Merging Cation Exchange and Photocatalytic Charge Separation Efficiency in an Anatase/KTiO Nanobelt Heterostructure for Metal Ions Fixation.

Efficient collection and safe disposal of toxic metals ions from aqueous solutions is critical for applications in environmental remediation. Although extensive efforts have been devoted to the synthesis of functional TiO materials, photocatalytic reduction (photoreduction) of aqueous metal ions into solid metals remains a challenge. We designed a TiO nanoparticle-decorated layered titanate (KTiO) material that retained the cation exchange ability of KTiO but also possessed the enhanced charge separation efficiency of KTiO.

Hydrothermal Conversion of Layered Niobate KNbO·3HO to Rare Microporous Niobate KNbO.

We report a new facile route to synthesizing KNbO, a rare microporous niobate. When hydrothermally treated under alkali conditions, a layered niobate, KNbO·3HO, was converted to KNbO. This product had a much smaller particle size than KNbO, prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction, and showed enhanced adsorption properties.