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The replacement of the oxygen evolution reaction with a higher valuable oxidation process can overcome the sluggish kinetics to promote renewable hydrogen production, simultaneously achieving energy storage and environmental protection. However, the effective integration of two redox half-reactions in one photocatalytic reaction system is still a challenge. Here the p-diethynylbenzene and dibenzothiophene sulfone copolymer (PEB-DBT) is well-designed to couple with α-Fe2O3via a palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira cross-linking reaction, forming a heterojunction with strong interfacial interaction. In particular, there is a different preferred charge transfer path of PEB-DBT/α-Fe2O3via modulating the work function difference in various solutions. The results suggest that the Z-scheme electron transfer pathway is predominant in triethanolamine (TEOA) and ofloxacin (OFL) solutions, instead of the type-II heterojunction that forms in H2O or methylene blue (MB). The Z-scheme PEB-DBT/α-Fe2O3 heterojunction has excellent performance in the hydrogen evolution half-reaction and OFL degradation, which is about 2.7 times and 3.3 times higher than that of pure PEB-DBT, respectively. Finally, it successfully achieved simultaneous photocatalytic H2 evolution and OFL degradation under visible light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial published in Frontiers in Materials, discussing recent advances in functional materials, specifically polymers and composite materials. The editorial highlights the various applications of these materials in fields such as photocatalysis, energy storage, electronics, and 3D printing. The document also mentions five research papers published in the journal, which cover topics such as photocatalytic nanocomposites, multifunctional composite coatings for asphalt pavement, polymeric materials for 3D printing, and testing methods for fiber-reinforced polymers. The editorial concludes by emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary research and expressing gratitude to the authors and reviewers. [Extracted from the article]

In this study, novel hydrothermal ex situ synthesis was adopted to synthesize MoS2/WO3 heterostructures using two different molar ratios of 1:1 and 1:4. The "bottom-up" assembly was successfully developed to synthesize spherical and flaky-shaped heterostructures. Their structural, morphological, compositional, and bandgap characterizations were investigated through XRD, EDX, SEM, UV-Visible spectroscopy, and FTIR analysis. These analyses help to understand the agglomerated heterostructures of MoS2/WO3 for their possible photocatalytic application. Therefore, prepared heterostructures were tested for RhB photodegradation using solar light irradiation. The % efficiency of MoS2/WO3 composites for 30 min irradiation of 1:1 was 91.41% and for 1:4 was 98.16%. Similarly, the % efficiency of 1:1 MoS2/WO3 heterostructures for 60 min exposure was 92.68%; for 1:4, it was observed as 98.56%; and for 90 min exposure, the % efficiency of 1:1 was 92.41%, and 98.48% was calculated for 1:4 composites. The photocatalytic efficiency was further verified by reusability experiments (three cycles), and the characterization results afterward indicated the ensemble of crystalline planes that were responsible for the high efficiency. Moreover, these heterostructures showed stability over three cycles, indicating their future applications for other photocatalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed to investigate laser irradiation effects on the surface, structural, and mechanical properties of iron samples. The prepared samples have been treated for multiple exposure times using continuous-wave diode laser with a wavelength of 532 nm in a laboratory environment. The structural as well as surface modifications of laser exposed targets are explored via scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer. The SEM analysis revealed micrometer grain size, exfoliational sputtering, and crater formation, while XRD patterns were used to investigate d-spacing, and grain size of laser exposed samples. The mechanical characteristics of laser-ablated materials were examined using a micro Vickers hardness-tester, and microhardness has been explored as a function of increasing laser exposure time. It has been observed that grain size reduces while hardness of polycrystalline iron increases with increase in exposure time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, novel hydrothermal synthesis is used to explore the impact of photocatalytic activity on H2 production using an aqueous solution of triethanolamine (TEoA) in TiO2 nanostructures designed with varying molar concentrations of HCl, and the production of molecular hydrogen is explored as a function of molar concentration. A solar simulator is utilized to assess the photocatalytic activities of methyl orange degradation under UV light irradiation and molecular H2 production. Also, XRD patterns and SEM images are explored to show agglomerated nanoparticle formation, and an EDX spectrum is employed to confirm TiO2 compositions. The band gap analysis of produced nanostructures is performed using a UV-Vis spectrometer and is found to be varying in between 2.5 and 3.0 eV, while the maximum methyl orange degradation corresponds to 1.0 M concentration of HCl, indicating an enhanced hydrogen production. To meet the foreseeable future energy crises and worsening environmental challenges, we may need sustainable energy sources, and photocatalysis molecular H2 production offers a viable alternative to fossil fuels that can be employed to tackle future difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]