synthesis-performance-evaluations-zncoszncds-with-twin-crystal

Synthesis and Performance Evaluations of ZnCoS/ZnCdS with Twin Crystal Structure for Multifunctional Redox Photocatalysis in Energy Applications

This protocol presents both the synthesis of the visible-light-responsive ZnCoS/ZnCdS with twin crystal structure photocatalyst and the photoredox ...

Xiamen University Malaysia

Xiamen University

Phenol is one of the major hazardous organic compounds in industrial wastewater. In this work, a highly active Pt/TiO catalyst for catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of phenol was obtained by supporting pre-synthesized Pt on TiO. During the followed hydrogen reduction, strong hydrogen spillover occurred without the migration of TiO onto Pt. The reduced support then enhanced the electron transfer from TiO to Pt, increasing the percentage of partially negative Pt (Pt), which has been confirmed by XPS. The strong EMSI made the obtained catalyst far more active than Pt/TiO prepared by impregnation method. The electron-enriched Pt/TiO achieved total organic carbon (TOC) conversion of 88.8% and TOF 149 h at 100 °C and 2 MPa O, while conventional Pt/TiO gave TOC conversion of 39.5% and TOF 41 h for CWAO of phenol. Our work indicates that the enhancement of EMSI between metal and support can be an effective approach to develop highly active catalysts for phenol treatment.

Enhancing electronic metal support interaction (EMSI) over Pt/TiO for efficient catalytic wet air oxidation of phenol in wastewater.

The extensive examination of hexagonal molybdenum carbide (β-MoC) as a non-noble cocatalyst in the realm of photocatalytic H evolution is predominantly motivated by its exceptional capacity to adsorb H ions akin to Pt and its advantageous conductivity characteristics. However, the H evolution rate of photocatalysts modified with β-MoC is limited as a result of their comparatively low ability to release H through desorption. Therefore, a facile method was employed to synthesize carbon intercalated dual phase molybdenum carbide (MC@C) quantum dots (ca. 3.13 nm) containing both α-MoC and β-MoC decorated on g-CN (gCN). The synthesis process involved a simple and efficient combination of sonication-assisted self-assembly and calcination techniques. 3-MC@C/gCN exhibited the highest efficiency in generating H, with a rate of 4078 µmol gh under 4 h simulated sunlight irradiation, which is 13 times higher than pristine gCN. Furthermore, from the cycle test, 3-MC@C/gCN showcased exceptional photochemical stability of 65 h, as it maintained a H evolution rate of 40 mmol gh. The heightened level of activity observed in the 3-MC@C/gCN system can be ascribed to the synergistic effects of MoC-MoC that arise due to the existence of a carbon layer. The presence of a carbon layer enhanced the transmission of photoinduced electrons, while the MoC-MoC@C composite served as active sites, thereby facilitating the H production reaction of gCN. The present study introduces a potentially paradigm-shifting concept pertaining to the exploration of novel Mo-based cocatalysts with the aim of augmenting the efficacy of photocatalytic H production.

Synergistic effect of dual phase cocatalysts: MoC-MoC quantum dots anchored on g-CN for high-stability photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

A phenanthroline derivative, [1,2,5]-oxadiazolo-[3',4':5,6]-pyrazino-[2,3-]-[1,10]-phenanthroline (OPP), was synthesized and evaluated for corrosion inhibition on mild steel in a mixed acid solution of 1 mol/L HCl and 0.5 mol/L HSO. OPP achieves 99.53% efficiency at 20 °C and sustains above 86% up to 60 °C. The polarization curve shows that OPP reduces current densities at less negative potentials, with   shifting less than 85 mV versus the control, indicating primary anodic protection as a mixed inhibitor. OPP shows a 10-fold increase in charge transfer resistance compared to the control as measured through EIS, demonstrating that it creates a substantial challenge to electron loss from Fe. SEM and AFM confirm that OPP alleviates the damage of acid on the steel surface. OPP adheres to the Langmuir model and chemisorption mode. XPS and EDS register OPP-iron complex formations and uniform nitrogen distribution, respectively, indicating successful OPP adsorption. OPP retains around 98 and 85% efficiency after 10 cycles at 20 and 60 °C, respectively, indicating good stability even at high temperatures. Quantum chemical results further suggest strong OPP-steel interactions, with low potential for localized corrosion and optimal adsorption geometry for robust bonding (-10.59 eV adsorption energy).

Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in Mixed HCl and HSO Medium: A Study of 1,10-Phenanthroline Derivatives.

Flexible supercapacitors are promising energy storage devices for wearable electronics; however, their practical application is limited by the low energy storage capacity of electrode materials. Nanocellulose, a naturally abundant and biodegradable material with high mechanical strength and low weight, offers potential as a sustainable platform for electrode design. In this study, flexible, free-standing electrode films were fabricated by vacuum filtration of cellulose nanofibers (CNF), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and cobalt oxide (CoO) at varying mass ratios. The composite films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrochemically evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Among the tested compositions, the CNF/CNT/CoO electrode with a 25/25/25 mass ratio demonstrated the best performance, achieving a specific capacitance of 23.24 F/g at 0.1 A/g, low internal resistance (∼20 Ω), and excellent capacitance retention. It also delivered an energy density of 0.517 Wh/kg and a power density of 21.28 W/kg within a 0.4 V voltage window. Mechanical tests confirmed the electrode's exceptional flexibility and durability, maintaining structural integrity under repeated folding and stretching. These results illustrate the potential of CNF/CNT/CoO composite electrodes as environmentally friendly candidates for flexible energy storage in wearable electronics.

Article	Year
Enhancing electronic metal support interaction (EMSI) over Pt/TiO for efficient catalytic wet air oxidation of phenol in wastewater. Journal of hazardous materials\| PubMed ID: 34959211	2022
Synergistic effect of dual phase cocatalysts: MoC-MoC quantum dots anchored on g-CN for high-stability photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Journal of colloid and interface science\| PubMed ID: 38382371	2024
Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in Mixed HCl and HSO Medium: A Study of 1,10-Phenanthroline Derivatives. ACS omega\| PubMed ID: 40547696	2025
Nanocellulose paper electrodes: Flexible, free-standing platforms for wearable electronic devices. International journal of biological macromolecules\| PubMed ID: 40659261	2025

Binghui Chen

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