We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Ag Nanoparticles–Doped Co 3 O 4 Composite Photocatalyst for UV Light–Assisted Degradation of Polystyrene Nanoplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a silver-doped cobalt oxide (Ag/Co₃O₄) photocatalyst that achieved 61% degradation efficiency for polystyrene nanoplastics under UV irradiation, outperforming Co₃O₄ and silver nanoparticles alone. This work advances photocatalytic approaches for breaking down persistent nanoplastic pollution in water treatment applications.
Nanoplastics are a significant environmental threat due to their persistence and toxicity. In this study, we prepared a kind of Ag-doped Co3O4 catalyst using a coprecipitation method, aimed at enhancing its photocatalytic degradation efficiency of polystyrene nanoplastics under UV irradiation. Morphology and component of Ag/Co3O4 have been investigated by XRD, FTIR, TEM, and BET analysis. The information of absorption and energy levels for catalysts is provided by UV-vis DRS, Tauc plots, and Mott-Schottky curves. Charge-transfer abilities for catalysts have been analyzed by PL spectra and EIS. The photocatalytic activities of Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs), Co3O4, and Ag/Co3O4 have been carefully evaluated in this work. Ag/Co3O4 photocatalyst exhibits the highest degradation efficiency with a kinetic rate constant of 0.0086 min- 1, outperforming that of Co3O4 (0.0062 min- 1) and Ag NPs (0.0036 min- 1). The degradation efficiencies for catalysts have also been assessed under varying pH conditions (neutral, acidic, and basic). Among them, Ag/Co3O4 shows a notable degradation efficiency of 61% at pH 7, compared to 46% for Co3O4 and 30% for Ag NPs. In addition, the intermediates and final products have also been discussed according to Py-GC/MS results.
More Papers Like This
Synergistic Photocatalysis by α-MoO3 Nanostructures and SWCNT Nanocomposites for Efficient Cross-Linking and Oxidative Degradation of Polystyrene Nanoplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This study developed alpha-MoO3 nanostructures combined with single-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites as synergistic photocatalysts, demonstrating enhanced degradation of organic pollutants under visible light with potential for plastic-associated contaminant treatment.
Photocatalytic degradation of polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics by α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4
AI summary Read the abstract
An alpha-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 composite photocatalyst was shown to degrade both polyethylene and polystyrene microplastic films under visible light irradiation, with the photocatalyst causing surface cracking and mass loss significantly exceeding non-catalyzed controls.
Photocatalytic degradation of polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics by α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4
AI summary Read the abstract
This study tested a composite photocatalyst (α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4) for degrading polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics using visible light. The catalyst caused surface cracking and oxidation of both plastic types, showing promise as a solar-powered method for breaking down microplastic pollution in water.
Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of Ag-TiO2/CNT hybrid nanocomposite for the degradation of polystyrene microplastics under solar irradiation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a new photocatalyst made from silver-doped titanium dioxide combined with carbon nanotubes to break down polystyrene microplastics using sunlight. In laboratory tests, the material achieved about 32% degradation of polystyrene microbeads within 48 hours under solar irradiation. The study offers a potentially cost-effective approach for removing microplastics from water using solar energy.
Degradation of primary nanoplastics by photocatalysis using different anodized TiO2 structures
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used anodized titanium dioxide photocatalysts to degrade polystyrene nanoparticles in water under UV light, finding that a mixed nanotube/nanograss TiO2 structure reduced nanoplastic concentrations twice as effectively as UV photolysis alone, as confirmed by turbidity, total organic carbon, and mass spectrometry measurements.
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.