Synthesis and characterization of Fullerene modified ZnAlTi-LDO in photo-degradation of Bisphenol A under simulated visible light irradiation

In this study, ZnA1Ti layered double hydroxide (ZnAlTi-LDH) combined with fullerene (C-60) was fabricated by the urea method, and calcined under vacuum atmosphere to obtain nanocomposites of C-60 modified ZnA1Ti layered double oxide (ZnAlTi-LDO). The morphology, structure and composition of the nanocomposites were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, High-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns, Fourier transform infrared and specific surface area. The UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra indicated that the incorporation of C-60 expanded the absorption of ZnAITi-LDO to visible-light region. The photo-degradation experiment was conducted by using a series of C-60 modified ZnAlTi-LDO with different C-60 weight percentage to degrade Bisphenol A (BPA) under simulated visible light irradiation. In this experiment, the degradation rate of C-60 modified ZnAlTi-LDO in photo-degradation of BPA under simulated visible light irradiation was over 80%. The intermediates formed in the degradation of BPA process by using LDO/C-60-5% were 4-hydroxyphenyl-2-propanol, 4-isopropenylphenol and Phenol. Photogenerated holes, superoxide radical species, center dot OH and singlet oxygen were considered to be responsible for the photodegradation process, among which superoxide radical species and center dot OH played a predominant role in the photocatalytic reaction system. C-60 modified ZnAITi-LDO catalysts for photocatalytic reduction shows great potential in degradation of organic pollutants and environmental remediation. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.