Characterization and photocatalytic activity of Zn2+-TiO2/AC composite photocatalyst

Activated carbon (AC) supported Zn2+-TiO2 photocatalyst was prepared by sol-gel method. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron micrograph, nitrogen absorption, diffuse reflectance UV/VIS and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Using toluene as a pollution target, the photocatalytic activity of photocatalyst was evaluated. The results showed that prepared photocatalyst was obviously helpful for the removal of toluene in air. The photocatalytic degradation of toluene by Zn2+-TiO2/AC reached 100% for 40 min and remained 75% after 160 min, while degradation by TiO2 was only 30%. It indicated that the photocatalytic activity of prepared photocatalyst was enhanced. It is due to Zn2+-doping increased the oxidation and reduction of hole-electron pairs, which was the important factor in heterogeneous photocatalysis.

► Zn2+-TiO2 deposited on activated carbon as photocatalyst. ► Toluene as a pollution target to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of photocatalyst. ► Zn2+-doping reduces the crystallite size of TiO2 and induces the generation of photo-holes. ► Zn2+-doping increases the oxidation and reduction of the hole-electron pairs. ► Zn2+-TiO2/AC photocatalyst has higher photocatalytic activity than TiO2.