TiO2 photocatalyst loaded on hydrophobic Si3N4 support for efficient degradation of organics diluted in water Original Research Article

TiO2 photocatalyst loaded on Si3N4 (TiO2/Si3N4) was prepared by a conventional impregnation method and its photocatalytic performance for the degradation of organics (2-propanol) diluted in water was compared with that of TiO2 photocatalysts (TiO2/SiO2, TiO2/Al2O3, and TiO2/SiC) loaded on various types of supports (SiO2, Al2O3, and SiC). The formation of the well-crystallized anatase phase of TiO2 was observed on the calcined TiO2/Si3N4 photocatalyst, while a small anatase phase of TiO2 was observed on the TiO2/SiC photocatalyst and amorphous TiO2 species was the main component on the TiO2/SiO2 and TiO2/Al2O3 photocatalysts. The measurements of the water adsorption ability of photocatalysts indicated that the TiO2/Si3N4 photocatalyst exhibited more hydrophobic surface properties in comparison to other support photocatalysts. Under UV-light irradiation, the TiO2/Si3N4 photocatalyst decomposed 2-propanol diluted in water into acetone, CO2, and H2O, and finally, acetone was also decomposed into CO2 and H2O. The TiO2/Si3N4 photocatalyst showed higher photocatalytic activity than TiO2 photocatalyst loaded on other supports. The well-crystallized TiO2 phase deposited on Si3N4 and the hydrophobic surface of Si3N4 support are important factors for the enhancement of photocatalytic activity for the degradation of organic compounds in liquid-phase reactions.