Fabrication and characterization of TiO2/BaAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+ and its photocatalytic performance towards oxidation of gaseous benzene

TiO2/BaAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+ photocatalysts were prepared by loading TiO2 sol on the surface of BaAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+ via sol–gel method. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the decomposition of gaseous benzene under UV light illumination. The as-prepared photocatalysts were characterized by nitrogen adsorption–desorption, powder X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results reveal that the optimum loading amount of TiO2 on BaAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+ can enhance the photocatalytic activities. The BaAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+ samples are all hexagonal phase, the deposited Titania is highly dispersed on the surface of carrier, and a certain interaction exists between TiO2 and BaAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+.