Composite photocalysts based on the nanostructural titanium dioxide and zirconium phosphate

A series of composite photocatalysts based on titanium dioxide deposited on the surface of a zirconium phosphate support were synthesized under different synthesis and heat-treatment conditions. The study of the photodestruction kinetics of Rhodamine C showed that the synthesized composites possess high photocatalytic activity that is competitive with the activity of a commercial Hombikat UV100 photocatalyst. The composites based on zirconium phosphate treated with isopropanol at the precipitation stage whereupon heated at 550°C exhibit the highest photocatalytic activity after heating at 750°C. It was found that such zirconium phosphate support has the largest specific surface area (270 m²/g). After heating at 550°C, the surface becomes more stable to the subsequent heating to 750°C, which is necessary for the most complete crystallization of TiO₂ ensuring its high photocatalytic characteristics.