Tuning the Microstructures of ZnO To Enhance Photocatalytic NO Removal Performances

verfasst von

Reshalaiti Hailili, Xiaokaiti Reyimu, Zelong Li, Xu Lu, Detlef W. Bahnemann

Abstract

Effective removal of kinetically inert dilute nitrogen oxide (NO, ppb) without NO₂ emission is still a challenging topic in environmental pollution control. One effective approach to reducing the harm of NO is the construction of photocatalysts with diversified microstructures and atomic arrangements that could promote adsorption, activation, and complete removal of NO without yielding secondary pollution. Herein, microstructure regulations of ZnO photocatalysts were attempted by altering the reaction temperature and alkalinity in a unique ionic liquid-based solid-state synthesis and further investigated for the removal of dilute NO upon light irradiation. Microstructure observations indicated that as-tuned photocatalysts displayed unique nucleation, diverse morphologies (spherical nanoparticles, short and long nanorods), defect-related optical characteristics, and enhanced carrier separations. Such defect-related surface-interface aspects, especially V_o″-related defects of ZnO devoted them to the 4.16-fold enhanced NO removal and 2.76 magnitude order decreased NO₂ yields, respectively. Improved NO removal and toxic product inhabitation in as-tuned ZnO was disclosed by mechanistic exploitations. It was revealed that regulated microstructures, defect-related charge carrier separation, and strengthened surface interactions were beneficial to active species production and molecular oxygen activation in ZnO, subsequently contributing to the improved NO removal and simultaneous avoidance of NO₂ formation. This investigation shed light on the facile regulation of microstructures and the roles of surface chemistry in the oxidation of low concentration NO in the ppb level upon light illumination.

Organisationseinheit(en)

Institut für Technische Chemie

Externe Organisation(en)

Beijing University of Technology
Staatliche Universität Sankt Petersburg

Typ

Artikel

Journal

ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces

Band

15

Seiten

23185-23198

Anzahl der Seiten

14

ISSN

1944-8244

Publikationsdatum

17.05.2023

Publikationsstatus

Veröffentlicht

Peer-reviewed

Ja

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

Werkstoffwissenschaften (insg.)

Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung

SDG 12 – Verantwortungsvoller Konsum und Produktion

Elektronische Version(en)

https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c02286 (Zugang: Geschlossen)