| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55685 | Catalysis Today | 2011 | 8 Pages |
MCM-41 materials were modified with Cr, Fe, Co and Ti and characterized by ICP, XRD, N2 adsorption, UV–Vis DRS and TPR. Their photo-catalytic activity was evaluated for the degradation of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) in aqueous suspensions irradiated by artificial UV–Vis and visible light. The results showed that the Cr-modified catalysts exhibited the highest activity under visible light. The presence of Cr6+ highly dispersed on the internal surface of the MCM-41 structure would have a significant influence on the photo-activity. Thus, the lack of a notable increment in the activity when the Cr loading was duplicated is probably due to the increased presence of inactive Cr3+ species. Upon the TiO2 loading, an increase in the degradation was not observed. It is suggested that the Cr3+ species, as Cr2O3 clusters and/or α-Cr2O3 nano-particles, could avoid the desired heterojunction between Cr6+ and titania species.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (121 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► MCM-41 materials modified with Cr, Fe, Co and Ti as photo-catalysts. ► Catalysts for the photo-catalytic degradation of the AO7 azo-dye. ► The presence of Cr6+ highly dispersed on MCM-41 has a significant influence on the photo-activity. ► The inactive Cr3+ species, could avoid the desired heterojunction between Cr6+ and titania.
