Characterization and photocatalytic performance of La and C co-doped anatase TiO2 for photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI)

The La and C co-doped anatase TiO2 nano-materials were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The structures of La and C co-doped TiO2 were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, XPS, DRS, SEM and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. The results indicated that pH values have a greater effect on the crystalline phase, crystal size and crystallinity degree of TiO2. The La and C co-doping could inhibit the phase transformation and crystallite growth of TiO2. The photocatalytic activities of La and C co-doped TiO2 for photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) under visible light irradiation using different La contents were also studied. The La and C co-doped TiO2 nano-materials with La:Ti weight ratio of 0.3 exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity for Cr(VI) photocatalytic reduction under visible light irradiation, which can be attributed to the synergic effect of the higher BET surface area, surface hydroxyl content and optimum La contents. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.