La and Ce loaded TiO2-ZSM-5 catalysts: Comparative characterization and photocatalytic activity investigations

Lanthanide ions (Ln:La3+ or Ce3+) loaded TiO2 supported ZSM-5 catalysts were prepared and characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area (BET), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy SEM with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) techniques. Photocatalytic activities of the supported catalysts were examined in the presence of methyl orange (MO) molecule under UV irradiation. La3+ loaded catalysts revealed higher dark adsorption capacities and decolorization percentages in comparison to Ce3+ incorporated ones. Effect of lanthanide ion contents and reuse performances of the catalysts were controlled. A tentative degradation mechanism of MO was postulated based on the electron-accepting ability of the lanthanide ions and hole-trapping duty of ZSM-5.