We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Aqueous synthesis of Nb-modified SnO 2 quantum dots for efficient photocatalytic degradation of polyethylene for in situ agricultural waste treatment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed low-cost quantum dot catalysts that can break down low-density polyethylene agricultural film in situ using light, offering a potential on-farm solution to plastic mulch waste. Agricultural plastic films are a major source of microplastic contamination in farmland soils worldwide.
Abstract Low density polyethylene is widely used in agricultural production. It is of low cost and able to significantly improve the quality of fruits. However, its decomposition under natural circumstances needs more than one hundred of years. If not removed in time, it is hazardous to the ecological environment and crops. Up to now, the removal techniques of polyethylene films are polluted, expensive, and difficult to employ. A novel method is proposed for in situ removal of polyethylene by an effective and environmental friendly technique with low cost. The Nb-modified SnO 2 quantum dots are prepared for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of polyethylene under visible light. The green synthesis of the photocatalyst includes the procedures of hydrolysis, oxidation, and hydrothermal treatment in aqueous solution. The Nb-modified SnO 2 has a band gap of 2.95 eV, which enhances its absorption of visible light. A degradation efficiency of 29% is obtained within 6 h under visible irradiation. The hydroxyl radicals ( • OH) are main active species in the degradation process. The prepared Nb-SnO 2 quantum dots demonstrate a promising application in the photocatalytic degradation of polyethylene, contributing a novel strategy for the in situ treatment of agricultural wastes.
More Papers Like This
Synergistic dual-defect band engineering for highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of microplastics via Nb-induced oxygen vacancies in SnO2 quantum dots
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers engineered a new material using niobium-doped tin oxide quantum dots that can break down polyethylene microplastics in water using visible light. The material works through a photocatalytic process, meaning sunlight can power the degradation of microplastics in real-world water conditions. This technology could offer a practical way to clean microplastic-contaminated water sources.
Bio-carbon quantum dot modified TiO 2 nanocrystals for photocatalytic degradation of PLA and PET microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a photocatalyst by modifying titanium dioxide nanocrystals with bio-based carbon quantum dots to degrade PET and PLA microplastics under visible light. The composite achieved degradation rates of 28.9% for PET and 59.8% for PLA microplastics within 48 hours in alkaline conditions. The study demonstrates a promising approach for breaking down common microplastic pollutants using sunlight-driven catalysis.
Photocatalytic Perception for Degradation of Macro- and Micro-plastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines photocatalytic approaches for degrading both macro- and micro-plastics, surveying semiconductor-based and other photocatalytic systems capable of breaking down persistent plastic polymers in aquatic and terrestrial environments. The paper evaluates the mechanisms, efficiency, and scalability of photocatalysis as a remediation technology alongside conventional plastic waste management strategies.
Photocatalytic Microplastics “On‐The‐fly” Degradation via Motile Quantum Materials‐Based Microrobots
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed motile quantum material-based microrobots capable of photocatalytic degradation of microplastics on the fly, offering a promising active approach to breaking down plastic pollution in aquatic environments.
Waste medical mask-derived carbon quantum dots enhance the photocatalytic degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) over BiOBr/g-C3N4 S-scheme heterojunction
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers converted waste medical masks into carbon quantum dots and used them to enhance a photocatalytic material that breaks down PET microplastics. The upgraded catalyst degraded PET nearly three times more effectively than the base material alone. The study turns pandemic-generated plastic waste into a tool for addressing microplastic pollution, offering a creative recycling approach.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.