Abstract
The effect of partial substitution of the titanium cation on the optophysical properties and photocatalytic oxidation activity of sol–gel synthesised CeCo x Ti 1 − x O 3 + δ perovskite system has been examined. BET surface areas of the perovskite specimens were generally higher (80–130 m 2 g −1) than standard Degussa P25 (50 m 2 g −1) titania. Although the presence of Ce improved BET area, increased Co content and high calcination temperature was detrimental to nanocrystallinity. Based on UV–Vis diffuse reflectance measurements, perovskite catalysts have significantly lower band-gap energy (1.45–2.15 eV) than P25 (3.2 eV), however, the drop in band-gap energy levelled off at x > 0.1. Using oxidative photodegradation of aqueous Nile Blue solution for activity evaluation, the CeCo 0.05Ti 0.95O 3.97 perovskite sample was the best in the series with a conversion of 91% in the 3-h run and also most suitable for solar photocatalysis since it can be activated by visible light ( λ < 785 nm).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
