Effective phosphated CeO₂ materials in the photocatalytic degradation of phenol under UV irradiation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Photocatalytic degradation is considered as an effective and eco-friendly alternative for removal of persistent pollutants. The enhancement of the photocatalytic properties of conventional photocatalysts such as CeO 2 can be realized by surface modification with metals or nonmetals, which allows a reduction in the recombination frequency of charge carriers. In this study, superficially phosphated CeO 2 materials with various anion contents obtained using an impregnation method were evaluated in the photodegradation of phenol under UV irradiation. RESULTS: The addition of phosphate anions promoted an increase in the surface area and a slight decrease in the crystallite size. The anchorage of the phosphate anions was via bidentate mode. An enhancement in the degradation of the pollutant was evidenced using the phosphated materials with respect to the results observed using unmodified CeO 2. Also, an effect of the content of anions was evidenced, the optimal amount being equal to 1.0 wt%. CONCLUSIONS: The surface modification of CeO 2 with phosphate anions favors a control of the physical and chemical properties of the semiconductor and the effective separation of electron-hole pairs, which leads to an increase in the photocatalytic activity.

Study on polyurethane‐acrylate/cerium dioxide modified by 3‐(Methylacryloxyl)propyltrimethoxy silane and its UV absorption property

“…Many inorganic particles have UV absorption property 10–15 . CeO 2 is widely used in the chemical mechanical polishing, electrochemistry and ultraviolet coating for its high polishing accuracy, good chemical stability, and excellent UV absorption property 16–20 . Due to its small particle size and high activity, it can reflect and scatter ultraviolet rays as well as absorb them, and thus it has a good shielding ability to ultraviolet light, and prevents the polymer from aging 21,22 .…”