Photocatalytic Performance of NiO/NiTiO3 Composite Nanofiber Films

Abstract

Photocatalytic degradation of pollutants is one of the cleanest technologies for environmental remediation. Herein, we prepared NiO/NiTiO3 heterostructure nanofiber (200 nm) films by electrospinning and high temperature heat treatment, using nickel acetate and tetrabutyltitanate as nickel and titanium sources, respectively. The NiO/NiTiO3 heterostructure has advantages of good photodegradation rate constant and stability. By controlling the temperature, we can optimize the phase composition of these nanofibers for better photocatalytic performance. Based on our findings of the Rhodamine B degradation results, the best performance was obtained with 10% NiO and 90% NiTiO3; 92.9% of the Rhodamine B (5 mg/L) was degraded after reaction under full spectrum irradiation for 60 min. More importantly, the repeating test showed that these nanofiber films can remain active and stable after multiple cycles. The mechanisms of the photocatalysis reactions were also discussed. This demonstration provides a guideline in designing a new photocatalyst that we hope will serve the environmental needs for this and the coming century.

Perovskite Oxide Based Materials for Energy and Environment-Oriented Photocatalysis

“…In addition to these, BaTiO 3 based photocatalysts are also reported for photocatalytic organic pollutant degradation 227−232 and H 2 evolution. 233−236 Several other photocatalysts based on titanate perovskites such as MgTiO 3 , 237−239 PbTiO 3 , 240,241 NiTiO 3 , 242,243 ZnTiO 3 , 244 and FeTiO 3 245 are also reported for photocatalytic degradation of different organic pollutants. MgTiO 3 and NiTiO 3 based photocatalysts are also reported for the photocatalytic H 2 evolution reaction.…”

“…In addition to these, BaTiO 3 based photocatalysts are also reported for photocatalytic organic pollutant degradation − and H 2 evolution. − Several other photocatalysts based on titanate perovskites such as MgTiO 3 , − PbTiO 3 , , NiTiO 3 , , ZnTiO 3 , and FeTiO 3 are also reported for photocatalytic degradation of different organic pollutants. MgTiO 3 and NiTiO 3 based photocatalysts are also reported for the photocatalytic H 2 evolution reaction. − For example, Wu et al have reported the synthesis of a ternary BaTiO 3 /Au/gC 3 N 4 heterojunction photocatalyst, wherein Au acts as an electron mediator in the involved Z-scheme mechanism .…”

Visible-light-driven sustainable conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol using a metal-free covalent organic framework as a recyclable photocatalyst

“…As we and others have previously used NiO as a co-catalyst for this CO 2 reduction, here, NiO was introduced as the co-catalyst. 89,90 This photocatalyst's photoresponse in the visible region can be attributed to the optical absorption of NiO nanoparticles deposited on the COF. Moreover, photoinduced electrons are easily promoted from the valence band (VB) to the conduction band (CB), creating holes (h+) in the valence band of the COF.…”

Construction of 2D‐ZnS@ZnO Z‐Scheme Heterostructured Nanosheets with a Highly Ordered ZnO Core and Disordered ZnS Shell for Enhancing Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

“…Formation of heterostructure, especially Z‐scheme semiconductor heterostructure, is an effectively way to promote the separation of charge carriers and remain efficient redox process, thereby promoting the photocatalytic activity . The valence band (VB) structure of ZnO and ZnS can be well matched to form a Z‐scheme heterostructure.…”

“…Formation of heterostructure, especially Z-scheme semiconductor heterostructure, is an effectively way to promote the separation of charge carriers and remain efficient redox process, thereby promoting the photocatalytic activity. [15][16]17,18,19] The valence band (VB) structure of ZnO and ZnS can be well matched to form a Z-scheme heterostructure. Actually, the conduction band (CB) edge potential of ZnO is À 0.31 eV, which is not negative enough to photocatalytic hydrogen production.…”