Efficient photo-degradation of 4-nitrophenol by using new CuPp-TiO2 photocatalyst under visible light irradiation

A new functionalized porphyrin, 5-mono-[4-(2-(4-acetateethyl)-phenoxy) ethoxy]-10, 15, 20-triphenylporphyrin H2Pp (2) and its copper (II) porphyrin (CuPp) were synthesized. The corresponding CuPp-TiO2 photocatalyst was then prepared and characterized by means of FT-IR and diffused reflectance spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic activity of CuPp-TiO2 was investigated by testing the photo-degradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation with the assistance of appropriate amount of H2O2. The results indicated that the photo-degradation of 4-NP was much enhanced compared with the bare TiO2. Additionally, a possible mechanism of the photocatalytic degradation was also proposed in the presence of H2O2 under visible light irradiation.

► A new CuPp-TiO2 photocatalyst was prepared and characterized.
► There exists weak interaction between TiO2 surface and CuPp molecules.
► The CuPp-TiO2 photocatalyst displays highly photoactivity in the presence of H2O2.
► The high photoactivity is due to the quickly electronic transfer from TiO2 to H2O2.