Iron (Fe3+) loaded TiO2 nanocatalysts: characterization and photoreactivity

• Published in: Reaction Kinetics, Mechanisms and Catalysis Vol. 100; no. 1; pp. 55 - 70
• Main Authors: Neren Ökte, A., Akalın, Şerife
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.06.2010
• Subjects: Catalysis; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Physical Chemistry; Supported nanocatalysts; Photocatalytic degradation; Congo red; loading; Fe
• ISSN: 1878-5190; 1588-2837; 1878-5204
• DOI: 10.1007/s11144-010-0168-0

Iron (Fe 3+ ) loaded TiO 2 nanocatalysts were prepared by the photochemical reduction process. These supported nanocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area (BET) measurements, scanning electron microscopy SEM with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX-elemental mapping) analysis and atomic force microscopy (AFM) with adhesion force measurements. XRD and BET results showed adsorption of iron species on the surface of the TiO 2 support. AFM and SEM images revealed obvious variations in the surface morphology of the support after loaded with Fe 3+ ions. Photocatalytic activities of the supported nanocatalysts were examined for decolorization and degradation processes of Congo red (CR) under UV irradiation. Fe 3+ ions improved the performances of the supported nanocatalysts by suppressing the electron–hole recombination reactions. Effects of Fe 3+ ion content and initial CR concentration were investigated. A tentative model was proposed for the photocatalytic degradation of CR.