Photocatalytic activity and its stacking order dependence of transparent 12 tungsto(VI) phosphoric acid-brookite hybrid films

Transparent hybrid films of brookite (TiO2) and 12 tungsto(VI) phosphoric acid (PW12) were prepared via layer-by-layer (LBL) processes on a quartz substrate with various orders. Their photocatalytic activities were evaluated using gaseous 2-propanol (IPA) decomposition. Pure brookite film showed higher photocatalytic activity than the pure PW12 one; the combination of PW12 to brookite increased the photocatalytic activity. The electron scavenger effect of PW12 against brookite under UV illumination is important for photocatalytic activity improvement. The degree of improvement depends on the film stacking order. Their photocatalytic activity was the highest when PW12 was arranged on the film's topmost surface.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (148 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Transparent hybrid films of brookite and PW12 were prepared via layer-by-layer process.
► The combination of PW12 to brookite increased the photocatalytic activity.
► The electron scavenger effect of PW12 against brookite plays an important role.
► The degree of the improvement depends on the stacking order in the films.
► Photocatalytic activity was the highest when PW12 was arranged on the topmost surface of the film.