Green synthesis of microalgae-based carbon dots for decoration of TiO2 nanoparticles in enhancement of organic dye photodegradation

Truong Thi Vu Nu; Nhu Hoa Thi Tran; Phuoc Loc Truong; Bach Thang Phan; Minh Tuan Nguyen Dinh; Van-Phuc Dinh; Thanh Son Phan; Seongmoon Go; Mincheol Chang; Kieu The Loan Trinh; Vinh Van Tran

doi:10.1016/j.envres.2021.112631

Green synthesis of microalgae-based carbon dots for decoration of TiO₂ nanoparticles in enhancement of organic dye photodegradation

Environ Res. 2022 Apr 15:206:112631. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112631. Epub 2021 Dec 30.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, The University of Da Nang, Da Nang, 550000, Viet Nam.
² Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, University of Science, HoChiMinh, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University, HoChiMinh, Viet Nam.
³ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Republic of Korea.
⁴ Vietnam National University, HoChiMinh, Viet Nam; Center for Innovative Materials and Architectures (INOMAR), Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
⁵ Faculty of Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology, The University of Da Nang, Da Nang, 550000, Viet Nam.
⁶ Future Materials & Devices Laboratory, Institute of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Duy Tan University, Ho Chi Minh, 700000, Viet Nam; Faculty of Natural Sciences, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Viet Nam.
⁷ School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea.
⁸ School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: mchang35@chonnam.ac.kr.
⁹ Department of Industrial Environmental Engineering, College of Industrial Environmental Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: tktloan@gmail.com.
¹⁰ Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, The University of Da Nang, Da Nang, 550000, Viet Nam. Electronic address: vinhtran88@aist.udn.vn.

PMID: 34973199
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112631

Abstract

TiO₂ is a well-known semiconductor used widely in the photocatalyst field, but its photocatalytic applications are hampered by a fast electron-hole recombination rate and low visible light absorption due to a wide-band-gap energy. Herein, we present a simple, low cost, and green approach to obtain carbon dots from microalgae, namely microalgae-based carbon dots (MCDs), using an unprecedented microwave-assisted treatment. The MCDs were successfully decorated on the surface of TiO₂ nanoparticles. The as-prepared composite exhibited a superior photodegradation of methylene blue, compared with pristine TiO₂ (83% and 27%, respectively) under visible light irradiation. The MCDs in TiO₂-MCDs serve as electron reservoirs to trap photoinduced electrons and as photosensitizers for the improvement of visible light absorption; both factors play an important role in the improvement of the TiO₂ photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, the as-prepared composite photocatalyst also exhibits high photostability and recyclability during the photodegradation of methylene blue. Therefore, this work provides an original approach to the development of environmentally friendly and highly effective photocatalysts for the treatment of various organic pollutants, which can go a long way toward ensuring a safe and sustainable environment.

Keywords: Carbon dot; Co-catalyst; Dye photodegradation; Microalgae; Microwave-assisted treatment; TiO(2).

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Carbon
Catalysis
Microalgae*
Nanoparticles*
Photolysis
Titanium

Substances

titanium dioxide
Carbon
Titanium