Citation: Lijun Liao, Yuhao Wang, Yanbo Li, Yingchun Chen, Ruting Yuan, Bo Wang, Tiancheng Zhuang, Guangquan Zhao, Wei Zhou. Synergy of electron-trapping centers and solid adsorption toward 100% suppression of toxic byproduct N₂O in photocatalytic NO reduction[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2026, 37(3): 111398. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.111398 shu

Synergy of electron-trapping centers and solid adsorption toward 100% suppression of toxic byproduct N₂O in photocatalytic NO reduction

Lijun Liao ^{a, 1} ,
Yuhao Wang ^{b, 1} ,
Yanbo Li ^c ,
Yingchun Chen ^a ,
Ruting Yuan ^{a, *,} ,
Bo Wang ^a ,
Tiancheng Zhuang ^a ,
Guangquan Zhao ^{a, *,} ,
Wei Zhou ^{a, *,}

a.
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Ji'nan 250353, China
b.
School of Earth and Environment, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
c.
Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor and Green Chemical Technology, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Process of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430072, China

rutingyuan@qlu.edu.cn

gqzddup@163.com

zwchem@hotmail.com

Received Date: 7 December 2024
Revised Date: 6 April 2025
Accepted Date: 29 May 2025
Available Online: 29 May 2025

Figures(5)

Photocatalysis shows promising application in efficient reduction of nitrogen oxides (NO_x). However, the sluggish selectivity in nitric oxide removal with reductants, resulting in the formation of undesired N₂O byproducts, presents a great challenge. In this work, complete prohibition of nitric oxide generation in photo-removal of NO with carbon particulate is successfully achieved through the rational regulation of electron-trapping centers on TiO₂ nanosheets (TNS) surface achieved by the surface reduction treatment with NaBH₄. The efficient suppression (100%) of N₂O generation is ascribed to the more stable N₂O adsorption on the active (001) crystalline plane of TNS and the electron-capturing ability around oxygen vacancies based on the density functional theory (DFT) and experimental investigations. The existence of O₂ and H₂O effectively promote the photocatalytic activity of NO reduction but demonstrate no adverse effect on N₂O suppression. The optimal photocatalytic NO reduction activity with the highest CO₂ formation rate of 5.54 mg g⁻¹ h⁻¹ without N₂O formation is achieved over the optimized 0.135-TNS. These investigations guide the development of feasible photocatalytic treatment of air pollutants, emphasizing the significance of managing electron capture and gas adsorption for efficient byproduct control in pollutants removal.
- Photocatalysis,
- N₂O adsorption,
- Electron enrichment,
- Nitric oxide,
- Reduction
1. [1]
  Y.K. Park, B.S. Kim, Chem. Eng. J. 461 (2023) 141958. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.141958
2. [2]
  J. Li, T. Chen, H. Zhang, et al., Sci. Total Environ. 912 (2024) 168333. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168333
3. [3]
  J. Zhao, S. Li, R. Liang, et al., Appl. Catal. B: Environ. Energy 352 (2024) 123982. doi: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2024.123982
4. [4]
  W. Dai, S. Zhang, H. Shang, et al., Adv. Funct. Mater. 34 (2024) 2309426. doi: 10.1002/adfm.202309426
5. [5]
  J. Liu, X. Huang, L. Jia, et al., Small 19 (2023) 2207198. doi: 10.1002/smll.202207198
6. [6]
  T. Xue, J. Li, L. Chen, et al., Chem. Sci. 15 (2024) 9026–9046. doi: 10.1039/D4SC01891E
7. [7]
  J. Liu, X. Huang, L. Hu, et al., Chem. Eng. J. 476 (2023) 146768. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.146768
8. [8]
  W. Zhang, H. Bai, B. Ma, et al., Appl. Catal. B: Environ. Energy 356 (2024) 124241. doi: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2024.124241
9. [9]
  N. Li, C. Wang, K. Zhang, et al., Chin. J. Catal. 43 (2022) 2363–2387. doi: 10.1016/S1872-2067(22)64139-1
10. [10]
  K. Teramura, T. Tanaka, S. Yamazoe, K. Arakaki, T. Funabiki, Appl. Catal. B: Environ. 53 (2004) 29–36. doi: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2004.05.005
11. [11]
  Y.C. Chou, Y. Ku, Chem. Eng. J. 225 (2013) 734–743. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2013.03.124
12. [12]
  Y. Ren, Q. Han, J. Yang, et al., J. Colloid Interface Sci. 610 (2022) 152–163. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.12.034
13. [13]
  L. Liao, S. Heylen, B. Vallaey, et al., Appl. Catal. B: Environ. 166-167 (2015) 374–380.
14. [14]
  L. Liao, S. Heylen, S.P. Sree, et al., Appl. Catal. B: Environ. 202 (2017) 381–387. doi: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2016.09.042
15. [15]
  R. Yuan, M. Wang, L. Liao, et al., Chem. Eng. J. 453 (2023) 139892. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2022.139892
16. [16]
  Y. Liu, L. Liao, L. Guo, et al., Environ. Res. 240 (2024) 117515. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117515
17. [17]
  J. Li, M. Zhang, Z. Guan, et al., Appl. Catal. B: Environ. 206 (2017) 300–307. doi: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2017.01.025
18. [18]
  Y. Zhang, Z. Xu, G. Li, et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 58 (2019) 14229–14233. doi: 10.1002/anie.201907954
19. [19]
  Y. Wang, Y. Zhang, X. zhu, Y. Liu, Z. Wu, Appl. Catal. B: Environ. 316 (2022) 121610. doi: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2022.121610
20. [20]
  X. Bi, G. Du, A. Kalam, et al., Chem. Eng. Sci. 234 (2021) 116440. doi: 10.1016/j.ces.2021.116440
21. [21]
  H.G. Yang, G. Liu, S.Z. Qiao, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 131 (2009) 4078–4083. doi: 10.1021/ja808790p
22. [22]
  H.G. Yang, C.H. Sun, S.Z. Qiao, et al., Nature 453 (2008) 638–641. doi: 10.1038/nature06964
23. [23]
  Y. Zhang, J. Yan, Chem. Eng. J. 472 (2023) 144831. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.144831
24. [24]
  W.Q. Fang, J.Z. Zhou, J. Liu, et al., Chem. Eur. J. 17 (2011) 1423–1427. doi: 10.1002/chem.201002582
25. [25]
  Y. Dai, C.M. Cobley, J. Zeng, Y. Sun, Y. Xia, Nano Lett. 9 (2009) 2455–2459. doi: 10.1021/nl901181n
26. [26]
  M. Wang, S. Wang, Z. Li, et al., J. Photochem. Photobiol. A: Chem. 455 (2024) 115754. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2024.115754
27. [27]
  W. Navarra, I. Ritacco, O. Sacco, et al., J. Phys. Chem. C 126 (2022) 7000–7011. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.2c00152
28. [28]
  P.H.M. Andrade, C. Volkringer, T. Loiseau, et al., Appl. Mater. Today 37 (2024) 102094. doi: 10.1016/j.apmt.2024.102094
29. [29]
  X. Yang, F. Li, W. Liu, et al., Appl. Catal. B: Environ. 324 (2023) 122202. doi: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2022.122202
30. [30]
  A.S. Eltaweil, N. Al Harby, A.I. Osman, et al., J. Ind. Eng. Chem. 143 (2025) 704–716. doi: 10.1016/j.jiec.2024.09.017
31. [31]
  J. Wan, W. Chen, C. Jia, et al., Adv. Mater. 30 (2018) 1705369. doi: 10.1002/adma.201705369
32. [32]
  W. Zhang, H. He, Y. Tian, et al., Nano Energy 66 (2019) 104113. doi: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2019.104113
33. [33]
  S. Cheng, Y.J. Gao, Y.L. Yan, et al., J. Energy Chem. 39 (2019) 144–151. doi: 10.1016/j.jechem.2019.01.020
34. [34]
  X. Yu, X. Fan, L. An, et al., Carbon 128 (2018) 21–30. doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2017.11.078
35. [35]
  C. Zhao, Y. Yang, L. Luo, et al., Sci. Total Environ. 747 (2020) 141533. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141533
36. [36]
  J. Liu, S. Li, Z. Qiu, et al., Small 19 (2023) 2300737. doi: 10.1002/smll.202300737
37. [37]
  Z. He, H. Yang, N.H. Wong, et al., Small 19 (2023) 2207370. doi: 10.1002/smll.202207370
38. [38]
  D. Liu, B. Sun, S. Bai, T. Gao, G. Zhou, Chin. J. Catal. 50 (2023) 273–283. doi: 10.1016/S1872-2067(23)64462-6
39. [39]
  Z. Li, T. Gao, H. Chu, et al., Appl. Catal. B: Environ. Energy 358 (2024) 124370. doi: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2024.124370
40. [40]
  J. Ding, C. Yu, J. Lu, et al., Appl. Energy 263 (2020) 114681. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.114681
41. [41]
  M. He, Y. Cao, J. Ji, K. Li, H. Huang, J. Catal. 396 (2021) 122–135. doi: 10.1016/j.jcat.2021.01.035
42. [42]
  K. Teramura, T. Tanaka, T. Funabiki, Langmuir 19 (2003) 1209–1214. doi: 10.1021/la0263918
43. [43]
  M. Li, P. Wang, Z. Ji, et al., Appl. Catal. B: Environ. 289 (2021) 120020. doi: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2021.120020
44. [44]
  X. Li, G. Fang, X. Qian, Q. Tian, Chem. Eng. J. 428 (2022) 131052. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2021.131052
45. [45]
  A. Mahmood, X. Wang, X. Xie, J. Sun, Colloids Surf. A: Physicochem. Eng. Asp. 626 (2021) 127058. doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2021.127058
46. [46]
  W. Zhang, Y. Ma, C. Song, et al., Adv. Funct. Mater. 34 (2024) 2410902. doi: 10.1002/adfm.202410902
47. [47]
  L. Mino, M. Cazzaniga, F. Moriggi, M. Ceotto, J. Phys. Chem. C 127 (2023) 437–449. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.2c07489
48. [48]
  C.F. Sid Devahasdin Jr., Kuyen Li, D.H. Chen, J. Photochem. Photobiol. A: Chem. 156 (2003) 161–170. doi: 10.1016/S1010-6030(03)00005-4
1. [1]
  Jiangqi Ning , Junhan Huang , Yuhang Liu , Yanlei Chen , Qing Niu , Qingqing Lin , Yajun He , Zheyuan Liu , Yan Yu , Liuyi Li . Alkyl-linked TiO2@COF heterostructure facilitating photocatalytic CO2 reduction by targeted electron transport. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2024, 43(12): 100453-100453. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2024.100453
2. [2]
  Na Lu , Tingting Pang , Xuedong Jing , Yongan Zhu , Linqun Yu , Sining Ben , Yuchan Song , Shiwen Du , Wei Lu , Zhenyi Zhang . Optimizing the Schottky Barrier in AuAg Alloy Decorated TiO2 Nanofibers to Enhance Hot-Electron-Induced CO2 Reduction. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2025, 44(8): 100633-100633. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100633
3. [3]
  Qiaorui Wang , Dingyun Liang , Zhongwen Zhang , Yalan Yang , Yunran Zhang , Yirong Wang , Lei Liu , Wenfeng Jiang , Muneerah Alomar , Li-Long Zhang . Single-atom catalysts for electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction to ammonia: A review. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2025, 44(6): 100599-100599. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100599
4. [4]
  Ziruo Zhou , Wenyu Guo , Tingyu Yang , Dandan Zheng , Yuanxing Fang , Xiahui Lin , Yidong Hou , Guigang Zhang , Sibo Wang . Defect and nanostructure engineering of polymeric carbon nitride for visible-light-driven CO2 reduction. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2024, 43(3): 100245-100245. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2024.100245
5. [5]
  Jiaqi Ma , Lan Li , Yiming Zhang , Jinjie Qian , Xusheng Wang . Covalent organic frameworks: Synthesis, structures, characterizations and progress of photocatalytic reduction of CO2. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2024, 43(12): 100466-100466. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2024.100466
6. [6]
  Xiaobo Li , Qunyan Wu , Congzhi Wang , Jianhui Lan , Meng Zhang , Weiqun Shi . Kinetically controlled Np(Ⅵ)/Pu(Ⅳ) selective reduction by n-butyraldehyde. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2026, 37(2): 111503-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.111503
7. [7]
  Shuqi Yu , Yu Yang , Keisuke Kuroda , Jian Pu , Rui Guo , Li-An Hou . Selective removal of Cr(Ⅵ) using polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyacrylamide co-modified MoS₂ composites by adsorption combined with reduction. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2024, 35(6): 109130-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2023.109130
8. [8]
  Yanghanbin Zhang , Dongxiao Wen , Wei Sun , Jiahe Peng , Dezhong Yu , Xin Li , Yang Qu , Jizhou Jiang . State-of-the-art evolution of g-C3N4-based photocatalytic applications: A critical review. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2024, 43(12): 100469-100469. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2024.100469
9. [9]
  Guixu Pan , Zhiling Xia , Ning Wang , Hejia Sun , Zhaoqi Guo , Yunfeng Li , Xin Li . Preparation of high-efficient donor-π-acceptor system with crystalline g-C3N4 as charge transfer module for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2024, 43(12): 100463-100463. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2024.100463
10. [10]
  Zhen Shi , Wei Jin , Yuhang Sun , Xu Li , Liang Mao , Xiaoyan Cai , Zaizhu Lou . Interface charge separation in Cu2CoSnS4/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen production. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2023, 42(12): 100201-100201. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2023.100201
11. [11]
  Mengjun Zhao , Yuhao Guo , Na Li , Tingjiang Yan . Deciphering the structural evolution and real active ingredients of iron oxides in photocatalytic CO2 hydrogenation. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2024, 43(8): 100348-100348. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2024.100348
12. [12]
  Huarui Han , Yangrui Xu , Yu Cheng , Liguang Tang , Jie Jin , Xinlin Liu , Changchang Ma , Ziyang Lu . Frustrated Lewis pairs in CO2 photoreduction: A review on synergistic activation and charge separation. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2025, 44(10): 100728-100728. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100728
13. [13]
  Weixu Li , Yuexin Wang , Lin Li , Xinyi Huang , Mengdi Liu , Bo Gui , Xianjun Lang , Cheng Wang . Promoting energy transfer pathway in porphyrin-based sp2 carbon-conjugated covalent organic frameworks for selective photocatalytic oxidation of sulfide. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2024, 43(7): 100299-100299. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2024.100299
14. [14]
  Hao Cai , Xiaoyan Wu , Lei Jiang , Feng Yu , Yuxiang Yang , Yan Li , Xian Zhang , Jian Liu , Zijian Li , Hong Bi . Lysosome-targeted carbon dots with a light-controlled nitric oxide releasing property for enhanced photodynamic therapy. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2024, 35(4): 108946-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2023.108946
15. [15]
  Jiajia Li , Shan Shiang Hii , Xinyuan Zhu , Yanping Yang , Youfu Wang . sp² carbon conjugated covalent organic cage with efficient photocatalysis. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2026, 37(3): 111151-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.111151
16. [16]
  Yan Fan , Jiao Tan , Cuijuan Zou , Xuliang Hu , Xing Feng , Xin-Long Ni . Unprecedented stepwise electron transfer and photocatalysis in supramolecular assembly derived hybrid single-layer two-dimensional nanosheets in water. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2025, 36(4): 110101-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.110101
17. [17]
  Jingtai Bi , Yupeng Cheng , Mengmeng Sun , Xiaofu Guo , Shizhao Wang , Yingying Zhao . Efficient and selective photocatalytic nitrite reduction to N₂ through CO₂ anion radical by eco-friendly tartaric acid activation. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2024, 35(11): 109639-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.109639
18. [18]
  Pei Xu , Tian-Zi Hao , Zhi-Tao Liu , Yi-Qin Liu , Hui-Xian Jiang , Dong Guo , Xu Zhu . Visible-light-induced dual catalysis for divergent reduction of nitro compounds with CO₂ radical anion. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2025, 36(10): 110899-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.110899
19. [19]
  Qiang Zhang , Weiran Gong , Huinan Che , Bin Liu , Yanhui Ao . S doping induces to promoted spatial separation of charge carriers on carbon nitride for efficiently photocatalytic degradation of atrazine. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2023, 42(12): 100205-100205. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2023.100205
20. [20]
  Tianhao Li , Wenguang Tu , Zhigang Zou . In situ photocatalytically enhanced thermogalvanic cells for electricity and hydrogen production. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2024, 43(1): 100195-100195. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2023.100195

Get Citation

PDF

XML

Metrics

PDF Downloads(0)
Abstract views(22)
HTML views(2)

通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com

1.
沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院沈阳 110142

Synergy of electron-trapping centers and solid adsorption toward 100% suppression of toxic byproduct N2O in photocatalytic NO reduction

Metrics

通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com

Synergy of electron-trapping centers and solid adsorption toward 100% suppression of toxic byproduct N₂O in photocatalytic NO reduction