Abstract
Neodymium enriched TiO2 anatase-brookite powders were prepared by unconventional method via using pressurized hot fluids for TiO2 crystallization and purification. The photocatalysts were tested in the CH3OH photocatalytic decomposition and they were characterized with respect to the textural (nitrogen adsorption), structural (XRD, XPS, and Raman spectroscopies), chemical (XRF), and optical (DR UV-Vis spectroscopy) and photoelectrochemical measurement. All prepared materials were nanocrystalline, had biphasic (anatase- brookite) structure and relatively large specific surface area (125 m2.g−1). The research work indicates that the doping of neodymium on TiO2 photocatalysts significantly enhances the efficiency of photocatalytic reaction. The photocatalytic activity increased with increasing portion of hydroxyl oxygen to the total amount of oxygen species. It was ascertained that the optimal amount of 1 wt% Nd in TiO2 accomplished the increasing of hydrogen production by 70% in comparison with pure TiO2. The neodymium doped on the titanium dioxide act as sites with accumulation of electrons. The higher efficiency of photocatalytic process was achieved due to improved electron-hole separation on the modified TiO2 photocatalysts. This result was confirmed by electrochemical measurements, the most active photocatalysts proved the highest photocurrent responses.
Highlights
Nowadays, a clean energy production from renewable sources is one of the most discussion topics
The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the Nd dopant in TiO2 anatase-brookite on the H2 yields in photocatalytic decomposition of methanol
Low current means lower amount of charge carriers generated after irradiation but moderate photocatalytic activity is pointing toward their better utilization
Summary
A clean energy production from renewable sources is one of the most discussion topics. An excellent alternative to H2 production is the use of heterogeneous photocatalytic process. That water splitting is difficult the reaction is often realized in the presence sacrificial reagent such as methanol. In the presence of methanol (an electron donor), photogenerated the holes which are generated in the valence band can oxidize methanol in place of water. For this reason the reduction of water is decreasing by conduction band electrons. It is necessary to the bottom of the conduction band to be situated above the water reduction potential (Maeda, 2011)
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