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Nanotechnology

Breakthrough in Nanotechnology: Researchers Develop Novel Photocatalytic Composite for Ammonia Removal

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Investigators at Zhejiang University have made a significant discovery in the field of nanotechnology, developing a novel method for preparing a TiO/biochar photocatalytic composite that showcases remarkable adsorption and degradation performance for ammonia (NH). This innovative approach addresses the critical issue of ammonia removal, which is crucial for ensuring human and environmental safety. The researchers combined traditional adsorption technology with photocatalysis to create a composite that demonstrates stability, reusability, and daylight availability.

Key Takeaways:

  • The TiO/biochar photocatalytic composite was synthesized through hydrothermal carbonization followed by low-oxygen calcination, resulting in a high specific surface area, hierarchical porosity, and abundant oxygen-containing functional groups on the carbon carrier.
  • The composite exhibited notable adsorption and degradation performance for NH, reducing the concentration from 10 ppm to 3.73 ppm under ultraviolet light.
  • The synergistic effects of high specific surface area, hierarchical porosity, and abundant oxygen-containing functional groups significantly boosted NH adsorption, while the carbon carrier's exceptional electron-storage capability promoted efficient electron-hole separation and elevated photocatalytic efficiency.
  • The formation of Ti-O-C bonds reduced the band gap energy, enhancing the composite's response to visible light.
  • The research concluded that this study introduces a new approach for NH removal and broadens the application of sunlight in environmental remediation.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Environmental Management.

Statistics:

  • The composite reduced the NH concentration from 10 ppm to 3.73 ppm under ultraviolet light.
  • The composite showed excellent stability, reusability, and daylight availability.
  • The hydrothermal carbonization process effectively retained oxygen-containing functional groups on the hydrochar.
  • Low-oxygen calcination substantially enhanced the composite's porosity and promoted the formation of TiO active sites.
  • The composite demonstrated a band gap energy reduction due to the formation of Ti-O-C bonds.

Sources:

  • "Dual-function TiO2/biochar composites for NH3 capture and decomposition." Journal of Environmental Management, 2025;394:127574. Journal of Environmental Management can be contacted at: Academic Press Ltd- Elsevier Science Ltd, 24-28 Oval Rd, London NW1 7DX, England.
  • Jiaxing Sun et al. "Researchers from Zhejiang University Report Details of New Studies and Findings in the Area of Photocatalytics (Dual-function TiO2/biochar composites for NH3 capture and decomposition)." Nanotechnology Weekly. October 20, 2025; p 4364.

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