Protonated g-C₃N₄/Ti³⁺ self-doped TiO₂ nanocomposite films: Room-temperature preparation, hydrophilicity, and application for photocatalytic NOₓ removal

Yu HUANG, Pengge WANG, Zhenyu WANG, Yongfang RAO, Jun-ji CAO, Shengyan PU, Wing Kei HO, Shun Cheng LEE

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130 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Fabrication of photocatalysis films with good adhesion, hydrophilicity, and high activity on substrates at room temperature is essential for their application in air pollution control. Herein, functionalized transparent composite films containing ultrathin protonated g-C₃N₄ (pCN) nanosheets and Ti³⁺ self-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles (pCN/TiO₂) were fabricated on glass at room temperature. Thickness of the films measures 80 nm with surface roughness of 7.16 nm. The adhesion ability was attributed to the viscosity of TiO₂ sol, which served as "chemical glue" in the films. The high photo-induced hydrophilicity demonstrated their self-cleaning potential. pCN/TiO₂ films showed remarkably high visible-light-driven activity in terms of NO removal in a continuous-flow mode. Photoelectrochemical tests demonstrated the superior charge separation efficiency of pCN/TiO₂ films compared with that of pristine TiO₂. As identified by electron spin resonance spectra, O₂⁻ and OH radicals were the key reactive species involved in NO removal. The possible mechanism for photocatalytic NO oxidation was proposed. Potential cytotoxicity of pCN/TiO₂ films was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay to ensure the biosecurity. This work provides a facile route to fabricate nanocomposite films under ambient temperature. The nanocomposite films were characterized by photo-induced hydrophilicity, high NO removal efficiency, and good biocompatibility, showing its potential in large-scale application. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)122-131
JournalApplied Catalysis B: Environmental
Volume240
Early online dateSept 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2019

Citation

Huang, Y., Wang, P., Wang, Z., Rao, Y., Cao, J.-J., Pu, S., . . . Lee, S. C. (2019). Protonated g-C₃N₄/Ti³⁺ self-doped TiO₂ nanocomposite films: Room-temperature preparation, hydrophilicity, and application for photocatalytic NOₓ removal. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 240, 122-131. doi: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2018.08.078

Keywords

  • pCN/TiO₂films
  • Room-temperature preparation
  • Hydrophilicity
  • NOₓ removal
  • Biocompatibility

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