Europium-doped mesoporous anatase with enhanced photocatalytic activity toward elimination of gaseous methanol

Mesoporous anatase doped with various amounts of Eu were synthesized via a sol-gel route using Pluronic P123 as template. The XRD and TEM results show that Eu doping favors the formation of anatase with smaller crystal size. The photocatalytic activity of the mesoporous anatase was tested in photocatalytic elimination of gaseous methanol. The photocatalysts exhibited higher activity than that of the commercial photocatalyst (Degussa, P25) under either ultraviolet or visible light irradiation. The superior activity of the mesoporous anatase may be attributed to the synergic effects of the surface area, crystal size and doped Eu species.

Graphical abstractThe Eu doped mesoporous anatase, which were synthesized via a sol-gel route using Pluronic P123 as template, for example, meso-0.5–550, has improved activity than that of the commercial photocatalyst (Degussa, P25) in elimination of gaseous methanol under either ultraviolet or visible light irradiation.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Eu doped mesoporous TiO2 were synthesized via a sol-gel route. ► Eu doping favors growth of anatase with smaller crystal size. ► Photocatalysts for elimination of gaseous methanol. ► Eu doped mesoporous TiO2 shows higher photocatalytic activity than P25.