Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic activity of cerium-doped titanium dioxide supported on activated carbon fiber composite

摘要

A visible light-drivenphotocatalyst, viz., Ce/TiO2/ACF, has been prepared by supportingthe photoactive cerium-doped titanium dioxide on activated carbon fibers viahydrolysis of tetrabutyl titanate with ammonium ceric nitrate in the presenceof activated carbon fibers. TiO2 is used for photocatalysis whilethe activated carbon fibers is used for separation and the doped cerium is usedto enhance the photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide. The prepared photocatalystshave been characterized by BET surface area, scanning electron microscopy,X-ray diffraction and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The effect ofcerium-doped content on the photocatalytic activity has been studied and 0.2mol% Ce/TiO2/ACF is found to exhibit the highest photoactivity. Thephotocatalytic activities of the obtained photocatalysts under UV and visiblelight have been estimated by measuring the degradation rate of methylene orangein aqueous solution. Results show that the prepared photocatalyst is activatedby visible light and may be used as effective catalyst in photooxidationreactions. In addition, the recyclability of the prepared photocatalyst is also confirmed sincethe Ce/TiO2/ACF retains ca. 86.5% of its activity after being used four times. Thephotocatalyst, therefore, may be potentially applied for the treatment of water contaminated by organic pollutants.