Facile Synthesis of gC3N4-Exfoliated BiFeO3 Nanocomposite: A Versatile and Efficient S-Scheme Photocatalyst for the Degradation of Various Textile Dyes and Antibiotics in Water.

Water pollution engendered from textile dyes and antibiotics is a globally identified precarious concern that is causing dreadful risks to human health as well as aquatic lives. This predicament is escalating the quest to develop competent photocatalysts that can degrade these water pollutants under solar light irradiation. Herein, we report an efficient photocatalyst comprising a hierarchical structure by integrating the layered graphitic carbon nitride (gC3N4) with nanoflakes of exfoliated BiFeO3. The coexistence of these two semiconducting nanomaterials leads to the formation of an S-scheme heterojunction. This nanocomposite demonstrated its excellent photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of several textile dyes (Yel CL2R, Levasol Yellow-CE, Levasol Red-GN, Navy Sol-R, Terq-CL5B) and various antibiotics (such as tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), ciprofloxacin (CPX), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and amoxicillin (AMX)) under the simulated solar light irradiation. As this photocatalyst exhibits its versatile activity toward the degradation of several commercial dyes as well as antibiotics, this work paves the path to develop a reasonable, eco-benign, and highly efficient photocatalyst that can be used in the practical approach to remediate environmental pollution.

Preparation of Ru Nanocatalysts Supported on SBA-15 and Their Excellent Catalytic Activity Towards Decolorization of Various Dyes.

In this paper, we report a simple aqueous solution based chemical method for preparation Ru nanocatalysts supported on mesoporous silica SBA-15 (Ru@SBA-15) catalysts. Synthesized catalysts were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and N2 adsorption-desorption surface area and pore size analyzer, and particle size analyzer. Catalytic activity of the synthesized catalysts towards decolorization of various dyes, such as 4-nitrophenol, Methyl Orange, Congo Red, Rhodamine B, Methylene Blue and mixture of dyes was investigated in presence of excess NaBH4. Catalysis reactions were monitored by employing UV-vis spectroscopy. Catalysis reactions followed pseudo-first order rate equation. The catalyst with 2.5 wt% Ru nanoparticle exhibited excellent catalytic activity and convenient recycling. The high catalytic activity and simple preparation methodology make 2.5Ru@SBA-15 an attractive catalyst for decolorization of organic dyes.

Preparation of TiO2 Nanoparticle Loaded MCM-41 and Study of Its Photo-Catalytic Activity Towards Decolorization of Methyl Orange.

Here we report the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticle loaded mesoporous MCM-41 photocatalysts for degradation of methyl orange dye in aqueous medium under sunlight exposure. TiO2 loaded MCM-41 was synthesized by impregnation method. Anatase form of TiO2 nanoparticles were formed in the porous matrix of the silicate MCM-41. The synthesized materials were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction method, surface area and porosimetry analysis; diffuse reflectance analysis, particle size analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The photocatalytic property of the synthesized materials were investigated towards the degradation of methyl orange under sunlight exposure and monitored by UV-visible spectrophotometer. Synthesized catalysts showed high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange.

A review on chemical methodologies for preparation of mesoporous silica and alumina based materials.

The discovery of novel family of molecular sieves called M41S aroused a worldwide resurgence in the field of porous materials. According to IUPAC definition inorganic solids that contain pores with diameter in the size range of 20-500 A are considered mesoporous materials. Mesoporous silica and alumina based materials find applications in catalysis, adsorption, host- guest encapsulation etc. This article reviews the current state of art and outline the recent patents in mesoporous materials research in three general areas: Synthesis, various mechanisms involved for porous structure formation and applications of silica and alumina based mesoporous materials.