Transition metal loaded TiO2 for phenol photo-degradation

Photocatalytic degradation of phenol under both UV radiation and visible light, using TiO2 (Degussa P-25) and TiO2 loaded with some transition metal ions (Co, Cu, Fe and Mo) was examined. From the series of metal loaded catalysts, Mo/TiO2 was the most efficient one. In the presence of Mo, neither TiO2 anatase/rutile fraction nor its pore size diameter has been affected. However, Mo made its surface more acidic. The percentage of phenol degradation reached under visible light was significantly lower than that under UV radiation due to the lower degree of light absorption by the catalyst surface. From the series of studied catalysts, 2 wt% Mo/TiO2 was the most efficient one. The synergetic effect between SBET, mean pore size diameter, catalyst agglomerate size, band gap, ZPC and the type of MoxOy species on TiO2 surface, depending on Mo loading, created its photocatalytic performance.