Characterization and photocatalytic activity of Zn~(2+)-TiO_2/AC composite photocatalyst

摘要

Activated carbon (AC) supported Zn~(2+)-TiO_2 photocatalyst was prepared by sol-gel method. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron micrograph, nitrogen absorption, diffuse reflectance UV/VIS and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Using toluene as a pollution target, the photocatalytic activity of photocatalyst was evaluated. The results showed that prepared photocatalyst was obviously helpful for the removal of toluene in air. The photocatalytic degradation of toluene by Zn~(2+)-TiO_2/AC reached 100% for 40 min and remained 75% after 160 min, while degradation by TiO_2 was only 30%. It indicated that the photocatalytic activity of prepared photocatalyst was enhanced. It is due to Zn~(2+)-doping increased the oxidation and reduction of hole-electron pairs, which was the important factor in heterogeneous photocatalysis.