Rare Earth Oxide-Treated Fullerene and Titania Composites with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity for the Degradation of Methylene Blue

Rare earth oxide-treated fullerene and titania composites (Y-fullerene/TiO2) were prepared by the sol-gel method. The products had interesting surface compositions. X-ray diffraction patterns of the composites showed that the Y-fullerene/TiO2 composites contained a single and clear anatase phase. The surface properties were observed by scanning electron microscopy, which gave a characterization of the texture on the Y-fullerene/TiO2 composites and showed a homogenous distribution of titanium particles. The energy-dispersive X-ray spectra showed the presence of C and Ti with strong Y peaks. The composite obtained was also characterized with transmission electron microscopy and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic results showed that the Y-fullerene/TiO2 composites had excellent activity for the degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. This was attributed to both the effects on the photocatalysis of the supported TiO2 by charge transfer by the fullerene, and the introduction of yttrium to enhance photo-generated electron transfer.

The catalytic activity of a Y-fullerene/TiO2 catalyst was improved by the effects on the supported TiO2 by charge transfer by the fullerene and the introduction of yttrium to enhance photo-generated electron transfer.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide