Visible Light Activity in Phenol Degradation of C60@P25 Photocatalyst with Core–Shell Structure

Abstract

C60@P25 photocatalyst with core–shell structure was synthesized by adsorption methods. Under visible light irradiation, the electrons of the excited C60 (C*60) adsorbed on the surface of P25can be injected into the conduction band of the P25. The electrons could combine with O2 easily, which promotes the formation of hydroxyl radicals which contributes to the dramatic visible light activity of C60@P25 photocatalyst in phenol degradation. The apparent rate constant of C60@P25 photocatalyst in phenol degradation is almost 3.3 times of which of P25. At the same time, the phenol can be mineralized completely. Under UV irradiation, the photogenerated electrons on the conduction band of P25 can be injected into the LUMO orbit of C60, which is too low that electrons could not combine with O2 easily, interdicting the formation of hydroxyl radicals, resulting in the decrease of photoactivity and weakening in the mineralization of phenol.