Photocatalytic enhancement using defect-engineered black mesoporous TiO2/CeO2 nanocomposite aerogel. (1st October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zheng, Renrong; Wang, Zhen; Zhang, Chunquan; Chen, Binbin; San, Haisheng; Yu, Hui
• Is Part Of: Composites. Number 222(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-01
• Subjects: TiO2/CeO2 nanocomposite aerogel -- Hydrogenated thermal treatment -- Degradation of Rhodamine B -- Water splitting for hydrogen production; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2021.109037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-8368

Abstract

Abstract: Developing effective catalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants in the water as well as water-splitting for hydrogen production by using solar energy is a promising and green route for utilization and protection of water resources. In this study, a mesoporous TiO2 /CeO2 ( m- TiO2 /CeO2 ) nanocomposite aerogel was prepared and defect-engineered using a facile sol-gel method assisted solvent exchange and hydrogenated thermal treatment. The hydrogenated black m -TiO2 /CeO2 nanocomposite aerogel exhibits the enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B) and water splitting under visible-light irradiation. The degradation rate of Rh B reached ~96.4% in 60 min, and the hydrogen-evolution rate reached ~182 mmol h −1 g −1, which are far higher than those of air-annealed m -TiO2 sample. The photocatalytic enhancement mechanisms can be attributed to multiple strategies, such as the large specific surface area, the enhanced conductivity, the generation of self-doped defects in Z-scheme m -TiO2 /TiO2- x /CeO2- x heterojunction, which are beneficial for providing more active sites, extending the absorption range of solar light, and suppressing the recombination of photo-excited carriers. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: The defect-engineered m -TiO2 /CeO2 aerogel was prepared using sol-gel method and hydrogenated thermal treatment. The self-doped defects extend the visible light absorption of black m -TiO2 /CeO2 aerogel. The migration of photoexcited charges in the m -TiO2 /TiO2- x /CeO2- x heterojunction follow Z-scheme mechanism.