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At least 1,531 records · Page 85

Synthesis of MoO{sub 3} nanoparticles for azo dye degradation by catalytic ozonation

Highlights: • Synthesis of one-dimensional MoO{sub 3} nanostructures using hydrothermal, microwave, and sonochemical methods. • Sonochemical synthesized MoO{sub 3} presents the best efficiency for the dye removal by catalytic ozonation. • Efficient environmental remediation process. - Abstract: One-dimensional molybdenum trioxide nanostructures were prepared in three different approaches, including thermal, microwave, and sonochemical methods. The physicochemical properties of the obtained MoO{sub 3} nanoparticles were investigated by diffused reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis. Among the methods as investigated, sonochemical synthesis gave well-dispersed fine MoO{sub 3} nanoparticles compared with the other approaches. All the synthesized MoO{sub 3} nanostructures were examined for the catalytic ozonation to degrade azo dye in aqueous environment. Different performances were obtained for the catalyst prepared in different methods and the catalytic efficiencies were found to be the order of sonochemical, microwave, and then thermal methods. The sonochemical MoO{sub 3} catalyst allowed the total dye removal within 20 min and its good performance was justified according to their higher surface area with higher number of active sites that provide effective dye interaction for better degradation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Synthesis of supported silver nano-spheres on zinc oxide nanorods for visible light photocatalytic applications

Highlights: • Synthesis of supported Ag NPs on ZnO nanorods using open vessel microwave reactor. • Use of the Ag/ZnO NPs as an efficient visible light photocatalyst. • Complete degradation of methylene blue in 1 h with 0.5 g/L Ag/ZnO NPs. - Abstract: We report the synthesis of silver (Ag) nano-spheres (NS) supported on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods through two step mechanism, using open vessel microwave reactor. Direct reduction of ZnO from zinc nitrates was followed by deposition precipitation of the silver on the ZnO nanorods. The supported Ag/ZnO nanoparticles were then characterized by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, photoluminescence and UV–vis spectroscopy. The visible light photocatalytic activity of Ag/ZnO system was investigated using a test contaminant, methylene blue (MB). Almost complete removal of MB in about 60 min for doses higher than 0.5 g/L of the Ag/ZnO photocatalyst was achieved. This significant improvement in the photocatalytic efficiency of Ag/ZnO photocatalyst under visible light irradiation can be attributed to the presence of Ag nanoparticles on the ZnO nanoparticles which greatly enhances absorption in the visible range of solar spectrum enabled by surface plasmon resonance effect from Ag nanoparticles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of zeolite/sodium tantalate composite and its photodegradation of methyl orange

Highlights: • Sodalite/NaTaO{sub 3} composite is prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal synthesis. • Enhanced photodegradation is achieved due to the heterogeneous doping effect. • Structure distortion is found for NaTaO{sub 3} after removing sodalite by acid washing. - Abstract: Sodalite/NaTaO{sub 3} composite was prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal synthesis method. Sodalite and NaTaO{sub 3} grow interpenetrated, and the resulting composites have similar morphology as the pure sodalite. The sodalite/NaTaO{sub 3} composite has a lower band gap of 3.35 eV due to the heterogeneous doping effect, and exhibits an enhanced photodegradation of methyl orange under UV irradiation as compared to the pure NaTaO{sub 3}. A slight structure distortion is found for NaTaO{sub 3} after removing sodalite by acid washing the sodalite/NaTaO{sub 3} composite, and such result further confirms the co-growth of the two crystals. This one-pot hydrothermal method opens up new avenues for the preparation of photocatalytic composites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Microwave combustion synthesis of in situ Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Al{sub 3}Zr reinforced aluminum matrix composites

Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Al{sub 3}Zr reinforced aluminum matrix composites were fabricated from Al and ZrO{sub 2} powders by SiC assisted microwave combustion synthesis. The microstructure and reaction pathways were analyzed by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that the heating rate during microwave synthesis was very high and the entire process took several minutes and that the ignition temperature of the reaction was much lower than that of conventional methods. In addition, the resulting microstructure was found to be finer than that prepared by the conventional methods and no cracks can be seen in the Al{sub 3}Zr reinforcements. As such, the newly developed composites have potential for safety-critical applications where catastrophic failure is not tolerated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Synthesis of carbon nanofibres from waste chicken fat for field electron emission applications

Highlights: • Waste chicken fat is used as a starting material to produce CNFs via TCVD method. • High heating rate applied resulted in aggregation of catalyst particles. • Aggregated catalyst produced sea urchin-like CNFs with amorphous nature. • The as-grown CNFs presented a potential for field electron emission applications. - Abstract: Carbon nanofibres (CNFs) with sea urchin-like morphology were synthesised from waste chicken fat precursor via catalytic thermal chemical vapour deposition method at 750 °C. The CNFs showed amorphous structures under high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction examination. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the core of the sea urchin-like CNFs was composed of Fe{sub 3}C formed within the first 20 min of synthesis time. The growth of amorphous CNFs from agglomerated Fe{sub 3}C particles was favourable due to the high heating rate applied during the synthesis. Field electron emission examination of the CNFs indicated turn-on and threshold field values of 5.4 and 6.6 V μm{sup −1} at current density of 1 and 10 μA cm{sup −2}, respectively. This study demonstrates that waste chicken fat, a low-cost and readily available resource, can be used as an inexpensive carbon source for the production of CNFs with a potential application in field electron emitters.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Synthesis, characterisation, electrical and optical properties of copper borate compounds

Highlights: • Cu(BO{sub 2}){sub 2} was synthesized at the form of with pdf number of “00-001-0472”. • Particle sizes were found between 162.72 and 56.44 nm and 195.76 and 75.73 nm at CuSNaH. • Reaction yields were 90.4 ± 0.84, 96.9 ± 0.78 and 78.9 ± 0.76% for CuST, CuSB and CuSNaH. • The resistivity of CuST, CuSB and CuSNaH are 1.10 × 10{sup 7}, 7.02 × 10{sup 6} and 8.62 × 10{sup 5} Ωm. • The optical energy gap was 3.76 eV. - Abstract: The hydrothermal synthesis of copper borate compounds [Cu(BO{sub 2}){sub 2}] was studied, and several parameters were found to affect the synthesis. Raw materials, including CuSO{sub 4}·5H{sub 2}O, Na{sub 2}B{sub 4}O{sub 7}·5H{sub 2}O, Na{sub 2}B{sub 4}O{sub 7}·10H{sub 2}O, NaOH and H{sub 3}BO{sub 3}, were used. Reaction temperatures and reaction times between 40 °C and 100 °C and 15 and 240 min, respectively, were used. The as-synthesised copper borate was analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The yields of the reactions were also calculated. Single-phase, nanoparticulate copper borate compounds (Cu(BO{sub 2}){sub 2}) possessing high XRD crystal scores were obtained; the reactions used to obtain these materials were highly efficient. Electrical resistivity and optical absorbance measurements were carried out on the compounds obtained from the highest yielding reactions. The results of this study showed that even using a reaction time of 15 min, copper borate formation was successfully achieved.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A novel rapid synthesis of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}/graphene nanocomposite using ferrate(VI) and its application as a new kind of nanocomposite modified electrode as electrochemical sensor

Highlights: • A novel rapid synthesis of rGO–Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanocomposite was developed using Fe(VI). • Fe(VI) as an environmentally friendly oxidant was introduced for GO synthesis. • Synthesized rGO–Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanocomposite was applied as electrochemical sensor. • A non-enzymatic sensor was developed for H{sub 2}O{sub 2}. - Abstract: In this study, a novel, simple and sensitive non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide electrochemical sensor was developed using reduced graphene oxide/Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode. This nanocomposite was synthesized by reaction of sodium ferrate with graphene in alkaline media. This reaction completed in 5 min and the products were stable and its deposition on the surface of electrode is investigated. It has been found the apparent charge transfer rate constant (ks) is 0.52 and transfer coefficient (α) is 0.61 for electron transfer between the modifier and glassy carbon electrode. Electrochemical behavior of this electrode and its ability to catalyze the electro-reduction of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} has been studied by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry at different experimental conditions. The analytical parameters showed the good ability of electrode as a sensor for H{sub 2}O{sub 2} amperometric reduction.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Hydrothermal synthesis of Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} coated Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} nanotubes for enhanced photoluminescence properties

Highlights: • Eu{sup 3+} doped Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanotubes. • Hydrothermal synthesis of Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} coated Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} nanostructures assissted with a further heat treatment. • Tunable coating ratios of Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} coated Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} nanophosphor. • Enhanced photoluminescence intensity of Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} more than 60% by Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} surface coating. - Abstract: Novel Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} coated Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} nanotubes with different coating ratios were synthesized successfully by a facile two-step process, including hydrothermal synthesis of Y(OH){sub 3} coated Y(OH){sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} as precursors and then calcination of them at 1000 °C for 2 h. X-ray diffraction patterns and field emission scanning electron microscope images indicated these Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} coated Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} phosphors possess tubular nanostructures. The photoluminescence properties of Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} coated Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} were systematically investigated by photoluminescence spectra, and photoluminescence enhancement was observed after proper coating. In other words, the coating ratio played a crucial role in photoluminescence efficiency. When it was 1/9, the photoluminescence intensity of {sup 5}D{sub 0} → {sup 7}F{sub 2} emission (about 613 nm) was 60% higher than that of Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}: Eu{sup 3+} phosphors under 255 nm excitation. Therefore, surface coating may be an alternative route for enhanced photoluminescence properties of the Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} red-emitting phosphor.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Cobalt–iron nano catalysts supported on TiO{sub 2}–SiO{sub 2}: Characterization and catalytic performance in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis

Graphical abstract: The Co–Fe/TiO{sub 2}–SiO{sub 2} catalysts were prepared. The prepared catalysts were tested for light olefins and C{sub 5}–C{sub 12} production. The best operational conditions are 250 °C, H{sub 2}/CO = 1/1 under 5 bar pressure. - Highlights: • The TiO{sub 2}–SiO{sub 2} supported cobalt–iron catalysts were prepared via sol–gel method. • The best operational conditions were 250 °C, GHSV = 2000 h{sup −1}, H{sub 2}/CO = 1/1 and 5 bar. • The (Co/Fe)/TiO{sub 2}–SiO{sub 2} is efficient catalyst for light olefins and C{sub 5}–C{sub 12} production. - Abstract: A series of Co–Fe catalysts supported on TiO{sub 2}–SiO{sub 2} were prepared by the sol–gel method. This research investigated the effects of (Co/Fe) wt.%, the solution pH, different Co/Fe molar ratio, calcination conditions and different promoters on the catalytic performance of cobalt–iron catalysts for the Fisher–Tropsch synthesis (FTS). It was found that the catalyst containing 35 wt.% (Co–Fe)/TiO{sub 2}–SiO{sub 2} (Co/Fe molar ratio is 80/20) promoted with 1.5 wt.% Cu and calcined in air atmosphere at 600 °C for 7 h with a heating rate of 3 °C min{sup −1} is an optimal nano catalyst for converting synthesis gas to light olefins and C{sub 5}–C{sub 12} hydrocarbons. The effects of operational conditions such as the H{sub 2}/CO ratio, gas hourly space velocity (GHSV), different reaction temperature, and reaction pressure were investigated. The results showed that the best operational conditions for optimal nano catalyst are 250 °C, GHSV = 2000 h{sup −1}, H{sub 2}/CO molar ratio 1/1 under 5 bar total pressure. Catalysts and precursors were characterized by, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microcopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), temperature program reduction (TPR) and N{sub 2} adsorption–desorption measurements.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Facile one-pot synthesis and characterization of nickel supported on hierarchically porous carbon

Highlights: • Novel, inexpensive, one-pot, synthesis method for Ni on hierarchically porous carbon. • Disappearance of surfactant mesopores seen with incorporation of nickel. • Distribution of Ni nanoparticles on the hierarchically porous carbon support was studied by SEM. • Nickel nanoparticles were dispersed on macropore walls and not within carbon. - Abstract: Described is a novel, facile route for the synthesis of nickel supported on hierarchically porous carbon (Ni/HPC) using a one-pot co-gelation sol–gel method. Ni/HPC with varying nickel loadings (0.5, 1, 2.5 and 5 wt% Ni) were synthesized and the materials characterized by nitrogen physisorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies. The results show a three-dimensional network of disordered carbon with fine nickel nanoparticles of sizes ranging from 8 nm to 13 nm at 0.5 wt% Ni loading which gradually increased with increase in the Ni loading. The carbon structure was retained at the macropore level, but not at the mesoscale where the ordered mesopores were lost on nickel addition. The nickel nanoparticles were observed to grow on the surface of the ligaments. This may make them particularly suitable for low pressure Ni-catalyzed organic transformations e.g., hydrogenations, C–C coupling, C-heteroatom coupling, etc.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Mesoporous silica materials modified with alumina polycations as catalysts for the synthesis of dimethyl ether from methanol

Highlights: • Deposition of alumina ologoctaions on mesoporous silicas modified with surface −SO{sub 3}H groups. • Alumina aggregates generated acid properties in the silica supports. • Alumina modified SBA-15 and MCF were active and selective catalysts in DME synthesis. - Abstract: Mesoporous silica materials (SBA-15 and MCF) were used as catalytic supports for the deposition of aggregated alumina species using the method consisting of the following steps: (i) anchoring 3-(mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) on the silica surface followed by (ii) oxidation of −SH to−SO{sub 3}H groups and then (iii) deposition of aluminum Keggin oligocations by ion-exchange method and (iv) calcination. The obtained samples were tested as catalysts for synthesis of dimethyl ether from methanol. The modified silicas were characterized with respect to the ordering of their porous structure (XRD), textural properties (BET), chemical composition (EDS, CHNS), structure ({sup 27}Al NMR, FTIR) and location of alumina species (EDX-TEM), surface acidity (NH{sub 3}-TPD, Py-FTIR) and thermal stability (TGA). The obtained materials were found to be active and selective catalysts for methanol dehydration to dimethyl ether (DME) in the MTD process (methanol-to-dimethyl ether).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Synthesis of belt-like BiOBr hierarchical nanostructure with high photocatalytic performance

Highlights: • BiOBr hierarchical nanobelts (NBs) were solvothermally prepared. • NBs show higher specific surface area and photoabsorption than BiOBr nanosheets. • NBs exhibit higher photoactivity than the nanosheets. - Abstract: One-dimensional (1D) bismuth oxyhalide (BiOX) hierarchical nanostructures are always difficult to prepare. Herein, we report, for the first time, a simple synthesis of BiOBr nanobelts (NBs) via a facile solvothermal route, using bismuth subsalicylate as the template and bismuth source. The BiOBr nanobelts are composed of irregular single crystal nanoparticles with highly exposed (0 1 0) facets. Compared with the BiOBr nanosheets (NSs) with dominant exposed (0 0 1) facets, they exhibit higher photocatalytic activity toward degradation of Rhodamine B and Methylene Blue under visible light irradiation. The higher photocatalytic performance of BiOBr NBs arises from their larger specific surface area and higher photoabsorption capability. This study provides a simple route for synthesis of belt-like Bi-based hierarchical nanostructures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Dry synthesis of water lily flower like SrO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanohybrids for the visible light induced superior photocatalytic activity

Highlights: • Water lily flower like SrO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanohybrids have been successfully synthesized by a dry synthesis method. • TEM images confirmed that the water lily like morphology of SrO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanohybrids. • The photodegradation of RhB dye solution was performed under the visible light illumination. • The SrO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} nanohybrids showed excellent photocatalytic activity compared to pure g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} and SrO{sub 2}. • Most important reactive oxidative species were found out by trapping experiment. - Abstract: In the present study strontium oxide/graphitic carbon nitride (SrO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}) nanohybrids was successfully synthesized by a facile simple dry synthesis and used for the photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants for the very first time. The SrO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}nanohybridsare having a superior crystallinity and crystallite size was ∼7.1 nm. The photodegradation efficiency of nanohybrids was tested on the degradation of RhB dye solution under visible light irradiation. The SrO{sub 2}/g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}nanohybrids exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity, which may be attributed to the improved charge separation and complete degradation of the dye solution is achieved within 60 min. Moreover, the synthesized nanohybrids exhibited a good stability towards the photodegradation of RhB dye. Finally, the possible mechanism for the charge separation in thephoto degradationprocess wasexplored. Therefore, the nanohybrids are possessing potential interest in waste water treatment and environmental remediation under visible light irradiation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Synthesis of MnO{sub 2}/C composite nanotubes as advanced cathode of supercapacitors

Graphical abstract: Self-supported porous MnO{sub 2}/C nanotube arrays are prepared by combined hydrothermal plus carbonization methods and demonstrated with high capacitance and good cycling life as cathode of supercapacitors. - Highlights: • MnO{sub 2}/C nanotube arrays are synthesized by a hydrothermal method. • MnO{sub 2}/C nanotube arrays show good high-rate performance. • MnO{sub 2}/C nanotube arrays show an excellent cycling performance. - Abstract: Controllable synthesis of high-capacity cathode is the research hotspot in the field of supercapacitors. In this work, with the help of sacrificial ZnO template, MnO{sub 2}/C nanotube arrays are formed by hydrothermal synthesis plus glucose carbonization. MnO{sub 2}/C composite nanotubes of 120–130 nm are formed and grow vertically to the substrate forming the final nanotube arrays. Fast ion/electron transfer is realized in this unique porous nanotube architecture. As cathode of supercapacitors, the MnO{sub 2}/C nanotube arrays exhibit high specific capacitance (790 F g{sup −1} at 5 A g{sup −1}), excellent rate performance (570 F g{sup −1} at 30 A g{sup −1}) and long-term cycling stability (90.7% capacitance retention after 20,000 cycles). The proposed electrode construction strategy is favorable for fabrication of other capacitive cathodes for energy storage.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Size-controlled synthesis of anatase nanobrush structures with higher crystal density

Highlights: • Application of AAO as template for TiO{sub 2} nanowires synthesis. • Non-hydrolytic sol-gel method as an implementation of TiO{sub 2} into AAO template. • Vertical anchorage of TiO2 nanowires to the polymer support. • Photocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange correlate with geometric surface area of TiO{sub 2}. - Abstract: Titanium dioxide was synthesized in multistep process applying of AAO (Anode Aluminum Oxide) as a template. The TiO{sub 2} nanowires were obtained by deposition of titanium precursors inside the pores of AAO membranes (non-hydrolytic sol-gel technique), calcined at 875 K with subsequent removal of alumina matrix by leaching it with phosphoric acid. During the AAO synthesis, it was proved that the electrical work can serve as the unified factor influencing the amount of formed AAO. The diameters of obtained titania nanowires were consequence of used AAO membranes. The higher density of titania elementary cell was observed for all synthesized nanostructures. It was confirmed by XRD and SAED measurements. The TiO{sub 2} nanowires attached vertically to polymer disc (50 mm diameter) were used in photocatalytic decomposition of methyl orange. All nanomaterials showed ten times higher photocatalytic activity than P-25. High photoactivity of obtained material is related to external area of vertically aligned titania nanowires.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Wet chemical synthesis of ZnO-CdS composites and their photocatalytic activity

Highlights: • ZnO-CdS composites were synthesized by wet chemical method. • TEM, correlated SAED pattern, XRD, and SEM confirmed the structure of composites. • CdS amount added during composites synthesis influences their morphologies. • RhB degradation efficiency is higher for composites than that of pristine ZnO, depending on the catalyst morphology. - Abstract: The present study is focused on the wet chemical synthesis and the characterization of ZnO-CdS composites. The X-ray diffraction shows that the composites contain ZnO in hexagonal wurtzite structure and CdS in cubic phase. The scanning/transmission electron microscopy images reveal flower-like structures with different sizes depending on the CdS content. The optical investigations on composites reveal that the reflectance spectra disclose two thresholds of ∼370 nm and ∼460 nm associated with the ZnO and CdS, respectively. The photocatalytic activity measurements evidenced that the degradation efficiency of RhB in the presence of composites is higher comparatively with pristine ZnO, depending on the catalyst morphology, which varies with CdS content and the pH value of RhB solution. The electron paramagnetic resonance revealed the presence of the paramagnetic point defects in the samples. Thus, the wet chemical approaches are suitable for a large scale production of such ZnO-CdS composites having enhanced photocatalytic activity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of silver dendrites and silver dendrites/rGO composite for applications in paracetamol sensing

Highlights: • Synthesis of Ag dendrites and GO/Ag dendrites composites by Galvanic Replacement method. • Ag dendrites are wrapped over graphene sheets. • High sensitivity (10.046 μA cm{sup −2} mM{sup -1)} and lower limit of detection of 0.025 μM for sensing of Paracetamol. - Abstract: Electrochemical sensors are one of the important applications of electrochemistry. In this paper, synthesis, characterization and application of Silver Dendrites and Silver Dendrites/rGO sensors for simple and fast determination of Paracetamol are described. Silver dendrites and their composite with graphene oxide were synthesized by galvanic replacement method. The synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM. XRD reveals the FCC structure of silver and TEM images show the formation of dendritic silver wrapped in the graphene sheets. The Electrochemical paracetamol sensing properties of these samples were tested using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The silver dendrites exhibit a sensitivity of 2.807 × 10{sup 5}μA/mM/g and a lower detection limit of 2.5 μM, whereas, the composite with graphene oxide exhibits a high sensitivity of 2.511 × 10{sup 6}μA /mM/g with a lower detection limit of 0.025 μM.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Template-free hydrothermal synthesis of 3D hollow aggregate spherical structure WO3 nano-plates and photocatalytic properties

Highlights: • WO{sub 3} is a promising candidate of photocatalyst. • The hollow spherical structure is synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis. • This hollow structure consists of WO{sub 3} nano-plates. • WO{sub 3} nano-plates are obtained by addition of high concentration HNO{sub 3}. • Porous WO{sub 3} structure exhibits wonderful photocatalytic activity. - Abstract: A new kind of 3D hollow aggregate spherical structure WO{sub 3} nano-plates was prepared via a simple hydrothermal synthesis without any template. In this paper, the effects of HNO{sub 3} addition on the preparation of WO{sub 3} powder were systematically investigated. With HNO{sub 3} concentration increasing, the product was converted from WO{sub 3}(H{sub 2}O){sub 0.33} to monoclinic WO{sub 3}·H{sub 2}O until the reaction to complete. Meanwhile, the morphology and size of particles changed from mocro-scale spheres to nano-plates. In the WO{sub 3}·H{sub 2}O structure, H{sub 2}O integrates the H{sub 2}O molecules via hydrogen bond, while WO{sub 3} bonds with other WO{sub 3} molecules and finally form a hollow spherical structure. During subsequent drying, WO{sub 3}·H{sub 2}O is deprived of crystal water to become monoclinic WO{sub 3}, remaining this porous spherical structure. Compared with the industry-use catalyst of Degussa P25 TiO{sub 2}, the as-prepared WO{sub 3} exhibits the wonderful photocatalytic activity due to the plate-like morphology and porous structure.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗