Highly efficient photocatalytic elimination of phenol and chlorinated phenols by CeO2/MgAl layered double hydroxides

▶ For the first time, CeO2/MgAl LDHs are used simple and effective photocatalysts. ▶ Capable of degrading twice as much phenol as benchmark Degussa P25 TiO2. ▶ Very effective in the degradation of 4-chlorophenol and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol. ▶ Degradation may proceed by two different mechanisms. ▶ Charge-transfer mechanism is thought to occur via interaction with basic sites.