Structure and photocatalytic performance of K1−3x M x TiNbO5 (M = Fe, Ce) for ethyl mercaptan

Abstract

Layered photocatalytic material K1−3xMxTiNbO5 (M = Fe, Ce) was prepared by the ion exchange of KTiNbO5 with M(NO3)3. The structure and spectral response of the as-prepared samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS). Photocatalytic activity was evaluated by oxidizing ethyl mercaptan under natural light and UV light irradiation. Results indicated that the spectral response feature and photocatalytic oxidation activity were directly affected by the feature of the interlayer cations, including the Coulomb force field and electronic configuration. It could be related with a significant interaction between the interlayer cations and the terminal N=O (N = Nb, Ti) bond in the NO6, octahedral unit in the laminate structure. Compared to K1−3xFexTiNbO5, K1−3xNbxTiNbO5 shows a higher photocatalytic oxidation activity due to it has good adsorption ability for ethyl mercaptan and higher valance band potential.