Effect of TiO2 nanoparticle loading by sol–gel method on the gas-phase photocatalytic activity of CuxO–TiO2 nanocomposite

• Published in: Journal of sol-gel science and technology Vol. 96; no. 2; pp. 464 - 479
• Main Authors: Ansari, Fahimeh, Sheibani, Saeed, Caudillo-Flores, Uriel, Fernández-García, Marcos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.11.2020; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Catalytic activity; Ceramics; Chemical synthesis; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Copper; Glass; Inorganic Chemistry; Materials Science; Morphology; Nanocomposites; Nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Natural Materials; Optical and Electronic Materials; Original Paper: Sol-gel and hybrid materials for catalytic; Oxidation; Photocatalysis; Photocatalysts; photoelectrochemical and sensor applications; Quantum efficiency; Reaction mechanisms; Sol-gel processes; Solution heat treatment; Titanium dioxide; TiO; Copper oxide; Sol–gel; Photocatalyst; Gas-phase elimination
• ISSN: 0928-0707; 1573-4846
• DOI: 10.1007/s10971-020-05388-8

In this study, multicomponent Cu x O–TiO 2 ( x  = 1 or 2) nanocomposite was used as a photocatalyst to eliminate 2-propanol in gas-phase media under both UV and sunlight-type irradiation. The specimens were fabricated by a two-step synthesis including solution treatment–thermal oxidation for Cu x O and consequently sol–gel method for applying TiO 2 nanoparticles. The present study focused on analyzing the role of TiO 2 content on the photocatalytic behavior of the Cu x O–TiO 2 nanocomposites with varying Ti/Cu atomic ratio. The results showed that the nanocomposite formed successfully in desirable structure and morphology. Moreover, the nanocomposite material having Ti/Cu = 0.6 displayed improved activity concerning both reaction rate and quantum efficiency. Furthermore, it is proved that these nanocomposite materials are stable for photoactivity application. Finally, the kinetic study was carried out with modeling 2-propanol degradation based on the reaction mechanism. The experimental and predicted data obtained under different operational working conditions were in good agreement. Multicomponent Cu x O–TiO 2 nano-photocatalyst was synthesized to eliminate 2-propanol in gas-phase media under both UV and sunlight-type irradiation. The material having Ti/Cu = 0.6 displayed improved activity concerning both reaction rate and quantum efficiency. Highlights Cu x O–TiO 2 ( x  = 1 or 2) nanocomposite were fabricated by a two-step synthesis method. Catalysts formed in desirable structure and morphology with different TiO 2 content. TiO 2 content in the nanocomposite system plays a significant role in photoactivity. Kinetic study proved the good fitness between experimental and predicted data. Cu x O–TiO 2 composite photocatalysts are stable for photoactivity application.