Preparation of Er super(3+):Y sub(3)Al sub(5)O sub(12)/TiO sub(2)-ZnO composite and application of solar energy in photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes

• Published in: Environmental progress & sustainable energy Vol. 32; no. 3; pp. 697 - 704
• Main Authors: Yin, Linuan, Li, Ying, Wang, Jun, Zhai, Yu, Wang, Jian, Kong, Yumei, Wang, Baoxin, Zhang, Xiangdong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-10-2013
• DOI: 10.1002/ep.11688
• EISSN: 1944-7450
• ISSN: 1944-7442

The Er super(3+):Y sub(3)Al sub(5)O sub(12), which is able to transform the visible light from solar light into ultraviolet light as an upconversion luminescence agent, was prepared by nitrate-citrate acid and heat-treated method. And then, a novel photocatalyst, Er super(3+):Y sub(3)Al sub(5)O sub(12)/TiO sub(2)-ZnO composite, which could effectively utilize the solar energy, was synthesized by ultrasonic dispersion and liquids boil method. In succession, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the structural morphology of the Er super(3+):Y sub(3)Al sub(5)O sub(12)/TiO sub(2)-ZnO composite. And the degradation performances were also tested by UV-vis spectrum and Ion chromatograph. To inspect the photocatalytic activity of Er super(3+):Y sub(3)Al sub(5)O sub(12)/TiO sub(2)-ZnO composite, the Azo Fuchsine dye as target organic pollutant was degraded under solar light irradiation. The key impact parameters on the photocatalytic activity of Er super(3+):Y sub(3)Al sub(5)O sub(12)/TiO sub(2)-ZnO such as Ti/Zn molar ratio, heat-treated temperature and heat-treated time were studied. Otherwise, the effects of dye initial concentration, Er super(3+):Y sub(3)Al sub(5)O sub(12)/TiO sub(2)-ZnO, solar light irradiation time and other organic dyes were also investigated. It was found that the photocatalytic activity of Er super(3+):Y sub(3)Al sub(5)O sub(12)/TiO sub(2)-ZnO composite was superior to TiO sub(2)-ZnO powder in the similar system. copyright 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 697-704, 2013