Preparation and photocatalytic activity of La and Y co-doped nano TiO₂

Abstract

La and Y co-doped TiO2 nano photocatalyst (La-Y/TiO2) was prepared by sol-gel method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific surface area (BET), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The photocatalytic activity of the La-Y/TiO2 was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV light. Parameters effecting photocatalytic process such as La and Y doping concentration, calcination temperature, the dosage of catalyst and the pH of MB solution were investigated. The co-doped TiO2 catalyst showed obviously higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue (MB). The presence of La and Y ions in the TiO2 particles would prevent the recombination of the electron-hole on the surface of TiO2 effectively.