Effects of porous activated carbon on TiO2 photo‐activity for high concentration 2,4‐DCP degradation as environmental remediation

Abstract

To efficiently address environmental pollution, we synthesized AC‐coupled TiO2 nano‐photo‐catalysts and applied it to the degradation of high concentration 2,4‐dichlorophenols (2,4‐DCP). Herein, we have successfully coupled activated carbon (AC) to TiO2 by a sol gel method. The as‐prepared optimized‐amount TO/10AC nano‐composites delivered unprecedented photo‐catalytic activity as compared to the pristine TO nano‐particles and degraded 100% 2,4‐DCP in 2 h. According to the fluorescence spectrum, temperature‐programed desorption curve, and O2 electrochemical reduction curve related to the generated OH amounts, it is inferred that the photo‐catalytic activity is ascribed to the coupled AC for accepting electrons, promoting O2 adsorption and promoting reactant adsorption. More importantly, no obvious deactivation was observed even after running at least five cycles; this excellent stability makes them auspicious photo‐catalyst for the degradation of high concentration pollutants in practical applications. Besides, the scavenger experiments confirmed that super oxide radicals were the main active species that involve during the photo‐catalytic degradation of 2,4‐DCP. This work delivers a viable approach to develop the photo‐catalysis by coupling a proper amount of AC with the TO for the remediation of high concentration environmental pollutants.