SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TiO2 AND TiO2/CeO2 MICRO-SPONGE HETERO STRUCTURE: PHOTOCATALYTIC APPLICATIONS UNDER UV LIGHT

Abstract

TiO2 nanoparticles which synthesized a sol-gel method were decorated with CeO2 by means of a chemical precipitation technique. We used activated carbon (AC) to prevent the agglomeration and disordered forms of TiO2. X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (FTIR) spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDAX), and BET techniques were used to evaluate the structure and morphology. The structural characterization by XRD confirms the formation of anatase TiO2 and fluorite-structured CeO2 phases in the Ti/Ce500 and Ti/Ce700 particles. The interaction between TiO2 and CeO2 affected the degradation efficiency. Due to its high surface area and porosity, the Ti/Ce700 micro-sponge photocatalyst exhibited a much higher photocatalytic effect than the pure TiO2 and Ti/Ce500 catalyst for the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB). The optimum conditions for MB degradation were found to be pH=9, 0.5 g catalyst dosage and 10 mg/L initial MB concentration. From our point of view Ti/Ce700 micro-sponge photocatalyst can be envisaged as material for treatment of industrial waste waters.