Photothermal synergistic catalytic oxidation of ethyl acetate over MOFs-derived mesoporous N-TiO2 supported Pd catalysts

To overcome the main challenge of low photocatalytic efficiency and high energy consumption of thermoca-talysis in the oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), MOF-derived mesoporous disk-like yPd/xN-TiO2 (x = 3.2, 5.5, 7.7 wt%, and y = 0.26 wt%) were prepared by ball milling-calcination method for photothermal catalytic oxidation of ethyl acetate. Morphological and pore structure characterization indicated that Pd/N-TiO2 had abundant pore structure and large specific surface area, which facilitated the adsorption of pollutants on the active sites. Among the catalysts, 0.26 Pd/3.2 N-TiO2 exhibited optimal photothermal catalytic performance. The corresponding temperature required for 50% and 90% conversion of ethyl acetate was 192 and 212 degrees C, with the specific reaction rate of 0.95 mu mol/(gPd s) at 150 degrees C. Doping of N and loading of Pd nanoparticles enhanced the light absorption capacity, promoted the charge separation, and the adsorption capacity of ethyl acetate, resulting in a high photothermal catalytic oxidation activity. The detection of free radicals indicated that the photothermal synergy was associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species over 0.26 Pd/3.2 N-TiO2 under light irradiation condition, which directly participated in the catalytic removal of ethyl acetate. A proper increase in temperature could also promote the migration of carriers. The photothermal catalytic oxidation of VOCs over MOF-derivatives had great potential application for environmental protection.

Automated summary

In this study, a new material was prepared to improve the photocatalytic efficiency and reduce energy consumption in the oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The material exhibited a rich pore structure and a large specific surface area, facilitating the adsorption of pollutants. Among the catalysts tested, 0.26 Pd/3.2 N-TiO2 showed the best performance. The results demonstrate that doping and loading can enhance the light absorption capacity and reaction activity of the material, leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species and the catalytic removal of pollutants.