Properties of carbon and iron modified TiO2 photocatalyst synthesized at low temperature and photodegradation of acid orange 7 under visible light

The nanoparticles of TiO₂ modified with carbon and iron were synthesized by sol-gel followed solvothermal method at low temperature. Its chemical composition and optical absorption were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence emission spectroscopy (PL), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). It was found that carbon and iron modification causes the absorption edge of TiO₂ to shift the visible light region. Fe(III) cation could be doped into the matrix of TiO₂, by which could hinder the recombination rate of excited electrons/holes. Superior photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ modified with carbon and iron was observed for the decomposition of acid orange 7 (AO7) under visible light irradiation. The synergistic effects of carbon and iron in modified TiO₂ nanoparticles were responsible for improving visible light photocatalytic activity.     

Fabrication of Fe-doped TiO2 nanoparticles and investigation of photocatalytic decolorization of reactive red 198 under visible light irradiation

In this research, Fe-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles with various Fe concentrations (0. 0.1, 1, 5 and 10 wt%) were prepared by a sol–gel method. Then, nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), BET surface area, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The photocatalytic activity of the nano-particles was evaluated through degradation of reactive red 198 (RR 198) under UV and visible light irradiations. XRD results revealed that all samples contained only anatase phase. DRS showed that the Fe doping in the titania induced a significant red shift of the absorption edge and then the band gap energy decreased from 3 to 2.1 eV. Photocatalytic results indicated that TiO₂ had a highest photocatalytic decolorization of the RR 198 under UV irradiation whereas photocatalytic decolorization of the RR 198 under visible irradiation increased in the presence of Fe-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles. Among the samples, Fe-1 wt% doped TiO₂ nanoparticles showed the highest photocatalytic decolorization of RR198 under visible light irradiation.     

Efficient visible light-induced degradation of phenol on N-doped anatase TiO2 with large surface area and high crystallinity

The N-doped anatase TiO₂ photocatalysts were prepared via solvothermal and ethylenediamine reflux treatment, followed by the sequential calcination in air and NH₃/N₂ atmosphere. The resulting photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The results revealed that the prepared N-doped anatase TiO₂ had characteristics of small crystallite size, large surface area, high crystallinity and visible light response. The prepared N-doped anatase TiO₂ photocatalysts showed much higher photocatalytic activity than N-doped Degussa P25 for the degradation of phenol under both ultraviolet and visible light irradiation, owing to more highly oxidizing hydroxyl radical which was the main oxidative species responsible for the degradation of phenol.     

Synthesis and characteristics of natural zeolite supported Fe-TiO2 photocatalysts

Natural zeolite supported Fe³⁺-TiO₂ photocatalysts were synthesized for the sake of improving the recovery and photocatalytic efficiency of TiO₂. The as-prepared materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Methyl orange was used to estimate the photocatalytic activity of the samples. The results showed that zeolite inhibited the growth of TiO₂ crystallite sizes. The Fe³⁺ concentration played an important role on the microstructure and photocatalytic activity of the samples. The iron ions could diffuse into TiO₂ lattice to the form Fe-O-Ti bond and gave TiO₂ the capacity to absorb light at lower energy levels. The photocatalytic activity of the samples could be enhanced as appropriate dosages of Fe³⁺ were doped.     

Synthesis and characterization of the Pd/InVO4-TiO2 co-doped thin films with visible light photocatalytic activities

Novel Pd/InVO₄-TiO₂ thin films with visible light photocatalytic activity were synthesized from the Pd and InVO₂ co-doped TiO₂ sol via sol-gel method. The photocatalytic activities of Pd/InVO₄-TiO₂ thin films were investigated based on the oxidative decomposition of methyl orange in aqueous solution. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis). The results indicate that the Pd/InVO₄-TiO₂ thin films are compact, uniform and consist of sphere nanoparticles with diameters about 80-100 nm. The UV-vis spectra show that the Pd/InVO₄-TiO₂ thin films extend the light absorption spectrum toward the visible region. XPS results reveal that doped Pd exist in the form of metallic palladium. The photocatalytic experiments demonstrate that Pd doping can effectively enhance the photocatalytic activities of InVO₄-TiO₂ thin films in decomposition of aqueous methyl orange under visible light irradiation. It has been confirmed that Pd/InVO₄-TiO₂ thin films could be excited by visible light (E < 3.2 eV) due to the existence of the Pd and InVO₄ doped in the films.     

Preparation of visible light responsive N doped TiO2 via a reduction-nitridation procedure by nonthermal plasma treatment

A visible light responsive N-doped TiO₂ was prepared via a reduction-nitridation procedure by nonthermal plasma treatment. X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption, UV-vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the prepared TiO₂ samples. The plasma treatment did not change the phase composition and particle sizes of TiO₂ samples, but extended its absorption edges to the visible light region. The photocatalytic activities were tested in the degradation of an aqueous solution of a reactive dyestuff, methylene blue, under visible light. The photocatalytic activities of TiO₂ prepared by reduction-nitridation procedure were much higher than that of samples prepared by simple nitridation treatment. The enhanced activity was ascribed to the substitutional N-doping and appropriate concentration of oxygen vacancies. TOHN10 prepared by reduction-nitridation procedure exhibited excellent photocatalytic stability. A possible mechanism for the photocatalysis was proposed.     

Nitrogen doped TiO2 nanoparticles decorated on graphene sheets for photocatalysis applications

Nitrogen doped TiO₂ nanoparticles decorated on graphene sheets are successfully synthesized by a low-temperature hydrothermal method. The resulting GR-N/TiO₂ composites are characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The optical properties are studied using UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), which confirms that the spectral responses of the composite catalysts are extended to the visible-light region and show a significant reduction in band gap energy from 3.18 to 2.64 eV. Photoluminescence emission spectra verify that GR-N/TiO₂ composites possess better charge separation capability than pure TiO₂. The photocatalytic activity is tested by degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye under visible light irradiation. The results demonstrate that GR-N/TiO₂ composites can effectively photodegrade MO, showing an impressive photocatalytic enhancement over pure TiO₂. The dramatically enhanced activity of composite photocatalysts can be attributed to great adsorption of dyes, enhanced visible light absorption and efficient charge separation and transfer processes. This work may provide new insights into the design of novel composite photocatalysts system with efficient visible light activity.     

Microemulsion synthesis, characterization of bismuth oxyiodine/titanium dioxide hybrid nanoparticles with outstanding photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation

Reverse microemulsions, consisting of n-hexanol, Triton X-100, Cyclohexane and aqueous salt solutions, were used to synthesize BiOI, TiO₂ and BiOI/TiO₂ hybrid nanoparticles at room temperature. The particles had been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, FT-IR spectra, TG-DSC analysis, nitrogen sorption, electron microscopy, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic properties of those particles were evaluated by degradation of methyl orange under visible light irradiation. The BiOI/TiO₂ composites showed about 5 times higher photocatalytic performances than BiOI when the mole ratio of BiOI to TiO₂ was 75%. The remarkable enhancement in the visible light photocatalytic activities of the BiOI/TiO₂ heterostructures could be first attributed to the effective electron-hole separations at the interfaces of the two semiconductors, which facilitated the transfer of the photoinduced carriers. Meanwhile, the heterojunction formed between BiOI and TiO₂ would further retard the recombination of photoinduced carriers. In addition, high degree of crystallization, bimodal porous structure, relative large specific surface area, and appropriate energy band gap have great contribution to the enhancement of photocatalytic performance.     

Graphene-based hollow TiO2 composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity for removal of pollutants

Catalytically active graphene-based hollow TiO₂ composites(TiO₂/RGO) were successfully synthesized via the solvothermal method. Hollow TiO₂ microspheres are uniformly dispersed on RGO. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) were used for the characterization of prepared photocatalysts. The mass of GO was optimized in the photocatalytic removal of rhodamine B (RhB) as a model dye pollutants. The results showed that graphene-based hollow TiO₂ composites exhibit a significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity in degradation of RhB under either UV or visible light irradiation. The formation of the graphene-based hollow TiO₂ composites and the photocatalytic mechanisms under UV and visible light were also discussed.     

Aerosol-assisted flow synthesis of WxTi1−xO2 solid solution spheres with enhanced photocatalytic activity

In this paper, W_xTi_1−xO₂ solid solutions (x = 0.000, 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, and 0.020) microspheres were synthesized with an aerosol-assisted flow synthesis method. The resulting samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen sorption, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared catalysts were measured by the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm). All the solid solutions exhibited higher photocatalytic activities than pure TiO₂ and the W_0.015Ti_0.985O₂ solid solution possessed the highest photocatalytic activity. The degradation constant of RhB on W_0.015Ti_0.985O₂ solid solution catalyst was about 15 times of that of the pure TiO₂ and 25 times of that of Degussa P25, respectively. This study provides an effective method to prepare visible light photocatalysts on a large scale.     

Gallium- and iodine-co-doped titanium dioxide for photocatalytic degradation of 2-chlorophenol in aqueous solution: Role of gallium

Visible-light-driven TiO₂-based catalysts for the degradation of pollutants have become the focus of attention. In the present work, iodine-doped titania photocatalysts (I-TiO₂) were improved by doping with gallium (Ga,I-TiO₂) and the resulting physicochemical properties and photocatalytic activity were investigated. The structural properties of the catalysts were determined by X-ray diffraction, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis and transmission electron microscopy. We found that Ga probably enters the TiO₂ framework for doping levels <0.5 mol%. A further increase in Ga content probably leads to dispersal of excess Ga on the TiO₂ surface. The photocatalytic activity of Ga,I-TiO₂ catalysts was evaluated using 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) as a model compound under visible and UV-vis light irradiation. The results indicate that 0.5 mol% Ga loading and calcination at 400 °C represent optimal conditions in the calcining temperature range 400-600 °C and with doping levels from 0.1% to 1 mol%. The effective enhancement of 2-CP degradation might be attributed to the formation of oxygen vacancies by Ga doping, which could decrease the recombination of electron-hole pairs.     

Enhanced photoactivity of CuPp-TiO2 photocatalysts under visible light irradiation

Three novel porphyrins, 5,10,15-tri-phenyl-20-[4-(3-phenoxy)-propoxy]phenyl porphyrin, 5,15-di-phenyl-10,20-di-[4-(3-phenoxy)-propoxy]phenyl porphyrin and 5-phenyl-10,15,20-tri- [4-(3-phenoxy)-propoxy]phenyl porphyrin, and their corresponding copper(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. The photocatalytic effects of TiO₂ samples impregnated with copper(II) porphyrins was investigated by photodegradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in aqueous solution under visible light. The photocatalysts were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectra and FT-IR spectra. The results indicated that CuPps were successfully loaded and interacted with the surface of TiO₂ microsphere, which is crucial to enhance the activity of the catalytic composite under visible light.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability of nano-scaled TiO2 co-doped with N and Fe

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles co-doped with N and Fe were prepared via modified sol-gel process. The products were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N₂ adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It is shown that the prepared TiO₂ particles were less than 10 nm with narrow particle size distribution. The addition of MCM-41 caused the formation of Ti-O-Si bond which fixed the TiO₂ on MCM-41 surface, thus restricted the agglomeration and growth of TiO₂ particles. The photocatalytic performance in the degradation of methylene blue showed that N, Fe co-doped TiO₂ exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than doped sample with nitrogen or Fe³⁺ alone under both UV and visible light. N, Fe co-doping decreased the loss of doping N during the degradation reaction, thus increased the photocatalytic stability. It was also found that the nitridation time had significant influence on the photocatalytic activity of prepared TiO₂ catalysts.     

Graphene oxide based Pt-TiO2 photocatalyst: ultrasound assisted synthesis, characterization and catalytic efficiency

An ultrasound-assisted method was used for synthesizing nanosized Pt-graphene oxide (GO)-TiO₂ photocatalyst. The Pt-GO-TiO₂ nanoparticles were characterized by diffused reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, N₂ BET adsorption-desorption measurements, atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation of a commonly used anionic surfactant, dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS), in aqueous solution was carried out using Pt-GO-TiO₂ nanoparticles in order to evaluate the photocatalytic efficiency. For comparison purpose, sonolytic degradation of DBS was carried out. The Pt-GO-TiO₂ catalyst degraded DBS at a higher rate than P-25 (TiO₂), prepared TiO₂ or GO-TiO₂ photocatalysts. The mineralization of DBS was enhanced by a factor of 3 using Pt-GO-TiO₂ compared to the P-25 (TiO₂). In the presence of GO, an enhanced rate of DBS oxidation was observed and, when doped with platinum, mineralization of DBS was further enhanced. The Pt-GO-TiO₂ catalyst also showed a considerable amount of degradation of DBS under visible light irradiation. The initial solution pH had an effect on the rate of photocatalytic oxidation of DBS, whereas no such effect of initial pH was observed in the sonochemical or sonophotocatalytic oxidation of DBS. The intermediate products formed during the degradation of DBS were monitored using electrospray mass spectrometry. The ability of GO to serve as a solid support to anchor platinum particles on GO-TiO₂ is useful in developing new photocatalysts.     

Preparation, characterization of Au (or Pt)-loaded titania nanotubes and their photocatalytic activities for degradation of methyl orange

TiO₂ nanotubes were prepared by hydrothermal method and Au (or Pt) was loaded on TiO₂ nanotubes by photodeposition method. The photocatalysts were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and N₂ adsorption technique, respectively. The photocatalytic properties of the samples were also investigated. The results show that TiO₂ nanotubes with uniform diameter were prepared, and they have specific surface areas over 400 m²/g. The specific surface areas of TiO₂ nanotubes decrease with the increasing of calcining temperature, and crystalline phase of TiO₂ in the wall of nanotubes was transformed from anatase into rutile phase in calcination process. The photocatalytic activities of TiO₂ nanotubes are higher than that of nanosized TiO₂, and the photocatalytic activities of TiO₂ nanotubes were enhanced after loading Au (or Pt). After irradiation for 40 min under a 300 W of middle-pressure mercury lamp (MPML), the degradation rate of methyl orange solution using the Au/TiNT-500 (or Pt/TiNT-500) as a catalyst can reach 96.1% (or 95.1%). On the other hand, Au-loaded sample has evident adsorption peak in visible range, indicating that Au-loaded TiO₂ nanotubes are hopeful to become visible light photocatalyst.     

Highly active V-TiO2 for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange

Two kinds of vanadium-doped TiO₂ powders photocatalysts were prepared by sol-gel method in even doping and uneven doping modes, and were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ photocatalysts doped by vanadium evenly with lower dopant level up to 0.002 mol.% is better than that of undoped TiO₂, while with higher dopant level the activity is worse. TiO₂ photocatalysts doped by vanadium unevenly with a p-n junction semiconductor structure, was shown to have a much higher photocatalytic destruction rate than that of TiO₂ photocatalysts doped by vanadium evenly and undoped TiO₂, which is ascribed mainly to the electrostatic-field-driven electron-hole separation in TiO₂ particles doped by vanadium unevenly.     

Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Safranin-O by heterogeneous nanoparticles for environmental applications

Nanostructure titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has been synthesized by hydrolysis of titanium tetrachloride in aqueous solution and Ag-TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by photoreduction method. The resulting materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The experimental results showed that the sizes of the synthesized TiO₂ and Ag-TiO₂ particles are in the range of 1.9-3.2 nm and 2-10 nm, respectively. Moreover, Ag-TiO₂ nanoparticles exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity on photodegradation of Safranin-O (SO) dye as compared to pure TiO₂. The positive effect of silver on the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ may be explained by its ability to trap electrons. This process reduces the recombination of light generated electron-hole pairs at TiO₂ surface and therefore enhances the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles. The effects of initial dye and nanoparticle concentrations on the photocatalytic activity have been studied and the results demonstrate that the dye photodegradation follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. The observed maximum degradation efficiency of SO is about 60% for TiO₂ and 96% for Ag-TiO₂.     

Preparation and visible light photocatalytic activity of mesoporous N, S-codoped TiO2(B) nanobelts

The mesoporous N, S-codoped TiO₂(B) nanobelts are synthesized via hydrothermal synthesis and post-treatment, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N₂ adsorption-desorption measurements (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The results show that the prepared samples are mesoporous structured and exhibit stronger absorption in the visible light region with red shift in the absorption edge. The photocatalytic activity of N, S-codoped mesoporous TiO₂(B) nanobelts is evaluated by the photocatalytic photodegradation of potassium ethyl xanthate (KEX) under visible light irradiation. It is found that the photocatalytic activity of the prepared samples increases with increasing the molar ratio of thiourea to Ti (R). At R = 3, the photocatalytic activity of the N, S-codoped TiO₂(B) sample TBLTS-3 reaches a maximum value. With further increasing R, the photocatalytic activity of the sample decreases. The high photocatalytic activity of N, S-codoped TiO₂(B) nanobelts can be attributed to the balance between strong absorption in visible light region and low recombination rate of electron/hole pairs.     

Structural, photochemical and photocatalytic properties of zirconium oxide doped TiO2 nanocrystallites

Composite photocatalysts composed of TiO₂ and ZrO₂ have been prepared via the sol-gel method. The as-prepared nanocomposites are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis spectrometry and fluorescence emission spectra. The results shows that TiO₂/ZrO₂ nanocomposites are composed of mainly anatase titania and tetragonal ZrO₂. Incorporating TiO₂ particles with ZrO₂ plays an important role in promoting the formation of nanoparticles with an anatase structure and leads to decreased fluorescence emission intensity. Most of the TiO₂/ZrO₂ nanocomposites exhibited comparable photocatalytic activity compared with commercial TiO₂ for the degradation aqueous methyl orange (MO) under ultraviolet irradiation, while the composite with Zr/Ti mass ratio of 15.2% shows the highest photocatalytic performances. Furthermore, the as-prepared nanocomposites can be reused with little photocatalytic activity loss. Without any further treatment besides rinsing, the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂/ZrO₂ (15.2%) composites is still higher than after five-cycle utilization.     

Preparation of poly-o-phenylenediamine/TiO2/fly-ash cenospheres and its photo-degradation property on antibiotics

A series of poly-o-phenylenediamine/TiO₂/fly-ash cenospheres(POPD/TiO₂/fly-ash cenospheres) composites have been prepared from o-phenylenediamine and TiO₂/fly-ash cenospheres under various polymerization conditions. The properties of the samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), specific surface area (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (UV-vis DRS). Photocatalytic activity was studied by degradation of antibiotics waste water under visible light. The results indicate that the photo-induced method is viable for preparing modified photocatalysts, and the modified photocatalysts have good absorption in visible light range. The photocatalysts of POPD/TiO₂/fly-ash cenospheres which have good performance are prepared at pH 3 and 4, and the polymerized time around 40 min. When the photocatalysts are prepared under the conditions of pH 3 and polymerized time 40 min, the degradation rate of roxithromycin waste water could reach near 60%, and it indicates that the way of POPD modified TiO₂/fly-ash cenospheres to degrade the antibiotics waste water is viable.