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Photocatalysis in the Control of Environmental Pollution
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Photocatalysis in the Control of Environmental Pollution

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Photochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 March 2025 | Viewed by 11700

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Huaqiang Zhuang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou 362000, China
Interests: photocatalysis; nanomaterial; degradation; water treatment; H2 production
Dr. Kai Yang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou 341000, China
Interests: photocatalytic degradation; CO2 reduction; photocatalytic hydrogen production; antibacterial; material design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Hongwen Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
Interests: photocatalytic degradation; photoelectrochemical water splitting; CO2 reduction; H2 production; energy conversion

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Currently, the abundant discharge of textile industrial effluent and domestic wastewater is becoming a huge challenge to public health and the environment as the development of the economy and industry continues to advance. Hence, an efficient pollution-free processing technology to remove the toxic contaminants from water waste is highly imperative and desired. Semiconductor-based photocatalysis is regarded as one of the most promising technologies to resolve the environmental issue. Much effort has been devoted to the development of high-efficiency photocatalytic materials for environmental purification.

This particular Special Issue mainly focuses on the recent developments of and challenges in the field of photocatalytic materials for environmental purification. Specifically, we welcome relevant research papers to contribute to Issue, such as the preparation and characterization of catalytic materials, novel catalyst designs, applications of photocatalytic technology in wastewater treatment, and so on.

Dr. Huaqiang Zhuang
Dr. Kai Yang
Dr. Hongwen Zhang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • photocatalysis
  • nanomaterials
  • wastewater treatments
  • environmental applications
  • pollutants photodegradation

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 3356 KiB  
Article
Temperature-Sensitive Template for Preparation of ZnO/CeO2 Composite Photocatalytic Materials and Its Catalytic Performance
by Yaoyao Zhang, Wenjie Yang, Zhengyuan Zhu, Lin Zhang and Wenju Peng
Molecules 2024, 29(15), 3589; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153589 - 30 Jul 2024
Viewed by 801
Abstract
In this work, a series of thermosensitive ionic liquid functionalized polymers, PNx(IL)y, with controllable morphology and particle size were prepared by free radical polymerization. Then, using the polymer PN64(IL)8 with uniform morphology as a templating agent, [...] Read more.
In this work, a series of thermosensitive ionic liquid functionalized polymers, PNx(IL)y, with controllable morphology and particle size were prepared by free radical polymerization. Then, using the polymer PN64(IL)8 with uniform morphology as a templating agent, the ZnO composite photocatalytic materials doped with rare earth metal Ce were prepared in combination with a microwave-assisted and templated hydrothermal reaction method. Series different Ce-doping amount photocatalytic materials ZnO-Ce-x‰ were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, and other methods. The results demonstrated that the templated materials PN64(IL)8 can prepare ZnO-Ce-2‰ with uniform petaloid ambulacra shape, good distribution of elements, and excellent photocatalytic performance. Photocatalytic degradation experiments of methyl orange (MO) showed that when the Ce-doping amount is only 2‰, the degradation rate of organic dyes can reach 96.5% by reacting the photocatalytic materials in water for 1 h. In addition, this kind of photocatalyst can be used for the degradation of high-concentration MO, as well as being easily recovered and effectively reused by simple filtration. Therefore, the structure of this kind of photocatalyst is controllable in the preparation process with an extremely low Ce-doping amount compared with current reports, and it has a good application prospect in the field of wastewater treatment technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis in the Control of Environmental Pollution)
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12 pages, 4446 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Photocatalytic Activities for Sustainable Hydrogen Evolution on Structurally Matched CuInS2/ZnIn2S4 Heterojunctions
by Fuying Li, Boiyee Liao, Jinni Shen, Junni Ke, Rongxin Zhang, Yueqi Wang and Yu Niu
Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2447; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112447 - 23 May 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 913
Abstract
Effective charge separation and migration pose a critical challenge in the field of solar-driven hydrogen production. In this work, a Z-scheme structured CuInS2/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction was successfully fabricated through a two-step hydrothermal synthesis method to significantly enhance the efficiency [...] Read more.
Effective charge separation and migration pose a critical challenge in the field of solar-driven hydrogen production. In this work, a Z-scheme structured CuInS2/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction was successfully fabricated through a two-step hydrothermal synthesis method to significantly enhance the efficiency of solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion. Structural characterization revealed that the lattice-matched CuInS2/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction exhibits an enlarged interfacial contact area, which facilitates the transfer and separation of photogenerated charges. Microscopic analysis indicated that the CuInS2/ZnIn2S4 composite material has a tightly interwoven interface and a morphology resembling small sugar cubes. Photoelectrochemical spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that the heterojunction structure effectively enhances visible light absorption and charge separation efficiency, leading to an improvement in photocatalytic activity. Hydrogen production experimental data indicated that the CuInS2/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction photocatalyst prepared with a CuInS2 content of 20 wt% exhibits the highest hydrogen evolution rate, reaching 284.9 μmol·g−1·h−1. Moreover, this photocatalyst maintains robust photocatalytic stability even after three consecutive usage cycles. This study demonstrated that the Z-scheme CuInS2/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction photocatalyst exhibits enhanced hydrogen evolution efficiency, offering an effective structural design for harnessing solar energy to obtain hydrogen fuel. Therefore, this heterojunction photocatalyst is a promising candidate for practical applications in solar hydrogen production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis in the Control of Environmental Pollution)
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12 pages, 3076 KiB  
Article
Stabilizing BiVO4 Photoanode in Bicarbonate Electrolyte for Efficient Photoelectrocatalytic Alcohol Oxidation
by Haorui Gong, Sai An, Weilong Qin, Yongbo Kuang and Deyu Liu
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1554; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071554 - 30 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1146
Abstract
In order to expand the application of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) to the field of photoelectrochemistry, researchers have explored the potential of BiVO4 in catalyzing or degrading organic substances, potentially presenting a green and eco-friendly solution. A study was conducted to [...] Read more.
In order to expand the application of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) to the field of photoelectrochemistry, researchers have explored the potential of BiVO4 in catalyzing or degrading organic substances, potentially presenting a green and eco-friendly solution. A study was conducted to investigate the impact of electrolytes on the photocatalysis of benzyl alcohol by BiVO4. The research discovered that, in an acetonitrile electrolyte (pH 9) with sodium bicarbonate, BiVO4 catalyzed benzyl alcohol by introducing saturated V5+. This innovation addressed the issue of benzyl alcohol being susceptible to catalysis in an alkaline setting, as V5+ was prone to dissolution in pH 9 on BiVO4. The concern of the photocorrosion of BiVO4 was mitigated through two approaches. Firstly, the incorporation of a non-aqueous medium inhibited the formation of active material intermediates, reducing the susceptibility of the electrode surface to photocorrosion. Secondly, the presence of saturated V5+ further deterred the leaching of V5+. Concurrently, the production of carbonate radicals by bicarbonate played a vital role in catalyzing benzyl alcohol. The results show that, in this system, BiVO4 has the potential to oxidize benzyl alcohol by photocatalysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis in the Control of Environmental Pollution)
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12 pages, 5328 KiB  
Article
The Synergistic Effect in CdS/g-C3N4 Nanoheterojunctions Improves Visible Light Photocatalytic Performance for Hydrogen Evolution Reactions
by Yu Niu, Jinni Shen, Wenqin Guo, Xiaoyan Zhu, Lanlan Guo, Yueqi Wang and Fuying Li
Molecules 2023, 28(17), 6412; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28176412 - 3 Sep 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1734
Abstract
This study focuses on the development of heterojunction photocatalysts for the efficient utilization of solar energy to address the energy crisis and reduce environmental pollution. Cadmium sulfide (CdS)/graphite-type carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanocomposites were synthesized using a hydrothermal method, and [...] Read more.
This study focuses on the development of heterojunction photocatalysts for the efficient utilization of solar energy to address the energy crisis and reduce environmental pollution. Cadmium sulfide (CdS)/graphite-type carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanocomposites were synthesized using a hydrothermal method, and their photoelectrochemical properties and photocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) were characterized. Scanning electron microscope images showed the intimate interface and caviar-like nanoheterojunction of the CdS nanoparticles on g-C3N4 nanospheres, suggesting their potential involvement in the photocatalytic process. Electrochemical and spectroscopic analyses were conducted to confirm the roles of CdS in the nanoheterojunction. The results showed that 10 wt% CdS/g-C3N4 nanospheres exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than pure g-C3N4 under visible light irradiation. A HER rate of 655.5 μmol/g/h was achieved after three photocatalytic cycles, signifying good photocatalytic stability. The synergistic effect of the Z-scheme heterojunction formed by g-C3N4 and CdS was identified as the main factor responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic performance and stability. The interface engineering effect of CdS/g-C3N4 facilitated the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. This study provides insights into the design and fabrication of efficient HER photocatalysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis in the Control of Environmental Pollution)
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12 pages, 4096 KiB  
Article
Light Control-Induced Oxygen Vacancy Generation and In Situ Surface Heterojunction Reconstruction for Boosting CO2 Reduction
by Zhimin Yuan, Xianglin Zhu, Qichao Gao and Zaiyong Jiang
Molecules 2023, 28(10), 4057; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28104057 - 12 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1731
Abstract
The weak adsorption of CO2 and the fast recombination of photogenerated charges harshly restrain the photocatalytic CO2 reduction efficiency. The simultaneous catalyst design with strong CO2 capture ability and fast charge separation efficiency is challenging. Herein, taking advantage of the [...] Read more.
The weak adsorption of CO2 and the fast recombination of photogenerated charges harshly restrain the photocatalytic CO2 reduction efficiency. The simultaneous catalyst design with strong CO2 capture ability and fast charge separation efficiency is challenging. Herein, taking advantage of the metastable characteristic of oxygen vacancy, amorphous defect Bi2O2CO3 (named BOvC) was built on the surface of defect-rich BiOBr (named BOvB) through an in situ surface reconstruction progress, in which the CO32− in solution reacted with the generated Bi(3−x)+ around the oxygen vacancies. The in situ formed BOvC is tightly in contact with the BOvB and can prevent the further destruction of the oxygen vacancy sites essential for CO2 adsorption and visible light utilization. Additionally, the superficial BOvC associated with the internal BOvB forms a typical heterojunction promoting the interface carriers’ separation. Finally, the in situ formation of BOvC boosted the BOvB and showed better activity in the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into CO (three times compared to that of pristine BiOBr). This work provides a comprehensive solution for governing defects chemistry and heterojunction design, as well as gives an in-depth understanding of the function of vacancies in CO2 reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis in the Control of Environmental Pollution)
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18 pages, 3051 KiB  
Article
Remediation of Surfactants Used by VUV/O3 Techniques: Degradation Efficiency, Pathway and Toxicological Analysis
by Hang Li, Yanling Yang, Xing Li and Habib Ullah
Molecules 2023, 28(8), 3312; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28083312 - 8 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1877
Abstract
Surfactants are increasingly used in systems that come into contact with the human body, such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal hygiene products. Increasing attention is being devoted to the toxic effects of surfactants in various human contact formulations, as well as the [...] Read more.
Surfactants are increasingly used in systems that come into contact with the human body, such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal hygiene products. Increasing attention is being devoted to the toxic effects of surfactants in various human contact formulations, as well as the removal of residual surfactants. In the presence of ozone (O3), anion surfactants—a characteristic micro-pollutant—such as sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) in greywater, can be removed using radical advanced oxidation. Herein, we report a systematic study of the SDBS degradation effect of O3 activated by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) irradiation and the influence of water composition on VUV/O3, and determined the contribution of radical species. We show a synergistic effect of VUV and O3, while VUV/O3 reached a higher mineralization (50.37%) than that of VUV (10.63%) and O3 (29.60%) alone. The main reactive radicals of VUV/O3 were HO•. VUV/O3 had an optimal pH of 9. The addition of SO42− had almost no effect on the degradation of SDBS by VUV/O3, Cl− and HCO3− slightly reduced the reaction rate, and NO3− had a significant inhibition on the degradation. In total, SDBS had three isomers, with which the three degradation pathways were very comparable. Compared with SDBS, the toxicity and harmfulness of the degradation by-products of the VUV/O3 process decreased. Additionally, VUV/O3 could degrade synthetic anion surfactants from laundry greywater effectively. Overall, the results show the potential of VUV/O3 in safeguarding humans from residual surfactant hazards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis in the Control of Environmental Pollution)
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15 pages, 2624 KiB  
Review
Applications of BiOX in the Photocatalytic Reactions
by Zhimin Yuan and Zaiyong Jiang
Molecules 2023, 28(11), 4400; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28114400 - 28 May 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2858
Abstract
BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) families are a kind of new type of photocatalysts, which have attracted the attention of more and more researchers. The suitable band gaps and their convenient tunability via the change of X elements enable BiOX to adapt [...] Read more.
BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) families are a kind of new type of photocatalysts, which have attracted the attention of more and more researchers. The suitable band gaps and their convenient tunability via the change of X elements enable BiOX to adapt to many photocatalytic reactions. In addition, because of their characteristics of the unique layered structure and indirect bandgap semiconductor, BiOX exhibits excellent separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes. Therefore, BiOX could usually demonstrate fine activity in many photocatalytic reactions. In this review, we will present the various applications and modification strategies of BiOX in photocatalytic reactions. Finally, based on a good understanding of the above issues, we will propose the future directions and feasibilities of the reasonable design of modification strategies of BiOX to obtain better photocatalytic activity toward various photocatalytic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photocatalysis in the Control of Environmental Pollution)
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