Synthesis of Gd-N codoped porous TiO₂ photocatalyst and its enhanced photocatalytic activities

Abstract

Visible-light-active Gd-N codoped porous TiO₂(Gd-N-TiO₂) photocatalyst was fabricated by an evapora-tion-induced self-assembly route using surfactants as structure-directed agents. As-prepared samples were characte-rized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy(TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET) method, and ultraviolet-visible absorption spec-troscopy. The results indicated that synergistic reaction occurred when codoping with Gd³⁺ and N, which enhanced the light absorption properties of TiO₂. Irregular worm-like particles with wide interparticle spaces were clearly observed by TEM. The average particle size of Gd-N-TiO₂ decreased to ca. 8 nm because co-doping inhibited the particles growth significantly. Thus, the specific surface area of Gd-N-TiO₂(198.7 m²/g) was higher than that of Degussa P25 TiO₂(50 m²/g). Gd-N-TiO₂ exhibited a high photocatalytic activity toward methyl orange degradation under UV-Vis or visible-light irradiation. The Gd-N-TiO₂ catalyst also presented a stable performance without losing activity after four successive photocatalytic experiments. The facile synthesis and excellent activity of Gd-N-TiO₂ indicated its great potential as industrial catalysts for wastewater treatment.

Keywords

TiO₂ / Gadolinium ion / Nitrogen / Codoping / Photocatalysis

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