Synthesis of CuO_x/TiO₂ Photocatalysts with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance

Abstract

CuO x /TiO 2 co-photocatalysts with various Cu loading contents were synthesized by an impregnation method, and their photocatalytic activities were evaluated by photodegradation of organic pollutants under visible light illumination. The as-prepared CuO x /TiO 2 composites exhibited a unique structure, in which CuO x clusters with about 2−3 nm nanocrystals were uniformly distributed on the TiO 2 cube. The mesoporous Ti 3+ /TiO 2 substrate with a uniform pore structure greatly improved the uniformity of the loaded Cu, wherein Ti 3+ acted as a reducing agent for reducing Cu 2+ to Cu + and Cu 0 . The reversible process of the Cu species between Cu + and Cu 0 markedly enhanced the photocatalytic activity of the CuO x /TiO 2 co-photocatalyst, by promoting the transfer of photogenerated electrons and suppressing the recombination of photogenerated electron and hole pairs. The synergistic effect between CuO x and TiO 2 also played an important role in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the CuO x /TiO 2 co-photocatalyst. The results indicated that CuO x /TiO 2 -1 had the highest photocatalytic efficiency, which was 1.5 times higher than that of the commercial nano-TiO 2 P25 under visible light, and demonstrated a good stability even after five recycles. This structural design and the valence control strategy for the Cu atom provide an idea that facilitates the utilization of visible light and the improvement of the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 , promoting the practical application of the TiO 2 photocatalyst.

Injectable smart stimuli-responsive hydrogels: pioneering advancements in biomedical applications

“…5,47,79 It is also one of the main components of the ECM, characterized by excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, water absorption and expansibility. 5,79,129 Besides, the rich RGD sequence within its structure contributes to its outstanding biomedical properties (including the promotion of cell migration, adhesion, growth, proliferation and differentiation), and thus it has numerous biomedical applications. 90,130 As a natural polymer derived from the thermal denaturization or physical and/or chemical degradation of collagen, gelatin eliminates the concerns about the potential risk of immune response and transmission of pathogens related to collagen.…”

“…133 The introduced MA groups endow the GelMA hydrogel with the ability to be photocrosslinked with photointiator under illumination and mild conditions via the irreversible covalent bond. 129,134 Consequently, GelMA is currently one of the most widely used gelatin-based hydrogels in biomedical research. However, the ability of the pure GelMA to promote tissue regeneration without other bioactive materials was significantly limited.…”

Nano‐Micron Combined Hydrogel Microspheres: Novel Answer for Minimal Invasive Biomedical Applications

“…[222] As a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), the unique amino acid sequence in gelatin molecules, namely the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid sequence (RGD sequence), exhibits remarkable properties in promoting cell adhesion and proliferation. [223,240,241] Gelatin possesses excellent water absorption and swelling properties, enabling the formation of hydrogels through physical crosslinking (thermal, ultraviolet, and gamma-ray crosslinking) and chemical crosslinking (acyl azide, polyepoxy). [222] Moreover, hydrogels prepared from gelatin have a structure highly similar to natural ECM, providing a suitable microenvironment and corresponding biological matrix for cellular activities, thereby promoting cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and migration.…”

Hydrogels as Scaffolds in Bone‐Related Tissue Engineering and Regeneration

“…Presently, gelatin methacryloy can be used separately or in combination with other factors to form scaffolds relevant for bone engineering. [102,103] One of such scaffolds was developed by Zhang et al, [56,57] who designed a construct combining deferoxamine@poly(𝜖caprolactone) nanoparticles (DFO@PCL NPs), manganese carbonyl (MnCO) nanosheets, and a polylactide-hydroxyapatite (PLA-HA) with gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel. The idea behind the scaffold was to balance the mechanisms driving the immune system and bone metabolism.…”