Visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic activity of kaolinite: Sensitized by in situ growth of Cu‐TiO₂

Abstract

Sensitized kaolinite with improved visible‐light catalytic activity was prepared via a facile in‐situ growth of nanosized Cu‐TiO2 on the surface of the sulfated kaolinite impregnated in Cu‐TiO2 sol. The as‐prepared photocatalysts were characterized in terms of various techniques. The transmission electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer results revealed that Cu‐TiO2 could grow on the surface of the pretreated kaolinite and the aggregation of Cu‐TiO2 was successfully inhibited. The X‐ray photoelectron spectrum confirmed the formation of AlOTi bonds between Cu‐TiO2 and sulfated kaolinite in the sensitized kaolinite composite. The sensitized kaolinite composite exhibited significantly improved performance in the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB), leading to about 87% of RhB degradation in 180 min, which is superior to that of the kaolinite, calcined kaolin, and sulfated calcined kaolin under visible‐light irradiation. The superior photodegradation activity of the sensitized kaolinite composite was primarily attributed to the synergetic effect of Cu‐TiO2 sensitization and sulfation, resulting from the efficient transfer and separation of the photo‐induced charge carriers between Cu‐TiO2 and kaolinite.

Visible light-driven photocatalytic activity of Cu2O/ZnO/Kaolinite-based composite catalyst for the degradation of organic pollutant

“…The obtained results are shown in figure 4 The nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm and the pore size distribution of the 10CZK sample is shown in figure 6. The plot of the 10CZK sample as it is indicated in figure 6(a) corresponds to type IV in which it has mesoporous characteristics [68]. It is also indicated that the hysteresis is a H3-type and the pore channels are mainly mesopores [68].…”

“…The plot of the 10CZK sample as it is indicated in figure 6(a) corresponds to type IV in which it has mesoporous characteristics [68]. It is also indicated that the hysteresis is a H3-type and the pore channels are mainly mesopores [68]. On the other hand, A H3-type hysteresis loop showed the presence of narrow slit-like pore particles with internal voids of irregular shape and broad size distribution as a result of the composite catalyst [69].…”

The role of soils in provision of genetic, medicinal and biochemical resources

“…Lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress lead to increased membrane permeability [222]. Furthermore, some kaolin minerals have photocatalytic properties [223,224] and may induce photodegradative damage to bacteria. Finally, an altered pH and oxidation state of the microenvironment can hamper bacteria [225,226] and further result in the combined action of Al and Fe on membranes and on intracellular proteins [203,227].…”