Yangyang Yang

Fe(III)-mediated Fenton-like oxidation is widely used for refractory organic pollutants, but its efficiency is often constrained by slow Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycling. Phenolic pollutants can partly overcome this limitation because oxidation-derived hydroquinone/quinone species promote Fe(III) reduction and generate self-catalytic feedback. Here, hydroxylated boron nitride (BN) nanoplates were used as a recoverable interface to regulate phenol self-catalysis and to transfer the resulting redox activity to the non-self-catalytic pollutant diethyl phthalate (DEP) in an Fe(NO₃)₃/H₂O₂ system. BN surface chemistry was tuned by calcination from 500 °C to 900 °C (BN500 to BN900). Phenol degradation exhibited two-stage kinetics in the BN/Fe(NO₃)₃/H₂O₂ system. The initial rate constant was 0.004 min⁻¹, whereas the accelerated stage depended strongly on BN surface state. BN700 exhibited the highest second-stage rate constant (0.23 min⁻¹) compared with pristine BN (0.11 min⁻¹), while further heating to 800–900 °C decreased it to 0.15 min⁻¹. This activity maximum is consistent with a favorable B–OH/boron–oxygen interfacial environment rather than a greater total surface oxygen content; more severe thermal treatment was associated with removable boric-acid-related species. BN recovered after phenol oxidation markedly promoted DEP degradation, with two-stage rate constants of 0.044/0.0095 min⁻¹ for phenol-used BN and 0.033/0.011 min⁻¹ for phenol-used BN700. The activity-transfer results are consistent with a reaction-derived, multicomponent redox-active interfacial state and support a strategy for sequential treatment of phenolic and non-phenolic contaminants.

Against the backdrop of increasing global warming, exploring sustainable pathways to mitigate the greenhouse effect has become a central issue for the ecological and energy future. Photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ technology shows a broad application prospect due to its ability to directly convert CO₂ into high-value-added hydrocarbon fuels and to use solar energy, a clean energy source, to drive the reaction. However, traditional semiconductor catalysts generally suffer from insufficient activity and poor product selectivity in the actual reaction, which cannot meet the requirements of practical applications. In recent years, sulfur vacancy, as an effective material modulation strategy, has demonstrated a remarkable role in enhancing photocatalytic performance. This paper reviews a series of research reports on sulfur vacancies in recent years, introduces the methods of preparing sulfur vacancies, and summarizes the commonly used characterization methods of sulfur vacancies. Finally, the mechanism of introducing sulfur vacancies to promote CO₂ reduction is discussed, which improves the photocatalytic activity and selectivity by enhancing light absorption, facilitating carrier separation, improving CO₂ adsorption and activation, and promoting the stability of reaction intermediates. This review aims to provide theoretical support for an in-depth understanding of the role of sulfur vacancies in photocatalytic systems and to provide a view on the future direction and potential challenges of sulfur vacancies.

Converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into high-value fuels through the photothermal effect offers an effective approach to enhancing the carbon cycle and reducing the greenhouse effect. In this study, we developed Ag/C-TCN-x, a carbon nitride-based photocatalyst that integrates both photothermal and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effects. This material was synthesized through a three-step process involving hydrothermal treatment, calcination, and photo-deposition. Real-time infrared thermography monitoring revealed that Ag/C-TCN-2 reached a surface stabilization temperature of approximately 176 °C, which was 1.5 times higher than C-TCN and 2.2 times higher than g-C₃N₄. Under the same experimental conditions, Ag/C-TCN demonstrated a carbon monoxide (CO) release rate 3.3 times greater than that of pure g-C₃N₄. The composite sample Ag/C-TCN-2 maintained good photocatalytic activity in five cycling tests. The structural stability of the sample after the cycling tests was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) test. The unique tubular structure of Ag/C-TCN increased its specific surface area, facilitating enhanced CO₂ adsorption. Carbon doping not only triggered the photothermal effect but also accelerated the conversion of carriers. Additionally, the LSPR effect of Ag nanoparticles, combined with carbon doping, optimized charge carrier dynamics and promoted efficient CO₂ photoreduction. The CO₂ reduction mechanism over Ag/C-TCN was further examined using in situ Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. This research offers valuable insights into how photothermal and LSPR effects can be harnessed to enhance the efficiency of CO₂ photoreduction.

Agricultural plastic mulch film, valued for its superior heat insulation and moisture retention, is widely used globally but has led to significant microplastic accumulation in soils, threatening agricultural ecosystems. This paper reviews its development and environmental impact, focusing on recycling and upcycling technologies, particularly catalytic recovery methods (with nearly 100% conversion efficiency) such as photocatalysis, thermocatalysis, and photothermal catalysis. It analyzes technical challenges and future directions in upcycling, emphasizing the role of catalysis in converting waste plastic mulch into hydrocarbon resources. This paper also evaluates the progress and challenges of biodegradable alternatives. By offering scientific insights and innovative approaches, it aims to reduce plastic mulch pollution, enhance resource utilization, and promote sustainable agriculture.