Abstract
A series of Ce-TiO 2/SiO 2 (Ce-TiO 2 coatings on SiO 2) were prepared by the sol–gel process and characterized by TG–DTA, XRD, SEM, XPS and DRS. The photocatalytic activities of Ce-TiO 2/SiO 2 for the oxidation of formaldehyde irradiated by 250 W high-pressure mercury lamp were investigated. According to XPS investigation, the Ti element mainly existed as the chemical state of Ti 4+, and Ce is present mainly in the +4 oxidation state and a little in the +3 oxidation state. The effect of cerium content on the photocatalytic activities was studied, and the result reveals that 0.10%Ce-TiO 2/SiO 2 exhibits highest photoactivity. The light absorption of Ce-TiO 2/SiO 2 increases with increasing cerium content, and cerium doping causes absorption spectra of Ce-TiO 2/SiO 2 to shift to the visible region. The high photocatalytic activity of Ce-TiO 2/SiO 2 can be explained by the effective separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, which are trapped by Ce 4+ and hydroxyl groups balancing the positive charge generated by the incorporation of Si in a Ti matrix, respectively.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
