Characteristics of lanthanum loaded TiO2-ZSM-5 photocatalysts: Decolorization and degradation processes of methyl orange Original Research Article

Novel photocatalytic materials were prepared by incorporation of lanthanum ions on TiO2 supported ZSM-5. These materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy SEM with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and surface area (BET) measurements. XRD and FTIR results showed adsorption of TiO2 and La2O3 nanoparticles on the surface of ZSM-5 support. AFM and SEM images revealed obvious variations in the surface morphology of raw ZSM-5 after TiO2 and La2O3 loading. Photocatalytic activities of the supported catalysts were examined for decolorization and degradation processes of methyl orange (MO) solution under UV irradiation. Incorporation of lanthanum ions improved the photocatalytic activities of TiO2 supported ZSM-5 catalysts. Effects of TiO2 content, lanthanum ion content and calcination temperature were investigated. Quantum efficiencies, relative photonic efficiencies as well as reuse performances of the supported catalysts were also demonstrated. A rough model was postulated for TiO2 and La2O3 loading on the surface of ZSM-5.