Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of CeO2-SBA-15

Abstract

Mesoporous photocatalysts of CeO₂/SBA-15 are prepared by two methods of direct synthesis as solvent-usage and solvent-free methods. In solvent-usage method, CeO₂/SBA-15 is synthesized in acidic media. While, in solvent-free method, CeO₂/SBA-15, has been prepared through the novel path of directly grind cerium salt into the as-prepared samples of SBA-15 occluded with template. This method enables a large amount of cerium to be highly dispersed in the channels of mesoporous silica, also saves time and energy. The resulting composites exhibit photocatalytic activity, and the dispersed CeO₂ in SBA-15 illustrates a photodegradation of Congo red (CR) in aqueous solution. X-ray powder diffraction, N₂ adsorption-desorption and FT-IR spectroscopy are used to characterize the prepared materials.