The influence of Yb, N and F-doped Er3+:Y3Al5O12 on solar light photocatalytic activity of TiO2 for degradation of organic dyes

In this paper, several Yb, N and F-doped up-conversion luminescence agents, Er3+:Y3Al5O12, Er3+:YbnY3−nAl5O12, Er3+:Y3Al5NxO12−x, Er3+:Y3Al5FyO12−y and Er3+:YbnY3−nAl5NxFyO12−x−y, were successfully synthesized by sol–gel method and then their corresponding photocatalysts, Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2, Er3+:YbnY3−nAl5O12/TiO2, Er3+:Y3Al5NxO12−x/TiO2, Er3+:Y3Al5FyO12−y/TiO2 and Er3+:YbnY3−nAl5NxFyO12−x−y/TiO2, were prepared by sol–gel coated method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). UV–vis spectrometer and fluorescence spectrophotometer were used to examine the visible absorption and ultraviolet emission spectra of Yb, N and F-doped up-conversion luminescence agents. Then, the photocatalytic activities of prepared catalysts were reviewed through the degradation of Acid Red B dye in aqueous solution under solar light irradiation. The influences of critical conditions such as doping amount, photocatalyst dose and initial concentration of Acid Red B were studied. In order to check the extensive performance, different organic dyes were used to be degraded by using the same prepared catalysts. In conclusion, Er3+:Yb0.3Y2.7Al5N0.01F0.01O11.98/TiO2 displays highest photocatalytic activity.

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► Yb, N and F doped Er3+:Y3Al5O12 was synthesized by sol–gel method.
► Er3+:YbnY3−nAl5NxFyO12−x−y/TiO2 is used in solar light photocatalytic degradation.
► Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 is effectively enhanced by Er3+:YbnY3−nAl5NxFyO12−x−y.