• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.228-234
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• 2010

In this paper, Fe-$TiO_2$ and Fe-fullerene/$TiO_2$ composite photocatalysts were prepared with titanium (IV) n-butoxide (TNB) by a sol-gel method. $TiO_2$, Fe-$TiO_2$ and Fe-fullerene/$TiO_2$ were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), specific surface area (BET), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by the photocatalytic oxidation of methylene blue (MB) solution. XRD patterns of the composites showed that the photocatalyst composite contained a typical single and clear anatase phase. The surface properties shown by SEM presented a characterization of the texture on Fe-fullerene/$TiO_2$ composites and showed a homogenous composition in the particles for the titanium sources used. The EDX spectra for the elemental identification showed the presence of O, C and Ti elements. Moreover, peaks of the Fe element were observed in the Fe-$TiO_2$ and Fe-fullerene/$TiO_2$ composites. The degradation of MB solution by UV-light irradiation in the presence of photocatalyst compounds was investigated in complete darkness. The degradation of MB concentration in aqueous solution occurred via three kinds of physical phenomena: quantum efficiency of the fullerene; organo-metallic reaction of the Fe compound; and decomposition of $TiO_2$. The degradation rate of the methylene blue solution increased when using Fe-fullerene/$TiO_2$ compounds.

• Proceedings of the KWS Conference
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• 2005.06a
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• pp.387-392
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• 2005

For the production of further functional bio-degradable plastic(polybutylene succinate:PBS) with $TiO_{2}$ as photocatalyst, which shows the decomposition of detrimental organic compound and pollutant under ultraviolet irradiation, we attempted to prepare $TiO_{2}$ coatings on PBS substrate by HVOF and plasma spraying techniques under various conditions. The microstructures of coatings were characterized with SEM and XRD analysis, and the photocatalytic efficiency of coatings was evaluated through the photo degradation of gaseous acetaldehyde. The effects of primary particle size and spraying parameters on the formation behavior, photo catalytic performance and mechanical characteristics of the coatings have been investigated. The results indicated that with respect to both the HVOF sprayed $P_{200}$ and $P_{30}$ coatings, the high anatase ratio off 100% can be achieved regardless of fuel gas pressure. On the other hand, the HVOF sprayed $P_{7}$ coating exhibited largely decreased anatase ratio (from 100% to 49.1%) with increasing the fuel gas pressure, which may be attributed to the much higher susceptibility to heat of 7nm agglomerated powder. In terms of photocatalytic efficiency, HVOF sprayed $P_{200}$ and $P_{30}$ coatings seem to predominate as compared to that of plasma sprayed $P_{200}$ coatings owing to the higher anatase ratio. However, the HVOF sprayed $P_{7}$ coatings didn't show the photo catalytic activity, which may result from the extremely small reaction surface area to the photo-catalytic activity and low anatase ratio. Such functional PBS with new roles is expected to cosiderably contribute to the reduction of aggravated environmel problem.

• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.408-415
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• 2009

Iron-loaded activated carbon fibers (Fe-ACF) supported titanium dioxide ($TiO_2$) photocatalyst (Fe-ACF/$TiO_2$) was synthesized using a sol-gel method. Three different types of Fe-ACF/$TiO_2$ were obtained by treatment with different precursor of Fe, and characterized using BET, SEM, XRD and EDX analysis. The photocatalytic activity of Fe-ACF/$TiO_2$ was investigated by the degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh.B) solution under UV irradiation. From the experimental results, it was revealed that Fe-ACF/$TiO_2$ composites show considerable photocatalytic ability for the removal of Rh.B by comparing non-treated ACF/$TiO_2$ composites. And photo-Fenton reaction with Fe element was incoordinately influenced due to different precursor of Fe. It clearly indicates that Fe-ACF/$TiO_2$ composites prepared using $FeCl_3$ provided the highest photo-Fenton activity, then, which was affected by pH changes on the degradation of Rh.B.

• Clean Technology
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.211-217
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• 2008

We investigated the reduction of pollutants such as TOC (total organic carbon) and decolorization of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) by photocatalytic oxidation. The optimal values of major parameters for the reaction were obtained including the concentration of RB5, the amount of $TiO_2$ dosage and pH of solution. The values were 100 mg/L, 2 g/L and 4.9, respectively. As the concentration of oxygen increased, removal rate of pollutants increased. After $TiO_2$ was regenerated and used again by micro filtration (MF) ceramic membrane, the removal efficiency of color and removal rate of pollutants did not decrease significantly.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.8-14
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• 2016

We compared the plausible reaction mechanism and quantitative efficiency of highly self-organized TiO₂ nanotube (ntTiO₂) film with TiO₂ powder. Film was fabricated by electrochemical potentiostatic anodization of titanium thin film in an ethylene-glycol electrolyte solution containing 0.3 wt% NH₄F and 2 vol% deionized water. Nanotubes with a pore size of 80-100 nm were formed by anodization at 60 V for 3 h. Humic acid (HA) was degraded through photocatalytic degradation using the ntTiO₂ film. Pseudo first-order rate constants for 0.3 g of ntTiO₂, 0.3 g TiO₂ powder, and 1 g TiO₂ powder were 0.081 min⁻¹, 0.003 min⁻¹, and 0.044 min⁻¹, respectively. HA adsorption on the ntTiO₂ film was minimal while adsorption on the TiO₂ powder was about 20% based on thermogravimetric analysis. Approximately five-fold more normalized OH radicals were generated by the ntTiO₂ film than the TiO₂ powder. These quantitative findings explain why ntTiO₂ film showed superior photocatalytic performance to TiO₂ powder.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2013.08a
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• pp.317.2-317.2
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• 2013

Ultrathin oxide encapsulated metal-oxide hybrid nanocatalysts have been fabricated by a soft chemical and facile route. First, SiO2 nanoparticles of 25~30 nm size have been synthesized by modified Stobber's method followed by amine functionalization. Metal nanoparticles (Ru, Rh, Pt) capped with polymer/citrate have been deposited on functionalized SiO2 and finally an ultrathin layer of TiO2 coated on surface which prevents sintering and provides high thermal stability while maximizing the metal-oxide interface for higher catalytic activity. TEM studies confirmed that 2.5 nm sized metal nanoparticles are well dispersed and distributed throughout the surface of 25 nm SiO2 nanoparticles with a 3-4 nm TiO2 ultrathin layer. The metal nanoparticles are still well exposed to outer surface, being enabled for surface characterization and catalytic activity. Even after calcination at $600^{\circ}C$, the structure and morphology of hybrid nanocatalysts remain intact confirm the high thermal stability. XPS spectra of hybrid nanocatalyst suggest the metallic states as well as their corresponding oxide states. The catalytic activity has been evaluated for high temperature CO oxidation reaction as well as photocatalytic H2 generation under solar simulation. The design of hybrid structure, high thermal stability, and better exposure of metal active sites are the key parameters for the high catalytic activity. The maximization of metal-TiO2 interface interaction has the great role in photocatalytic H2 production.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.40-44
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• 2019

Tungsten trioxide ($WO_3$) is a promising candidate as a photocatalyst because of its outstanding electrical and optical properties. In this study, we prepare $WO_3$ thin films by electrodeposition and characterize the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue using these films. Depending on the voltage conditions (static and pulse), compact and porous $WO_3$ films are fabricated on a transparent ITO/glass substrate. The morphology and crystal structure of electrodeposited $WO_3$ thin films are investigated by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. An application of static voltage during electrodeposition yields a compact layer of $WO_3$, whereas a highly porous morphology with nanoflakes is produced by a pulse voltage process. Compared to the compact film, the porous $WO_3$ thin film shows better photocatalytic activities. Furthermore, a much higher reaction rate of degradation of methylene blue can be achieved after post-annealing of $WO_3$ thin films.

• Korean Journal of Metals and Materials
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• v.56 no.12
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• pp.900-909
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• 2018

A $ZnO/TiO_2$ photocatalyst decorated with PbS quantum dots (QDs) was synthesized to achieve high photocatalytic efficiency for the decomposition of dye in aqueous media. A $TiO_2$ porous layer, as a precursor photocatalyst, was fabricated using micro-arc oxidation, and exhibited irregular porous cells with anatase and rutile crystalline structures. Then, a ZnO-deposited $TiO_2$ catalyst was fabricated using a zinc acetate solution, and PbS QDs were uniformly deposited on the surface of the $ZnO/TiO_2$ photocatalyst using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique. For the PbS $QDs/ZnO/TiO_2$ photocatalyst, ZnO and PbS nanoparticles are uniformly precipitated on the $TiO_2$ surface. However, the diameters of the PbS particles were very fine, and their shape and distribution were relatively more homogeneous compared to the ZnO particles on the $TiO_2$ surface. The PbS QDs on the $TiO_2$ surface can induce changes in band gap energy due to the quantum confinement effect. The effective band gap of the PbS QDs was calculated to be 1.43 eV. To evaluate their photocatalytic properties, Aniline blue decomposition tests were performed. The presence of ZnO and PbS nanoparticles on the $TiO_2$ catalysts enhanced photoactivity by improving the absorption of visible light. The PbS $QDs/ZnO/TiO_2$ heterojunction photocatalyst showed a higher Aniline blue decomposition rate and photocatalytic activity, due to the quantum size effect of the PbS nanoparticles, and the more efficient transport of charge carriers.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.325-330
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• 2021

Bi₂MoO₆ (BMO) via the structure-directing role of CO(NH₂)₂ is successfully prepared via a facile solvothermal route. The structure, morphology, and photocatalytic performance of the nanoflake BMO are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fluorescence spectrum analysis (PL), UV-vis spectroscopy (UV-vis) and electrochemical test. SEM images show that the size of nanoflake BMO is about 50 ~ 200 nm. PL and electrochemical analysis show that the nanoflake BMO has a lower recombination rate of photogenerated carriers than particle BMO. The photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) by nanoflake BMO under visible light is investigated. The results show that the nanoflake BMO-3 has the highest degradation efficiency under visible light, and the degradation efficiency reached 75 % within 120 min, attributed to the unique hierarchical structure, efficient carrier separation and sufficient free radicals to generate active center synergies. The photocatalytic reaction mechanism of TC degradation on the nanoflake BMO is proposed.

• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.239-243
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• 2018

Up to now, microstructure changes of photocatalysts have been studied to improve photocatalytic activity. Especially, to improve the adsorption of reactants and reactive sites, porous and fine crystal structures have received much attention because of their large specific surface area. In this study, $TiO_2$ nanotubes were synthesized by hydrothermal method using $TiO_2$ nanoparticles; nanotubes were evaluated by oxidized methylene blue reduction test. Using synthesized $TiO_2$ nanotubes, results of TEM showed that the $TiO_2$ nanoparticles were changed into folding sheets and nanotubes. XRD results showed that the peaks of the nanoparticles almost disappeared and only the rutile (110) and anatase (200) peaks were observed. Comparison of photocatalytic properties of nanoparticles and nanotube structures was performed by measuring the UV-vis absorbance with reducing oxidized methylene blue. As a result, the reduction rate of nanotubes was found to be $0.24{\mu}mol/s$, which was 2.6 times higher than the rate of reduction of nanoparticles.