Pt(II) porphyrin modified TiO2 composites as photocatalysts for efficient 4-NP degradation

Three Pt(II) porphyrins 5,10,15,20-tetra-[2 or 3 or 4-(3-phenoxy)propoxy]phenyl porphyrin]platinum(II) (1-3) were synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. The corresponding Pt(II) porphyrins-TiO2 composites were then prepared and characterized by means of FT-IR and diffused reflectance spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic activity of Pt(II) porphyrins-TiO2 catalyst was investigated by testing the photodegradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in aqueous solution under irradiation with Xenon lamp. The results indicated that Pt(II) porphyrins greatly enhanced the photocatalytic efficiency of bare TiO2 in photodegrading the 4-NP, and the distinct space tropisms of peripheral substituents in meso-sites of porphyrin ring led to different results.

► Three new Pt(II) porphyrin modified TiO2 composites as photocatalysts were investigated for the first time. ► Pt(II) porphyrins greatly enhanced the photocatalytic efficiency of bare TiO2 in photodegrading the 4-NP. ► The distinct space tropisms of peripheral substituents in meso-sites of porphyrin ring led to different photoactivity.