Work

Visible-light-active Rh-doped SrTiO3: Effect of Rh doping on the structural characteristics contributing to outstanding photocatalytic activity

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Strontium titanate photocatalysts were doped with rhodium (0, 1, 5, 10, and 15 at%) via a hydrothermal method to enhance their visible light absorbance. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy , infrared spectroscopy , nitrogen adsorption , scanning and transmission electron microscopy , diffuse reflectance spectroscopy , and photoluminescence measurements. Their photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the photocatalytic oxidation of phenol under visible light irradiation , using the non-Rh-containing sample as a reference. All the applied rhodium was successfully incorporated into the cubic crystal lattice . Rhodium doping resulted in significantly enhanced visible light absorption and suppressed charge recombination. The photocatalytic activity was enhanced to an exceptionally large degree: the best sample completely degraded phenol in 1 h under visible light. The optimal rhodium amount was found to be 5 at%. The high photocatalytic activity was attributed to the resultant effect of enhanced visible light absorbance, suppressed charge recombination, and high Rh 3+ /Rh 4+ ratio.

Source: Catalysis Today

DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2024.115161