TiO2 activation by using activated carbon as a support: Part I. Surface characterisation and decantability study

Abstract

activated carbon (AC) has been studied. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron micrograph (SEM), laser scattering, FTIR and UV spectrophotometric analysis have shown changes of some of the TiO2 physico-chemical characteristics in catalysts containing an AC concentration lower than 15% in weight. Changes in the catalyst colour, the vibration bands of the hydroxylic groups from FTIR studies and the UV absorption spectrum have been observed. It seems that these changes correspond with TiO2 acid–base changes. SEM and TEM studies show a perfect TiO2 particles distribution on the AC surface in catalysts with lower AC contents, that also yields a homogeneous particle size distribution. One of the most interesting features of the resulting catalysts is their fast decantability in comparison with that of TiO2. This way one of the most important drawbacks of photocatalysis, the catalyst separation from the solution, may be overcome. The present study shows that the AC not only exerts a synergistic effect when is combined with TiO2 as some authors suggest, but it also modifies the catalyst characteristics.