Solar photocatalytic purification of water with Ce-doped TiO2/clay heterostructures

• Published in: Catalysis today Vol. 266; pp. 36 - 45
• Main Authors: Belver, C., Bedia, J., Álvarez-Montero, M.A., Rodriguez, J.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.05.2016
• Subjects: Ce-doped TiO2; Clay materials; Solar photocatalysis; Water purification; Solar photocatalysis; Water purification; Ce-doped TiO2; Clay materials
• ISSN: 0920-5861; 1873-4308
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2015.09.025

•Novel Ce-doped TiO2/clay heterostructures were prepared by a sol–gel procedure.•Ce-doped anatase nanoparticles were assembling over an exfoliated layered clay.•Doping Ce ions were successfully incorporated into the anatase lattice.•Ce-TiO2/clay was active for the degradation of organic compounds upon solar light.•Synergistic effect of Ce doping and TiO2 was explained. This work investigates the photocatalytic purification of water upon solar light over novel Ce-doped TiO2/clay heterostructures. These novel nanomaterials were prepared by a modified sol–gel route that allows, in a unique step, the formation of Ce-doped anatase nanoparticles and their assembling over an exfoliated clay material. Several synthesis parameters were optimized, including the anatase/clay ratio and the percentage of doping Ce incorporated. Remarkably enhanced activities toward the photodecomposition of several organic compounds were observed depending on the Ce and TiO2 contents. A synergistic effect has been observed among the textural properties, the amount of anatase formed and that of Ce doping.