Innovative Dual-Functional Photocatalyst Design for Precision Water Remediation
This study pioneers the development of a synergistic Ag-doped molecularly imprinted TiO<sub>2</sub> photocatalyst (MIP-Ag-TiO<sub>2</sub>) through a multi-strategy engineering approach, integrating molecular imprinting technology with plasmonic metal modification via a precis...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
|
| Series: | Crystals |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4352/15/5/483 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1850127973606227968 |
|---|---|
| author | Yike Li Xian Liu |
| author_facet | Yike Li Xian Liu |
| author_sort | Yike Li |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study pioneers the development of a synergistic Ag-doped molecularly imprinted TiO<sub>2</sub> photocatalyst (MIP-Ag-TiO<sub>2</sub>) through a multi-strategy engineering approach, integrating molecular imprinting technology with plasmonic metal modification via a precisely optimized sol–gel protocol. Breaking from conventional non-selective photocatalysts, our material features an engineered surface architecture that combines selective molecular recognition sites with enhanced charge separation capabilities, specifically tailored for the targeted degradation of recalcitrant salicylic acid (SA) contaminants. Advanced characterization (XRD, EPR, FT-IR, TEM-EDS) reveals unprecedented structure–activity relationships, demonstrating how template molecule ratios (Ti:SA = 5:1) and calcination parameters (550 °C) collaboratively optimize both adsorption selectivity and quantum efficiency. The optimized MIP-Ag-TiO<sub>2</sub> achieves breakthrough performance metrics: 98.6% SA degradation efficiency at 1% Ag doping, coupled with a record selectivity coefficient R = 7.128. Mechanistic studies employing radical trapping experiments identify a dual •OH/O<sub>2<sup>−</sup></sub>-mediated degradation pathway enabled by the Ag-TiO<sub>2</sub> Schottky junction. This work establishes a paradigm-shifting “capture-and-destroy” photocatalytic system that simultaneously addresses the critical challenges of selectivity and quantum yield limitations in advanced oxidation processes, positioning molecularly imprinted plasmonic photocatalysts as next-generation smart materials for precision water purification. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5b2f8889448b4a4eb6bb6fad1b9dc9c2 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2073-4352 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Crystals |
| spelling | doaj-art-5b2f8889448b4a4eb6bb6fad1b9dc9c22025-08-20T02:33:31ZengMDPI AGCrystals2073-43522025-05-0115548310.3390/cryst15050483Innovative Dual-Functional Photocatalyst Design for Precision Water RemediationYike Li0Xian Liu1School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, ChinaSchool of Urban Construction, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, ChinaThis study pioneers the development of a synergistic Ag-doped molecularly imprinted TiO<sub>2</sub> photocatalyst (MIP-Ag-TiO<sub>2</sub>) through a multi-strategy engineering approach, integrating molecular imprinting technology with plasmonic metal modification via a precisely optimized sol–gel protocol. Breaking from conventional non-selective photocatalysts, our material features an engineered surface architecture that combines selective molecular recognition sites with enhanced charge separation capabilities, specifically tailored for the targeted degradation of recalcitrant salicylic acid (SA) contaminants. Advanced characterization (XRD, EPR, FT-IR, TEM-EDS) reveals unprecedented structure–activity relationships, demonstrating how template molecule ratios (Ti:SA = 5:1) and calcination parameters (550 °C) collaboratively optimize both adsorption selectivity and quantum efficiency. The optimized MIP-Ag-TiO<sub>2</sub> achieves breakthrough performance metrics: 98.6% SA degradation efficiency at 1% Ag doping, coupled with a record selectivity coefficient R = 7.128. Mechanistic studies employing radical trapping experiments identify a dual •OH/O<sub>2<sup>−</sup></sub>-mediated degradation pathway enabled by the Ag-TiO<sub>2</sub> Schottky junction. This work establishes a paradigm-shifting “capture-and-destroy” photocatalytic system that simultaneously addresses the critical challenges of selectivity and quantum yield limitations in advanced oxidation processes, positioning molecularly imprinted plasmonic photocatalysts as next-generation smart materials for precision water purification.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4352/15/5/483photocatalysistitanium dioxideAg dopingmolecular imprintingsalicylic acid |
| spellingShingle | Yike Li Xian Liu Innovative Dual-Functional Photocatalyst Design for Precision Water Remediation Crystals photocatalysis titanium dioxide Ag doping molecular imprinting salicylic acid |
| title | Innovative Dual-Functional Photocatalyst Design for Precision Water Remediation |
| title_full | Innovative Dual-Functional Photocatalyst Design for Precision Water Remediation |
| title_fullStr | Innovative Dual-Functional Photocatalyst Design for Precision Water Remediation |
| title_full_unstemmed | Innovative Dual-Functional Photocatalyst Design for Precision Water Remediation |
| title_short | Innovative Dual-Functional Photocatalyst Design for Precision Water Remediation |
| title_sort | innovative dual functional photocatalyst design for precision water remediation |
| topic | photocatalysis titanium dioxide Ag doping molecular imprinting salicylic acid |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4352/15/5/483 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT yikeli innovativedualfunctionalphotocatalystdesignforprecisionwaterremediation AT xianliu innovativedualfunctionalphotocatalystdesignforprecisionwaterremediation |