Photocatalytic Performance of Activated Carbon Fibers (ACFs) Supported La-S/TiO<sub>2</sub> Photocatalyst

Abstract

Activated carbon fibers (ACFs) supported La-S/TiO2 nanocomposite photocatalyst was successfully prepared by coating-calcining method. The surface morphology, microstructure and optic properties of the sample were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET surface area and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis). The characteristic results confirmed that La-S/TiO2 powders were deposited on activated carbon fiber homogeneously, and the micrographic structure and surface properties of ACFs had not been damaged by the deposition process and calcination at high temperatures. Furthermore, anatase-form TiO2 was uniquely developed even as calcination temperatures reached 700°C. Experiments indicated that the ACFs supported La-S/TiO2 nanocomposite photocatalyst calcined at 450°C for 2h showed higher photocatalytic activity in photodegradation of phenol aqueous solution than La-S/TiO2 powder catalyst. The improvement may be explained in terms of synergetic effect on the stronger adsorption ability of ACFs and efficient photocatalytic performance of La-S/TiO2.