Preparation of Floating Photocatalyst for Inactivation of Algae Cells

Abstract:

The floating photocatalysts of NP codoped TiO2 grafted on expanded graphite C/C composite (NPTEGC) were prepared by a onestep solcarbonization method. The catalysts were characterized by fieldemission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), brunaueremmettteller (BET), Xray diffraction (XRD), UVvis diffuse reflectance spectrum (UVvis DRS), Xray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results show that NPTEGC (NP codoped TiO2/expanded graphite C/C composites) has a wormlike 3D structure and TiO2 particles can be seen on the surface of EGC. As for the doping elements, N doped into the TiO2 crystal lattice mainly by the substitution of lattice O while P doped into the TiO2 crystal lattice mainly by the substitution of lattice Ti. After NP codoping, the light adsorption scale of the composites has been significantly improved. The properties of photocatalytic inactivation of algae cells by NPTEGC with different calcination temperature were investigated. Comparing with the condition of no catalyst adding or no photocatalyst loading, NPTEGC composites have a significant advantage in inactivation of algae cells. The optimal type of NPTEGC was synthesized at the calcination temperature of 450 ℃ and the removal rate for 9 h was above 98 %. Moreover, the floating materials could be easily separated and reused, showing great potential for practical applications in environmental cleanup and solar energy conversion.