Modified TiO2Structures with Enhanced Photoluminescence and Photocatalytic Activity

Abstract

Photocatalytic degradation of pollutants has attracted much attention because it can effectively solve the problem of environmental pollution. SiO2@Eu(TTA)3phen@TiO2 core-shell structures were successfully synthesized for the first time by a solvothermal method involving ultrasound assistance which can optimize the rare earth complex dispersibility and achieve strong emission intensity. SiO2@Eu3+@TiO2 core-shell structures were also successfully synthesized by a similar method. Photocatalytic activity analysis showed that the photocatalytic activity factor not only depended on the rare earth ion content, but also related to the structure and size of the TiO2 nanoparticles. Photocatalytic activity increased first and then decreased with the quantity of rare earth ions. Photocatalytic activity was also superior for hollow structures compared to solid structure. Photocatalytic activity of SiO2@TiO2 particles increased with the particle size, until the size increased to 450 nm. Rare earth ions content as well as particle structures and sizes affected efficiency for the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange. Outstanding photocatalytic activity provides the composite particles with improved potential to purify aquatic contaminants and to meet the demands of future environmental remediation applications.