Hierarchically Dual‐Mesoporous TiO₂ Microspheres for Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties and Lithium Storage

Abstract

Hierarchically dual-mesoporous TiO microspheres have been synthesized by a solvothermal process in the presence of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIm][BF ]) and diethylenetriamine (DETA) as co-templates. Secondary mesostructured defects in the hierarchical TiO microspheres produce oxygen vacancies, which not only significantly enhance photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methylene blue (1.7 times that with P25) and acetone (2.9 times that with P25), but are also beneficial for lithium storage. Moreover, we propose a mechanism to rationalize the role of this dual mesoporosity of the TiO microspheres in enhancing molecular diffusion, ion transportation, and electronic transitions.

Recent advances in the synthesis of hierarchically mesoporous TiO2 materials for energy and environmental applications

“…The lipophilic interactions between the long-chain alkyl groups in alkylamine can drive the self-assembly process of the hydrolyzed Ti species/oligomers to produce monodisperse nanospheres. This strategy is facile to fabricate hierarchically mesoporous TiO 2 nanospheres [ 76 ]. To improve the universality and repeatability of this route, Zhu et al .…”

Proanthocyanin‐Capped Biogenic TiO2 Nanoparticles with Enhanced Penetration, Antibacterial and ROS Mediated Inhibition of Bacteria Proliferation and Biofilm Formation: A Comparative Approach

“…Indeed, TiO 2 based nanostructures represent prolonged stability, environment safety, and cost-effectiveness while being an excellent semiconductor,a nd at hey can offer aw ide range of alkali ion intercalating materials to serve as potentials toragec apacity. [10][11][12] Recent reports suggestt hat the modulationo fT iO 2 nanomaterials as solari rradiation switched photocatalyst can be aw inning choicet oe fficiently circumnavigate the growing problem of accumulationo ft oxic pesticides (boscalid, hexythiazox, pyraclostrobin and trifloxystrobin) in aqueous environments. [13] In water-based systems, the introduction of either pure (e.g.,T iCl 4 and TiO 2 )o rg raphene oxide (GO) modified forms of Ti (e.g.,T iO 2 -GO) could enhance sunlightc onversion and anti-fouling efficiency to develop photovoltaic devices and bacterialp roliferation controlling agents at laboratory scale, respectively.…”

“…The latest pursuits towards the development of cost‐effective and non‐hazardous energy‐storage materials have also taken TiO 2 based nanostructures as a viable option. Indeed, TiO 2 based nanostructures represent prolonged stability, environment safety, and cost‐effectiveness while being an excellent semiconductor, and a they can offer a wide range of alkali ion intercalating materials to serve as potential storage capacity [10–12] . Recent reports suggest that the modulation of TiO 2 nanomaterials as solar irradiation switched photocatalyst can be a winning choice to efficiently circumnavigate the growing problem of accumulation of toxic pesticides (boscalid, hexythiazox, pyraclostrobin and trifloxystrobin) in aqueous environments [13] .…”

Titanium Vacancies in TiO2 Nanofibers Enable Highly Efficient Photodriven Seawater Splitting

“…[12,13] Titanium dioxide, having excellent corrosion resistance to seawater and wide photo/electro applications, is a good candidate for photodriven seawater splitting. [14][15][16][17][18] However, several issues need to be addressed, such as its unsatisfactory photo/electro activity and easy side reaction between the photogenerated holes and abundant chloride ions due to the vicinity of the chlorine evolution potential to the valence band of normal n-type TiO 2 . [19][20][21][22] Technically, the presence of foreign dopants and hetero-interface in TiO 2 nanocomposites could enhance the photo/electro performances, but low salinity resistance of dopants and junctions would be a limitation.…”