Cu-modified TiO2 photocatalysts for decomposition of acetic acid with simultaneous formation of C1–C3 hydrocarbons and hydrogen

Abstract

Three different methods of modification (impregnation, photodeposition and mechanical alloying) were used to obtain a series of novel Cu/TiO2 photocatalysts. Two Cu(II) salts: (Cu(NO3)2 and Cu(CH3COO)2) as well as metallic copper were applied as modifying agents. The influence of the modification procedure and copper precursor on the physico-chemical properties and photoactivity of the photocatalysts towards formation of useful hydrocarbons from acetic acid were especially investigated. Various gaseous products were identified during the photocatalytic process: CH4, CO2, C2H6, C3H8 and H2. The amounts of those compounds were strongly dependent on the photocatalyst type. Crucial features affecting the photoactivity of the obtained materials were the amount of Cu and phase composition of the samples. Nonetheless, most of the Cu/TiO2 photocatalysts revealed significantly improved activity in the photocatalytic generation of useful aliphatic hydrocarbons and hydrogen compared to the crude TiO2 or commercial TiO2 P25.