Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of Copper Oxide-loaded Titanium Oxide for Gaseous Toluene and o-Xylene Degradation under Visible Light Irradiation

摘要

In this study, we evaluated the photocatalytic oxidation efficiency of aromatic volatile hydrocarbons by using Cu_2 O-loaded TiO_2 nanoparticles (CuT) under visible-light irradiation. Zero-dimensional CuT was synthesized by one-step ultrasonic-assisted impregnation method. The structure, morphology, composition, optical and photocatalytic properties of the as-prepared samples were investigated in detail. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed successful incorporation of Cu_2 O into TiO_2 nanostructures. UV-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis) exhibited that the synthesized CuT samples can be activated under visible light irradiation. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed the zero-dimensional structure of the prepared TiO_2 and CuT. The photocatalytic oxidation efficiencies of toluene and o-xylene were higher using CuT samples than pure TiO_2 . These results were explained based on the charge separation ability, adsorption capability, and light absorption of the sample photocatalysts. Moreover, these findings indicate that the prepared photocatalysts could be effectively applied to control airborne volatile organic compounds.