The role of the synthetic procedure of nano-crystalline TiO2 on the photodegradation of toluene

Author(s): C.L. Bianchi, S. Ardizzone, G. Cappelletti, C. Pirola, V. Ragaini
Paper category : conference
Book title: International RILEM Symposium on Photocatalysis, Environment and Construction Materials - TDP 2007
Editor(s): P. Baglioni and L. Casssar
Print-ISBN: 978-2-35158-056-1
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-057-8
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2007
Pages: 17 - 24
Total Pages: 8
Language: English

Abstract: TiO2 samples, with controlled phase composition and with crystallite sizes smaller than 10 nm, were obtained by combining reactions in solution with mild thermal treatments. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized samples along with that of several commercially available TiO2 samples, was tested for the degradation of toluene in the gas phase, both with solar and UV irradiation. Preliminary tests showed that the presence of humidity played a key role in affecting the performance of the catalysts. Highest degradation efficiencies were achieved in the case of samples showing smaller crystallite sizes and larger surface area. The amorphous catalyst produced a low conversion with very similar values under UV and solar irradiation. Under irradiation with the UV lamp the best degradation is obtained by the synthesized pure anatase sample and the mixed phase anatase/brookite samples, while under irradiation by the solar lamp highest degradation was observed with the anatase/brookite synthesized composite. The presence of different photodegradation intermediates, adsorbed at the TiO2 surface, was observed suggesting the occurrence of different reaction pathways for the different photocatalyst.

Online publication: 2011-07-01
Publication type : full_text
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