Abstract
A visible-light-driven TbxOy loaded TiO2-oriented nanosheets (Tb-TNSs) of 3.6nm thick and specific surface area of 240–350m2/g provided with highly dispersed TbxOy nanoparticles of 1–2nm over the surfaces were synthesized using a one-pot hydrothermal route. Loaded TbxOy nanoparticles influenced morphology, structure, and optical properties of the TNSs. The XPS results showed that Tb3+ and Tb4+ co-exist in Tb-TNSs, and loaded TbxOy resulted in changes in binding energies of Ti and O. The amount of Ti3+ increased gradually with the amount of loaded TbxOy nanoparticles. FL and surface photocurrent spectra results indicated that an appropriate amount of TbxOy (≤1.0at.%) loading can effectively improve the separation efficiency of charge carriers. The visible-light-driven photocatalysis could be measured by the removal of phenol or dichromate separately along with synergistic degradation in phenol-Cr(VI) coexistence system. The optimum photocatalytic activity was obtained at Tb/Ti=1.0at.% under degradation of aqueous phenol or Cr(VI) solution. Besides, the desorbed Tb-TNSs could be easily regenerated by remedying the damaged structure and reused with excellent performance. High regeneration and stability of photocatalysts were confirmed by seven cyclic tests. An alternant mechanism for the enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity was also considered.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
