Effect of loading of Pt-decorated TiO2 on the enhancement of aerobic photo-oxidation of benzyl alcohol

Abstract

Using Pt loaded on semiconductor supports have created new opportunities for improving catalytic performance when exposed to light. This study used the photo-deposition method to create platinum loaded on TiO2, which was then examined using TEM, ICP, X-ray diffraction, BET analysis, and CO chemisorption. The effect of loading of Pt on P25 under UV light based on photocatalytic activity was assessed and compared, resulting facilitate the electron transfer from Pt to titanium element, which in turn facilitates the aerobic oxidation of C7H8O. Benzotrifluoride (BTF) was used as a solvent in the benzyl alcohol photooxidation. Different loading of Pt on P25 was investigated and the range between 1 wt.% to 3 wt.% Pt–TiO2 through photo-deposition method gave the highest photocatalytic activity (⁓5.8 gcat−1 h−1) than others because of the size of platinum, the surface area of sample and dispersion. The platinum particle size over 1 nm (less than 1nm not enough energy for electron transfer) to and less than 4 nm (over 4 nm cover semiconductor's active sites) were given the highest activity for benzyl alcohol oxidation. The surface area of the sample is increasing with increasing platinum loading before agglomeration is happening. Higher surface area caused more active sites and active species for adsorption and desorption, resulting in better activity.