Photocatalytic activity of Pt–TiO2 films supported on hydroxylated fly ash cenospheres under visible light

Abstract TiO 2 was coated on the surface of hydroxylated fly ash cenospheres (FACs) by the sol–gel method. Platinum (Pt) was then deposited on these TiO 2 /FAC particles by a photoreduction method to form PTF photocatalyst. The photocatalytic activity of PTF for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible-light irradiation was determined. The PTF sample that was calcined at 450 °C and had a Pt/TiO 2 mass ratio of 1.5% exhibited the optimal photocatalytic activity for degradation of MB with a catalyst concentration of 3 g L −1 . MB was photodecomposed by PTF in aqueous solution more effectively at alkali pH than at acidic pH, because more MB molecules were adsorbed on the surface of PTF under alkaline conditions than that under acidic. The effect of various inorganic anions (HCO 3 − , F − , SO 4 2− , NO 3 − , and Cl − ) on the photodegradation of MB by PTF was also investigated. Addition of anions with a concentration of 5 mM enhanced the photocatalytic efficiency of PTF because of the improved adsorption of MB. This effect weakened as the anion concentration was increased, which was attributed to the ability of the anions to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and holes. Our results indicated that the photodegradation of MB took place mainly on the catalyst surface. The generation of hydroxyl radicals in the photocatalytic reaction was measured by the fluorescence method. KI was used to determine the participation of holes in the photocatalytic reaction. Both hydroxyl radicals and valence-band holes were detected in the PTF system. Recycling tests revealed that calcination of the used PTF helped to regain its photocatalytic activity.