Abstract
Samples of TiO2 and TiO2 doped with 2% and 8% cerium ions were prepared by a sol-gel method and used as photocatalysts for the oxidation of vaporized thiophene. X-ray diffraction patterns showed a mixed phase of anatase and rutile for TiO2, while 2%Ce/TiO2 and 8%Ce/TiO2 were dominated by the anatase phase. As seen in the transmission electron microscopy image, the particle size of Ce/TiO2 was about 10 nm which was smaller than the undoped TiO2. The extended x-rays absorption fine structures revealed the substitutional effect of cerium in the TiO2 structure. Cerium-doped TiO2 exhibited a smaller photocurrent compared to that of TiO2, which suggested the electrons were trapped by cerium ions. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy under UV irradiation and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy were used to investigate the photocatalytic oxidation of thiophene on the prepared catalysts. Doping of cerium ions in TiO2 resulted in an enhanced adsorption of thiophene on the catalyst surface. The oxidation products of carboxylic acid with small amounts of sulfate ions were observed. As seen from the infrared absorption spectrum, 2%Ce/TiO2 and 8%Ce/TiO2 exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than those of the undoped TiO2.
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