The influence of Yb, B, and Ga-doped Er3+:Y3Al5O12 on solar light photocatalytic activity of TiO2 in degradation of organic dyes

Abstract

Five up-conversion luminescence agents (Er3+:Y3Al5O12, Er3+:Yb n Y3 − n Al5O12, Er3+:Y3B a Al5 − a O12, Er3+:Y3Ga b Al5 − b O12, and Er3+:Yb n Y3 − n B a Ga b Al5 − a − b O12) were synthesized using sol-gel method and then the corresponding coated composites (Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2, Er3+:Yb n Y3−n Al5O12/TiO2, Er3+:Y3B a Al5 − a O12/TiO2, Er3+:Y3Ga b Al5 − b O12/TiO2, and Er3+:Yb n Y3 − n B a Ga b Al5 − a − b O12/TiO2) as photocatalysts were prepared by sol-gel coating process. The XRD and SEM were used to confirm the crystalline phase and surface morphology. The UV-vis absorption and fluorescence-emission spectra were used to research the effect of doping category and amount on the up-conversion emission ability. The photocatalytic activities were detected through the degradation of Acid Red B dye in aqueous solution. Some key parameters of catalyst amount and initial concentration of organic dye on solar light photocatalytic degradation were also examined. The extensive feasibility of prepared photocatalysts in solar light degradation was detected by other organic dyes. The results suggest that the photocatalysts can be widely used in sewage treatment.