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In recent years, the vigorous industrial development of the country has brought about serious air pollution, and the development of low-temperature gas sensors with high response and short response/recovery time has become ideal for monitoring the industrial environment. This work demonstrates a composite gas sensor based on CsPbBr 3 perovskite quantum dots (QDs) and In 2 O 3 nanospheres for the detection of TEA gases at low temperatures. Compared with pure In 2 O 3 , the best responsive gas for the In 2 O 3 -CsPbBr 3 QDs composite was triethylamine (TEA), with a response value of 52.92 at an optimal operating temperature of 60 °C. In addition, due to the sensitive optical properties of the CsPbBr 3 QDs, UV irradiation of the In 2 O 3 -CsPbBr 3 composites was performed, and the samples were found to have response values as high as 156.42. The In 2 O 3 -CsPbBr 3 composite also has a short response recovery time (1/19 s), which is favorable for timely warning. The results of the gas-sensing experiments showed that the sensor has good sensitivity, reproducibility, and stability for triethylamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing highly efficient catalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants driven by solar light in aquatic environments is a promising and green strategy. In this study, a novel hexagonal sheet-like Pt/SnS2 heterojunction photocatalyst is successfully designed and fabricated using a hydrothermal method and photodeposition process for photocatalytic tetracycline (TC) degradation. The optimal Pt/SnS2 hybrid behaves with excellent photocatalytic performance, with a degradation efficiency of 91.27% after 120 min, a reaction rate constant of 0.0187 min−1, and durability, which can be attributed to (i) the formation of a metal/semiconductor interface field caused by loading Pt nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of SnS2, facilitating the separation of photo-induced charge carriers; (ii) the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of Pt NPs, extending the light absorption range; and (iii) the sheet-like structure of SnS2, which can shorten the transmission distance of charge carriers, thereby allowing more electrons (e−) and holes (h+) to transfer to the surface of the catalyst. This work provides new insights with the utilization of sheet-like structured materials for highly active photocatalytic TC degradation in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we conducted an investigation into the heterogeneous bonding process of glass and copper using a nanosecond pulsed laser for laser transmission welding. Our research focused on examining various processing parameters and the influence of focal plane positions on bonding quality. To evaluate weld strength, we employed both pull-tensile separation force (PTSF) and shear-tensile separation force (STSF) measurements. The analysis of fracture and separation results encompassed detailed examinations of weld morphology, microstructure, elemental composition, and phase configuration. The results revealed that increasing the laser welding energy initially enhanced the weld strength until it reached a saturation point. This saturation point was attributed to the formation of voids or cracks, leading to residual stress within the weld zone due to non-uniform hot spots in the molten area during processing. Among the different focal plane positions tested, positioning it below the glass/copper interface yielded the highest weld strength. The maximum achieved bond strength was above 10 MPa, demonstrating the feasibility of cost-effective pulsed laser welding for copper-to-glass applications. Moreover, the weld strength obtained using STSF surpassed that of PTSF. This discrepancy arises from the fact that PTSF separation led to fractures at the weld seam-glass boundary, leaving the weld seam on the copper plate. In contrast, STSF resulted in separation along the weld-copper interface, leaving the weld seam on the glass sheet. In-depth analysis through SEM and EDS elucidated that Cu and SiO2 underwent intra-mixing and inter-particle diffusion in the molten pool during welding. HR-TEM and SAED observations unveiled the presence of polycrystalline copper nanoparticles, copper oxides, and an amorphous Cu–O-Si region at the weld interface. This amorphous region significantly contributed to the robust bonding between copper and glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current advances in non-invasive fluid diagnostics highlight unique benefits for monitoring metabolic diseases. However, the low concentrations and complex compositions of biomarkers in fluids such as sweat, urine, and saliva impose stringent demands on the sensitivity and stability of detection technologies. Here, we developed a high-sensitivity, low-cost instantaneous electrochemical sensor based on the superadditive effect mechanism of Cu-TCPP(Fe)/Mxene (MMs Paper-ECL Sensor), which has been successfully applied for the simultaneous real-time detection of glucose and uric acid. Strong interfacial interactions between Mxene and Cu-TCPP(Fe) were revealed through precise simulation calculations and multi-dimensional characterization analysis, significantly enhancing the sensor's electrocatalytic performance and reaction kinetics. Experimentally, this exceptional electrocatalytic activity was demonstrated in its unprecedented high sensitivity and wide linear detection range for glucose and uric acid, with a non-invasive linear range from 0.001 nM to 5 mM, 0.025 nM–5 mM, detection limits as low as 1.88 aM and 5.80 pM, and stability extending up to 100 days. This represents not only a breakthrough in sensitivity and stability but also provides an effective, low-cost solution that overcomes the limitations of existing electronic devices, enabling multi-channel simultaneous detection. The universality of this sensor holds vast potential for application in the field of non-invasive fluid diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, ultra‐thin g‐C3N4 nanosheets were prepared by improved ultrasonic stripping method for the first time. Then, g‐C3N4 nanosheets were pretreated into Bi+/g‐C3N4 nanosheets by electrostatic adsorption principle, and a new type of Cl‐Bi2WO6/g‐C3N4 heterostructure photocatalyst was prepared by using Bi+/g‐C3N4 nanosheets as the substrate. The degradation of RhB under photocatalysis was studied with the compound amount of g‐C3N4 and the amount of catalyst by using x‐ray diffraction (XRD), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer Emmett‐Teller (BET), and ultraviolet visible diffuse (UV‐vis DRS) methods on the structure, morphology, and optical characterization charge transfer characteristics, etc. The results of the degradation experiment show that the compound appropriate amount of g‐C3N4 can significantly improve the activity of the photocatalyst. At the same time, different amounts of Cl‐Bi2WO6/g‐C3N4 composite photocatalyst have a significant effect on the degradation performance, and the photocatalytic activity is the best when the input is 2 g/L. Combined with active species capture experiments, a possible degradation mechanism of Cl‐Bi2WO6/g‐C3N4 Z‐type heterostructure photocatalyst was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semimetal Bi in contact with monolayer MoS 2 (mMoS 2) as a substrate reduced contact resistance. This phenomenon has attracted widespread attention. Presently, systematic research on defects in semimetal- TMDs heterojunctions remains limited. In this paper, nine types of vacancy defects (three S-vacancies at the heterojunction interface (VSI, II, III), three S-vacancies on the top layer (VSI, II, IIIt), one Mo vacancy (VMo), Mo–S double vacancies (VMo–S) and Mo–S triple vacancies (VMo–2S)) and defect-free structure (Perfect) are designed in mMoS 2. Their impact on defect formation energy, Interface charge transfer, and carrier mobility in three-layer (3L)Bi(0001)-mMoS 2 heterojunctions are studied by the First-Principles. The energy analysis indicates that in the 3LBi-mMoS 2 contact, VS are more prone to formation than VMo, VSt, VMo–S and VMo–2S. At the same time VSⅡ has the lowest formation energy under Mo-rich environments. The analysis of electron and charge redistribution in the 3LBi-mMoS 2 contact with defects indicates that defect generation introduces peaks at the Fermi level, enhancing the hybridization of Mo_4d and S_3p. The hybridization rate of electron orbitals in VMo surpasses that in VS and VSt, signifying that heterojunction structures with defects exhibit increased electron injection efficiency at the interface compared to Perfect. The charge carrier mobility of S and Mo defects in 3LBi-mMoS 2 reveals a significant reduction in the effective mass of charge carriers due to vacancy defects. Due to the location of defects, heterojunctions exhibit anisotropy. Obtain Perfect > VMo > VSII (370.7 > 277>125.1 c m 2 V − 1 S − 1 ) for the x-direction carrier mobility (μ x), while VMo > Perfect > VSII (440.8 > 279.7>131.6 c m 2 V − 1 S − 1 ) for the y-direction carrier mobility (μ y). These findings offer practical insights for utilizing defects to modulate the electronic properties of Semimetal-MoS 2 heterojunction interfaces. • For MoS 2 -Bi heterojunction, nine different types and positions of point defects has been considered for discussion. • The defect formation energy, density of states, and differential charge density of the heterojunction are calculated. • The mechanisms for the changes in charge redistribution at the interface of the heterojunction induced by various defects. • The study investigated the variations in carrier mobility for heterojunctions under biaxial strain modulation (±2%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution, energy shortages and the greenhouse effect have become global problems. Photocatalysis has proven to be an effective means of solving these problems due to its high efficiency, energy efficiency and mild conditions. Among many semiconductor materials, CdS materials have received widespread attention and research with the advantages of simple preparation method, controlled morphology, strong visible light response, and ability to form stable heterojunctions with other catalysts. However, the toxicity and photocorrosion of CdS-based photocatalysts severely limit their wide application in photocatalysis. In this paper, the synthesis methods and modification strategies of different morphology CdS are reviewed. In addition, we compare the performance of different CdS-based photocatalysts for applications in the degradation of pollutants in water, photolysis of water and CO 2 reduction for the production of H 2 and CH 4 clean fuels. The current research status, challenges and development directions of CdS-based photocatalysts are also briefly introduced. In anticipation of providing ideas and theoretical guidance for more comprehensive development of efficient CdS-based photocatalysts. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Recent developments in synthesis and nanofabrication technologies offer the tantalizing prospect of realizing various applications from two-dimensional (2D) materials. A revolutionary development is to flexibly construct many different kinds of heterostructures with a diversity of 2D materials. These 2D heterostructures play an important role in semiconductor and condensed matter physics studies and are promising candidates for new device designs in the fields of integrated circuits and quantum sciences. Theoretical and experimental studies have focused on both vertical and lateral 2D heterostructures; the lateral heterostructures are considered to be easier for planner integration and exhibit unique electronic and photoelectronic properties. In this review, we give a summary of the properties of lateral heterostructures with homogeneous junction and heterogeneous junction, where the homogeneous junctions have the same host materials and the heterogeneous junctions are combined with different materials. Afterward, we discuss the applications and experimental synthesis of lateral 2D heterostructures. Moreover, a perspective on lateral 2D heterostructures is given at the end.

The mixed‐phase BiVO4 nanosheet with different ratios of solvents was prepared by a one‐step hydrothermal method. The viscosity of ethylene glycol helps form a homogeneous thin nanosheet, which can be compared with the microstructure of BiVO4 with different ratios of solvents (deionised water and ethylene glycol). Also, both XRD and Raman diagrams indicate that the synthesis of BiVO4 nanosheet constitutes with a mixture of two crystal types. The mixed‐phase BiVO4 possesses higher photocurrent density, smaller electron transport resistance and longer lifetime. Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance can be attributed to the mixed‐phase BiVO4 has a large specific surface area, as well as o‐BiVO4 (orthorhombic BiVO4) and s‐BiVO4 (monocline BiVO4), form heterogeneous junction to promote photogenerated carries separation and reduce the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although a promising method for lignin depolymerization, photocatalysis faces the challenge of low efficiency. In this study, MoS 2 /ZnO heterojunction catalysts, endowed with piezocatalysis and photocatalytic capabilities, were crafted through Zn ion intercalation for the depolymerization of phenoxyphenylethanol (PP-ol) and alkali lignin. Then, the synergistic interplay between ultrasonic-induced piezoelectric fields and heterojunctions was analyzed. The amalgamation of the piezoelectric field and heterojunction in MoS 2 /ZnO catalysts resulted in a diminished photogenerated hole/electron recombination efficiency, thereby fostering the generation of ·OH during the reaction. This pivotal role of ·OH emerged as a crucial reactive substance, converting 95.8 % of PP-ol through β-O-4 bond breaking within a 3-h treatment. By incorporating ultrasonic, the contact probability of PP-ol with the catalyst was significantly improved, resulting in efficient conversion even with a reduced amount of acetonitrile in the solvent system (20 %). Furthermore, ultrasonic-light methods show high efficiency for depolymerizing Alkali lignin (AL), with 33.2 % of lignin undergoing depolymerization in a 4-h treatment. This treatment simultaneously reduces the molecular weight of AL and cleaves numerous chemical bonds within it. Overall, this work presents a green approach to lignin depolymerization, providing insights into the synergistic action of ultrasonic and photocatalysis. • A bifunctional catalyst with piezoelectric photocatalysis ability was synthesized. • When ultrasound is employed, ·OH is the active substance in the reaction. • Ultrasonic-light methods show high efficiency for depolymerizing lignin. • Ultrasonic-light methods reduce the proportion of acetonitrile in the reaction solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO2–Bi2O3 composite rods were synthesized by combining hydrothermal growth of rutile TiO2 rod templates and sputtering deposition of Bi2O3 thin films. The TiO2–Bi2O3 composite rods with β-Bi2O3 phase and α/β-Bi2O3 dual-phase decoration layers were designed, respectively, via in situ radio-frequency magnetron sputtering growth and post-annealing procedures in ambient air. The crystal structure, surface morphology, and photo-absorption performances of the pristine TiO2 rods decorated with various Bi2O3 phases were investigated. The crystal structure analysis reveals that the crystalline TiO2–Bi2O3 rods contained β-Bi2O3 and α/β-Bi2O3 crystallites were separately formed on the TiO2 rod templates with different synthesis approaches. The morphology analysis demonstrates that the β-Bi2O3 coverage layer on the crystalline rutile TiO2 rods showed flat layer morphology; however, the surface morphology of the α/β-Bi2O3 dual-phase coverage layer on the TiO2 rods exhibited a sheet-like feature. The results of photocatalytic decomposition towards methyl orange dyes show that the substantially improved photoactivity of the rutile TiO2 rods was achieved by decorating a thin sheet-like α/β-Bi2O3 coverage layer. The effectively photoinduced charge separation efficiency in the stepped energy band configuration in the composite rods made from the TiO2 and α/β-Bi2O3 explained their markedly improved photoactivity. The TiO2-α/β-Bi2O3 composite rods are promising for use as photocatalysts and photoelectrodes.

In this study, silver/silver-tetracyanoquinodimethane nanowires with excellent microstructure quality are prepared by combining the nanoskiving method with the solution reaction method, and their electrical properties are tested. The perpendicular cutting direction and larger cutting thickness are beneficial to the acquisition of complete and less deformed silver nanowires. Silver/silver-tetracyanoquinodimethane heterogeneous nanowires can be precisely prepared at small droplet concentration, small droplet volume, and 60 s reaction time. The continuity, dimensions, and formation mechanism of nanowires are characterized by atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope. Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope revealed the successful formation and core-shell structure of silver-tetracyanoquinodimethane nanowires. The electrical properties of silver/silver-tetracyanoquinodimethane heterostructure nanowires show a typical Schottky barrier using a two-point electrical measurement method. This work lays a solid foundation for promoting the engineering application of silver nanowires and silver/silver-tetracyanoquinodimethane heterogeneous nanowires. • Ag-TCNQ nanowires are prepared by nanoskiving and the solution reaction method. • The continuity and dimensions of Ag nanowires are characterized by SEM and AFM. • The core-shell structure of Ag-TCNQ nanowires is confirmed by TEM and Raman. • Different modes in the formation of Ag-TCNQ nanowires are observed by SEM. • The semiconductor properties of Ag/Ag-TCNQ heterogeneous nanowires are verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A comparative study of metal–semiconductor and semimetal-semiconductor based on DFT. • The charge distribution theory for M−S and S-S heterojunctions has revealed. • The M−S interface is more sensitive to stress modulation than the S-S interface. • How to avoid Schottky barrier height is discussed. The generation of Schottky barrier height (SBH) at the metal–semiconductor junctions (MSJ)is a hot topic in the area of new two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors. As the charge distribution theory is an effective approach to study the generation of SBHs at the interface, and it has not been studied in depth so far. In this paper, two groups of metal–semiconductor (Pt-MoS 2 and Ni-MoS 2) and semimetal-semiconductor (Bi-MoS 2 and Bi-WSe 2) structures are designed, and their charge redistribution mechanisms are studied by the first-principles density functional theory (DFT). The result shows that the band gaps at the interfaces of Pt-MoS 2 and Ni-MoS 2 are 0.73 eV and 0.68 eV, respectively, and a large SBH is appeared, while the band gaps at the interface of Bi-MoS 2 and Bi-WSe 2 are basically not exist. The large SBHs are produced at metal–semiconductor (M−S) interfaces due to the push-back effect and metal-induced gap states (MIGS). The weak orbitals and special density of states (DOS) (near-zero DOS at the Fermi level) of Bi atoms at the semimetal-semiconductor (S-S) interface can avoid orbital hybridization and fill the band gap, thus an Ohmic Contact is formed. Additionally, stress modulation is also performed for both sets of interfaces, and the comparison shows that M−S interface is more sensitive to stress modulation than the S-S interface, and the stress has the most pronounced effect on the interface dipole (Δ V), especially at the M−S interfaces. These calculations provide a theoretical complement to the mechanism of ultra-low contact resistance formation at MSJ, bringing new theory and insight into the development of two-dimensional semiconductor devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) is a promising photocatalyst with lots of merits, such as visible light driven (200–1000 nm), cost-effective and high stability. However, the single g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst is limited in its performance due to the high complexation rate of photogenerated electrons and holes and the confined specific surface area. Herein, a S-scheme heterojunction catalyst involving tubular g-C 3 N 4 (TCN) and TiO 2 is designed and constructed via precursor reforming strategy with subsequent hydrothermal calcination process. The tubular structure offers more active centers, conducive to light absorption and contact with pollutants, while the heterojunction facilitates the transfer and separation of electrons and holes. Thus, the TCN/TiO 2 catalyst exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity with degradation efficiencies for methylene blue (MB) and tetracycline (TC) reaching 96.6 % and 100 %, respectively, as well as high degradation efficiency for other dyes (Congo red and Eosin y). Besides, TCN/TiO 2 catalyst demonstrates outstanding stability and potential for practical application. An innovative S-scheme heterojunction system has shown remarkable potential for improving the separation and transferring electron-hole pairs, as well as delivering stronger redox capability. This work provides a promising strategy for the preparation of g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 catalyst for the effective treatment of contaminated water. • The TCN/TiO 2 S-scheme photocatalyst was designed by a precursor reforming strategy and a hydrothermal calcination process. • The prepared TCN/TiO 2 possesses extension of absorption region from UV to visible light and enhanced redox capacity. • The prepared TCN/TiO 2 photocatalysts achieves 96.6 % methylene blue (MB) degradation in 60 min under visible light. • The prepared TCN/TiO 2 photocatalysts realizes 100 % tetracycline (TC) degradation in 30 min under visible light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-layered thin films of TiO 2 and TiN were created by RF reactive magnetron sputtering and were compared with homogeneous thin films of N doped TiO 2 having the same thickness. The crystalline, chemical, optical and photoactive properties were measured and discussed in detail. The number of bilayers was kept constant either 9 or 18 bilayers, but the overall composition (TiN to TiO 2 ratio) was varied. The TiN and TiO 2 layer thicknesses were controlled systematically in order to produce films with TiN to TiO 2 ratio ranging from 5% to 28%. The TiN/TiO 2 ratio was controlled for both bilayers in order to get the best synergic effect of light absorption/reflection and charge separation based on the generation of the photo-electrochemical current and the photocatalytic activity under UV and visible light. A maximum photocurrent generation was found for thin films having a TiN/TiO 2 ratio of 21% and 28% for the 9 bilayer and the 18 bilayer films, respectively. The superiority of the configuration of the 18 bilayer has been confirmed by studying the photocatalytic activity. The photoactive improvement of the bilayered thin films as compared to non-doped TiO 2 is the result of the enhanced charge separation at the heterogeneous junction, interfacial effects between TiN and TiO 2 , which is found to depend on the thickness of the TiN layers. Electronic as well as optical approaches have been presented to explain the superiority of the bilayers strategy. This study has shown that a bilayered morphology of TiN and TiO 2 can significantly enhance the photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical behavior of TiO 2 under visible light illumination conditions which is applicable to numerous fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we proposed a novel solution for reversible regulation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level using a semiconductor heterojunction. Two metal-based ROS scavengers containing n-type CeO 2 nanoparticles and n-type Cu-doped diatom biosilica (Cu-DBs) were integrated by a hydrothermal method to form a typical n-n semiconductor heterojunction (Ce/Cu-DBs). Unlike the control of the ROS level by a single ROS scavenger or ROS-generating agent, Ce/Cu-DBs could quickly eliminate ROS by cascade catalytic reaction, which readily switched to ROS generation through a near-infrared (NIR)-triggered photocatalytic effect. This NIR mediated ROS regulation system provided a noninvasive strategy for reversible control of the ROS level in vitro and in vivo . The Ce/Cu-DBs could relieve cellular oxidative stress by clearing local excessive ROS while inhibiting bacterial growth by increasing ROS levels under NIR radiation. Benefiting from the reversible regulatory effect of Ce/Cu-DBs, programmable healing of infected wounds was realized via on-demand anti-infection and inflammation reduction. This work provided a general method with highly spatiotemporal resolution to a remote and sustainable control ROS level, which had great potential for the biomedical field and regulation of chemical reactions.

The high demand on direct current (DC) power source generated through triboelectric effect drives the research on semiconductor-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which have lower internal resistance. With high flexibility, organic semiconductor-based DC TENGs are more intriguing. In this work, we use organic semiconductor Poly (3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) as a friction layer to make organic semiconductor-based TENGs. By experimentally analyzing the work functions of PEDOT: PSS, Al alloy, Si, ITO, Cu, and graphene, the DC devices with PEDOT: PSS/Al alloy triboelectric layers exhibit impressive performance. Our PEDOT: PSS/Al alloy DC TENGs achieves open-circuit voltage about 1 V, and short-circuit current up to 309 μA. The internal resistance of the DC TENG is tested to be about 2×104 Ω, and the power density reaches 11.67 mW/m2. Effects of the load pressure, sliding speed, and size of the devices are systematically studied in this work. The charging probability of our DC TENGs as power sources and human body motion detecting capability as force sensors are all experimentally tested, indicating further potential applications of our PEDOT: PSS/Al alloy DC TENGs as flexible energy sources and motion detector. The high demand on direct current (DC) power source generated through triboelectric effect drives the research on semiconductor-based triboelectric generators (TENGs), which has lower internal resistance. With high flexibility, organic semiconductor-based DC TENGs are more intriguing. In this work, we used organic semiconductor Poly (3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS) as a friction layer to make organic semiconductor-based TENGs. By experimentally analyzing the work functions of PEDOT: PSS, Al alloy, Si, ITO, Cu, and graphene, the DC devices with PEDOT: PSS/Al alloy triboelectric layers exhibit impressive performance. Our PEDOT: PSS/Al alloy DC TENG achieved an open-circuit voltage of about 1 V, and short-circuit current up to 309 μA. The current is about one order of magnitude higher than previously reported PEDOT: PSS-based DC TENGs. The internal resistance of the DC TENG is tested to be about 2×104 Ω, and the power density reaches 11.67 mW/m2. The effects of the load pressure, sliding speed, and size of the device was systematically studied in this work. The charging probability of our DC TENGs as power sources and human body motion sensors are all experimentally tested, indicating the further potential applications of our PEDOT: PSS/Al alloy DC TENGs as flexible energy sources and motion detecting sensors. [Display omitted] • Investigated the output of DC TENG composed of PEDOT: PSS and Al alloy, Si, ITO, Cu, graphene separately. • A DC TENG with high open circuit voltage (1 V) and short circuit current (309 μA) was prepared. • The influence of material work function on DC TENG output is studied by KPFM. • The effects of load pressure, sliding speed and device size on the performance of the DC TENG are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO2–Bi2O3 composite rods were synthesized by combining hydrothermal growth of rutile TiO2 rod templates and sputtering deposition of Bi2O3 thin films. The TiO2–Bi2O3 composite rods with β-Bi2O3 phase and α/β-Bi2O3 dual-phase decoration layers were designed, respectively, via in situ radio-frequency magnetron sputtering growth and post-annealing procedures in ambient air. The crystal structure, surface morphology, and photo-absorption performances of the pristine TiO2 rods decorated with various Bi2O3 phases were investigated. The crystal structure analysis reveals that the crystalline TiO2–Bi2O3 rods contained β-Bi2O3 and α/β-Bi2O3 crystallites were separately formed on the TiO2 rod templates with different synthesis approaches. The morphology analysis demonstrates that the β-Bi2O3 coverage layer on the crystalline rutile TiO2 rods showed flat layer morphology; however, the surface morphology of the α/β-Bi2O3 dual-phase coverage layer on the TiO2 rods exhibited a sheet-like feature. The results of photocatalytic decomposition towards methyl orange dyes show that the substantially improved photoactivity of the rutile TiO2 rods was achieved by decorating a thin sheet-like α/β-Bi2O3 coverage layer. The effectively photoinduced charge separation efficiency in the stepped energy band configuration in the composite rods made from the TiO2 and α/β-Bi2O3 explained their markedly improved photoactivity. The TiO2-α/β-Bi2O3 composite rods are promising for use as photocatalysts and photoelectrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]