Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Wastewater Using Photocatalysts Coupled with Luminescent Materials

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the effect of different luminescent materials (phosphors) as supports for visible light active N-doped TiO₂ (N-TiO₂) photocatalyst to enhanced photocatalytic activity. Preliminary investigations were performed on physical mixtures of phosphors and N-TiO₂, evaluating the decolourization of methylene blue (MB). Subsequently, to permit a higher capture of the light emitted by phosphors, the N- TiO₂ photocatalyst was supported on phosphors surface by modified sol-gel method. The effect of coupling has been tested in the degradation of different pollutants, like methylene blue (MB) and phenol (PHE). Finally, the best sample was tested also in the degradation of terephthalic acid (TPA). In all cases the presence of luminescent materials allowed to enhance the photocatalytic reaction rate if compared with the results obtained in the absence of phosphors.