An operando-IR study of photocatalytic reaction of methanol on new *BEA supported TiO2 catalyst

New operando-IR was used to study the photocatalytic oxidation of methanol in gas phase using a new *BEA zeolite supported TiO2 (*BEA-Ti) photocatalyst. Following the photocatalytic reaction with time resolved IR spectroscopy coupled to mass spectrometry allowed a quantitative and mechanistic study. The surface species and the parameters affecting the reactivity and selectivity of the reaction were identified and a mechanism was proposed. For comparison, *BEA zeolite and TiO2 (P25) compounds have been examined as photocatalysts. The effect of the temperature on the reactivity and selectivity of the photooxidation was investigated by TPD measurements (from RT to 473 K). The new *BEA-Ti material showed high reactivity, despite its low content in TiO2 (∼10%). This work shows the reliability of the new operando-IR in the heterogeneous photocatalysis studies in air purification.

The photocatalytic oxidation study of methanol in gas phase over a new *BEA zeolite supported TiO2 (*BEA-Ti) photocatalyst has been performed using a new operando-IR technique. This technique allows studying the photocatalyst surface together with the reaction gas phase thanks to the coupling of the operando-IR cell with on line analysis (MS and/or gas-IR). The new *BEA-Ti material showed a high reactivity, despite its low content in TiO2 (∼10 wt.%) compared to pure TiO2 (P25).Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (157 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► New operando-IR technique has been developed to investigate photocatalysis on heterogeneous catalysts with gas reactants.
► It allows studying the photocatalyst surface together with the reaction gas phase (coupling of the operando-IR cell with on line analysis).
► Two photocatalysts have been investigated in this work: TiO2-P25 (reference) and BEA supported TiO2 prepared by a new method.
► Reactivity and selectivity of these photocatalysts in methanol photooxidation have been determined.
► The temperature effect on the photocatalytic reaction has been studied and the reaction mechanism has been proposed.