Anatase titania activated by Cu(II) or Zn(II) nanoparticles for the photooxidation of methanol assisted by Rhodamine-B

This paper deals with the photocatalytic reactivity of anatase titania particles, modified by surface deposition Cu2+ and Zn2+ oxide/hydroxide nanoparticles which are detected EDS FX techniques. The objective preparation steps was chosen to avoid formation larges Cu Zn oxide could be identified XRD other Their activity for methanol oxidation in water studied Rhodamine-B added as photo-sensibilizer. To obtain a-TiO2 support, a thermal activation commercial Millennium-PC500 nanosized powder achieved. 3Cu/a-TiO2 3Zn/a-TiO2 catalysts (3 wt% or Zn) were prepared under simple, easy reproducible experimental conditions, namely impregnation nitrate salts. Catalysts support characterized by: X-rays diffraction, fluorescence spectroscopy, FEG-SEM equipped accessory, N2-sorption UV–Vis Diffuse Reflectance spectroscopy. Only crystalline TiO2was large easily evidenced Electronic band-gap measured spectroscopy using Kubelka-Munkand Tauc's methods, results varied order: 3Cu/a-TiO2<a-TiO2 <3Zn/a-TiO2; also, presence reduced Ti3+cations have been demonstrated this technique. Two photo-activated reactions take place parallel, on one hand photooxidation holes, photo-generated electrons formed conduction band. They can react rapidly diluted oxygen generate superoxide radicals RhB molecules RhB° radicals. mainly mono-deethylated. After 150 min reaction, 98% degraded best catalyst.