Hierarchically Structured Nanotube Arrays as Heterogenous Photocatalysts for Highly Efficient Broadband Photoinduced Controlled Radical Polymerization

Abstract

Highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTAs) and their heterostructure nanocomposites by structural engineering design were utilized as heterogeneous photocatalysts for highly efficient broadband photoinduced controlled radical polymerization (photoCRP), including photoATRP and PET-RAFT. Highly efficient broadband UV–visible light responsive photoCRP was achieved by combining the acceleration effects of electron transfer derived from the distinctive highly ordered nanotube structure of TNTAs and the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect combined with the formation of the Schottky barrier via modification of Au nanoparticles. This polymerization system was capable to polymerize acrylate and methacrylate monomers with high conversion, “living” chain-ends, tightly regulated molecular weights, and outstanding temporal control properties. The heterogeneous nature of the photocatalysts enabled simple separation and effective reusability in subsequent polymerizations. These results highlight the modular design of highly efficient catalysts to optimize the controlled radical polymerization process.

Precision Synthesis of Ultrastable Hydrophilic Metal Nanocluster Assemblies

“…Thus, the molecular weight of P t BA and the diameters of the PAA core could be precisely adjusted via the ATRP procedures (Figure S4 and Table S1). Thus, the formation of different sizes of MNC assemblies could be rationally designed and not just relying on the trial-and-error synthesis.…”

Dye-sensitized solar cells based on anatase- and brookite-TiO2: enhancing performance through optimization of phase composition, morphology and device architecture

“…In a variety of applications, including photocatalysis [1], sensors [2], lithium-ion batteries [3], dye-sensitized solar cells particles due to their strong electrical conduction and their (1 0 1) crystal surface, which has the lowest surface energy and effectively supports dye adsorption [9]. While rutilebased DSSCs have generally been considered less efficient due to their lower electrical conductivity than anatase, rutile has garnered attention for its superior light-scattering property, which is advantageous for the light-harvesting of solar cells [10].…”

Stained Glass Effect in Anodic Aluminum Oxide Formed in Selenic Acid

“…Electrochemical oxidation of valve metals in acidic electrolytes, also known as the anodization process, produces porous anodic oxides on the metal surface. Anodic oxides of valve metals have been of great interest to the scientific community owing to their unique structure with aligned pores and intrinsic to the oxides chemical and physical properties. − Numerous advanced materials and devices have been formed using anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) in ongoing research: membranes, − drug delivery systems, nanowires, , photonic crystals, scaffolds for tissue engineering, capacitors, , photocatalysts, and sensors. − …”