Photocatalytic performance of Nd/TiO₂ and Nb/TiO₂ nanomaterials in the degradation of p‐cresol at room temperature

Abstract

BACKGROUNDThe degradation of organic pollutants, such as, p‐cresol, is a challenge for natural mechanisms, so the use of semiconductors as photocatalysts are useful to restore water quality. In this work, the effects of Nd and Nb doping on the structural and photocatalytic properties of TiO2 under UV irradiation were investigated.RESULTSXRD results displayed the formation of anatase, TiO2(B) and rutile phases on the Nd/TiO2 and Nb/TiO2 compounds. The Rietveld analysis estimated the composition of phases, as well as the crystal size for each crystalline phase in the samples (< 43 nm). The crystal sizes and morphology of the powders were observed in the TEM and SEM micrographs. EDS and XPS analysis confirmed the presence of Nd and Nb dopants in the TiO2‐based photocatalysts. The nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms results revealed pore sizes between 5‐ 11 nm, as well as surface area values up to ~ 81 m2/g. The diverse compounds showed excellent removal efficiency of p‐cresol under UV‐light (between 10 to 30% faster than commercial TiO2‐P25)CONCLUSIONSThe synthesis method favored the incorporation of the Nd and Nb dopants in the TiO2 structure. Nd/TiO2 specimens showed higher photocatalytic response than Nb/TiO2 samples, possibly, to the synergic effects between phases (anatase and TiO2(B)), higher surface area values (up to ~80.47 m2/g), as well as the nature of dopant. The photocatalysts with better photocatalytic performance demonstrated good degradation rate after 20h.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.