatalyst prepared by the vacuum freeze drying method are much higher than those prepared by mechanical mixing method. The photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of MC-3% reaches 30.9 μmol h−1, which is approximately 2.6 times that of pure g-C 3 N 4 , 7.3 times that of pure MoS 2 and 2.4 times that of MC-3% synthesized by mechanical mixing method. And also, the photocatalytic rhodamine B degradation performance of MC-3% is better than that of pure g-C 3 N 4 and pure MoS 2. The significant promotion of the photocatalytic performance of MC-3% synthesized by vacuum freeze drying method are due to the larger specific surface areas and the formation of heterojunctions between MoS 2 and g-C 3 N 4 , which provides more active sites for the photocatalytic reactions and increases the separation efficiency of the photogenerated electrons and holes, thus enhances the photocatalytic performance of g-C 3 N 4. The vacuum freeze drying method is very simple, and the prepared photocatalyst by this method has good performance, which can be widely used in the preparation of composite materials and porous materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcoma is generally considered a cold tumor and is characterized by epigenetic alterations. Although tumor cells are surrounded by many immune cells such as macrophages, T cells may be suppressed, be inactivated, or not be presented due to various mechanisms, which usually results in poor prognosis and insensitivity to immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is considered a promising anti-cancer therapy in osteosarcoma but requires more research, but osteosarcoma does not currently respond well to this therapy. The cancer immunity cycle (CIC) is essential for anti-tumor immunity, and is epigenetically regulated. Therefore, it is possible to modulate the immune microenvironment of osteosarcoma by targeting epigenetic factors. In this study, we explored the correlation between epigenetic modulation and CIC in osteosarcoma through bioinformatic methods. Based on the RNA data from TARGET and GSE21257 cohorts, we identified epigenetic related subtypes by NMF clustering and constructed a clinical prognostic model by the LASSO algorithm. ESTIMATE, Cibersort, and xCell algorithms were applied to analyze the tumor microenvironment. Based on eight epigenetic biomarkers (SFMBT2, SP140, CBX5, HMGN2, SMARCA4, PSIP1, ACTR6, and CHD2), two subtypes were identified, and they are mainly distinguished by immune response and cell cycle regulation. After excluding ACTR6 by LASSO regression, the prognostic model was established and it exhibited good predictive efficacy. The risk score showed a strong correlation with the tumor microenvironment, drug sensitivity and many immune checkpoints. In summary, our study sheds a new light on the CIC-related epigenetic modulation mechanism of osteosarcoma and helps search for potential drugs for osteosarcoma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PEDOT:PSS was adopted to modify the PICP performance of ZnO. • ZnO/PEDOT:PSS shows larger photocurrent and more positive photopotential. • PEDOT:PSS promotes the PICP performance for Cu but reduces that for 316L SS. • Tafel plots of metal and semiconductor material were intersected to clarify the PICP results. • The synergistic mechanism of semiconductor material and metals on the PICP are revealed. Photoinduced cathodic protection (PICP) performance of a semiconductor is closely related to its photoelectric conversion performance. However, this relationship is not clear up to date. In this work, PEDOT:PSS was added during the preparation process of ZnO electrode, endowing the obtained ZnO/PEDOT:PSS electrode with enhanced charge transfer and positive shifted Fermi level. Compared with ZnO, the ZnO/PEDOT:PSS shows larger photocurrent and more positive photopotential, which have opposite effects on the final PICP performance. Thus, the effect of photocurrent and photopotential on the PICP performance can be separately investigated in this paper. ZnO/PEDOT:PSS shows increased PICP performance for Cu but reduced PICP performance for 316L SS. These disparate PICP results were further revealed by the comparison of the photoinduced Tafel plots of semiconductors and the Tafel plots of the protected metals for the first time. And the synergistic mechanism of the photoelectric conversion property of semiconductors and the corrosion rates of the metals are finally clarified. Furthermore, a series ZnO photoelectrodes with different photocurrents and constant photopotential were obtained by simply controlling the electrode area. The comparison of their PICP performance reveals the efficient way to improve the PICP performance from the perspective of both photocurrent and photopotential. Therefore, this work not only reveals the synergistic mechanism of semiconductors and metals on the PICP performance, but also plays an important role in guiding how to efficiently improve the PICP performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy-driven photoinduced cathodic protection technology is considered as one of the most promising state-of-the-art and eco-friendly technology for marine metallic corrosion protection, utilizing only solar energy instead of sacrificial anode materials or impressed current to achieve corrosion protection. A 3D Zn-doped Bi 2 S 3 sensitized WO 3 /ZnO multi-heterojunction photoelectrode with both adjustable energy band and electron self-storage characteristics was enlightened and constructed to couple with metallic materials for providing long-term photoinduced cathodic protection both in light and dark conditions. [Display omitted] • An electron self-storage WO 3 /ZnO/Zn-Bi 2 S 3 photoelectrode was constructed. • Doping of Zn makes the energy band of Bi 2 S 3 wider and more negative. • The multijunction promotes the backward transfer of photogenerated electron and hole. • The transformation of Bi3+/Bi5+ promotes the consumption of photogenerated holes. • It exhibits an enhanced sustained photoinduced cathodic protection performance. Solar energy-driven photoinduced cathodic protection (PICP) technology utilizes solar energy to protect marine metallic structures against severe marine corrosion. To enhance the solar energy utilization and strengthen dark-state application for realizing long-term protection, herein, a 3D nanothorn cluster-like WO 3 /ZnO/Zn-Bi 2 S 3 multijunction with electron-storage characteristic and adjustable energy band was constructed. It exhibited an enhanced continuous release of photogenerated electron and sustained cathodic protection in dark conditions. Exposed to only 100 s of simulated sunlight irradiation, the WO 3 /ZnO/Zn-Bi 2 S 3 could store 5.27×10−2 C electrons and provide up to 5460 s of sustained CP for the coupled metal after light stops, which was 10.8 and 3.5 times higher than those of WO 3 /ZnO (4.89×10−3 C) and WO 3 /Zn-Bi 2 S 3 (1.51×10−2 C), respectively. The WO 3 nanothorn cluster-like substrate with reversible valence transformation of W6+/W5+ together with the large surface area and one-dimensional transmission path can store photogenerated electrons under illumination and release photogenerated electrons after light stops efficiently. Notably, the tri-phase heterojunction with introduction of intermediate "Carrier Springboard" ZnO between WO 3 and Zn-Bi 2 S 3 contributed to the building of well-matched energy band gradient to strengthen the directional backward transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes. The energy band of Bi 2 S 3 sensitizer was adjusted towards negative direction by doping with zinc element to boost PICP application performance. The reversible valence transformation of Bi3+/Bi5+ could promote the consumption of photogenerated holes. These synergistically enhanced the sustained PICP performance of the WO 3 /ZnO/Zn-Bi 2 S 3 photoelectrode both in dark and light conditions. This design shed light on energy-storage photoelectrodes for long-term PICP of metallic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 nanoflowerbush photoanode was prepared by facile hydrothermal method. • The nanoflower-like ZnIn 2 S 4 was tightly incorporated on ultrafine branched TiO 2 NB. • The heterojunction greatly promotes the transfer of the photogenerated carriers. • ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 NFB exhibits photoinduced CP performance for metals in NaCl solution. [Display omitted] Boosting the photoinduced cathodic protection (CP) for metals in NaCl solution is crucial for achieving the application of photoelectrochemical conversion in marine corrosion protection. An environmentally friendly three-dimensional ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 nanoflowerbush (NFB) photoelectrode was constructed with sufficient interfacial incorporation based on the ultrafine branched TiO 2 nanobush substrate via a facile in situ hydrothermal method. This ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 NFB nanoheterojunction composite behaves excellent photoinduced CP performance for metallic materials. This is owing to the optimized construction of photoelectrode with relatively negative band potential, wide solar spectrum response, effective generation and collection of photoinduced electrons. The morphology, distribution and performance of ZnIn 2 S 4 vary with different substrates. The pure ZnIn 2 S 4 powder is nanoflower sphere composed of a lot of thin petals; when ZnIn 2 S 4 grow onto the FTO glass, the ZnIn 2 S 4 petals are distributed vertically on the two-dimensional structure; when ZnIn 2 S 4 grow on the three-dimensional ultrafine branched TiO 2 nanobush substrate, a ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 NFB architecture with ultrafine TiO 2 branchlet cores are formed. This ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 NFB photoelectrode can achieve efficient photoinduced CP performance for pure copper and low alloy steels with different negative self-corrosion potentials, such as Cu (−0.18 V), E40 (−0.45 V), Q345 (−0.55 V) and Q235 carbon steel (−0.65 V) under simulated sunlight irradiation in NaCl solution without additional hole scavengers, and the photoinduced CP current densities reach as high as 170, 72, 63 and 44 μA cm−2, respectively. The high-efficiency photoinduced CP performance is closely related to the band structure gradient matching between the TiO 2 and ZnIn 2 S 4 , prompting both the widened absorption of solar spectrum and high-efficiency transfer of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Importantly, the negative band potential of ZnIn 2 S 4 endues a lower surface work function which benefits the electron transport to the under-protected metallic materials to achieve photoinduced CP. This photoelectrode exhibits huge photoinduced CP application potential in marine environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Vertically-aligned 2D TiO 2 nanosheets array (NSA) substrate was prepared. • The TiO 2 NSA/AgInSe 2 /In 2 Se 3 multijunction system was prepared. • TiO 2 NSA/AgInSe 2 /In 2 Se 3 promotes the separation of photoinduced carriers. • TiO 2 NSA/AgInSe 2 /In 2 Se 3 exhibits the enhanced PEC performance. • TiO 2 NSA/AgInSe 2 /In 2 Se 3 exhibits efficient PECCP performance for 316 L SS. Optimization of multijunction photoelectric conversion materials with a much negative band potential is very important for improving the photoelectric conversion and photoelectrochemical cathodic protection performance because the well-matched multijunction can assist the fast transport of photogenerated electrons. In this paper, a "green" AgInSe 2 /In 2 Se 3 sensitized TiO 2 nanosheet array (NSA) photoanode was prepared. Vertically-grown two-dimensional TiO 2 NSA with the multijunction of TiO 2 NSA/AgInSe 2 (7)/In 2 Se 3 (3) improves the separation efficiency and the transfer of photoinduced charge carriers compared with single AgInSe 2 sensitized TiO 2 NSA. The TiO 2 NSA/AgInSe 2 /In 2 Se 3 photoanode achieves highly efficient photoelectrochemical cathodic protection performance for 316LSS in NaCl solution under AM1.5 light illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure of semiconductor materials is of vital importance to its photoelectrochemical performance because the well-optimized special architecture offers rapid electron transport pathways for the photogenerated electrons and provides large areas for light harvesting. In the present paper, an ultrafine hyperbranched TiO 2 nanolawn (TiO 2 UFHBNL) photoanode was prepared through a facile one-step solvothermal method under employing a suitable dosage of H 2 O and diethylene glycol (DEG). Along with varying the dosages of H 2 O and DEG in the solvothermal process, both the crystal structure and morphology of the prepared TiO 2 nanosubstrate changed gradually. With the increase of the dosage of H 2 O and DEG from 5 mL: 35 mL–10 mL: 30 mL and further to 20 mL: 20 mL, the crystal phase of the TiO 2 nanosubstrate transforms from amorphous state to anatase phase and eventually to anatase-rutile mixed phases. And, the morphology of TiO 2 nanosubstrate changes from thick nanotrees to UFHBNL architecture and then to nanoparticles. The TiO 2 UFHBNL photoanode with the ultrafine hyperbranched architecture (diameter of 5–10 nm) after the CdS nanoparticles (5 nm) decoration shows an extremely enhanced photoelectrochemical performance. The ultrafine hyperbranched TiO 2 substrate also induces the super-refinement of the deposited CdS nanoparticles (5 nm) on the sub-branches. A maximum photocurrent density of 5.6 and 3.8 mA cm−2 are obtained under AM1.5 light and visible light illumination, respectively. The highly efficient photoelectrochemical performance is attributed to the decreased charge transfer barrier which contributes to fast charge transport and decreased recombination efficiency of the carriers. This strategy is beneficial for designing the high-performance photoanodes with the ultrafine hyperbranched architecture. A high-efficient TiO 2 photoanode with ultrafine hyperbranched nanolawn (UFHBNL) architecture sensitized with ultrafine CdS nanoparticles was prepared and optimized through a facile one-step hydrothermal method following by sequential ion layer absorption and reaction technique. The ultrafine TiO 2 nanobranches can greatly reduce the charge transfer barrier and promote the rapid transfer of the photoinduced electrons, finally offer the fast electron transport pathways. Image 1 • TiO 2 ultrafine hyperbranched nanolawn (UFHBNL) photoanode with ultrafine CdS nanoparticles was prepared. • The morphology and structure of TiO 2 substrate is adjusted by controlling dosages of H 2 O and DEG. • The CdS/TiO 2 UFHBNL photoanode shows a maximum photocurrent density of 5.6 mA cm−2. • The TiO 2 UFHBNL architecture endows fast charge transport and large light harvest area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • WO 3 /CdZnS and Mo-WO 3 /CdZnS heterojunction photoelectrodes were fabricated. • Mo-WO 3 /CdZnS exhibited desirable PECCP associated with electron storage capability. • The mechanism of electron storage and PECCP is proposed. Most of the photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical cathodic protection (PECCP) technology reported at present cannot store electrons, leading to the inability to protect metals in the absence of light, which becomes the main defect that limits the practical application of PECCP. In this work, a Mo doping WO 3 /CdZnS heterojunction photoelectrode with electrons storage capability was prepared, by which the PECCP can be kept running in the absence of light. The result of theoretical calculation of density functional validates that Mo doping can introduce new doping levels into WO 3 , leading to modifications in the intrinsic electronic structure associated with increasing capacitance and conductivity. The compounding of CdZnS can not only broaden the light absorption threshold of the photoelectrode, but also charge the Mo-WO 3. Besides, the construction of heterojunction also facilitates the oriented separation and migration of photogenerated carriers. The 0.3%Mo-WO 3 /CdZnS-2 composite photoelectrode with desirable capacity of electron storage can store the quantity of electric charge about 1.87 × 10−3 C after 100 s illumination, which is about 1.5 times of WO 3 /CdZnS-2 without Mo doping. In the meanwhile, the persistent PECCP performance in the absence of light was also prolonged from 481 s to 584 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the MoS 2 clusters/CdS (CMo/CdS) nanorod (NR) heterojunction photocatalysts were prepared through a simple one-pot solvothermal method under lower temperature. The cluster-structured MoS 2 is uniformly dispersed on the surface of CdS NRs, and the MoS 2 modification does not change the crystal structure and morphology of CdS NRs. The modification of MoS 2 can significantly enhance the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance of CdS NRs. When the molar ratio of MoS 2 to CdS NRs is 3%, the CMo/CdS NRs has the highest photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate, 12.38 mmol·g −1 ·h −1 , which is 17.4 times that of CdS NRs. The enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production performance can be attributed to the co-catalytic action of MoS 2 , which can accelerate the photocatalytic hydrogen production process of CdS NRs. Meanwhile, MoS 2 can reduce the surface resistance of CdS NRs and improve the transmission of the photogenerated electrons to the surface of CdS NRs, resulting in the significant decrease of the recombination rate of the photogenerated electrons and holes, and thus promoting the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance of CdS NRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel double Z-scheme WO 3 /CZS/CoS x photocatalyst was successful designed. • WO 3 /CZS/CoS x photocatalyst displays excellent photocatalytic performance. • The double Z-scheme system accelerates the hydrogen production process. A novel double Z-scheme WO 3 /Cd 0.97 Zn 0.03 S/CoS x (WO 3 /CZS/CoS x) photocatalyst was designed to explore the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance. Cd 0.97 Zn 0.03 S (CZS) nanoparticles are well loaded onto the surface of WO 3 nanorods and further form heterojunction with CoS x nanosheet. The WO 3 /CZS/CoS x photocatalyst showed excellent photocatalytic performance with the photocatalytic hydrogen yield of 117.48 μmol/h, which was 7.58 times higher than that of CZS (15.50 μmol/h). The established double Z-scheme system inhibited the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes and promoted the transfer of photogenerated carriers, thus accelerating the photocatalytic hydrogen production process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]